Chapter II: Preface (2)

The niece of James Buchanan—Her name nearly associated with his
fame—Given to his care when an infant—A child to him—The ancestry
of Pennsylvania blood—Her grandfather—Family of James
Buchanan—His favorite sister—Married to Eliot T. Lane—Mr. Lane’s
position—Their youngest child—A vivacious and mischievous
girl—Little Harriet’s impressions of her uncle—Death of her
mother and father—Possessed of worldly goods—Chooses her uncle’s
home—His pride in this affectionate child—Her guide, philosopher,
and friend—“She never told a lie”—A wilful domestic outlaw—An
anecdote of her girlhood—Her uncle’s rebuke—Harriet sent to
school—Objections to her teachers—Her letters to her uncle—Under
surveillance—Early hours, brown sugar and cold hearts—Another
school selected—Her sister her companion—Three years of
study—Fond of music—A visit to Bedford Springs—Her uncle makes
her happy—In a convent—In Washington every month—Delightful
visits—Miss Lane’s popularity at school—A favorite with the
sisters—The nuns instruct her in music—Her uncle’s
letters—Graduated with honor—Loved and regretted by her
schoolmates—A beautiful woman—Personal description—Taste in
dress—Her uncle’s idol—His account of her athletic
powers—Anecdote of a race she ran—At Wheatland—Her fondness for
reading aloud—Discusses politics and plans improvements about the
grounds—Gay visits to different cities—Admired by gentlemen—Her
uncle’s house invaded by her lovers—Her brothers and sister—Mr.
Buchanan appointed Minister to England—His services to his
country—In Congress, Minister to Russia, Secretary of State—Twice
offered a seat upon the Supreme Bench—Miss Lane’s entrance into
English society—Publicly identified with Mr. Buchanan—Her
rank—The Queen her admirer—Decides her place in the diplomatic
corps for her—A blooming beauty—First appearance at a
drawing-room—A memorable occasion—Unconscious of the attention
she attracted—Mr. Buchanan’s remark to her—Distinguished
attentions of the Queen—Regarded with favor by the royal
family—Added greatly to the social reputation of her uncle—An
elegant-looking couple—A delightful specimen of American
womanhood—The guest of distinguished people—Offers of
marriage—Confides her love-affairs to her uncle—Brightest years
of her life—Miss Lane’s love for England and English people—An
incident of her stay abroad—Travels on the continent—With Mr.
Mason’s family in Paris—Their guest for two months—Miss Lane a
great belle—With her uncle at Oxford—The degree of Doctor of
Civil Laws conferred on Mr. Tennyson and Mr. Buchanan—The
students cheer her—Their admiration openly expressed—Return to
America—Leaves her uncle behind—He regrets the separation—Long
letters to her—The purpose of her coming home—At Wheatland—Her
sister to join her—Death of her sister—Mr. Buchanan’s
return—Nominated for the Presidency—Miss Lane’s social
duties—Mistress of the White House—Death of her brother—A
terrible blow to her—The recipient of much sympathy—Elegant
manners of the Lady of the White House—The most admired woman in
America—Her life a series of honors and pleasures—The formal
receptions—The President’s appearance—His niece by his side—A
trying social position—Visit of the Prince of Wales to this
country—The guest of the President—A delightful visit—An
occurrence of memorable interest—Visit to Mount Vernon—The Prince
a pleasant guest—His frank manners and interest in social
matters—Wishes to dance—The President declines to permit it—The
departure of the Prince—Letter from the Queen and the
Prince—Presents the President with his portrait—Sends Miss Lane
engravings of the Royal Family—Presented to them, not to the
nation—Letter from Lord Lyons to Mr. Buchanan—The closing year of
the administration—Miss Lane a comfort to her uncle—The
approaching war—A time of anxiety—The President’s gratitude for
her admirable demeanor—Faithfully represents him in his
drawing-room—Retirement—At Wheatland—Continued
attentions—Enthusiastic admirers—Miss Lane joins the church—No
other relative than her two uncles—Engagement to Mr.
Johnston—Marriage at Wheatland—The struggle between two loves—Mr.
and Mrs. Johnston’s tour to Cuba—Settle in Baltimore—A luxurious
home—A gift for “the lady of his dreams”—Happiness of the young
couple—Mrs. Johnston as a wife and mother—Death of her uncle—In
summer at Wheatland—A happy life—Later shadows—Death of her
eldest son—A noble youth—Letter from Judge Black—A great
bereavement 498

MARY TODD LINCOLN.

Ambitious to go to the White House—A hope long entertained—The
desire gratified—Impressed with this feeling in early
youth—Calculated the probabilities of such a success with
friends—Refused to marry a statesman—Accepts a less brilliant man
believing in his future—A Kentuckian by birth—Member of the Todd
family—Childhood and youth—Restless and not happy at home—Goes to
Springfield, Illinois—The attractions of this place—Residence
with her sister—Marriage to Abraham Lincoln—Their home at the
Globe tavern—The husband’s letter—Early married life—Mr. Lincoln
elected to Congress—His wife and children at home—State of the
country—The public life of Mr. Lincoln—His fondness for his
children—A good husband and kind man—Mrs. Lincoln a fortunate
woman—The mother of four children—Her pleasant home—The
aspirations and efforts of her husband—His character untarnished
by corruption—The place he fills—The basis of his greatness—The
time of war and anxiety—Less fortunate than any of her
predecessors—The people not gay—Social duties ignored—The
conditions under which her Washington life was passed—Preceding
events—Republican Convention of 1860—The nomination of Mr.
Lincoln—Mrs. Lincoln’s excitement—Her husband’s
thoughtfulness—His remark about her—The excitement over the
result—Springfield crowded with strangers—A great crowd at Mr.
Lincoln’s house—An elated woman—Her husband a grave man—Had none
of the airs of eminence—The same honest, simple-hearted
man—Answered his own bell—Mrs. Lincoln annoyed by visitors—Her
husband receives his guests elsewhere—Not inclined to be
friendly—Her improper estimate of her position—Very ambitious but
not conciliatory—A singular circumstance—Superstition of Mr.
Lincoln—The thrice repeated apparition—His wife’s interpretation
of it—A sign of his future honors and sudden death—Viewed in the
light of subsequent events—Its startling import—Mrs. Lincoln
starts for Washington—Her three sons with her—At Springfield—A
salute of thirty-four guns—At Cincinnati—The family of General
Harrison—The inauguration—General Scott in command of the
troops—An exciting day in Washington—Presidents Buchanan and
Lincoln—The oath of office administered—At the White House—Mrs.
Lincoln and her sisters—The first levee—The lady of the White
House—Description of her appearance—The desire of her heart
gratified—A fortunate woman—Fond of society and excitement—Not
equal to the emergency—Her conduct criticised—State dinners
abandoned—Years of hardship and trial to Mr. Lincoln—The death of
their son—Grief of both parents—Incidents of Mr. Lincoln’s love
for his children—Request to Commodore Porter—Tad’s love of
flowers—A gratification to his boy—At Fortress Monroe—Mr. Lincoln
dreams of Willie—Overcome with emotion—Reads from “King John” and
sobs aloud—A loving father—A relative’s opinion of him—Never
heard to utter an unkind word—Mrs. Lincoln in the White
House—Much alone—The state of the country preventing gayety—At
the watering-places—The Presidential Canvass of 1864—Re-election
of Mr. Lincoln—The New Year’s reception in 1865—The most
brilliant reception given—Thousands present—The war drawing to a
close—The inauguration—Anxiety concerning it—Safely
accomplished—Joy succeeds sorrow—General rejoicing at the
North—Surrender of General Lee—Peace declared—The White House
thronged—Congratulations from all directions—Anniversary of the
fall of Fort Sumter—The President and family at the theatre—The
greetings of a great audience—Those beside him—In a private
box—Looking pensive and sad—Shot—John Wilkes Booth the
assassin—Great consternation—The President removed from the
theatre—Mrs. Lincoln unnerved—At her husband’s death-bed—The
return to the White House—Grief of the nation—The afternoon
before his death—Out riding—Mrs. Lincoln’s reference to the
occasion—His remarks to his wife during the ride—They go alone at
his wish—His touching allusion to their son—“We have been very
miserable”—A miserable household—Grief of little Tad—Utterly
inconsolable—His remarks about his father—Mrs. Lincoln unnerved
by the shock—Never wholly recovers—Ill for many weeks—The funeral
cortege leaves Washington—The journey to Illinois—Mourning of the
people—Impressive scenes—The eldest son accompanies the
cortege—Returns to his mother’s side—Mrs. Lincoln’s long stay in
the White House—Embarrassed officials—President’s Johnson’s
considerate course—Final departure of Mrs. Lincoln—Death of
Tad—Subsequent life of Mrs. Lincoln—In ill-health—Travels
abroad—Petitions Congress for a pension—Restless and depressed in
spirit—The end of her ambitions, hopes and thoughts of
home-life—Life abroad—Return to America—Again at Springfield 526

ELIZA MCARDLE JOHNSON.

The only child of a widow—Married at seventeen—Her husband a
tailor’s apprentice—A mountain home—Well instructed in ordinary
branches—A very beautiful girl—The wife of an ambitious man—His
widowed mother’s chief support—An additional incentive to
study—The young couple learn together—His wife teaches him to
write—She reads to him as he works—Three women—The zeal and
energy of one of them—The tailor boy’s incentives—Little children
about his hearth—Mr. Johnson elected alderman—The joy of a good
wife—The village “Demosthenes”—Chosen Mayor of Greenville—Three
terms in office—A reputation for honest deeds and correct
principles—Mrs. Johnson’s devotion to her husband’s
interests—Death of their mothers—Mr. Johnson a member of the
Legislature and Governor of Tennessee—His wife remains in
Greenville—Her children’s education her care—Their Greenville
home—Andrew Johnson’s first home—His old shop—A poor man and
honest official—Elected Senator—Mrs. Johnson in
Washington—Failing health—Her return home—Separated from her
husband for two years—The civil war—Cut off from news of
home—Mrs. Johnson and family ordered out of East Tennessee—Time
asked—Too ill to travel—The start made—Ordered to return—A long
and trying journey—Passes through Confederate lines—A night spent
on the cars—Without food or beds or fire—A tired party—Mrs.
Johnson and her children in Nashville—The heroic conduct of the
former—Remembered kindly by friend and foe—A long-separated
family reunited—Mrs. Johnson an invalid—Death of her eldest son,
Dr. Johnson—Governor Johnson, Military Governor of
Tennessee—Nominated for the Vice-Presidency—Goes to
Washington—His family remain in Nashville—Preparing to return to
Greenville—The assassination of the President—Andrew Johnson,
President of the United States—Senator Doolittle’s account of the
assassination conspiracy—His letters to the Wisconsin State
Historical Society—President Johnson’s narrow escape—Governor
Farwell’s presence of mind—Leaves the theatre to find Mr.
Johnson—Fears for his safety—Warns the hotel clerks—“Guard the
doors: the President is assassinated”—Rushes to the
Vice-President’s room—His anxiety supreme—Is reassured by hearing
Mr. Johnson’s voice—The terrible news he bears—A moment of
supreme excitement—Hasty plans for safety—The moment of danger
passed—The hotel guarded—Personal friends pouring in to learn his
fate—News of Secretary Seward’s condition—Thousands of people in
the streets—A time of horror—The President dying—Mr. Johnson
determined to see him—His refusal to go guarded—Accompanied by
Major O’Beirne and Governor Farwell—At the bedside of the dying
President—Mrs. Johnson presented with an album containing
Governor Farwell’s account of the conspiracy plot—The family at
the White House—Mrs. Patterson the Lady of the White House—“A
plain people from the mountains of Tennessee”—Mrs. Johnson
assumes no social duties—An invalid—Only once in the East
Room—Her household—The four years in the White House—Her glad
return to Tennessee—Death of Colonel Robert Johnson—Ex-President
Johnson elected Senator—His wife greatly pleased—Living in her
old home—Illness of her husband—His death—Six months of
suffering—Her death—Buried beside her husband—A superb monument 546

MARTHA JOHNSON PATTERSON.

Like her father in personal appearance and character—A strong,
earnest woman—Description of her mental characteristics—Her
executive ability and energy—The pleasant manners of the
President’s daughter—An unostentatious person—A dutiful daughter
and kind sister—She never had time to play—A busy school-girl—Her
mother’s assistant—The earnest years of early life—At school in
Georgetown—A guest at the White House—Mrs. Polk’s bashful
visitor—Many of her holidays spent there—The marriage of Miss
Johnson to Judge Patterson—A visit to her father at Nashville—Her
home in East Tennessee—The mother of two children—The war—Joins
her parents at Nashville—Her home sacked—The preparations to
return to East Tennessee—News of the assassination—Mrs. Patterson
and Mrs. James K. Polk occupy a carriage in the procession in
honor of Lincoln—Removal to Washington—A dismantled mansion—The
East Room in a wretched condition—A severe task before the new
mistress—President Johnson’s first reception—Mrs. Patterson and
Mrs. Stover beside their father—The White House refurnished—Mrs.
Patterson’s severe duties—A summer spent in Washington renovating
the home of the Presidents—A notable housekeeper—Travels with her
father—The wife of a Senator and daughter of the
President—President Jefferson’s second daughter similarly
situated, but not the lady of the White House—Golden opinions of
Mrs. Patterson—Compared to Mrs. John Adams—Superior common sense
and strong will-power—A Southerner’s love of home—Her conduct
during the impeachment trial—A patient and busy person—The
strength and support of her father—His companion and
counsellor—Devotion to his interests—A levee at the White
House—Mrs. Patterson’s costume described—The farewell
reception—Five thousand people present—The State dinners given by
President Johnson—The last entertainment of this kind—An
interesting account of it—The President’s hospitality—Retirement
from the White House—A stormy and trying ordeal over—Farewells to
old friends 573

MARY STOVER.

The second daughter of President Johnson—A widow when she went to
Washington—A statuesque blonde—Her children with her—The
grandchildren of the President—A happy home circle—A stately
woman on public occasions—Her indifference to society—The
amusement of friends at her manner with strangers—A shy sufferer
in society—Her devotion to her children—An unaffected and
sensible lady—A pleasant memory in Washington 598

JULIA DENT GRANT.

The inauguration of President Grant in 1869—Youngest man who has
occupied the office—His family—Mrs. Grant as hostess, wife and
mother—Personal friends and relatives about her—Her personal
influence—A Missourian by birth—Her father’s social position—Her
brother a West Point graduate—Introduced to his classmate—The
engagement of the young lieutenant and Miss Julia—The match not
pleasing to her parents—The young officer ordered to frontier
duty—With General Taylor in Mexico—Saved the life of Lieutenant
Dent—The family relent—An engagement of five years—Married in
1848—A merry wedding—The bride at her husband’s post—Housekeeping
in Detroit—A vine-covered cottage—The children of this
union—Captain Grant leaves the army—Returns to Missouri—Poor and
without prospects—Tries farming—Not successful in his
efforts—“Hardscrabble”—Enters a real estate office—Years of
adversity—The hope and trust of Mrs. Grant—A visit to his
father—What came of it—In business at Galena—Six hundred a
year—“Hardscrabble” still—His wife maid of all work, nurse and
teacher of her children—An uncongenial business—Hard work and
little reward—His position disagreeable on various accounts—The
outbreak of the war—The turning point in his life—Appointed
Captain—Speedy promotions—Governor Washburne his friend—Is made a
Brigadier-General—Mrs. Grant and her children in Kentucky—His
father’s house her home—Her loyal devotion to her
husband—Predicts higher distinction for him—His defender
always—Much of his success due to her recognition of his
character—With him at Fort Donelson and in Mississippi—Serenaded
in St. Louis after the surrender of Vicksburg—Her appearance
greeted with cheers—Shares with her husband his military
renown—At head-quarters—Mrs. Grant’s opinion of her husband—“A
very obstinate man”—He becomes Lieutenant-General—Resides in
Washington City—Three years of home-life under pleasant
circumstances—The most successful General of the age—Is nominated
for the Presidency—Inauguration of President Grant—Mrs. Grant in
the White House—The domestic life of the President’s family—Three
years of the administration—At Long Branch in summer—Debut of
Miss Nellie—Her tour in Europe—Distinguished attentions shown
her—Their sons at home from school—Marriage of Nellie Grant—The
lover from over the water—National interest in the event—The
sixth wedding in the White House—The ceremony in the East
Room—The groom Algernon Sartoris, of Hampshire, England—The son
of Adelaide Kemble, and grandson of Charles Kemble—His aunt the
famous actress Fanny Kemble—An exceptionally brilliant
life—President Grant’s pride in his daughter—Her wedding the
finest ever known in Washington—Guests present—Departure for
Europe—The President and Mrs. Grant at Long Branch—Colonel Fred
Grant’s marriage—Mrs. Grant’s social administration—Elaborate
entertainments—Notable social events—Royal visitors at the White
House—Eight years in the Executive Mansion—Close of the
administration of President Grant—The recipient of constant
attentions—Guests of the ex-Secretary of State—Preparations for a
tour around the world—The guest of George Washington Childs,
Esq., in Philadelphia—Honors paid to the ex-President—The last
week made memorable—Departure from Philadelphia—The trip down the
Delaware—Enthusiasm of the people—The farewell to friends—Parting
salute—The steamer “Indiana” departs—Welcomed on English soil—The
journey around the world—Two years and a half of sight-seeing—The
return to the United States—In sight of home—Arrival at San
Francisco—Universal rejoicings—Invitations from all the large
cities of the Union—The ex-President surprised at the heartiness
of his reception—Pleasant incidents—A present to Mrs. Grant from
the Chinese delegation—The dinner given her in China—Guest of the
wife of the Viceroy of China—John Russell Young’s description of
the entertainment—She is accompanied by the European ladies in
Tientsin—“What shall we wear?”—They decide in favor of French
fashions—The procession of chairs to the Yamen—Mrs. Grant in the
first chair—An American and a Chinese band—The refinement of the
hostess—The Viceregal family—Costumes of the Chinese
ladies—Crowds of servants in attendance—Tea served in the
library—At dinner—The dining-room and table furnishing—A Chinese
and European feast—The fortitude of the guests—Chopsticks handled
with dexterity—The civility of the hostess—Democratic customs in
China—The crowd about the windows and doors—The toast of the
hostess—Barbarian ladies surprise her—The Viceroy looking
on—Anxious for the success of the entertainment—The singing and
dancing of the guests—Barbarian customs approved by the Oriental
ladies—German music in the Viceroy’s palace—High-bred courtesy of
the hostess—Stands or sits as her guests do—A refined
lady—Accompanied Mrs. Grant to her chair—The adieux—Mrs. Grant
travels—Has received at the hands of foreigners more attention
than any other White House occupant—The guest of the crown heads
of Europe—Her chief pleasure in life—Popular in
society—Untrammelled with cares—The motives governing her public
career—Domesticity her leading characteristic—An excellent
mother—Adored by her children—Identified with her husband’s
public career—Her name a theme of praise—The summer of her
life—The future that yet awaits her 603

LUCY WEBB HAYES.

Widely popular—An element in the Administration—Her influence
admirable—The representative of the third period of White House
ladies—The women of the Revolution—Their successors—The second
century of the Republic—Mrs. Hayes a representative of it—Her
qualifications and ambition—An ideal wife—Happy married life—Long
experience in semi-official life—Her grace, culture and social
attributes—Pleasant duties well performed—Has created a higher
reverence for her sex—As compared with others of her rank—What
men have learned from the days of Socrates to President Hayes—The
domestic lives of great men—The glory of life realized—Mrs.
Hayes’ birth-place—Daughter of Dr. James Webb—Ancestry—The mother
of Mrs. Hayes—A noble woman—Her careful training of her
children—Pupils at Wesleyan University—Cottage home of Mrs.
Webb—Lucy a fellow-student with her brothers—Sent to the Wesleyan
Female College—Excellent school advantages—A graduate of the
first chartered college for young women in the United States—Is
introduced to a promising young lawyer—His interest in the
under-graduate—What he wrote concerning her—Pleasant
school-memories of Mrs. Hayes—Her schoolmates’ opinion of
her—‘Absolutely will not talk gossip’—The trait a gift from her
mother—An exemplification of the Golden Rule—A member of the
church—A clever student—At the head of her class—School life
closed—Married to Mr. Hayes—The wedding—A marriage crowned with
affection—“All the world loves a lover”—Sensitive appreciation of
what is due her husband’s fame from her—An incident—Mrs. Hayes a
strong, self-respecting woman—A minister’s tribute to her
temperance views—Ranks her with the Marys who stood at the
cross—President Hayes—A widow’s son—His mother—A self-reliant
woman—Devotion to her children—Mr. Hayes a graduate of Kenyon
College, and of the Cambridge Law School—Practises law in
Fremont—Removal to Cincinnati—Offices held by him—Enters the army
as Major—Distinctions won during the war—At the battle of South
Mountain—Wounded in four engagements—An instance of her life in
camp—“A woman who mends the boys’ clothes”—A kind deed to a
soldier—Mrs. Hayes searching the Washington hospitals—Fails to
get tidings of him—Finds him at Middletown, Maryland—Her brother
with him—Establishes herself as nurse—In the family of Captain
Rudy—Their opinion of Mrs. Hayes—Her easy, affable ways—Visits
the hospitals and nurses the soldiers—A welcome presence in the
sick-room—Returns to Cincinnati with her husband—Her departure
sincerely regretted—Attentions to Miss Rudy—A guest in the
Governor’s house—President Hayes’ letter on the death of Captain
Rudy—The close of the war—General Hayes elected to
Congress—Re-elected—Nominated Governor of Ohio—Re-elected—The
Executive Mansion at Columbus—Social life there—Elegant
hospitality extended—Mrs. Hayes’ public duties—Works to enlarge
the State Charities—Identified with all good causes—Her wide
influence—The mother of eight children—An excellent
mother—Admirable in all the relationships of life—Summers spent
at Fremont—“Spiegel Grove”—A hospitable mansion—Description of
the house and surroundings—Burchard Park—Pen-portrait of Mrs.
Hayes—Medium height and well built—Fine eyes and expressive
features—An animated face—Excellent health and sunny nature—A
splendid specimen of physical womanhood—The Presidential canvass
in 1876—An exciting event—A season of great anxiety—President and
Mrs. Hayes in Washington—The guests of Mr. Sherman—The
inauguration—Scene in the Senate Chamber—The happy face in the
gallery—A bright glance that reassured the principal actor—At the
White House—The two Presidents at lunch—Ex-President and Mrs.
Grant leave the White House—The farewells at the door—The new
life begun—Arrival of the children and guests—First day in the
White House—Mrs. Hayes delighted with her position—Her admissions
on this subject—Anticipates enjoyment—A pleasant incident—Class
testimonial to Mrs. Hayes—The college badge—The device made in
flowers—The note accompanying the gift—“The best plans will go
aglee”—The note lost—Mrs. Hayes in a quiver of excitement—How she
learned the names of the donors—The end felicitous—The ladies
invited to the White House—A happy occasion—Mrs. Hayes’
Bibles—Enough to stock a hotel—The first reception—The most
gratified lady in the land—A radiant face—The effect as she
received—Her toilette—A simple, elegant dress—Rare laces—The
second entertainment—Dinner to the Grand Dukes Alexis and
Constantine of Russia—A brilliant gathering—The
drawing-rooms—Flowers and Sevres china—The table and dining-room
ornaments—The grand promenade—The Grand Duke Alexis and Mrs.
Hayes—President Hayes and Lady Thornton—Other members of the
brilliant company—The toilette worn by Mrs. Hayes—The facts about
the use of wine on this occasion—Not seen on subsequent
occasions—A compliment for Mrs. Hayes from Paris—Her first Sunday
in Washington—Attends the Foundry Methodist Church—Mrs. Hayes
does not interfere in official matters—Considers no applications
for appointments—A notable instance of her deviation from this
rule—A temperance postmistress retained—The reason for her
interference—Mrs. Hayes’ attentions to her “poor
relations”—Democratic independence—An instance of it—The best
carriage and liveried servants—Plain people from Ohio—A few
frills put on for their sakes—The household at the White
House—The children of the President—What an old schoolfriend said
of Mrs. Hayes—Mrs. Mary Clemmer writes of her—The eyes of a
Madonna—A woman of the hearth and home—Strong as fair—“Holding
the white lamp of her womanhood unshaken”—The finest-looking type
of man and woman—A Southerner’s opinion—“A God beautiful
woman”—President Hayes—Description of personal appearance—Manly,
refined and polished in manners—Silver-wedding—First ever
celebrated in the White House—Rev. Dr. McCabe renews his pastoral
blessing—The wedding dress of the bride—Friends
present—Interesting event—The children who were christened—The
family dinner—Formal reception next evening—The Executive Mansion
brilliant with flowers and gay costumes—Dress worn by Mrs.
Hayes—Wedding dress too small—Her guests—Those who attended the
first wedding—The only present received—A gift to Mrs. Hayes—In
memory of past kindness—From the officers of the 23d Ohio
Volunteer Infantry—A silver plate in an ebony frame—The
inscription—The log hut and torn battle-flags—Scenes in the
Kanawha Valley in 1863–64—The banquet—All the magnificent White
House tableware in use—Superb flowers—A blessing asked—Telegrams
offering congratulations—One of the pleasant affairs connected
with the administration—The two notable features it exhibited—The
cards of invitation and the present—Mrs. Hayes’ friendly interest
in the soldiers—“The mother of the Regiment”—The White House
during Mrs. Hayes’ administration—Her entertainments public and
private—Marriage of Miss Platt in the White House—Many bridal
parties there—A lunch party to young ladies—Mrs. Hayes’ tours
with her husband—Never tired of having a good time—The most
idolized woman in America—Uses the world without abusing it—An
honor to women—Presentation of her portrait to the
nation—Description of picture and frame—Farewell to
Washington—Welcome home 628

LUCRETIA RUDOLPH GARFIELD.

Self-control—Her characteristics—Before her marriage—General
Garfield’s early life—Elected to the Senate—Death of a
child—Letter to her husband—Her husband’s tribute—The family at
Mentor—Description of her home—Mrs. Garfield at home—Personal
appearance—“Mother Garfield”—A scene at the inauguration—The
President’s family at Washington—Early life of Mother
Garfield—Mother and son—Inauguration scenes—A brilliant scene—The
inauguration ball—The ladies of the Cabinet—The children of the
President—Mrs. Garfield’s illness—At Long Branch—Saturday, July
2d, “The President shot”—Incidents of the assassination—Removal
to the White House—Heroic suffering—Letter to Mother Garfield—Not
a politician—Sympathy of the people—The relapse—Removal to Long
Branch—A little boy’s sympathy—Anxious waiting—Died September
19th, 1881—The death-bed scene—Alone with her dead—Mother
Garfield—Leaving Elberon—Tributes by the way—The last look—The
Queen’s floral tribute—The start for Cleveland—Scenes by the
way—At Cleveland—The funeral procession—At the cemetery—The last
scene—The Queen’s sympathy 665

“THE WHITE HOUSE.”

Corner-stone laid—How constructed—Where situated—Trees planted by
John Quincy Adams—Green-House—Why so called 731

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

FROM STUART’S PICTURE
]

THE
LADIES OF THE WHITE HOUSE.