PREFACE. ORE has been written, perhaps, in one way or MORE another, about General Jackson than any other President of the United States; and his name and character still remain fruitful sources of speculation and profit among political speakers and writers. Many voluminous works which, by their titles, would indicate wide fields of historic research, are largely taken up with his good and evil deeds, and their relation to national affairs and political organizations. The newspapers and magazines of the country for many years teemed with praises or abuses of him. Scarcely a book of travels or reminiscences can be found which does not contain something of this wonderful person, who was said, by William Cobbett, to be the greatest and bravest man who had ever lived in this world, so far as he knew. Many "lives" of General Jackson were written during his three Presidential campaigns; and most of these were unreliable panegyrics. In later days more able hands have written of this meaty subject with great interest and fairness in respect to history and fact without consulting party tendencies and preju dices. Between them and the General's early biogra phers and eulogists lies a very considerable chasm, which can not be obliterated. And, after all that has careless hands, the di been written by careful and versity of opinion as to many of Jackson's acts remains now nearly where it was at the end of his life. Even about the place of his birth there is still some doubt. There appear among historians and biographers two quite opposite dispositions as to the birthplaces and parentage of heroes. With one class the character worthy of biographic distinction must be well born, with fine, consequential, old, and wealthy ancestry. With the other there is an equally determined effort to make the greatest possible display of a "poor but honest parentage," and the wonder, admiration, and respect which should be attached to results so phenomenal under circumstances so unlikely. Even among the most democratic of these writers nationality cuts no small figure. With an air of apology it may often be found said that General Jackson came of "Irish " parents, but who were themselves of "Scottish" origin, as if this were the way out of a social and physical misfortune. In a political sense these capers are ludicrous and contemptible enough, however vast, grand, potential, and unavoidable to the scientist may be the question of heredity. In poverty and wealth, of themselves, there should be no honor or offense in the Republic. And too great and uncertain have been the vicissi tudes in the families of men who were themselves distinguished for wisdom and virtue for an American historian to intrench himself behind a position so assailable. Of this extraordinary character, his work, the party. he remodeled or organized, his times, his administration of the affairs of the Government, and of the remains of his posthumous influence, I have written without reference to the preferences or inclinations of his political friends or enemies. Drawing from every possible source, I have given credit where it was feasible and proper, for what I have appropriated. And whether the picture here drawn may or may not be found everywhere acceptable, no effort or desire has been spared to render it true to life. |