?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
ANDREW JACKSON. Autograph Endorsement Signed, "A.J.," written vertically over the address panel of his brother-in-law's lengthy letter to him: "Stockl[e]y Donelson, abusive letter to be kept on file." The letter, expressing outrage at Jackson's conduct surrounding accusations that the recent death of one of Donelson's servants was caused by Jackson's slaves. 9 pages, tall 4to, written on two folded sheets and a single leaf; minor scattered smudging and bleedthrough to letter text. Np, 5 March 1839. Np, [March 1839]
Donelson's letter: ". . . The letter . . . addressed to me without alleged cause or provocation on my part--was indicorous [sic] and insulting, and a wanton attack on my feelings and . . . I could not view it in any other light than the ebullition [of] your vindictive and unjust feelings towards me . . . . You say you know my unjust conduct in proceeding against your servants, I reply to this by saying that I went over to see you on Sunday before I proceeded against them--Your reception of me, your language, Views, and expressions were so far from what I had a right to expect of a neighbor when I laid before you the daring and outrageous murder that had been perpetrated on the body of my servant by your [slaves], that no alternative was left me . . . . [I]f in the means taken to defend your negroes, and screen them from condign punishment, your conscience is as much at ease as mine is . . . to convict them--you are a happy man. . . ."
Cleveland Hall, the house Stockley Donelson built for himself in a cotton field near the Hermitage, was completed in 1840.
