It is true, no titled honors cluster around his brow. He received not his education in the colleges of foreign potentates, nor was it ever his lot to mingle with princes and imbibe the corruption of their Courts. He is an American, and nothing but an American. Without the aid of family or patronage, his intrinsic merit alone, has placed him before the American people, as worthy of the highest honours of the country. And notwithstanding the unprincipled attacks of hireling presses, aided by all the efforts of a sinking administration, his talents and services are daily better appreciated. His entire devotion to his country’s welfare; his stern integrity; his unbending republican simplicity; his enlarged and national views, commend themselves to the intelligence and affections of a free and generous people.

Andrew Jackson was rocked in the cradle of the Revolution. His mind is deeply imbued with the spirit and principles, which, at that day, pervaded the community, and gave a tone to public feeling. While yet a boy, he stood forth in defense of his country’s rights, and gave earnest of that lofty spirit of independence, which has ever since characterized the man, whether in the field, the senate chamber, or the retirement of domestic life. . . .

But, Fellow-Citizens, notwithstanding General Jackson has long been known to the American people, as a firm and incorruptible patriot; an honest and able politician, and a virtuous man, yet, a system of warfare has been opened upon him, at which candour and decency must blush and be ashamed. It can find no apology, save in that phrenzy of desperation which excites pity rather than contempt. He has been openly accused of adultery, cruelty, murder; and, last of all, of such gross ignorance as scarcely to be able to read or write! Yes, the man whom you have delighted to honor; and who in 1824, received a much larger proportion of the votes for President, than any other candidate, is now discovered to be the most base, infamous and ignorant of men!! “’Tis strange—’tis passing strange!” . . .

Slanders like these, so gross, so palpable, carry their own refutation with them. They can have no weight with sensible and reflecting men, and on such they were not intended to operate. But they are oft repeated, and reiterated by every press in the interest of the administration. And we grieve to say, that even our members of Congress, our Senators, and the heads of the departments, aid in their circulation.

And why is it that such desperate efforts are made to tarnish the fame of General Jackson? It is because he is sustained by the people, and is advancing with sure and rapid strides in their affections. It is that ill-gotten power may be retained, until the line of safe precedents shall be better established. Those who are now in power, are aware, that they have been weighed and found wanting. Fear hath taken hold of them, and their hour is at hand. Hence it is that every means is resorted to, and truth and honestly sacrificed, to accomplish their unhallowed purpose.

Source: Proceedings and Address of the New-Jersey State Convention, Assembled at Trenton, on the Eighth Day of January, 1828 (Trenton: Joseph Justice, 1828), 15, 18–19.