Chapter I: Foreword: (1933)

By the late John H. DeWitt, distinguished jurist and historian, who
was President of the Tennessee Historical Society and Judge of the
Court of Civil Appeals.

The history of the Hermitage, Andrew and Rachel Jackson, their domestic life, their relations with their friends and her kin, is of charming interest. Mrs. Mary French Caldwell has recorded in this booklet much of this history that has not hitherto been published. She has made patient research into old records and other documents, bringing to light Jackson's transactions in certain lands, his acquisitions of home sites, and building and rebuilding of homes. She has restated who were his immediate kin by affinity and his closest local friends. She has revived the color and atmosphere of life at the Hermitage in the years when its master was its beloved and dominating personality in the flesh.

The Ladies' Hermitage Association has done a fine service in publishing this manuscript for the benefit of all lovers of this history. It should be eagerly obtained and carefully studied by tourists as well as by all other Americans. They will profit by it in culture and in patriotism.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
LADIES' HERMITAGE ASSOCIATION

Mrs. Robert F. Jackson _Regent_
Mrs. Wm. P. Cooper _First Vice-Regent_
Miss Fermine Pride _Second Vice-Regent_
Recording Secretary _Miss Martha Lindsey_
Corresponding Secretary _Mrs. Douglas Wright_
Treasurer _Mrs. Roy Avery_

Directors: Mrs. George F. Blackie, Mrs. Charles E. Buntin, Mrs. Lyon Childress, Mrs. Paul DeWitt, Mrs. Edgar M. Foster, Mrs. E. W. Graham, Mrs. Douglas Henry, Mrs. Gilbert Merritt, Mrs. Jesse M. Overton, Mrs. William Weymss.

Board of Trustees: Mr. E. A. Lindsey, Nashville, Chairman; Mr. William E. Beard, Nashville; Mr. Henry Barker, Bristol; Mr. Lewis R. Donelson, Memphis; Mr. Lawrence Winn, Nashville; Mr. Herbert Gannaway, Memphis; Mr. Stanley F. Horn, Nashville; Dr. Marvin McTyiere Cullom, Nashville.

Regents of the Association have been: Mrs. Mary L. Baxter, Mrs. J. Berrien Lindsley, Mrs. Mary C. Dorris, Miss Louise Grundy Lindsley, Mrs. B. F. Wilson, Mrs. Bettie M. Donelson, Mrs. Harry Evans, Mrs. R. R. Henry, Mrs. Walter Stokes, Mrs. James S. Frazer, Mrs. Edward A. Lindsey, Mrs. Reau E. Folk.

Mrs. Jesse M. Overton, Mrs. E. W. Graham, Mrs. George F. Blackie, and the present regent, Mrs. Robert F. Jackson.

Publications Committee: Mrs. George F. Blackie, Miss Martha Lindsey and Miss Fermine Pride.