Washington, DC, 1999.
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PROPOSALS
FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION,
THE LIFE OF
MAJOR GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON,
BY JOHN REID,
Brevet Major United States' Army.
HAVING accompanied the general as Aid-De-Camp, in his several expeditions, and being in possession of his books and papers, the author persuades himself that no other person who is likely to engage in it, can be so well acquainted with the facts necessary to the undertaking.
Being very little known to the world, he thinks it not amiss to publish the subjoined letters, with which he has been politely favored, by officers who themselves acted distinguished parts in many of the transactions which he records; together with a statement which Gen. Jackson has been good enough to make, attesting the opportunities he has had for acquiring that information upon which his pretensions to encouragement are founded.
“Major
John Reid,
Nashville, August
15, 1815.
“Sir—I am happy to understand that an account of the different campaigns in the south, is to be presented to the public by a person, whom of all others, I could wish to give it. Your constant attachment, in the character of Aid-De-Camp, to the person of the illustrious hero, who acted so brilliant a part in those campaigns, has put you in possession of all the means for writing a correct history of them. Your previous attention to literary pursuits, and (pardon me if I say) your talents, with the information which your peculiar situation has enabled you to acquire eminently fit you for the undertaking.
“With the hope and persuasion, that your book will receive the encouragement which I am satisfied it will merit, and assurances of my most cordial regard,
I am respectfully, your friend,
Wm.
CARROLL,
Maj. Gen.
2
d Div. T. M.
”
Rutherford, July
25, 1815.
“
Sir,
“I was never better pleased than when I heard you were about to publish a history of the life of General Jackson, and of the late campaigns in the south, in which he acquired so great and just renown.
“From several proposals which I had seen in the papers for a similar undertaking, made by persons who undoubtedly have had no means of obtaining the information it requires, I had began to fear that the world was only to be furnished with mutilated and unsatisfactory statements of transactions, which certainly deserve to be faithfully recorded.
“The relation in which you have so long stood to General Jackson—the freedom and confidence of his communications to you—your own observations, and the possession of his books and papers, have, unquestionably, afforded you the best means for doing justice to the subject on which you propose to write; and I am satisfied when they come to read your work, the world will be sensible that the opportunities you possessed have not been lost.
“Wishing you complete success, I subscribe myself your sincere friend,:
JOHN COFFEE,
Brig. Gen. T. V. C. & M. G. M.
”
“Maj.
John Reid,
Aid-De-Camp to Gen. Jackson.
”
Near Nashville, August
7, 1815.
“
Sir,
“I have been informed that you contemplate laying before the public, an accurate account of the different campaigns which have been prosecuted by our worthy General in the south: permit me to express my satisfaction on this occasion; believing from your known talents—the opportunities which your situations as Aid-De-Camp has afforded you—your constant intercourse with his papers, and the active part which you have taken in those scenes; that you will be enabled to do the subject more justice than any other who may attempt it.
“I beg leave to add my best wishes for your success, and shall be happy in furnishing you with any information which you may deem important growing out of the duties of my office.
I have the honour to be, respectfully,
ROBERT BUTLER,
Adj. Gen. Div. of the south.
”
“Maj.
John Reid.
”
Nashville, August
20, 1815.
“
Sir,
“I am glad to hear you are engaged in an undertaking which your opportunities have afforded so many advantages for doing justice to. Others may write very
beautiful fancies;
but you will be enabled to present the world with a
true history.
From the capacity in which you so long acted with the General, and the superior means which you have thereby had, of acquiring correct information, there can be but little doubt, that you will receive all the encouragement you can desire. Wishing you, very sincerely, great success,
I am respectfully, your friend,
J. W. SITTLER,
Adj. Gen. in the Creek War.
”
“Maj.
John Reid.
”
STATEMENT BY GENERAL JACKSON.
“Major John Reid, having made known to me his intention of publishing a history of the late campaign in the south, I think it very proper that the publick should be made acquainted with the opportunities he has had of acquiring full and correct information on the subject on which he proposes to write.
“He accompanied me as Aid-De-Camp during the Creek war, and continued with me in that capacity, after my appointment in the U. States army. He had, and now has, the charge of my public papers, and has ever possessed my unlimited confidence.
“The opportunities he has enjoyed, improved by the talents he possesses, will, I doubt not, enable him to satisfy fully the expectations of his friends.”
“ANDREW JACKSON,
Maj. Gen. Comd'g. Div. of the South.
”
“
Nashville, Aug.
21, 1815.”
Conditions.
The work will be comprised in an octavo volume of about 400 pages, neatly bound and lettered, with accurate drawings of the positions of the armies in the several engagements, and a correct engraving of the General, and be delivered to subscribers of
FOUR DOLLARS.
It will be put to press during the ensuing winter, and be ready for delivery by spring.