Source Collection
University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections, William Lindsey McDonald Collection - Volume 17, "Miscellaneous," Collier Library
Identifier
P17-63C
Description
Correspondence from George W. Polk to Charles P. Jackson concerning their ancestral connection to James Jackson and the Forks of Cypress, as well as their "Uncle Harry," Admiral Richard Harrison Jackson.
Transcription
George W. Polk to Charles P. Jackson – Correspondence (Envelope + 3 pages) Date stamped: SPRING VALLEY, CALIF., APR 6 PM 1969; addressed to Mr. Charles P. Jackson, 2945 Balmoral Rd, Birmingham, Ala. 35223.
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George W. Polk 9745 La Mar St. Spring Valley, Calif., 92077 5 April '69
Mr. Charles P. Jackson
Birmingham, Ala.
Dear Mr. Jackson,
I have been asked to write you in answer to your letter of 19 March addressed to Admiral Jackson — my Uncle Harry and (I believe) your Great Uncle.
Uncle Harry has been asked by several persons and historical organizations (including the Navy Dept.) for his papers, journals, etc. He has already planned their disposition, and I do not believe he should be asked to change his mind. As you know, he will be 103 next month — and though a lucid talker and clear headed — he does not like to make additional changes and decisions.
Uncle Harry was interested to hear news of your fine family.
Possibly, I should explain myself. My mother, Jane Jackson, was Uncle Harry's eldest sister. - and after the death of their mother (Uncle Harry then 2 yrs. old) was responsible for caring for her baby brother. I now live about 12 miles and a ferry trip from Corando and habitually
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visit my Uncle every Tuesday.
I was interested in your note concerning the portrait of James Jackson (your great grandfather?). As a boy, I seem to recollect that my mother had this portrait (her grandfather) and later sold it to some relatives in New Orleans (probably the Labots?). Uncle Harry now has the portrait of James Jackson's wife (his grandmother) — Sarah Moore. It is a truly charming painting showing Great Grandmother in the prime of life.
I had some interesting correspondence concerning this portrait with a Mr. Thos. Cooper Hanna of Woods Hole, Mass. (he is a descendant of Sarah Jackson Hanna — James Jackson's sister). We believe the artist was a Thomas Sully - who spent some six months at the "Forks" painting portraits of the entire family, including the Negro butler. I recently photographed Sarah Moore's portrait and believe you would be interested in having a copy. One is enclosed for you. If the James Jackson portrait you have is in the James Jackson II of the Forks we would all appreciate having a copy.
In closing I know you will be happy to know that Uncle Harry is ‘holding his own’ and
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though unable to write and barely able to walk — is always glad to hear from the family.
My best wishes to you & yours.
Sincerely, George W. Polk
Date Created
9-14-2026
Date
April 5, 1969
Document Type
Letter to the Editor
Recommended Citation
"George W. Polk to Charles P. Jackson - Correspondence," University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections, William Lindsey McDonald Collection - Volume 17, "Miscellaneous," Collier Library.
Rights
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Transcription of the Letter
Comments
Although the letter was neither written nor addressed to William Lindsey McDonald, it along with the note was retained by McDonald for his research on the Jackson family and the Forks of Cypress.