JACKSON, Andrew (1767-1845). Autograph letter signed (''Andrew Jackson'') as President, to his adopted son Andrew, Washington, 6 May 1832.

JACKSON, Andrew (1767-1845). Autograph letter signed ("Andrew Jackson") as President, to his adopted son Andrew, Washington, 6 May 1832.

Three pages, 250 x 201mm, bifolium, with a long autograph postscript (neat repair to seal hole on margin, small repair on second leaf touching two letters, else fine).

While Congress continues "the corrupt & log-rolling system of legislation," the President talks of horse-breeding and of Sam Houston's arrest. An excellent letter as President, complaining of Congress's neglect of substantive legislation, discussing horse-breeding at the Hermitage and commenting on the difficulties of his friend Sam Houston: "I have nothing new: Congress still pursues their corrupt & log-rolling system of legislation, and electioneering, neglecting the subjects appertaining to the great interests of the nation. Houston is still in custody, will be dismissed by a large vote and will sue for his false imprisonment—as daring an act of usurpation as this has never before been attempted by the Government." An Ohio Congressman, William Stanbery, had made derogatory comments about Houston and had been severely caned by Houston in retaliation. Congress had Houston arrested, and ordered an inquiry. In the end Houston was found guilty and reprimanded. He left for Texas soon afterwards.

Jackson turns to a more pleasant subject: horse-breeding, but is incensed that certain instructions of his were not followed: "...I hope you have reached the Hermitage & found all things well there. I had a hope that the colts would have been here by this time, but the foolish conduct of sending after them & bringing them back is an encumbrance to the farm, to the great mortification of Major Donelson, after incurring a heavy expense which he, and you, must meet [...] It was not the plan to make my farm a racing stable and our colts at our expense to be run in Tennessee, for others' benefit...." He signs himself "your affectionate father."

Provenance: Joseph M. Roebling (sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 28 April 1981, lot 76) – Malcolm Forbes (Forbes Collection Part III, Christie's New York, 15 November 2005, lot 50).

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR IN TEXAS