Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

"Alone" examines Jackson's years as a full orphan, after his mother dies of cholera en route home from a squalid prison camp in Charleston. Elizabeth has already arranged her sons' release from Camden, but exhausted and malnourished, Robert dies, and Andrew recovers slowly from smallpox. Orphans are common in the 18th century, but their economic and emotional plight is great. At fourteen, Andrew is nearly an adult. In later life, he fondly recalls his mother's (idealized) parting words about honesty, steadfastness, self-esteem, avoiding quarrels and offense, but always sustaining his "manhood." She remains his "guiding star" for life. Jackson leaves home when a paternal grandfather in Scotland leaves him ?300-400, which must be collected in Charleston. While he is there, Cornwallis' defeat convinces London to negotiate peace. Before heading home, young Jackson loses his small fortune gambling. He returns to the...