The record-union., 1898-03-07
The Hermitage, Where General
jackson Lived.

THE Hermita the home OF An
drew Jackson. never looked more at
tractive than in its autumna garb, and
the interior is gaining interest daily
by the acquisitions of the association
in the last few months. While the
dTaperies have not been hung, nor the
carpet laid in the Generals room, the
presence there of the old-time furniture
and the very near possibilities Of its
complete restoration add an interest.
In the fireplace are the old brass and
irons and fender and readylald logs for
fire, which, however, will probably
never be lighted. Upon the mantel are
the brass candleSticks, the two vases
made of shells, and the long mantel
mirror that stood there for so many
years. The replacing of Mrs. Rachel
Jacksons portrait, upon which the old
hero's dying gaze rested, is only needed
to complete the picture, and that Will
be added from the historical collection
that was in the History Building at the
Centennial. The washstand, with its
six pieces of china, is already there.
The bureau has upon it the worn brush
used by General Jackson and the two
china smelling bottles, fashioned after
Chinese mandarins, once belonging to
Mrs. Rachel Jackson, among the few
articles of the latter now eXtant. The
wardrobe looks much as it did IN ITS
I>Old place fifty years ago.
Long years ago the bed upon which
General Jackson died was lowered by
saving off the high legs that made it
necessary to use steps to get up into
it. The legs will be restored, and also
its old-time canopy, and in every way
the room made to look as it did the day
"Old Hickory died in June, 1S45. The
Sumner County women presented the
association with the steps used in the
Sumner County room by the Winchester
bed This will go in the room.
The hall furniture is on its way from
Cincinnati and will soon be placed The
{ old Jackson sofa, given by Miss Hoff-
stetter, is now in the hall, but will be
put in the parlors. IZe medallion
bust. presented by Miss Wheatley, the
Memphis artist. is a very interesting
and valuable addition to the collection.
1t will be hung between the windows
in the state dining-room. In the par
lors also is beautiful settee presented
by the ladies of Haywood County. 1t
is of an antique pattern and of rich,
dark wood and harmoniZeS well with
it's historical surroundings. The hand
some rug used in the Hermitage Room
in the Womans Building has also been
taken to ''the Hermitage"
The epaulettes worn by General jack
son at the New Orleans reunions. given
by Messrs. John Hill Eakin and J. H.
~,
! General Mitchell by John Donelson at
New Orleans have not yet been re-
placed
Armand Hawkins, the custodian of
the Louisiana collection, from whom
the epaulettes and sword were pur-
i chased, presented two cutlasses or
swords. One was placarded u. S. cut
lass used by the American brig Caro-
lima in the fight against the British,
1S14-15, under General A. Jackson,
Presented to the Hermitage collection" "
The other contained the f11owing in
scription: Captured from the British,
1S14-15, by General A. Jackson. Pre-
sented to the Hermitage collection" 3"
These viii be placed in the cases con-
tanning the regalia and the sword.
But one Of the most valuable acqui-
sitions is the gift of NfrS~ Thomas Nj.
Steger-the magnificent portrait Of
Jackson which hung in the Hermitage
Room during the Exposition.
Since May 1st there fZ.ve been act
ually registered at "the Hermitage"
1888 visitors. Large numbers came
and went without recording their names
and not less than 6,000 or 5000 people
have visited there during the last six
months s-NaShXille American