roficiency in mathematics, and for the facility with which
he mastered all the studies which appertain to military
science. No higher proof need be adduced of this fact, than the
position assigned to him by the Board of Examiners and
Visitors, when he graduated. He was placed No. 2, in a class of
great merit, notwithstanding he had the studies of two years to
pass through in one year, and was recommended to the Department
of War for a commission in the Engineer Corps--a compliment
accorded only to the most distinguished of the class.

"After obtaining his commission, Mr. Donelson was ordered to
the Western frontier to build a fort; but before he reached
this destination, the War Department, on the application of
Gen. Jackson, allowed him to accept the appointment of
Aide-de-camp in the staff of the General. In this capacity he
attended the General when he took possession of the Floridas,
and remained with him until the latter resigned his commission
in the army.

"At this period, Mr. Donelson seeing no prospect for rapid
promotion in the corps of Engineers, and sharing the conviction
then so prevalent in the army, that the conclusion of the war
with England had shut the door for a long time to come against
those military enterprises which are so tempting to the officer
and soldier, and feeling also that he could be more useful in
the pursuits of civil life, turned his attention to the study
of law. He accordingly resigned his commission; and after
attending the course of law lectures in the Transylvania
University, then under the presidency of Dr. Holly, he received
his license, and appeared at the Nashville bar in 1823, having
formed a partnership with Mr. Duncan. Circumstances, however,
soon occurred, which withdrew him in a great degree from the
practice. General Jackson was again in the field as a candidate
for the Presidency, and needed the services of a confidential
friend to aid him in repelling the bitter assaults which were
made upon his character and services. Animated by a deep sense
of gratitude, no duty could be more pleasing to Mr. Donelson
than that of contributing his labor to advance the great
popular movement which aimed, by the elevation of his
benefactor and friend, to promote the highest interests of the
count