American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

Reverend Ezra Stiles Ely, a prominent evangelical leader, sought to leverage Jackson’s presidency to promote religious causes. Ely advocated for the formation of a “Christian Party in Politics,” believing that only devout Christians should hold public office. Jackson maintained a balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Ely’s ambitions faced a setback when a congressman named Colonel Johnson, leading a congressional committee, upheld the principle that the government should not interfere in religious matters. This was particularly evident in a debate over the delivery of mail on Sundays. Johnson argued that halting mail services on Sundays would impede the nation’s intellectual progress and was outside the government’s legitimate authority. His committee’s reports effectively ended Ely’s campaign to legislate religious observance, reinforcing the secular nature of the American government.

Ely, initially supportive of the Eatons to gain favor with Jackson, changed his stance after hearing the rumors from Washington. Ely accused Margaret of tarnishing Rachel Jackson’s memory by associating Jackson with scandal, implying that tolerating the Eatons reflected poorly on the late Mrs. Jackson. He claimed widespread gossip linked Rachel’s name to Margaret’s actions, which he said could damage Jackson’s reputation.