Chapters 26-27 Summary and Analysis

"The Eye of the Storm" looks at the political repercussions of the Seminole War. Jackson is a gentle family man and solicitous of junior officers, but frequently hostile to the rest of the world. He does not seek confrontation, but does not back down when it finds him. In 1817, he insists that his officers ignore directives from Washington that bypasses him. Some, including Winfield Scott, head of the Northern forces, see this as mutiny and the precursor to military dictatorship. Jackson confronts Scott, who resents being quoted anonymously and being called to task by a colleague, but who points out the impossible position in which this order places officers. Jackson follows up with the "most intemperate and abusive" letter of his career, and only the Seminole War prevents a duel between ranking officers. Monroe gets Jackson not to resign...