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Notes regarding document signed by Andrew Jackson Donelson
Russell B. Guerin
Donelson was a ward of Andrew Jackson?s from an early age.
Jackson had at least four such wards, one of whom became his adopted son. Another died at a young age, and little is known of him by this writer. A third was a Creek Indian boy named Lincoyer, who had survived the massacre in the Creek War; he too died early, but after being educated by Jackson.
The fourth was Andrew Jackson Donelson, who was to become President Jackson?s personal secretary and right-hand man. He distinguished himself in many ways, as the enclosed articles show, eventually running for Vice President of the United States.
Because Rachel Jackson, the President?s wife, had died before the inauguration, Donelson?s wife Emily was called upon to act as First Lady through all of the President?s first term and most of his second.
Donelson is to be distinguished from his cousin, referred to above as the adopted son. This was Andrew Jackson, Jr., who was ultimately to buy two plantations in Hancock County, called Clifton and Sea Song, the latter now being Buccaneer Park. AJ Jr. was also bom a Donelson.
A coincidence that lends to further confusion is in the fact that Sarah Jackson, wife of AJ Jr., also served as First Lady for that period when Emily Donelson was not available.


Donelson, Andrew Jackson 001
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