The hall.

The Hall

The hall contains the original hat rack, umbrella stand, two mahogany sofas, pier table, Brussels stair carpet and brass rods, and the chandelier. The hall floor originally was covered with oilcloth. The pictorial wallpaper was printed by duFour in Paris, about 1825. The complete set consisted of twenty-five strips in colors, and was ordered by General Jackson in 1835, being the original paper used when the house was rebuilt. It was shipped by way of New Orleans up the Mississippi and Cumberland Rivers. This paper is of outstanding historical interest, one of the few historic, scenic papers preserved in this country.

The paper represents the legend of the travels of Telemachus in search of Ulysses, his father, and is that part of the story of his landing on the island of Calypso. He is accompanied by Mentor.

Scene I. The landing and the Queen advancing to meet them.
Scene II. Telemachus relating the story of his travels to Calypso, the faithful Mentor by his side.
Scene III. Calypso gives a fete in his honor, and Cupid begins to play a part.
Scene IV. Telemachus resolves to escape; Calypso’s maidens burn his boat, and he jumps from the cliffs.

In October, 1930, the paper was removed from the walls by Mr. James Wilson from the Metropolitan Museum in New York, for the purpose of treating the walls to insure the preservation of the paper, and was then put back.

1. Brass candlestick, presented by Mrs. Percy Warner.
2. Glass Celande or Hurricane shade.

The Front Parlor

All the furnishings in this room are originals. The chandelier, the Parian marble vase and French china vase on wall brackets, the gold oval mirror, the mantel of Italian marble, mirror over mantel, the pair of Dresden urn vases, the Japanese bronze clock inlaid with enamel, the matching candelabra, the two mahogany carved chairs, marble top table, portfolio and autograph album (inlaid with mother-of-pearl, containing two signatures of Sam Houston and presented by Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plater), Bohemian glass dish, mahogany whatnot, brass cup, large mahogany sofa, carpet and pier table are all pieces used when the Jacksons were living in the Hermitage. The lace curtains are exact reproductions of the original ones, made by Salmon Freres of Paris, France. The original red brocatel draperies were replaced in 1954 with exact reproductions of the fabric, made by Scalamandre Silks, which fabric was also used to replace the upholstering on the red chairs and the matching draperies in the back parlor. (Part of the original curtains and draperies displayed in the museum.)
1. Two carved chairs presented to Jackson by the Khedive of Egypt, when Jackson was President.
2. Portrait of General Jackson presented by Mrs. Thomas M. Stegor.
3. Portrait of Mrs. Jackson in ball dress.
5. Pair Dresden vases used in the White House while Jackson was President.
6. Bronze andirons, representing the Vestal Virgin.
7. Portrait of Andrew Jackson by Healy, the artist who was commissioned by Louis Philippe to paint the portrait, only two of which are in existence. The other one hangs in the Louvre, Paris, painted eight days before Jackson’s death. See Healy letter in Museum.
8. Opal vases presented by Andrew and Albert Marble Jackson.
9. Two liqueur bottles, presented by Lafayette to General Jackson.
10. One of a pair of brass lamps with crystal prisms used at the Hermitage by the Jackson family. Purchased from the heirs of Samuel Jackson Lawrence by the Ladies’ Hermitage Association.
11. Silver filigree basket.
12. Chair used in the White House during President Jackson’s administration. Presented by Miss Laura Friesbee of Washington, D. C.
13. Portrait of General Jackson by R. E. W. Earl, given by Mr. and Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Jr.

Back Parlor

All furnishings in this room are also originals (except lace curtains and draperies). The chandelier, pier table, mahogany chair, two chairs and tilt top table with mother-of-pearl inlay, mahogany card table, two velvet chairs, Parian marble and French china vase on wall brackets, pair of Empire urn-shaped “mirror vases” on the mantle of Tennessee marble (duplicate of Italian marble one in front parlor), brass andirons and fender, gold oval mirror, beaded mat and silver candlestick are all pieces used at the Hermitage by the Jacksons.
15. Sewing box inlaid with mother-of-pearl belonged to Mrs. Andrew Jackson; Mrs. Jackson presented it to Mrs. Emily Donelson; Mrs. Donelson gave it to Mrs. Wilcox (her daughter); Mrs. Wilcox gave it to Mrs. Andrew Price; through Mr. and Mrs. Richard Plater it was presented to the Ladies’ Hermitage Association.
16. Portrait of General Coffee.
17. Portrait of General Bronaugh.
18. Portrait of Colonel Gadsden.
19. Portrait of Lieutenant Eastland.
(These four constituted the Staff Officers generally called “General Jackson’s military family.”)
20. Clock, one of the oldest relics, in the Hermitage before the death of Mrs. Rachel Jackson. The hands are set at the hour Jackson died.
22. Jackson piano presented by Colonel Andrew Jackson, grandson of Andrew Jackson.
23. Music book belonging to Mrs. Emily Donelson, First Lady of the White House. Presented by Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson.
24. Two gilt wall brackets bought by Andrew Jackson, Jr.
25. Flower jar presented by Andrew Jackson, IV, and Albert Marble Jackson (on wall bracket). Duplicate in front parlor.
26. Mirror willed to the Association by Mrs. Alice Watkins Shields of Knoxville in 1934, originally at the Hermitage.
27. Nut bowls, and compote (on pier table).
28. Guitar of Mrs. Jackson, loaned by the Rev. Walton Lawrence Smith, a descendant.
29. Mahogany center table. The only piece remaining of the set presented to General and Mrs. Jackson when on a visit to New Orleans after the battle. The gold spectacles on the table were worn by Mrs. Jackson and the volume of Robert Burns’ poems is inscribed, “Rachel Jackson from her beloved husband, Andrew Jackson.”
30. Mahogany sofa bought by Mrs. Hoffstetter at the sale of the adopted son’s effects in 1866. Presented to the Association in 1897 by Miss Bettie Hoffstetter of Nashville.
31. Pair of silver lustre vases sent to General Jackson from the Czar of Russia.

General Jackson’s Bedroom

This room is as it was the day he died, with the same furniture he used, the bed he died upon, the chair he sat in, etc. The furnishings consist of bedstead, bureau, wardrobe, washstand with china pieces, table, chair, settee or sofa, wallpaper, bedspread, andirons and fender, mirror, brass candlestick, etc. The same pictures are on the wall. The bedspread is a replica of the original, handmade with the initials R. J. embroidered on it. The original is in the Museum. The bed and window draperies are exact reproductions of those used in the winter during Jackson’s lifetime, having been made by Scalamandre Silks, Inc., in New York, N. Y. Part of the original fabric is in the Museum.
1. Portrait of his wife by Earl, over the mantel, upon which his dying gaze rested.
2. Portrait of the adopted son, Andrew Jackson, Jr., in childhood, by Earl.
3. Earl portrait of the granddaughter, Mrs. Rachel J. Lawrence (eldest child of the adopted son), the pet and companion of his declining years.
3A. French china teapot or veilleuse, with place for light at bottom, sometimes used as night light. This relic of General Jackson’s was sold by descendants to the McIver family. The Association purchased it in 1959 from Miss Effie McIver, in memory of Miss Felicia Grundy Porter.
4. Chinese Mandarin scent bottles. Belonged to Mrs. Jackson.
5. Shell jewel case, which was Mrs. Jackson’s.
6. Portrait of Jackson.
7. Shell vases on mantel, which belonged to Mrs. Jackson.
8. Steel engraving, the “Sixth Seal.” This is an illustration of The Revelation, Chapter 6:12, 17, engraved by G. H. Phillips from the original picture by F. Danby, A. R. A., in collection of Wm. Beckford, Esq.
9. Colored print, “Battle of the Thames.”
10. Colored print, “Battle of North Point.”
11. Tobacco box, used by the General.
12. His leather hatbox.
13. Rachel Jackson’s sewing box, made by an admirer who gathered the shells.
14. Picture of Judge John Overton, bearing his signature, Judge Overton was Jackson’s law partner and lifelong friend.

Andrew Jackson, Jr.’s Bedroom

This was General and Mrs. Jackson’s room previous to the death of Mrs. Jackson in 1828, afterwards the bedroom of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson, Jr. The furniture was purchased by Jackson after the fire in 1834.

The mahogany bedstead, one of eight purchased after the fire of 1834, the mahogany bureau with toilet articles, mahogany washstand with original washstand set, original hair brush and clothes brush, strawberry design painted on back, mahogany marble top center table, triple mirror, brass andirons, cut glass oil lamp, the brass candlestick were all used in this room. The carpet is not original, but an old one of the period. The portrait of Sarah York Jackson was painted by Healy. The leather chair was one used constantly by her.

The wallpaper is a reproduction, presented by the Robert Graves Company of New York and copyrighted (1925). The wood blocks from which the paper was made were purchased by the Association.

Candlestick on mantel, presented by Mrs. Anne Hoyte Hicks Joyce, which was purchased by her grandmother, Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks, at an early auction, was used by General Jackson at the Hermitage.

Bohemian glass jar, which belonged to Rachel Jackson. Presented by Mrs. W. T. Mallison.

Andrew Jackson’s signature is on fly leaf of open volume, History of England, 1793.

Side Hall

1. Famous Military Portrait (by Earl).
2. Secretary presented to General Jackson.
3. Original sofa purchased by the Association in 1937.
4. The wallpaper in the side hall (downstairs) is a copy of the original, the part upstairs is the original.
5. Marble bust of General Jackson, presented by Hon. Lawrence Cooper, of Huntsville, Ala.
6. Precepts, given to Jackson in his early youth by his mother, which he said ruled his life. This copy presented by E. A. Lindsey and Reau E. Folk.
7. Jackson’s Masonic Apron loaned by Stanley F. Horn.
8. Copy of Jackson’s portrait, which hangs in the Nashville Masonic Temple, the original having been painted when Jackson was Grand Master. Presented by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Tennessee.
9. Presentation copy of Masonic Manual, dedicated to Jackson and presented to him by the author, Wilkins Tannehil.
10. Early portrait of Jackson, showing in the background the Hermitage as it was before it was remodeled in 1831 and preceding the fire of 1834. It was presented by Mrs. Charles W. Frear, of Troy, N. Y., in memory of her husband, who owned it for many years.
11. Jackson portrait by Sully. Presented in 1958 by Mrs. John Valentine Mershon of Philadelphia, whose grandfather, Jonathan Paul Worrall, was one of the group who originally proposed Jackson’s nomination for the presidency, and who previously owned the portrait. It was carried at the head of political parades.
12. 1819 Map of the United States given by Mrs. James Wemyss of Gallatin, Tennessee.

Office or Library

For thirty years the Hermitage was the political center of the United States, and Andrew Jackson was the most influential man of his party. Many visitors, political and otherwise, were constantly being received by General Jackson in this office.

The books are those that constituted General and Mrs. Jackson’s library and some of those of the two succeeding generations. The bookcases, which were General and Mrs. Jackson’s, hold volumes of history, poetry, fiction, theology, military regulations, law, medical practices for the home, veterinary science, gardening, bound state papers and newspapers of the time, school books, etc., numbering over 400.

The tables of mahogany, the brass candlestick, mahogany chairs, pair of bronze oil lamps, cut glass celande or hurricane shade, brass spittoon, boar paperweight, and owl inkstand are all original. The carpet, not originally in the Hermitage, was obtained from the home of Mrs. Edgar Foster, which was built in the period of the Hermitage. Other original furnishings are:

1. Three cherry bookcases.
2. Chair, made from wood of the frigate Constitution, presented to Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Navy, 1837; Secretary of the Treasury, 1834, to March, 1837; during the administration of President Jackson. Presented to the Hermitage by Miss Ellen C. Woodbury, daughter of Levi Woodbury, in 1900.
3. Mahogany bookcase and desk.
4. Bust of General Jackson by Hiram Powers. This Powers bust of Jackson, by the sculptor before he went to Italy for study, is one of the best examples of pure American art.
5. Old map of New Hampshire.
6. and 7. Pair of paintings of DeSoto and his wife, Isabella. Presented by Louis Philippe to President Jackson.
8. Jackson’s bound copies of the Globe Democrat, Published at Washington, D. C., while he was President of the United States. Presented by Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson.
9. Old Newspapers of Jackson’s time (Bound). Presented by Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence. Atlas with Andrew Jackson’s signature Sept. 12, 1835.
10. Bust of Levi Woodbury, of General Jackson’s cabinet.
11. Case, made of historic wood taken from the old building first used as a statehouse in Nashville, 1812-1815. The case was made to protect the bound volumes of newspapers of Jackson’s day. Wood given by Mrs. Jennie C. Buntin.
12. Invalid chair, presented to General Jackson by the mechanics of Nashville. Invented by Dr. Holmes of South Carolina, who presented duplicates to Queen Victoria and John C. Calhoun.
13. Mahogany candlestand, upon which General Jackson always opened his mail, and candlestick on beaded mat; his Bible and spectacles.
14. Marble-topped table at which General Jackson issued directives at the Battle of New Orleans. Presented by Judge John Minnick Williams of Altus, Okla., formerly of Nashville.
15. Chair, presented to Jackson by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney.
16. Pair of bronze and crystal oil candelabra on mantel.
17. Portrait by Earl of General Jackson on Sam Patch, white horse presented him in 1833 by the citizens of Pennsylvania. General Jackson rode this horse in a civic and military parade given in his honor in Philadelphia, after which it was sent to Nashville. Federal soldiers whom General Geo. H. Thomas had placed as guard at the Hermitage fired a military salute over the grave of the horse.
18. The walnut office desk with a number of secret drawers; used constantly when Jackson was practicing attorney.
19. Steel engraving of George Washington.
20. Bust of Lewis Cass, Secretary of War and Minister Plenipotentiary to France under General Jackson.
21. Liquor Chest of General Jackson. Presented by Mrs. Michael Mullens of Baltimore, Maryland.

The Nursery

This room, used until 1955 as the museum for relics and papers, was at one time during the residence of the Jacksons the overseer’s room, at another the nursery.

The cherry cradle was made at the Hermitage for Andrew Jackson, Jr., and was purchased by the Association from a member of the family. The quilt on the cradle was made by Mrs. W. L. Nichol, neighbor and friend of the Jacksons, for her daughter, Julia Nichol More. Coverlet, given by Mrs. Minos Fletcher, Jr., and Paul Shwab. The bed and the rug are types used in that period. The chair, which was given by Mrs. D. W. Cantrell, belonging to a member of the Jackson family. The chest of drawers and the washstand were part of the original Hermitage furnishings, and the china toilet set, of the Jackson period, was presented by Mrs. Edgar Foster. The clock and the unique china candlesticks were also part of the Hermitage furnishings, and the thermometer was General Jackson’s.

The silver cup was presented by Martin Van Buren to his godson, Andrew Jackson, III, on the occasion of his christening at the White House. The portrait over the mantel, which was at the White House and also hung in the Hermitage nursery, is of the twin children of Marcus Talmage, of New York, namesakes of Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Presented by the Talmages. The French doll of 1830 was given to The Hermitage by the Dixie-Dollers Club.

The wooden hat box, which belonged to Jackson’s mother, Elizabeth Hutchinson Jackson, was given by Mrs. Clara Hudgins Cowgill. The print of General Jackson is by Currier and Ives. One of the pictures is of Mrs. Lucius Polk and her son, William. As Mary Eastin, she spent much time at the White House with the Jacksons during her young ladyhood and was married there. The other picture is of Mary Eastin and Madame Pageot (daughter of Jackson’s close friend, Maj. Wm. B. Lewis) who was also one of the Jacksons’ favorites and was married there. Both pictures, made from portraits owned by the family of Mrs. Lucius E. Burch, were presented by Mrs. Burch. The small oil painting by the ten-year-old daughter of Peter G. Washington was a gift to Jackson during his presidency.

THE UPPER CHAMBERS

Earl’s Room

Ralph E. W. Earl, son of the distinguished artist, Ralph Earl, was a member of the Hermitage and White House households for 20 years. He married Jane Caffery, niece of Mrs. Jackson, who died within a year and Earl never remarried. He painted numerous fine portraits of Jackson and other notables. He is buried in the Hermitage garden, the gravestone being inscribed, “Erected in memory of Col. R. E. W. Earl, Friend and Companion of General Andrew Jackson, who died at the Hermitage, Sept. 16, 1838.”

The bed, the chest, the mirror, the chair of Venetian ironwork, used as a barber’s chair, all belonged to the original furnishings. The wallpaper is also the original. The carpet which is of the same period was presented by Mrs. Horatio Berry. A quilt of the period is the gift of Mrs. Louise Blackwell, of Warrenton, Va.

1. Portrait of Col. Jeremiah George Harris. Purser of the Navy, Editor of National Union and close friend of Jackson. Presented by his daughter, Mrs. Van S. Lindsley.
2. Portrait of Jackson by Earl.
3. Pair of shell letter racks presented to Mrs. Jackson in 1827 (letter of presentation in the Museum.)
4. Profile portrait of Jackson by Earl. Presented by Miss Mary McLemore, Donelson descendant, whose brother, John C. McLemore, III, had bequeathed it to the Hermitage.
5. Banjo owned by President Jackson, loaned by Miss Emma Hoffstetter.

Little Rachel’s Room

First child of the adopted son, Andrew Jackson, Jr., and Sarah York Jackson, “Little Rachel” was born at the Hermitage. She was always the special pet of Jackson and was one of those who stood by his bedside when he died. This room was refurnished for her with these rosewood pieces when she married Dr. J. M. Lawrence in 1852. The table belonged to Jackson. The wall paper is original, but the carpet is one of the period. The quilt was made by “Little Rachel” and was presented by Mrs. R. H. Oliphant, of San Mateo, Calif., in memory of her mother. The portrait over the mantel of Rachel Jackson Lawrence in her latter years was presented by her family. She is pictured wearing the miniature of her grandmother Jackson, for whom she was named, and which was given to her by President Jackson with the injunction never to go without it. A portrait of Andrew Jackson by the artist Wood, acquired by the Association in 1910. Washstand set of the period, given by Mrs. David P. Adams.

The bronze lamp on mantle was among the original Hermitage furnishings.

The Upper Hall

1. Jackson’s old cedar chest.
2. Steel engraving “Sortie on Gibraltar.”
3. Steel engraving, “Siege of Gibraltar.”
4. Steel engraving of Jackson on Sam Patch, willed to the Association by Miss Elizabeth Archer.
5. Oration on General Jackson, delivered by George Bancroft, U. S. Secretary of the Navy, in Washington, June 27, 1845 (one of 24 public eulogies delivered by various national leaders following Jackson’s death).

Guest Room

It was the Hermitage custom to welcome all travelers; this room was one used to accommodate some of the numerous guests. The two mahogany beds are original. The Association possesses six of the eight mahogany beds purchased when the house was refurnished in 1835. Also among the original furnishings are the cedar chest, mahogany washstand and wardrobe, the mirror, the mother-of-pearl inlay plate, the small leather trunk and the hatbox, and the wallpaper is original. The bowl and pitcher, presented by Mary Felice Ferrell, were given to her grandfather by Jackson. The Venetian ironwork chair was used as a barber’s chair. The carpet is an old one of the period.
1. Portrait of Jackson by Earl.
2. Portrait of Jackson by an unknown artist.

The Brides’ Room

As General and Mrs. Jackson were greatly beloved by the younger members of her family and of their friends, many came, including Henry A. Wise (later Governor of Virginia) and his bride, to spend their honeymoons at the Hermitage. This guest room, therefore, was known as the Brides’ Room. The mahogany bed, French dresser, wardrobe, chest and shaving stand, table, mirror and china vases were all among the original furnishings. The bedspread is handwoven, the silk quilt was made by Mrs. Julia Nichol More, granddaughter of Josiah Nichol, friend and neighbor of the Jacksons. The carpet was a gift from Miss Myrtle Drane, of Clarksville, who inherited it from her grandfather.
1. Portrait of Mrs. Jackson. Presented to the Association by Mrs. Ellen Call Long, whose father, General Call, eloped with Miss Mary Kirkman and was married at the Hermitage. This portrait and also one of General Jackson, were given to the young couple as a bridal present.
2. Chair from the Chateau de Lafayette, presented to the Association in 1890 by Senator Edmond de Lafayette, the grandson of General Lafayette. Senator Lafayette’s letter in relation to this gift is in the Museum.
3. Masonic Lodge candlestick used in Gallatin by General Jackson. Presented by Col. Thomas H. Boyers.
4. Portrait of Jackson presented to the Association by Mr. and Mrs. David C. Mosby, San Francisco, Calif.

The Dining Room

Rachel Jackson’s Blessing was: “Sanctify, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this provision for our good and us to Thy service for Christ’s sake, Amen.”

The dining room contains the original sideboard, table, some of the chairs, side table, pier table, sugar chest, andirons, and some of the silver and glass. The drapery fabric is an exact reproduction of an old brocatel pattern, by Scalamandre Silks; the curtains are of the type originally used; the carpet is one of the period. The floor is the only one in the mansion that has had to be replaced; a piece of the original flooring is in the Museum.

Adjoining the dining room is the pantry and farther to the rear the storeroom. A passageway leads directly from the dining room to the porch connecting with the kitchen.

All articles in the dining room are originals unless otherwise specified.

1. The “Old Hickory” or January 8 mantel, made of bits of hickory bark worked on only on the 8th of January of successive years, by one of Jackson’s soldiers in the Battle of New Orleans. Presented to General Jackson January 8, 1839 and placed in the dining room by General Jackson, January 8, 1840.
2. Pair of French vases, on the mantel.
3. The original dining table, at which several Presidents have dined: James Monroe, Martin Van Buren, James K. Polk, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Presidents Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Rutherford B. Hayes, and William H. Taft, General Sam Houston, and the Marquis de Lafayette were also among the distinguished guests who have been entertained at the Hermitage.
4. Silver tray given to Jackson by Sam Houston. Presented to the Association by Mrs. Alice Watkins Shields. The large coffee pot with the initials A. J., once owned by Jackson, was returned by its recent owner, Mrs. John MacVeagh, Santa Barbara, Calif.; the three other pieces are Hermitage originals.
5. Candelabra with “wind glasses.”
6. Epergne.
7. Silver wine cart. Mate in Museum.
8. Two of the Decatur silver vegetable dishes.
9. Silver egg and toast rack. Presented by Mr. and Mrs. T. Graham Hall in memory of his mother, Mrs. Jennie McIver Hall, to whose family these were given by the Jacksons.
10. Cruet set.
11. Silver covered dishes, part of the silver pieces purchased by Jackson from the widow of Commodore Decatur. The silver originally included sixteen round and oval dishes, which were used constantly for years at the Hermitage.
12. Silver candelabrum, one of a pair used at the White House, given by Miss Mary R. Wilcox.
13. Additional pieces of the Decatur silver.
14. Bohemian wine decanters and silver holders.
15. Silver wine cooler.
16. Portrait of John Donelson, one of the Tennessee pioneers, brother of Rachel Jackson.
17. Portrait of the adopted son, Andrew Jackson, Jr. by Earl.
18. Portrait of Sarah York Jackson (wife of Andrew Jackson, Jr.). The dress in which she is pictured is in the Museum.
19. Portrait of Mrs. John Donelson (Mary Purnell).
20. Portrait of Rachel Jackson, wife of Andrew Jackson.
21. Portrait of Andrew Jackson, about 1820.
22. Oil painting of Christopher Columbus (over the mantel). Presented to Jackson by S. D. Bradford of West Roxbury, Mass
23. Portrait of General Coffee.
24. Portrait of Mary Donelson Coffee, wife of General Coffee, daughter of John Donelson and niece of Rachel Jackson. These portraits were presented by Hon. Alexander Donelson Coffee, son of General and Mrs. Coffee.

Kitchen

The restoration of the furnishings of the old kitchen to its oldtime glory of yawning chimney piece, its crane and pothook, its ovens and skillets, its candle molds and spinning wheels, brings back reminiscences of the cook, “Betty,” and the old regime of Jackson’s day. The large stone hearth is as it was in General Jackson’s day.
Spinning wheel and reel, over 100 years old. Presented by Andrew Jackson Baker, former custodian, who was born at the Hermitage.
Table of the period, given by Mrs. W. H. Wemyss.
Candle molds. Presented by Miss Louise Baxter, Mrs. W. J. McMurray, Mrs. M. A. Spurr, and Mrs. George L. Cowan.
Pothooks and Flax Hacker. Used in Revolutionary days. Presented by Miss Louise Baxter and Miss Louise G. Lindsley.
Some of the original kitchen utensils. Presented by Mrs. Andrew Jackson III.
Copper kettle given to Rachel Jackson by Peggy O’Neal.
Old grease lamp, given by Mrs. W. A. Hargis.
Original water cooler. Always used in the pantry.
Brass kettle. Presented by Mrs. Whitefoord Cole.
Original churn of Jackson’s. Loaned by Miss Emma Hoffstetter. Six dish covers, pair tongs of Major Andrew Jackson Donelson’s. Presented by Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson.
Original old wafer irons. Presented by Mrs. L. D. Hill and Mrs John K. Maddin.
Original kitchen “safe,” for keeping food.
Pie tins and custard cups, used by Aunt Betty, the cook.
Original spice jars, brought from China.
Original flour and meal chest.
Original chest which contained Decatur silver (see letter in Museum).
Original brass kettles, used for preserving.
Plate given by Mary Hook, once used at the Hermitage.
Iron spit, given by Mary Felice Ferrell.
The bells overhead on the back porch were rung from the parlor and front door.

The Old Smokehouse

A remnant of days long gone by, when the smokehouse was the most important house on a plantation. Built in 1831.

Original trough for salting meat made from one log, presented by Mrs. Cleves Symmes, granddaughter of Jackson’s adopted son.

The iron kettle, used for rendering lard, was given by Mrs. E. W. Graham, great-great-grandniece of Rachel Jackson. The imitation hams show how they were hung from the beams.

A normal supply of meat for the 100 slaves, family and guests when hogs were killed was from 20,000 to 25,000 pounds.

The Garden

To the east of the mansion is the flower garden which General Jackson had laid out in 1819 for his wife, Rachel, whose chief interest it was.

It was designed by William Frost, a well-known English Landscapist, and it is considered by authorities to be an outstanding example of early American garden design.

More than an acre in area, the garden contains about fifty varieties of old fashioned plants and great hickory and magnolia trees planted by General Jackson.

Other interesting varieties of trees in the garden and on the grounds have markers showing their common and botanical names.

Copy of an old English sundial given by Thomas H. Berry. Base given by James W. Pearre.

The tomb of General and Mrs. Jackson is in the south-east corner of the garden, and many other members of their family and household are buried in the plot nearby.

Garden plan.

THE TOMB

The tomb.

The tomb was built by General Jackson in 1831 and was erected over his wife, with a vault for himself.

The inscription on General Jackson’s tomb is:

General Andrew Jackson
Born March 15, 1767
Died June 8, 1845

The inscription on Mrs. Jackson’s tomb was written by her husband, and is as follows:

“Here lie the remains of Mrs. Rachel Jackson, wife of President Jackson, who died the 22nd of December, 1828. Age, 61 years. Her face was fair, her person pleasing, her temper amiable, her heart kind; she delighted in relieving the wants of her fellow creatures, and cultivated that divine pleasure by the most liberal and unpretending methods; to the poor she was a benefactor; to the rich an example; to the wretched a comforter; to the prosperous an ornament; her piety went hand in hand with her benevolence, and she thanked her Creator for being permitted to do good. A being so gentle and so virtuous slander might wound, but could not dishonor. Even death, when he bore her from the arms of her husband, could but transport her to the bosom of her God.”

The other graves on the plot are those of the adopted son, Andrew Jackson, Jr., and his wife, Mrs. Sarah York Jackson. Two infants lie buried there; also one son, Samuel Jackson, who was killed at Chickamauga; the grave of Dr. John M. Lawrence, who married Rachel, the idol of the old General’s life. In February, 1923, the spirit of Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence passed into the great beyond, and her body rests beside her husband and near her grandfather, the great hero, who affectionately looked upon and called her his “beloved little Rachel.” The grave of Col. R. E. W. Earl, friend and companion of Jackson, is there. Further apart from the other graves is that of Mrs. Marion Adams, the widowed sister of Mrs. Sarah Jackson who always resided with her, and whose family was reared at the Hermitage. On December 19, 1906, Col. Andrew Jackson, grandson, was laid beside his kindred dust in the garden, and his wife, Mrs. Amy Jackson, who died January 9, 1921, lies beside him. There are also the graves of John Marshall Lawrence, 1859-1926, and Thomas Donelson Lawrence, 1869-1942, sons of Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence; and Anne Laurie Lawrence Smith, born at the Hermitage April 3, 1855, died February 4, 1937, and Sazie Lawrence Winn, born at Hermitage March 15, 1854, died May 6, 1882, daughters of Mrs. Lawrence. Andrew Jackson, IV, son of Col. Andrew and Mrs. Amy Jackson, was buried here in 1953.

The grave of Uncle Alfred, freed slave who preferred to remain at the Hermitage and who wanted to be buried near General Jackson, is located to the north of the tomb in the garden.

The stone seat near the tomb is one of three presented to the Hermitage by Mrs. Marvin E. Holderness, Mr. Robert F. Jackson, Jr., and Mr. N. Baxter Jackson of New York, in memory of their mother, Mrs. Robert F. Jackson, who served as Regent of the Ladies’ Hermitage Association. Mrs. Robert F. Jackson’s grandmother, Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, served as first Regent 1889-1899.

THE SARCOPHAGUS OFFER

In March, 1845, Commodore Elliott offered to General Jackson a sarcophagus which he had obtained at Palestine. In a letter of appreciation, but ringing with American spirit, General Jackson declined the offer.

Copies of two letters touching this incident were presented to the Association by Hon. John Wesley Gaines and are as follows:

Washington City, March 18, 1845.

My Dear General—Last night I made something of a speech at the National Institute, and have offered for their acceptance the sarcophagus which I obtained at Palestine, brought home in the Constitution, and believed to contain the remains of the Roman Emperor Alexander Severus, with the suggestion that it might be tendered you for your final resting place. I pray you, General, to live on in the fear of the Lord; dying the death of a Roman soldier, an emperor’s coffin awaits you.

I am, truly, your friend.

Jesse D. Elliott.

To Gen. Andrew Jackson.

Hermitage, Tenn., March 27, 1845.

Dear Sir—Your letter of the 18th inst. tonight with a copy of the Proceedings of the National Institute, furnished me by their corresponding secretary, on the presentation by you of the sarcophagus for acceptance on condition it shall be preserved and in honor of my memory, have been received and are now before me. Although laboring under great debility and affliction, from a severe attack from which I may not recover, I raise my pen and endeavor to reply. The steadiness of my nerves may perhaps lead you to conclude my prostration of strength is not so great as here expressed. Strange as it may appear, my nerves are as steady as they were forty years gone by, whilst from debility and affliction I am gasping for breath. I have read the whole proceedings of the presentation by you of the sarcophagus, and the resolutions passed by the board of directors so honorable to my fame, with sensations and feelings more easily to be conjectured than by me expressed. The whole proceedings call for my most grateful thanks which are hereby extended to you, and through you to the president and directors of the National Institute. BUT WITH THE WARMEST SENSATIONS THAT CAN INSPIRE A GRATEFUL HEART, I MUST DECLINE ACCEPTING THE HONOR INTENDED TO BE BESTOWED. I CANNOT CONSENT THAT MY MORTAL BODY SHALL BE LAID IN A REPOSITORY PREPARED FOR AN EMPEROR OR KING.

MY REPUBLICAN FEELINGS AND PRINCIPLES FORBID IT; THE SIMPLICITY OF OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT FORBIDS IT. EVERY MONUMENT ERECTED TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF OUR HEROES AND STATESMEN OUGHT TO BEAR EVIDENCE OF THE ECONOMY AND SIMPLICITY OF OUR REPUBLICAN INSTITUTIONS AND OF THE PLAINNESS OF OUR REPUBLICAN CITIZENS, WHO ARE THE SOVEREIGNS OF OUR GLORIOUS UNION AND WHOSE VIRTUE IT IS TO PERPETUATE IT. TRUE VIRTUE CANNOT EXIST WHERE POMP AND PARADE ARE THE GOVERNING PASSIONS. IT CAN ONLY DWELL WITH THE PEOPLE—THE GREAT LABORING AND PRODUCING CLASSES—THAT FORM THE BONE AND SINEW OF OUR CONFEDERACY.

For these reasons I cannot accept the honor you and the president and directors of the National Institute intended to bestow. I CANNOT PERMIT MY REMAINS TO BE THE FIRST IN THESE UNITED STATES TO BE DEPOSITED IN A SARCOPHAGUS MADE FOR AN EMPEROR OR A KING. I again repeat, please accept for yourself, and convey to the president and directors of the National Institute, my most profound respects for the honor you and they intended to bestow. I have prepared an humble depository for my mortal body besides that wherein lies my beloved wife, where, without any pomp or parade, I have requested, when my God calls me to sleep with my fathers, to be laid; for both of us there to remain until the last trumpet sounds to call the dead to judgment, when we, I hope, shall rise together, clothed with that heavenly body promised to all who believe in our glorious Redeemer who died for us that we might live, and by whose atonement I hope for a blessed immortality.

I am, with great respect, your friend and fellow citizen,

Andrew Jackson.

To Commodore J. D. Elliott, United States Navy.

On January 8th, the anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans, an annual pilgrimage is made to the tomb of Andrew Jackson by the Association, school groups, patriotic and civil official organizations. Representatives place wreaths on the tomb. The Andrew Jackson State Park, commemorating his birthplace, is located 10 miles north of Lancaster, S. C.

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park, largely a memorial to General Jackson, is located on the site of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, on the Tallapoosa River, east central Alabama.

Uncle Alfred’s Cabin

Uncle Alfred was General Jackson’s body-servant and lived in his cabin in the rear yard. Born in 1803, he lived until 1901, and for many years entertained visitors when acting as guide through the Hermitage. At his request, he is buried near the Jackson tomb in the garden. This cabin has been furnished according to Uncle Alfred’s time. In one of the rooms of the cabin is an old spinning jinny (original) presented by Mrs. W. B. Walton, a great-niece of Mrs. Jackson. This was inherited by Mrs. Walton from the family.

Old Carriage House From Hunter’s Hill

Log building used as a carriage house during Jackson’s residence at Hunter’s Hill, was moved from there and now located near the spring, used as a tool house.

The Log House by the Spring

Completed in 1940, was built for the use of the Hermitage Association members. It consists of two spacious rooms and a kitchen equipped for simple cooking. It is used for the annual spring and fall outings of the Association, and members have the privilege of using the kitchen and one or both rooms for entertaining, upon application to the custodian and payment of a small fee. One of the rooms was furnished in memory of Mrs. Walter Stokes, former Regent, by her daughter, Mrs. W. H. Wemyss, and her son, Walter Stokes, Jr.

GENUINENESS OF THE RELICS

That there might never be a question raised as to the genuineness of the relics purchased, the Association has obtained from Colonel Jackson and his sister, Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence, the following affidavit:

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is to certify that all the articles of furniture or relics purchased by the Ladies’ Hermitage Association from Mrs. Rachel Jackson Lawrence, granddaughter, and Col. Andrew Jackson, grandson of General Andrew Jackson are the identical pieces of furniture owned and used by General Jackson during his lifetime. They were in the Hermitage when General Jackson died and were there when the Ladies’ Hermitage Association took possession in 1889. The entire collection was removed in 1893, when Col. Jackson left the Hermitage, and have been restored from time to time as the Association was able to purchase them.

The articles restored up to the present time, March, 1900, are those in General Jackson’s bedroom, which is complete as it was the day he died; the library, or office, entire; the hall, entire; and all furniture now in the dining room and parlors.

(SEAL) Rachel Jackson Lawrence. Col. Andrew Jackson.

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this March 13, 1900. R. S. Cowan, Notary Public.

Since 1900 many more pieces of the Jackson furniture and relics have been acquired and restored to the Hermitage by purchase, gift, or loan; and while it is well furnished throughout with original pieces, information is still being gathered and evaluated on some outstanding relics.

OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE
LADIES’ HERMITAGE ASSOCIATION

Regent Mrs. A. MacDowell Smith
First Vice-Regent Mrs. William P. Cooper
Second Vice-Regent Mrs. Edward W. Graham
Treasurer Mrs. Roy C. Avery
Recording Secretary Mrs. Horatio Buntin
Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Douglas M. Wright
Mrs. George F. Blackie
Miss Marian Craig
Mrs. Paul E. DeWitt
Mrs. Edgar M. Foster
Mrs. Henry Goodpasture
Mrs. Douglas Henry
Mrs. Marvin E. Holderness
Miss Martha Lindsey
Mrs. Gilbert Merritt
Mrs. Jesse M. Overton
Mrs. Fred Russell
Mrs. Laird Smith
Mrs. William H. Wemyss
Mrs. John Reid Woodward
Mr. Stanley F. Horn, President, Nashville
Mr. William Waller, Vice President, Nashville
Mr. C. Lawrence Winn, Secretary, Old Hickory
Mr. Henry Barker, Bristol
Mr. Thomas H. Berry, White Pine
Mr. Walter Chandler, Memphis
Mr. Lewis R. Donelson, Jr., Memphis
Mr. T. Graham Hall, Nashville
Mr. James G. Stahlman, Nashville

The Following Boards Have Had Control of the Association Since Its Organization

ELECTED MAY 15, 1889

Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
Mrs. A. S. Colyar, First Vice-Regent
Mrs. J. M. Dickinson, Second Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. William Morrow
Mrs. John Ruhm
Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
Mrs. Duncan B. Cooper
Mrs. Felix Demoville
L. F. Benson, Treasurer

ELECTED MAY 20, 1891

Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
Mrs. Albert S. Marks, Acting Regent
Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. William Morrow
Mrs. John Ruhm
Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
Mrs. John C. Gaut
Mrs. Maggie L. Hicks
Dr. William Morrow, Treasurer

ELECTED JUNE 7, 1893

Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
Mrs. Albert S. Marks, First Vice-Regent
Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. John Ruhm, Auditor
Mrs. John C. Gaut
Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
Mrs. Isabel M. Clark
Mrs. J. M. Dickinson
Mr. Edgar Jones, Treasurer

ELECTED OCTOBER 30, 1895

Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
Mrs. Albert S. Marks, Acting Regent
Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. John Ruhm, Auditor
Mrs. Hugh Craighead
Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson
Mrs. John C. Gaut
Mrs. Isabel Clark
Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer

ELECTED MAY 19, 1897

Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Regent
Mrs. Albert S. Marks, Acting Regent
Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Sec. Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. R. G. Throne
Mrs. J. M. Dickinson
Mrs. M. S. Cockrill
Mrs. A. M. Shook
Mrs. John C. Gaut
Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer

ELECTED MAY 17, 1899

Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Regent
Mrs. J. M. Dickinson. First Vice-Regent
Mrs. Eugene C. Lewis, Sec. Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. R. G. Throne
Mrs. M. S. Cockrill
Mrs. A. M. Shook
Mrs. John C. Gaut
Mrs. J. C. Buntin
Mrs. A. M. Shook, Treasurer

ELECTED MAY 15, 1901

Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Regent
Mrs. A. M. Shook, First Vice-Regent
Mrs. M. S. Cockrill, Second Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. John C. Gaut
Mrs. William J. McMurray
Mrs. Thomas M. Steger
Mrs. J. C. Buntin
Mrs. J. Walter Allen, Treasurer

ELECTED MAY 13, 1903

Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Regent
Mrs. A. M. Shook, First Vice-Regent
Mrs. M. S. Cockrill, Second Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. John C. Gaut
Mrs. William J. McMurray
Mrs. Thomas M. Steger
Mrs. J. C. Buntin
Mrs. J. Walter Allen, Treasurer
Mrs. Lindsley expiring July 5, 1903. Mrs. A. M. Shook was elected Regent, Miss Louise Lindsley, a director.

ELECTED MAY 17, 1905

Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Regent
Mrs. M. S. Cockrill, First Vice-Regent
Miss Louise Lindsley, Second Vice-Regent
Mrs. J. Walter Allen, Secretary
Mrs. William J. McMurray
Mrs. Thomas M. Steger
Mrs. J. C. Buntin
Mrs. A. M. Shook
Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer

ELECTED MAY 15, 1907

Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Regent
Miss Louise G. Lindsley, First Vice-Regent
Mrs. A. M. Shook, Second Vice-Regent
Mrs. J. Walter Allen, Secretary
Mrs. M. S. Cockrill
Mrs. Thomas M. Steger
Mrs. B. F. Wilson
Mrs. Joseph M. Ford
Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer

ELECTED MAY 19, 1909

Miss Louise Grundy Lindsley, Regent
Mrs. Walter Allen, First Vice-Regent
Mrs. A. M. Shook, Second Vice-Regent
Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Secretary
Mrs. M. S. Cockrill
Mrs. J. Cleves Symmes
Mrs. B. F. Wilson
Mrs. Joseph M. Ford
Mrs. P. H. Manlove, Treasurer
Mrs. M. S. Cockrill expired 1910. Mrs. Shelby Williams elected her successor.