The Life of General Andrew Jackson ...

PREFACE.

THE following Memoirs hardly require an introduction to the American reader. The life of ANDREW JACKSON is so intimately connected with the history of the country, that the careful student of the one, will not rest satisfied, until he is able fully to understand and appreciate the other. Whatever may be the views entertained in regard to his merits as a warrior, or his abilities as a statesman, his conduct in both capacities was such as must necessarily command attention. His admirers will always be eager to discover some new object for their remembrance and regard; while those who are unwilling to approve his course, either in the camp or the cabinet, will feel impelled, from curiosity, if from no other motive, to examine the incidents of his memorable life. There are many features in his character, and those by no means of the least im

portance, which all will deem worthy of commendation; and none can be so much influenced by the prejudices which have survived the termination of his earthly career, as to withhold the appropriate tribute of their respect.

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A large portion of the matter to be found in these pages has been heretofore published, in different shapes. While the writer has not hesitated to make free and liberal use of such materials as were within his reach, both the language and the arrangement have, in all cases, been so modified and changed, as to harmonize with his desire of giving to the public, a fair, candid, and impartial life, of the distinguished citizen and soldier whose name appears on the title-page of the volume. But little merit, therefore, is claimed on the score of originality; and if those for whom it has been prepared, are in any degree gratified by its appearance, the labor bestowed upon it will be amply rewarded.

An attempt has been made, which it is hoped may not be regarded as altogether unsuccessful, to present a full and complete account of the early history of General Jackson, his campaigns against the

Indians, his brilliant achievements during the war of 1812, and his official acts as governor of Florida. A general outline of his administration of the national government is also given; but for reasons which must be obvious, the space devoted to this purpose is comparatively brief. Less could not have been said, without marring the completeness of the work; and, on the other hand, had the text been more full and explicit, political sympathies and affinities might have been manifested, which ought to be carefully concealed.

Several of the state papers of General Jackson, and his patriotic letter to Commodore Elliott, are added to the work, in an Appendix. Each paper has been carefully compared with an authentic copy of its original, and is believed to be faithful and correct. It is probable that many readers might desire a more extensive collection from his messages; but those should recollect that it is extremely difficult to gratify every taste, and that the size of the volume would not have permitted such additions.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

1767. Introductory remarks-Birth and parentage of Andrew

Jackson-His early life-Influence of his mother-War of the

Revolution-Colonel Buford surprised and defeated-Martial

spirit of the colonists-Andrew Jackson joins the American

army-Heroic conduct in defending Captain Lands-Surprise

of the Waxhaw settlers at their rendezvous-Escape and cap-

ture of Jackson-His stratagem to prevent the seizure of

Thompson--Imprisonment at Camden--His release, and death

of his brother and mother-Pecuniary difficulties-Commences

the study of the law-Is licensed to practice-Appointed So-