Andrew Jackson Autograph Letter Signed

Partial ALS from Andrew Jackson, one page both sides, no date circa 1836–1837. A letter of considerable interest written to his friend John Henry Eaton during his time as American Minister to Spain and near to the completion of Jackson’s final term of office. The letter finds Jackson begging for information and expressing his fear of the consequences should Don Carlos succeed in his claim to the Spanish throne. The first part of the document is concerned with American domestic politics, in particular his personal crusades against the banks, in part: “…address, will require deliberation…the latter, as I intend it shall be the last official act of my life, will give me time. The Elections in Pennsylvania are over, & the key stone state is erect again. She has in the State Legislature 3/4 of her Representatives anti Bank, and a tie in her Senate. The N. States Bank of Pennsylvania, will be blown sky high. The Van Buren Tickett will be carried in that state by at least 25,000 majority and in three weeks the whiggs will be…& Van Buren the president elect, when I hope we will have a political calm during the reminder of my term, & slander will then be viewed as it ought, & the authors sink into that contempt that good morals will, & ought to consign them.

My dear friend there need be no dread of a recall by the General of the Thames. It is very doubtful whether he, or White will get the vote of any State—the struggle will be in Tennessee, & I now begin to think that White by his dinner speeches & attending barbecues, has…you will, I have no doubt, have found Spain in a very perturbed and distracted state—but my belief is that the policy of adopting the constitution of 1812 will be the means of destroying Don Carlos, by drawing all the people from his standard—in this respect it will favour the Queen [the infant Isabella whose succession was disputed by the Carlists], and if the Cortes give good amendments to the constitution, such as to secure national freedom, & equal rights, Spain may yet be blessed with prosperity & happiness. I hope you will write me often, separate from your public despatches you must not be lazy in writing. We wish constant information as to the state of Spain & France etc etc. Mr. Earl who is with me desires to be affectionately remembered to you & yours, & believe me as usual your sincere friend.” The front of the letter is struck through with ruled lines, apparently as a form of censorship or evidence of copying. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, overall creasing, and two edge tears.