The true Democrat., 1855-05-01
Characteristic letter from General
 Jackson.

Washington letter writer recalls the fol- lowing most interesting incident ir the life of Gen. Jackson.
 In 1859, Commodore J. D. Elliot, of the United States Navy, brought home sarcopha- gus which had been the depository of the re- mains of the Roman Emperor Alexander Se- verus, procured at Beyroot, in Syria, and also slab of marble from. the temple erected by Ma tides on the plains of Marathon, after his fa- nous battle and victory over the Persans, in the year 49O B. c.
 This 'sarcophagus was rendered Gen. Jack son, as a repository of his remains after death, and the following beautiful and characteristic letter was written in reply. The original is now on file at the national institute, ill Wash ington:
 Hermitage, March 27, 1855.
 DEAR SIR Your letter of the 18th inst, to- gether with copy of the proceedings of the national institute, furnished by their corres- bonding secretary, on the presentation, by you, of the sarcophagus for their acceptance, on con- ditlon it shall be preserved, and in honor of my memory, have been received, and are now be- fore me.
 Although laboring under great debility and afflction, from severe attack from which may not recover, l raise my pen and endeavor to reply. The steadiness of my nerves may, perhaps, lead you to conclude my prostration of strength Is not so great as here expressed.- Strange as it may appear, my nerves are as steady as they were forty years gone by; while, from debility and aff1lctlon, l am gasping for breath.
 l have read the whole proceedings of the presentation, by you, of the sarcophagus, and ha ,,tiO bv h., ]: so honorable to my fame, with sensations and feelings more easily to be conectured than by me expressed. The whole proceedings call for my most grateful thanks, which are hereby rendered to you, and through you to the pre- sident and directors of the national institute. But with the warmest sensations that can in- spire grateful heart, must decline accepting the honor intended to be bestowed. I cannot consent that my mortal body shall be laid in a repository prepared for an Emperor or King. My republican feelings forbid it; the simplicity of our system of government forbid it. Every monument erected to perpetuate the memory of our heroes and statesmen ought to bear evil dence of the economy and simplicity of our re- publican institutions, and the plainness of our republican citizens, who are the sovereisns of our glorious Union, and whose virtue is 10 per- petuate it. True virtue cannot exist where pomp and parade are the governing passions; it can only dwell with the people-the great la- boring and producing classes that form the bone and sinew of our confederacy.
 For this reason cannot accept the honor you and the president and directors of the national institute intended to bestow. I cannot permit my remains to be the first in these United States to be deposited in sarcophagus made for an Emperor or a King. again repeat, please &C., cept for yourself, and convey to the president and directors of the national institute, my most profound respects for the honor you and they intended to bestow. l have prepared an hum ble depository for my mortal body, beside that wherein lies my beloved wife, where, without pomp or parade, have requested, when my God calls me to sleep with my fathers, to be laid-for both of us there to remain until the trumpet sounds to call the dead to judgment, when we, 1 hope, shall rise together, clothed with the heavenly body promise to all who ke- lieve in our glorious Redeemer, who died for us that we might live, and by whose atonement I hope for blessed immortality
 am, with great respect, your friend and fel- low-ctizen. ANDREW JACKSON.
 To Com. J. D. Elliot, United States Navy.