Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1844-02-10


letter from the Hermitage, in the New York
Pebian, Of Saturday. 1t shows that its vc-
nerable inhabitants is fast declining, and gives
reason to fear that he will soon live only in his
tory and in the memory of his grateful coun
trymen
HERMITAGE Jan. llth, 1914.
To L. d. Slamm, Editor ofMe Phbian:
DEAR SIR II regret extremely to find, on
my arrival at the Hermitage, the health Of the
venerable Ex. President Andrew Jackson, in
such prccarous state. He is very feeble
appetite poor, cough distressing, attended with
severe paroxysms on account Of the pain in his
side At times he suffers from a degree OF
tinhtness about the chest, attended with much
difficulty OF respiration at other times a more
free expectoration, greatly relieves him. lie
thinks one Of his lungs is nearly gone his eye
sight has failed him very much; can converse
but little at time, even when the most COM
Portable has had several hpmorrhages of the
lungs, and is frequently obliged to resort to
bleeding and cupping TO prevent its return. He
has been gradually failing fer the last year, but
able to exercise very little this winter, but has
never failed attending church when it was pos
sible for him to be conveyed with help
The Legislature of Tennessee, in session at
Nashville, adjourned on the glorious Sth of Jan.
uary many Of the members, the artillery, the
citizens Of Nashville and the surrounding coun-
try called upon the old soldier and patriot to
pay their respects. The house was epcu du-
ring the day--the table bounteously loaded
refreshments in abundance both to cat and
drink. The doors Of his room were open du.
ring the day, and as the people came in at one
door and passed out at the other, he shook hands
and spoke to every person. 1t was evident
he was fatigued and failing, and it was thought
prudent to close the doors but the General
said "No let the people come in they are my
friends; | may not live to see another Sth of
January" He was evidently much excited at
the firing of the cannon and the appearance of
the military; but after the day was spent his
strength failed ; nature gave wav and he sank
down, and for several days strong fears were
entertained that he would not survive but
through kind Providence he has for the last
few days been rather improving converses but
little his spirits far above his power to sup.
port. HIS communications arc still very nu-
merous. lie will open Few letters, read
short time and rest, he cannot at present an
swer them.-IIe thanked me in the most affec-
tionate manner for my visit to the Hermitage
at this nclement season of the year, and said,
"Sir, should you live to return homeland
earnestly pray God to preserve you'll desire
you to communicate to my Democratic fellow
citizens and friends o. the great city and State
OF New York, that thank them again and a.
gain for their very kind regard for me, not on
Iy at this time, but for the kindness have a, all
times received from hem--that my lamp Of
life is nearly QUIT is burnt down into tho
socket and nearly exhausted-it will some.
times flare mp little and again fade away still
more faint; but the last glimnIer must soon
come. | have endeavored thro life, to do ius
tice. have ever trusted in God, and hc has
never forsaken me in any hour of danger and
distress, and when it is his will to call for me
u'H WiIllDS 10 20. ana tHe iEur must soon
come. Say. sir. Go my kind friends, would
write to them if could, but cannot and
must authorize you, sir, in my name to express
my feelings fully to them. | should feel i
possible, still more grateful TO kind Proyidenc,
If | could be spared to see my country once
more settled down upon It's firm democrolc &c ba
Sis That the rights Of our tailoring classe
should be respected and protected they ar,
the most important part Of the people; that par
which supports the power and wealth of the ma
tion-and that part which will defend our coun
try when invaded" During all his suffering
he has never been heard to utter groan, or eS
press Complaints calm and resie ned to th
will of his Redeemer. Such, sir, is the situ;
tlon ofthe Soldier, the Statemen, the Patri
and Chrlstan-Major General Andrew JacI
son, Ex-Presdent of the U. States The Gene
raj was aged seventy-six years the 10th day
March last. am not capable, sir, OF EXPIRE
sing TO you the kindness have received at tn
hosptable mansion, the Hermitage, during Il
few days have remained, not only from Il
Christian patriot, himself, but from all that tr
ly amiable and pious family. was not recC
we'd as stranger or visitor, but near fre
and relation | was made to feel at home, fir
and happy without ceremony. With great
spect, remain, dear sir, your obedient ST