15 volumes, Kendall wrote seven volumes of approximately 30 pages each before abandoning the project. The part that was published encompasses Jackson's life until the end of the Creek War in 1814. Post-government career Financial difficulties Back in private life, Kendall started two newspapers in Washington, D.C., but both ceased operations shortly after opening. Throughout the 1840s, Kendall was the subject of numerous lawsuits from postal contractors who sued him for damages over his manipulation of Post Office operations. While in office, Kendall lost one Supreme Court decision. He had refused to honor a contract for mail delivery signed by his predecessor, even though Congress had enacted legislation requiring him to do so. Kendall said the legislation was an unconstitutional infringement on the executive branch. In Kendall v. United States ex rel. Stokes, 37 U.S. 524 (1838), the Supreme Court disagreed. But in Kendall v. Stokes, 44 U.S. 87 (1845), the Supreme Court held that Kendall was not personally liable for the debt owed, saving him from incarceration in debtors' prison. While the court cases were proceeding, Kendall's financial situation deteriorated. His two newspapers lost large sums of money. In addition, the value of the land he owned in Kentucky was greatly depressed. He purchased a farm in northeast Washington for $9,000 in 1841 to generate income, and named it Kendall Green. But it was not enough. In 1838, Kendall had rented a 10-room mansion named Jackson Hill located at the site of what is now the National Zoo. He was forced to give up Jackson Hill in October 1841 and move his family into an unfinished, home at Kendall Green. Kendall reluctantly returned to the practice of law in 1843, representing individuals and groups that had financial claims against the U.S. government. Among these were the Western Cherokee. Kendall helped to prove the independence of the Western Cherokee from the Old Nation, which gave them control over their lands and a portion of a $5 million settlement. Association with Samuel Morse In March 1845, Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail hired Kendall as their business manager. Kendall agreed, and received a 10 percent commission on all patent licenses he was able to obtain. Two months later, Kendall incorporated the Magnetic Telegraph Company to own and operate a telegraph line between Washington, D.C., and New York City. It was the first privately owned telegraph line in the nation's history. Within seven