It is unnecessary in this story of Rachel to go into the history of Andrew Jackson before he came to Tennessee, further than to say that his veneration for womanhood originated with his feeling for his mother. Before leaving for Charleston on an errand of mercy, nursing soldiers (an errand in which she lost her life), she committed to writing and left with Andrew one of the most impressive codes of conduct ever written. He kept these last words of his mother and accepted them as the credo of his life. His reverence for his mother was evidenced by the numerous times he referred to her precepts of morals and honor. To feel that any woman was mistreated filled Andrew Jackson’s soul with indignation. When he saw how unhappy Rachel’s beautiful eyes looked he could hardly contain himself. Then Mr. Robards let it be known that he was coming to force Rachel to return to Kentucky with him. This she said she would never do. The family thought it best for her to go on a visit to relatives in Natchez, Mississippi. Col. Stark, a friend, was going to New Orleans on business, taking his wife and two daughters with him. It was arranged that Rachel should go with them as far as Natchez. Col. Stark asked Andrew Jackson to accompany them because he was so well known as an Indian fighter. After leaving Rachel at Natchez, Jackson went on with Col. Stark, making some investments for himself in Mississippi. While these events transpired, the wheel of fortune was turning in another quarter. Mr. Overton made a visit to Kentucky and again stopped at Mrs. Robards’ home. While he was there Mrs. Robards had a letter from her son, Lewis, then in Virginia, telling her that a divorce had been granted by the Virginia legislature. When Mr. Overton returned to Tennessee he took the joyful news straight to Mrs. Donelson. She inquired where he got the information, and he replied: “From his mother, who read a letter from her son to that effect.” [Illustration: Hall and Stairway in the Hermitage The entrance hall at the Hermitage] When Mr. Jackson was told of this by Mr. Overton it was natural that he as well as everyone else should believe it. The Virginia legislature had indeed granted the divorce, but Robards failed to record it. Some have believed that he did this purposely. Anyway, Mr. Jackson went as soon as possible to tell Rachel that she was a free woman and that he wanted to marry her. After a short time they were married there in Natchez at the home of her relatives, the Greens. Mr. Jackson had secured the “Betsy Jane Trotter,” the same boat that brought Rachel down the river with the Stark girls. It was made ready for the honeymoon, and on it the newly married couple returned to Nashville. They lived first at Mrs. Donelson’s, later at a place called Poplar Grove, then at Hunters’ Hill where they were most happy.