Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, remains one of the most controversial figures in American history. Some accounts portray Jackson as a heroic and courageous man, who proved his mettle in various military endeavors, most notably the War of 1812. Others, however, judge Jackson more harshly, as they are deeply offended by his actions regarding Native Americans during his presidency. In "The Hunters of Kentucky," a popular song from 1824 that celebrates the victory of Jackson and his Frontier Men over the British, Jackson is clearly presented in an admirable manner, while the 1836 letter from Chief John Ross of the Cherokee to Congress has a decidedly negative view of President Jackson. In considering the two opinions of Jackson expressed in these passages, it is important to take the point of view of the writer into account, as they inevitably inform the writers' respective beliefs about Andrew Jackson.
In "The Hunters of Kentucky," Jackson is portrayed as a hero, and is even referred to by the nickname "Old Hickory," seemingly a testament to his strength and endurance. The writer of the song focuses exclusively on the success of Jackson and his Frontier Men in battle, as he recalls how "Packenham attempted/To make old Hickory Jackson wince, but soon his schemes repented." The British attempt to defeat Jackson and his men is fruitless because Jackson "was wide awake, and wasn't scared of trifles." Clearly the writer sees Jackson as a brave and fearless leader, one who is more than capable of outsmarting the enemy. The song's writer was probably a Southerner himself, and thus admired Jackson because he saw the future president as defending his home. In Jackson, the writer sees a man with whom he shares common values and ideals, and his view of Jackson therefore reflect a sense of respect and reverence that ultimately enabled Jackson to become President of the United States.
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