"The Hero"  
On June 8, Jackson's family gathered around his deathbed. His favorite slaves stood at the door. Jackson asked for his glasses. When he saw everyone assembled, he said, in a widely reported scene:
"I am my God's. I belong to him. I go but a short time before you, and I want to meet you all in heaven, both white & black."
When everyone burst into tears, including -- most famously -- the
slaves, Jackson asked:
"What is the matter with my Dear Children? Have I alarmed you? Oh, do not cry -- be good children & we will all meet in heaven."
  
Sources: Karsner 395, Remini 3: 524, Davis 385.
©
Part 3, Exile: l |
