Chapter I: Preface (1)

The Ladies of the White House have had no biographers. The custom of the Republic, which relegates back to private life those who have served it, has made it difficult to gather much of stirring interest concerning the women who have made the social history of the different administrations. From privacy they came, to privacy they were returned, and the world took little cognizance of them beyond noting the entertainments they gave, and the success that attended their dinners and receptions.

In the historical works of the age—even in the biographies of the Presidents themselves—not much has been said of women, who, for the most part, were powerful adjuncts to their popularity, and exerted great influence over their lives. The most that has been written of them heretofore were descriptions in the daily papers of the appearance of the lady of the White House on some public occasion, and with this the world has been content until now. We have had a hundred years of domestic honor in the White House—a hundred years which has added much to the glory of the country abroad, and it is but fitting that women, who have held the highest social and semi-official position in the nation, should be made historic subjects. No better time than the present could be found for filling this serious gap in general American history. The moral influence that has been exerted by the untarnished reputations and high social qualities of the women who have successively filled the position of Hostess of the Presidents’ House, cannot be estimated. Without the effective and intelligent aid they rendered, no administration would have been satisfactory; and though the political historian may ignore such service, the right-thinking, honorable men or women of this country have a higher appreciation of the services rendered by these ladies, who were the power behind the throne, equal in social influence to the throne itself, and a historical work bearing upon their lives is a valuable contribution to the nation’s official history.

Such a one is now offered to the people of this country. It is a complete work, comprising a biographical sketch of every President’s wife and hostess of the Executive Mansion from Mrs. Washington down to Mrs. Garfield.

The information contained in the volume has never been compiled in any other form, and there are many historical facts of a most interesting nature for the first time presented to the public. The book contains the portraits of the wives of the Presidents, and of the ladies who presided over the Mansion during the administrations of unmarried Presidents. At a time when the women of this country are commanding the attention of the civilized world by reason of their higher education, superior mental attributes, and exalted social status, such a book is of exceptional value.

The mechanical execution of the work will commend itself to all lovers of excellence in book-making. Nothing has been left undone that would make it worthy of the ladies whose records it contains. The unusual attractions of the theme, the style in which it is published, and the place in the country’s history which such a book fills, conspire to render it a work which the public and private libraries of this country cannot afford to be without; they cannot be called complete without a copy of the “Ladies of the White House.”

ILLUSTRATIONS

THE WHITE HOUSE _face title page_. MARTHA WASHINGTON (_Vignette_) _face page_ 39 MARTHA WASHINGTON „ „ 43 ABIGAIL ADAMS „ „ 87 MARTHA JEFFERSON „ „ 126 DOROTHY P. MADISON „ „ 171 LOUISA CATHARINE ADAMS „ „ 238 RACHEL JACKSON „ „ 272 MRS. MARTIN VAN BUREN „ „ 333 ANGELICA VAN BUREN „ „ 339 LETITIA CHRISTIAN TYLER „ „ 366 MRS. JAMES K. POLK „ „ 400 ABIGAIL FILLMORE „ „ 457 HARRIET LANE „ „ 498 MRS. ABRAHAM LINCOLN „ „ 526 MRS. ANDREW JOHNSON „ „ 546 MARTHA PATTERSON „ „ 573 MRS. ULYSSES S. GRANT „ „ 603 NELLIE GRANT SARTORIS „ „ 612 LUCY WEBB HAYES „ „ 628 LUCRETIA RUDOLPH GARFIELD „ „ 665 ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── MOUNT VERNON (_wood cut_) „ „ 55 MONTICELLO „ „ „ 147 MONTPELIER „ „ „ 206 FIRST RESIDENCE OF ANDREW JACKSON „ „ „ 282 HERMITAGE „ „ „ 287 WHEATLAND „ „ „ 506

CONTENTS

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

Personal appearance of Mrs. Custis—Introduced to Colonel
Washington—Traditions relating to their first interview—The
body-servant’s long wait for his master’s appearance—His orders
to put up the horses for the night—The wooing of the soldier
lover—Returns from the seat of government to offer
himself—Engagement—Marriage—The wedding at the “White House”—The
Virginia home of the bride—A most joyous and happy event—The
girlhood of Martha Dandridge—The belle of Williamsburg—Her first
marriage—Death of her eldest son—Colonel Custis—His fine
character and romantic nature—Happy married life with him—Left
with two children—She manages her estate after her husband’s
death—Residence near her father’s home—Twenty-six years old when
she becomes Mrs. Washington—Had never known care or poverty—Her
high social position—Removal to Mount Vernon—Again the mistress
of a wealthy planter’s home—Often with Washington in Williamsburg
while he was a member of the Legislature—Her life a happy
one—Washington’s great consideration for her—Only letter
preserved that was written by him to her—Mrs. Washington before
her death destroyed all her letters—This one overlooked—His
assurance that he is unwilling to part with her and their
children, at the time that he is made Commander-in-Chief of the
Continental Army—His only unhappiness due to her loneliness—Urges
her to be content, and not complain of what he could not
avoid—Makes his will in her favor, and hopes that his “dear
Patsy” is pleased with its provisions—Her visits to him—Travels
in her private carriage to his head-quarters each year—The
servants wish his return home—Washington anxious about her, and
after her arrival sent letters of thanks to all who had been
attentive to her—The officers glad to see her—Once insulted in
Philadelphia through party bitterness—Sensitive to her husband’s
fair fame—Mrs. Washington not fond of dress—The spinning wheels
and looms in her house—Washington’s inaugural suit the handiwork
of his household—She wears “a simple russet gown and white
handkerchief about her neck” to a ball given in her honor—Two of
her dresses woven from the ravelings of brown silk stockings and
old crimson chair-covers—Washington’s return to Mount
Vernon—called again from his retirement—Mrs. Washington’s
crowning glory—Some other attributes—Her life an interesting one,
viewed historically—Mrs. Washington not much of a reader—A good
daughter and mother, but not a notable housekeeper—Her husband
the manager of the establishment—The children governed by him—A
source of regret that he had no sons and daughters—His countrymen
glad that there was no parental tie to divert him from his public
service—Death of Miss Custis—John Parke Custis with General
Washington—His young wife and children at Mount Vernon—Mrs.
Washington at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777–78—Death of
her son—General Washington adopts her two grandchildren, and
returns to Mount Vernon with the mourners—Mrs. Washington’s first
reception as wife of the Chief Magistrate—Pleased with her lofty
position—The levees held at the Republican Court—The residence of
the President in New York—The etiquette of the mansion—Mrs.
Washington’s views on the subject of her elevation—A letter to a
friend, in which her philosophy is shown—Removal of seat of
government to Philadelphia—Letter of the Rev. Ashbel Green—Mrs.
Washington again at Mount Vernon—The President rents a house in
Market street between Fifth and Sixth, and furnishes it
handsomely—Return of the President and Mrs. Washington from Mount
Vernon—Congress assembles—Mrs. Washington’s drawing-rooms held on
Friday evenings—Early hours for retiring—She tells her company
that her husband retired at “ten” and she followed very soon
afterward—Stiffness and formality of the drawing-rooms—How Mrs.
Washington received—No hand-shaking in those days—The
grandchildren of Mrs. Washington—Mrs. Robert Morris receives with
Mrs. Washington—The Marchioness d’Yuro—The first levee in
Philadelphia the most brilliant occasion of the kind ever known
in this country—Recollections of Mrs. Binney—Mrs. Washington’s
punctuality in returning calls—Her manners easy and
pleasant—Makes tea and coffee for an English guest—Her plain cap
and gray hairs, as described by this visitor—Return to Mount
Vernon—The old life resumed—Washington lays out the future
capital—The “White House” named in honor of the former home of
his wife—The building afterward partly burned by the
British—Anecdote of “obstinate” David Burns—“What would
Washington have been if he hadn’t married the Widow
Custis?”—Mount Vernon thronged with visitors—Closing years of
Washington’s life—His death in 1799—Grief of Mrs.
Washington—Refuses to be comforted—Never re-enters the chamber in
which he died—Congress passes resolutions of respect and
condolence—Entreats Mrs. Washington’s consent to the interment of
the remains in Washington—She gives reluctant consent to the
request—Remains interred at Mount Vernon, where they are now—Mrs.
Washington’s resemblance to her husband—Her dependence upon his
guidance and love—Her appearance at this time—Serene of
countenance—A devoted Christian—His death a fatal blow—Her death
two and a half years later—Their bodies side by side—Visit of
Lafayette to Mount Vernon in 1826—Visit of Albert Prince of
Wales, in 1860, in company with President Buchanan—Description of
the place as it appeared before its restoration 39

MRS. ABIGAIL ADAMS.

The daughter of a New England minister—Instructed by her
grandmother—Durable impressions received from her—Never at
school—Always sick—Austere religious habits and customs of her
kindred—Imaginative faculties suppressed—A great letter writer—A
reader of standard works—Not a learned woman—Her fondness for
religious topics and discussions—The daughters taught home
duties—The sons sent to college—No career for woman outside the
domestic circle where she toiled—Marriage of Abigail Smith to
John Adams—Her parents rather opposed to the match—She was the
daughter and granddaughter of a minister, and hence superior to
him in social position—Incident connected with her marriage—Her
Father’s sermon—A happy marriage—The mother of three sons and a
daughter—Mr. Adams a delegate to the Colonial Convention—Made the
trip from Boston to Philadelphia on horseback—Elected to
Congress—His wife alone at Braintree—Hears news of the battle of
Lexington—Manages her farm and does her own house-work—Studies
French at night—Long evenings alone with her four little
children—Three deaths in her household—Cheers her husband at his
far-off post of duty—The proclamation of the King arouses her
patriotism—In sight of the cannonading at Boston, and in the
midst of pestilence—Mr. Adams returns to his suffering
family—Leaves, after a month’s visit, for Philadelphia—The roar
of British cannon before Boston—Mrs. Adams climbs a hill to watch
the shells falling about the city—Writes her husband from her
post of observation—His long absence—No joy in his return to his
wife when she learns his news—Appointed Minister to France—Sails
in company with his eldest son—Mrs. Adams again alone—Manages her
farm and teaches her children—Does not hear from her husband for
six months—Her business ability enables her to support herself
and make her home a happy asylum for family—Writes sadly to her
husband—He returns after eighteen months—Ordered to Great Britain
to negotiate peace—Two of his sons accompany him—“The cruel
torture of separation”—Letter to her eldest son—Lofty sentiments
and sound views of the self-sacrificing woman—Rather her boy were
dead than immoral—A Spartan mother—Mr. Adams elected
Vice-President—Mrs. Adams with him in New York—Is the object of
much social attention—Dines with the President, “the ministers
and ladies of the court”—Washington gives her sugar-plums to take
to her grandson—Mrs. Adams congratulates her husband on his
election to the Presidency—Her feelings not those of pride but
solemnity—She joins the President in Philadelphia—Seat of
government removed to Washington—Letter to her daughter—Graphic
description of Washington—The city only so in name—None of the
public buildings finished—The White House cheerless and
damp—Fires in every room to secure its inmates against
chills—Thirty servants required to keep the house in
order—Surrounded with forests, yet wood is scarce and
expensive—Mrs. Adams returns the visits of Georgetown
ladies—Inconveniences of a new country—No fence or yard about the
White House, and not an apartment finished—The East Room used to
dry clothes in—Only six chambers habitable—Mrs. Washington sends
a haunch of venison from Mount Vernon—Invites Mrs. Adams to visit
her—Mrs. Adams has no looking-glasses and not a twentieth part
lamps enough to light the house—The roads intolerable—The work of
a day to make a visit—Location of city beautiful—Hon. Cotton
Smith describes Washington—The huts of the residents contrast
painfully with the public buildings—First New Year’s reception in
1801—The etiquette of Washington’s time adopted—Guests received
in the Library—Mrs. Adams ill—Returns to Quincy, Massachusetts—In
the White House four months—Attends to her husband’s private
affairs—Cheerful and bright under all circumstances—Retirement of
Mr. Adams from public life—Mrs. Adams the “Portia” of the
rebellious provinces—Her marked characteristics, truthfulness and
earnestness—Her place in history—Indifference to fashionable
life—Seventeen years of home-life—Writes her granddaughter on her
fiftieth marriage anniversary—Thankfulness for so much
happiness—Eldest son appointed Minister to Great Britain by
President Madison—Appointed Secretary of State by President
Monroe—Death of her daughter, Mrs. Abigail Smith—Friendship with
President Jefferson broken—Political differences the
cause—Silence of many years broken by the death of Jefferson’s
daughter—Her second letter criticising his course in the
appointments to office—The correspondence unknown to her
husband—His later endorsement—Jefferson writes to Adams—They
never meet again—Mrs. Adams’ imposing appearance—Her face
strongly intellectual, but never beautiful—Her old age possessed
of the sweetness of youth—Death of Mrs. Adams in 1818—A nation’s
private tribute to her worth—Jefferson expresses his sympathy to
Mr. Adams—Buried in the Congregationalist Church at Quincy—Her
husband buried beside her 87

MARTHA JEFFERSON.

Jefferson’s wife died before his elevation to office—No formal
receptions during his administration—Married to Mrs. Martha
Shelton, of Charles City county—Marriage bond drawn in his own
handwriting found—His bride a beautiful and clever
woman—Exquisite form and fine complexion—A fine conversationalist
and musician—How Jefferson defeated his rival suitors—They listen
outside while the two sing—Marriage at “The Forest”—Trip to
Monticello—Travel in a snow-storm—Arrived late at night—A bottle
of wine serves for fire and supper—Happy married life—Mother of
five children—Governor Jefferson declines a mission to Europe—Her
health failing—Flies from her home with her babe in her
arms—Arnold’s march to Richmond—Efforts to capture Jefferson—Wife
and children sent into the interior—Monticello captured—Many
negro slaves taken away—Cæsar secretes the plate—Is fastened
under ground eighteen hours—Family return home—Mrs. Jefferson
very ill—Clings to life—Intense affection for husband and
children—Jefferson by her side until she dies—Beautiful and
strong character—The eldest daughter sent to school—Her youngest
sister dies—Jefferson sends for Martha and Marie—Placed at a
French convent—Mrs. Adams’ description of Marie—A girl of
superior beauty—Martha asks permission to remain in a
convent—Taken from school—Jefferson returns to America with his
daughters—Marriage of Martha to Thomas Macon Randolph, Jr., her
father’s ward and her cousin—Marie is married to Mr. Eppes, of
Eppington—Jefferson a member of Washington’s cabinet—Afterward
Vice-President—Inaugurated President in 1801—Letter of Sir
Augustus Foster—Martha the mother of several children—Her home
near Monticello—Washington City society—Some novel
aspects—Incidents of a call—Letter from father to daughter—Death
of Mrs. Eppes—Personalities concerning her—Letter from Mrs.
Adams—Her attachment to Marie Jefferson—Jefferson’s second
inauguration—Martha Randolph and her children at the White
House—Washington unhealthy in summer—Mrs. Randolph a busy
Virginia matron—“The sweetest woman in Virginia”—Jefferson’s
retirement to Monticello—His daughter his housekeeper—Hundreds of
guests—People watch for a sight of the ex-President—A window-pane
broken by a curious woman—Men and women gaze at him as he passes
through his hall—No privacy in his home—Jefferson’s letter
concerning his daughter—The education of girls—“The apple of his
eye”—Were life to end—Loss of property—Martha the companion and
nurse of her father—Her children his idols—Mr. Randolph’s
ill-health and failure—Death of Jefferson—Mrs. Randolph at his
bedside—A little casket—His last pang of life is parting from
her—A touching tribute to his daughter—Jefferson’s estate
insolvent—Monticello sold—Exhibition of public feeling—Death of
Mr. Randolph—The family separated—Letter from her
daughter—Interesting facts of her family—Death of Martha
Jefferson Randolph in 1836—Buried beside her father at Monticello 126

DOROTHY PAINE MADISON.

Washington Irving’s letter—Mrs. Madison’s drawing-room—Her two
sisters—The daughter of Virginians—Granddaughter of William
Coles, Esq., of Coles’ Hill—Her parents join the Friends’
Society—Reside in Philadelphia—Daughter reared in strict
seclusion—Her sunny nature—Married at nineteen to a young
lawyer—Her sisters—Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Cutts—Mrs. Paine’s
fascination of manner and beauty of person—Left a widow with an
infant son—A general favorite in society—Object of much
attention—Courted by many suitors—Marriage to Mr. Madison, then a
member of Congress—The match a brilliant one—The bride of
twenty-three years of age—The wedding at the residence of her
sister, in Virginia—Resides in summer at Montpelier—Winters spent
in Washington—Generous and hospitable—A happy domestic life—Mr.
Madison appointed Secretary of State—Removal to Washington—Gay
social life—Her house a radiating point for friends—A noble,
high-minded woman—Her power of adaptiveness—Loved by all
parties—A strong support to her husband—Dispensed his abundant
wealth with open hand—Received President Jefferson’s guests with
him—Election of Mr. Madison to succeed Jefferson—Mrs. Madison
hostess of the White House—Stiffness and formality laid
aside—Mrs. Madison never forgetful of a name or face—Her field of
action her parlor—Makes her husband’s administration popular and
brilliant—The first four years in the White House—No children by
Mr. Madison—Her table ridiculed by a foreign minister—“Abundance
preferable to elegance”—War with Great Britain—Mr. Madison’s
declaration—Second appeal of the United States to arms—The
British advance on Washington—All the public records removed—The
people in a panic—“The enemy coming”—The people flee from their
homes—Entrance of British—The Capitol burned—The American army
retreats to Georgetown—The glare of light seen for miles—The
President across the Potomac—Mrs. Madison remains to gather up
valuables—Notes to her sister—Houses fired all over the city—Mrs.
Madison urged to fly—Waits to secure the safety of General
Washington’s portrait—Colonel Custis comes from Mount Vernon to
remove it—Mrs. Madison orders its frame broken—Carried to
Georgetown—The White House left in the care of servants—Mrs.
Madison joins her husband—The enemy ransack the White House, and
then fire it—Thieves pillage the burning building—Furniture and
family stores belonging to the President lost—A coarse pun—The
War Department spared because of the storm—The British commanders
regretting the escape of the President and his wife—Wanted to be
exhibited in England—A week of terror—No sleep or rest for the
frightened people—Terrible storm—The British amazed at the force
of the tornado—Appalling disasters—Two cannons lifted from the
ground—The enemy anxious to leave Washington—Mrs. Madison in
Virginia—Fleeing troops and panic-stricken families—Rumors of the
approach of the British—The elemental war—Mrs. Madison awaits the
coming of her husband—Insulted by women—Refused shelter from the
storm—Madison charged with the responsibility of the war—The
tavern closed to herself and escort—The latter forces an
entrance—The lady who did not forget her station—People who had
been her guests denounce her—Mrs. Madison’s anxiety for her
husband—The hours drag slowly by—Reaches her at
night-fall—Careworn and hungry—A courier at midnight—The
President seeks safety in the distant woods—No enemy coming—The
evacuation of Washington unknown to the President—Bids his wife
disguise herself and fly—Hears next day of the retreat—Returns to
the Long Bridge—Is refused a boat—No one recognizes the disguised
woman—Gives her name and is ferried over the river—Finds her home
in ruins—Desolation everywhere—Seeks the residence of her
sister—Sends word to the President—His return to Washington—Rents
the “Octagon” and lives there—Treaty of peace signed—Various
residences of Mr. Madison in Washington—Last reception held by
the President—The most brilliant ever held up to that date—Peace
commissioners to Ghent present—Heroes of the war of 1812—Mrs.
Madison “every inch a queen”—She offers Mr. Clay a pinch of
snuff—Her bandana handkerchief—Fond of elegant apparel—Two
visitors from the West—“P’rhaps you wouldn’t mind if I jest
kissed you”—A graceful salutation—Mr. Madison not attractive to
the ladies—His charming wife atones for his gravity—His
admiration for her social characteristics—A curious
coincidence—Three of the first four Presidents marry young
widows—Two of the Presidents childless, and all without sons—All
Virginians—Anecdote of Mrs. Madison—Recollections of Mr.
Trist—Led to dinner by President Jefferson—Rage of the British
minister—A stir made about the “insult”—Mr. Monroe, Minister to
England, informed of the facts—An expected call for official
explanations—Mr. Monroe delighted with the prospect—Precedence
over his own wife under analogous circumstances—Excellent
materials in his possession—Expresses his satisfaction over an
opportunity to retaliate, which was not granted—Mrs. Madison
always presided at the dinners given by President Jefferson—His
disregard of official etiquette—The British minister and his wife
never his guests again—Thomas Moore lampooned the
President—Disliked everything American—Mrs. Madison’s regret over
the occurrence—Expiration of the President’s second term—He
prepares to leave Washington—Mrs. Madison’s Washington
friends—Sorrow over her departure from the city—Residence at
Montpelier—Quiet country life—The mansion of the ex-President—His
mother an inmate of his home—Devotion of Mrs. Madison to her—The
object of the venerable lady’s grateful affection—A devoted wife
to an appreciative husband—Admirable in all the relations of
life—“Cordial, genial and sunny atmosphere surrounding her”—Her
son—Paine Todd an undutiful son—The sorrow of her life—Mr.
Madison’s kindness to him—His conduct heartless and
unprincipled—Death of Mr. Madison—The end of a noble
career—Offers Congress her husband’s manuscripts—President
Jackson sends a special message to Congress regarding the
subject—Thirty thousand dollars paid her for the work—“Debates in
the Congress of the Convention during the years 1782–87”—Congress
also confers the franking privilege upon Mrs. Madison—Votes her a
seat upon the floor of the Senate—The last years of Mrs.
Madison’s life—Her residence in Washington—Beautiful old age—Her
public receptions on national holidays—The throng of visitors
equal to that assembled at the President’s house—Her death in
1849—Funeral in Washington—Aged eighty-two years—Buried beside
her husband at Montpelier 171

ELIZABETH K. MONROE.

The era in which Mrs. Monroe lived—Her father an ex-officer of the
British Army—Miss Kortright a belle of New York—Her sister—Mr.
Monroe a Senator from Virginia—Falls in love with the pretty
girl—Married during the session in 1789—Reside in Philadelphia,
the second seat of the General Government—Pleasant home-life in
that city—Mr. Monroe appointed Minister to France in 1794—The
first five years of Mrs. Monroe’s married life—A polished and
elegant lady—Proud of her husband and of her country—Fit
representative of her countrywomen at the Court of St. Cloud—Her
daughter at school in Paris—Mr. Monroe an ardent advocate of free
government—Not careful to recognize the opposite feeling in
Imperial France—Unpopular with the Court—His recall asked—Intense
sympathy for Lafayette, then in prison—Agents of the United
States employed in his behalf—Mrs. Monroe warmly interested in
the fate of Madame Lafayette—The private feelings of President
Washington not expressed in his official
communications—Lafayette’s son his guest while in the United
States—Recognizes treaty obligations with France—Mr. Monroe sends
his wife to visit Madame Lafayette—The carriage of the American
Minister at the prison—Mrs. Monroe asks admittance—Is permitted
to see the Marchioness—Emaciated and prostrated from
fright—Anticipating the summons of the executioner—Her last hope
departing when the sentinel stops at her cell—Her visitor is
announced—Thoughts of her husband and America overcome her—Sinks
at the feet of Mrs. Monroe—Presence of sentinels preclude
conversation—Mrs. Monroe assures her friend she would return the
following morning—Speaks so as to be heard by those about her—The
visit saves Madame Lafayette’s life—Was to have been executed
that afternoon—The officials change their mind—Is liberated next
day—Attentions paid her by the American Minister and his wife—The
prestige of the young Republic appreciated—Madame Lafayette’s
eldest son, George Washington, sent to Mount Vernon for
safety—She leaves Paris accompanied by her two
daughters—Disguised and under the protection of American
passports—Seeks the prison of her husband—Signs her consent to
share his captivity—Stays by his side until released—Mr. Monroe
recalled—His course defended in America—Mrs. Monroe proud of his
conduct—A greater honor to have saved Madame Lafayette than to
have remained Ambassador—Friendship between Monroe and
Lafayette—Offer of pecuniary help—Generous conduct on both
sides—Returns to New York—With her family and friends—Mr. Monroe
elected Governor of Virginia—Husband and wife gladdened by this
evidence of affection—The old commonwealth proud of her son—Mrs.
Monroe the mistress of the Governor’s mansion at
Williamsburg—Governor Monroe appointed Envoy Extraordinary to
France to negotiate the purchase of Louisiana—Robert R.
Livingston the other Envoy—The purchase effected—Mrs. Monroe
accompanies her husband—While in Paris is appointed Minister to
England—Sent to Spain on a mission—Mr. Monroe returned home at
the breaking out of the War of 1812—Ten years’ absence in
Europe—Return to Oak Hill, their Virginia estate—Home-life not
destined to last—Mr. Monroe elected to the Legislature—Chosen
Governor a second time—Secretary of State under Madison—Mrs.
Monroe and her daughters retire to Oak Hill before the fall of
Washington—Remains until peace is declared—Anxious about her
husband—Mr. Monroe succeeds President Madison in office—Removal
to the White House in 1817—Personal description of her—Mrs.
Monroe not like Mrs. Madison—Is not fond of general society—Her
health delicate—She received visits but returned none—Her
“drawing-rooms” were largely attended—An English writer’s
comments—Held once a fortnight on Wednesday evenings—The
condition of the White House—The grounds unimproved—Congress
orders a silver service—The furniture of the East Room
purchased—The crown of Louis XVIII. supplanted by the American
Eagle—Mrs. Monroe an invalid during the second term—Marriage of
her daughter at the age of seventeen—Wedding reception—A State
Dinner at the White House—The East Room unfinished—Mr. Cooper’s
letter—Mrs. Monroe weary of public life—Close of President
Monroe’s second term—Retires to Virginia—Assists in establishing
the University of Virginia—Chosen President of the State
Convention to amend the Constitution—Mrs. Monroe heavily taxed
with company—The three ex-Presidents neighbors—People from all
the world their guests—Alone with her husband—Both daughters
married—Anxious for her husband to give up work—His last public
position—Magistrate of Loudon County—Death of Mrs. Monroe—Oak
Hill closed—The ex-President resides in New York—His youngest
daughter his comfort in old age—His death in 1831—Survived his
wife one year, dying on the Fourth of July—Funeral procession the
largest ever seen in New York—Samuel Gouverneur, Postmaster of
New York City, his son-in-law—Remains interred in New
York—Afterwards removed to Richmond—Few descendants living 213

LOUISA CATHARINE ADAMS.

Mrs. Adams the last of the ladies of the Revolutionary period—Born
in London—Her father, Mr. Johnson, a Maryland patriot—United
States Commissioner in France until 1782—Consul to London—Mr.
Adams a guest of Mr. Johnson—Meets his future wife—Marriage in
1797—Mr. Adams takes his bride to Berlin—Four years’ residence
there—Returns to America—Settles in Boston—Mr. Adams elected
Senator—Residence in Washington—Pleasant era of Mrs. Adams’
life—With her own family—Summers spent in Boston—Washington a
congenial residence for Mrs. Adams—Eight years spent there—Her
husband appointed Minister to Russia—Mrs. Adams accompanies
him—Two children left behind—Takes the youngest, an infant—Long
voyage—Arrives in St. Petersburg—Prefers exile in Russia to
separation from her husband—In the midst of stirring
scenes—Europe a battle-field—Napoleon spreading terror
everywhere—Shut up in St. Petersburg—Six years in Russia—Death of
an infant—Mr. Adams’ mode of life—Respected for learning and
talent—War between England and America—Mrs. Adams weary of
Russia—Anxious to return home—Mr. Adams a Commissioner to
Ghent—The stepson of President Madison—His position greatly
exaggerated abroad—News from home—Mrs. Adams alone in St.
Petersburg with her son—Travels to Paris to meet her
husband—Dangers encountered—Traces everywhere of war—Passports of
little protection—Fastened in a snow-drift—Dug out by the
peasantry of the neighborhood—Robbed by her own servants—The
symbol of a Polish cap—Hears of Napoleon’s return from Elba—Every
crossroad guarded—Surrounded by soldiers—The presence of mind
exhibited by Mrs. Adams—Meets her husband in Paris—Witnesses the
arrival of Napoleon—Flight of the Bourbons—The reception at the
Tuileries—Ladies of the Imperial Court—Napoleon preparing for
Waterloo—Advantages enjoyed by Mrs. Adams—Events of the hundred
days—Martial music heard on every side—Arrival of her children
from England after six years of separation—Departure for
England—Mr. Adams Minister to the Court of St. James—Charles
King’s eulogy of Mr. Adams—Pleasant life in London—The centre of
a cultivated circle—Return to America—Mr. Adams appointed
Secretary of State—Mr. Adams the recipient of public
attentions—Grand banquet in his honor—Residence in Washington—A
charming home—Multitudes of visitors entertained there—Letter
from Mrs. Adams to John Adams—Her appreciation of her
mother-in-law—Her studies—Does not think highly of the mental
capacity of her sex—Course of reading—How she estimates the
philosophers—Likes nothing so well as the doctrines of
Christianity—Her reading too diffuse to be beneficial—The wicked
theories of French authors—How their venom was destroyed in her
case—Her early ideas of life—Views changed with age—Discusses the
nature of democratic institutions—Her faith in the people—Pride
in her name—“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown”—Complaints
of hard times—The morals of the day portrayed—Mrs. Adams’ habits
as a hostess—No exclusions in her invitations—Keenly alive to the
reputation of her husband—Her success in her semi-official
position—Mr. Adams a candidate for the Presidency—Violence of
partisan warfare—Mrs. Adams lives more secluded—Her husband
elected Chief Magistrate—Description of the inaugural of
Adams—Failure of her health—Presided at public receptions—Not
seen on other occasions—Is tired of public life—Entertains
Lafayette—His affecting farewell—The President and Mrs. Adams
start to Quincy—Mrs. Adams ill in Philadelphia—Mr. Adams proceeds
without her—Administration of Mr. Adams—Quietness throughout the
world—Much done to consolidate the Union—Mr. Adams a learned
man—The man who had read one more book than John Quincy
Adams—Mrs. Adams glad to leave the White House—Retires to private
life—Enjoys it but a short time—Letter describing her husband and
home—Mr. Adams elected a member of Congress—Removes again to
Washington—Occasional visits to Quincy—Illness of Mr. Adams—He is
struck with paralysis—Dies in the Speaker’s room in the
Capitol—Mrs. Adams by his side—Funeral at the Capitol—Remains
deposited in the Congressional burying-ground—Letter from Mrs.
Adams to the Speaker of the House of Representatives—Her thanks
to the House for the regard manifested for Mr. Adams—Mrs. Adams
retires to Quincy—Surrounded by her children and relations—A
great writer and translator—Varied accomplishments which gave her
pleasure in her old age—Died in 1852—Her grave beside her
husband’s at Quincy, Mass 238

RACHEL JACKSON.

Party strife and bitterness of Jackson’s day—Mrs. Jackson a victim
of cruel misrepresentation—Her early life—Daughter of Colonel
John Donelson—Emigrants from Virginia—Travelling in the
wilderness—A two thousand mile journey—Thrilling incidents and
dangerous accidents—Indians dogged their footsteps—Rachel
Donelson at the age of twelve—Colonel Donelson a wealthy
settler—A person of consequence—Removal to Kentucky—Marriage of
his daughter—Home in Kentucky—Mr. and Mrs. Robards very
unhappy—His disposition extremely unfortunate—Requests Mrs.
Donelson to send for her daughter—Her brother takes her to
Tennessee—A good daughter-in-law—Mrs. Robards not censured—Her
husband solely to blame—A reconciliation effected—Andrew Jackson
a boarder at Mrs. Donelson’s—Mrs. Robards returns to her
husband—Unmanly conduct—Second separation—Jackson and his friend
seek another home—Mrs. Robards seeks an asylum in Mississippi—Her
husband’s threats—Jackson’s sympathy for her—Jackson accompanies
the party to Natchez—Dangers from the Indians—Jackson returns to
Nashville—Judge Overton’s letters—Robards divorced from his
wife—Decree supposed to be final—Marriage of Jackson and Mrs.
Robards two years later—Return to Nashville—A second
divorce—Jackson’s surprise and sorrow—Marriage ceremony twice
performed—Information slow in travelling—No mails in those days—A
perfect union—Jackson’s love for his wife—Mrs. Jackson a noble
woman—Hospitable home—Jackson buys the Hermitage—His small
log-house—Lafayette his guest—A ball given in his honor—Mrs.
Jackson adopts a child—Jackson’s love for the baby—A lamb and a
child—Andrew Jackson, Jr.—After the battle of New Orleans—Mrs.
Jackson in that city—The recipient of marked attentions—A
valuable present—Her dress of white satin—Portrait at the
Hermitage—General Jackson builds a church—A new house erected—A
present to his wife—The stately Hermitage—Description of the
house—Spacious and handsome—An extensive garden—General Jackson
appointed Governor of Florida—Mrs. Jackson and the “two Andrews”
accompany him—Homesick—Mrs. Jackson’s dislike of the State—No
minister there—Does not like the theatre—Her health not
good—Pensacola not a pleasant place—Mrs. Jackson’s request
regarding the Sabbath—Her wishes obeyed—Horses
neglected—Inhabitants Spanish and French—Governor Jackson
resigns—Return to the Hermitage—A journey of twenty-eight
days—Mrs. Jackson receives much attention—Fifty callers a day—Her
health feeble—Four years of home-life—With her husband in New
Orleans—His splendid reception—Four days of festivity—Jackson a
Presidential candidate—Mrs. Jackson’s disease asserts
itself—Undue excitement its cause—Painful publications regarding
her—The facts of her marriage misunderstood—Jackson’s political
enemies—Cruel falsehoods circulated—Her heart broken by
slander—“He to whom she had devoted her affections”—General
Jackson elected President—His wife’s gratitude—Glad for his
sake—Regretted the necessity of leaving home—“That palace in
Washington”—Frequent visits to Nashville—Preparing for the
winter—A fatal shopping occasion—Overhears a conversation—The
calumnies her husband has kept from her—His effort to prevent her
suffering—On her death-bed she tells him the cause of her
illness—A noble life crucified by scandal—A ball that did not
occur—A grand dinner that was not eaten—Proposed anniversary
festivities—Mrs. Jackson very ill—Dies of spasms of the
heart—Grief of Jackson—Nashville in mourning—Action of the city
authorities—Forty years of married life—“Never an unkind word
between them”—The loss of such a wife—Jackson’s convulsive
grief—The parting scene—His farewell to the beloved remains—A sad
scene at the funeral—A great throng of mourners—Dust to
dust—Jackson’s intense feelings—The grave cannot conquer it—The
unpardonable crime—A bruised and lonely heart—Great sympathy for
the old hero—The grief of the servants and neighbors—Testimonials
of sympathy from many sources—General Jackson a changed man—The
pleasant home-life gone—Her picture worn about his neck—By his
bedside at night—His eyes fixed on it in death—Bequeaths it to
his granddaughter—The monument over the grave of husband and
wife—The inscription on the tablets—Jackson’s tribute to his
dead—They sleep side by side 272

MRS. EMILY DONELSON.

Mistress of the White House—Daughter of Captain John Donelson—A
rarely beautiful woman—Wealth and high standing of her
father—Known as the “lovely Emily”—Married at sixteen—The groom
her cousin, and protégé of General Jackson—Major Donelson the
private secretary of the President—A question of precedence—Mrs.
Jackson “mistress of the Hermitage”—Tact and brilliancy of Mrs.
Donelson—Personal description—A face of singular fascination—Her
“inauguration” dress—General Jackson’s love for her—Arbiter in
matters of etiquette—Her attitude during the Eaton
controversy—Refuses to visit her—The mother of four children—All
born in the White House—Their christenings occasions of great
ceremony—General Jackson very fond of them—A lovely family
group—Mrs. Donelson’s ill-health—Compelled to leave Washington—A
victim of consumption—Medical skill unavailing—A speedy
decline—“Don’t forget, mamma”—Death 323

SARAH YORKE JACKSON.

The wife of Andrew Jackson, Jr.—Miss Yorke of Philadelphia—Well
educated and accomplished—Her marriage—Goes to the White House a
bride—Affection for General Jackson—He compliments her to a
Pennsylvania delegation—Shares the honors of hostess—A devoted
daughter to General Jackson—His declining years soothed by
her—The hospitality required of her—A heavy tax—Her dependents
her special care—A happy mother—Death of her father and her
husband—Alone with her children—The Hermitage a place of
memories—Death of a son—Still at the Hermitage—The estate owned
by the State of Tennessee—A peaceful old age 329

HANNAH VAN BUREN.

Of Dutch descent—Born at Kinderhook on the Hudson—Ancestry for many
generations New Yorkers—Married to Mr. Van Buren—A love affair
begun in childhood—The young couple cousins—Reside in Hudson
City—Charming home-life—Four sons born to them—Loss of the
youngest—Mr. Van Buren removes his family to Albany—A political
leader—Wealth, fame and honor acquired—The reward of twenty years
of labor—One of New York’s famous lawyers—Mrs. Van Buren’s life a
pleasant one—High social position—Declining health—Long months an
invalid—A modest and good woman—Her dying counsel—The death-scene
a remarkable one—Dead at the early age of thirty-five
years—Burial custom omitted for the sake of the poor—“Sweet was
the savor of her name”—Died in February, 1819—Seventeen years
later her husband was President 333

ANGELICA VAN BUREN.

Lady of the White House in 1838—Daughter of Richard Singleton, of
South Carolina—Her grandfathers Revolutionary heroes—Her kinsmen
notable people—Early advantages—Superior education—High social
rank—In Washington with relatives—Mrs. Madison a cousin—Presents
her to the President—Reception very flattering—A great favorite
of the President’s—Marriage to Major Van Buren—The eldest son and
private secretary—Major Van Buren a graduate of West Point—His
wife’s first appearance as hostess—A New Year’s Day Reception—A
universally admired bride—The only South Carolina lady who has
held the position—A tour in Europe—Presented at the Court of St.
James—Her uncle American Minister—In London during the season—The
Emperor of Russia and other foreign notables—Exceptionally
pleasant visit—A three months’ tour—In Paris—Attentions from
General Cass, the American Minister—Presented to the King and
Queen—The guest of Louis Philippe—The King’s unceremonious
attentions—Shows his visitors over the palace—Knocks at the room
of the Comte de Paris—The Queen’s amusement—Her grandchildren
asleep—The return to America—In Washington when Congress
met—Closing year of the administration—Mrs. Van Buren mistress of
Lindenwald—Her winters spent in South Carolina—Removes to New
York in 1848—Residence in that city—Three years’ sojourn in
Europe—Home-life in New York—A long and happy career—Death of her
husband and son—Her own death 339

ANNA SYMMES HARRISON.

The wife of the ninth President—Born in the year of Independence—A
native of Morristown, N. J.—A motherless girl—A dangerous journey
through British lines—Her father a Colonel in the Continental
Army—Assumes the disguise of a British officer—Takes his child to
her grandparents on Long Island—Separated from her for many
years—Little Anna’s early training—Her grandmother an excellent
woman—A careful teacher and Christian guide—Her grandchild grows
to womanhood—Sent to New York to school—With her grandparents
until nineteen years old—Goes to Ohio with her father—Colonel
Symmes—A step-mother—Settles at North Bend—His second
wife—Daughter of Governor Livingston, of New York—Judge Symmes a
Judge of the Supreme Court—Often absent from home—Anna Symmes
with her sister in Kentucky—Meets her future husband—Captain
Harrison, of the United States Army—In command of Fort
Washington, the present site of Cincinnati—Marriage—A bride at
twenty—Captain Harrison resigns—Elected to Congress—Mrs. Harrison
accompanied him to Philadelphia—Visits Virginia relations—A
healthy, handsome woman—Medium height and slight in person—An
intellectual face—General Harrison appointed Governor of Indiana
Territory—Removes to Vincennes, the seat of government—Many happy
years spent there—Mrs. Harrison popular and admired—A household
of love—Twenty years of pleasant home-life—Governor Harrison
continues in power until 1812—Appointed to the command of the
Northwestern Army—The Battle of Tippecanoe—Defeat of
Tecumseh—General Harrison removes his family to
Cincinnati—Major-General—Marches to the frontier—Mrs. Harrison
and her children—Long separated from her husband—General Harrison
resigns—Removes to North Bend, on the Ohio—Mrs. Harrison a
pleasant neighbor—The mother of ten children—Her husband much
from home—Responsibility and care of the wife and mother—Generous
hospitality—The children of the neighborhood study with her sons
and daughters—Honored and loved in all relations—Loses several of
her children and grandchildren—Thirty years of home-life at North
Bend—Her children devoted to her—An incident of the Presidential
canvass—Delegation of politicians not welcome—General Harrison
declines to violate the Sabbath—His respect for his wife’s
feelings—Nominated for the Presidency—Mrs. Harrison greatly
annoyed—Three candidates in the field—Van Buren elected—A happy
woman at North Bend—Harrison the Whig candidate in 1840—Idol of
his party—An exciting canvass—The financial condition of the
country—“Tippecanoe and Tyler too”—Stirring campaign
songs—Intense interest manifested—Log-cabins and military
parades—The Whigs triumphant—General Harrison elected—Mrs.
Harrison grateful for her husband’s success—Sorry for herself—Not
fond of worldly gayeties—A domestic and retiring nature—General
Harrison leaves home—Welcome at Washington—Visits his old home in
Virginia—The inauguration in 1841—A gala day—General Harrison
rides a white charger—Canoes and cabins in the procession—Throngs
of people from distant places—Mrs. Harrison remains at North Bend
to settle her husband’s affairs—Preparing for her long stay in
Washington—Her husband accompanied by their daughter in-law, Mrs.
Jane F. Harrison—Several relatives of President Harrison in the
White House—The first month of Presidential life—General Harrison
killed by office-seekers—The Whigs clamorous for place—Weak and
aged he sinks under the pressure—Dies the 4th of April—One month
in the White House—Funeral in the East Room—Temporarily buried in
Washington—The Capital in mourning—Mr. Willis’s poem—Mrs.
Harrison apprised of her loss—Anticipating a speedy reunion when
the messenger arrives—Preparations stopped—A grief-stricken
woman—Return of her daughter-in-law and sons—A change of
residence—Children and grandchildren pay her reverence—Resides
with her son—An interested observer of events—Her views regarding
slavery—The civil war—Her grandsons in the army—A cheerful,
contented spirit to the end—Death at eighty-nine—Survived her
husband nearly a quarter of a century—Buried beside her
husband—Their graves at North Bend 346

LETITIA CHRISTIAN TYLER.

A Virginian—Her father a friend of Washington’s—A gentleman of
fortune and position—A member of the Legislature for many
years—Letitia Christian a most refined and modest girl—One of the
belles of West Virginia—Her suitors—John Tyler her lover—A rising
young lawyer and son of Governor John Tyler—Marriage in 1813—The
union approved by both families—The wedding festivities at Cedar
Grove—The young couple in their home in Charles City county—A
happy marriage—A husband whose affections are satisfied and his
pride gratified—A love-letter of the olden time—Mr. Tyler for
several years a member of the Legislature—His wife in Richmond
but rarely—Kept at home by her young children—Two died in
infancy—Mr. Tyler elected Governor—Mrs. Tyler mistress of the
Executive mansion—Dispensing its honors with ease and grace—Her
young children about her—Her husband elected to Congress—She
returns to her country home—One winter in Washington—A notable
housewife—Her home the abode of comfort and beauty—Maintained the
pecuniary independence of her husband—A matron of the old
school—A letter from her daughter-in-law—Description of Mrs.
Tyler and her home—Mrs. Tyler’s health fails—Her husband becomes
President—Removal to Washington—Her regrets at leaving her
home—Becomes the mistress of the White House—Her great fondness
for flowers—Mrs. Robert Tyler her representative in society—Her
letter to her sister—Rarely seen at the receptions or state
dinners—Her daughter Elizabeth married in the East Room—Mr.
Webster and Mrs. Madison at the wedding—Mrs. Tyler present—Mrs.
Semple’s letter—The bride returns to Virginia to live—The
youngest daughter still a child—The President gives private balls
with dancing—Washington Irving appointed Minister to
Spain—Letters from Major Tyler—A levee at the White House—Mrs.
Tyler’s health fails—Her death—Her funeral in the White House—The
remains conveyed to Virginia—A committee of the citizens of
Washington escort the body—The President and all his family
attend it to its resting-place—Her loss mourned by her old
friends—The President retires to his home—Remains in seclusion
until Congress meets—A sad return to Washington 366

JULIA GARDINER TYLER.

The second marriage of John Tyler—His bride Miss Julia Gardiner—The
first and only marriage of a President—The event much
discussed—Miss Gardiner a beautiful young lady—Educated in New
York—A resident of Gardiner’s Island, New York Bay—Travels in
Europe—Her father her escort—Visits Washington with him, and
meets the President—Invited to take an excursion—Captain Stockton
in charge of the party—The trip to Alexandria—Guests invited on
deck to witness the firing of cannon—The President and ladies in
the cabin—Gentlemen on deck—A terrible catastrophe—Piercing cries
of the wounded—Mr. Gardiner among the victims—The bodies conveyed
to the White House—Funeral services in the East Room—Miss
Gardiner prostrated with grief—An only child—The President’s
interest in her—Six months later they were married—The ceremony
performed in New York—Grand reception at the White House—A
beautiful bride—Mistress of the White House eight months—Close of
the administration—Ex-President a Virginia farmer—Resides at his
estate on the James river—Mrs. Tyler the mother of many
children—Death of the ex-President in 1862—Mrs. Tyler returns to
New York—Resides at Carleton Hill, Staten Island—Losses of
property—Asks Congress for a pension—Subsequent residence in
Georgetown, Maryland 397

SARAH CHILDRESS POLK.

The daughter of a Tennessee farmer—Reared in easy comfort—Educated
at a Moravian school—A happy girlhood—Clouds and sunshine—Married
at nineteen—The wedding of James Knox Polk and Sarah
Childress—Mr. Polk a member of the Legislature—Elected to
Congress—Represents his district for fourteen sessions—Speaker of
the House of Representatives—Mrs. Polk popular in Washington—Is
conspicuous in society—An interested spectator of passing
events—Studies politics—Her Tennessee home—Summers spent in it—A
member of the Presbyterian Church—Mr. Polk elected Governor of
Tennessee—Removes to Nashville—Mrs. Polk among old
friends—Devotes her time to social duties—The Presidential
campaign of 1840—Political rancor and animosity—The bearing of
the Governor’s wife—Governor Polk the Presidential candidate of
1844—Henry Clay his opponent—Election of Governor
Polk—Inaugurated in 1845—A disagreeable day—Mrs. Polk mistress of
the White House—Has no children to occupy her time—Her weekly
receptions—Received her company sitting—Great dignity of Mrs.
Polk—A daughter of the old school—A woman of strict decorum—No
dancing allowed in the White House—Mrs. Polk’s admirers—Her
personal appearance—Excellent taste in dress—Poetical tribute
from Mrs. Ann S. Stephens—The receptions largely attended—Mrs.
Polk’s costume—Distinguished people present—A neat compliment—The
war with Mexico inaugurated—Its continuance until 1848—President
Polk’s affable manners—Newspaper compliments to Mrs.
Polk—Dangerous illness in the White House—Taylor elected
President—Ex-President Polk gives a dinner party to him—The
closing levee at the While House—The farewells to the
ex-President and Mrs. Polk—Departure from
Washington—Demonstrations of respect—Arrival at Nashville—A
fitting welcome—Purchase of Polk Place—A contemplated tour to
Europe—Ill-health of Mr. Polk—His death—Buried in the grounds of
his late residence—A marble temple—Mrs. Polk resides alone—Every
courtesy and sympathetic attention paid her—The ex-President’s
study kept as he left it—Public marks of respect paid Mrs.
Polk—The members of the Legislature pay her New Year’s
calls—During Confederate days—Mrs. Polk a type of a class passing
away—A descriptive letter—An old age of comfort and
peace—Reticent concerning herself—Surrounded by relatives and
friends 400

MARGARET TAYLOR.

The wife of an army officer—Little known to the public—Opposed to
public notice—General Taylor a frontier officer—The hero of the
Black Hawk and the Seminole wars—Mrs. Taylor’s army
experience—Never willingly separated from her husband—An example
of wifely devotion—With her husband at Tampa Bay—A quarter of a
century of tent life—Always at the side of her husband—A happy
and contented wife—A very domestic woman—Her housekeeping
accomplishments—Mrs. Taylor a Maryland lady—Received a practical
education—Her one ambition—Married in early life—Her husband a
young officer—Removal to the West—Her attentions to her
husband—Her children—Sent to her relatives to be reared and
educated—Rapid promotion of her husband—His wife the presiding
genius of the hospital—The comforts of a home always
his—Established at Baton Rouge—The pretty cottage on the river
bank—Once a Spanish commandant’s house—A delightful home at
last—Mrs. Taylor and her two daughters—Busy with household
cares—Domestic life complete—War with Mexico—General Taylor
ordered to the front—Miss Betty in the perfection of her
womanhood—Her happy home-life—The “Army of Occupation”—General
Taylor made Commander-in-Chief—Mrs. Taylor and other daughters
remain in their home—Honors to General Taylor—Mrs. Taylor’s
success with her garden and dairy—An example to the young
officers’ wives—Has a chapel prepared and the Episcopal services
read—A rector’s occasional presence secured—A handsome church
erected later—The garrison chapel a popular resort—Many officers’
wives at the post—Their anxiety over the war—Battles fought and
officers killed—Mrs. Taylor’s strength and courage—A runaway
match—Miss Sarah Taylor’s marriage to Lieutenant Jefferson
Davis—General Taylor’s opposition to his daughters marrying
officers—His displeasure over the elopement—Away from home at the
time—His rage at Lieutenant Davis’s conduct—No honorable man
would so act—Death of Mrs. Davis—No reconciliation with her
father—The loss a great trial to him—Mrs. Taylor deeply
affected—General Taylor’s sense of sorrow—Meets Jefferson Davis
at Buena Vista—Reconciliation on the battle-field—An embrace on
the battle-field—The end of the campaign—General Taylor a
hero—Miss Betty the object of much interest—The Presidential
candidacy—Taylor elected—The cottage on the river a Mecca—A year
of great excitement—Mrs. Taylor’s hospitality—Her indifference to
public honors—Her desire for retirement—“A plot to deprive her of
her husband’s society”—The army life ended—Miss Betty Taylor’s
marriage—A bride at twenty-two—Her husband, Major Bliss, her
father’s Adjutant-General—Mistress of the White House—Mrs. Taylor
declining responsibility—“Miss Betty” the hostess—An attractive
woman—The inauguration—Wildest enthusiasm—Washington’s welcome to
the nation’s idol—A grand ball—Scenes at the ball—General
Taylor’s appearance—Madame Bodisco’s dress—Zachary Taylor’s
favorite child—Her appearance as she entered the ball-room—Timid
and faltering in step—The vast crowd pleased—Overwhelming
enthusiasm—The home-life at the White House—Mrs. Taylor absent
from official entertainments—Her simple habits ridiculed—The
summer passed in quietness—A reception to Father Matthew—The
public not satisfied—A desire for greater ostentation at the
White House—The following winter—Official life
begun—Distinguished men in the Cabinet—The admission of
California—Fiery eloquence of Clay—Webster and Calhoun members of
the Senate—Political excitement—The change in the President’s
manner—Begins to realize the opposition—Is equal to the
emergency—Mrs. Taylor abandons domestic affairs—Devotes herself
to social duties—Appreciates the importance of her elevation—More
ostentation displayed—A social revolution—The new era inaugurated
by the ladies—Reception on the first anniversary of the
inauguration—The President’s family appear to advantage—General
Taylor a surprise to his friends—A new rôle played with
success—Miss Betty the leader of society—The press expresses
admiration—Cabinet changes—The general character of the
administration—The spring passes away—Seventy-fourth anniversary
of National Independence—Laying the corner-stone of the
Washington Monument—General Taylor presides—The day intensely
hot—Exposed to the sun—A notable event—The complaints of General
Taylor regarding the heat—Never experienced such heat in Florida
or Mexico—His return to the White House—Drank freely of cold
water and ate fruit—Violent illness—General Taylor has the
cholera—His premonitions regarding the end—The remarks concerning
his performance of duty—“His motives misconstrued; his feelings
grossly betrayed”—Mrs. Taylor admits the possibility of his
death—Bitterly regrets their coming to Washington—Prostrate at
her husband’s bedside—Her children about her—The death-bed
scene—The last good-bye—The grief of the family—Heart-rending
cries of agony—The end—The removal of the President’s
remains—Mrs. Taylor’s retirement from the White House—Her dream
of happiness ended—Never alluded to her life in Washington—With
her friends in Kentucky—Finds personal utterances of sympathy
oppressive—Retires to her son’s residence—Her home near
Pascagoula, Louisiana—Leads a quiet life—Death of Major Bliss—A
second marriage—The historical name laid aside—The end of a
public career 425

ABIGAIL FILLMORE.

A daughter of Rev. Lemuel Powers—Born in 1798—A descendant of Henry
Leland, of Sherbourne—Loses her father in infancy—Her mother her
teacher and guide—Removal to Cayuga county, New York—A frontier
settlement—Stern lessons of poverty—A studious and ambitious
girl—Teaches school during the summer months—A well-educated
woman—The omnipotence of energy—Miss Power’s blessing of physical
health—Personal appearance—Flowing curls of flaxen hair—Her face
a mirror of her soul—Much strength of character—Marriage of her
mother—The daughter a teacher—Her home with a relative—Meets Mr.
Fillmore—A teacher of the village school in winter—The father’s
unwise selection of work—The son ambitious and studious—Studying
law while a clothier’s apprentice—A friendly hand extended—The
youth assisted—The foundation of usefulness laid—Removes to Erie
county—Miss Powers his inspiration and hope—Their
engagement—Separated for three years—Too poor to make a journey
of 150 miles—Married in 1826—Life in the wilderness—Poor and
content—Their first home—The wife teaches school, keeps house,
and helps her husband—Relieves him of care—His progress
rapid—Practises law—Elected to the Legislature—Mrs. Fillmore a
true help-meet—Intellectually her husband’s equal—A sunny
nature—Two children in her home—Letters to an old friend—Removal
to Buffalo—Mr. Fillmore prospering—Domestic happiness—Social
pleasures—Mr. Fillmore’s tribute to his wife—Greeted his entire
married life with smiles—Her supreme devotion to her husband—Mr.
Fillmore in Congress—Elected Vice-President—Death of President
Taylor—Mr. Fillmore’s accession to the Presidency—Mrs. Fillmore
in the White House—Her daughter assumes the first position—Mrs.
Fillmore in feeble health—Fond of the society of friends—Her love
of music—Mrs. Fillmore a great reader—No library in the White
House—President Fillmore asks an appropriation—Mrs. Fillmore
arranges the library—A happy gathering-place—The weekly
receptions at the White House—Dinner parties—A large circle of
cultured people in Washington—Their welcome to the White
House—Flowers, music, and literary entertainments—Mrs. Fillmore’s
pride in her position—Deeply regrets her ill-health—Her son and
daughter assist her in all ways—Visit of the President’s
father—“Cradle him in a sap-trough, sir” Attentions paid the
venerable man—A gradual failure of health—Mrs. Fillmore’s last
illness—Death—Buried in Buffalo—The affection of her family—Mr.
Fillmore’s devotion to her memory—Lines on her death 457

MARY ABIGAIL FILLMORE.

The only daughter of President Fillmore—Lady of the White House—A
cultured woman—Intimacy with Harriet Hosmer—A linguist, musician,
and scholar—Presides at the White House with great dignity—A
credit to her sex—Educated by Miss Sedgwick—Qualified herself to
teach—Studied at the State Normal School—Graduated with high
honors—Her father becomes President—Becomes the first lady in the
land—A successful career—Returns the affection bestowed upon
her—High social qualities—Her mother’s death—The pride and
comfort of her father—A visit to her grandfather—Sudden
illness—Her father summoned—Dies of cholera—The blow a
heart-rending one—Her father and brother left alone—Only
twenty-two—Many tributes to her memory—A general favorite in
society—Wife and daughter buried in less than one year 474

JANE APPLETON PIERCE.

The daughter of Rev. Jesse Appleton, D. D., President of Bowdoin
College—Reared in an atmosphere of cultivation—A gifted
child—Delicate and intensely sensitive—Mental qualities—Married
in 1834—Mr. Pierce a gifted man—Politics utterly distasteful to
Mrs. Pierce—A union of lasting happiness—A devoted
husband—Personal popularity of Mr. Pierce—A public position
undesired—A good wife, mother, and friend—Home at Concord—Mr.
Pierce resigns his seat in the Senate—Loss of two sons—Resumes
the practice of law—Tendered the position of Attorney-General—His
wife’s illness his reason for declining—An invalid most of the
time—Mr. Pierce enlists in the army—Goes to Mexico—Returns a
Brigadier-General—Absent from home nearly a year—A wife’s
anxiety—Left alone with an only son—Mr. Pierce nominated for the
Presidency—His election—Death of her only child—Killed on a
railroad train—A bright boy of thirteen—Husband, wife, and child
go down together—The search for the boy—Still in death—A sad
return home—Mistress of the White House under sad
circumstances—In feeble health and deep grief—Always present at
the public receptions—Presided at State dinners—Agreeable
memories of Mrs. Pierce in Washington—Her observance of the
Sabbath—The influence she exerted—Retirement of President
Pierce—Travels abroad—Six months in Madeira—A long sojourn in the
old world—Death of Mrs. Pierce in 1863—Kindly things said of
her—Death of Mr. Pierce in 1869 484

HARRIET LANE.