ABSTRACT
The cause of protection did not receive its only earnest defense in the States east of the Allegany mountains, during the Presidential contest of 1828. It had warm supporters in the West also - especially in Indiana. It does not require much reflection to perceive the full purport and meaning of this letter. The language is so plain and expressive as not to allow of misconstruction. General Jackson undoubtedly meant what he said - nothing more, nothing less - and it would be an unjust aspersion upon his name and memory to say or even to insinuate the contrary. As these were the only opinions publicly announced by General Jackson during the Presidential contest of 1828, it must be accepted as a fact that he and his friends considered the question of the tariff - that is, of protection - as presenting the most material and important issue.
