The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-06-24
Accounts Of General Jack sons Lust Moments,
from his Family Physlcian.

NASHVILLE Tenn, 9th June, lsi5.
DEAR SIR: is probable before this letter shall have
venerable friend General Andrew Jackson who depart
ed this life yesterday afternoon, precisely at six
and being we'll assured that you have always taken
lively interest in him while living, and believing you
would be pleased to know something Of his last moments
In life have thought proper to make you this commune
cation as saw much Of him during his last Illness and
present at his death. have been frequently IN his
family as physician for several years past and on my
return home from the east April visited him in
pany with his particular friend, General Robert Arm
strong. We found him very feeble, aboring under
dropsical affection particularly that form Of dropsy
known as andsdrchd. He informed me he had suffered
much bodily pain ir consequence Of the great eusion
swollen condition of his extremites. The cough
which had harrassed HIM much for years. had nearly
quite left hi but his difficulty Of breathing appeared
to be increased prescribed for him. and visited him
occasionally The remedies appeared at first to afford him
considerable relief it respected his dropsical cond
tom but his system had been undermined by previous
disease that medicine appeared to have lost its impress
sion effect The dropscal effusion returned, and
found him suffering excessively from the distension
casioned by the accumulation Of water. Immediately
tapped him. and drew of very considerable quantity
OF water, which afforded him immediate relief He took
anodyne at night and informed me- the next forming,
he had passed better night than he had done for the
Drs. Robertson and Waters were in consultation on
the next morning. We agreed on prescription which
was administered and gave him temporary relief This
all could expect to obtain considering his stu
ation was sent for again Saturday the 9TH instant
| The messenger informed me the General much
much exhausted He had great difficulty in respiration
in consequence OF accumulation of water in his chest
He requested that should remain with him. he was
well aware that his dissolution at hand. He
took anodyne and expectoran and appeared to pass
been able to lie down for the last six months He had
to be propped his bed at night and in his chair
during the day On Sunday morning. the sh instant the
day which he died entering his room found him
sitting in his chair with his two faithful servants
George and Dick by his side who had just removed him
from his bed Immediately perceived that the hand Of
death upon him. informed his that he could
survive but few hours and he Immediately despatch
ed servant for Major William b. Lewis the Generals
devoted friend Mr. Jackson informed that it the
Generals request that, in case he grew worse or was
thought to be his death, Major Lewis should be sent
He instantly removed to his bed but before he could
eplaced there he had swooned away His family and
wants believing him to be Dead very much alarm
ed, and manifested the most intense grief; however in
few seconds reaction took place. and he became con
sc0us and raised his Eyes and sad any dear children
am well aware omy situations have suffered much bod
y pain but my suaerings are but as nothing compare
accused cross that might ell be saved who put the
| trust in him" He first addressed Mrs. Jackson, (his
| danghter-in-aw) and took leave of her. reminding
her OF her tender kindness manifested towards him at all
times, and especially during his proracted illness He
took leave of Mrs Adams widowed sister Of Mrs
Jackson who has been member Of the Generals family
for several years. in the most kind and aectiona,e
manner, reminding her also of her tender devotion to-
adopted in the most afectonate and devoted manner
He next took leave Of his and the children
SO touchngly impressive, that have no language that
do this Justice He discovered that there
two Of the boys absent-one of his gandsons and
Mrs. Adams's. He inquired for them. He informed
that they were at the chapel attending Sunday school
He desired that they should be sent for As
came he kissed and blessed them Also he had done
those with him. By this time most of his servants had
collected in his at the windows When he had
taken leave OF them all he delivered of the most i'm
pressive lectures the subject of religion that have
ever heard He spoke for nearly half an hour and appa
rently with the of inspiration for he spoke with
calmness, with strength and, indeed, with animation
regret exceedingly, my dear sir that there
present who could have noted down his precise words
They might have been read with profit and would have
been fondly cherished precious gem by all the good
| and great of the land
In conclusion he said "Ny dear children and friends
and servants hope and trust to you all in heaven
=" both white and black looking at them with the
tenderest socitude. With these words he ceased to
speak, but fixed his eyes his granddaughter Rachael
Jackson (who bears the of his beloved wife
mind at that moment, will not pretend to say /; but i
did appear to that he invoking the blessings
Heaven to rest upon her. The lecture to his family wa
awfully sublime His implicit belief the Christian
religion and in the plan of salvation revealed in the
Bibe-his great anxiety that they should believe in
ligoD taught by the holy Scriptures and that in
doing they would insure their eternal salvation, and
join him in heaven ;-such sentiments from such
at such time are enough to put to flight all scepticism
/ on the subject OF religion.
Major Lewis arrived about two o'clock The General
appeared to know him, when he spoke to him. As be-
fore stated the General had to be propped up his bed
and Major Lewis supported his head until he breathed
| his last; which was precisely at six O'Clock, p. m
| haps, Of any age.
| am with great regard your friend and obedient
| want JNO. N. ESSELMAN.
FRAScrs P. BLAIR, Esq.