Andrew Jackson and the Shadow of Slavery
Examining the complex relationship between the seventh U.S. President and the institution of chattel slavery, from his personal ownership and trade to his political stance and plantation management.
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Historical Overview
Lifelong Engagement
Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. President, was a lifelong proponent of slave ownership and actively participated in the slave trade. Unlike contemporaries like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, Jackson did not express moral reservations about slavery, viewing the legal ownership and exploitation of enslaved Black Americans as a fundamental aspect of his life and economic activities.
Scale of Ownership
Records indicate that Jackson and his immediate heirs owned a substantial number of enslaved individuals, totaling 325 between 1788 and 1865. At the time of his presidential inauguration in 1829, Jackson personally owned 95 enslaved people, a figure that grew to 150 by his death in 1845. This level of ownership placed him among the larger slaveholding families of the era, as only a small fraction of Southern slaveholding families owned 100 or more enslaved individuals.
The Slave Trade
Interregional Commerce
Jackson was actively involved in the interregional slave trade, facilitating the movement of enslaved people via the Cumberland River from Tennessee to the Natchez District in Mississippi. This practice was a significant component of the domestic slave economy, transferring human property across state lines for profit.
Defiance of Regulations
During an incident in 1811, Jackson reportedly declared his intention to disregard regulations prohibiting the trafficking of slaves through Choctaw territory. His defiant stance, emphasizing his right to move freely with his "property," underscored his commitment to the institution of slavery and his disregard for any perceived limitations on his actions.
Plantation Management
The Hermitage and Halcyon
Jackson owned three plantations, most notably The Hermitage near Nashville, Tennessee, which housed 150 enslaved individuals at the time of his death. He also acquired a plantation named Halcyon in Coahoma County, Mississippi, managed by an overseer. These estates were central to his economic interests and personal life.
Observations and Conditions
A visitor to The Hermitage, General Lafayette's secretary, noted the apparent order and cultivation of Jackson's farms but was "afflicted by the sad spectacle of slavery." Historical accounts suggest that during Jackson's presidency, The Hermitage experienced mismanagement, with reports of illness and death among the enslaved population, potentially linked to harsh treatment by overseers, particularly in the absence of his wife, Rachel.
Fugitives and Punishment
Runaway Advertisements
Jackson placed multiple advertisements for runaway slaves. One notable ad from 1804 offered "ten dollars extra, for every hundred lashes any person will give him, to the amount of three hundred." This explicit incentive for the physical punishment of an enslaved person is believed to be unique among reviewed runaway slave ads from Tennessee.
Escape Attempts and Discipline
Records show that at least ten enslaved men ran away from Jackson's plantations between 1804 and 1827. One individual, Oston, described as literate and skilled, managed to reach the Ohio River on a previous escape attempt. In 1822, after four slaves escaped, Jackson wrote to his ward, Andrew Jackson Donelson, about the necessity of placing two in irons for safekeeping until they could be sold or exchanged, indicating his views on the discipline required to maintain control.
Discipline and Violence
"Hickory Oil"
Correspondence from 1815 refers to enslaved women being "brought to order by Hickory oil," a euphemism for whipping. This practice, along with Jackson's military directives advocating for corporal punishment (specifically mentioning "thirty nine stripes") as a deterrent for desertion, reveals a consistent belief in physical discipline as a means of control and enforcement.
Views on Punishment
Jackson's perspective on punishment, particularly for subordinates, was often severe. He argued for the restoration of corporal punishment in the army, comparing the dishonor of receiving stripes to the prolonged suffering of being "manacled with Chains." His views reflected a belief that stringent physical penalties were necessary for maintaining order and discipline, a philosophy he applied within his household and military command.
The Presidency and Abolitionism
Reaction to Nat Turner's Rebellion
Following Nat Turner's slave rebellion in 1831, federal troops were deployed. While Jackson ordered their withdrawal immediately after the suppression, his administration's response was complex, balancing the need to quell unrest with concerns about the political ramifications of the event.
Suppressing Anti-Slavery Literature
During the 1830s, as the abolitionist movement gained momentum, the American Anti-Slavery Society distributed anti-slavery tracts through the postal system. Jackson vehemently condemned these publications and their proponents, labeling abolitionists as "monsters" who threatened the Union through "sectionalism." He directed that such materials be sent only to subscribers, thereby exposing them to retribution, and called on Congress to prohibit the circulation of "incendiary publications" in the South.
Enduring Legacy
Family and Political Continuity
Jackson's views on slavery and his practices influenced his family and political associates. His ward, Andrew Jackson Donelson, later nominated for Vice President in 1856, publicly stated his ownership of 100 slaves and his loyalty to the South.
Presidential Impact
As president, Jackson's firm stance against abolitionist agitation and his emphasis on states' rights and national unity, albeit framed through a pro-slavery lens, significantly shaped the political discourse surrounding slavery in the decades leading up to the Civil War.
Notable Enslaved Individuals
Dinwiddie
Born around 1773, Dinwiddie was purchased by Jackson in 1806 and worked as a trainer in his stables until Jackson's death. Dinwiddie, along with a notable horse named Truxton, was available for lease by the Jackson family.
John Fulton
John Fulton was an enslaved musician at The Hermitage who played the violin and was hired out to provide music for parties on other plantations. Another enslaved individual at the Hermitage played the banjo. Fulton continued his employment at Vanderbilt after emancipation.
Taxable Slaves (1825)
Jackson's Inventory
In 1825, Andrew Jackson compiled a list of taxable enslaved property at The Hermitage. This document provides a detailed inventory of individuals and families under his ownership during that period.
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References
References
- Oxford English Dictionary, รขยยhickory oil (n.),รขยย December 2024, https://doi.org/10.1093/OED/8427399957.
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Disclaimer
Historical Context and Sensitivity
This page presents a historical analysis derived from publicly available data. The subject matter, Andrew Jackson's deep involvement with and advocacy for the institution of chattel slavery, is sensitive and reflects a critical aspect of American history. The content is intended for educational purposes to foster a comprehensive understanding of this period.
This is not a substitute for scholarly historical research. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, interpretations of historical events and figures can vary. Always consult primary sources and diverse scholarly perspectives for a complete understanding.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided herein.