President Andrew Jackson was never a slave to political philosophy. During the Nullification Crisis (to be described in a later article) he took a strong pro-federal stance. In the Indian Removal, he took a strong states' rights stance. The one value or belief on which he was absolutely firm was loyalty. Loyalty was probably the most important thing to Andrew Jackson. Jackson demanded absolute loyalty, and in turn was extremely loyal to his friends. He even created the "spoils system" by giving federal jobs based on party loyalty over ability or merit.
Jackson loved his wife dearly. His campaign had been a bitter one, and his wife became a favorite target of the opposition. (They had been married before her divorce was final, necessitating a second ceremony, leading to accusations of bigamy.) The attacks on her became so vicious and frequent, that her health was affected. She died of a heart attack between Jackson's election and inauguration. He blamed the opposing party for her death, which was further motivation for refusing federal jobs to members of the other party.
Enter Peggy O'Neal Timberlake. As a young woman, it was said she was the cause of more than one duel. She was married to a navy purser named Timberlake, but the marriage was not a happy one.
One of Jackson's closest friends was Senator John Eaton. It was Eaton who first convinced Jackson to run for president, and it was Eaton who managed his campaign. Jackson made Eaton Secretary of War in his cabinet. Eaton got Timberlake transferred to the Mediterranean squadron. Today, a Mediterranean cruise is wonderful; back then, it was very unhealthy due to the heat and a lack of friendly ports causing long times at sea. Timberlake was already in poor health, and the assignment was almost a death sentence. Shortly after going there, he died. Some reports said he committed suicide, others say he died of natural causes.
The problem came from the fact the Mrs. Timberlake and Secretary Eaton had moved in together before Timberlake died. They married shortly after getting word of Timberlake's death. This would raise eyebrows today, but was absolutely scandalous in the 1820's and 1830's.
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