ALS, four pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, October 15, 1838. Letter to “Sarah.” In part: “Your kind and pious letter reached me by due cause of mail, and found me confined by another attack of Hemorrhage from which, & other causes, has prevented me from acknowledging it until now. I was very much debilitated by my last attack—but thanks to a kind providence I have slowly regained my strength and am again able to wield my pen—but write with some deficiently [sic], my vision being a good deal imposed, & for the first time my hand shakes…Our mutual friend Mr. Earle took sick…on Friday evening he discovered his fingers cold…and on Sunday morning he died without a groan or complaint…He was my friend & confidence, but he is taken from us—‘The Lord give[th] and the lord taketh away, and blessed be the name of the Lord, he doeth all things well.’ I am preparing to follow him well convinced that my time has nearly been its course; and hope to meet him in a happy immortality where the wicked cease to trouble, & the weary are at rest, and there unite with the saints redeemed by the…blood of our savior, and join with them in singing praises to the father, son & holy spirit forever & ever, amen. I sincerely thank you for your pious wishes & benedictions. I had a long time wished to join the church publickly, but my political situation prevented me—the censorious would have charged me with hypocracy, and that I had joined the church to obtain popularity. I therefore postponed this public act until my worst enemies could not have seen to charge me with hypocracy. I pray god to make me a worthy member, & to give me grace to continue to the end, and to receive that crown of glory prepared for all his true followers by our savior & redeemed the lord Jesus Christ.” In very good to fine condition, with professional silking on both sides, repairs, and reinforcements.
Raised by pious Scots-Irish immigrant parents, Jackson would adhere to and rely on many foundations of the Presbyterian faith throughout his life. However, he was not known to be very religious as a young man and during his political career he was a staunch defender of the separation of church and state, preaching religious tolerance amongst the various Christian denominations. He became progressively more devout with age and officially joined the Presbyterian church in 1838, roughly a year after leaving the presidency. Written shortly after his public conversion, this is an incredible letter rife with fantastic, rarely seen religious content that offers tremendous insight into his newfound faith. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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