The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1875-12-11
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Manners of General Jackson.

The manners of Gen. jackson were re-
markablc for their elegance; though most
dignifcd, they were SO kind as to put
every visitor at his ease. The courtliness
of Old Hickory is strong proof of his
having been one Of natures noblemen; for
he lived all his youngest days amid the
toughest scenes in America. The follow
ing story was told US, few months since,
by venerable gentleman, whose word is
a guarantee for its truth We publish it,
for nothing concerning the personal char
acteristics Of so great man as General
Jackson should be allowed to perish.
One of the leaders of fashion, forty
years ago, in this country, was the beauti-
full and accomplished Mrs. c., of Mary
land. This lady spent some time in
Europe while Jackson was President, and
from her connection with one of the most
renowned families of the British peerage,
she saw more Of tho aristocratic world
than falls to the lot of most American la
dies. Just before her return home she
appeared at the English Court, and, as she
took her leave, George ~ sent n message
by her to Gen. jackson, which he charged
her to deliver in person. Accordingly,
soon after her arrival she went to Wash
ington to deliver the message Of the king.
She had never seen Gen. Jackson, but she
had heard so much to his disadvantage
from his political adversaries that she was
not much prepossessed in his favor. New
ertheless, as she had determined to risk a
visit, she sent for james Buchanan to in
troduce her.
So James went with her to the presi-
dental mansion, and, having escorted her
to the reception-room, he went up stairs to
see the General, whom he found in an old
dressing gown, with his pipe in his mouth,
and with his gray beard several days old.
He informed him of the elegant lady
who had called to see him, and of the pur-
pose of her doing SO, and added: "But,
General, you are not now in trim to see
ladies'; you must fix up"
Buchanan replied Old Hickory, II
once knew man who succeeded very well
in the world by attending to his own bus
iness."
Upon this hint James said no more, but
went down into the reception-room to
await the arrival Of the General, and in
troduce him to Mrs. c..
In quite short time the President came
down well dressed and neatly shaven. Mr..
Buchanan introduced him to Mrs. c.,
and retired
Left alone with old Andrew, she with
some trepidation delivered her message to
the man whom she had been taught to con-
slider sort of wildcat; but she was SO
much reassured by his captivating man
ners that she soon lost all dread Of him
and entered into a conversation which last.
ed nearly an hour, after which she arose
to leave, and the President escorted her
to the door, where she found Mr.. Buchan-
an waiting for her to hand her to the car
riage
Wishing to find out what impression
the General had made upon her, he asked
her what she thought of him. She replied
that she was most delighted with him, and
completed her eulogy thus ~ have trav-
cled extensively, and have been at most of
the courts of Europe, but at none Of them
have l ever seen man who in elegance
of manners could compare with General
jackson"