Kusaimamekirai’s Reviews > The First Populist: A Life of Andrew Jackson > Status Update

Nearing the end of another journey with Andrew Jackson. My feelings this time are pretty similar to the previous trips with him. He was in many respects a horrible human being. Racist, slave owner, violent, trail of tears was as a national disgrace. At the same time, he did have principles, and was staunchly pro-union and hated secessionists

“In cheating the Indians, he (Ralph Waldo Emerson) suggested, the country betrayed itself, ignoring the liberal enlightenment values that made it a New World republic rather than yet another abusive Old World imperial master. What path did it now propose to take? “Will the American government steal?” he asked. “Will it lie? Will it kill?”

“Adams accentuated the need for Congress to use every ounce of its constitutional powers in the act of “promoting the improvement of agriculture…the advancement of literature, and the progress of the sciences, ornamental and profound.” To do otherwise, “would be treachery to the most sacred of trusts.”
It’s kind of wild to imagine a U.S. President in 2025 talking about promoting art or literature

“Refusing to reconcile with Pensacola, Rachel, in a fit of white Protestant pride, looked suspiciously on the sea of Catholics and blacks before her: “the worst people here are the cast-out Americans and negroes. The inhabitants all speak Spanish and French. There are fewer white people [by] far than any other, mixed with all nations under the canopy of heaven in this dark region.”

Mrs. Jackson seems lovely

Andrew Jackson to a young Winfield Scott in 1815 after the latter criticized him:

“I think too highly of myself to suppose that I stand at all in need of your admonitions, & to light of you to appreciate them as useful.”

Again, Jackson was not a good person, but this is pretty funny

I’ve read a lot of books on Andrew Jackson but the crazy dueling thing still gets me every time. I don’t think there’s ever been a more thin skinned, hair trigger President in American hist…oh wait…

“Sevier, who is said to have responded with acid: “Services?… I know of no great service you have rendered the country, except taking a trip to Natchez with another man’s wife.” This comment precipitated a minor melee, shots were fired, at least one unblessed bystander received a grazing, but the principals walked away uninjured.”
You can say stuff like this to Jackson, but he’s gonna want to duel