It was said that Andrew carried the miniature portrait of Rachel during his waking hours and at night he placed the portrait on his bedside table.

To Rachel Jackson
From Andrew Jackson
Nashville January 8th. 1813

My love,

I have this evening since dark received, your affectionate letter by Dunwodie.

.he has carefully handed me your miniature—I shall wear it near my boosom, but this was useless, for without your miniature, my recollection, never fails me of your likeness.

It now one Oclock in the morning the candle nearly out, and I must to bed, May the angelic hosts that rewards & protects virtue and innocence, and preserves the good, be with you untill I return - is the sincere supplications of your affectionate Husband

Andrew Jackson [1]

To Andrew Jackson
From Rachel Jackson
Feby 8th [1813]

My dear Husband.

Your Letter of the 18th January from the mouth of Cumberland river Came Safe to hand, it was Every thing to me.

Do not My beloved Husband let the love of Country fame and honour make you forgit you have me Without you I would think them all empty shadows You will say this is not the Language of a patriot but it is the Language of a faithfull Wife, one I know you Esteem & Love sinceerly, but how many pangs how many heart renderings Sighs has your absence Cost me My time passes heavily not in good health but I hope to see you once more on this globe and after this frail life Ends be with you in happyer Climes wer I shall Experience no more painfull seporation and then I'll be at rest.

Farewell think on me your Dearest friend on Earth.

Rachel Jackson [2]

To Rachel Jackson
From Andrew Jackson
Head quarters Fort Strother
February 21rst 1814

My love, I have this moment recd. your letter of the 10th Instant, and am grieved to think the pain my absence occasions.

.I have a pleasing hope of seeing you before long -can I get up my supplies shortly I will soon put an end to the Creek war, as soon as this is done and I can honourably, retire, I shall, return to your arms on the wings of love & affection.

Andrew Jackson [3]

To Robert Hays
From Andrew Jackson
Knoxville, November 2nd, 1797

Dr. Col

. . . I must now beg of you to try to amuse Mrs. Jackson and prevent her from fretting. the situation in which I left her (Bathed in Tears) fills me with woe. Indeed Sir, It has given me more pain than any Event of my life - but I trust she will not remain long in her doleful mood, but will again be Cheerful. Could I learn, that, that was the case I coul[d b]e Satisfied.

Your attention to her, and to my old friend Mr. Crawford, will Create a Debt of Gratitude that Shall never be forgotten by me. I will Expect to hear from you by the first post and Every post. My respects to Mrs. Hayes and believe me to be with Esteem your friend

Sincerely

Andrew Jackson [4]

Early Hardships | Unconquerable Relationship | Letters

Footnotes:

1. Harold D. Moser and Sharon Macpherson, ed., The Papers of Andrew Jackson, Volume II, 1804-1813 (Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press) pp. 353-355.

2.Ibid., pp. 361-362.

3. Harold D. Moser and others, ed., The Papers of Andrew Jackson, Volume III, 1814-1815 (Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press) p. 34.

4. Sam B. Smith and Harriet Chappell Owsley, ed., The Papers of Andrew Jackson, Volume I, 1770-1803 (Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press) pp. 151-152.

Sources:

Sam B. Smith and Harriet Chappell Owsley, ed., The Papers of Andrew Jackson, Volume I, 1770-1803 (Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press)

Harold D. Moser and Sharon Macpherson, ed., The Papers of Andrew Jackson, Volume II, 1804-1813 (Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press)

Harold D. Moser and others, ed., The Papers of Andrew Jackson, Volume III, 1814-1815 (Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press)