Jackson, Andrew, as seventh President

Autograph letter signed 1 page (9 1/4 x 7 7/8 in.; 236 x 198 mm), [Washington], 20 October 1829, addressed on the verso to "The Secretary of the Treasury" (Samuel D. Ingham) repair to horizontal fold and seal tear. Blue cloth folding case, burgundy morocco spine, red morocco spine labels.

We have lived  too long to be imposed upon by our enemies. Early in Jackson's  administration a controversy developed around the wife of Secretary of War  John H. Eaton. The daughter of a tavern keeper and of questionable virtue, Peggy O'Neil Eaton  entered Washington society and was immediately ostracized by the ladies. Her presence was used by men for political purposes and Jackson was quick to believe that political foes were conspiring to discredit him through Mrs. Eaton. Always approaching problems head on, Jackson mounted an elaborate defense of Mrs. Eaton, becoming more determined as the allegations and social slights grew.

At the height of the initial furor and the Washington social season in full swing, this letter most likely refers to the Eaton affair or is at least indicative of the thinking of President Jackson as he found his time consumed by an absurd society argument. In a clipped manner, Jackson writes: "Having read the enclosed I return them to you, should you have occasion to write to him, you will please say, we have lived  too long to be imposed upon by our enemies, we listen to no slander on our friends, unless, coming from credible witnessess." Jackson's word constitute a concise and simple statement of his philosophy while in office.