Library of Congress No. 00-107983
266 pages
Jackson's Confidant and Political Heir
by Dr. Robert Beeler Satterfield
History professor, Dr. Robert Satterfield, presents a scholarly account of the life and accomplishments of Jackson's often historically-overlooked nephew, Andrew Jackson Donelson. Donelson, the son or Rachel's deceased brother Samuel, was raised at the first Hermitage by the Jacksons and , as Jackson saw in him great potential, he was educated at West Point and Cumberland College. Did you ever wonder why our current president's advisors are called the "cabinet." Jackson's most
trusted advisors, actually met in the kitchen using the kitchen cabinets for their not taking. Donelson, whose wife was First Lady, after the death of Rachel, became one of Jackson's most trusted advisors. Although Jackson was quite literate, in spite of opinion contrary, he utilized Donelson's expertise not only in his speech writing and letters, but also sought his counsel for important decisions. In today's terminology he would also have been one of Jackson's most proficient campaign managers.
Donelson deserves a place in our history books, not just because he was Jackson's private secretary, or because he and his wife Emily had the first three children born to any First Lady in the White House. Rather he deserves it for four reasons. First, there were very few people who stood up to Jackson and lived to tell about it. When Donelson supported his wife in the Peggy Eaton affair, Donelson and Emily left Washington, but Donelson was the only one Jackson called back, when he discharged his entire cabinet. He could not get along without these two beloved relatives for emotional support and for desperately needed help with the overwhelming job of the presidency.
