Details
JACKSON, ANDREW, President. Autograph letter signed ("A.J.") to Frederick W. Porter, Corresponding Secretary of the American Sunday School Union, [Hermitage], n.d. [c.1838]. 1 page, 4to, 255 x 200mm. (10 x 8 in.), penned on the verso of integral address leaf of a letter to Jackson from Porter, red wax seal, small seal hole and small burn hole (from a candle held too close?) affecting three letters of text.
"CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME"
Former President Jackson refuses a charitable gesture: "...I feel greatly indebted to this unknown friend who has without my knowledge contributed [$150] to make me a member [of the American Sunday School Union] for life...an institution that is intended for the best & noblest purpose, and which I trust is doing so much good to the rising generations in our Union, that I might tender to him my kind acknowledgements for his liberality and well intentions. I am well acquainted with the objects of this institution and when I had a mite to spare for good & charitable purposes have not witheld it from this institution. But charity begins at home, and I have never yet had [$150] that I could spare without neglecting more charitable objects -- the poor & the needy with the widows & orphans -- therefore I cannot [consent]...to have my name inrolled on your list of members. My income is the product of my farm to meet all expence of my household, and all other, & in these severe droughts the income of m[ine] is not more than competent to meet my expences with the greatest economy..."
"CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME"
Former President Jackson refuses a charitable gesture: "...I feel greatly indebted to this unknown friend who has without my knowledge contributed [$150] to make me a member [of the American Sunday School Union] for life...an institution that is intended for the best & noblest purpose, and which I trust is doing so much good to the rising generations in our Union, that I might tender to him my kind acknowledgements for his liberality and well intentions. I am well acquainted with the objects of this institution and when I had a mite to spare for good & charitable purposes have not witheld it from this institution. But charity begins at home, and I have never yet had [$150] that I could spare without neglecting more charitable objects -- the poor & the needy with the widows & orphans -- therefore I cannot [consent]...to have my name inrolled on your list of members. My income is the product of my farm to meet all expence of my household, and all other, & in these severe droughts the income of m[ine] is not more than competent to meet my expences with the greatest economy..."