Andrew Jackson Data

The Republican Compiler (Gettysburg, PA) 5 Nov 1823 Page 2 From Niles’ Weekly Register, Oct. 25 General (Andrew) Jackson has been elected a senator of the United States from Tennessee, in the place of Colonel Williams, whose period of service expired on the 4th of March last. As more than usual importance is attached to this election, it may gratify the curiosity of some to state certain of the particulars, as they are presented to us: Colonel Williams is a man of fine talents and agreeable manners, and highly esteemed by his personal acquaintances; but it was understood in Tennessee that he was favourable to the election of Mr. Crawford to the presidency, as he was said to have been a leading member of what are called “the radicals” at Washington. His name had been before the legislature eight or ten days, and his re-election was opposed by two other candidates so that his prospect of success was good. In this condition of things, it was resolved to bring forward the name of general Jackson; but much clamor was raised against the proceedings, because one of the senators had always before been taken from East and the other from West Tennessee, whereas, by this election, the tow would be sent from the latter section of the state. Tennessee is an much divided into parties by the mountains, as Maryland is by the Chesapeake bay. Under these circumstances the vote was taken, and it stood 35 for Jackson and 25 for Williams. It is said, that if it had been known in time that the former was to be put up as a candidate, he would have received all the votes but about 10; locality, just above mentioned, to the contrary notwithstanding. The general made no personal efforts to obtain the appointment; he did not seek the office, but will serve in it, though against his private wishes. The Republican Compiler 12 Nov 1823 Page 3 From the Nashville Gazette, Oct. 17 Andrew Jackson, on the first day of October, was elected by the legislature of Tennessee a senator to congress. That he was not a candidate, and did not seek for or solicit the appointment, nor was influenced by personal considerations, will appear from the following correspondence, with which we have been politely favored by Major Maury. “Murfreesboro, September 20, 1823 “Dear General, I am particularly requested by many friends of yours, to enquire if you are willing to serve in the senate of the United States. The general wish here is, that you may assent to what your friends earnestly desire, and enter upon a service, which, though at war with your individual interests, is yet one which it is hoped you will not decline. Indeed, looking to the committee of the state of Pennsylvania, that office should be neither sought for nor declined,” a strong disposition was entertained to venture your name for the proposed appointment, without enquiring of you aught about it; but considering that you are at convenient distance, I have thought proper, at the desire of several of the members, to propose it in confidence to you. If you shall consent to let your name be used, it is probable that the three gentlemen, who are at present before the legislature for the appointment, will decline; if this however should not be the case, even then, although some of the members have become pledges, and although the sectional division of East Tennessee right may somewhat operate, still I feel authorized to say, and entertain no doubt of the fact, that you will be supported by a large majority of the legislature. All we want is a belief that you will permit your name to be used. I am, with very great respect, your most obedient, Abram Maury General Andrew Jackson Answer Hermitage, September 21, 1823 Dear Sir, Your letter of yesterday has reached me, stating it to be the desire of many members of the legislature that my name may be proposed for the appointment of senator to congress. It is very true, as you remark, that I have not only said, but have, I believe, through life, acted upon the principle, that office, in a republican government like ours, should not be solicited, nor yet, when conferred, declined; still I would suggest to my friends, whether they ought not to excuse me from accepting the appointment they have proposed. There are many better qualified to meet the fatigues of the journey than myself, and on whose services a reliance for a time to come, with a prospect of becoming better as they advance, might be safely reposed; whereas from health impaired, and advancing age, neither the one nor the other could be calculated on from me; and besides it might be thought, nay, would be said, that my state had conferred it upon me, and that it had been sought for too by me with a view to other objects, and for other purposes, which are at present pending before the nation. I have therefore earnestly to request of my friends, and beg of you, not to press me to an acceptance of the appointment. If appointed, I could not decline; and yet in accepting, I should do great violence to my wishes, and to my feelings. The length of time I have passed in public service authorizes me to make this request, which, with my friends, I trust, will be considered reasonable and proper. With great regard, I am, very respectfully your, Andrew Jackson Major Abram Maury, member of the House of Representatives. Submitted by Nancy Piper

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