1828 Campaign: John Quincy Adams vs. Andrew Jackson's Wife Rachel

The infamous attacks on Rachel Jackson during the 1828 presidential campaign came from supporters of John Quincy Adams (the incumbent president), not his father John Adams (who died in 1826). This distinction is historically crucial.

The Controversy

• Rachel Donelson Robards Jackson: Married Andrew Jackson in 1791 (believed first husband Lewis Robards divorced her); discovered 1793 divorce not finalized; remarried 1794
• Adams Surrogates: Charles Hammond (Cincinnati Gazette), Isaac Hill, pro-Adams presses
• Charges: "Adulteress," "bigamist," "convicted adulteress" — pamphlets, handbills, newspapers
• Jackson's Reaction: Furious; challenged editors to duels; blamed attacks for Rachel's death

John Quincy Adams' Role

• Did Not Personally Attack: Maintained public silence; considered ungentlemanly
• Did Not Condemn: Allowed surrogates to continue; benefited politically
• Diary Entry (1828): "The election is a contest between... virtue and vice" — coded reference
• Henry Clay (Adams ally): Denounced attacks privately but took no public action

Rachel's Death

Rachel Jackson died December 22, 1828 — weeks after Andrew's election, before inauguration. Cause: heart attack/exacerbated by stress. Jackson: "May God Almighty forgive her murderers, as I know she forgave them. I never can."

Historical Significance

• First modern "dirty campaign" targeting candidate's spouse
• Established precedent for family members as fair game
• Jackson's inauguration: refused to call on Adams; Adams left town night before
• Rachel buried in inaugural gown at The Hermitage

The 1828 campaign's viciousness—especially against a private woman—remains a benchmark for political cruelty. John Quincy Adams' failure to restrain his allies tarnished his post-presidency reputation despite his later anti-slavery leadership.