Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1845-05-06
ANDREW JACKSON

Commodore Elliot recently brought from
Malta an ancient and splendid Sarcophagus
supposed to have been the tomb of one OF
the ancient Kings. This sarcophagus has
been offered to Andrew Jackson, as tomb
TO which offer he made the following reply
Hermitage, March 81, 1915.
DEAR SIk:-Your letter Of the 18th inst.
together with the copy Of the proceedings
of the National Institute, furnished me by
their corresponding secretary, on the pre-
sentaiion, by you, Of the sarcophagus for
their acceptance, on condition it shall be
preserved, and in honor of my memory,
have been received, and are now before
me.
Although laboring under great d-bility
and affliction, from a severe attack from
which may not recover, raise my pen
and endeavo: 10 reply. The sleadiness of
my nerves may perhaps lead you TO con-
clude my prostraton of strength is not so
great us here expressed Strange as it
may appear, my nerves are as steady as
they were forty years gone by; whilst,
from debility and affection, | am gasping
for breath.
have read the whole proceedings Of the
presentation, by you, of the sarcophag gus,
and the resolutions passed by the boar of
directors, so honorable to my fame, with
sensations and feelings more easily to be
conlec,ured than by me expressed The
whole proceedings call for my mos, CRATE
ful thanks, which are hereby rendered to
you, and through you TO the President and
Directors Of the National Institute. But
with the warmest sensations that can in
spire a grateful heart, | must decline ac-
cepting the honor intended to be bestowed.
| cannot consent that my mortal body shall
be laid in a repository prepared for king
or an emperor. My republican feelings
and principles forbid it; the simplicity OF
our system Of government forbids it,
Every monument erected TO perpetuate the
memory OF our heroes and statesmen ough
TO bear evidence Of the economy and sim.
plicity Of our resublican institutions, who
are the sovereigns Of OF our glorious Union
and whose virtue is to perpetuate it. True
virtue cannot exist where pomp and parade
are the governing passions; it can only
dwell with the people-the great aboring
and producing classes that form the bone
and sinew Of our confederacy.
For these reasons cannot accept the
honor you and the president and the direc
tors of the National Institute intended &c
bestow. cannot permit my remains to
be the first in these United States 10 be de-
posted in sarcophagus made for king
or an emperor. | again repeat, please
accept for yourself, and convey to the
president and directors of the National In
stitute. my most profound respects for the
honor yeu and they intended to beslow-
| have prepared humble depository fol
my mortal body beside that wherein lie.
my beloved wife, where, without any pomr
or parade. have requested, when my Goo
calls me 10 sleep with my fathers, to be
laid; for both Of US there to remain unit
the last trumpet sounds 10 cali the dead tc
Judgment, when we, hope, shall rise to
gether, clothed with that heavenly body
promised to all who believe in our gloriou.
Redeemer, who died for US that we nigh
live, and by whose atonement hope for
blessed Immortality.
am, with great respect,
Your friend and fellow citizen,
ANDREW JACKSON.
To Com J. D. ELLIOT,
United States Navy.