Some time has elapsed since I have heard from you and although I cannot approve either of your or Andrew Hay 's conduct to me, I find that I cannot notice the subject as it deserves without injuring the election of Genl [General] . Jackson which , I prize above all earthly considerations. If I had got that money or property while I was engaged in printing, it would have been devoted to that purpose and I am now confident, that he would have been then elected; but perhaps the developments which have happened may make the delay a fortunate one—

I have been labouring [laboring] in the vineyard with much zeal and some success and although I have lost the power of writing letters these this, yet I can dictate and abet, The people of this state generally admit that I commenced and have steadily aided in the cause, my health and resources have both failed, and the cause of the failure I believe may be imputed to a combination formed against me of Coalition men including Judges and some monied men, who afforded considerable aid by the dextrous use of which a decree by antijackson judges has taken from me, property worth $100.000 for pretenses which I thought the most frivolous, but the decree has been pronounced and your acquaintance Darby is one of the gainers, and is now a man of wealth— I shall set this down to my patriotism and the weight that my exertions are believed to have had; but as I now believe that Jackson will be elected I declare that I would not consent to his failure for the $100.000 to be restored and

myself honoured [honored] with a seat in their cabinet.—

It is true that I shall be compelled to abandon expectations which were flattering, but I hope to be one of those gratulations to my country which will be everlasting, and that I may have it in my power to say "Now Lord thy servant is ready to depart in peace mine eyes having witnessed my countrys glory and thy salvation.—

I have since my misfortune circulated a few copies of letters to friends, if they do no good they will do no harm— I also forward to you, my memorial to congress and 40 pages of a book, the publication of which will cost a considerable sum, which if I had obtained my suit I [gap] not have regarded.—

you may give my respects to the Genl. & say that my greatest regret is that I cannot do what I intended during the next year, that I now have manuscript [unclear: ? ] worthy of publication, but the Editor of the Jackson papers here, and myself are not nor never can be on good terms

I am Dear Sir your Obt Servt. [Obedient Servant]

Henry Banks

[added: you will see in my memorial that I lost by patriotism about $150.000 during the Revolution before I was of age, and now when I am on the brink of the grave to loose [lose] more than $100.000 again for patriotism & that I yet resolve while I live, to continue a patriot and at my post]

---

Page [4]  view page image

[added:

Postmark 18 3/4

] Andrew J. Donaldson Esqr [Esquire]

Nashville

[added: Henry Banks ]