Source Collection
University of North Alabama Archives and Special Collections, William Lindsey McDonald Collection - Volume 17, "Miscellaneous," Collier Library.
Identifier
P17-63 D
Description
Correspondence from Admiral Richard Harrison Jackson to his nephew Charles Jackson discussing the Forks of Cypress and original Jackson Family portraits. The transcription and additional materials also include a note sent to William Lindsey McDonald regarding the letters on the last page. The transcription retains the quality of the original document, including any grammatical or spelling errors.
Transcription
Admiral Richard Harrison Jackson Correspondence (October 7 and 16, 1950)
--- Page 1 ---
[Envelope]
CORONADO, CALIF.
UNITED STATES POSTAGE
OCT 16,1950 4:30PM
MR CHARLES P. JACKSON
311 BERKLEY PLACE
BIRMINGHAM ALA
--- Page 2 ---
504 GLORIETTA BOULEVARD
CORONADO CALOF.
7 Oct 1950
MY DEAR CHARLES,
The family portraits which once hung at t "The Forks of Cypress" were distributed by Grandmother Jackson to her various sons. They were later collected by Sarah Henderson who had as a little girl played at the Forks", and was very fond of it, and knew much of the tradi- tion of the family. She in turn left them to her nephew . He now feels that they should again be distributed and asked me to select the kins folk to whom they should go.
A I am the last of the second generation, a frequent visitor at the "Forks" the youngest son of the youngest son familiar with the genealogyeto and the history of th e" Forks" I am writing to you to offer the portrait of James Jackson the builder of the "Forks".
My Grandfather named his second son James Jackson ( HIa first son was named Andrew Jackson. , "Old HIckory and he being great friends at that time) This Uncle Jim a and his family lived with his younger brother George Mo Moore Jackson on the plantation" MOOrefields , near Tuscum bia Ala for six years after the War. They all moved to Florence when James Jackson's wife Elizabeth died. Both men then being widowers the children were distributed among relatives for schooling etc. ONe son of James went to the " Forks" and was there several years till the old est sister was mature enough to run the household . Both brothers then established their families in Florence .. " So Charles was about four years at the "Forks You have h heard your father tell much of the Forks ". I am sure that you will greatly prize this portrait and transmit in the future to worthy hands.
All goes well here and send love.
AFFECTIONATELY
Uncle Harry.
"UNCLE HARRY" [signed]
--- Page 3 ---
504 GLORIETTA BOULEVARD
CORONADO CALIF.
16 Oct 1950
MY DEAR CHARLES,
promptly wrote to Sylvester Labrot telling him that yo would be delighted to get the portrait of James Jack- son and giving him your address. So though he may not be at home for the moment I think that before long you w will hear from him and get the portrait.
His address is SYLVESTER W. LABROT
1520 WASHINGTON AVE
NEW ORLEANS (13)
Now about the news: Elizabeth Jackson has married a Colonel Roger Car- leson U.S.M.C. of the class of "36 I think. Though he was not at the Naval Academy. He has a Son Roger Jr. about 11 yeats old. The Colonel is now in Korea , on the staff of A Major General of Marines. The boy is in School in New England. Elizabeth is staying with me awaiting developments. Ready to go in any direction at the drop of a hat.
Sylvester Labrot is the nephew of Sally Henderson and she collected all the portraits for a gallery in her home in New Orlearns, one of the old time houses there. Her nephew knew little of any on them . He has a house here in Coronado as well as others in different places So He decided that I would be a good agent to re-distribute them.
He has a married and a single son None of them interested "He no doubt would be pleased to find that you highly prized your portrait.
I did noy know that Betty Lamar Jones had moved to Florence to live. I must write to W, H, Mitchell Jr who received the Great Uncle JOHN Jackson portrait of that fact
I was interested to hear of the news of " Bill" Jack- son I presume that his wife remains in New Orleans . I th think that you wrote me that they have no children
--- Page 4 ---
Alex last week took command of The A.K.A. Vermillion at Orange Texas at the Naval Station there I think that it is the fifth ship that he has put in Commission. OF course Alex is away ahead of time in age for a Cap- tain and except in war time he would have no chance to get flag rank . But he might make Commodore now . Ay any rate you can count on him to give his very best With all this War service no doubt he will get the title when he retires , But a little active fling would be lots better. The boy Alex Jr is finishing now his schooling for Ensign at Tulane , I Think.
Write and tell me more about Sarah and the two little girls, who may be little no longer.
I still go along about as usual . I play golf every morning at nine, Sunday excepted. Each afternoon I work in my garden, I am the only gardener. Around sundown I g go " Gallavantin' taking in the various K.T parties etc that are abundant about that hour.
I still havethe house-keeper that I have had for about ten years . She and her husband live in a nice bungalow at the back . The arrangement is most successful viewed by both parties.
A very warm " HOWDY" to you and all your family from Elizabeth and me
Affectionately
" UNCLE HARRY"
Uncle Harry [signed]
--- Page 5 ---
The 1950 letter was written by admiral Richard Harrison Jackson to Charles- I think these 2 letters should be kept with the portraits at the museum- (I kept Xerox copies)
- Love, Tara
Date Created
9-14-2026
Date
October 7 & 16, 1950
Document Type
Letter to the Editor
Recommended Citation
"Admiral Richard Harrison Jackson to Charles 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.