Memoirs of General Andrew Jackson ... containing a full account of his Indian campaigns, defence of New Orleans ..

Front matter

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MEMOIRS

Preface

In the preparation of the following work for the press, the compiler has consulted the best authorities ; and it is believed the Biographical portion is strictly correct. He has purposelyomitted any extended sketch of the political life of General Jackson, believing that the time has not yet come, when the American People are prepared to judge dispassionately, and without prejudice, of this portion of his life.

It may be safely said, that no man has lived since the formation of the Federal Union, (except, perhaps, Washington,) who has stamped the impress of his character more stronglj' upon the institutions of our country, than Andrew Jackson; none who has had warmer personal aad political admirers ; and surely none who has had more determined and bitter opponents. These feelings, though fast being modified, still, to .some extent, exist ; and though his mortal remains now lie entombed with the being he loved, and his spirit has gone to he judged by another than human tribunal, and the fame of hisdeeds, and his example, are all that is left us — there still remain many of his combatants upon the field: "We tread on ashes where the fire is not extinguished." We think, therefore, the time has not fully arrived, when his countrymen are prepared to judge of his political actions with that calmness and impartiality that History demands.

The compiler has, consequently, in the preparation of his w^ork, confined himself to that portion of his hfe which a great and thankful people have sealed with their approbation.

The more minute Biography closes with the triumphant defense of New-Orleans; and this portion is illustrated with such anecdotes of his private and official character as v/ere within reach.

Several of his more important State papers, which have now a place in the permanent political history of this Republic, as well as the eloquent Eulogy of Hon. George Bancroft, have been added.

Believing that a work less expensive than " Kendall's Life of Jackson," (which is yet only in part published,) that should place within the reach of all who wish to read, the principal circumstances in General Jackson's eventful life, was desired by the public, the compiler submits this work for their acceptince. He claims nothing for originality — it is simply a compilation.

Should it contribute in any degree to a more thorough icnowledge of the early life and character, and to a better and easier acquaintance with the important State papers of the HIero of New-Orleans, and the Man of the Age, then will 3e satisfied the utmost wish of the

COMPILER.

Auburn, September 30, 1845.

CHAPTER I. Jackson's Birth and Parentage, 17

Enters the American Revolutionary Army, 19

Cruelty of a British Officer, 20

Death of his Brother and Mother, 20

Studies the Law in North Carolina, 21

Settles in Tennessee as a Barrister, 22

Chosen a Member of the Tennessee Convention, 23

Elected a Member of Congress, 23

Chosen a Senator of Congress, 23

Is made Major-Gcneral of Tennessee, 24

Resigns his seat in the Senate, 24

Appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court, 24

*flesigns, and retires to his Farm, 25

CONTENTS.

Chapter II

FROM THE BEGINNING OF 1812, TO THE MONTH OF MAY IN THAT YEAR.

He is called from his Retirement, 26

Assembles 2,500 Volunteers, 27

Descends the Mississippi 300 miles, 27

Is ordered to disband his Troops, and give up his stores to

the Regular Army stationed there, 28

Refuses to comply with the order, 29

Fulfills his compact with his Volunteers, by taking them

back safely to their homes, 31

Chapter III. From May, 1813, To April, 1s14

His Indian Campaigns, 34

Battles 48

Discontent in his Army, 58 j

Proof of his unparalleled fortitude and resolution, G4

Unexpected embarrassments, 73

Success, nA

Chapter IV. From April, 1314, To December, 1314

Perfidious conduct of the Spanish Governor of Pensacola,... 10

Jackson's Remonstrance, 77

NichoUs' Proclamation, 77

Defeat of the British at Fort Bowyer 79

Reduction of Pensacola, and Retreat of the British, 80

Jackson's Arrival at New-Orleans, SO

Preparations made by the British for the Reduction of New- Orleans, SI

Chapter V. From December 1, 1314, To March, 1315

Defense of New-Orleans, S2

Jackson is beset by Traitors and Spies, S3

Arms not furnislied him S3

Enemy lands on the 23d December, 84

He marches in the night and drives them back, 85

Divers smaller Engagements 93

The Traitors in the Assembly, and in the Town, conspire

against him, 112

Defeats the British with great slaughter, Sth January, 126

Drives them out of the country, 135

His Farewell Address to his Army, 135

The Account given by the British Government of this important transaction, 138 ;

Chapter VI. Anecdotes Illustrative Of The Life And Character Of Jackson

His Youthful Heroism, manifested in an attack upon the Waxhaw Settlement during the Revolution, and when but a

boy of fourteen years of age,, 140

First taken Prisoner — his Treatment, 144

His Presence of Mind, 14S

His Marriage, 151

Is set upon by Bullies, 153

Arrest of a Criminal, 154

Difficulty with Governor Sevier, 154 |

Duel with Dickinson, 157 J

His Adventure in the Indian Country 159 |

Affray with Colonel Benton, 161

Adoption of an Indian Boy, 161

His Philanthropy, 162 -i

Feeding on Acorns, 162 .

Quelling a ^lutiny, 1C3

Camp Discipline, 167

Assault of Lieutenant Randolph, 168

Interview with Judge Douglass, 171

Personal Address of General Jackson, 172

Chapter VII

President Jackson's j\Iessage to the Senate of the United States, returning the Bill for Re-chartering the United States

Bank, with his Objections, 174

Protest to the Senate, 195

Proclamation to the NuUifiers of South Carolina, 107

Farewell Address, on retiring from the Presidency, -220

Letter, declining a Sarcophagus, -^ll

Chapter VIII

Remarks of Hon. Daniel Webster, at the Meeting of the New-York Historical Society, on the Death of General Jackson, 213

Remarks of Hon. Reverdy Johnson, before the Court of Appeals, Maryland, 216

Eulotry of Hon. George Bancroft, 247

THE LIFE

ANDREW JACKSON.

Chapter I

His birth and parentage — Enters the American Revolutionary army — Cruelty of a British officer — Death of his brother and mother — Studies the law in North Carolina — Settles in Tennessee as a barrister— Chosen a member of the Tennessee Convention — Elected a member of Congress — Chosen a Senator of tiie Congress — Made Major-General of Tennessee — Resigns his seat in the Senate — Appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court — Resigns and retires to his farm.

Andrew Jackson Avas born on the 15th day of March, 1767. His father, (Andrew,) the youngest son of his family, emigrated to America from Ireland during the year 1765, bringing with him two sons, Hugh and Robert, both very young. 1 Landing at Charleston, in South Carolina, he shortly after- I ward purchased a tract of land, in what was then called the [ Waxsaw settlement, about forty-five miles above Camden ; at •which place the subject of this history was born. Shortly I after his birth, his father died, leaving three sons to be provided for by their mother. She appears to have been an exem- ' plary woman, and to have executed the arduous duties Avhich I had devolved on her with great faithfulness and with much - success. To the lessons she inculcated on the youthful minds of her sons was, no doubt, owing, in a great measure, that fixed opposition to British tyranny and ojipression, which afterward so much distinguished them. Often would she spend the winter's evenings in recounting to them the sufferings of their grandfather at the seige of Carrickfergus, and the oppressions exercised by the nobility of Ireland over the laboring poor; impressing it upon them as a first duty, to expend their lives, if it should become necessary, in defending and supporting the natural rights of man.

Inheriting but a small patrimony from their father, it was impossible that all the sons could receive an expensive education. The two eldest were therefore only taught the rudiments of their mother tongue, at a common country school. But Andrew, being intended by his mother for the ministry, was sent to a flourishing academy at the Waxsaw meeting-house, superintended by Mr. Humphries. Here he was placed at the study of the dead languages, and continued until the revolutionary war, extending its ravages into that section of South Carolina where he then was, rendered it necessary that every one should betake himself to the American standard, seek protection with the enemy, or flee his country. It was not an alternative that admitted of a tedious deliberation. The natural ardor of his temper, deriving encouragement from the recommendations of his mother, whose feelings were not le.s3 alive on the occasion than his own, and excited by those sentiments in favor of liberty with which, by her conversation, his mind had been early imbued, quickly determined him in the course to be pursued ; and at the tender age of fourteen, accompanied by his brother Robert, he hastened to the American camp, and engaged actively in the service of his country. His oldest brother, who had previously joined the army, had lost his life at the battle of Stono, from the excessive heat of the weather and the fatigues of the day.

Both Andrew and Robert were at this period pretty well acquainted with the manual exercise, and had some idea of the different evolutions of the field, having been indulged by their mother in attending the drill and general musters of the neighborhood.

The Americans being unequal, as well from the inferiority

ENTERS THE REVOLUTIONARY ARBIY. 19

of their numbers as their discipline, to engage tlie British army in battle, had retired before it into the interior of North Carolina; but when they learned that Lord Cornwallis hadcrossed the Yadkin, they returned in small detachments totheir native state. On their arrival they found Lord Rawden in possession of Camden, and the whole country around in a state of desolation. The British commander being advised of the return of the settlers of Waxsaw, Major Coffin was immediately despatched thither with a corps of light dragoons, a company of infantry, and a considerable number of tories, for their capture and destruction. Hearing of their approach, the' settlers without delay appointed the Waxsaw meeting-house: as a place of rendezvous, that they might the better collect their scattered strength, and concert some .system of operations. About forty of them had accordingly assembled at this point, when the enemy approached, keeping the tories, who were dressed in the common garb of the country, in front, whereby this little band of patriots were completely deceived, having taken them for Captain Nisbet's company, in expectation of which they had been waiting. Eleven of them were taken prisoners; the rest with diiticulty fled, scattering and betaking themselves to the woods for concealment. Of those who thus escaped, though closely pursued, were Andrew Jackson and his brother, who, entering a secret bend in a creek that was close at hand, obtained a momentary respite from danger, and avoided, for the night, the pursuit of the enemy.

The next day, however, having gone to a neighboring house for the purpose of procuring .something lo eat, they were broken in upon, and made prisoners, by Collin's dragoons and a party of tories who accompanied them. Those young men, with a view to security, had placed their horses in the wood, on the margin of a small creek, and posted a sentinel on the road which led by the house, that they might have information of any approach, and in time to elude it. But the tories, who were well acquainted with the country and the passes through the forest, had unfortunately passed the creek at the very point where the horses and baggage of our young soldiers were deposited, and taken posses.sion of them. Having done this, they cautiously approached the house, and were almost at the door before they were discovered. To escape was impossible, and both were made prisoners. Being placed under guard, Andrew was ordered, in a very imperious tone, by a British officer, to clean his boots, which had become muddied in crossing the creek. This order he positively and peremptorily refused to obey ; alleging that he looked for such treatment as a prisoner of war had a right to expect. Incensed at his refusal, the officer aimed a blow at his head with a drawn sword, ^vhich would very probably have terminated his existence, had he not parried its effects by throwing up his left hand, on which he received a severe wound, the mark of which he bore to the day of his death. His brother, at the same time, for a silmilar ofTense, received a deep cut on the head, which subsequently occasioned his death.

They were both now taken to jail, where, separated and confined, they were treated with marked severity, until a few days after the battle before Camden, when, in consequence of a partial exchange, effected by the intercessions and exertions of their mother, and Captain Walker of the militia, they were both released from confinement. Captain Walker, in a charge on the rear of the British army, had succeeded in making thirteen prisoners, whom he gave in exchange for seven Americans, of which number were these two young men. Robert, during his confinement in prison, had suffered greatly, the wound on his head, all this time having never been dressed, was followed by an inflammation of the brain, which, in a few days after his liberation brought him to his grave. To add to the affliction of Andrew, his mother, worn down by grief and her incessant exertions to provide clothing and other comforts for the suffering prisoners who had been taken from her neighborhood, expired in a few weeks after her son, near the lines of the enem}', in the vicinity of Charleston. Andrew, the last and only surviving child, confined to a bed of sickness, occasioned by the sufferings he had been compelled to undergo while a prisoner, and by getting wet on his return from captivity, was thus left in the wide world without a human being with whom he could claim near relationship. The small-pox, about the same time having made its appearance upon him, had well-nigh terminated his sorrows and his existence.

HIS EDUCATION- AND STUDY OF THE LAW. 21

Having at length recovered from his complicated afflictions, he entered upon the enjoyment of his estate, which, although small, vrould have been sufficient, under prudent management, to have completed his education on the liberal scale his mother had designed. Unfortunately, however, he, like too many young men, sacrificing future prosperity to present gratification, expended it with too profuse a hand. Coming at length to foresee that he should be finally obliged to rely on his own exertions for support and success in life, he again betook himself to hi.s studies with increased industry. He recommenced under JMr. M'Culloch, in that part of Carolina Avhich was then called the New Acquisition, near Hill's iron works. Here he studied the languages, devoting a portion of his time to a desultory course of studies.

His education being now completed, so far as his wasted patrimony and the limited opportunities then afforded in that section of the country Avould permit, at the age of eighteen he turned his attention to acquiring a profession, and preparing himself to enter on the busy scenes of life. The pulpit, for which he had been designed by his mother, was now abandoned for the bar; and, in the winter of 1784, he repaired to Salisbury, in North Carolina, and commenced the study of law, under Spruce M'Cay, Esq., afterwards one of the judges of that state, and subsequently continued it under Colonel John Stokes. Having remained at Salisbury until the winter of 1786, he obtained a license from the judges to practice law, and continued in the state until the spring of 1788.

The observations he was enabled, during this time, to make, satisfied him that this state presented few inducements to a young attorney ; and recollecting that he stood solitary in life, without relations to aid him in the onset, when innumerable difficulties arise and retard success, he determined to seek a new country. But for this he might have again returned to his native state. The death, however, of every relation he liad, had wiped away all those endearing recollections and circumstances which warp the mind to the place of its nativity. The western parts of the state of Tennessee were, about this time, often spoken of as presenting flattering prospects to adventurers. He immediately determined to accompany Judge M'Nairy thither, who had heen appointed, and was going out, to hold the first supreme court that had ever sat in the state. Having reached the Holston, they ascertained it would he impossible to arrive at the time appointed for the session of the court ; and therefore determined to remain in that section of the country until fall. They recommenced their journey in October, and passing through an extensive uninhabited country, reached Nashville in the same month. It had not been Jackson's intention certainly to make Tennessee the place of his future residence ; his visit was merely experimental, and his stay remained to be determined by the advantages that might be disclosed : but finding, soon after his arrival, that a considerable opening was offered for the success of a young attorney, he determined to remain.

To one of refined feelings, the prospect before him was certainly not of an encouraging cast. As in all newly settled countries must be the case, society was loosely formed, and united by but few of those ties which have a tendency to enforce the performance of moral duty and the right execution of justice. The young men of the place, adventurers from different sections of the country, had become indebted to the merchants ; there was but one lawyer in the country, and they had so contrived as to retain him in their business; the consequence was, that the merchants were entirely deprived of the means of enforcing against those gentlemen the execution of their contracts. In this state of things, Jackson made his appearance at Nashville, and, while the creditor class looked to it with great satisfaction, the debtors were sorely displeased. Applications were immediately made to him for his professional services, and on the morning after his arrival, he issued seventy writs. To those prodigal gentlemen it was an alarming circumstance ; their former security was impaired ; but that it might not wholly depart, they determined to force him, in some way or other, to leave the country; and to effect this, broils and quarrels with him were resorted to. This, however, was soon abandoned ; satisfied, by the first controversy in which they had involved him, that his decision and firmness were such as to leave no hope of effecting any thing throxigh this channel. Disregarding the opposition raised to

CHOSEN A SENATOR IN CONGRESS. 23

him, he continued, with care and industry, to press forward in his professional course; and his attention soon brought him forward, and introduced him to a profitable practice. Shortly afterward he was appointed attorney-general for the district, in which capacity lie continued to act for several years.

Indian depredations being then frequent on the Cumberland, every man, of necessity, became a soldier. Unassisted by the government, the settlers were forced to rely for security on their own bravery and exertions. Although young, no person was more distinguished than Andrew Jackson in defending the country against these predatory incursions of the savages, who continually harrassed the frontiers, and not unfrequently approached the heart of the settlements, which were thin, but not widely extended. He aided alike in garrisoning the forts, and in pursuing and chastising the enemy.

In the year 17&6, having, by his patriotism, firmness, and talents, secured to himself a distinguished standing with all classes, he was chosen one of the members of the convention for establishing a constitution for the State. His good conduct and zeal for the public interest, and the republican feelings and sentiments which were conspicuously disclosed in the formation and arrangement of this instrument, brought him more prominently to view ; and, without proposing or soliciting, he was in the same year elected a Member of the House of Representatives in Congress, for the State of Tennessee. The following year, his reputation continuing to increase, and every bosom feeling a wish to raise him to still higher honors, he was chosen a Senator of the United States Congress, and took his seat on the 22d day of November, 1797. About the middle of April, business of an important and private nature, imposed on him the necessity of asking leave of absence, and returning home. Leave was granted, and before the next session he resigned his seat. He was but a little more than thirty years of age ; and hence scarcely eligible by the constitution at the time he was elected. The sedition law, about which so much concern xind feeling had been manifested through the country, was introduced into the Senate by Mr. Lloyd, of Maryland, in June, 1798, and passed that body on the 4th of July following; hence the name of Jackson, owing to the leave of absence which had been granted him in April, does not appear on the journals. On the alien law, however, and the effort to repeal the stamp act, he was present, resting in the minority, and on the side of the republican principles of the country.

The State of Tennessee, on its admission into the Union, comprising but one military division, and General Conway, who commanded it as major-general, dying about this time, Jackson, without being consulted on the subject, and without the least intimation of what was in agitation, was, as the constitution of the State directs, chosen by the iield-ofiicers to succeed him ; which appointment he continued to hold until INIay, 1814, when he was constituted a major-general in the United States' service.

Becoming tired of political life, for the inti'igues of which he declared himself unqualified, and having for two years voted in the minority in Congress, he resigned, after the first session, his seat in the Senate. To this measure he was strongly induced, from a desire to make way for General Smith, who he conjectured would in that capacity be able to render more important services to the government than himself. His country, unwilling that his talents should remain inactive and unemployed, again demanded his services. Immediately after his resignation, he was appointed one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the State. Sensibly alive to the difficult duties of this station, distrusting his legal acquirements, and impressed with the great injury he might produce to suitors by erroneous decisions, he advanced to the office with reluctance, and in a short time resigned, leaving it open for those who he believed were better qualified than himself to discharge its intricate and important duties. Unambitious of those distinctions and honors, which young men are usually proud to possess, and finding too that his circumstances and condition in life were not such as to permit his time and attention to be devoted to public matters, he determined to yield them into other hands, and to devote himself

RETIRES TO PRIVATE LIFE. 25

to agricultural pursuits : and accordingly settled himself on an excellent farm ten miles from Nashville, on the Cumberland river, where for several years he enjoyed all the comforts of domestic and social intercourse. Abstracted from the busy scenes of public hfe, pleased with retirement, surrounded by friends vi'hom he loved, and who entertained for him the highest veneration and respect, and blessed with an amiable and obedient wife, nothing seemed wanting to the completion of that happiness which he so anxiously desired while in office.

Chapter II

FROM THE BEGINNING OF 1S12. TO THE MONTH OF MAY IN THAT YEAR.

He is called from his retirement — Assembles 2500 volunteers — Descends the Mississippi 300 miles — Is ordered to disband his troops and give up his stores to the regular army stationed there — Refuses to comply with the order — Fulfills his compact with his volunteers, by taking them back safely to their homes.

The repose of Jackson, and the pleasures derived from his farm, were now destined to be abandoned for the duties of public life. After many years of negotiation and entreaty with Great Britain, — after forbearance such as no country in the world ever showed before, — the Congress, unanimously called upon by the people for that purpose, declared war against Great IBritain.

The Government of the United States, during the same year in which they declared the war, made preparations for calling out volunteers for the defense of the country. Jackson, then happy on his farm in the neighborhood of Nashville, which lies in about the middle of the fine State of Tennessee, which is bounded on the north by Kentucky, on the east by the Allegany mountains, on the south by the States of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, and on the west by the great river Mississippi, — Jackson, happy on his farm, in the midst of this fine and flourishing State, and retired as he apparently thought for ever, from all public affairs, though only forty-five years of age, — was again roused by the insults that had been so repeatedly offered to his country, by the wrongs inflicted upon her citizens, and by the recollection, no doubt, of the death of his mother, of the death of his brother Robert, of the cause of those deaths; and, if he eould have forgotten the horrid account of the injuries inflicted upon the country of his father and his mother, there was that scar on his hand, inflicted by a British oflicer, Miio had aimed a blow at his life because he had refused to clean the dirt oft" his boots ; there was that scar to keep his virtu-

RAISES AN ARMY OF VOLUNTEERS. 27

ous resentment alive, even if he could have forgotten the wrongs of Ireland, and the ruin and extermination of every relation in the world.

Nevertheless, he did not seek a command in the regular army which was about to be raised ; but the Congress having passed an act in February, and another in July, 1812, authorizing the President (then INIadison) to accept of the services of fifty thousand volunteers, he addressed the citizens of his division, and twenty-live hundred flocked to his standard. A tender of them having been made, and the offer accepted, in November, 1812, he received orders to place himself at their head and to descend the Mississippi, for the defense of the lower country, which was then supposed to be in danger. Accordingly, on the 10th of December, 1812, those troops rendezvoused at Nashville prepared to advance to the place of their destination ; and although the weather was then excessively severe, and the ground covered with snow, no troops could have displayed greater firmness. The general was everywhere with them, inspiring them with the ardor that animated his own bosom. The cheerful spirit with which they submitted to hard.ships and bore privations on the very onset of their military career, as well as the order and subordination they so readily observed, were happy presages of Avhat was to be expected when they should be directed to face an enemy.

Natchez is a town on the banks of the Mi.'^^sissippi, full three hundred miles from Nashville, and about a hundred miles from New-Orleans, which is near the mouths of the Mississippi. Natchez was the placjp of rendezvous. He arrived there in the month of January ; and very soon afterward, there took place a transaction which gave the Government of the United States a specimen of that inflexibility of character in him which has since been so fully developed, under circumstances of greater peril than any other man has ever encountered.

Having procured supplies, and made the necessary arrangments for an active campaign, they proceeded the 7th of January, 1813, on their journey; and, descending the Ohio and Mississippi through cold and ice, arrived and halted at Natchez. Here Jackson had been instructed to remain until he should receive further orders. Having chosen a healthy site for the encampment of his troops, he devoted his time, vi'ith the utmost industry, to training and preparing them for active service. The clouds of war, however, in that quarter having blown over, an order was received from the Secretary of War, dated the 5th of January, 1813, directing him, on the receipt thereof, to dismiss those under his command from service, and to take measures for delivering over every article of public property in his possession to Brigadier-general Wilkinson. When this order reached his camp, there were one hundred and iifty on the sick report, fifty-six of whom were unable to rise from their beds, and almost the whole of them destitute of the means of defraying the expenses of their return. The consequence of a strict compliance with the Secretary's order inevitably would have been, that many of the sick must have perished, while most of the others, from their destitute condition, would of necessity have been compelled to enlist in the regular army, under General Wilkinson. Such alternatives were neither congenial with their general's wishes nor such as they had expected, on adventuring with him in the service of their country. He had carried them from home, and, the fate of war and disease apart, it was his duty, he believed, to bring them back. Whether an expectation that, by this plan, many of them would be forced into the regular ranks, had formed any part of the motive that occasioned the order for their discharge at so great a distance from home, cannot be known ; and it would be uncharitable to insinuate against the Government so serious an accusation, without the strongest evidence to support it. Be this as it may. General Jackson could not think of sacrificing or injuring an army that had shown such devotedness to their country ; and he determined to disregard the order, and inarch them again to their homes, where they had been embodied, rather than discharge them where they would be exposed to the greatest hardships and dangers. To this measure he was prompted, not only by the reasons already mentioned, but by the consideration that many of the troops under his command were young men, the children of