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.

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.

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-

licitor for the western district of North Carolina-Arrival at

Nashville. 1789

PAGE

17

CHAPTER II.

1789. Early settlements on the Cumberland-Hardships en-

dured by Jackson, in the discharge of his official duties-

Escape from the Indians-His presence of mind-Adventures

in the wilderness-Locates at Nashville-Fruitless attempts

to intimidate him-Indian depredations-Becomes acquainted

with Mrs. Robards-His marriage-A member of the Ten-

nessee convention-Chosen a senator in Congress-His re-

signation, and appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court

-Firmness and decision of character as a judge-Difficulty

with Governor Sevier-Resigns his office, and devotes him-

self to agricultural pursuits. 1804.

29

11

CHAPTER III.

1804. Fondness of General Jackson for horses-Duel with

Dickinson-Forms a mercantile partnership-Pecuniary diffi-

culties Adventure with the Choctaw agent-Affray with

Colonel Benton-Their subsequent friendship for each other

-Hostilities with Great Britain-Declaration of war in 1812

-Jackson raises a volunteer force-Their services accepted

by government-Ordered to embark for Natchez--Arrival of

the troops, and order to disband them-His disobedience of

orders Attempt of General Wilkinson to prevent the return

of the volunteers-Object of the order-Jackson's decision

exhibited-Shares the privations of the soldiers on their home-

ward march-Return, and disbandment of his force. 1813

PAGE

42

CHAPTER IV.

1813. Depredations committed by the Creeks on the borders

of Tennessee and Kentucky--Attack on Fort Mimms-Pre-

parations for war-Jackson calls out the volunteers and militia

-Address to the troops-Takes the field-Enforces strict

military discipline-Rapid march to Huntsville-Delay in for-

warding supplies-Thwarted in his movements by General

Cocke-Jealousy of the latter-Scarcity of provisions-Efforts

of Jackson to procure supplies-Address to the soldiers on

entering the enemy's country-Arrival at the Ten Islands-

Difficulty with the contractors-Destitute condition of the

army-Battle of Tallushatchee-Humanity of Jackson-His

adoption of an Indian boy. 1813

55

CHAPTER V.

1813. Erection of Fort Strother, and establishment of a depot

on the Coosa-Continued difficulties growing out of the move-

ments of General Cocke-Battle of Talladega-Gallant con-

duct of Colonel Carroll and Lieutenant-Colonel Dyer-Desti-

tution of the army-Generosity and benevolence of Jackson

-His example in submitting to privations-Anecdote of the

acorns-Discontent among the troops-Mutiny suppressed by

his firmness and resolution-His appeal to the contractors to

furnish supplies-Answer to the overtures of peace made by

the Hillabee tribes-Efforts to raise additional troops-Letter

to his friend in Tennessee-Demand of the volunteers to be

discharged, on the ground that their term of service had ex-

pired-Reply of Jackson-His unflinching determination

Suppression of the mutiny, and return of the volunteers. 1813 68