This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

Rachel and Andrew Jackson moved to the Hermitage farm in 1804. For the next seventeen years, they lived in a log cabin complex (still on the place). The log cabins were well furnished with furniture made by local cabinetmakers. The Jacksons were people who enjoyed tasteful furniture, clothing and jewelry. Mrs. Jackson bought a fine English watch and set of Jet jewelry in 1819. When they moved to the Hermitage mansion in 1821, they purchased silver, china and furniture in New Orleans to decorate their new home.
Throughout his life, Jackson received numerous gifts from friends and admirers. He enjoyed receiving these gifts and displaying them. One parlor was always filled with these mementoes.
The year 1826 was an important celebratory year for America. Fifty years had passed since the Declaration of Independence had been written, setting America on her course. In 1826, Jackson's presence was much in demand at celebrations commemorating the anniversary. Perhaps in the same spirit, a dinner was given at the Hermitage about which Jackson wrote on July 15th, I can dine fifty comfortably-if more we will have a plenty.? For this occasion, from the local confectionary, were ordered one large pound cake and three dozen sponge cakes.
Rachel Jackson died in 1828. Following Jackson's death in 1845, his will directed that only a few possessions were to be given to special family members or friends and all the rest to his son, Andrew Jackson Jr. These possessions, furniture and relics, continued to reside in the Hermitage with the exception of two years. In 1856, Jackson Jr., suffering serious financial reverses, sold the Hermitage and 500 acres to the State ofTennessee. For two years he and his family lived on a plantation in Mississippi. They then returned to live as tenants-at-will in the Hermitage. At Jackson Jr.'s death in 1865, the relics passed to his wife, Sarah, and their son, Col. Andrew Jackson III, former Confederate Artillery officer. Sarah died in 1887. In her will, she left certain items to her daughter, Rachel Jackson Lawrence, who lived with her family on a nearby farm, "Birdsong." A majority of the furniture and relics went to Andrew Jackson III, who was living at the Hermitage. He married Amy Rich and their two sons, Andrew Jackson IV, and Albert Marble Jackson, were bom at the Hermitage.