The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-01-28

He then decided 70 marry Mrs. Richards if
she would have him, consulting with her
family in advance and obtaining their con-
sent and approval. With this purpose he
again visited Natchez. His suit was at first
declined, and it required three months as
siduous courtship before Jackson could OBJ
tain the fair lady's consent to their union.
after living together in the marriage re-
lation most happily for a couple of years,
Jackson, industriously practicing his profess
sion and rising rapidly in distinction, was
surprised to learn that no divorce was grant
ed by Legislature Of Virginia, but only an
act passed empowering the court of Mercer
county, Kentucky, were Robards lived, to
impanel a jury to try the case and grant the
Robard had delayed doing until
after Jackson's intermarriage with
his wife and when he himself had formed Il
marital engagement which he desired to con-
summate. So he brought suit, as authorized,
in the Mercer court on the ground of Mrs.
Robards diving with one Andrew Jackson
and on that ground obtained it.
In the winter Of 1874 Mr.. jackson was
again married TO Mrs. Jackson. Mrs. Hays
and Miss BOYD and some Others of the friends
of the family were present.
among General Jackson's papers are
statements corroborative Of these facts from
Mrs. Bowen, q niece Of Patrick Henry, of
Fayette County, n.y. and mother of John
H. Bowen, a representative in congress from
Tennessee: by Mrs. sally Smith, widow of
General Daniel Smith. who succeeded Gen
eral Jackson in the United States Senate in
1898, and from Mrs. Elizabeth CraiShead,
widow of Rev. Thomas b. Craighead, of the
West Tennessee presbyterv. These ladies
t,-4,c-- - III .----T1s.I ,-,vstr-1 - NJ TaoIL
sons life and conduct, with all the circum-
stances Of which they were perfectly ac-
quainted.
The general was devotedly attached 10
his wife. / find frequent illusions to her
in his correspondence, always evincing
anxiety for her health, comfort and
happiness. The most stately, the most
courtly Of gentlemen, accustomed for many
years to the best society, and polished inNhis
manners TO a degree which attracted the at
tention Of thoroughbred people from abroad;
his little. homespun wife managing her
household affairs, her kitchen, her dairy, her
slaves; familiar with and kind TO the highest
and the lowest the most hospitable of women
even rendering her pipe to a guest as a token
of her hospitality; rude unpublished and un
lettered, yet faithful tender and true, she
was to him the dearest Of human creatures.
81 knew Mrs. Jackson well, once remark
ed General William o. Butler, and she was
one Of the best ofwomen. Certainly a kind
er-hearted soul never lived. 1t was interest
inc To observe the general whan she is in his
company. His eyes were constantly upon
her, and he seemed 70 anticipate her every
wish
There is very little to be found 0 fGeneral
Jackson's correspondence with his wife. 1
have never seen but one letter of his
to her ana but one of hers to
him. Mr.. Mclaughlin, a nephew of Mr..
Kendall, who assisted him in arranging his
papers with i view to a biography to be
prepared by that gentleman, writes to his
uncle February II, 1913: The General has
just finished looking over his letters to Mrs.
jackson and decides that it is unnecessary
tina you should have them 1 see no i'm
propriety, however, in giving herewith the
only one Of hers 10 her husband that |
have:
FEBRUARY s, 1873.
Ny DEAR HUsBAND-Your Letter of the
18th January from the mouth of the Cum
berlandri river came safeto hand. 1t was every
thing to me. l reioiced, l was happy to hear
you were in health. 1t was my nightly
prayer TO the Almighty God. My
luOuRul arc AOLtNtL Vl buCts w ucTt Ut Il
90, where'er l turn, my thoughts, my fears,
my doubts distress me. Then little my hope
revives again, and hat keeps me alive. Were
it not for that l must sink; l should die in
my present situation. But my blessed Re-
deemer is making intercession with the
Father for Us to meet again, to restore youto
my bosom, where every vein, every pulse
beats high for your health, your safety, and
all your wishes crowned. Do not, my be-
loved husband, let the love of country, fame
and honor make you forget you have one.
Without you 1 would think them all empty
shadows. You will say this is not the Ian
guage of a patriot, but it's the language of a
faithful wife, one | know you esteem
and love sincerely, but Oh! how many
pangs, how many heartrending sighs has
your absence cost me. Ny time passes
heavily and L am not in good health, but l
hope to see you once more on this globe IL
after this frail life ends be with you in hap
pier chimes, where Ishall experience no more
painful separation and then, 1 shall be at rest.
L feel a ~foretaste of the joys that are to the
v~irtuous souls. Gracious God, help me to
pray for your happiness. L was delighted
to learn you were pleased with Mr.. Blackman
Il the other two clergymen and the society
In general.
Our little Andrew is well, the most affec-
tomato little darling on earth. Often does
he ask me in bed not to cry, sweet papa will
come home to you again, and l feel my
cheeks to know if | am shedding tears. One
of the extreme cold nights, he got a little
vext, and he said he wondered his papa did
not come home and sleep with him in his
big bed. On Thursday last, mamma, said
ne, let's go to Nashville q see if he is there.
l told him where you were gone. lie said
don't cry, sweet mammal; you can't think
how that has supported me in my trials.
L wish / was with you-vaiR wish. Pray,
my dear, write to ne often. It's a cordial,
it's a balm to my mind in lonesome hours.
l treasure them zap as a miser does his gold.
l could write more to your satisfaction, could
L refrain from tears, but you know how To
make allowance fsr me. Catherine Catfery
returned in a few days after YOU set out.
The stock wants their masters eve, all your
household regrets your absence, all wishing
and praying your return. L paid Fields
every cent that L did not send you in my
letter. He WAS not satisfied. then borrow
! ed $40 and maid him He Wa poinp ahV1t