ANDREW JACKSON AND THE EATON AFFAIR: A NATIONAL SOAP OPERA


© John S. Cooper
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The scandals of President Clinton are nothing compared to some of our past presidents. One, the Eaton Affair, led to the fall of an entire government, with the exception of the president himself. The vice-president and the entire cabinet all resigned before it was over.

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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Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

12.   Jul 14, 2002 6:21 PM
In response to message posted by FortBrooke1824:


Yes, Jackson had several reasons to dislike Calhoun. When Jacks ...

-- posted by Mugwump53


11.   Jul 13, 2002 11:34 AM
I knew very little about the Eaton affair before reading this article. So by what you are saying is that in 1832 when Calhoun wants to make an issue out of states rights in South Carolina that this pa ...

-- posted by FortBrooke1824


10.   Nov 15, 2000 3:50 PM
Jerri,

Always a pleasure to hear from you. You comments are greatly appreciated. It is a fascinating piece of history, regardless of which version you choose to believe.

Thanks for your contin ...


-- posted by Mugwump53


9.   Nov 14, 2000 9:05 PM
enjoyed the article, John, but the comments and responses. This is really an interesting piece.

As far as soap operas, our current election events could probably classify as such. What a story th ...


-- posted by jerrib


8.   Nov 14, 2000 5:54 PM
I am glad you found the article interesting, but it may not be as flawed as you believe.

William Barry, Postmaster General, was retained. HE was the first Postmaster General to be of cabinet rank, ...


-- posted by Mugwump53





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