Podcast
Honestly with Bari Weiss
A story was relayed from John Meacham's biography of Andrew Jackson detailing how Solomon Van Rensselaer pleaded with Jackson to keep his postmaster job, which Jackson ultimately allowed after a bizarre exchange.
Quote, Van Rensselaer went to the White House and waited for Jackson to finish with his guests at a reception. General Jackson, I have come here to talk to you about my office, Van Rensselaer said onc...
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A story was relayed from John Meacham's biography of Andrew Jackson detailing how Solomon Van Rensselaer pleaded with Jackson to keep his postmaster job, which Jackson ultimately allowed after a bizarre exchange.
Quote, Van Rensselaer went to the White House and waited for Jackson to finish with his guests at a reception. General Jackson, I have come here to talk to you about my office, Van Rensselaer said once he had the president alone. The politicians want to take it away from me, and they know I have nothing else to live upon.
Accustomed to such pleas and committed to his course, Jackson said nothing. Desperate, Van Rensselaer moved to strip off his own clothes. What in heaven's name are you going to do, Jackson said? Why do you take off your coat here? Well, sir, I'm going to show you my wounds which I received fighting for my country against the English.
Put it on at once, sir, Jackson said. I'm surprised that a man of your age would make such an exhibition of himself.