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diff --git a/old/66909-0.txt b/old/66909-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 995e4e4..0000000 --- a/old/66909-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,19567 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Ladies of the White House, by Laura C. -Holloway - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Ladies of the White House - Or, in the Home of the Presidents. Being a Complete History of - the Social and Domestic Lives of the Presidents from Washington to - the Present Time—1789–1881 - -Author: Laura C. Holloway - -Release Date: December 9, 2021 [eBook #66909] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Richard Tonsing, MFR and the Online Distributed Proofreading - Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from - images generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LADIES OF THE WHITE HOUSE *** - -[Illustration: - - _The White House_ -] - - - - - THE - LADIES OF THE WHITE HOUSE; - OR, - IN THE HOME OF THE PRESIDENTS. - _Being a Complete History of the Social and Domestic Lives of the - Presidents from Washington to the Present Time—1789–1881._ - - - BY - LAURA C. HOLLOWAY. - - - _WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS ON STEEL AND WOOD._ - - - CINCINNATI: - FORSHEE & McMAKIN, - 188 & 190 WEST FIFTH STREET. - 1881. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881, by - LAURA C. HOLLOWAY, - In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - FERGUSON BROS. & CO., - PRINTERS AND ELECTROTYPERS. - PHILADELPHIA. - - - - - PREFACE. - - -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. - - - 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 - -[Illustration: - - MARTHA WASHINGTON. - - FROM STUART’S PICTURE -] - - - - - THE - LADIES OF THE WHITE HOUSE. - - - - - I. - MARTHA WASHINGTON. - - -The first who, in our young republic, bore the honors as a President’s -wife, is described “as being rather below the middle size, but extremely -well-shaped, with an agreeable countenance, dark hazel eyes and hair, -and those frank, engaging manners so captivating in American women. She -was not a beauty, but gentle and winning in her nature, and eminently -congenial to her illustrious husband. During their long and happy -married life, he ever wore her likeness on his heart.” - -“It was in 1758 that an officer, attired in a military undress, attended -by a body-servant tall and militaire as his chief, crossed the ferry -over the Pamunkey, a branch of the York River. On the boat’s touching -the southern or New Kent side, the soldier’s progress was arrested by -one of those personages who give the beauideal of the Virginia gentleman -of the old regime; the very soul of kindliness and hospitality. It was -in vain the soldier urged his business at Williamsburg; important -communications to the Governor, etc. Mr. Chamberlayne, on whose domain -the officer had just landed, would hear no excuse. Colonel Washington -was a name and character so dear to all Virginians, that his passing by -one of the old estates of Virginia without calling and partaking of the -hospitalities of the host was entirely out of the question. The Colonel, -however, did not surrender at discretion, but stoutly maintained his -ground, till Chamberlayne brought up his reserve in the intimation that -he would introduce his friend to a young and charming widow then beneath -his roof. The soldier capitulated on condition that he should dine, only -dine, and then, by pressing his charger, and borrowing of the night, he -would reach Williamsburg before his Excellency could shake off his -morning slumbers. Orders were accordingly issued to Bishop, the -Colonel’s body-servant and faithful follower, who, together with a fine -English charger, had been bequeathed by the dying Braddock to Major -Washington on the famed and fated field of the Monongahela. Bishop, bred -in the school of European discipline, raised his hand to his cap, as -much as to say, ‘Your honor’s orders shall be obeyed.’ The Colonel now -proceeded to the mansion, and was introduced to various guests (for when -was a Virginia domicil of the olden time without guests?), and, above -all, to the charming widow. Tradition relates that they were mutually -pleased on this their first interview, nor is it remarkable; they were -of an age when impressions are strongest. The lady was fair to behold, -of fascinating manners, and splendidly endowed with worldly benefits; -the hero, fresh from his early fields redolent of fame, and with a form -on which ‘every god did seem to set his seal, to give the world -assurance of a man.’ The morning passed pleasantly away; evening came, -with Bishop, true to his orders and firm at his post, holding the -favorite charger with the one hand, while the other was waiting to offer -the ready stirrup. The sun sank in the horizon, and yet the Colonel -appeared not, and then the old soldier wondered at his chief’s delay. -’Twas strange; ’twas passing strange. Surely he was not wont to be a -single moment behind his appointments, for he was the most punctual of -all punctual men. Meantime, the host enjoyed the scene of the veteran on -duty at the gate, while the Colonel was so agreeably employed in the -parlor; and proclaiming that no guest ever left his house after sunset, -his military visitor was, without much difficulty, persuaded to order -Bishop to put up the horses for the night. The sun rode high in the -heavens the ensuing day when the enamored soldier pressed with his spur -his charger’s sides and sped on his way to the seat of government, when, -having despatched his public business, he retraced his steps, and at her -country-seat, the White House, after which the home of the Presidents -was called, the engagement took place, with arrangements for the -marriage.” - -It is pleasant to remember that, with all the privations and hardships -endured by both in after years, they never encountered poverty. When -Colonel Washington married Mrs. Custis, the ceremony was performed under -the roof of her own home, and the broad lands about it were but a part -of her large estate. Immediately after their wedding, which has been -described repeatedly as a most joyous and happy affair, in which every -belle and beau for miles around took part, they repaired at once to -Mount Vernon. Here for seventeen bright and beautiful years they enjoyed -the society of relatives and friends, and the constant companionship of -each other. During those years of prosperity, Mrs. Washington had ample -opportunity to manifest that elegance of manner for which she was -remarkable. In her girlhood, as Miss Dandridge, she had enjoyed the best -society of Williamsburg, and during Governor Dinwiddie’s residence -there, she had been one of the most popular and admired of the many -blooming girls who had rendered the court of the Governor attractive. - -Nothing remains to us of her childhood save an indistinct tradition;[1] -perhaps her infant years were spent at her father’s country home, -unmarked but by the gradual change of the little one into the shy young -lady. That she was educated after the exigency of her time, at home, is -likewise a truth gathered from the echoes of the past generation. -Virginia in those early days—for she was born in May, 1732—possessed no -educational facilities, and the children of the wealthy were either sent -abroad for accomplishments unattainable in their native land, or put -under the care of tutor or governess at home. Such knowledge as she -possessed of the world was gleaned from the few books she read, and the -society of her father’s friends, for she had never been farther from -home than Williamsburg. - -Footnote 1: - - She was a descendant of the Rev. Orlando Jones, a clergyman of Wales. - -[Illustration: Painted by Woolaston. Eng_d. by J. C. Buttre. M. -Washington] - -She is first mentioned as a rustic beauty and belle at the British -Governor’s residence, and was there married, when very young, to Colonel -Custis. After her marriage her home was not far distant from her -father’s plantation, and these fleeting years were so fraught with every -conceivable blessing that her young heart asked no other boon. Endeared -to each other by the warmest affection, her time spent in dispensing -that hospitality which was deemed a duty and a virtue, it seemed as if -no trouble could ever mar her happiness. Colonel Custis was a gifted and -refined man, of eminently polished and agreeable manners, and the -possessor of a generous nature, which rendered him widely popular. The -congenial couple lived in happy contentment in the enjoyment of their -own and their children’s society, surrounded by friends, and the -possessors of all those creature comforts which add so essentially to -the pleasures of existence. They had three children, the eldest of whom -was a son, unusually endowed with mental gifts, and giving promise of a -bright future. His health was not good, and though watched over with -continuous care and forethought he died, and his untimely death hastened -the disease already manifest in his father’s system. Colonel Custis died -of consumption a short time afterward, and thus was the wife and mother -deprived of her companion, whose affection was in keeping with his many -virtues and elevated mind, and the boy whose existence had first called -into being all the deathless love of a mother. - -Time soothed the wounds naught else could heal, and the young widow -discharged the duties that belonged to her position. The trust her -husband reposed in her—in leaving their large property in her own hands -to control—she amply vindicated, and her estate was one of the best -managed in the county. When she met Colonel Washington she was -twenty-six years of age, and was remarkably youthful in appearance and -very handsome. She had ever been the object of warm and disinterested -affection, and from her first entrance into the society of Williamsburg, -down to the last hour of her life, it was eminently illustrated. Few had -been her sorrows, and for each and every one endured she could count a -twofold blessing. There was nothing in her life to foster the faults -incident to human nature, for the rank weeds of poverty and lack of -opportunity, which cramp and deform so many earth-lives, were unfelt and -unknown to her. - -Mount Vernon was the gift to Colonel Washington from his elder and -bachelor brother Lawrence, and the estate was then one of the finest in -Virginia. Washington had made it his occasional residence before his -marriage, but it was not until he took his bride there that it became -his permanent home. The life that Mrs. Washington led there was similar -in outward circumstances to her former position as Mrs. Custis, for she -was again the wife of a wealthy, prosperous planter, the centre of the -refined society of the county. The sameness of country life was -interrupted by her frequent trips with her husband to Williamsburg, -where he was for fifteen successive years a member of the Legislature. - - “How noiseless falls the foot of time - That only treads on flowers!” - -Engaged in fascinating pleasures and congenial pursuits, it did not -occur to Mrs. Washington how many summers of fragrantly blooming flowers -and ripening fruits had sunk into the unreturning past; nor did she -consider that the long term of years in which she had been so happy had -meted to others measured drops of bitterness, turning all their -harvest-times into chilling, dreary winter. There came to her a time -when the pleasant home-life had to be abandoned, and for eight years the -harmony of domestic peace was banished. - -The following letter, the only one preserved of the many addressed to -her, is full of interest, and is replete with that thoughtfulness which -characterized Washington in his capacity as a husband. Mrs. Washington, -shortly before her death, destroyed every testimonial of this kind, -unwilling that any other should read these evidences of affection: - - - “PHILADELPHIA, _18th June, 1775_. - -“MY DEAREST: I am now set down to write to you on a subject which fills -me with inexpressible concern, and this concern is greatly aggravated -and increased when I reflect upon the uneasiness I know it will give -you. It has been determined in Congress that the whole army raised for -the defence of the American cause shall be put under my care, and that -it is necessary for me to proceed immediately to Boston to take upon me -the command of it. - -“You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when I assure you, in the most -solemn manner, that, so far from seeking this appointment, I have used -every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness -to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a -trust too great for my capacity, and that I should enjoy more real -happiness in one month with you at home, than I have the most distant -prospects of finding abroad if my stay were to be seven times seven -years. But as it has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this -service, I shall hope that my undertaking it is designed to answer some -good purpose. You might, and I suppose did, perceive, from the tenor of -my letter, that I was apprehensive I could not avoid this appointment, -as I did not pretend to intimate when I should return. That was the -case. It was utterly out of my power to refuse this appointment, without -exposing my character to such censures as would have reflected dishonor -upon myself, and given pain to my friends. This, I am sure, could not -and ought not to be pleasing to you, and must have lessened me -considerably in my own esteem. I shall rely, therefore, confidently on -that Providence which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, -not doubting but that I shall return safe to you in the fall. I shall -feel no pain from the toil or danger of the campaign; my unhappiness -will flow from the uneasiness I know you will feel from being left -alone. I therefore beg that you will summon your whole fortitude, and -pass your time as agreeably as possible. Nothing else will give me so -much sincere satisfaction as to hear this, and to hear it from your own -pen. My earnest and ardent desire is, that you would pursue any plan -that is most likely to produce content and a tolerable degree of -tranquillity, as it must add greatly to my uneasy feelings to hear that -you are dissatisfied or complaining at what I really could not avoid. - -“As life is always uncertain, and common prudence dictates to every man -the necessity of settling his temporal concerns while it is in his -power, I have, since I came to this place—for I had no time to do it -before I left home—got Colonel Pendleton to draft a will for me by the -directions I gave him, which I will now enclose. The provisions made for -you, in case of my death, will, I hope, be agreeable. I shall add -nothing more, as I have several letters to write, but to desire that you -will remember me to your friends, and to assure you that I am, with the -most unfeigned regard, my dear Patsy, - - “Your affectionate GEORGE WASHINGTON.” - - -This trial of separation was mitigated, although often prolonged to -weary months. Ever when the long Indian summer days of October shed -glory over the burnished forest trees, her cumbrous carriage with its -heavy hangings and massive springs, suggestive of comfort, was brought -to the door and laden with all the appurtenances of a winter’s visit. -Year after year, as she had ordered supplies for this annual trip to her -husband’s camp, she trusted it would be the last; and each time as the -servants cooked and packed for this too oft-repeated absence, they -wished it might hurry him home, to remember how many were needing his -presence there. The battles were fierce and the struggles long, and if -the orderly matron disliked the necessity of leaving home so often and -for so long a time, her heart was glad of the sacrifice when she reached -the doubly anxious husband who was watching and waiting for her—anxious -for his wife, somewhere on the road, and for his bleeding country, -struggling unavailingly for the eternal principles of freedom. It was -her presence that gave comfort to the ofttimes dispirited commander, and -sent a gleam of sunshine to the hearts of the officers, who saw in her -coming the harbinger of their own happiness. For it was an established -custom, for all who could, to send for their families after the -commander had received and welcomed his. General Washington, after her -annual trip, invariably wrote to persons who had been attentive and -obliging, and punctually thanked every one who had in any way conduced -to her comfort during her tedious stages from Mount Vernon. Never but -once or twice had those yearly moves been disagreeable, and though -universally unoffending, she felt the painful effects of party -bitterness; but the noble intrepidity of General Washington relieved the -depressing influences of such unusual occurrences. Her own pride -suffered nothing in comparison to the natural sensitiveness she felt for -her husband’s fair fame, and the coldness on the part of others affected -only as it reflected on her noble protector. Once, after a disastrous -campaign, as she was passing through Philadelphia, she was insulted by -the ladies there, who declined noticing her by any civilities whatever. -The tide in the affairs of men came, and, alas for human nature! many of -these haughty matrons were the first to welcome her there as the wife of -the President. - -Mrs. Washington was unostentatious in her dress, and displayed little -taste for those luxurious ornaments deemed appropriate for the wealthy -and great. In her own home the spinning wheels and looms were kept -constantly going, and her dresses were, many times, woven by her -servants. General Washington wore at his inauguration, a full suit of -fine cloth, the handiwork of his own household. At a ball given in New -Jersey in honor to herself, she wore a “simple russet gown,” and white -handkerchief about her neck, thereby setting an example to the women of -the Revolution, who could ill afford to spend their time or means as -lavishly as they might have desired. “On one occasion she gave the best -proof of her success in domestic manufactures, by the exhibition of two -of her dresses, which were composed of cotton, striped with silk, and -entirely home-made. The silk stripes in the fabric were woven from the -ravelings of brown silk stockings and old crimson chair-covers!” - -When peace was declared and her mantle folded round the suffering young -Republic, Mrs. Washington welcomed to Mount Vernon her hero-husband, who -naturally hoped that he might “move gently down the stream of life until -he slept with his fathers.” But a proud, fond people called him again -from his retreat to guide the ship of state; nor was he who had fought -her battles, and served her well, recreant now. - -Mrs. Washington’s crowning glory in the world’s esteem is the fact that -she was the bosom companion of the “Father of his Country;” but her fame -as Martha Dandridge, and afterwards as Martha Custis, is due alone to -her moral worth. To her, as a girl and woman, belonged beauty, -accomplishments, and great sweetness of disposition. Nor should we, in -ascribing her imperishable memory to her husband’s greatness, fail to do -reverence to the noble attributes of her own nature; yet we cannot -descend to the hyperbolical strain so often indulged in by writers when -speaking of Mrs. Washington. In tracing the life of an individual, it -becomes necessary to examine the great events and marked incidents of -the times, and generally to form from such landmarks the motives that -prompted the acts of an earth-existence. More especially is this -necessary if the era in which our subject lived was remarkable for any -heroic deeds or valorous exploits which affected the condition of -mankind. Personally, Mrs. Washington’s life was a smooth and even -existence, save as it was stirred by some natural cause, but viewed in -connection with the historical events of her day, it became one of -peculiar interest. - -As a wife, mother, and friend, she was worthy of respect, but save only -as the companion of Washington is her record of public interest. She was -in nowise a student, hardly a regular reader, nor gifted with literary -ability; but if stern necessity had forced her from her seclusion and -luxury, hers would have been a career of active effort and goodness. -Most especially would she have been a benevolent woman, and it is to be -regretted by posterity as a misfortune that there was no real urgency -for a more useful life. Her good fortune it was to be wealthy, of good -family, young and attractive; and if she was not versed in the higher -branches of literature, it was no fault of her own, probably, since the -drawbacks incident to the pursuit of knowledge, under the difficulties -and obstacles of a life in a new country, together with their early -marriages, deterred women from “drinking deep of the Pierean spring;” -but, under the benign influences of Christian morality, the maidens of -the Old Dominion were carefully and virtuously trained, and were -exemplary daughters, wives, and mothers. - -Many have occupied the nominal position Mrs. Washington held, but, in -reality, no American, or, indeed, no woman of earth, will ever be so -exalted in the hearts of a nation as was she; and yet there is no single -instance recorded of any act of heroism of hers, although she lived in -times that tried men’s souls, and was so intimately associated through -her husband with all the great events of the Revolution. “Nor does it -appear, from the documents handed down to us, that she was a very -notable housewife, but rather inclined to leave the matter under her -husband’s control, whose method and love of domestic life admirably -fitted him to manage a large establishment. They evidently lived -together on very excellent terms, though she sometimes was disposed to -quarrel with him about the grandchildren, who he insisted (and he always -carried the point) should be under thorough disciplinarians, as well as -competent teachers, when they were sent from home to be educated.” - -It was a source of regret that she bore no children to him, but an able -writer has said: “Providence left him childless that he might be the -father of his country.” It is hard to judge whether or not it was a -blessing; but it certainly has not detracted from his greatness that he -left no successor to his fame. On the contrary, it is all the brighter -from having no cloud to dim the solitary grandeur of his spotless name. -Few sons of truly great and illustrious men have ever reflected honor -upon their fathers and many have done otherwise. When we consider how -many representative men of the world, in all nations and ages, have been -burdened and oppressed with the humiliating conduct of their children, -let it be a source of joy, rather than of regret, that there was but -_one_ Washington, either by the ties of consanguinity or the will of -Providence. This character was never marred by any imperfect type of its -own, and in Washington’s life we recognize the fact that occasionally, -in great emergencies, God lifts up a man for the deed; when the career -is ended, the model, though not the example, is lost to the world. - -Mrs. Washington’s two children (Martha and John Parke Custis) were with -her the bright years of her life intervening between her marriage and -the Revolution. Her daughter was fast budding into womanhood, and how -beautiful, thought the loving mother, were the delicate outlines of her -fair young face! Airy castles and visionary scenes of splendor reared -their grand proportions in the twilight-clouds of her imagination; and -in the sunlight of security she saw not, or, if perchance did define, -the indistinct outlines of the spectre, grim and gaunt, heeded not its -significant appearance at her festive board. - -In all the natural charms of youth, freshness, and worldly possessions, -the mother’s idol, the brother’s playmate, and father’s cherished -daughter, died, and the light of the house went out, and a wail of -anguish filled the air as the night winds rushed hurryingly past that -desolate home on the shore of the murmuring river. - -A great purpose was born out of that grief: a self-abnegated firmness to -rise above the passionate lamentations of selfish sorrow; and though -afterward, for years, the shadow of a past woe rested upon that famous -home, the poor loved it better than ever before, and meek charity found -more willing hands than in the days of reckless happiness. Religion, -too, and winning sympathy, softened the poignant grief, and - - “The fates unwound the ball of time, - And dealt it out to man.” - -The cannon of the Continental Militia at Lexington belched forth its -hoarse sound on the morning of the 15th of April, 1775, as in the gray -twilight of approaching day a band of invaders sallied up to demand the -dispersion of the rebels. The echo of those reports went ringing through -the distant forests, and fleetest couriers carried its tidings beyond -the rippling waves of the Potomac, calling the friends of freedom to -arms. Mrs. Washington heard the war-cry, and felt that the absence of -her husband was now indefinite; for she knew that from his post in the -councils of the nation he would go to serve his country in the field. -Nor was she mistaken in her conclusions. - -She met the Commander-in-chief at his winter head-quarters at Cambridge, -after an absence of nearly a year, in December, 1775, and remained with -him until opening of the spring campaign. During the Revolution she -continued to spend each winter with him at his head-quarters. Early in -this year she returned to her home, leaving behind her son, John Parke -Custis, who had been with his adopted father from the beginning of the -war. - -The next winter she passed at Morristown, New Jersey, where she -experienced some of the real hardships and sufferings of camp life. The -previous season, at Cambridge, the officers and their families had -resided in the mansions of the Tories, who had deserted them to join the -British; but at Morristown she occupied a small frame-house, without any -convenience or comforts, and, as before, returned in the spring, with -her daughter-in-law and children, to Mount Vernon.[2] - -Footnote 2: - - Mr. John Parke Custis was married to Miss Nelly Calvert the third of - February, 1774. - -Valley Forge, during the last months of 1777 and the early part of 1778, -was the scene of the severest sufferings, replete with more terrible -want than any ever known in the history of the Colonies.[3] - -Footnote 3: - - Six miles above Norristown, Pennsylvania, and twenty from - Philadelphia, on the Schuylkill river, is the deep hollow known as - Valley Forge. It is situated at the mouth of Valley creek, and on - either side rise the mountains above this lonely spot. To the fact - that in this valley there had once been several forges, it owes its - name, and here Washington found winter-quarters for his suffering - army. - -During all this winter of horrors, Mrs. Washington remained with her -husband, trying to comfort and animate him in the midst of his trials. -Succeeding years brought the same routine, and victory and defeat walked -ofttimes hand in hand. October of 1781 brought glad tidings of great -joy, in the capture of Yorktown, and nothing seemed to defer the long -anticipated return of General Washington to his family and friends. - -Ere yet the shouts of victory rang out upon the listening ear of a -continent, Colonel Custis was borne from the scene of triumph to a -village in New Kent county to die, and soon the messenger startled the -wife and mother at Mount Vernon with the mournful intelligence. -Washington, amid the intense joy of his troops, could not conceal his -anxious feelings over the condition of this deeply loved son of his -adoption, and his heart went out to his crushed wife, so soon to be -widowed, and to Mrs. Washington, who idolized the son of her youth. “He -left Yorktown on the 5th of November, and reached, the same day, the -residence of his old friend, Colonel Bassett. He arrived just in time to -receive the last breath of John Parke Custis, as he had several years -previously rendered tender and pious offices at the death-bed of his -sister, Miss Custis. The deceased had been the object of Washington’s -care from childhood, and been cherished by him with paternal affection. -Reared under his guidance and instructions, he had been fitted to take a -part in the public concerns of his country, and had acquitted himself -with credit as a member of the Virginia Legislature. He was but -twenty-eight years old at the time of his death, and left a widow and -four young children. It was an unexpected event, and the dying scene was -rendered peculiarly affecting from the presence of the mother and wife -of the deceased. Washington remained several days at Eltham to comfort -them in their affliction. As a consolation to Mrs. Washington in her -bereavement, he adopted the two youngest children of the deceased, a boy -and girl, who thenceforth formed a part of his immediate family.” - -[Illustration: - - MT. VERNON—THE HOME OF WASHINGTON. -] - -Mrs. Washington did not know that her husband had left the scene of his -triumph, until he suddenly appeared in the room of death; and it calmed -her to have his presence in so trying an hour. He returned with the sad -mourners to Mount Vernon, and mingled with those two sorrowful hearts -the tears of his own sad soul. - -The world and its cares called him hence, and he turned away from his -quiet home to meet the demands of his country for his services. Congress -received him in Philadelphia with distinguished honors, and he -everywhere was the recipient of his country’s love and reverence. - -Called from his retirement to preside over the destinies of his country -as its first President, Washington immediately left his home and -repaired to New York City, the seat of government.[4] - -Footnote 4: - - The journey to New York was a continued triumph. The august spectacle - at the bridge of Trenton brought tears to the eyes of the Chief, and - forms one of the most brilliant recollections of the age of - Washington. - -Our young country demanded, in the beginning, that regard for forms and -etiquette which would command respect in the eyes of foreign courts; -and, acting in accordance with this design, the house of the first -President was furnished with elegance, and its routine was arranged in -as formal a manner as that of St. James or St. Cloud. - -Always an aristocrat, Mrs. Washington’s administration as hostess was -but a reproduction of the customs and ceremonies of foreign heads of -government, and her receptions were arranged on the plan of the English -and French drawing-rooms. - -She assumed the duties of her position, as wife of the Chief Magistrate, -with the twofold advantage of wealth and high social position, and was, -in manner, appearance and character, a pleasing and graceful -representative of American womanhood. - -Reared as she had been, a descendant of the chivalry of Virginia, who in -their turn were the descendants of the English nobility—aristocratic, -proud and pleased with her lofty position—she brought to bear all the -brightness of a prosperous existence, and her influence extended to -foreign lands. - -The levees held at the Republican Court—then located at No. 3 Franklin -Square, New York—were numerously attended by the fashionable and refined -of the city. The rules of the establishment were rigorous, and persons -were excluded unless in the dress required. Access was not easy, and -dignified stateliness reigned over the mansion of the first President of -the United States. The subjoined letter, written to Mrs. Warren soon -after Mrs. Washington’s arrival at the seat of government, will present -her views on the subject of her elevation more correctly than could be -given otherwise. - - -“Your very friendly letter of last month has afforded me much more -satisfaction than all the formal compliments and empty ceremonies of -mere etiquette could possibly have done. I am not apt to forget the -feelings which have been inspired by my former society with good -acquaintances, nor to be insensible to their expressions of gratitude to -the President; for you know me well enough to do me the justice to -believe that I am fond only of what comes from the heart. Under a -conviction that the demonstrations of respect and affection to him -originate in that source, I cannot deny that I have taken some interest -and pleasure in them. The difficulties which presented themselves to -view upon his first entering upon the Presidency, seem thus to be in -some measure surmounted. It is owing to the kindness of our numerous -friends in all quarters that my new and unwished-for situation is not a -burden to me. When I was much younger, I should probably have enjoyed -the innocent gayeties of life as much as most persons of my age; but I -had long since placed all prospects of my future worldly happiness in -the still enjoyment of the fireside at Mount Vernon. I little thought, -when the war was finished, that any circumstances could possibly happen -which would call the General into public life again. I had anticipated -that from that moment we should be suffered to grow old together in -solitude and tranquillity. That was the first and dearest wish of my -heart. I will not, however, contemplate with too much regret, -disappointments that were inevitable, though his feelings and my own -were in perfect unison with respect to our predilection for private -life; yet I cannot blame him for having acted according to his ideas of -duty in obeying the voice of his country. The consciousness of having -attempted to do all the good in his power, and the pleasure of finding -his fellow-citizens so well satisfied with the disinterestedness of his -conduct, will doubtless be some compensation for the great sacrifices -which I know he has made. Indeed, on his journey from Mount Vernon to -this place, in his late tour through the Eastern States, by every public -and every private information which has come to him, I am persuaded he -has experienced nothing to make him repent his having acted from what he -conceives to be a sense of indispensable duty. On the contrary, all his -sensibility has been awakened in receiving such repeated and unequivocal -proofs of sincere regard from his countrymen. With respect to myself, I -sometimes think the arrangement is not quite as it ought to have been; -that I, who had much rather be at home, should occupy a place with which -a great many younger and gayer women would be extremely pleased. As my -grandchildren and domestic connections make up a great portion of the -felicity which I looked for in this world, I shall hardly be able to -find any substitute that will indemnify me for the loss of such -endearing society. I do not say this because I feel dissatisfied with my -present station, for everybody and everything conspire to make me as -contented as possible in it; yet I have learned too much of the vanity -of human affairs to expect felicity from the scenes of public life. I am -still determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may -be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our -happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our -circumstances. We carry the seeds of the one or the other about with us -in our minds, wherever we go.” - - -The second year of Washington’s administration, the seat of government -was removed to Philadelphia. Mrs. Washington was sick when she started -on the journey, and remained in Philadelphia until she was strong enough -to go on to Mount Vernon. - -The late Rev. Ashbel Green, for a long time President of Princeton -College, and one of the early Chaplains of Congress, in speaking of the -seat of government, said: “After a great deal of writing and talking and -controversy about the permanent seat of Congress under the present -Constitution, it was determined that Philadelphia should be honored with -its presence for ten years, and afterward the permanent location should -be in the city of Washington, where it now is. In the meantime, the -Federal city was in building, and the Legislature of Pennsylvania voted -a sum of money to build a house for the President, perhaps with some -hope that this might help to keep the seat of the general government in -the Capital; for Philadelphia was then considered as the Capital of the -State. What was lately the University of Pennsylvania, was the structure -erected for the purpose. But as soon as General Washington saw its -dimensions, and a good while before it was finished, he let it be known -that he would not occupy it, and should certainly not go to the expense -of purchasing suitable furniture for such a dwelling; for it is to be -understood, in those days of stern republicanism, nobody thought of -Congress furnishing the President’s house; or if perchance such a -thought did enter into some aristocratic head, it was too unpopular to -be uttered. President Washington therefore rented a house of Mr. Robert -Morris, in Market street, between Fifth and Sixth, on the south side, -and furnished it handsomely but not gorgeously.” - -From New York, by weary processes, the household furniture of -individuals and government property were moved. General Washington -superintended the preparation and embarkation of all his personal -effects, deciding the time and manner in which every article was taken -or sold, and attending to all with a scrupulous zeal which is surprising -when we consider his public position. His letters to Mr. Lear are as -characteristic of his private life as was his career as founder of the -Republic. On Saturday afternoon, November the 28th, the President and -his wife returned from Mount Vernon, and took up their residence in the -house of Mr. Morris, which the corporation had obtained for them. They -found Congressmen and public characters already assembled, in -anticipation of a gay and brilliant season. Mrs. Washington held her -drawing-rooms on Friday evening of each week; company assembled early -and retired before half-past ten. It is related on one occasion, at a -levee held in New York the first year of the administration, that she -remarked, as the hands on the clock approached ten, “that her husband -retired punctually at ten, and she followed very soon afterward.” A -degree of stiffness and formality existed at those receptions that we of -this age can scarcely understand, accustomed as we are to the -familiarity and freedom of the present-day gatherings; but the imposing -dignity of the Executive himself rebuked all attempts at equality, and -the novelty of the position itself caused a general awkwardness. Unlike -latter-day levees, the lady of the mansion always sat, and the guests -were arranged in a circle round which the President passed, speaking -kindly to each one. It is to be regretted that no descriptions exist of -the appearance of Mrs. Washington at these fête evenings. Little or no -attention, outside of social life, was paid to such items as how ladies -dressed and what they appeared in, and letter-writing on this subject -was not so universal as we of modern times have made it; hence there -remains no source from whence to gather these little trifles which form -part of every newspaper edition of the present day. - -However, we do know that the President always had his hair powdered, and -never offered his hand to any one at his public receptions. - -“On the national fête days, the commencement of the levee was announced -by the firing of a salute from a pair of twelve-pounders stationed not -far distant from the Presidential mansion; and the ex-Commander-in-chief -paid his former companions in arms the compliment to wear the old -Continental uniform.” - -The grandchildren of Mrs. Washington were her only companions during the -President’s long absences in his office; and Mrs. Robert Morris was the -most social visitor at the mansion. Several times mention is made of her -presence at the side of Mrs. Washington during the presentations at the -receptions. And at all the dinners by the republican Chief Magistrate, -the venerable Robert Morris took precedence of every other guest, -invariably conducting Mrs. Washington, and sitting at her right hand. At -this, the meridian period of her life, Mrs. Washington’s personal -appearance was, although somewhat portly in person, fresh and of an -agreeable countenance. She had been a handsome woman thirty years -before, when, on the 6th of January, 1759, she was married to Colonel -Washington; and in an admirable picture of her by Woolaston, painted -about the same time, is seen something of that pleasing grace which is -said to have been her distinction. During these years of her married -life, she had enjoyed ample opportunity to cultivate that elegance of -manner for which she was conspicuous, and to develop those -conversational powers which rendered her so attractive. Washington, ever -quiet and reserved in manner, depended on her; and her tact and gentle -womanly politeness relieved him from the irksome duties of hospitality -when business called him elsewhere. His first levee, the Marchioness -D’Yuro wrote to a friend in New York, was brilliant beyond anything that -could be imagined. She adds: You never could have had such a -drawing-room; and though there was a great deal of extravagance, there -was so much of Philadelphia tact in everything that it must have been -confessed the most delightful occasion of the kind ever known in this -country. - -Mrs. Washington at this time was fifty-eight years old; but her -healthful, rational habits, and the ceaseless influence of the -principles by which her life was habitually regulated, enabled her still -to exhibit undiminished her characteristic activity, usefulness, and -cheerfulness. From the “Recollections” of a daughter of Mrs. Binney, who -resided opposite the President’s house, we have some interesting -accounts. She says: “It was the General’s custom frequently, when the -day was fine, to come out to walk attended by his secretaries, Mr. Lear -and Major Jackson. He always crossed directly over from his own door to -the sunny side of the street, and walked down.” She never observed them -conversing, and often wondered and watched as a child to see if any of -the party spoke, but never perceived that anything was said. He was -always dressed in black, and all three wore cocked hats. “It was Mrs. -Washington’s custom to return visits on the third day, and in calling on -her mother, she would send a footman over, who would knock loudly and -announce Mrs. Washington, who would then come over with Mr. Lear.” “Her -manners were very easy, pleasant, and unceremonious, with the -characteristics of other Virginia ladies.” An English manufacturer -breakfasted with the President’s family on the 8th of June, 1794. “I -confess,” he says, “I was struck with awe and veneration when I -recollected that I was now in the presence of the great Washington, ‘the -noble and wise benefactor of the world,’ as Mirabeau styles him. The -President seemed very thoughtful, and was slow in delivering himself, -which induced some to believe him reserved. But it was rather, I -apprehend, the result of much reflection; for he had, to me, an -appearance of affability and accommodation. He was at this time in his -sixty-third year, but had very little the appearance of age, having been -all his life so exceedingly temperate. Mrs. Washington herself made tea -and coffee for us. On the table were two small plates of sliced tongue, -and dry toast, bread and butter, but no broiled fish, as is the general -custom here. She struck me as being something older than the President, -though I understand they were both born the same year. She was extremely -simple in her dress, and wore a very plain cap, with her gray hair -turned up under it.” - -Eight years of prosperity and progression blessed the administration of -Washington, and now the hour of departure was drawing near. With -feelings of pleasure, Mrs. Washington prepared for the long-desired -return to her home on the Potomac; and when the dauntless robins began -to sing and hardy daisies to bloom, the family set out, accompanied by -the son of General Lafayette. Once again the wife and grandmother -assumed the duties congenial to her nature, and it was reasonable to -hope that she might pass many years of tranquil, unalloyed happiness -under her own vine and fig-tree. The old life was resumed, and the -long-silent house echoed the voices of the young and happy. It was -during this season of rest and quiet that Washington devoted much of his -time to the planning and laying out of the city which bears his name. An -account is given of his coming, on one occasion, to it, and when he -reached the wharf the cannon pealed forth a welcome. Passing along the -Georgetown road, he halted in front of the locality intended as a -residence for the President, where workmen were then laying the -foundation of the building. He was deeply interested in the welfare of -the chosen seat of the government, and an amusing anecdote is related of -his conference with David Burns, whose residence was on the ground south -of the Presidential mansion, and was until recently standing. Washington -alludes to him in one of his letters as the “obstinate Mr. Burns;” and -it is related that, when the President was dwelling upon the advantage -he would derive from the sale, the old man replied, “I suppose you think -people here are going to take every grist that comes from you as pure -grain; but what would you have been if you hadn’t married the widow -Custis?” - -Mount Vernon was constantly thronged with visitors; and to the -“Correspondence of Washington,” which, during these last two years of -his life, are very voluminous, we are indebted for many items of public -and private interest. But a blow was in store for the contented wife -which none suspected. A cold, taken after a long ride about the farm, -produced fever and swelling of the throat, which, on the 14th of -December, 1799, resulted in the death of the deeply loved husband. A -wail of anguish went up from the nation as the direful news flew by each -hut and hamlet; but in that hallowed room, forever consecrated, the -bereaved woman who has lost her all sits calmly serene. She suspects -that he is dead, for the doctor and Mr. Lear are gazing at each other in -mute anguish; and rising from her low seat at the foot of his bed, she -sees the limbs are composed and the breath gone. O agony! what is there -so fearful to a clinging woman’s heart as to see the strong, loving arm -that enfolded her cold and stiff forever? The cover is straightened as -he fixed it, and his face is composed after the violent struggle; but -what is this appearance of triumph to the desolate wife, who gasps for -breath like one drowning as she totters to his side? Yet the sweet -expression calms her; perhaps she is thinking of how he would have her -do if his spirit could only speak. Whatever of inward peace receiving, -there is a determined effort at control perceptible, and she is saying, -“’Tis well; all is now over. I shall soon follow him. I have no more -trials to pass through.” One long look, as if her hungry soul was -obtaining food to feed on through all eternity, and she is assisted from -the room. How full of holy memories must that chamber of death have been -to her as she summoned courage to turn and drink in the last look! The -great fireside, with the smouldering embers dying into ashes gray, the -quaint old mantel, all covered with vials and appendages of a sick -apartment, their easy-chairs side by side, one deserted forever, and -upon the bed lay the form of her friend and companion. It was wrong to -let her stand there and suffer so, but her awe-stricken appearance -paralyzes the stoutest heart, and they only stand and wait. A pale, -haggard look succeeds the fierce intensity of her gaze, and she wraps -her shawl about her and turns forever from all she in that hour lost. -Another room receives her; another fire is built for her; and in the -endless watches of that black night she mastered the longings of her -heart, and never more crossed the threshold of that chamber of her loved -and lost. A sickening feeling of utter loneliness and desolation ushered -in the early morn of the first day of her widowhood, but her resolve was -made; and when her loved ones saw it pained her, they urged no more that -she should go back to the old apartment she had occupied all her married -life. - -“Congress resolved, that a marble monument be erected by the United -States, in the Capitol at the city of Washington, and that the family of -George Washington be requested to permit his body to be deposited under -it, and that the monument be so designed as to commemorate the great -events of his military and political life. And it further resolved, - -“That there be a funeral procession from Congress Hall to the German -Lutheran Church in honor of the memory of General George Washington, on -Thursday, the 26th inst., and that an oration be prepared at the request -of Congress, to be delivered before both Houses on that day, and that -the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives -be desired to request one of the members of Congress to prepare and -deliver the same. And it further resolved, - -“That the President of the United States be requested to direct a copy -of the resolutions to be transmitted to Mrs. Washington, assuring her of -the profound respect Congress will ever bear to her person and -character; of their condolence on the late afflicting Dispensation of -Providence, and entreating her assent to the interment of the remains of -General George Washington in the manner expressed in the first -resolution. And it further resolved, - -“That the President of the United States be requested to issue a -Proclamation notifying the People throughout the United States the -recommendation contained in the third resolution.” - -In reply to the above resolutions, which were transmitted by the -President (John Adams) on the 23d Dec., 1799, Mrs. Washington says: - - - MOUNT VERNON, _Dec. 31st, 1799_. - -“SIR:—While I feel with keenest anguish the late dispensation of Divine -Providence, I cannot be insensible to the mournful tributes of respect -and veneration which are paid to the memory of my dear, deceased -husband, and as his best services and most anxious wishes were always -devoted to the welfare and happiness of his country, to know that they -were truly appreciated and gratefully remembered, affords no -inconsiderable consolation. - -“Taught by that great example which I have so long had before me, never -to oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the -request made by Congress which you have had the goodness to transmit to -me, and in doing this I need not, I cannot say, what a sacrifice of -individual feeling I make to a sense of public duty. - -“With grateful acknowledgments and unfeigned thanks for the personal -respects and evidences of condolence expressed by Congress and yourself, - - “I remain, very respectfully, - “Your most obedient and humble servant, - “MARTHA WASHINGTON.” - - -But this pain might have been spared her, for the monument is not yet -erected, and the remains are still at Mount Vernon, their most fitting -resting-place. - -The twofold duties of life pressed constantly upon her, nor did she -shirk any claim. Yet the compressed lip, and the oftentimes quivering -eyelid betrayed the restless moanings of her aching heart. - -It has been remarked that she resembled Washington in manners and -person; she was like him as every weaker nature is like a stronger one -living in close relationship. She received from his stronger will his -influences, and he impressed her with his views so thoroughly that she -could not distinguish her own. Relying on his guidance in every thing, -she studied his features until her softer lineaments imperceptibly grew -like his, and the tones of her voice sounded wonderfully similar. -Imbibing the sentiments and teachings of such a nature, her own life was -ennobled and his rendered happy. - -She had lived through the five grand acts of the drama of American -Independence, had witnessed its prelude and its closing tableaux, and -stood waiting to hear the swell of the pëan she was yet to sing in -heaven. Her life was passed in seasons of darkness, as of glorious, -refulgent happiness, and was contemporaneous with some of the greatest -minds that will ever shine out from any century. Her sphere was limited -entirely to social occupations, and possessing wealth and position she -gratified her taste. Had her character been a decided one, it would have -stamped the age in which she flourished, for, as there never was but one -Washington, so there will never come a time when there will be the same -opportunities as Mrs. Washington had for winning a name and an -individuality. But she did not aspire to any nobler ambition than merely -to perform the duties of her home, and she lives in the memories of her -descendants, and in the hearts of the people of the United States, as -the wife of the illustrious Father of his Country, and the first in -position of the women of the Revolution. - -In the engraving we have before us, taken while in the Executive -Mansion, we trace the gradual development of her life. All the way -through it has counted more of bliss than of sorrow, and the calm -contentment of the face in repose speaks of a heart full of peace and -pleasantness. How expressive of sympathy and kindness of heart is that -serene face, and how instinctively we would trust it! Sustained as she -was by her deep devotional piety, and shielded by the protecting arm of -her husband, she grew in spiritual development and fondly believed -herself strong and self-reliant. But when she was tested, when the -earthly support was removed, the inward strength was insufficient, and -she pined under the loss until she died. - -The death of her husband was the last event of Mrs. Washington’s life. -It shattered her nerves and broke her heart. She never recovered from -it. The shaft of agony which had buried itself in her soul was never -removed. Fate had now dealt the last deadly blow to her earthly -happiness. Her children, their father, the faithful, affectionate, -sympathizing friend and counsellor, with whom through so many years she -had stood side by side in great and grievous trials, dangers, and -sorrows—all were gone? It was useless to strive to be courageous: a -glance at the low, narrow vault under the side of the hill unnerved her. -She stood, the desolate survivor, like a lone sentinel upon a deserted -battle-field, regarding in mute despair the fatal destruction of hope, -and love, and joy. Through all time that Saturday night would be the -closing scene of her life, even though her existence should be -lengthened to a span of years. - - “The memory of his faintest tone, - In the deep midnight came upon her soul, - And cheered the passing hours so sad, so lone, - As on they rolled.” - -Thirty months numbered themselves among eternity’s uncounted years, and -it became apparent to all that another death-scene was to be enacted, -and the lonely occupant of the room above that other chamber of death, -was reaching the goal of its long felt desire. The gentle spirit was -striving to free itself, and the glad light in the dim eye asserted the -pleasure experienced in the knowledge of the coming change. - -For many months Mrs. Washington had been growing more gloomy and silent -than ever before, and the friends who gathered about her called her -actions strange and incomprehensible. She stayed much alone, and -declined every offer of company, but the last days of her life she -seemed more cheerful and contented. When the end came on that bright, -spring morning in 1801 she gave her blessing to all about her, and sank -quietly to rest, in the seventy-first year of her age, and the third of -her widowhood. - -Her resting-place beside her husband is, like Mecca and Jerusalem, the -resort of the travellers of all nations, who, wandering in its hallowed -precincts, imbibe anew admiration and veneration for the immortal -genius, whose name is traced in imperishable remembrance in the hearts -of his grateful countrymen. Side by side their bodies lie crumbling -away, while their spirits have returned to their Author. The placid -Potomac kisses the banks of that precious domain, and the ripple of the -receding waves makes pleasant music all day along the shore of Mount -Vernon. - -The temptation to see this historic and romantic home of the most -beloved of the nation’s dead was not to be resisted, and one winter day -in company with one of the few surviving relatives who bear that honored -name, the start was made from Washington. Although the weather was cold -and disagreeable, with a threatening aspect of a snow-storm, we found -the little vessel filled with pilgrims, bound to the tomb of Washington. -This trip is one of intense interest, and particularly since the events -of the civil war have given to all the locality additional attraction. -Arlington, Alexandria, and Fort Washington! what memories are stirred by -mention of these names, and how acute is remembrance when we stand face -to face with these places. The old commonwealth is dear to every -generous American, whether of northern or southern birth, but more -especially to the people of the South, whose ancestors fondly termed it -the “motherland.” - -It was the quaint look of the place which appealed strongest to the -senses, and the fact that it is long past a century old, its foundation -having been laid in 1748. The boat anchored at Alexandria, and we gazed -wistfully up those streets through which Washington had often passed, -and looked in vain to see some “vast and venerable pile, so old it -seemed only not to fall,” but the residences of most of the old -inhabitants are the abodes of wealth, and they exhibit evidences of care -and preservation. - -Alexandria was early a place of some note, for five colonial governors -met here by appointment, in 1755, to take measures with General Braddock -respecting his expedition to the West. “That expedition proceeded from -Alexandria, and tradition still points to the site on which now stands -the olden Episcopal Church (but then, in the woods), as the spot where -he pitched his tent, while the road over the western hills by which his -army withdrew, long bore the name of this unfortunate commander. But the -reminiscences which the Alexandrians most cherish are those which -associate their town with the domestic attachments and habits of -Washington, and the stranger is still pointed to the church of which he -was vestryman; to the pew in which he customarily sate; and many -striking memorials of his varied life are carefully preserved.” - -That old church where Washington and his wife were wont to worship, how -tenderly it is looked upon now, and with what hallowed feelings! All the -commonplace thoughts that fill our minds every day are laid aside, while -we contemplate the character of the man who has stamped his image in the -hearts of freemen throughout the world. There is another church at which -one feels these ennobling heart-throbs, and which I confess moved me as -sensibly, and that is the little Dutch church in “Sleepy Hollow,” once -the shrine at which Washington Irving offered the adoration of his -guileless heart. His beautifully expressed admiration of Washington -possibly occasioned the constant comparison, and to many these two -temples are as inseparable as the memories of these great men are -linked. - -The weather, which had been indicative all day of a storm, cleared off -as we approached Mount Vernon, and as we landed at the wharf, it shone -brightly upon us. Winding round the hill, following a narrow pathway, we -reached the tomb before the persons who had taken the carriage-way came -in view, but preferring to examine it last, we continued the meandering -path to the front of the house. It had been the home, in early youth, of -the person who accompanied me, and, listening to her explanations and -descriptions, an interest was felt which could not otherwise have been -summoned. The house is bare of any furniture whatever, save a small -quantity owned by the persons who live there, and on a winter’s day -looked cheerless and uninviting. The central part of Mount Vernon house -was built by Lawrence Washington, brother to the General; the wings were -added by the General, and the whole named after Admiral Vernon, under -whom Lawrence Washington had served. The dining-room on the right -contains the Carrara marble mantle-piece sent from Italy to General -Washington. It is elaborately carved and is adorned with Sienna marble -columns; Canova is said to be the artist who carved it. We feel ashamed -to add, it is cased in wire-work to prevent its being demolished by -injudicious, not to say criminal visitors. The rooms are not large, with -the exception of the one mentioned above, which is spacious; the quaint -old wainscoting and wrought cornices are curious, and in harmony with -the adornments of the mansion. The piazza reaches from the ground to the -eaves of the roof, and is guarded on the top by a bright and tasteful -balustrade; the pillars are large and present a simple and grand idea to -the mind. Beneath this porch the Father of his Country was accustomed to -walk, and the ancient stones, to hearts of enthusiasm, are full of deep -and meditative interest. - -The room in which he died is small and now bereft of every thing save -the mantle-piece; just above is the apartment in which she breathed her -dying blessing. A narrow stair-case leads from the door of his room, -which was never entered by her after his death. The green-house, once -the pride of Mrs. Washington, has since been burned, and there remains -but a very small one, put together carelessly to protect the few rare -plants remaining. In front of the house, the front facing the orchards, -and not the river, is a spacious lawn surrounded by serpentine walks. On -either side, brick walls, all covered with ivy and ancient moss, enclose -gardens. The one on the right of the house was once filled with costly -ornamental plants from the tropical climes, and in which was the -green-house; but the box trees have grown high and irregular, and the -creepers are running wild over what hardy rose bushes still survive to -tell of a past existence of care and beauty. In the lifetime of Mrs. -Washington, her home must have been very beautiful, “ere yet time’s -effacing fingers had traced the lines where beauty lingered.” It is even -now a splendid old place, but rapidly losing the interest it once had. -The estate has passed out of the family, and the furniture has been -removed by descendants, to whom it was given: much that lent a charm to -the place is gone, and the only interesting object, save the interior of -the mansion itself, is the key of the Bastile, presented by Lafayette, -and hanging in a case on the wall. Portions of the house are closed, and -the stairway in the front hall is barricaded to prevent the intrusion of -visitors. The room in which Mrs. Washington died, just above the one -occupied by her husband, was locked, and we did not view the room in -which she suffered so silently, and from which her freed spirit sought -its friend and mate. - -The small windows and low ceilings, together with the many little -closets and dark passage-ways, strike one strangely who is accustomed to -the mansions of modern times; but these old homesteads are numerous -throughout the “Old Dominion,” and are the most precious of worldly -possessions to the descendants of worthy families. There must be more -than twenty apartments, most of them small and plain in finish. The -narrow doors and wide fire-places are the ensigns of a past age and many -years of change, but are eloquent in their obsoleteness. - -The library which ordinarily is the most interesting room in any house, -should be doubly so in this home of Washington’s; but, bare of all save -the empty cases in the wall, it is the gloomiest of all. Books all gone, -and the occupation of the room by the present residents deprives it of -any attractions it might otherwise have. Here, early in the morning and -late at night, he worked continuously, keeping up his increasing -correspondence and managing his vast responsibilities. - -Murmurs of another war reached him as he sat at his table planning rural -improvements, and from this room he wrote accepting the position no -other could fill while he lived. - -Here death found him, the night before his last illness, when cold and -hoarse he came in from his long ride, and warmed himself by his library -fire. That night he went up to his room over this favorite study, and -said in reply to a member of his family as he passed out, who urged him -to do something for it, “No, you know I never take any thing for a cold. -Let it go as it came.” - -The winds and rains of eighty-odd years have beaten upon that sacred -home on the high banks of the silvery waters beneath, since the widowed, -weary wife was laid to rest beside her noble dead, and the snows of -winter and storms of summer have left its weather-worn and stained front -looking like some ghost of other days left alone to tell of its former -life and beauty. In its lonely grandeur it stands appealing to us for -that reverence born of sentiments, stirred by the recollections of the -great and good. - -There was no resisting the feelings of gloomy depression as we passed -out the front toward the river, and took the path leading to the tomb. -Far down the side of the hill, perched on a knoll surrounded by trees, a -summer-house was seen, and the walk leading by many angles down to it. -The view of the river is said to be fine from this point, but we did not -undertake the difficulties of getting to it. The wooden steps -constructed across the ravines are fast sinking to ruin, and the swollen -stream from the side of the hill dashing against them, was distinctly -audible to us as we stood far above. The swallows and bats seem to have -built their nests in its forsaken interior, and we were not inclined to -molest them. - -Many times we looked back at the old homestead endeared to every -American, and stamped upon memory each portion of its outlines. - -High above it, the small cupola sported its little glittering -weather-vane as brilliant as though it had been gilded but yesterday. -Here again was an object which unconsciously associated Washington with -his namesake, Washington Irving. In the pleasant summer-time I had stood -in front of the little “Woolfort’s Roost,” and enjoyed to the finest -fibre of feeling its lovely simplicity. Above it, too, a little -weather-cock coquetted with the wind as it swept down from Tappan Zee, -the same said to have been carefully removed from the Vander Hayden -palace at Albany, and placed there by tender hands long years ago. Upon -the side of the hill I had stopped then as now, and looked back at the -house above, embosomed in vines interspersed with delicately tinted -fuchsias. - -Even as we were standing now looking for the first and perhaps the last -time upon Mount Vernon, so in the beautiful harvest month we had gazed -upon the Hudson, spread out like a vast panorama with its graceful -yachts and swift schooners, and descended the winding path to the -water’s edge. But Mount Vernon was dressed in winter’s dreariness, and -its desolate silence oppressed rather than elevated the feelings. It is -a fit place for meditation and communion, and to a spiritual nature the -influences of the ancient home are full of harmony. When the only -approach was by conveyance from Alexandria, the visitors were not so -numerous as since the days of a daily steamer from Washington City, and -much of the solemnity usually felt for so renowned a spot is marred by -the coarse remarks and thoughtless acts of the many who saunter through -the grounds. - -A gay party of idlers had arranged their eatables upon the stone steps -of the piazza, and sat in the sunshine laughing merrily. Even those old -rocks smoothly worn, where so often had stood the greatest of men, were -not hallowed nor protected from the selfish convenience of unrefined -people. Callous, indeed, must be the heart which could walk unmoved -through so endeared a scene. To tread the haunts where men have thought -and acted great, is ennobling to sensitive organizations, and to linger -over evidences of olden times inspires all generous minds with -enthusiasm. - -The grounds roll downward from the mansion house, and in a green hollow -midway between that and the river, and about one hundred and fifty yards -west from the summer-house, and thirty rods from the house, is the vault -where reposed the remains of Washington and Martha his wife. Now the -tomb contains about thirty members of his family, and is sealed up, and -in front of the main vault, enclosed by an iron railing, are the two -sarcophagi containing the ashes of husband and wife. “A melancholy glory -kindles around that cold pile of marble,” and we stood mute in thought. - -But before reaching it we pass the old vault where for a few years he -was buried. The few cedars on it are withered and the door stands open, -presenting a desolate appearance. With vines and flowers, and leafy -trees filled with singing birds, this sight would perhaps be less -chilling; but the barren aspects of nature united with the solemn -stillness of the country, conspired to freeze every thought of life and -beauty, and the mind dwelt upon the rust of decay.[5] - -Footnote 5: - - This sketch was written previous to the restoration of the place by - the Ladies’ Mount Vernon Association. Now it has been restored as far - as possible, and many old relics have been returned to their - apartments. The equestrian portrait of Washington by Rembrandt Peale, - the harpsichord which was presented by Washington to his - step-daughter, and which is well preserved, together with many old - paintings and Revolutionary relics, adorn the once bare rooms. The bed - on which Washington died has been restored to its place, and a number - of pieces of furniture in the house at the time of Mrs. Washington’s - death are again there. The grounds have been put in excellent order, - and the old farm is cultivated and yields a revenue to the Mount - Vernon Ladies’ Association, which deserves unbounded credit for - rescuing the grand old place from destruction, and restoring it as far - as possible to its former appearance and condition. - -Lafayette stopped at Mount Vernon when about to return to France after -his visit to this country, in 1826, having reserved for the last his -visit to Washington’s Tomb, and the scene is thus described by Mr. -Seward in his Life of John Quincy Adams: - -“When the boat came opposite the tomb of Washington, at Mount Vernon, it -paused in its progress. Lafayette arose. The wonders which he had -performed for a man of his age, in successfully accomplishing labors -enough to have tested his meridian vigor, whose animation rather -resembled the spring than the winter of life, now seemed unequal to the -task he was about to perform—to take a last look at ‘The Tomb of -Washington!’ - -“He advanced to the effort. A silence the most impressive reigned -around, till the strains of sweet and plaintive music completed the -grandeur and sacred solemnity of the scene. All hearts beat in unison -with the throbbings of the veteran’s bosom, as he looked _for the last -time_ on the sepulchre which contained the ashes of the first of men! He -spoke not, but appeared absorbed in the mighty recollections which the -place and the occasion inspired.” - -During the summer of 1860, Albert, Prince of Wales, and heir apparent to -the throne of England, visited, in company with President Buchanan, the -tomb of Washington. Here amid the gorgeous beauties of a southern -summer, the grandson of George the Third forgot his royalty in the -presence of departed worth; and bent his knee in awe before a mere -handful of ashes, which, but for the cold marble encompassing them, -would be blown to the four winds of the earth. It was a strange sight to -see that bright, youthful form kneeling before the tomb of the Father of -his Country, and attesting his appreciation of the great spirit which -more than any other wrested its broad domains from him. - -Stealthily the years go by, and we wist not they are passing, yet the -muffled and hoarse voice of a century astounds us with its parting. The -centennial birthdays have been celebrated; we have passed the hundredth -anniversary of victories won and independence achieved. If the glad, -free spirits of the Chief and his companion are permitted to review -their earthly pilgrimage, let it be a source of gratification to us to -know they smile upon a Republic of peace. Their bodies we guard, while -they crumbled away in the bosom of their birth-place, and as long as a -son of America remains a freeman, it will be a well-spring of -inspiration to feel that Virginia contains the _Pater Patriæ_ and the -woman immortalized by his love. - -[Illustration: Painted by G. Stuart Engraved by G. F. Storm. A Adams] - - - - - II. - ABIGAIL ADAMS. - - -Abigail Smith, the daughter of a New England Congregationalist minister, -was born at Weymouth, in 1744. Her father was the settled pastor of that -place for more than forty years, and her grandfather was also a minister -of the same denomination in a neighboring town. - -The younger years of her life were passed in the quiet seclusion of her -grandfather’s house; and under the instructions of her grandmother, she -imbibed most of the lessons which were the most deeply impressed upon -her mind. “I have not forgotten,” she says in a letter to her own -daughter, in the year 1795, “the excellent lessons which I received from -my grandmother at a very early period of life; I frequently think they -made a more durable impression upon my mind than those which I received -from my own parents. This tribute is due to the memory of those virtues, -the sweet remembrance of which will flourish, though she has long slept -with her ancestors.” - -Separated from the young members of her own family, and never subjected -to the ordinary school routine, her imaginative faculties bade fair to -develop at the expense of her judgment, but the austere religion of her -ancestors, and the daily example of strict compliance to forms, -prevented the too great indulgence of fancy. She had many relations both -on the father’s and mother’s side, and with these she was upon as -intimate terms as circumstances would allow. The distance between the -homes of the young people was, however, too great, and the means of -their parents too narrow, to admit of very frequent personal -intercourse, the substitute for which was a rapid interchange of written -communication. “The women of the last century,” observes Mr. Charles -Francis Adams in his memoir of his grandmother, “were more remarkable -for their letter-writing propensities, than the novel-reading and more -pretending daughters of this era: their field was larger, and the -stirring events of the times made it an object of more interest. Now, -the close connection between all parts of this country, and rapid means -of transmitting intelligence through the medium of telegraphs and -newspapers, renders the slow process of writing letters unnecessary, -save in instances of private importance. The frugal habits of the -sparsely settled country afforded little material for the fashionable -chit-chat which forms so large a part of the social life of to-day, and -the limited education of woman was another drawback to the indulgence of -a pleasure in which they really excelled. Upon what, then, do we base -the assertion that they were remarkable for their habits of writing? -Even though self-taught, the young ladies of Massachusetts were -certainly readers, and their taste was not for the feeble and nerveless -sentiments, but was derived from the deepest wells of English -literature. Almost every house in the colony possessed some old -heir-looms in the shape of standard books, even if the number was -limited to the Bible and dictionary. Many, especially ministers, could -display relics of their English ancestors’ intelligence in the libraries -handed down to them, and the study of their contents was evident in many -of the grave correspondences of that early time.” To learning, in the -ordinary sense of that term, she could make no claim. She did not enjoy -an opportunity to acquire even such as there might have been, for the -delicate state of her health forbade the idea of sending her away from -home to obtain them. In speaking of her deficiencies, the year before -her death, she says: “My early education did not partake of the abundant -opportunity which the present day offers, and which even our common -country schools now afford. _I never was sent to any school_, I was -always sick.” Although Massachusetts ranked then, as it does now, first -in point of educational facilities, it is certainly remarkable that its -women received such entire neglect. “It is not impossible,” says Mr. -Adams, “that the early example of Mrs. Hutchison, and the difficulties -in which the public exercise of her gifts involved the colony, had -established in the public mind a conviction of the danger that may -attend the meddling of women with abstruse points of doctrine; and -these, however they might confound the strongest intellects, were -nevertheless the favorite topics of thought and discussion in that -generation.” - -While the sons of a family received every possible advantage compatible -with the means of the father, the daughter’s interest, as far as mental -culture was concerned, was generally ignored. To aid the mother in -manual household labor, and by self-denial and increased industry to -forward the welfare of the brothers, was the most exalted height to -which any woman aspired. To women there was then no career open, no -life-work to perform outside the narrow walls of home. Every idea of -self-culture was swallowed up in the wearying routine of practical life, -and what of knowledge they obtained, was from the society of the -learned, and the eagerness with which they treasured and considered the -conversations of others. - -On the 26th of October, 1764, Abigail Smith was married to John Adams. -She was at the time twenty years old. The match, although a suitable one -in many respects, was not considered brilliant, since her ancestors were -among the most noted of the best class of their day, and he was the son -of a farmer of limited means, and as yet a lawyer without practice. Mrs. -Adams was the second of three daughters, whose characters were alike -strong and remarkable for their intellectual force. The fortunes of two -of them confined its influence to a sphere much more limited than that -which fell to the lot of Mrs. Adams. Mary, the eldest, was married in -1762 to Richard Cranch, an English emigrant, who subsequently became a -Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Massachusetts. Elizabeth, the -youngest, was twice married; first to the Reverend John Shaw, minister -of Haverhill, and after his death, to the Reverend Mr. Peabody, of New -Hampshire. This anecdote is told in connection with the marriage of Mrs. -Adams. When her eldest sister was married, her father preached to his -people from the text, “And Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall -not be taken away from her.” The disapprobation to his second daughter’s -choice was due to the prejudice entertained against the profession of -the law. Mr. Adams, besides being a lawyer, was the son of a small -farmer of the middle class in Braintree, and was thought scarcely good -enough to match with the minister’s daughter, descended from a line of -ministers in the colony. Mr. Smith’s parishioners were outspoken in -their opposition, and he replied to them immediately, after the marriage -took place, in a sermon, in which he made pointed allusion to the -objection against lawyers. His text on this occasion was, “For John came -neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and ye say, He _hath a devil_.” -Mr. Smith, it may be as well to add, was in the habit of making -application of texts to events which in any manner interested himself or -his congregation. In a colony founded so exclusively upon motives of -religious zeal as Massachusetts was, it necessarily followed that the -ordinary distinctions of society were in a great degree subverted, and -that the leaders of the church, though without worldly possessions to -boast of, were the most in honor everywhere. If a festive entertainment -was meditated, the minister was sure to be first on the list of those -invited. If any assembly of citizens was held, he must be there to open -the business with prayer. If a political measure was in agitation, he -was among the first whose opinions were to be consulted. He was not -infrequently the family physician. Hence the objection to Mr. Adams by -her friends was founded on the fact that she was the daughter and -granddaughter of a minister, and his social superior according to the -opinions of zealous Christians, whose prejudices were extreme toward a -calling they deemed hardly honest. - -Ten years of quiet home-life succeeded her marriage, during which time -little transpired worthy of record. “She appears to have passed an -apparently very happy life, having her residence in Braintree, or in -Boston, according as the state of her husband’s health, then rather -impaired, or that of his professional practice, made the change -advisable. Within this period she became the mother of a daughter and of -three sons.” - -Mr. Adams was elected one of the delegates on the part of Massachusetts, -instructed to meet persons chosen in the same manner from the other -colonies, for the purpose of consulting in common upon the course most -advisable to be adopted by them. In the month of August, 1774, he left -home in company with Samuel Adams, Thomas Cushings, and Robert Treat -Paine, to go to Philadelphia, at which place the proposed assembly was -to be held. In two months, Mr. Adams was home again. Congress met again -in May, 1775, and Mr. Adams returned to Philadelphia to attend it. The -long distance was traversed on horseback, and was replete with -hardships. At Hartford he heard of the memorable incident at Lexington, -only five days after his departure from Braintree. Up to this time, the -trouble between the two countries had been a dispute, henceforth it -resolved itself into open hostilities. - -“In November, 1775,” says Bancroft, “Abigail Smith, the wife of John -Adams, was at her home near the foot of Penn Hill, charged with the sole -care of their little brood of children; managing their farm; keeping -house with frugality, though opening her doors to the houseless, and -giving with good-will a part of her scant portion to the poor; seeking -work for her own hands, and ever busily occupied, now at the spinning -wheel, now making amends for having never been sent to school by -learning French, though with the aid of books alone. Since the departure -of her husband for Congress, the arrow of death had sped near her by -day, and the pestilence that walks in darkness had entered her humble -mansion. She herself was still weak after a violent illness; her house -was a hospital in every part; and such was the distress of the -neighborhood, she could hardly find a well person to assist in looking -after the sick. Her youngest son had been rescued from the grave by her -nursing. Her own mother had been taken away, and after the austere -manner of her forefathers, buried without prayer. Woe followed woe, and -one affliction trod on the heels of another. Winter was hurrying on; -during the day family affairs took off her attention, but her long -evenings, broken by the sound of the storm on the ocean, or the enemy’s -artillery at Boston, were lonesome and melancholy. Ever in the silent -night ruminating on the love and tenderness of her departed parent, she -needed the consolation of her husband’s presence; but when she read the -king’s proclamation, she willingly gave up her nearest friend -exclusively to his perilous duties, and sent him her cheering message: -‘This intelligence will make a plain path for you, though a dangerous -one. I could not join to-day in the petitions of our worthy pastor for a -reconciliation between our no longer parent state, but tyrant state, and -these colonies. Let us separate; they are unworthy to be our brethren. -Let us renounce them; and instead of supplications, as formerly, for -their prosperity and happiness, let us beseech the Almighty to blast -their counsels and bring to naught all their devices.’” - -Such words of patriotism falling from the lips of a woman who had just -buried three members of her household, one her own mother, and who was -alone with her four little children within sight of the cannonading at -Boston, discovers a mind strong, and a spirit fearless and brave under -scenes of harrowing distress. - -Now she was alone, and she writes to her husband, “The desolation of war -is not so distressing as the havoc made by the pestilence. Some poor -parents are mourning the loss of three, four, and five children, and -some families are wholly stripped of every member.” December found Mr. -Adams once more at home to cheer his suffering family, but Congress -demanded his presence, and after a stay of one month, he returned again -to the halls of the nation. March came, and her anxious, solitary life -was in nowise brightened. The distance, in those days of slow travel and -bad roads, from Boston to Philadelphia was immense, and letters were -precious articles hard to receive. In speaking of the anticipated attack -on Boston, she says: “It has been said to-morrow and to-morrow; but when -the dreadful to-morrow will be I know not.” Yet even as she wrote, the -first peal of the American guns rang out their dissonance on the -chilling night winds, and the house shook and trembled from cellar to -garret. It was no time for calm thoughts now, and she left her letter -unfinished to go out and watch the lurid lights that flashed and -disappeared in the distance. Next morning she walked to Penn’s Hill, -where she sat listening to the amazing roar, and watching the British -shells as they fell round about the camps of her friends. Her home at -the foot of the hill was all her earthly wealth, and the careful -husbanding of each year’s crop her only income; yet while she ever and -anon cast her eye upon it, the thoughts that welled into words were not -of selfish repinings, but of proud expressions of high-souled -patriotism. “The cannonade is from our army,” she continues, “and the -sight is one of the grandest in nature, and is of the true species of -the sublime. ’Tis now an incessant roar. To-night we shall realize a -more terrible scene still; I wish myself with you out of hearing, as I -cannot assist them, but I hope to give you joy of Boston, even if it is -in ruins before I send this away.” But events were not ordered as she -feared, and the result was more glorious than she dared hope. All the -summer the army lay encamped around Boston, and in early fall her -husband came home again, after an absence of nearly a year. Yet his -coming brought her little satisfaction, since it was to announce the sad -truth that he had been chosen Minister to France. Could he take his wife -and little ones? was the oft-recurring question. A small and not very -good vessel had been ordered to carry him: the British fleet knew this, -and were on the watch to capture it. On every account it was deemed best -he should go alone, but he finally concluded to take his eldest son, -John Quincy Adams, to bear him company, and in February, 1778, sailed -for Europe. - -The loneliness of the faithful wife can hardly be understood by those -unacquainted with the horrors of war. Yet doubtless there are many, very -many, who in the dark gloom of the civil war can record similar feelings -of agony, and can trace a parallel in the solitary musings of this brave -matron. The ordinary occupations of the female sex have ever confined -them to a very limited sphere, and there is seldom an occasion when they -can with propriety extend their exertions beyond the domestic hearth. -Only through the imagination can they give unlimited scope to those -powers which the world until recently has never understood, and which -are even now but dimly defined. Had mankind given them the privileges of -a liberal education, and freedom to carve their own destiny, to what -dazzling heights would a mind so naturally gifted as Mrs. Adams’, have -attained? Circumscribed as her lot was, she has left upon the pages of -history an enviable record, and while Americans forget not to do honor -to her husband’s zeal and greatness, her memory lends a richer perfume, -and sheds a radiance round the incidents of a life upon which she -wielded so beneficial an influence. - -Ofttimes weather-bound and compelled to remain indoors for days, with no -society save her children and domestics, it is not strange that she -should be lonely. Nor could her mind dwell upon any pleasing -anticipations for the future. Her husband three thousand miles away, a -hostile army encompassing the country, poor and forlorn, she yet so -managed and controlled her little estate, that it served to support her, -and in old age, to prove the happy asylum of her honored family. Mr. -Adams knew her exposed condition, yet trusted to her judgment to protect -herself and little ones. On a former occasion he had written to her “in -case of danger to fly to the woods,” and now he could only reiterate the -same advice, at the same time feeling that she was strong and resolute -to sustain herself. Six months passed, and Mrs. Adams writes to him: “I -have never received a syllable from you or my dear son, and it is five -months since I had an opportunity of conveying a line to you. Yet I know -not but you are less a sufferer than you would be to hear from us, to -know our distresses, and yet be unable to relieve them. The universal -cry for bread to a humane heart is painful beyond description.” Mr. -Adams returned to his family after an absence of eighteen months, but no -sooner was he established in his happy home, than he was ordered to -Great Britain to negotiate a peace. Two of his sons accompanied him on -this trip. He went over night to Boston to embark early next day, and -the sad heart left behind again, found relief in the following touching -words: “My habitation, how disconsolate it looks! my table, I sit down -to it, but cannot swallow my food! Oh, why was I born with so much -sensibility, and why, possessing it, have I so often been called to -struggle with it? Were I sure you would not be gone, I could not -withstand the temptation of coming to town though my heart would suffer -over again the cruel torture of separation.” Soon after this time, she -wrote to her eldest son in regard to his extreme reluctance at again -crossing the ocean, and for its perspicuity and terseness, for the -loftiness of its sentiments, and the sound logical advice in which it -abounds, ranks itself among the first literary effusions of the century: - - - “_June, 1778._ - -“MY DEAR SON: ’Tis almost four months since you left your native land -and embarked upon the mighty waters in quest of a foreign country. -Although I have not particularly written to you since, yet you may be -assured you have constantly been upon my heart and mind. - -“It is a very difficult task, my dear son, for a tender parent, to bring -her mind to part with a child of your years, going to a distant land; -nor could I have acquiesced in such a separation under any other care -than that of the most excellent parent and guardian who accompanied you. -You have arrived at years capable of improving under the advantages you -will be likely to have, if you do but properly attend to them. They are -talents put into your hands, of which an account will be required of you -hereafter; and, being possessed of one, two, or four, see to it that you -double your number. - -“The most amiable and most useful disposition in a young mind is -diffidence of itself; and this should lead you to seek advice and -instruction from him who is your natural guardian, and will always -counsel and direct you in the best manner, both for your present and -future happiness. You are in possession of a natural good understanding, -and of spirits unbroken by adversity and untamed with care. Improve your -understanding by acquiring useful knowledge and virtue, such as will -render you an ornament to society, an honor to your country, and a -blessing to your parents. Great learning and superior abilities, should -you ever possess them, will be of little value and small estimation, -unless virtue, honor, truth, and integrity are added to them. Adhere to -those religious sentiments and principles which were early instilled -into your mind, and remember that you are accountable to your Maker for -all your words and actions. Let me enjoin it upon you to attend -constantly and steadfastly to the precepts and instructions of your -father, as you value the happiness of your mother and your own welfare. -His care and attention to you render many things unnecessary for me to -write, which I might otherwise do; but the inadvertency and heedlessness -of youth require line upon line and precept upon precept, and, when -enforced by the joint efforts of both parents, will, I hope, have a due -influence upon your conduct; for, dear as you are to me, I would much -rather you should have found your grave in the ocean you have crossed, -or that any untimely death crop you in your infant years, than see you -an immoral, profligate, or graceless child. - -“You have entered early in life upon the great theatre of the world, -which is full of temptations and vice of every kind. You are not wholly -unacquainted with history, in which you have read of crimes which your -inexperienced mind could scarcely believe credible. You have been taught -to think of them with horror, and to view vice as - - “‘A monster of so frightful mien, - That, to be hated, needs but to be seen.’ - -Yet you must keep a strict guard upon yourself, or the odious monster -will lose its terror by becoming familiar to you. The modern history of -our own times furnishes as black a list of crimes as can be paralleled -in ancient times, even if we go back to Nero, Caligula, Cæsar Borgia. -Young as you are, the cruel war into which we have been compelled by the -haughty tyrant of Britain and the bloody emissaries of his vengeance, -may stamp upon your mind this certain truth, that the welfare and -prosperity of all countries, communities, and, I may add, individuals, -depend upon their morals. That nation to which we were once united, as -it has departed from justice, eluded and subverted the wise laws which -formerly governed it, and suffered the worst of crimes to go unpunished, -has lost its valor, wisdom, and humanity, and, from being the dread and -terror of Europe, has sunk into derision and infamy. - -“But, to quit political subjects, I have been greatly anxious for your -safety, having never heard of the frigate since she sailed, till, about -a week ago, a New York paper informed that she was taken and carried -into Plymouth. I did not fully credit this report, though it gave me -much uneasiness. I yesterday heard that a French vessel was arrived at -Portsmouth, which brought news of the safe arrival of the Boston; but -this wants confirmation. I hope it will not be long before I shall be -assured of your safety. You must write me an account of your voyage, of -your situation, and of every thing entertaining you can recollect. - - “Be assured, I am most affectionately - “Your mother, ABIGAIL ADAMS.” - - -The Government was organized under its present Constitution in April, -1789, and Mr. Adams was elected Vice-President. He established himself -in New York, and from there Mrs. Adams wrote to her sister, “that she -would return to Braintree during the recess of Congress, but the season -of the year renders the attempt impracticable.” She speaks in one of her -letters of the drawing-rooms held by Mrs. Washington, and the many -invitations she received to entertainments. After a residence of one -year in New York, the seat of government was removed to Philadelphia. -She says in a letter to her daughter, “that she dined with the President -in company with the ministers and ladies of the court,” and that “he -asked very affectionately after her and the children,” and “at the table -picked the sugar-plums from a cake and requested me to take them for -Master John.” In February, 1797, Mr. Adams succeeded President -Washington, and from Braintree she wrote to her husband one of the most -beautiful of all her noble effusions: - - “‘The sun is dressed in brightest beams - To give thy honors to the day.’ - -“And may it prove an auspicious prelude to each ensuing season. You have -this day to declare yourself head of a nation. ‘And now, O Lord my God, -thou hast made thy servant ruler over the people; give unto him an -understanding heart, that he may know how to go out and come in before -this great people; that he may discern between good and bad. For who is -able to judge this thy so great a people:’ were the words of a royal -sovereign, and not less applicable to him who is invested with the Chief -Magistracy of a nation, though he wear not a crown nor the robes of -royalty. My thoughts and my meditations are with you, though personally -absent; and my petitions to heaven are that ‘the things which make for -peace may not be hidden from your eyes.’ My feelings are not those of -pride or ostentation upon the occasion. They are solemnized by a sense -of the obligations, the important trusts, and numerous duties connected -with it. That you may be enabled to discharge them with honor to -yourself, with justice and impartiality to your country, and with -satisfaction to this great people, shall be the daily prayer of yours—” - -Soon as the funeral rites of Mrs. Adams, the venerable mother of -President Adams, were performed, and the sad leave-takings over, Mrs. -Adams set out to join her husband at Philadelphia, from whence the seat -of government was removed in June, 1800, to Washington City. - -Her impression of the place is graphically described in the following -letter to her daughter, Mrs. Smith: - - - “WASHINGTON, _November 21st, 1800_. - - “MY DEAR CHILD:— - -“I arrived here on Sunday last, and without meeting with any accident -worth noticing, except losing ourselves when we left Baltimore, and -going eight or nine miles on the Frederick road, by which means we were -obliged to go the other eight through woods, where we wandered two hours -without finding a guide or the path. Fortunately, a straggling black -came up with us, and we engaged him as a guide to extricate us out of -our difficulty. But woods are all you see from Baltimore until you reach -the city,—which is only so in name. Here and there is a small cot, -without a glass window, interspersed amongst the forests, through which -you travel miles without seeing any human being. In the city there are -buildings enough, if they were compact and finished, to accommodate -Congress and those attached to it; but as they are, and scattered as -they are, I see no great comfort for them. The river, which runs up to -Alexandria, is in full view of my window, and I see the vessels as they -pass and repass. The house is upon a grand and superb scale, requiring -about thirty servants to attend and keep the apartments in proper order, -and perform the ordinary business of the house and stables: an -establishment very well proportioned to the President’s salary. The -lighting the apartments, from the kitchen to parlors and chambers, is a -tax indeed; and the fires we are obliged to keep to secure us from daily -agues, is another very cheering comfort. To assist us in this great -castle, and render less attendance necessary, bells are wholly wanting, -not one single one being hung through the whole house, and promises are -all you can obtain. This is so great an inconvenience, that I know not -what to do, or how to do. The ladies from Georgetown and in the city -have many of them visited me. Yesterday I returned fifteen visits,—but -such a place as Georgetown appears,—why our Milton beautiful. But no -comparisons;—if they will put me up some bells, and let me have wood -enough to keep fires, I design to be pleased. I could content myself -almost anywhere three months; but surrounded with forests, can you -believe that wood is not to be had, because people cannot be found to -cut and cart it? Briesler entered into a contract with a man to supply -him with wood; a small part, a few cords only, has he been able to get. -Most of that was expended to dry the walls of the house before we came -in, and yesterday the man told him it was impossible for him to procure -it to be cut and carted. He has had recourse to coals: but we cannot get -grates made and set. We have indeed come into a new country. - -“You must keep all this to yourself, and when asked how I like it, say -that I write you the situation is beautiful, which is true. The house is -made habitable, but there is not a single apartment finished, and all -withinside, except the plastering, has been done since Briesler came. We -have not the least fence, yard, or other convenience, without, and the -great unfinished audience-room I make a drying room of, to hang up the -clothes in. The principal stairs are not up, and will not be this -winter. Six chambers are made comfortable; two are occupied by the -President and Mr. Shaw; two lower rooms, one for a common parlor and one -for a levee room. Up-stairs there is the oval room, which is designed -for the drawing-room, and has the crimson furniture in it. It is a very -handsome room now, but when completed will be beautiful. If the twelve -years, in which this place has been considered as the future seat of -government, had been improved, as they would have been if in New -England, very many of the present inconveniences would have been -removed. It is a beautiful spot, capable of every improvement, and the -more I view it, the more I am delighted with it. Since I sat down to -write, I have been called down to a servant from Mount Vernon, with a -billet from Major Custis, and a haunch of venison, and a kind, -congratulatory letter from Mrs. Lewis, upon my arrival in the city, with -Mrs. Washington’s love, inviting me to Mount Vernon, where, health -permitting, I will go, before I leave this place.... Two articles are -much distressed for: the one is bells, but the more important one is -wood. Yet you cannot see wood for trees. No arrangement has been made, -but by promises never performed, to supply the newcomers with fuel. Of -the promises, Briesler had received his full share. He had procured nine -cords of wood: between six and seven of that was kindly burnt up to dry -the walls of the house, which ought to have been done by the -commissioners, but which, if left to them, would have remained undone to -this day. Congress poured in, but shiver, shiver. No wood-cutters nor -carters to be had at any rate. We are now indebted to a Pennsylvania -wagon to bring us, through the first clerk in the Treasury Office, one -cord and a half of wood, which is all we have for this house, where -twelve fires are constantly required, and where, we are told, the roads -will soon be so bad that it cannot be drawn. Briesler procured two -hundred bushels of coal, or we must have suffered. This is the situation -of almost every person. The public officers have sent to Philadelphia -for wood-cutters and wagons. - -“The vessel which has my clothes and other matter is not arrived. The -ladies are impatient for a drawing-room; I have no looking-glasses, but -dwarfs, for this house; nor a twentieth part lamps enough to light it. -Many things were stolen, many were broken, by the removal; amongst the -number, my tea-china is more than half missing. Georgetown affords -nothing. My rooms are very pleasant, and warm, whilst the doors of the -hall are closed. - -“You can scarce believe that here in this wilderness-city, I should find -myself so occupied as it is. My visitors, some of them, come three and -four miles. The return of one of them is the work of one day. Most of -the ladies reside in Georgetown, or in scattered parts of the city at -two and three miles distance. We have all been very well as yet; if we -can by any means get wood, we shall not let our fires go out, but it is -at a price indeed; from four dollars it has risen to nine. Some say it -will fall, but there must be more industry than is to be found here to -bring half enough to the market for the consumption of the inhabitants.” - - -The Hon. John Cotton Smith, a member of Congress from Connecticut, -describing Washington as it appeared to him on his arrival there, wrote -as follows: - -“Our approach to the city was accompanied with sensations not easily -described. One wing of the Capitol only had been erected, which, with -the President’s House, a mile distant from it, both constructed with -white sandstone, were striking objects in dismal contrast with the scene -around them. Instead of recognizing the avenues and streets portrayed on -the plan of the city, not one was visible unless we except a road, with -two buildings on each side of it, called the New Jersey Avenue. The -Pennsylvania, leading as laid down on paper, from the Capitol to the -Presidential mansion, was then nearly the whole distance a deep morass, -covered with alder bushes, which were cut through the width of the -intended Avenue the then ensuing winter.... The roads in every direction -were muddy and unimproved; a sidewalk was attempted in one instance by a -covering formed of the chips of the stones which had been hewed for the -Capitol. It extended but a little way, and was of little value, for in -dry weather the sharp fragments cut our shoes, and in wet weather -covered them with white mortar; in short, it was a new settlement. The -houses, with two or three exceptions, had been very recently erected, -and the operation greatly hurried in view of the approaching transfer of -the national government. A laughable desire was manifested by what few -citizens and residents there were, to render our condition as pleasant -as circumstances would permit. Notwithstanding the unfavorable aspect -which Washington presented on our arrival, I cannot sufficiently express -my admiration of its local position. From the Capitol you have a -distinct view of its fine, undulating surface, situated at the -confluence of the Potomac and its Eastern Branch, the wide expanse of -that majestic river to the bend at Mount Vernon, the cities of -Alexandria and Georgetown, and the cultivated fields and blue hills of -Maryland and Virginia on either side of the river, the whole -constituting a prospect of surpassing beauty and grandeur. The city has -also the inestimable advantage of delightful water, in many instances -flowing from copious springs, and always attainable by digging to a -moderate depth. - -“Some portions of the city are forty miles from Baltimore. The situation -is indeed beautiful and pleasant. - -“The President’s house was built to be looked at by visitors and -strangers, and will render its occupants an object of ridicule with some -and of pity with others. It must be cold and damp in winter, and cannot -be kept in tolerable order without a regiment of servants. There are but -few houses at any one place, and most of them small, miserable huts, -which present an awful contrast to the public buildings. The people are -poor, and as far as I can judge, they live like fishes, by eating each -other.” - -The first New Year’s reception at the White House was held by President -Adams in 1801. The house was only partially furnished, and Mrs. Adams -used the oval room up-stairs, now the library, as a drawing-room. The -formal etiquette established by Mrs. Washington at New York and -Philadelphia was kept up in the wilderness-city by Mrs. Adams. - -At this time the health of Mrs. Adams, which had never been very firm, -began decidedly to fail. Her residence at Philadelphia had not been -favorable, as it had subjected her to the attack of an intermittent -fever, from the effects of which she was never afterward perfectly free. -The desire to enjoy the bracing air of her native climate, as well as to -keep together the private property of her husband, upon which she early -foresaw that he would be obliged to rely for their support in their last -years, prompted her to reside much of her time at Quincy. - -Thus closed Mrs. Adams’ life in Washington, of which she has given a -picture in her letter to her daughter; and spring found her once more in -her Massachusetts home, recuperating her failing health. She lived in -Washington only four months—and yet she is inseparably connected with -it. She was mistress of the White House less than half a year, but she -stamped it with her individuality, and none have lived there since who -have not looked upon her as the model and guide. It is not asserting too -much, to observe that the first occupant of that historic house stands -without a rival, and receives a meed of praise awarded to no other -American woman. - -In the midst of public or private troubles, the buoyant spirit of Mrs. -Adams never forsook her. “I am a mortal enemy,” she wrote upon one -occasion to her husband, “to anything but a cheerful countenance and a -merry heart, which Solomon tells us does good like a medicine.” “This -spirit,” says her son, “contributed greatly to lift up his heart, when -surrounded by difficulties and dangers, exposed to open hostility, and -secret detraction, and resisting a torrent of invective, such as it may -well be doubted whether any other individual in public station in the -United States has ever tried to stem. It was this spirit which soothed -his wounded feelings when the country, which he had served in the full -consciousness of the perfect honesty of his motives, threw him off, and -signified its preference for other statesmen. There are oftener, even in -this life, more compensations for the severest of the troubles that -afflict mankind, than we are apt to think.” - -The sacrifices made by Mrs. Adams during the long era of war, -pestilence, and famine, deserves and should receive from a nation’s -gratitude a monument as high and massive as her illustrious husband’s. - -Let it be reared in the hearts of the women of America, who may proudly -claim her as a model, and let her fame be transmitted to remotest -posterity—the “Portia” of the rebellious provinces. - -Statues and monuments belong rather to a bygone than a present time, and -are indicative of a less degree of culture than we of this century -boast. The pages of history are the truest, safest sarcophagi of -greatness, and embalm in their records the lives of the master-workers. -Not in marble or bronze be her memory perpetuated, for we need no such -hieroglyphics in this country of free schools. Place her history in the -libraries of America, and the children of freedom will live over her -deeds. To the crumbling monarchies of Europe on their way to -dissolution, it may be necessary to erect statues of past greatness, -that some shadow of their nothingness may remain as warnings; but the -men and women of revolutionary memory are become a part and parcel of -this government, whose very existence must be wiped from the face of the -earth ere one jot or tittle of their fame is lost. - -In viewing the character of Mrs. Adams, as it looms up in the pages of -the past, we can but regret that she occupied no more enlarged sphere. -The woman who could reply as she did to the question, (“Had you known -that Mr. Adams would have remained so long abroad, would you have -consented that he should have gone?”)—could have filled any position in -civil life. “If I had known,” she replied, after a moment’s hesitation, -“that Mr. Adams could have effected what he has done, I would not only -have submitted to the absence I have endured, painful as it has been, -but I would not have opposed it, even though three more years should be -added to the number. I feel a pleasure in being able to sacrifice my -selfish passions to the general good, and in imitating the example which -has taught me to consider myself and family but as the small dust of the -balance, when compared with the great community.” - -With the marked characteristics which made her determined and resolute, -she could have occupied any post of honor requiring a strong mind and -clear perceptions of right; cut off, as was her sex, from participation -in the struggle around her; confined by custom to the lonely and -wearisome monotony of her country home, she nevertheless stamped her -character upon the hearts of her countrymen, and enrolled her name among -its workers. Had she been called into any of the departments of State, -or required to fill any place of trust, hers would have been an enviable -name; even as it is, she occupies the foreground of the Revolutionary -history, and so powerful were the energies of her soul, that biographers -and historians have deemed it worth their while to deny, in lengthy -terms, her influence over her husband, and exert every argument to prove -that she in no way controlled his actions. The opinions of men differ on -this point, and the students of American biographies decide the -questions from their own stand-points. Yet who will not venture to -assert, that with the culture bestowed upon her which many men received, -she would have towered high above them in their pride and selfishness! -Controlled by the usages of society, she could only live in her -imagination, and impress upon her children the great ideas that were -otherwise doomed to fritter away uselessly in her brain. Indifferent to -the charms of fashionable life, deprived of the luxuries which too often -enervate and render worthless the capacities of woman, she was as -independent and self-supporting in her actions, as were the inspirations -of her mind; and through good and evil report, conduced by her example -to place that reliance in her country’s success which in a great measure -secured its independence. Her character was one of undeviating fairness -and frank truthfulness, free from affectation and vanity. - -From the year 1801 down to the day of her death, a period of seventeen -years, she lived uninterruptedly at Quincy. The old age of Mrs. Adams -was not one of grief and repining, of clouds and darkness; her -cheerfulness continued with the full possession of her faculties to the -last, and her sunny spirit enlivened the small social circle around her, -brightened the solitary hours of her husband, and spread the influence -of its example over the town where she lived. “Yesterday,” she writes, -to a granddaughter, on the 26th of October, 1814, “completes half a -century since I entered the marriage state, then just your age. I have -great cause of thankfulness that I have lived so long and enjoyed so -large a portion of happiness as has been my lot. The greatest source of -unhappiness I have known, in that period, has arisen from the long and -cruel separations which I was called, in a time of war, and with a young -family around me, to submit to.” - -The appointment of her eldest son as Minister to Great Britain, by -President Madison, was a life-long satisfaction to her; and the -testimony President Monroe gave her of his worth, by making him his -Secretary of State, was the crowning joy of her life. Had she been -spared a few years longer, she would have enjoyed seeing him hold the -position his father had occupied before him. Mrs. Adams lost three of -her children: a daughter in infancy; a son grown to manhood, who died in -1800; and in 1813 her only remaining daughter, Abigail, the wife of -Colonel William S. Smith. - -The warmest feelings of friendship had existed between Mr. Jefferson and -herself until a difference in political sentiments, developed during the -administration of President Washington, disturbed the social relations -existing. “Both Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson tried as hard as men could -do, to resist the natural effect upon them of their antagonist -positions. They strove each in turn, to stem the proscriptive fury of -the parties to which they belonged, and that with equally bad success. - -“Mrs. Adams felt as women only feel, what she regarded as the ungenerous -conduct of Mr. Jefferson towards her husband during the latter part of -his public life, and when she retired from Washington, notwithstanding -the kindest professions from his mouth were yet ringing in her ears, all -communication between the parties ceased. Still, there remained on both -sides, pleasant reminiscences to soften the irritation that had taken -place, and to open a way for reconciliation whenever circumstances -should present a suitable opportunity.” - -The little daughter of Mr. Jefferson, in whom Mrs. Adams had taken so -much interest in 1787, had in the interval grown into a woman, and had -been married to Mr. Eppes of Virginia. In 1804 she ceased to be numbered -among the living, and almost against her own judgment Mrs. Adams wrote -to him. He seemed to be much affected by this testimony of her sympathy, -and replied, not confining himself to the subject-matter of her letter, -and added a request to know her reasons for the estrangement that had -occurred. Without the knowledge of her husband she replied to him, but -he at first did not choose to believe her assertion. Fortunately, the -original endorsement, made in the handwriting of letters retained by -herself, will serve to put this matter beyond question. Her last letter -to him was as follows: - - - “QUINCY, _25th October, 1804_. - -“SIR: Sickness for three weeks past has prevented my acknowledging the -receipt of your letter of Sept. 11th. When I first addressed you, I -little thought of entering into a correspondence with you upon subjects -of a political nature. I will not regret it, as it has led to some -elucidations, and brought on some explanations, which place in a more -favorable light occurrences which had wounded me. - -“Having once entertained for you a respect and esteem, founded upon the -character of an affectionate parent, a kind master, a candid and -benevolent friend, I could not suffer different political opinions to -obliterate them from my mind. I felt the truth of the observation, that -the heart is long, very long in receiving the conviction that is forced -upon it by reason. It was not until circumstances occurred to place you -in the light of a rewarder and encourager of a libeler, whom you could -not but detest and despise, that I withdrew the esteem I had long -entertained for you. Nor can you wonder, Sir, that I should consider as -a personal unkindness, the instance I have mentioned. I am pleased to -find that which respected my son altogether unfounded. He was, as you -conjecture, appointed a commissioner of bankruptcy, together with Judge -Dawes, and continued to serve in it with perfect satisfaction to all -parties (at least I never heard the contrary), until _superseded_ by the -appointment of others. The idea suggested that no one was in office, and -consequently no removal could take place, I cannot consider in any other -light than what the gentlemen of the law would term a quibble—as such I -pass it. Judge Dawes was continued or reappointed, which placed Mr. -Adams in a more conspicuous light as the object of personal resentment. -Nor could I, upon this occasion, refrain calling to mind the last visit -you made me at Washington, when in the course of conversation you -assured me, that if it should lay in your power at any time to serve me -or my family, nothing would give you more pleasure. With respect to the -office, it was a small object, but the disposition of the remover was -considered by me as the barbed arrow. This, however, by your -declaration, is withdrawn from my mind. With the public it will remain. -And here, Sir, may I be allowed to pause, and ask whether, in your -ardent desire to rectify the mistakes and abuses, as you may term them, -of the former administrations, you may not be led into measures still -more fatal to the constitution, and more derogatory to your honor and -independence of character? I know, from the observations which I have -made, that there is not a more difficult part devolves upon a chief -magistrate, nor one which subjects him to more reproach and censure, -than the appointments to office. And all the patronage which this -enviable power gives him is but a poor compensation for the -responsibility to which it subjects him. It would be well, however, to -weigh and consider characters, as it respects their moral worth and -integrity. He who is not true to himself, nor just to others, seeks an -office for the benefit of himself, unmindful of that of his country. I -cannot accord with you in opinion that the Constitution ever meant to -withhold from the National Government the power of self-defence; or that -it could be considered an infringement of the liberty of the press, to -punish the licentiousness of it. Time must determine and posterity will -judge with more candor and impartiality, I hope, than the conflicting -parties of our day, what measures have best promoted the happiness of -the people; and what raised them from a state of depression and -degradation to wealth, honor, and reputation; what has made them -affluent at home and respected abroad; and to whomsoever the tribute is -due, to them may it be given. I will not further intrude upon your time; -but close this correspondence by my wishes that you may be directed to -that path which may terminate in the prosperity and happiness of the -people over whom you are placed, by administering the government with -justice and impartiality; and be assured, Sir, no one will more rejoice -in your success than - - “ABIGAIL ADAMS.” - - - (MEMORANDUM subjoined to the copy of this letter, in the handwriting of - Mr. Adams.) - - - “QUINCY, _19th November, 1804_. - -“The whole of this correspondence was begun and conducted without my -knowledge or suspicion. Last evening and this morning, at the desire of -Mrs. Adams, I read the whole. I have no remarks to make upon it, at this -time and in this place. - - “J. ADAMS.” - - -“A new and strong tie was beginning indeed to bind the stately old men -together. They were speedily becoming the last of the signers of the -Declaration of Independence—the last of the great actors and leaders of -1776. Their common and dearly-loved friend Rush had died in April, 1813, -after a brief illness.” Mr. Jefferson wrote to Mr. Adams of this -occurrence, and said: “Another of our friends of seventy-six is gone, my -dear sir, another of the co-signers of the independence of our country. -I believe we are under half a dozen at present; I mean the signers of -the Declaration. Yourself, Gerry, Carroll and myself, are all I know to -be living.” - -Appended to a letter from Adams to Jefferson, dated July 15th, 1813, we -find the following: - - -“I have been looking for some time for a space in my good husband’s -letters to add the regards of an old friend, which are still cherished -and preserved through all the changes and vicissitudes which have taken -place since we first became acquainted, and will, I trust, remain as -long as - - “A. ADAMS.” - - -“Neither Mrs. Adams nor her husband ever met Mr. Jefferson again, but -she had the opportunity, and eagerly availed herself of it, to bestow -kindly and assiduous attentions on some of his family. - -“She lost none of the imposing features of her character in the decline -of life. An observing and intelligent gentleman who was a guest at -Quincy within a year or two of her death, has given us a description of -his visit. Mr. Adams shook as if palsied; but the mind and the heart -were evidently sound. His spirits seemed as elastic as a boy’s. He -joked, laughed heartily, and talked about everybody and everything, past -and present, with the most complete _abandon_. He seemed to our highly -educated informant to be a vast encyclopædia of written and unwritten -knowledge. It gushed out on every possible topic, but was mingled with -lively anecdotes and sallies, and he exhibited a carelessness in his -language which suggested anything but pedantry or an attempt at ‘fine -talking.’ In short, the brave old man was as delightful as he was -commanding in conversation. While the guest was deeply enjoying this -interview, an aged and stately female entered the apartment, and he was -introduced to Mrs. Adams. A cap of exquisite lace surrounded features -still exhibiting intellect and energy, though they did not wear the -appearance of ever having been beautiful. Her dress was snowy white, and -there was that immaculate neatness in her appearance which gives to age -almost the sweetness of youth. With less warmth of manner and -sociableness than Mr. Adams, she was sufficiently gracious, and her -occasional remarks betrayed intellectual vigor and strong sense. The -guest went away feeling that he never again should behold such living -specimens of the ‘great of old.’” - -Mrs. Adams died of an attack of fever, the 28th of October, 1818, at the -advanced age of seventy-four years. “To learning,” says her grandson, -“in the ordinary sense of that term, Mrs. Adams could make no claim. Her -reading had been extensive in the lighter departments of literature, and -she was well acquainted with the poets in her own language, but it went -no further. It is the soul, shining through the words, that gives them -their great attraction; the spirit ever equal to the occasion, whether a -great or a small one; a spirit, inquisitive and earnest in the little -details of life, as when she was in France and England; playful, when -she describes daily duties, but rising to the call when the roar of -cannon is in her ears—or when she reproves her husband for not knowing -her better than to think her a coward and to fear telling her bad news.” - -“The obsequies of Mrs. Adams were attended by a great concourse of -people, who voluntarily came to pay this last tribute to her memory. -Several brief but beautiful notices of her appeared in the newspapers of -the day, and a sermon was preached by the late Rev. Dr. Kirkland, then -President of Harvard University, which closed with a delicate and -affecting testimony to her worth. ‘Ye will seek to mourn, bereaved -friends,’ it says, ‘as becomes Christians, in a manner worthy of the -person you lament. You do then bless the Giver of Life that the course -of your endeared and honored friend was so long and so bright; that she -entered so fully into the spirit of those injunctions which we have -explained, and was a minister of blessings to all within her influence. -You are soothed to reflect that she was sensible of the many tokens of -divine goodness which marked her lot; that she received the good of her -existence with a cheerful and grateful heart; that, when called to weep, -she bore adversity with an equal mind; that she used the world as not -abusing it to excess, improving well her time, talents and -opportunities, and though desired longer in this world, was fitted for a -better happiness than this world can give.’” - -Mr. Jefferson, despite the feeling that he had not been understood by -Mrs. Adams as he thought he deserved, never lost any part of the -profound respect and friendship he entertained for her, and soon as the -news of her death reached him he wrote as follows to her husband: - - - TO JOHN ADAMS. - - “MONTICELLO, _November 13th, 1818_. - -“The public papers, my dear friend, announce the fatal event of which -your letter of October the 20th had given me ominous foreboding. Tried -myself in the school of affliction, by the loss of every form of -connection which can rive the human heart, I know well, and feel what -you have lost, what you have suffered, are suffering, and have yet to -endure. The same trials have taught me that for ills so immeasurable, -time and silence are the only medicine. I will not, therefore, by -useless condolences, open afresh the sluices of your grief, nor, -although mingling sincerely my tears with yours, will I say a word more -where words are vain, but that it is of some comfort to us both that the -time is not very distant at which we are to deposit in the same casement -our sorrows and suffering bodies, and to ascend in essence to an -ecstatic meeting with the friends we have loved and lost, and whom we -shall still love and never lose again. God bless you, and support you -under your heavy affliction. - - “TH. JEFFERSON.” - - -Side by side in the Congregational church in Quincy, to which he had -given the donation to erect it with, lie the mortal remains of Mr. and -Mrs. Adams. Within the same house, a plain white marble slab, on the -right hand of the pulpit, surmounted by his bust, bears the following -inscription, written by his eldest son: - - Libertatem. Amicitiam. Fidem Retinebis. - D. O. M. - Beneath these walls, - Are deposited the mortal remains of - - JOHN ADAMS, - - Son of John and Susanna (Boylston) Adams, - Second President of the United States, - Born ¹⁹⁄₃₀ October, 1735. - - On the fourth of July, 1776, - He pledged his life, fortune, and sacred honour, - To the Independence of his country. - - On the third of September, 1783, - He affixed his seal to the definitive treaty with Great Britain, - Which acknowledged that independence, - And consummated the redemption of his pledge. - - On the fourth of July, 1826, - He was summoned - To the Independence of Immortality - And to the judgment of his God. - - This house will bear witness to his piety; - This Town, his birth-place, to his munificence; - History to his patriotism; - Posterity to the depth and compass of his mind. - - At his side, - Sleeps, till the trump shall sound, - - ABIGAIL, - - His beloved and only wife, - Daughter of William and Elizabeth (Quincy) Smith. - - In every relation of life a pattern - of filial, conjugal, maternal, and social virtue. - - Born November ¹¹⁄₂₂ 1744, - - Deceased 28 October, 1818, - - Aged 74. - - Married 25 October, 1764. - - During an union of more than half a century - They survived, in harmony of sentiment, principle and affection, - The tempests of civil commotion. - Meeting undaunted and surmounting - The terrors and trials of that revolution, - Which secured the freedom of their country; - Improved the condition of their times; - And brightened the prospects of futurity - To the race of man upon earth. - Pilgrim! - From lives thus spent thy earthly duties learn: - From fancy’s dreams to active virtue turn: - Let freedom, friendship, faith, thy soul engage, - And serve, like them, thy country and thy age. - - - - - III. - MARTHA JEFFERSON. - - -Mrs. Jefferson had been dead nineteen years when, in 1801, President -Jefferson took possession of the White House, and there was, strictly -speaking, no lady of the mansion during his term. His daughters were -with him in Washington only twice during his eight years’ stay, and he -held no formal receptions as are customary now; and being of the French -school of democratic politics, professed a dislike of all ceremonious -visitors. - -On the 1st day of January, 1772, Mr. Jefferson was married to Mrs. -Martha Skelton, widow of Bathurst Skelton, and daughter of John Wayles, -of “the Forest,” in Charles City County. - -Mr. Lossing, in his very interesting book of the Revolution, gives a -fac-simile of Mr. Jefferson’s marriage license bond, drawn up in his own -handwriting, which the former found in a bundle of old papers in Charles -City Court House while searching for records of Revolution events. “Mrs. -Skelton was remarkable for her beauty, her accomplishments, and her -solid merit. In person she was a little above medium height, slightly -but exquisitely formed. Her complexion was brilliant—her large -expressive eyes of the richest tinge of auburn. She walked, rode, and -danced with admirable grace and spirits—sang and played the spinet and -harpsichord [the musical instruments of the Virginia ladies of that day] -with uncommon skill. The more solid parts of her education had not been -neglected.” She was also well read and intelligent, conversed agreeably, -possessed excellent sense and a lively play of fancy, and had a frank, -warm-hearted and somewhat impulsive disposition. She was twenty-three -years of age at the time of her second marriage, and had been a widow -four years. Her only child she lost in infancy. - -[Illustration: - - MARTHA JEFFERSON RANDOLPH. -] - -Tradition, says Randall, has preserved one anecdote of the wooers who -sought her hand. It has two renderings, and the reader may choose -between them. The first is that two of Mr. Jefferson’s rivals happened -to meet on Mrs. Skelton’s door-stone. They were shown into a room from -which they heard her harpsichord and voice, accompanied by Mr. -Jefferson’s violin and voice, in the passages of a touching song. They -listened for a stanza or two. Whether something in the words, or in the -tones of the singers appeared suggestive to them, tradition does not -say, but it does aver that they took their hats and retired to return no -more on the same errand! The other, and, we think, less probable version -of the story is, that the three met on the door-stone, and agreed that -they would “take turns” and that the interviews should be made decisive; -and that by lot or otherwise Mr. Jefferson led off, and that then during -his trial they heard the music that they concluded settled the point. -After the bridal festivities at the Forest, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson set -out for Monticello, and they were destined to meet some not exactly -amusing adventures by the way. A manuscript of their eldest daughter -(Mrs. Randolph) furnished Mr. Randall by one of her granddaughters and -published in his “Life of Jefferson”—says: “They left the Forest after a -fall of snow, light then, but increasing in depth as they advanced up -the country. They were finally obliged to quit the carriage and proceed -on horseback. Having stopped for a short time at Blenheim (the residence -of Colonel Carter) where an overseer only resided, they left it at -sunset to pursue their way through a mountain track rather than a road, -in which the snow lay from eighteen inches to two feet deep, having -eight miles to go before reaching Monticello. - -“They arrived late at night, the fires all out and the servants retired -to their own houses for the night. The horrible dreariness of such a -house, at the end of such a journey, I have often heard them both -relate.” Part of a bottle of wine, found on a shelf behind some books, -had to serve the new-married couple both for fire and supper. Tempers -too sunny to be ruffled by many ten times as serious annoyances in after -life, now found but sources of diversion in these ludicrous -_contretemps_, and the horrible dreariness was lit up with songs, and -merriment and laughter. - -Nine years afterward, Mrs. Jefferson, the mother of five children, was -slowly declining, and her husband, refusing a mission to Europe on that -account, determined to give up all other duties to soothe and sustain -her. She had borne her fifth child in November, and when it was two -months old, she had fled with it in her arms as Arnold approached -Richmond. “The British General Tarleton sent troops to capture Governor -Jefferson, who was occupied in securing his most important papers. While -thus engaged, his wife and children were taken in a carriage, under the -care of a young gentleman who was studying with him, to Colonel Coles, -fourteen miles distant. Monticello was captured (if a residence occupied -by unresisting servants may be said to be captured), and the house -searched, though not sacked by the enemy. Many of the negroes were -taken, and but five ever returned, while the greater part of those left -behind sank under the epidemics raging at the time. The house was robbed -of nothing save a few articles in the cellar, the farm was stripped of -valuable horses, and many thousand dollars’ worth of grain and tobacco. -An anecdote is told of two of Mr. Jefferson’s slaves—Martin and Cæsar, -who were left in charge of the house and were engaged in secreting plate -and other valuables under the floor of the front portico, when a party -of British soldiers arrived. The floor was then of planks. One of these -was raised, and Martin stood above handing down articles to Cæsar, in -the cellar improvised by the faithful slaves in the emergency. While he -was finishing his packing, Martin heard the tramp of horses’ feet, and -looking in the direction indicated saw the red coats coming. For Cæsar -to get out was to inform the British where the valuables they were -trying to save were secreted, and without a word of warning the plank -was put down. Cæsar understood the sudden action to mean danger, and -very soon he knew by the noise overhead that the enemy had come. For -eighteen hours he remained in the dark hole, and was not released until -Martin was sure of the departure of the last one of the raiders.” - -In April, the loss of her infant, together with constant anxiety for the -safety of her husband, shattered the remaining strength of Mrs. -Jefferson. Toward the close of 1781, she rallied. Her last child was -born the 8th of May, 1782. Greater apprehensions than usual had preceded -the event and they were fatally verified. The delicate constitution was -irrevocably sapped. “A momentary hope for her might sometimes flutter in -the bosom of her lonely husband, but it was in reality a hope against -hope, and he knew it to be so. That association which had been the first -joy of his life, which blent itself with all his future visions of -happiness, which was to be the crowning glory of that delightful retreat -he was forming, and which was to shed mellow radiance over the -retirement to which he was fondly looking forward, was now to end; and -it was only a question of weeks, or, possibly, months, how soon it would -end. Mrs. Jefferson had returned her husband’s affection, with not only -the fervor of a woman whose dream of love and pride (for what woman is -not proud of the world’s estimation of her husband?) has been more than -gratified, but with the idolatrous gratitude of a wife who knew how -often that husband had cast away the most tempting honors without a -sigh, when her own feeble health had solicited his presence and -attentions. And now, as the dreadful hour of parting approached, her -affection became painfully, almost wildly absorbing. The faithful -daughter of the church had no dread of the hereafter, but she yearned to -remain with her husband with that yearning which seems to have power to -retard even the approaches of death. Her eyes ever rested on him, ever -followed him. When he spoke, no other sound could reach her ear or -attract her attention. When she waked from slumber, she looked -momentarily alarmed and distressed, and ever appeared to be frightened, -if the customary form was not bending over her, the customary look upon -her. For weeks Mr. Jefferson sat at that bedside, only catching brief -intervals of rest.” - -She died on the 6th of September. Her eldest daughter, Mrs. Randolph, -many years afterward, said of the sad scene: “He nursed my poor mother -in turn with Aunt Carr and her own sister, sitting up with her and -administering her medicines and drink to the last. For four months that -she lingered, he was never out of calling; when not at her bedside he -was writing in a small room which opened immediately into hers.” - -To her were denied the honors that later in life crowned the brow of her -gifted husband. Had she survived, no more pleasant life could have been -traced than this gentle, cultivated woman’s. Hers was no passive nature, -swayed by every passing breeze, but a loving, strong heart, a rare and -gifted intellect, cultivated by solid educational advantages, -experience, and the society of the greatest statesman and scholar of his -day. In the midst of all happiness, vouchsafed to humanity, she died; -and her husband, faithful to her memory, devoted himself to their -children, and lived and died her lonely-hearted mourner. - -Martha Jefferson, after the death of her mother, was placed at school in -Philadelphia, at the age of eleven years, where she remained until her -father took her, in 1784, to Europe. His other two daughters, being too -young for such a journey, were left with their maternal aunt, Mrs. -Eppes, wife of Francis Eppes, Esquire, of Eppington, Chesterfield -County, Virginia. Mary, the second of his surviving children, was six -years old, and Lucy Elizabeth, the third, was two years old. The latter -died before the close of 1784. The child of sorrow and misfortune, her -organization was too frail and too intensely susceptible to last long. -Her sensibilities were so precociously acute, that she listened with -exquisite pleasure to music, and wept on hearing a false note. - -After a short period of sight-seeing, Martha Jefferson was placed at a -convent, and continued to reside there during her father’s stay in -Europe. In July, 1787, “the long-expected Mary (called Marie in France, -and thenceforth through life, Marie) reached London.” She had crossed -the Atlantic with simply a servant girl, though doubtless they were both -intrusted to the charge of some passenger friend, or some known and -trusted ship commander, whom we do not find named. They were received by -Mrs. Adams, and awaited an expected opportunity of crossing the Channel -with a party of French friends of Mr. Jefferson. These continued to -defer their return, and Mr. Jefferson became too impatient to await -their movements. Accordingly, his steward, the favorite and trusty -Petit, was sent to London after Marie, and she reached her father’s -hotel in Paris, on the 29th of July, just three days before her ninth -birthday. - -Mrs. Adams thus describes her little guest, immediately after her -departure, in a letter to her sister, Mrs. Cranch, of Massachusetts: - -“I have had with me for a fortnight a little daughter of Mr. -Jefferson’s, who arrived here with a young negro girl, her servant, from -Virginia. Mr. Jefferson wrote me some months ago that he expected them, -and desired me to receive them. I did so, and was amply rewarded for my -trouble. A finer child of her age I never saw. So mature an -understanding, so womanly a behavior, and so much sensibility, united, -are rarely to be met with. I grew so fond of her, and she was so -attached to me, that when Mr. Jefferson sent for her, they were obliged -to force the little creature away. She is but eight years old. She would -sit, sometimes, and describe to me the parting with her aunt, who -brought her up,[6] the obligations she was under to her, and the love -she had for her little cousins, till the tears would stream down her -cheeks; and how I had been her friend, and she loved me. Her papa would -break her heart by making her go again. She clung round me so that I -could not help shedding a tear at parting with her. She was the favorite -of every one in the house. I regret that such fine spirits must be spent -in the walls of a convent. She is a beautiful girl, too.” - -Footnote 6: - - Mrs. Francis Eppes, of Eppington, Va. - -Marie (for so we shall henceforth call her, unless when adopting her -father’s sobriquet of Polly) was soon placed with Martha in the school -of the Abbaye de Panthemont. Martha had now grown into a tall, graceful -girl, with that calm, sweet face, stamped with thought and earnestness, -which, with the traces of many more years on it, and the noble dignity -of the matron superadded, beams down from the speaking canvas of Sully. -The most dutiful of daughters, the most attentive of learners, -possessing a solid understanding, a judgment ripe beyond her years, a -most gentle and genial temper, and an unassuming modesty of demeanor, -which neither the distinction of her position, nor the flatteries that -afterward surrounded her, ever wore off in the least degree, she was the -idol of her father and family, and the delight of all who knew her. - -The little Marie has been sufficiently described by Mrs. Adams. -“Slighter in person than her sister, she already gave indications of a -superior beauty. It was that exquisite beauty possessed by her -mother—that beauty which the experienced learn to look upon with dread, -because it betrays a physical organization too delicately fine to -withstand the rough shocks of the world.” - -In April, an incident of an interesting character occurred in Mr. -Jefferson’s family. His oldest daughter, as has been seen, had been -educated in the views and feelings of the Church of England. Her mother -had zealously moulded her young mind in that direction. Her father had -done nothing certainly, by word or act, to divert it from that channel; -and it had flowed on, for aught Martha knew or suspected to the -contrary, with his full approbation. If she had then been called upon to -state what were her father’s religious beliefs, she would have declared -that her impressions were that he leaned to the tenets of the church to -which his family belonged. The daring and flippant infidelity now rife -in French society, disgusted the earnest, serious, naturally reverential -girl. The calm seclusion of Panthemont, its examples of serene and holy -life, its intellectual associations, wooed her away from the turmoil and -glare and wickedness and eruptions without. After meditating on the -subject for a time, she wrote to her father for his permission to remain -in a convent, and to dedicate herself to the duties of a religious life. - -For a day or two she received no answer. Then his carriage rolled up to -the door of the Abbaye, and poor Martha met her father in a fever of -doubts and fears. Never was his smile more benignant and gentle. He had -a private interview with the Abbess. He then told his daughters he had -come for them. They stepped into his carriage, it rolled away, and -Martha’s school life was ended. Henceforth she was introduced into -society, and presided, so far as was appropriate to her age, as the -mistress of her father’s household. Neither he nor Martha ever, after -her first letter on the subject, made the remotest allusion to each -other to her request to enter a convent. She spoke of it freely in after -years, to her children, and always expressed her full approbation of her -father’s course on the occasion. She always spoke of her early wish as -rather the dictate of a transient sentiment than a fixed conviction of -religious duty; and she warmly applauded the quick and gentle way which -her father took to lead her back to her family, her friends, and her -country. Mr. Jefferson left the shores of Europe with his two daughters -the 28th of October, 1789, and the following February Martha was married -to Thomas Mann Randolph, Jr., who had been a ward of her father’s. “The -young people were cousins, and had been attached to each other from -childhood. He was tall, lean, with dark, expressive features and a -flashing eye, commanding in carriage, elastic as steel, and had that -sudden sinewy strength which it would not be difficult to fancy he -inherited from the forest monarchs of Virginia.” - -On his return home, Mr. Jefferson was immediately tendered, and accepted -a position in President Washington’s cabinet, and made his home in New -York and afterward in Philadelphia until his withdrawal from public -life. - -Mr. Jefferson was elected Vice-President on the ticket with President -John Adams, and at the end of this administration he was elected to fill -the first position in the gift of the nation. On the fourth of March, -1801, he was inaugurated President of the United States. His daughter -Martha was living at her husband’s country home near Monticello, the -mother of several children, and Marie, who had previously married Mr. -Eppes, of Eppington, was happily situated at Monticello, awaiting her -father’s promised visit in early summer. - -Sir Augustus Foster, who was Secretary of Legation at Washington to the -British Minister, Mr. Merry, has given some rather entertaining accounts -of the state of society there in the time of Jefferson. “In going to -assemblies, one had to drive three or four miles within the city bounds, -and very often at the risk of an overturn, or of being what is termed -stalled, or stuck in the mud, when one can neither go backward nor -forward, and either loses one’s shoes or one’s patience. Cards were a -great resource of an evening, and gaming was all the fashion, for the -men who frequented society were chiefly from Virginia or the Western -States, and were very fond of brag, the most gambling of all games. Loo -was the innocent diversion of the ladies, who when they were looed, -pronounced the word in a very mincing manner. - -“The New Englanders, generally speaking, were very religious, but though -there were many exceptions, I cannot say so much for the Marylanders, -and still less for the Virginians. But in spite of its inconveniences -and desolate aspect, it was, I think, the most agreeable town to reside -in for any length of time. The opportunity of collecting information -from Senators and Representatives from all parts of the country—the -hospitality of the heads of the Government and the Corps Diplomatique—of -itself supplied resources such as could nowhere else be looked for.” - -In Mr. Jefferson’s time, the population numbered about five thousand -persons, and their residences were scattered over an immense space. -Society presented a novel aspect; unconnected by similarity of habits, -by established fashions, by the ties of acquaintance or consanguinity, -the motley throng became united into one close and intimate circle by a -feeling common to all; they were strangers in a strange land, and felt -the necessity of mutual aid and accommodation, and might be compared to -a beautiful piece of mosaic, in which an infinity of separate pieces of -diversified colors are blended into one harmonious whole. Mr. Jefferson, -many years after his retirement from public life, recurring to that -time, remarked to a friend that the peculiar felicity of his -administration was the unanimity that prevailed in his Cabinet; “we -were,” said he, “like one family.” The same spirit of union and kindness -pervaded the whole circle of society—a circle at that time very limited -in its extent and very simple in its habits. The most friendly and -social intercourse prevailed through all its parts, unshackled by that -etiquette and ceremony which have since been introduced, to the no small -detriment of social enjoyment. The President’s house was the seat of -hospitality, where Mrs. Madison always presided (in the absence of Mr. -Jefferson’s daughters) when there were female guests. Mrs. Madison and -her husband spent three weeks at the White House after their arrival in -the city, until they could make arrangements to obtain a suitable house. -President Jefferson abolished the custom of holding levees which Mrs. -Washington had introduced, and the fashionable people of the city did -not like the innovation. The ladies in particular were opposed to it, -and they made up their minds to muster in force at the Presidential -Mansion at the usual time. They accordingly did so, and the President -received them as they found him, hat in hand, spurs on his feet, and -clothing covered with dust just after a long ride on horseback. He -welcomed his guests heartily, did what he could to make their call -agreeable, but it was not repeated. His opposition to levees was said to -be due to the fact that he was democratic in his ideas and thought them -unsuited to American institutions. But the fact that there was no lady -to preside over them was doubtless one of his reasons. - -In March, 1802, Mr. Jefferson wrote to his youngest daughter that he -would be at home between the 15th and 20th of April, and that he wished -her to be prepared to go back to Washington with him and her sister; but -Congress did not adjourn as he expected, and he did not get off until -the first of May. The measles broke out in the family of Mrs. Randolph, -and she did not go to Washington. The same cause prevented Mrs. Eppes -from seeing her father, but during the summer months he was at -Monticello as usual. - -From the letters of Mr. Jefferson of November and December to his -youngest daughter, we find him advising her to have good spirits and -profit by her sister’s cheerfulness. “We are all well here,” he says, -“and hope the post of this evening will bring us information of the -health of all at Edgehill, and particularly that Martha and the new -bantling are both well; and that her example gives you good spirits.” -“Take care of yourself, my dearest Marie, and know that courage is as -essential to triumph in your case as in that of a soldier. * * * Not -knowing the time destined for your expected indisposition, I am anxious -on your account. You are prepared to meet it with courage, I hope.” And -again he writes:— - - - “WASHINGTON, _March 3, 1804_. - -“The account of your illness, my dearest Marie, was known to me only -this morning. Nothing but the impossibility of Congress proceeding a -single step in my absence, presents an insuperable bar. Mr. Eppes goes -off, and, I hope, will find you in a convalescent state. Next to the -desire that it may be so, is that of being speedily informed and of -being relieved from the terrible anxiety in which I shall be till I hear -from you. God bless you, my ever dear daughter, and preserve you safe to -the blessing of us all.” - - -But she was not preserved: frail and sensitive, her nervous system gave -way, and she died on the 17th of April, little more than a month after -her father’s letter was written, leaving to her sister’s care her -children, the youngest of whom was a young infant. Her niece in writing -of her some years later said:—“She had been delicate and something of an -invalid, if I remember right, for some years. She was carried to -Monticello from her home in a litter borne by men. The distance was -perhaps four miles, and she bore the removal well. After this, however, -she continued as before steadily to decline. She was taken out when the -weather permitted, and carried around the lawn in a carriage, I think -drawn by men, and I remember following the carriage over the smooth -green turf. How long she lived I do not recollect, but it could have -been but a short time. One morning I heard that my aunt was dying; I -crept softly from my nursery to her chamber door, and being alarmed by -her short, hard breathing, ran away again. I have a distinct -recollection of confusion and dismay in the household. I did not see my -mother. By-and-by one of the female servants came running in where I was -with other persons, to say that Mrs. Eppes was dead. The day passed I do -not know how. Late in the afternoon I was taken to the death-chamber. -The body was covered with a white cloth, over which had been strewn a -profusion of flowers. A day or two after, I followed the coffin to the -burying-ground on the mountain side, and saw it consigned to the earth, -where it has lain undisturbed for more than fifty years. - -“My mother has told me that on the day of her sister’s death, she left -her father alone for some hours. He then sent for her, and she found him -with the Bible in his hands. He who has been so often and so harshly -accused of unbelief, he, in his hour of intense affliction, sought and -found consolation in the sacred volume. The Comforter was there for his -true heart and devout spirit, even though his faith might not be what -the world called orthodox. - -“There was something very touching in the sight of this once beautiful -and still lovely young woman, fading away just as the spring was coming -on with its buds and blossoms—nature reviving as she was sinking and -closing her eyes on all that she loved best in life. She perished not in -autumn with the flowers, but as they were opening to the sun and air in -all the freshness of spring. I think the weather was fine, for over my -own recollection of these times there is a soft, dreamy sort of haze, -such as wraps the earth in warm, dewy, spring-time. - -“You know enough of my aunt’s early history to be aware that she did not -accompany her father, as my mother did, when he first went to France. -She joined him, I think, only about two years before his return, and was -placed in the same convent where my mother received her education. Here -she went by the name of Mademoiselle Polie. As a child she was called -Polly by her friends. It was on her way to Paris that she stayed a while -in London with Mrs. Adams, and there is a pleasing mention of her in -that lady’s published letters. - -“I think the visit (not a very long one) made by my mother and aunt to -their father in Washington, must have been in the winter of 1802–3. My -aunt, I believe, was never there again; but after her death, about the -winter of 1805–6, my mother, with all her children, passed some time at -the President’s House. I remember that both my father and uncle Eppes -were then in Congress, but cannot say whether this was the case in -1802–3.” - -Ever delighting in the society of his two children and deeply attached -to his home, Mr. Jefferson felt this blow with terrible anguish. Worthy -of so good a man’s affection, they were never so happy as in being with -their father, contributing to his comfort in numberless ways. They both -married cousins when quite young, but were never far from their -childhood’s home, and were always under his roof when he paid his -semi-annual visits there. Mrs. Randolph was a brilliant woman; and had -her tastes been less inclined to domestic life, she would have been a -renowned belle. Educated abroad and strengthened mentally by travel and -the society of the literary talent ever to be found about her father, -she became conversant with knowledge’s richest store, and surpassed most -of the women of her day in accomplishments. Though widely different in -other respects, there was much resemblance between the President and -Vice-President in the intensity of their love for their daughters. -Theodosia Burr and Martha Jefferson will be familiar names so long as -the history of this country, shall be among the things of earth. Both -intellectual companions of their only parents, both ardently attached to -fathers they deemed the wisest and greatest of earth—they have become -forever linked with the life and times of each, and covers for the one a -multitude of faults, and has made the other dear to his people. Both -were great men, adored by daughters gifted and good. Theodosia Burr has -thrown around her father’s name a romantic interest which veils many -infirmities, and adds lustre to the traits which in the eyes of the -world redeemed him. - -Mrs. Adams, who had known Maria Jefferson and loved her when a child, -overcame the pride she had allowed to control her silent pen, and wrote -to Mr. Jefferson, awakening in his heart tender feelings of friendship -too long allowed to lie dormant. He replied that her former kindnesses -to his lost child made a deep impression on her mind, and that to the -last, on our meetings after long separations, “whether I had heard -lately of you,” and “how you did,” were among the earliest of her -inquiries. Mrs. Adams’ letter was as follows: - - - “QUINCY, _20th May, 1804_. - -“Had you been no other than the private inhabitants of Monticello, I -should, ere this time, have addressed you with that sympathy which a -recent event has awakened in my bosom; but reasons of various kinds -withheld my pen, until the powerful feelings of my heart burst through -the restraint, and called upon me to shed the tear of sorrow over the -departed remains of your beloved and deserving daughter—an event which I -sincerely mourn. - -“The attachment which I formed for her when you committed her to my -care, upon her arrival in a foreign land, under circumstances peculiarly -interesting, has remained with me to this hour: and the account of her -death, which I read in a late paper, recalled to my recollection the -tender scene of her separation from me, when, with the strongest -sensibility, she clung round my neck, and wet my bosom with her tears, -saying, ‘Oh! now I have learned to love you, why will they take me from -you?’ - -“It has been some time since I conceived that any event in this life -could call forth feelings of mutual sympathy. But I know how closely -entwined around a parent’s heart are those cords which bind the paternal -to the filial bosom; and, when snapped asunder, how agonizing the pangs. -I have tasted of the bitter cup, and bow with reverence and submission -before the great Dispenser of it, without whose permission and -overruling providence not a sparrow falls to the ground. That you may -derive comfort and consolation in this day of your sorrow and affliction -from that only source calculated to heal the wounded heart—a firm belief -in the being, perfection and attributes of God—is the sincere and ardent -wish of her who once took pleasure in subscribing herself your friend, - - “ABIGAIL ADAMS.” - - -Mr. Jefferson was inaugurated President a second time on the 4th of -March, 1805, then in the sixty-second year of his age. The following -winter his only daughter, with all her children, passed most of the -season in Washington. She never made but two visits there; one with her -sister, the second year of his first term, and this last one in the -winter of 1805–6, after her sister’s death. Means of travel were not so -rapid or pleasant as now, and the laborious and extremely tedious -undertaking of travelling so far in a carriage was sufficient to dampen -the desire of living for a few alternate months with her father. The -unhealthy condition of Washington at that time, its low and marshy -condition, engendering disease, rendered it absolutely necessary for -those unacclimated to be out of its limits during the hot months of -summer. The increasing cares of children and the duties of Virginia -matrons also deterred Mrs. Randolph from becoming, as we must only -regret she did not, permanently located in the President’s House. - -[Illustration: - - MONTICELLO—THE HOME OF THOMAS JEFFERSON. -] - -Her memory is so fragrant with the perfume of purity and saintly -sweetness, that it is a privilege to dwell and muse upon a theme so -elevating. The world has not yet developed a more harmonious, refined or -superior type of womanhood than the daughters of Virginia in the last -century. Reared in ease and plenty, taught the virtues that ennoble, and -valuing their good name no less than prizing their family lineage, they -were the most delightful specimens of womanhood ever extant. Most -particularly was Martha Jefferson of this class, whose image is fast -losing originality in the modern system of utilitarian education. Her -father’s and her husband’s great enemy, pronounced her “the sweetest -woman in Virginia;” and the assurance comes laden with the testimony of -many tongues, that her existence was one of genial sunshine and peace. -Are not such natures doubly blessed, first, in the happiness they secure -to themselves, and, secondly, in the blessing they are to those who walk -in the light of their example? With the retirement of Mr. Jefferson from -public life, came a new trouble in the shape of innumerable visitors, -and the seventeen years he lived at Monticello was one continued scene -of new faces and old friends. Even after the loss of property and -accumulated debts, he was compelled to entertain thoughtless crowds who -made pilgrimages to his shrine. Time and again he would go to an -adjoining estate to secure that rest and quiet so essential to his -health; but these visits were never of long duration, for he could not -consent to be separated from his daughter, even though accompanied by -his grandchildren. As the shadows began to darken round his earth-life, -and bankruptcy to hover over him, he turned with redoubled affection to -this idol, and she was strong and faithful to the last. Mother and -sister she had buried, and she was yet strong enough to see her husband -and father taken. - -“There were few eminent men of our country who did not visit Mr. -Jefferson in his retirement, to say nothing of distinguished -foreigners.” But all visitors were not as agreeable as “eminent men.” -“There are a number of persons now living who have seen groups of utter -strangers, of both sexes, planted in the passage between his study and -dining-room, consulting their watches, and waiting for him to pass from -one to the other to his dinner, so that they could momentarily stare at -him. A female once punched through a window-pane of the house with her -parasol to get a better view of him. When sitting in the shade of his -porticoes to enjoy the coolness of the approaching evening, parties of -men and women would sometimes approach within a dozen yards, and gaze at -him point-blank until they had looked their fill, as they would have -gazed on a lion in a menagerie.” - -Mrs. Randolph was “the apple of her father’s eye.” All his letters bear -witness to his affection, and all his life records this prominent -sentiment of his heart. A gentleman writing to him for his views on a -proper course of education for woman, he takes the opportunity of -complimenting her unconsciously. “A plan of female education,” he says, -“has never been a subject of systematic contemplation with me. It has -occupied my attention so far only as the education of my own daughters -occasionally required. Considering that they would be placed in a -country situation where little aid could be obtained from abroad, I -thought it essential to give them a solid education, which might enable -them—when become mothers—to educate their own daughters, and even to -direct the course for sons, should their fathers be lost, or incapable, -or inattentive. - -“My surviving daughter accordingly, the mother of many daughters as well -as sons, has made their education the object of her life, and being a -better judge of the practical part than myself, it is with her aid and -that of one of her _élèves_, that I shall subjoin a catalogue of the -books for such a course of reading as we have practised.” - -Again, in a letter to his grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, he says: - -“You kindly encourage me to keep up my spirits; but oppressed with -disease, debility, age and embarrassed affairs, this is difficult. For -myself, I should not regard a prostration of fortune; but I am -overwhelmed at the prospect of the situation in which I may leave my -family. My dear and beloved daughter, the cherished companion of my -early life, and nurse of my age, and her children, rendered as dear to -me as if my own, from having lived with me from their cradle, left in a -comfortless situation, hold up to me nothing but future gloom; and I -should not care were life to end with the line I am writing, were it not -that in the unhappy state of mind which your father’s misfortunes have -brought upon him, I may yet be of some avail to the family.” - -Ex-President Jefferson died the 4th of July, 1826, and at nearly the -same hour passed away the spirit of John Adams. He lingered a little -behind Jefferson, and his last words, uttered in the failing -articulation of the dying, were: “Jefferson still survives.” Mrs. -Randolph left no written account of the scene. On the 2d of July, Mr. -Jefferson handed her a little casket. On opening it, after his death, -she found a paper on which he had written the lines of Moore, -commencing— - - “It is not the tear at this moment shed - When the cold turf has just been lain o’er him”— - -There is also a touching tribute to his daughter, declaring that while -he “goes to his fathers,” “the last pang of life” is in parting from -her; that “two seraphs” “long shrouded in death” (meaning doubtless his -wife and younger daughter) “await him;” that he will “bear them her -love.” - -After this all is sadness. To satisfy creditors, all the property was -sold, and the proceeds did not fully meet the debts. - -“When it became known that Monticello had gone, or must go out of the -hands of Mr. Jefferson’s family, and that his only child was left -without an independent provision, another exhibition of public feeling -took place. The Legislatures of South Carolina and Louisiana promptly -voted her $10,000 each, and the stocks they created for the purpose sold -for $21,800. Other plans were started in other States, which, had they -been carried out, would have embraced a liberal provision for Mr. -Jefferson’s descendants. But, as is usual on such occasions, the people -in each locality obtained exaggerated impressions of what was doing in -others, and slackened their own exertions until the feeling that -prompted them died away.” - -Two years passed, and Mrs. Randolph was called upon to see her husband -die, and she of all her name remained to link the memory of her -ancestors with those of her descendants. - -To her daughter, Mrs. Virginia Jefferson Trist, I am indebted for this -narrative of the closing eight years of Mrs. Randolph’s life: - - -“MY DEAR MRS. HOLLOWAY: - -“I wish it were in my power to answer your inquiries more satisfactorily -than I am able to do. My recollections of my mother, at so early a -period of my life as the one referred to, are altogether childish and -imperfect. It is true, my very earliest recollections are connected with -a winter passed in the White House during my grandfather’s Presidency, -but they are so few and so scanty and childish, as they rise before me -in the mists of long past years, that really nothing worth offering you -suggests itself to my mind. - -“My mother was born in September, 1772, and had therefore entered her -29th year when her father was elected President. She was then the mother -of five children, having married at the early age of seventeen. Thus -surrounded by a family of young children, she could not pass much of her -time in Washington; she did, however, spend two winters there, the first -in 1802–3, the second in 1805–6. Her health was very bad on the first of -these two occasions of her visiting her father. Having an abscess on her -lungs, she was advised by her physician to go to pass the winter in -Bermuda, and for this purpose left her home in Albemarle, Virginia, to -go as far as Washington in her travelling carriage—the only mode at that -day of making the journey of four days’ duration. During this journey -the abscess broke, and she felt so much relieved that her going to -Bermuda was no longer considered necessary, and she passed that winter -with her father. I believe my father was in Congress at that time. My -mother’s only sister, Marie Jefferson, then Mrs. John W. Eppes, was also -a member of her father’s family that winter, her husband being in -Congress. There was a difference of six years in the ages of the -sisters; my mother, who was the oldest, had accompanied her father to -France, where she was educated under his eyes. My aunt had afterward -followed them to Paris under the wing of Mrs. John Adams, in whose -correspondence mention is made of her. The three became thus reunited -only two years before their return home, after which she (my aunt) was -placed at school in Philadelphia. She grew up possessed of rare beauty -and loveliness of person as well as disposition; but her health was -delicate, and her natural modesty and timidity was so great as to make -her averse to society. Undervaluing her own personal advantages, she -regarded with the warmest admiration, as well as sisterly affection, her -sister’s more positive character and brilliant intellectual endowments. -My mother was not a beauty; her features were less regular than her -sister’s, her face owing its charms more to its expressiveness, beaming -as it ever was with kindness, good humor, gayety and wit. She was tall -and very graceful, notwithstanding a certain degree of embonpoint. Her -complexion naturally fair, her hair of a dark chestnut color, very long -and very abundant. I have always heard that her manners were uncommonly -attractive from their vivacity, amiability, and high breeding, and her -conversation was charming. These two sisters were the ladies of the -White House in 1802–3. My mother was very sociable and enjoyed society. -I remember hearing her mention a circumstance which seemed to illustrate -the natural difference of their characters. She said one day, -laughingly, ‘Marie, if I had your beauty, I should not feel so -indifferent as you do about it.’ My aunt looked vexed and pained, and -observed, ‘Compliments to a pretty face were indications that no -intellectual attractions existed in its possessor.’ - -“From their contemporary, Mrs. Madison, I have heard, that that winter -when the sisters were going together into society, although on entering -a room all eyes were turned on the younger, who became a centre of -attraction, particularly to the gentlemen, that by degrees my mother’s -vivacity and the charms of her conversation and manners drew around her -a circle of admirers who delighted in listening to her even more than in -looking at her beautiful sister. These two sisters lived in perfect -harmony, linked together by the warmest mutual affection, as well as -their common devotion to their father, whom both idolized. - -“My mother’s second visit to her father was in the winter of 1805–6. She -had then lost her sister. My aunt left two children, Francis and Maria -Jefferson; the little girl was only a few months old and did not long -survive her mother. Francis passed that winter under my mother’s care, -his father being still in Congress. One of my brothers was born that -same winter; the first birth which took place in the White House. He was -called James Madison. Mrs. Madison was an intimate and much valued -friend of my mother’s, and her amiable, playful manners with children -attracted my sisters and myself and made her a great favorite with us. -Among my childish recollections is her ‘running away with us,’ as she -playfully expressed it, when she took us away with her in her carriage, -to give us a drive and then take us home with her to play with two of -her nieces near our ages, and lunch on cranberry tarts. My oldest -sister, Anne, completed her fifteenth year that winter, and was not yet -going into society; but my mother permitted her to go to a ball under -the care of a lady friend, who requested that my sister might go to her -house to dress and accompany her own daughter near her age to the ball. -My sister excited great admiration on that occasion. She had a -‘remarkably classic head,’ as I remember hearing an Italian artist -remark at Monticello upon seeing her there after she was the mother of -several children. Her hair was a beautiful auburn, and her complexion -had a delicate bloom very becoming to her, and with the freshness of -fifteen I can readily imagine how strikingly handsome she was. My -mother, accompanied by Mrs. Cutts—the mother of Gen. Richard D. -Cutts—went to the ball at a later hour. She was very short-sighted, and -seeing my sister on entering the ball-room she asked Mrs. Cutts, ‘Who is -that beautiful girl?’ Mrs. Cutts, much amused, answered, ‘Why, woman, -are you so unnatural a mother as not to recognize your own daughter?’ - -“My sister died many years ago; if she were now living, she could no -doubt tell much of what happened that winter in the White House. She -formed some pleasant acquaintances in Washington, and made some friends -with whom she corresponded for years. I have some recollections of the -house as it was before being burned by the British, and as it was -rebuilt on the same plan, I have since recognized parts of it most -familiar to my eyes. A lasting impression was made upon my memory by the -reception in one of the drawing-rooms, of the Tunisian Ambassador and -suite; the brilliantly lighted room, the odd appearance to my puzzled -senses of the rich Turkish dresses, and my alarm at receiving a kiss -from the Secretary of the Ambassador, whilst one of my sisters, just two -years old, whose Saxon complexion and golden hair made her a beautiful -picture, was honored by a kiss from the Ambassador, of which she has no -recollection. I heard of the elegant presents brought by them for my -mother and aunt, and which were publicly exhibited and sold. My mother -wished to purchase one of the shawls intended for her, but when Mrs. -Madison went to make the purchase she found that she had been -anticipated by another person. The talk about these presents could not, -of course, fail to greatly excite my childish curiosity, but my desire -to see them was not gratified. My grandfather did not allow them to be -brought to the President’s House, as it was then called—a name which, it -seems, was too plain English to suit modern notions of dignified -refinement, for it has been superseded by the more stately appellation -of ‘Executive Mansion.’ - -“From its being the cause of my disappointment in seeing those beautiful -specimens of Oriental luxury and taste, my grandfather’s strictness on -that occasion served to impress upon my mind, earlier than it otherwise -would have been impressed, a trait of his character which afterward -became as familiar to me, and as natural a part of himself, as the sound -of his voice—I mean his scrupulousness in conforming to the laws in all -things, great or small. - -“To return to my mother, it is to that period that belongs a remark -which long afterward I was told had been made of her by the Marquis de -Yrugo, the Spanish Ambassador, that she was fitted to grace any court in -Europe. I was then too young to know and appreciate her as I afterward -came to do. I have never known any one who accomplished as much as she -did, making use of all she had been taught, in an education which fitted -her for the performance of the various duties which fell to her lot. -After my grandfather retired from public life, she became the mistress -of his house. My father visited his farm in the neighborhood of -Monticello daily, and during the busy season of harvest my mother always -stayed with him while it lasted. My mother educated her six daughters -unassisted by any one. During the summer months, the crowds of visitors -to my grandfather who filled the house and engrossed much of her time, -interrupted our studies and made us lose much precious time; but she had -the art of awakening an interest in what she taught us, and exciting a -desire for improvement, which made us make the most of the quiet winter -months which she could devote to us. She was a good musician, and was -fond of gardening; she superintended personally all household matters, -and in the winter evenings when my grandfather was seated in his -arm-chair in the chimney corner, a small candle-stand was placed between -them, and they spent the evenings reading. She had all the tastes which -made country life agreeable, without losing her relish for the -attractions of town life. Such was my mother as I knew her, and I -remember her most perfectly. She was the mother of twelve children, -eleven of whom lived to grow up. - -“My youngest sister’s name was Septimia. She was my mother’s seventh -daughter, and her name was the occasion of a poetic compliment to my -mother from an old Portuguese gentleman, the Abbé Correa de Serra, who -visited my grandfather every year during his long residence in -Philadelphia. He was for several years Portuguese Ambassador to the -United States. His learning, his interesting and instructive -conversation, the amiable, child-like simplicity of his character and -manners, made this old philosopher alike attractive to the older and -younger members of the family. His visits were enjoyed by us all, from -my grandfather and mother down to the youngest child of the house, only -two years old. In allusion to her name of Septimia, he said to my -mother, ‘Your daughters, Mrs. Randolph, are like the Pleiades; they are -called seven, but six only are seen.’ The second daughter died an -infant. - -“My mother survived her father upward of ten years, and her husband -about eight years; during that period losing a grown son, James Madison -Randolph, born in the President’s House. - -“In the autumn after my grandfather’s death, she went to Boston, and -passed the winter in the house of her son-in-law, Mr. Joseph Coolidge, -of that city, having with her the two youngest children, Septimia and -George Wythe, who went to day-schools during that winter. Septimia was -the only one of her daughters who ever went to school at all; my other -sisters and myself having our education conducted by our mother; she -being our only teacher, assisted somewhat by her father. The following -summer she accompanied my sister, Mrs. Coolidge, to Cambridge, where the -two children again attended day-schools. My eldest brother, Mr. -Jefferson Randolph, was his grandfather’s executor; he had been in all -business affairs the staff of his declining years, and afterward became -a father to his younger brothers. The sale of furniture, pictures, and -other movables at Monticello, took place the winter following my -grandfather’s death, after my mother’s departure for Boston. The rest of -the family passed that winter in my brother’s house, then the ensuing -summer at Monticello, a purchaser for which could not be found until two -years or more after. My mother remained in Cambridge the second winter, -as a boarder, with her two children, in the family of Mr. Stearns, -law-professor of Harvard College, to whose excellent family she became -much attached. - -“My sister Cornelia went to join her in Cambridge, and the two were -alternately in Boston and Cambridge, the one with Mrs. Coolidge, and the -other with the children. - -“In the spring of 1828, my mother returned to Monticello, accompanied by -Cornelia and Septimia, leaving my brother at a boarding-school in the -country near Cambridge. This being their first separation, it was felt -most acutely on both sides, for he, just ten years old, was an unusually -sensitive and warm-hearted boy, and as the ‘youngling of her flock,’ was -the darling of her heart. He was to remain behind among strangers, -whilst his mother, the object of his passionate fondness and devoted -attachment, was to return without him to that dear old home he so well -remembered and loved. My mother, on her return to Monticello after an -absence of eighteen months, found my father very ill. He had been a part -of the previous winter in Georgia, engaged as commissioner on the part -of the United States in establishing a boundary line between that State -and Florida. His letters spoke of his enjoying the climate, and he -enjoyed also the opportunities which he there found of gratifying his -fondness for botanical studies; but he returned home in very bad health, -and after a few months of severe suffering, died on the 20th of June, -1828, in his sixtieth year. Monticello was sold the following winter. My -mother took leave of her beloved home in December—that home which had -been the scene of her happiest years, where she had enjoyed her dear -father’s society, and been the solace of his age; where her children had -been, most of them, born and grown up around her, and where her own -happy childhood had been passed before the death of her mother. - -“She removed with her family to the house of her son Jefferson. My -mother lived a year with my brother’s family, during which time she -formed a plan of keeping a school for young ladies, assisted by her -unmarried daughters, who were to be teachers under her superintendence. -This plan was, however, rendered unnecessary by the donations so -generously made her by the States of South Carolina and Louisiana, of -$10,000 each. About this time, also, Mr. Clay, then Secretary of State, -prompted by the wish to do something in aid of Mr. Jefferson’s daughter, -offered to my husband, who had just then commenced the practice of the -law, one of the higher clerkships in the State Department, with a salary -of $1,400. This offer was accepted by him, with the understanding that -my mother and sisters would go with us to live in Washington as one -family. In the autumn of 1829, we bade adieu to our native mountains, -and removed to Washington. We occupied a small house with a pretty -garden, pleasantly situated, where we lived together, forming one -family, consisting of seven grown persons and four children, the two -youngest being my own, and the other two orphans of my eldest sister, -who had been taken by their grandmother to her home at Monticello, while -her father was still living. - -“Upon her arrival in Washington, my mother was visited by everybody, and -received the most marked attentions. The President and the Heads of -Departments called upon her; the lady of the White House of that day, -Mrs. Donelson, and the wives of the cabinet ministers, laid aside -etiquette, and paid her the respect of a first call. - -“General Jackson, during the whole time of her residence in Washington, -never omitted making her a visit once a year, accompanied usually by the -Secretary of State. As a tribute to her father’s memory, these marks of -respect were peculiarly gratifying. Her disposition was naturally -cheerful and social, though she was not dependent on society for -happiness. Her habits of regular occupation, possessing as she did -various tastes, the cultivation of which afforded her variety, and -increased her interest in life; and surrounded as she was by a large, -cheerful family circle, she lived contentedly in the country, even -during the winters at Monticello, which were seldom enlivened by -visitors. That season was devoted principally to the education of her -children; the constant crowds of visitors during the rest of the year -leaving her very little time not engrossed by household cares, arising -from the duties of hospitality. - -“During the years which she passed in Washington, she resumed many of -her old occupations; her taste for flowers revived, and good music -afforded her enjoyment, although she no longer played much herself after -my grandfather’s death. Her habits of reading she never lost, and she -always began the day with some chapter of the New Testament. She was an -early riser in summer and in winter. She liked an east window in her -bedroom, because it enabled her to read in bed before the household were -stirring. Every year she visited alternately my elder brother at his -residence near Monticello, in the southwest mountains of Virginia, or my -sister, Mrs. Joseph Coolidge, in Boston. - -“In the spring of 1831 she was called on to make a painful sacrifice, -such as mothers only can appreciate—she gave her consent to George’s -entering the navy. After passing a winter with her in Washington, he had -entered a school near the University of Virginia, when a midshipman’s -warrant was procured for him. At his boarding-school in Massachusetts, -his conduct had gained for him the respect, confidence, and good-will of -all, teachers and associates; but he was yet a mere child, and his -mother’s heart sickened at the thought of his going forth alone to -encounter the naval perils, as well as brave the hardships of a -sea-faring life. She had, however, the fortitude to approve of what was -judged best for his future, and her sorrow was borne with the patient -and cheerful resignation which belonged to her character. - -“The recollection of that parting as a trial for her stirs up, even at -this distance of time, the long dormant feelings which I thought my last -tear had been shed for. You, dear madam, will excuse this revival of -incidents not required for your sketch, and will use such things only as -may have an interest for the public. His first cruise lasted eighteen -months, in the U. S. ship John Adams, which went up the Mediterranean as -far as Constantinople; and one of its incidents was the breaking out of -the cholera on board. He got back to us safely, however, and my mother -was rewarded for her sufferings by the encomiums elicited by his conduct -and character from the officers under whom he had served, and their -predictions as to the useful and honorable career which lay before him. -She continued to hear him highly spoken of, and to learn that he was -respected by all who knew him, and that his leisure hours on board the -ship were devoted to reading and study. In the interval between his -cruises, he was to stay with her in Washington. - -“In the second year of her residence there, she had the happiness of -having my brother Lewis, another of her younger children, added to her -family. He obtained a clerkship, which afforded him a post while he was -qualifying himself for the practice of the law, and he remained with us -until his marriage, which took place a few years later. He was highly -gifted, remarkably handsome, and shone in the social circle, but never -formed one of the idle throng always to be found in cities. Very -domestic in his tastes and habits, his leisure hours were divided -between his professional studies and associates belonging to the circle -in which his family moved. He married Miss Martin, a niece of Mrs. -Donelson, with whom he became acquainted at the ‘White House,’ where she -was staying. He then moved to the young State of Arkansas, where a -promising career at the bar was cut short by an early death from -congestive fever, less than a year after his mother’s death. - -“In the summer of 1832, my mother parted with the orphan granddaughter, -Ellen Bankhead, whom she had adopted, and who, being then married to Mr. -John Carter, of Albemarle, returned to live on his estate in his native -mountains, and among the scenes of her childhood. Willie, her little -orphan brother, was about that time claimed by his paternal grandfather, -and placed at a day-school near him. In the following spring, Mr. Trist -purchased a house into which we all moved. I think my mother felt more -at home in this pleasant, new abode than she had ever done since leaving -Monticello. The house had been built by Mr. Richard Rush, our Minister -to England for many years, and when we first moved to Washington, was -occupied by this gentleman and his lovely wife and family. It was a -spacious dwelling, admirably planned and built, with a large garden and -out-buildings, the whole enclosed by a high brick wall. There the last -three years of my mother’s life were spent, although her death took -place suddenly at Edgehill, my brother’s residence in Virginia. - -“The winter preceding had been marked by the death of my brother, James -Madison Randolph, who had just completed his 27th year. He was buried at -Monticello on a cold day in January. I remember the negroes assembled -there, and made a fire to keep them warm while they waited for the -procession which followed him to his early grave, who, they said, was -the ‘black man’s friend,’ and would have shared his last cent with one -of them. At the time of our removal to that pleasant new home, my -brother-in-law, Mr. Joseph Coolidge, of Boston, having gone to China, -was engaged in business in Canton; his family remaining in Boston. In -the summer of 1834, and during the absence of her husband, my sister -paid us a visit, passing the summer in Virginia at my brother’s, and the -following winter with us in Washington. On that occasion, my mother had -all her daughters with her for the last time; and Lewis, yet unmarried, -was still living with her. The season was remarkable for its severity, -the thermometer falling so low as 16° below zero, on a gallery with a -southern exposure of our house, and so late even as the 1st day of -March, stood at zero—the snow a foot deep in the garden. Soon after the -purchase of that house, Mr. Trist, whose health had been very delicate, -was appointed by General Jackson to be United States Consul at Havana, -which post had become vacant by the death of Mr. Shaler, long -distinguished as our Consul at Algiers. He proceeded there alone, and in -the summer returned to Washington. After remaining with us a few months, -he again went to Havana alone to pass one more winter there, and then -return to take charge of the office of First Comptroller of the -Treasury, which General Jackson had tendered to him. He was still in -Havana in the spring of 1835, when my brother Lewis left us to be -married in Tennessee, and Mr. Coolidge arrived from China and came -immediately to Washington, where his wife and family were still staying -with us. He found my mother slowly recovering from a very severe -illness, considered by our friend and physician, Dr. Hall, as a -‘breaking up of her constitution,’ and which was regarded by my -brothers, Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin (who repaired from their homes -in Virginia to their mother’s bedside), as seriously alarming. She, -however, recovered to a certain point, but never perfectly. Mr. Coolidge -and my sister with their children returned to Boston, whilst my mother -was to follow them as soon as she was able to travel. Accordingly, when -her strength became sufficiently restored, she made the journey, going -from Washington to Baltimore by steamer down the Potomac and up the -Chesapeake Bay, she not having strength for the stagecoach ride of forty -miles, then the only direct public conveyance between the two cities. My -sister Mary accompanied her, and she reached Boston safely. Mr. Trist -returned from Havana in August after my mother’s departure. He had then -decided, most reluctantly yielding to the advice of his physician, to -prolong his residence in Havana: his continuance in that climate for -several years being judged essential to his recovery from an affection -of the throat, of which there were at that period a number of fatal -cases. That winter, instead of accompanying my husband on his return to -Havana, as I should have wished, I had to take up my abode in -Philadelphia to be near our little mute son, Thomas Jefferson, whom I -entered—the youngest pupil there—as a boarder at the institution for -deaf-mutes. This last winter of her life my mother passed in Boston with -but two of her children near her: Mrs. Coolidge and Mary—the others -scattered far away from her, fortunately for their peace of mind -unconscious how soon the last parting was to come. My own departure for -Havana the following autumn was decided on, but dreaded by all—still -nearer was that other parting scene at which we were to meet no more on -earth. - -“In the month of May, 1836, my mother left Boston for Virginia, -accompanied by my sister Mary. A final adieu it proved to her daughter, -Mrs. Coolidge—her favorite child, it was generally thought, but we never -felt jealous of her. Our family was, I think, a very united one. On her -journey south, she passed some weeks in Philadelphia on a visit to her -sister-in-law, Mrs. Hackley, the mother of Mrs. Cutts. I was still in -Philadelphia with my little deaf-mute boy, and it was on that occasion -that this precious portrait was secured by my prevailing on her to sit -to Mr. Sully, then considered the best female portrait painter in our -country. Twenty years previously, Mr. Sully had passed some time as a -guest at Monticello, having been employed to make a portrait of my -grandfather for the Military Academy at West Point. Since that time my -mother had changed very much. Mr. Sully had then found her living with -her dear father in that happy home, surrounded by a large, cheerful -family circle unbroken by death. But in the long interval, many of its -members had been taken away, and grief had left its traces not less -plainly stamped upon her face than age. She was thinner and more feeble -than I had ever seen her—it was just six months before her death. I -accompanied her to Mr. Sully’s studio for her first sitting, and as she -took her seat before him she said playfully: ‘Mr. Sully, I shall never -forgive you if you paint me with wrinkles.’ I quickly interposed,—‘Paint -her just as she is, if you please, Mr. Sully: the picture is for me.’ He -said, ‘I shall paint you, Mrs. Randolph, as I remember you twenty years -ago.’ He approved of her dress, particularly a large cape worn by old -ladies, and requested her not to make any change in it. The picture does -represent her twenty years younger than when she sat to him, but it -failed to restore the embonpoint, and especially the expression of -health, and cheerful, even joyous, vivacity, which her countenance then -habitually wore. While she was sitting for her portrait, her youngest -daughter, Septimia, arrived by sea from Pensacola, where she had been -taken by Mr. Trist to pass the winter with some friends, soon after -which my mother pursued her journey to Virginia, accompanied by Mary and -Septimia. - -“Mr. Trist returned in August, and I set out with him in September for -Virginia to take leave of my friends. On our arrival at Washington, -finding General Jackson there alone in the White House—soon to set out -for Tennessee, where his family had preceded him—the General expressed a -wish for my husband’s company during the days he might still be detained -there. This being acceded to, I pursued my journey alone, little -dreaming that this detention of a few days was to deprive my husband of -ever again seeing my mother, between whom and himself the warmest -attachment existed. On reaching Edgehill, I found them all assembled -under my brother’s roof, soon to travel together northward again before -the separation so dreaded by us all. My mother and Mary were to pass the -winter with Mrs. Coolidge, in Boston, whilst Cornelia and Septimia were -to accompany me to Havana. I found my mother still looking very delicate -and troubled with sore throat, for which a gargle had been prescribed by -my brother, Dr. Benjamin F. Randolph. She complained of a vertigo when -she threw back her head in using it. The day appointed for our departure -being close at hand, she had exerted herself more than usual in packing -a trunk; the following day she had a sick-headache and kept her bed. She -had all her life been subject to these headaches, but within the last -few years had ceased to have them. One of my sisters expressed the hope -that their recurrence might be a favorable symptom, a proof of returning -vigor, as she had not had anything of the sort since her illness -eighteen months before in Washington. We watched by her bedside, though -feeling no alarm at an affection which we had always been accustomed to -see her suffer with for several days at a time. One of my sisters slept -in the room with her, and before parting with her for the night, I gave -my mother some arrow-root. Early next morning I was called and told she -was worse. I hurried to her bedside, but was too late to be recognized, -a blue shade passed over the beloved face; it was gone and she lay as in -sleep, but life had gone too. It was apoplexy. She died on the 10th of -October, 1836, having just completed her sixty-fourth year on the 27th -of September, ten years and three months after her father, and was laid -by his side in the graveyard at Monticello.” - - -[Illustration: Drawn by J. Herring after J. Wood. Engraved by J. F. E. -Prudhomme. D. P. Madison] - - - - - IV. - DOROTHY P. MADISON. - - -Washington Irving, in one of his letters, has given an amusing account -of his troubles in Washington, in preparing to attend a levee given by -President Madison. After a ludicrous description of his vexations, he -says, he finally emerged into the blazing splendor of Mrs. Madison’s -drawing-room. Here he was most graciously received, and found a crowded -collection of great and little men, of ugly and old women, and beautiful -young ones. Mrs. Madison, he adds, was a fine, pretty buxom dame, who -had a smile and a pleasant word for everybody. Her sisters, Mrs. Cutts -and Mrs. Washington, were also present on this occasion, and looked -“like the merry wives of Windsor.” - -Dorothy Payne, the second child of John and Mary Coles Payne, was born -the 20th of May, 1772. Her mother was a daughter of William Coles, Esq., -of Coles Hill; and was a lady of pleasing social manners. The family -were Virginians, and though Mrs. Madison was born in the State of North -Carolina, she ever prided herself on a title so dear to all its -possessors: that of being a daughter of the old commonwealth. Her -parents removed to Philadelphia when she was quite young, and joined the -Society of Friends at that place. Here their little daughter was reared -according to the strict system of the society, and by example and -precept taught to ignore all those graceful accomplishments deemed so -necessary in the formation of a woman’s education. Attired in the -close-fitting dress of her order, she would demurely attend to the -duties imposed upon her, and the wonderful undertone of sweetness in her -character kept the brow serene, and the heart ever bright and hopeful. -Hers was a sunny, elastic nature, even as a child; and if she was not -permitted to learn the worldly arts she desired, her disposition was not -soured by these restrictions, and the inner graces which afterward made -her famous, blossomed and bloomed in native harmony. Nothing could -conceal her beautiful character. Nor could the quaint bonnet of the -Friends hide her sparkling eyes and perfectly rounded features from the -admiring gaze of her young acquaintances. At the age of nineteen she was -married to John Todd, a rising young lawyer of Philadelphia and a member -of the Society of Friends. Her father had manumitted his slaves when he -moved to the city, and Miss Payne was accustomed to a life of simplicity -and plentifulness, but never to even comparative wealth. Nor was she -remarkable for her literary abilities or acquired attainments; but her -warm heart beamed goodness from her expressive lips and lent a -fascination to her frank, earnest face. After her union with Mr. Todd, -her time was spent in her modest home according to the secluded manner -of her sect, and during her short married life she pursued the even -tenor of her quiet way, unconscious of her rapidly unfolding beauty, or -of the admiration it was exciting. Soon she was left a widow with an -infant son, and made her home with her widowed mother. - -The personal charms of the young widow, united as they were, with -manners cordial, frank and gay, excited the admiration and awakened the -kind feelings of all who came within their influence, and unaided by the -extrinsic and accidental advantages of fortune or fashion, she became a -general favorite, and the object not only of attention, but of serious -and devoted attachment. - -In October, 1794, Mrs. Todd was married to Mr. Madison, then one of the -most talented members of Congress, a statesman of wealth and social -position, and withal a great and good man. She had been a widow less -than a year, and was at the time of her second marriage in the -twenty-third year of her age. The ceremony was performed at “Harewood,” -Jefferson county, Virginia, the residence of her younger sister, Lucy, -the wife of George Steptoe Washington. From this time forward she lived -at “Montpelier,” the rural home of Mr. Madison, until he was called -again to public life. It was at this time of her life that she developed -the loveliest traits of her noble character. Placed in a position where -she could command resources, the warmth and generosity of her nature was -displayed, not in lavish personal expenditures, but in dispensing the -bounties bestowed upon her to all who came as suppliants, and in giving -to her widowed mother and orphaned sisters a home. The blessings of her -kindred, and the fond love of her husband, gladdened these, the first -years of her married life, and her relatives and friends were made -partakers of her abundance, while the tender attentions of Mr. Madison -to her aged mother filled her heart to repletion. Had she not been -placed in a position harmonious to her nature, it is probable that her -days would have been spent in indifferent adherence to a dull routine, -and the rills of her heart which bubbled and sang so gleefully in the -summer of her content, never been discovered beneath the weight of -circumstances. Fortunately hers was a disposition to rightfully -appreciate the gifts of fortune and social consideration, and in -accepting her bright future prospects, she determined to nourish the -smothered generosity of her soul. Hitherto her lot had been -circumscribed and the charitable desires of her heart been restrained; -but when the power was given her to do good, she filled the measure of -her life with the benedictions of humanity, and reigned in the -affections of her friends without a rival. - -Mr. Jefferson appointed Mr. Madison Secretary of State in 1801, and in -April of that year he removed with his family to Washington. Here her -position was in perfect accordance with her disposition, and her house -was a radiating point for every acquaintance. The great secret of her -success lay in the innocence which dwelt in her noble nature; and this -nobleness of innocence underlaid the dignity and high-mindedness which -attested an elevated nature. She drank the wine of human existence -without the lees, and inhaled the perpetual breath of summer, even after -the snows of winter had clogged the dull course of life. She was gifted -with that which was better than Ithuriel’s spear, whose touch reveals -the beauty which existed in everything, for she was humble-hearted, -tolerant and sincere. Entirely free from malignant cavil, her -instinctive sympathy with the good and beautiful led her to seek it in -everything around her, and her life, if not devoted to the higher -cultivation of the mind, developed the sunny brightness of her heart. - -The power of adaptiveness was a live-giving principle in Mrs. Madison’s -nature. With a desire to please, and a willingness to be pleased, she -was popular in society, and was to her husband a support and friend. -Washington was little more than a wilderness, when, in the spring, she -commenced life there as the wife of a cabinet officer. The elements -which combined to form the society of the Capital were various, and -difficult to harmonize, and her situation was a delicate one to fill; -yet she was loved by all parties, and embittered politicians who never -met save at her hospitable board, there forgot “the thorns of public -controversy under the roses of private cheerfulness.” In those days -steamboats were just beginning, railroads unknown, stage-coaches -extremely inconvenient, national, indeed even turnpike roads were very -rare, and the journeys were mostly performed in the saddle. The daughter -of one of the senators, who wished to enjoy the gayeties of the Capital, -accompanied her father five hundred miles on horseback. The wife of -another member not only rode fifteen hundred miles on horseback, but -passed through several Indian settlements, sleeping for many nights in a -tent in the woods. Mrs. Madison herself had travelled from her Virginia -home by easy stages, cumbered with household furniture, and stopping on -the road to visit relatives; occupying what seems to us at this day an -incredible length of time to perform such a journey. Her house, after -the President’s, was the resort of most company, and the cordial manners -of the hostess lent a peculiar charm to the frequent parties there -assembled. - -Political feuds ran high, and party spirit was more virulent than ever -before experienced. Washington’s administration had been a success, and -in the eyes of the public, he was not included in any party, but was -above them all. Yet he placed himself, when the question was of a -political order, under the banner of the federal party, and was the -declared advocate of the unity and force of the central power. He -insured its triumph during his two terms, and let his mantle descend -upon one of his most attached friends. The democratic party, desiring -the rule of the majority, opposed to the preponderance of the higher -classes, and to aristocratic tendencies, overcame the successor of -Washington, who was defeated by Mr. Jefferson, the leader of the -opposition. At the commencement of this era, Mrs. Madison appeared upon -the scene, and gave to her husband that support which enhanced his -popularity as a public man, and made his house the most attractive place -of resort in the city. During his eight years’ life as Secretary of -State, she dispensed with no niggard hand the abundant wealth she -rightly prized, and the poor of the district loved her name as a -household deity. - -In 1810, Mr. Madison was elected President, and after Mr. Jefferson left -the city, he removed to the White House. Under the former -administration, Mrs. Madison had, during the absences of Mr. Jefferson’s -daughters, presided at the receptions and levees, and was in every -particular fitted to adorn her position as hostess of the mansion she -was called to preside over. Every one in Washington felt that her -watchful care and friendly interest would be in nowise diminished by her -advancement to a higher position; and the magical effects of her -snuff-box were as potent in one capacity as another. The forms and -ceremonials which had rendered the drawing-rooms of Mrs. Washington and -Mrs. Adams dull and tedious, were laid aside, and no kind of stiffness -was permitted. Old friends were not forgotten, nor new ones courted; but -mild and genial to all, each person felt himself the object of special -attention, and all left her presence pleased and gratified with her -urbanity and refinement. - -Possessing a most retentive memory, she never miscalled a name, or -forgot the slightest incident connected with the personal history of any -one; and therefore impressed each individual with the idea of their -importance in her esteem. Mrs. Madison’s sole aim was to be popular and -render her husband’s administration brilliant and successful. Her field -was the parlor; and with the view of reigning supreme there, she bent -the energies of her mind to the one idea of accomplishment. In her -thirty-seventh year she entered the White House. Still youthful in -appearance, denied the cares of maternity, which destroy the bloom of -beauty on the delicate faces of American women, she assumed her -agreeable position with no encumbrances, no crosses, in perfect health, -the possessor of great beauty of feature and form, and eminently happy -in the sincere regard of her husband. Contentment crowned her lot with -happiness, and the first four years of her life there must have been one -continued pleasure. - -With all her appreciation of admiration, she was not extravagant; her -house, during the time of Mr. Jefferson’s term, was very plainly -furnished, and in no way elegant. Like most Virginians, she delighted in -company, and her home was the most hospitable abode in Washington. Her -table was her pride; and the multiplicity of dishes, and their size, was -a subject of ridicule to a foreign minister, who observed “that it was -more like a harvest-home supper, than the entertainment of a Secretary -of State.” She heard of this and similar remarks, and only observed with -a smile, “that she thought abundance was preferable to elegance; that -circumstances formed customs, and customs formed taste; and as the -profusion so repugnant to foreign customs arose from the happy -circumstance of the superabundance and prosperity of our country, she -did not hesitate to sacrifice the delicacy of European taste for the -less elegant, but more liberal fashion of Virginia.” But this time of -prosperity was doomed, and war insatiate was already treading upon the -shores of the Atlantic. Mr. Madison, the peace-loving, humane Executive, -was compelled to declare war with Great Britain; and after a time its -actual presence was felt at the National Capital. June, 1812, is -memorable as the second appeal of the United States to arms, to assert -once more the rights of its freemen; and for three years its fierceness -was felt from Canada to New Orleans, and over the blue waters of the -oceans of the world. - -“Generous British sentiments revolted at the destruction of the American -Capital: which might not have been branded with universal infamy if -confined to navy yards, warlike implements, vessels of war, and even -private rope-walks, if the enormity had stopped there. But no warfare -can satisfy its abominable lust with impunity on libraries, public and -private, halls of legislation, residences of magistrates, buildings of -civil government, objects of art, seats of peace, and embodiments of -rational patriotic pride. The day before the fall of Washington was one -of extreme alarm: the Secretary of State wrote to the President: ‘The -enemy are advanced six miles on the road to the wood-yard, and our -troops are retreating, you had better remove the records.’ Then -commenced the panic which was destined to grow more general the coming -day. Tuesday night every clerk was busy packing and aiding in the -removal of valuables. Coarse linen bags were provided, and late in the -evening, after all the work was over, and the bags were hanging round -the room, ready at a moment’s warning to be moved, Mr. Pleasanton, one -of the clerks, procured conveyances, and crossing the Potomac, deposited -them in a mill three miles off. But fearing for their safety, he -determined to go farther into the interior, and the next night slept at -Leesburg, a small town thirty-five miles from Washington. The light that -shone against the cloudless sky revealed the fate of the city, and the -doom of his charge had they delayed. Amongst the documents were the -original Declaration of Independence, the Federal Constitution, and -General Washington’s commission as Commander-in-chief of the Army of the -Revolution, which he relinquished when he resigned it at Annapolis -(found among the rubbish of a garret). Scarcely had the wagon that bore -the papers crossed the wooden bridge of the Potomac, than crowds of -flying fugitives, men, women and children, pressed upon it in such -numbers as to render the threatened danger almost imminent. The -frightened multitude swayed to and fro, seeking means of escape till -night closed the horrible drama; then upon Capitol Hill appeared the -red-coated soldiery of the British army. The sun sank beneath the golden -sheen of fleecy clouds that floated softly over the southern horizon, -but the going down of the king of day in nowise relieved the atmosphere. -Dust and heat were intolerable, and a rumor that the water was poisoned -rendered the sufferings of the weary soldiers painful in the extreme. -For the seventh time that day a retreat was commanded, and the city -troops, mortified and enraged, refused to obey. Back from the city to -the heights of Georgetown was the order; but how could they leave their -families, their homes and property, and march by those they were sworn -to protect! Down the long, broad, and solitary avenue, past the -President’s now deserted house, through Georgetown, and some as far as -Tenlytown, the disorganized, demoralized remnant of the army strayed, -and slept on the ground, lighted up by the fiery red glare from the -burning buildings in Washington. All night they lay alarmed and -distressed, while but few could steal a moment’s repose. The bursting -shells in the navy yard were heard for miles, and each boom was a knell -to the agonizing hearts, who knew not where their helpless ones were in -this hour of horrors. When the British marched slowly into the -wilderness city, by the lurid light that shot up from the blazing -capitol, the population had dwindled down to a few stragglers and the -slaves of the absent residents. The houses, scattered over a large -space, were shut, and no sign of life was visible. The President had -crossed the Potomac early in the afternoon, and Mrs. Madison had -followed in another direction. The bayonets of the British guard gleamed -as they filed down the avenue, and the fulminations from the navy yard -saluted them as they passed. Nothing but the prayers and entreaties of -the ladies, and the expostulations of the nearest residents, deterred -the British General Ross from blowing up the Capitol; but he ordered it -to be fired at every point, and many houses near it were consumed. A -house hard by, owned by General Washington, was destroyed, which, in -justice to human nature be it said, the General regretted. Not so the -Admiral, who ordered the troops to fire a volley in the windows of the -Capitol, and then entered to plunder. I have, indeed, to this hour (said -Mr. Richard Rush, in 1855), the vivid impression upon my eye of columns -of flame and smoke ascending throughout the night of the 24th of August -from the Capitol, President’s house, and other public edifices, as the -whole were on fire, some burning slowly, others with bursts of flame and -sparks mounting high up in the dark horizon. This never can be forgotten -by me, as I accompanied out of the city, on that memorable night, in -1814, President Madison, Mr. Jones, then Secretary of the Navy, General -Mason, of Anacostia Island, Mr. Charles Carroll, of Bellevue, and Mr. -Tench Ringgold. If at intervals the dismal sight was lost to our view, -we got it again from some hill-top or eminence where we paused to look -at it.” - -It was among the stories when Congress met near the ruins three weeks -afterward, that the Admiral in a strain of coarse levity, mounting the -Speaker’s chair, put the question, “Shall this harbor of Yankee -democracy be burned?” and when the mock resolution was declared -unanimous, it was carried into effect by heaping combustibles under the -furniture. The temporary wooden structure, connecting the two wings, -readily kindled. Doors, chairs, the library and its contents, in an -upper room of the Senate-wing, everything that would take fire, soon -disappeared in sheets of flame, illuminating and consternating the -environs for thirty miles around, whence the conflagration was visible. -Through “the eternal Pennsylvania Avenue,” the Admiral and General led -their elated troops, where but a few hours before the flying, scattered -Americans, dismayed, ashamed, and disgusted, had wended their sorrowing -way. The Capitol behind them was wrapt in its winding robes of flame, -and on through the darkness they passed to that other house of the -nation. - -An aged lady lived in the nearest residence to the Presidential Mansion, -and here the ruffianly Cockburn and the quiet, sad General Ross halted -and ordered supper, which they ate by the light of the burning -buildings. A letter written by Mrs. Madison to her sister at Mount -Vernon, gives us an insight into her feelings, at this time of trial and -danger. - - - “TUESDAY, _August 23d, 1814_. - -“DEAR SISTER:—My husband left me yesterday morning to join General -Winder. He inquired anxiously whether I had courage or firmness to -remain in the President’s House until his return, on the morrow or -succeeding day, and on my assurance that I had no fear but for him and -the success of our army, he left me, beseeching me to take care of -myself, and of the Cabinet papers, public and private. I have since -received two dispatches from him written with a pencil; the last is -alarming, because he desires that I should be ready at a moment’s -warning to enter my carriage and leave the city; that the enemy seemed -stronger than had been reported, and that it might happen that they -would reach the city with intention to destroy it. * * * I am -accordingly ready; I have pressed as many Cabinet papers into trunks as -to fill one carriage; our private property must be sacrificed, as it is -impossible to procure wagons for its transportation. I am determined not -to go myself, until I see Mr. Madison safe and he can accompany me—as I -hear of much hostility toward him. * * * Disaffection stalks around us. -* * My friends and acquaintances are all gone, even Colonel C., with his -hundred men, who were stationed as a guard in this enclosure. * * French -John (a faithful domestic) with his usual activity and resolution, -offers to spike the cannon at the gate, and lay a train of powder which -would blow up the British, should they enter the house. To the last -proposition I positively object, without being able, however, to make -him understand why all advantages in war may not be taken. - -“Wednesday morning, twelve o’clock.—Since sunrise I have been turning my -spy-glass in every direction and watching with unwearied anxiety, hoping -to discover the approach of my dear husband and his friends; but, alas! -I can descry only groups of military wandering in all directions, as if -there was a lack of arms, or of spirit, to fight for their own -firesides! - -“Three o’clock.—Will you believe it, my sister? we have had a battle or -skirmish near Bladensburg, and I am still here within sound of the -cannon! Mr. Madison comes not; may God protect him! Two messengers -covered with dust come to bid me fly; but I wait for him. * * * At this -late hour a wagon has been procured; I have had it filled with the plate -and most valuable portable articles belonging to the house; whether it -will reach its destination, the Bank of Maryland, or fall into the hands -of British soldiery, events must determine. Our kind friend, Mr. -Carroll, has come to hasten my departure, and is in a very bad humor -with me because I insist on waiting until the large picture of General -Washington is secured, and it requires to be unscrewed from the wall. -This process was found too tedious for these perilous moments; I have -ordered the frame to be broken and the canvas taken out; it is done—and -the precious portrait placed in the hands of two gentlemen of New York -for safekeeping. And now, my dear sister, I must leave this house, or -the retreating army will make me a prisoner in it, by filling up the -road I am directed to take. When I shall again write to you, or where I -shall be to-morrow, I cannot tell!” - - -On the removal of the seat of government to Washington, in 1800, a -magnificent portrait of General Washington, painted by Stuart partly, -and completed by Winstanley, to whom President John Adams’ son-in-law, -Colonel Smith, stood for the unfinished limbs and body, hung in the -state dining-room. Colonel Washington Parke Custis, of Arlington, a -grandson of Mrs. Washington, called at the President’s to save this -picture of his illustrious grandfather, in whose house he was reared. -Then, as now, it was one of the very few ornaments which adorned the -White House, and at the risk of capture Mrs. Madison determined to save -it. The servants of the house broke with an axe the heavy gilt frame -which protected the inner one of wood, upon which the canvas was -stretched, and removed, uninjured, the painting, leaving the broken -fragments screwed to the wall, which had held in place the valued relic. -Mrs. Madison then left the house, and the portrait was taken by Mr. -Baker beyond Georgetown and placed in a secure position. - -Half a century later, when the White House was undergoing a renovation, -this portrait was sent, with many others subsequently added to this -solitary painting, to be cleaned and the frame burnished. The artist -found on examination that the canvas had never been cut, since the -rusted tacks, time-worn frame, and the size compared with the original -picture, was the most conclusive evidence that Mrs. Madison did not cut -it out with a carving-knife, as many traditions have industriously -circulated. - -The frame was a large one, hanging high on the wall, and it was -impossible that a lady could by mounting a table be enabled to reach any -but the lower portion; then, too, in that moment of nervous alarm, the -constant noise of cannon filling each heart with dread, it seems -improbable that any hand, above all a woman’s, could be steady enough to -cut, without ruining the canvas. - -Again, from the lips of a descendant, the assurance is given that Mrs. -Madison repeatedly asserted that she did not cut it, but only lingered -to see it safely removed before she stepped into her waiting carriage -and was driven rapidly toward Georgetown. - -First to the residence of the Secretary of the Navy, then to Belleview, -and joined by the family of Mr. Jones and Mr. Carroll, she returned to -town insisting that her terrified coachman should take her back toward -the President’s house to look for Mr. Madison, whom she unexpectedly -found near the lower bridge, attended by Mr. Monroe and Mr. Rush, who -had reached the White House soon after she left it and stopped for -refreshments. - -It has been related that the British found a sumptuous meal smoking on -the table when they reached there after dark, and that they enjoyed the -iced wines and cold ham, amusing themselves with the coarse assertion -that “Jemmy” ran from his bacon “to save his bacon.” The low pun found -ears ready to credit and circulate it, but the porter, who died but a -few years since, has repeatedly asserted that the occupants of the house -had been in such constant fright that but little had been cooked, and no -regular meal partaken of that day; that there was always plenty in the -larder for any emergency, and a wine-cellar kept well stored, but that -after the President’s party had eaten on their arrival, soon after Mrs. -Madison’s departure, and given the remnants of their hasty meal to the -tired, jaded soldiers of Col. Savol’s regiment, that there was nothing -left. - -Water was furnished the troops in buckets, and all the wine in the house -given them. John Siousa, the French porter, after seeing the President -and his attendants off, took the parrot belonging to Mrs. Madison to the -residence of Col. Tayloe, and then returned and fastened the house -securely and took the keys with him to Philadelphia. All the afternoon, -parties of straggling soldiers, on their way to Georgetown, hung about -the house and grounds, and vagrant negroes pilfered in spite of the -efforts of the servants. Many articles were taken from the house to be -secured and returned as some were, but much was never restored. The -porter secreted the gold and silver mounted carbines and pistols of the -Algerian minister, which are now in the Patent Office, but the revolvers -belonging to the Secretary of the Treasury, which the President laid on -a table, were stolen. - -Gloating with revenge, at the escape of the President and his wife, -“whom they wanted to show in England,” the enemy broke open the doors of -the White House, and ransacked it from cellar to garret, finding nothing -of value, or as objects of curiosity, save a small parcel of the pencil -notes received from her husband by Mrs. Madison, while he was with the -troops, which she had rolled up together and put in a table drawer. To -all the rest of the contents: furniture, wines, provisions, groceries, -and family stores, which cost Mr. Madison twelve thousand dollars, -together with an excellent library, the torch was applied. Fire was -procured at a small beer house opposite the Treasury to light the -buildings with, and while the commanders were eating their evening meal -at the house of Mrs. Suter, on the corner, the common soldiers, together -with the negroes and thieves of all grades, were pillaging the rapidly -burning buildings. - -The White House was not so large or complete then as now; the East Room, -which had served Mrs. Adams for a drying room, was unfurnished and -unoccupied, and the front vestibule not then added, which so greatly -enhances the interior of the present mansion. The House was plain, -unfinished, and totally destitute of ornament, the grounds uninclosed, -and materials for building purposes lying scattered about the woods -which have since become the ornament of this portion of the city. -Nothing but the lateness of the hour, and the storm coming on, saved the -War Department. The squadron which was to have co-operated with them, -failing to come, filled the officers with timorous fear, and they -determined to evacuate the city the next day unless it should arrive in -the meantime. For over a week the unhappy citizens of Washington had not -slept or pursued the avocations of daily life. Constant rumors and -frights had unnerved the stoutest hearts, and families fleeing from a -foreign foe rendered the situation of those who could not leave more -distressing. Every vehicle had been pressed into service, and valuables -scattered over the country for safety. The city contained about eight -thousand inhabitants, living at great distances, of whom not more than -one-tenth remained in its limits to see the entrance and exit of the -British army. Over the Long Bridge, until it was in danger of giving -way, through the country into the interior of Maryland and beyond the -Georgetown limits, the flying, frightened people wandered, not caring -whither or how they went, so that they escaped from their remorseless -foes. It was a whole week, said the aged Mrs. Suter (at whose house the -intruders demanded supper), of great trouble, no one sleeping at night -and the day spent in fright. After the terrors of that sad week and -dreadful day, the Capitol and other buildings blazing, the ammunition in -the navy yard exploding, a rain set in which in intensity and duration -was scarcely ever witnessed, and which continued during the following -day. A British narrator states, “that the most tremendous hurricane ever -remembered by the oldest inhabitant in the place came on. Of the -prodigious force of the wind, it is impossible for you to form any -conception. Roofs of houses were torn off by it, and whisked into the -air like sheets of paper; while the rain which accompanied it resembled -the rushing of a mighty cataract, rather than the dropping of a shower. -The darkness was as great as if the sun had long set and the last -remains of twilight had come on, occasionally relieved by flashes of -vivid lightning streaming through it, which together with the noise of -the wind and the thunder, the crash of falling buildings, and the -tearing of roofs as they were stripped from the walls, produced the most -appalling effect I shall probably ever witness. This lasted for nearly -two hours without intermission; during which time many of the houses -spared by us were blown down, and thirty of our men, beside several of -the inhabitants, buried beneath their ruins. Our column was as -completely dispersed as if it had received a total defeat; some of the -men flying for shelter behind walls and buildings, and others falling -flat upon the ground to prevent themselves from being carried away by -the tempest; nay, such was the violence of the wind that two pieces of -cannon which stood upon the eminence, were fairly lifted from the ground -and borne several yards to the rear.” - -This second storm, which was most terrifying to the British, -unaccustomed as they were to the grand forests and heavy rains of -America, was, if possible, more destructive than the one of the night -before. It commenced about one o’clock in the afternoon, and was so -awful to the troops that they neglected to fire the post-office, and -Congress was thereby saved the necessity of being driven to Georgetown -or Philadelphia, when it again met in three weeks. After an occupation -of twenty-nine hours, the British withdrew and Washington was evacuated. - -Mrs. Madison, after meeting her husband, accompanied him to the banks of -the Potomac, where one small boat was kept ready—of the many others all -sunk or removed but that one—to transport the President, Mr. Monroe, Mr. -Rush, Mr. Mason, and Mr. Carroll to the Virginia shore. The boat was too -small to carry all at once, so that several trips were necessary; and as -the shades of night set in upon them, they looked like departing spirits -leaving the world behind, to be ferried over an inevitable Styx. Bidding -them adieu as the last one entered the frail bark, Mrs. Madison returned -to her friends at Georgetown, but agreeably to her husband’s orders, she -started on to a more secure retreat. The roads were so blocked with -wagons that their progress was very slow, and they left their carriages -and walked to relieve their anxiety. Crowds of soldiers, panic-stricken, -were retracing their steps to the remnant of troops with General Winder. -Families, with their conveyances loaded down with household goods, moved -slowly forward, amid the tumult, while the coming darkness increased the -general alarm. Long after dark, the party accompanying Mrs. Madison -reached the residence of Mr. Love, on the Virginia side of the Potomac, -where they begged the privilege of remaining all night. There was little -need of beds for that agitated band of frightened women, and the night -was passed by some in tears; by Mrs. Madison in sitting by an open -window, gazing back upon the weird and fantastic flames as they met and -lapped in the far distance. - -Smothered rumbling noises started the listening ear, as ever and anon -some huge edifice or wing of a building fell. The head of the house was -away with the troops, and his wife was ill and alone with her servants, -but the sudden visit of so many strangers was no check to the -hospitality of the hostess. Every sofa and available substitute was -brought into requisition, and all rendered comfortable. Sleep was -banished from all eyes, even had any been inclined to repose. The -clanking, clattering noise of several hundred disorderly cavalrymen -around the house kept every one awake, while all felt the desolate -weariness of the night to be but a harbinger of the coming day. “What -must have been the feelings of the occupants of that house that summer -night, we of the present day cannot realize,” writes an eminent -historian in 1842; but those who had not “fallen asleep” when the summer -of 1862 came upon us, endured similar hours of anguish, which seared -their hearts forever. No scene of horror was enacted in or about -Washington in that week of excitement that was not repeatedly paralleled -in the sad years of our civil war. - -Long before day, the sleepless caravan, with Mrs. Madison at the head, -started forward to the place appointed for a meeting with Mr. Madison. -Consternation was at its uttermost: the whole region filled with -frightened people, terrified scouts roaming about and spreading alarm -that the enemy were coming from Washington and Alexandria, and that -there was safety nowhere. As the day wore on, in which the British were -plundering and burning Washington, the storm that sent terror to their -superstitious bosoms overtook the tired refugees. But the elemental war, -with its bolts of thunder and zigzag lightning penetrating the darkened -recesses of the forest, caused no feeling so insupportable as the flying -rumor that the negroes were in revolt, and maddened with drink and -promised liberty, were roaming in numbers, committing every excess, -worse than those at Hampton the year before. As the day gradually drew -to a close, the faint and drenched companions of Mrs. Madison reached -the appointed place, sixteen miles from Washington. But the President -was not there, and here occurred one of those disagreeable scenes that -are a disgrace to the name of humanity, and which, be it said to the -shame of her sex, are oftener the acts of woman than of man. Crowds of -persons from Washington occupied the tavern, and the women declared that -the wife of him who had brought war upon the country, should not find -shelter with them, its innocent victims. Jaded and exhausted from -constant travel and want of sleep, the devoted band about Mrs. Madison -waited in the rain, urging the tavern-keeper to give them an apartment -until the President should arrive. The furious storm grew louder, the -sky, lowering before, was black as night now, and a tornado of tropical -fury set in which spread desolation for many miles around. Women who had -repeatedly enjoyed the hospitalities of the White House, been admitted -with kind cordiality to drawing-rooms and dinings, now vied with the -wife of the landlord in denouncing vehemently the inclination of the men -present to admit the Presidential party. Embittered by their real and -imaginary wrongs, they lost all sense of honor and refinement, and stood -in their true colors before the lady who never for one moment forgot the -dignity becoming her station. She preferred exposure to the storm to -contention; but the escort with her, indignant at the contemptible -conduct of the rude persons within, obliged the ungracious occupants to -open the doors. The old tavern stood in the midst of an apple orchard -laden with ripening fruit, and hardly had the travellers left their -carriages when the hurricane dashed the apples, in several instances the -entire trees, with fearful strength against the house. Mrs. Madison -spread the lunch she had prepared the day before at the White House, and -in silence, interrupted only by her inquiries for the welfare of her -attendants, they ate their damp food and smothered the intense disgust -they felt for families who only the day before they deemed firm friends. -The hours dragged slowly on, and the anxious wife looked in vain for her -absent husband. Did she, in that hour of grief and humiliation, think of -her illustrious predecessors who had endured like her the black -ingratitude of the women of her country? Had she forgotten that the -ladies of Philadelphia, in 1776, refused Mrs. Washington similar -attention, and treated with scorn the wife of the Commander-in-chief, -who was using every human endeavor to organize and establish a -continental army? Or did it recur to her that a time would come when, -like Mrs. Washington, she would again, through the brightening prospects -of peace, receive the flattering adulation of those very persons, and -the respect and admiration of the more cultivated throughout the land? -Did she think of that strong, resolute “Portia” of the Revolution who, -in her modest home near the sea, denied and scorned the report that her -husband had deserted to the British, yet who patiently submitted to the -averted looks, and silent reproaches of those whom she thought her -friends, and waited for the storm to blow over, and truth once more to -triumph? Philadelphia was a great distance then from the coast of -Massachusetts, and mails were brought only at rare intervals, but with -her strong faith she trusted in her husband’s honor and felt that it was -not betrayed. Time corrected the false rumor, but her heart had been -deeply wounded, and it never forgot, if it forgave, the conduct of many -who, in her hour of trial, turned against her. - -Nervous and impatient, Mrs. Madison waited in her inhospitable quarters -for the President’s coming; and as night came on, her mind was relieved -by seeing him approaching, accompanied by the friends with whom she left -him the night before. He was careworn and hungry, and after devouring -the remnants of her scanty meal, sought the repose he so needed. “That -uneasy and humiliating repose, not the last of Mr. Madison’s -degradations, was, however, the turning point of his fortunes; for while -he slept, Ross hastily and clandestinely evacuated Washington, victor -and vanquished alike victims of, and fugitives from, imagined perils.” -But the terrified citizens knew not that the British were impotent, and -dismayed at the non-appearance of their fleet. Every crash of thunder -was to them a source of alarm, and its rumblings in the distant clouds -the imagined noise of approaching troops. Toward midnight, a courier, -breathless from fatigue and excitement, warned the President that the -enemy were coming, and he was compelled to pass the rest of that -miserable night in a hovel in the distant woods, with the boughs sobbing -and sighing their requiem around him, and the last efforts of the storm -expending itself in moans, while the wind swept through the tall trees. -The atmosphere was cooled by the great and prolonged storm, but all -nature seemed to weep from exhaustion, and the stillness of the closing -hours of the night were in marked contrast to the roar and din of the -preceding twenty-four hours. - -Mrs. Madison was warned by her husband to use a disguise, and leaving -her carriage and companions, procure another conveyance and fly farther. -Attended by a nephew of Judge Duvall, she set out accompanied by one -soldier, and at the dawn of day left the inhospitable inn where the most -unhappy night of her life had been passed. Her carriage and four horses -were left with her friends, and a substitute obtained from a gentleman -of Georgetown. Soon tidings reached her that Washington was evacuated, -and retracing her steps, she reached, after a weary ride, the Long -Bridge, which had been burned at both ends. Here the officer in charge -positively refused to let an unknown woman cross in a carriage in his -only remaining boat. No alternative was left her but to send for him and -explain who she was, when she was driven in her carriage upon the -dangerous little raft, which bore her nearer home. Reaching Washington, -so disguised that no one knew her, in a strange carriage, she found her -former home in ruins, and the noblest buildings reduced to blackened -heaps of smoking timber. Desolation met her on every side, and the -deserted streets were as quiet as the depths of the forest through which -she had passed. Fortunately her sister, Mrs. Cutts, lived in the city, -and she repaired there to await Mr. Madison’s return. “The memory of the -burning of Washington,” says another, “cannot be obliterated. The -subject is inseparable from the great international principles and -usages. It never can be thought of by an American, and ought not to be -thought of by an enlightened Englishman, but in conjunction with the -deplorable and reprehensible scenes it recalls. It was no trophy of war -for a great nation. History cannot so record it. Our infant metropolis -at that time had the aspect of merely a straggling village, but for the -size and beauty of its public buildings. Its scattered population -scarcely numbered eight thousand; it had no fortresses or sign of any; -not a cannon was mounted.” - -Late in the morning, news reached the President at his hiding-place in -the hovel, that the enemy were retreating to their shipping—and he, too, -turned his steps toward the capital, and found his wife before him. He -rented the house called the Octagon, owned by Colonel Tayloe, where his -family passed the winter, and where he signed the treaty of peace. - -It was situated on the northeast corner of New York Avenue and -Eighteenth street. He afterward removed to the northwest corner of -Pennsylvania Avenue and Nineteenth street, where he resided until the -President’s House was repaired. This house had been previously occupied -by the Treasury Department. On F street, in a house between Thirteenth -and Fourteenth streets, now numbered 246, Mr. and Mrs. Madison lived -when he was Secretary of State. All three of these residences still -remain. - -At the last New Year’s Reception held by President Madison, he was -dressed in a full suit of cloth of American manufacture, made of the -wool of merinoes raised in the United States. - -“An old citizen has informed me,” says Mr. Gobright, in his “Men and -Things at Washington,” “that the levee of Mr. Madison, in February, -1816, was remembered for years as the most brilliant ever held up to -that date in the Executive Mansion. The Justices of the Supreme Court -were present in their gowns, at the head of whom was Chief-Justice -Marshall. The Peace Commissioners to Ghent—Gallatin, Bayard, Clay and -Russell—were in the company. Mr. Adams alone was absent. The levee was -additionally brilliant—the heroes of the war of 1812, Major-Generals -Brown, Gaines, Scott and Ripley, with their aides, all in full dress, -forming an attractive feature. The return of peace had restored the -kindest feeling at home and abroad. The Federalists and Democrats of -both Houses of Congress, party politicians, citizens and strangers were -brought together as friends, to be thankful for the present, and to look -forward with delight to the great future. The most notable feature of -the evening was the magnificent display of the Diplomatic Corps, -prominent in which was Sir Charles Bagot, special ambassador from our -late enemy, Great Britain. It was on this occasion that Mr. Bagot made -the remark, that Mrs. Madison ‘looked every inch a queen.’ The only -incident of a disagreeable character was the coolness toward the French -minister (who was very popular with the Republicans) by the -Representatives of the Holy Alliance. Mrs. Madison, like Mr. Clay, was -very fond of snuff. The lady offered him a pinch from her splendid box, -which the gentleman accepted with the grace for which he was -distinguished. Mrs. Madison put her hand into her pocket, and pulling -out a bandanna handkerchief, said, ‘Mr. Clay, this is for rough work,’ -at the same time applying it at the proper place; ‘and this,’ producing -a fine lace handkerchief from another pocket, ‘is my polisher.’ She -suited the actions to the words, removing from her nose the remaining -grains of snuff.” - -Mrs. Madison at this time was represented as being a very gay lady, with -much rouge on her cheeks, and always appearing in a turban. She was fond -of bright colors and the elegances of the toilet; yet she generally wore -inexpensive clothing, preserving always the neatness of a Quaker, with -the elegance of a lady of taste. - -Two plain ladies from the West, passing through Washington, determined -to see Mrs. Madison; but as they reached there late at night, and were -to leave early next day, they were much puzzled to know how the feat -should be performed. Meeting in the street an old gentleman next -morning, they timidly approached and asked him to show them the way to -the President’s House. Being an old acquaintance of Mrs. Madison, he -took pleasure in conducting the strangers to the White House. The -President’s family were at breakfast when the party arrived, but Mrs. -Madison good-naturedly went in to be seen by the curious old ladies, who -were evidently much astonished to find so august a personage in a plain -dark dress, with a linen handkerchief pinned about her neck. Her -friendly welcome soon put them at ease, and rising to leave, after a -visit never to be forgotten, one of them said, “P’rhaps you wouldn’t -mind if I jest kissed you, to tell my gals about.” Mrs. Madison, not to -be outdone by her guest’s politeness, gracefully saluted each of the -delighted old ladies, who adjusted their spectacles, and, with evident -admiration, departed. - -Mr. Madison was a silent, grave man, whose nature was relieved by a vein -of quiet good humor, which in his moments of relaxation gave an -inexpressible charm to his presence. A statesman of vast mind and -research, he could not always descend to the graceful little -accomplishments which were so attractive to many ladies, and hence he -was not so universally admired by the fair sex as his charming wife was -by the gentlemen; but nothing gave him more pleasant satisfaction than -to feel that Mrs. Madison could do credit to both in the drawing-room, -and he was willing to be banished to his cabinet. - -When Mr. Madison was attending Congress in 1783, he became attached to -an interesting and accomplished young lady, daughter of an old friend of -Mr. Jefferson, who was a co-signer with him of the Declaration of -Independence.[7] This attachment, which promised at one time the most -auspicious result, terminated at last in disappointment. The following -extract of a letter addressed to him on the occasion by Mr. Jefferson, -is given because of its connection with an event which is never without -importance in the life of a man of virtuous sensibilities, and as -affording a touching proof of the intimate and fraternal sympathies -which united the two friends. - -Footnote 7: - - General William Floyd, one of the delegates of New York. - -“I sincerely lament,” he said, “the misadventure which has happened, -from whatever cause it may have happened. Should it be final, however, -the world still presents the same and many other sources of happiness, -and you possess many within yourself. Firmness of mind and -unintermitting occupation will not long leave you in pain. No event has -been more contrary to my expectations, and these were founded on what I -thought a good knowledge of the ground. But of all machines, ours is the -most complicated and inexplicable.” - -A curious coincidence connected with three of the four first Presidents -is, that they married widows, and each had been at a previous time -seriously interested in other ladies. It is also remarkable that neither -Washington, Jefferson, Madison, or his successor, had sons, and two of -them were childless. - -Mrs. Madison was not a learned woman, but decidedly a talented one, and -her name will ever be a synonym for all that is charming and agreeable. - -A warm admirer of hers was convincing a friend that she was not vain. -“But,” said the other, “you tell me she used rouge and powder.” “Yes, -yes, she did,” he replied, “but it was to please and gratify those who -were thrown with her, not because she was fond of admiration.” - -Mrs. Trist, the daughter of Mrs. Randolph, in reply to my request for -her description of Mrs. Madison, sent me the following: - -“My recollections of Mrs. Madison are of the most agreeable nature, and -were formed from a long, intimate acquaintance beginning in my -childhood, and ending only with her life. She had a sweet, natural -dignity of manner which attracted while it commanded respect; a proper -degree of reserve without stiffness in company with strangers; and a -stamp of frankness and sincerity which, with her intimate friends, -became gayety and even playfulness of manner. There was, too, a cordial, -genial, sunny atmosphere surrounding her, which won all hearts—I think -one of the secrets of her immense popularity. She was said to be, during -Mr. Madison’s administration, the most popular person in the United -States, and she certainly had a remarkable memory for names and faces. -No person introduced to Mrs. Madison at one of the crowded levees at the -White House required a second introduction on meeting her again, but had -the gratification of being recognized and addressed by his or her own -name. Her son, Payne Todd, was a notoriously bad character. His -misconduct was the sorrow of his mother’s life. Mr. Madison, during his -lifetime, bore with him like a father, and paid many of his debts, but -he was an incorrigible spendthrift. His heartless, unprincipled conduct -embittered the last years of his mother’s life, and no doubt shortened -it.” - -An anecdote is related of Mrs. Madison, in connection with Mrs. Merry, -wife of the British Minister, and Thomas Moore, the poet. Mr. and Mrs. -Merry were invited to dine with President Jefferson; when dinner was -announced, Mrs. Madison happened to be standing and talking to the -President, at some distance from Mrs. Merry, and he offered his arm to -her and conducted her to the table, where she always presided when no -members of his family were present. This attention to the wife of the -Secretary of State was considered by Mrs. Merry as an insult. “Such a -stir was made by the angry ambassador, that Mr. Madison wrote to Mr. -Monroe (who had succeeded Mr. King as our Minister to England), -apprising him of the facts, to enable him to answer an expected call of -the British Government for official explanations. Mr. Monroe, however, -got his first information from a friendly British under-secretary, who -intimated that he would soon probably hear of the matter through a -different channel. The Minister was delighted. Within a very short -period, the wife of an English under-secretary had been accorded -precedence over his own, under analogous circumstances. He had no great -fund of humor, but the absurdity of the whole affair, and the excellent -materials in his possession for a reply to a call for explanations, -struck him in a most amusing light. Shaking with merriment, he hinted to -his informant the satisfaction the call would give him. He never -afterward heard a lisp on the subject.” - -President Jefferson had abolished all etiquette in regard to official -precedence when he went in office, and Mrs. Merry knew this, but she -never forgave the occurrence, and never afterward went to the White -House. Mrs. Madison regretted being the innocent cause of such a -trouble, but she was spared further notoriety by the absence of the -British Minister or his family ever afterward at the President’s -reunions. The affair was not, however, destined to end here, for after -the first clamor had subsided, the President, through another foreign -Minister, inquired if Mr. and Mrs. Merry would accept an invitation to a -family dinner. It was understood that they would accept, and Mr. -Jefferson wrote the invitation himself. Mr. Merry addressed a note to -the Secretary of State to know if he was invited in his private or -official capacity; “if in the one, he must obtain the permission of his -sovereign; if in the other, he must receive an assurance in advance that -he would be treated as became his position.” Mr. Madison ended the -correspondence with a very dry note. Thomas Moore, who was travelling in -the United States at this time, and being a friend of Mrs. Merry’s, and -disgusted with his reception, fell to lampooning the President and -everything American, except a few attentive Federal gentlemen and -ladies. - -In 1817, President Madison’s term expired, and his Secretary of State, -James Monroe, assumed the duties of President. Washington had so long -been the home of Mrs. Madison, that it was with much regret she prepared -to leave the city. Many and dear were her friends, and the society of -relatives was another strong link binding her to the city. - -Always fond of agricultural pursuits, Mr. Madison joyfully returned to -his beautiful and peaceful home. Montpelier was within less than a day’s -ride of Monticello, and in the estimate of a Virginian, Mr. Jefferson -and Mr. Madison were neighbors. - -The _National Republican_, of November 2d, 1831, thus speaks of Mr. and -Mrs. Madison: - -[Illustration: - - MONTPELIER—THE HOME OF PRESIDENT MADISON. -] - -“How must they look in these days on the tempestuous sea of liberty; on -the dangers incident to the little barks now floating on its agitated -surface. Can they feel for the safety of that on which embarked the -fortunes of Henry Clay? We hope and trust they do; and at any rate we -rejoice that, safe in port, they can review with just pride and pleasure -their own safe and triumphant voyage, and can recollect the auspicious -day of their landing. One of them the rallying point, the beginning and -end of the cabinet in all of its just works, and the other the chief -ornament and glory of the drawing-room, in the purest and most -intelligent days of our Republic.” - -“Embosomed among the hills which lie at the foot of the South Mountain, -is the paternal estate of Mr. Madison. A large and commodious mansion, -designed more for comfort and hospitality than ornament and display, -rises at the foot of a high wooded hill, which, while it affords shelter -from the northwest winds, adds much to the picturesque beauty of the -scene. The grounds around the house owe their ornaments more to nature -than art, as, with the exception of a fine garden behind, and a -wide-spread lawn before the house, for miles around the ever-varying and -undulating surface of the ground is covered with forest trees. The -extreme salubrity of the situation induced the proprietor to call it -Montpelier. - -“One wing of the house during her lifetime was exclusively appropriated -to the venerable and venerated mother of Mr. Madison, to which were -attached offices and gardens, forming a separate establishment, where -this aged matron preserved the habits and the hours of her early life, -attended by old family slaves, and surrounded by her children and -grandchildren. - -“Under the same roof, divided only by a partition-wall, were thus -exhibited the customs of the beginning and end of a century; thus -offering a strange but most interesting exhibition of the differences -between the old and the new age. By only opening a door, the observer -passed from the elegancies, refinements, and gayeties of modern life -into all that was venerable, respectable, and dignified in gone-by days; -from the airy apartments—windows opening to the ground, hung with light -silken drapery, French furniture, light fancy chairs, gay carpets, etc., -etc., to the solid and heavy carved and polished mahogany furniture -darkened by age, the thick rich curtains, and other more comfortable -adjustments of our great-grandfathers’ times. It was considered a great -favor and distinction by the gay visitors who thronged Mrs. Madison’s -hospitable mansion, to be admitted to pay the homage of their respect to -his reverend mother.” A lady who visited Montpelier in 1836, when the -latter was in her ninety-seventh year, said of her: - -“She still retained all her faculties, though not free from the bodily -infirmities of age. She was sitting, or rather reclining, on a couch; -beside her was a small table filled with large, dark, and worn quartos -and folios of most venerable appearance. She closed one as we entered, -and took up her knitting which lay beside her. Among other inquiries, I -asked her how she passed her time. ‘I am never at a loss,’ she replied; -‘this and these (touching her knitting and her books) keep me always -busy; look at my fingers, and you will perceive I have not been idle.’ -In truth, her delicate fingers were polished by her knitting-needles. -‘And my eyes, thanks be to God, have not failed me yet, and I read most -part of the day; but in other respects I am feeble and helpless, and owe -everything to her,’ pointing to Mrs. Madison, who sat by us. ‘She is my -mother now, and tenderly cares for all my wants.’ My eyes were filled -with tears as I looked from the one to the other of these excellent -women, and thought of the tender ties by which they were united. Never, -in the midst of a splendid drawing-room, surrounded by all that was -courtly and brilliant, all that was admired and respected—the centre of -attraction—the object of admiration—never was Mrs. Madison so -interesting, so lovely, so estimable as in her attendance on this -venerable woman, the acknowledged object of her grateful affection. - -“Much as she graced her public station, she has not been less admirable -in domestic life. Neighborly and companionable among her country -friends, as if she had never lived in a city; delighting in the society -of the young, and never better pleased than when promoting every -youthful pleasure by her participation; she still proved herself the -affectionate and devoted wife during the years of suffering health of -her excellent husband. Without neglecting the duties of a kind hostess, -a faithful friend and relative, she soothed and enlivened, occupied and -amused, the languid hours of his long confinement; he knew, appreciated, -and acknowledged the blessing which heaven had bestowed on him in giving -him such a wife.” - -At about sixty-six years of age Mr. Madison retired from public life, -and ever after resided on his estate in Virginia, except about two -months while at Richmond as a member of the convention in 1829, which -sat there to remodel the constitution of that State. His farm, his -books, his friends, and his correspondence, were the sources of his -enjoyment and occupation during the twenty years of his retirement. -During most of that time his health, never robust, was as good as usual, -and he partook with pleasure of the exercise and the conviviality in -which he had always enjoyed himself. - -At eighty-five years of age, though much reduced by debility, his mind -was bright, his memory retentive, and his conversation highly -instructive and delightful. Suffering with disease, he never repined. -Serene and even lively, he still loved to discuss the constitution, to -inculcate the public good, and to charge his friends with blessings for -his country. He was long one of the most interesting shrines to which -its votaries repaired: a relic of republican virtue which none could -contemplate without reverence and edification. - -On the 28th of June, 1836, he died; as serene, philosophical, and calm -in the last moments of existence as he had been in all the trying -occasions of life. - -In the winter of 1836, Mrs. Madison wrote to President Jackson in regard -to a manuscript left by her husband and which he intended for -publication. The copyright had been offered to several publishing -houses, but their offers had fallen so far below her expectations, that -she determined to lay the matter before the Chief Magistrate. In a -special message, the President communicated the contents of her letter -to Congress, and the manuscript was purchased as a national work, and -thirty thousand dollars paid her for it. - -The novel and interesting features of the case, the venerable relict of -one of the founders of the Republic coming before the country with a -manuscript precious in its relation to its national destiny, were such -that the proposition was not to be met with a cold appreciation of -merits, or with nice questions of Congressional power. It was this -feeling also which induced Congress to pass a subsequent act, giving to -Mrs. Madison the honorary privilege of a copyright in foreign countries. -The work is a record of the Debates in the congress of the convention -during the years 1782–1787. - -Congress also conferred the franking privilege upon Mrs. Madison, and -voted her a seat upon the floor of the Senate. - -The last twelve years of Mrs. Madison’s life were spent in Washington, -where she mingled in the society of the young and happy, as well as the -aged and recluse. Many remember her dignified bearing, and gentle, kind -manner in her old age, and it was considered a pleasure to be a guest -where she was to be present. On New Year’s and Fourth of July, she held -public receptions, and the throng of visitors was equal to that which -assembled at the President’s house. She took up her residence in -Washington in 1837, in the house in which she died. This house on the -southeast corner of H. street North and Madison Place was built by -President Madison in 1819; after her death it was purchased by Captain -Wilkes and by him enlarged. She died on the 12th of July, 1849, at age -of eighty-two years. Her funeral, which was attended by a large -concourse of people, took place on the 16th, from St. John’s Episcopal -Church, and the interment took place at Montpelier. The grave is near by -that of her husband’s, over which latter a noble monument stands. The -old homestead has passed into other hands, but it will ever be -associated with the illustrious man who gave it name and fame, and the -fact that it is the last resting-place of the fourth President of the -United States, and of his wife, will ever hallow it in the hearts of -reverent Americans. - - - - - V. - ELIZABETH K. MONROE. - - -The era in which Mrs. Monroe lived was the most eventful in the history -of nations, and her record is of interest and value, in a twofold -degree. The women who stamp the influence of their virtues on a time of -public excitement and wonderful changes, bear in their natures strength -of character worthy of emulation; and they become the benefactors of -succeeding ages, as they were the blessings of their own. The memorials -of such should be familiar to the children of America, who under the -genius of Republican institutions, are the inheritors of, and successors -to, their fame and positions. No daughter of Columbia should be ignorant -of the history and experiences of their national ancestors, whose lives -were beautiful in their simplicity, and rich in varied experiences. - -The rarest treasure our country possesses is the fame of her children; -and her noblest legacy to posterity should be the record of those, who -by their talents have adorned, and by their wisdom sustained, the -pioneers of liberty in their first weak efforts. Of such a class was -Mrs. Monroe, whose husband for half a century reaped the reward of his -country’s constancy, and filled in that period more important offices -than any other man in the United States. - -Statesmen in this country are too often forced to give way to -politicians, and patriots to demagogues. The perpetual agitations of a -Republic carry up on the flood those who in turn are swept down with the -tide; while in the commotion many are lost to history. But this is less -the case with Virginia statesmen than with any other class of public -men. Whatever may be said of the ingratitude of other States, the “Old -Mother” has been true to her children, and the caprice and -changeableness of younger commonwealths but render her trust and -confidence the more conspicuous. And if she has trusted implicitly the -integrity of her offspring, she has been rewarded by the love and -fidelity of the noblest public men of the nation. - -The inauguration of Washington at New York, in 1789, was followed by the -immediate assembling of Congress, and thither went Mr. Monroe, as -Senator from Virginia, accompanied by Mr. Jefferson, the newly-appointed -Secretary of State. - -The ancient seat of the Dutch dynasty on this Continent was a place of -much wealth; and not the least of its possessions were the bright-eyed, -rosy-cheeked descendants of the rich old Patroons, whose delight knew no -bounds when their city was chosen as the capital. No less pleased were -their fathers who, in their capacities as merchants and capitalists, -hoped to achieve new honors and increased wealth. - -The festivities which subsequently followed the inauguration were -attended by all the members of Congress, who, as strangers of -distinction, received the largest share of the young belles’ attention. -Prominent among these belles was Miss Elizabeth Kortright, the daughter -of Lawrence Kortright, a former captain in the British army. After the -peace of 1783, he remained with his family in New York, where his -children were reared and educated. Of this interesting family there were -one son and four daughters, two of whom, Mrs. Heyliger, of Santa Cruz, -whose husband, Mr. Heyliger, had been Grand Chamberlain to the King of -Denmark, and Mrs. Knox, were married when Congress assembled in their -adopted city. The other daughter was the wife of Nicholas Gouverneur of -New York.[8] - -Footnote 8: - - The only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Knox married Colonel Alexander - Hamilton, son of the statesman, Alexander Hamilton. - -Mrs. Monroe’s marriage took place in New York, in 1786, while Mr. Monroe -was attending a session of Congress. Soon after their marriage they took -up their abode in Philadelphia, whither the seat of the General -Government had been removed. In this position he remained until 1794, -when he was appointed from the Senate to be Envoy Extraordinary and -Minister Plenipotentiary to France. Thus is shadowed forth the five -years of Mrs. Monroe’s life succeeding her marriage. Nothing more -definite can be gathered. It is a matter of regret that no biographer of -her day anticipated the needs of a coming generation, and transcribed, -with all the facts and incidents fresh in his mind, an impartial account -of the every-day existence of the woman whose memory appeals now for -justice. - -Very little was written of her during her life, beyond occasional -mention after her husband’s election to the Presidency, nor has any -history of his life been written from which to glean even a mention of -her name. This is a remarkable fact, that in none of the public -libraries of New York or Brooklyn, is there any history of a man who -occupied the Presidential chair eight years, and whose record should be -the inheritance of his descendants. A brief sketch, written many years -ago, is all that was to be found, and there is no mention of his wife in -it. - -Of dignified and stately manners was Mrs. Monroe, and possessed of a -face upon which beauty was written in unmistakable lines. Tall and -gracefully formed, polished and elegant in society, she was one fitted -to represent her countrywomen at the court of St. Cloud. Her position, -as the wife of a wealthy Virginia Senator, surrounded by luxury and -prosperity, proud of her husband and of her country, was calculated to -enhance the pleasure of a trip to Europe, while the comparative -infrequency of a voyage across the Atlantic heightened the pleasure with -which she received the announcement of his appointment. - -During their residence in Paris, the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. -Monroe, who afterwards married Judge George Hay, of Richmond, -Virginia,[9] was a pupil at Madame Campan’s celebrated school, where -Hortense Beauharnais, the daughter of Josephine, and the future Queen of -Holland and mother of Napoleon III., was also a pupil, and between whom -there existed a warm friendship. - -Footnote 9: - - Their eldest daughter, Hortensia, a very beautiful girl, married Lord - Rogers, of Baltimore. - -Young and ambitious, full of enthusiasm and admiration for the -principles of a free government, Mr. Monroe left the shores of his -native land, whose liberty he had so recently assisted in establishing. -He had entered the service of his country as a cadet in a corps under -the command of the gallant General Mercer, of Virginia. Soon afterward -he was appointed a lieutenant, and joined the army at New York. -Following the fortunes of the Chief, he was with him at Trenton, -Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth. Retiring from the staff -of Lord Sterling, where he had served two campaigns, after being wounded -in the shoulder at Trenton, he repaired to Virginia to raise a regiment. -From various causes he failed in this undertaking, and did not return to -the army, but entered Mr. Jefferson’s office as a student at law. A -member of the Legislature, and at the age of twenty-four elected to the -Continental Congress, from which he passed to the Congress of the United -States, we find him from his earliest boyhood devoted to the land of his -birth, and serving it in these various positions of honor and eminence. - -But glowing with youthful admiration for the Republic he had left -behind, he was not careful to conceal his feelings in imperial France, -and hence made himself unpopular with those in power. He was deemed too -enthusiastically engaged in the feelings of revolutionary France to do -justice to his own country, and he was recalled by Washington. - -In August, 1792, Lafayette was taken prisoner by the Austrians, and -after being thrown like a criminal in the Prussian dungeon at Wesel on -the Rhine, was transferred successively to Magdeburg, Glatz, Neisse, and -finally to Olmutz. In this Austrian dungeon he was convinced by the -rigor of his confinement and the brutal treatment of his captors that -his fate was sealed. Down in his dark cell, ten paces deep, where the -rain through the loop-holes poured, and the sun did not shine, the young -defender of American liberty lay chained, while the weary months dragged -by, and no word of hope or certainty of death came from his wife and -children left behind in Paris. Wasted by disease, deprived of light, -air, and decent food—the loathsome dampness and filth of his dungeon so -reducing him that his hair fell from him entirely by the excess of his -sufferings, his cruel tormentors cheered his gloom and oppression by no -word or look of sympathy. America knew the fate of his loved ones, and -while his estates were confiscated, his wife in the prison of La Force, -and his little children, two of whom shared the confinement of their -mother, awaiting the wrath of their oppressors, the agents of the -country whose once hopeless cause he had espoused were actively employed -in behalf of their former friend. - -It is not to be wondered that Mrs. Monroe shared the feeling entertained -by her husband, or that her warmest womanly feelings were stirred by the -recital of Madame Lafayette’s woes. The Marquis de Lafayette was adored -by Americans, and the indignities heaped upon his heroic wife could -scarcely be borne by the Minister and his family, when they felt that -the death of a martyr would be the result of her cruel and protracted -confinement. The lofty position America had just assumed among the -nations of the earth, and the respect engendered by her success rendered -her Ministers in foreign countries objects of special attention and -regard. When Mr. Monroe decided to risk displeasure by sending his wife -to see Madame Lafayette, he appreciated the decided effect it would have -for good or evil. He well knew that either it would meet with signal -success, and be of benefit to his unfortunate friend, or render her -slight claim to clemency yet more desperate. Enlisted as his feelings -were, he determined to risk the die, and Mrs. Monroe was consulted in -regard to the plan. To her husband’s anxious queries, she replied -calmly, and assured him of her ability to control and sustain herself. - -As the carriage of the American Minister, adorned with all the outward -emblems of rank, halted before the entrance of the prison, the keeper -advanced to know the object of the visit. Mrs. Monroe, with firm step -and steady voice, alighted and made known her business, and to her -surprise was conducted to the reception-room, while the official retired -to make known her request. Her heart beat loudly as she alone listened -to the tread of the jailer as he closed the heavy door and passed down -the long hall which separated the cells. After a lapse of time, which to -one in her nervous state seemed an age, she heard the footsteps -returning, and soon the opening of the ponderous door discovered to her -astonished view the presence of the emaciated prisoner, assisted by her -guard. - -The emotion of the marchioness was touching in the extreme, and she sank -at the feet of Mrs. Monroe, unable to articulate her joy. - -All day she had been expecting the summons to prepare for her execution, -and when the silence of her cell was disturbed by the approach of the -gendarmes, her last hope was fast departing. Instead of the cruel -announcement—the assurance that a visitor awaited her presence in the -receiving-room of the prison, and on finding in that visitor the -American Ambassadress, the representative of her husband’s adopted home, -her long-pent feelings found relief in sobs. The reaction was sudden, -and the shock more than her feeble frame could bear. - -The presence of the sentinels precluded all efforts at conversation, and -both hesitated to peril the frail chance of life, or to abuse the -unheard-of privilege of an interview. After a painful stay of short -duration Mrs. Monroe rose to retire, assuring her friend in a voice -audible to her listeners, for whom it was intended, that she would call -the following morning, and then hastened to relieve the anxiety of her -husband. - -Madame Lafayette’s long-delayed execution had been decided upon, and -that very afternoon she was to have been beheaded, but the unexpected -visit of the Minister’s wife altered the minds of the officials, and to -the surprise of all, she was liberated the next morning. - -The prestige of the young Republic was appreciated by the French in -power, and they dared not, from motives of self-interest, sacrifice a -lady in whom the American Minister was so directly interested. They had -not forgotten with what admiration the people of the United States -looked upon her husband, the Marquis de Lafayette. - -Deaf to all the entreaties of her friends, and firm in her determination -to carry immediate consolation to the dungeon of her persecuted husband, -Madame Lafayette left Paris accompanied by her two daughters in -disguise, and under the protection of American passports. - -Passing under the name of Mrs. Motier, she landed at Altona on the ninth -of September, 1795, and after repeated difficulties eventually reached -the prison, where she was notified that if she passed its threshold, she -must remain. - -The heroic woman signed her consent and determination, to share his -captivity in all its details, being “fully determined never again to -expose herself to the horrors of another separation.” - -The two most conspicuous men of their age, George Washington and -Napoleon Bonaparte, effected by their co-operation the release of -Lafayette and his deeplyinjured family—the former after an imprisonment -of more than five years, the latter a period of twenty-two months. - -Mr. Monroe was recalled, and after his return to America, he published a -justification of his conduct while abroad; the pamphlet settled nothing, -but justified both parties in the views which they had taken. - -Thus was Mrs. Monroe’s short stay in Europe brought to a termination. In -many ways it had been pleasant and beneficial, and although she -regretted her husband’s unfortunate recall, she rather joyed in the -conduct which had produced this result. Unacquainted with diplomacy and -the line of action necessary between nations, she allowed her own -feelings to decide her movements, and honored the same spirit in her -husband. The privilege of being a succor and means of relief to Madame -Lafayette satisfied her more than ministerial honors, and she would -rather have performed this deed prompted by Mr. Monroe’s advice than -remained the wife of the Ambassador. - -The friendship between Mr. Monroe and Lafayette was very strong. The -latter felt that Mr. Monroe was largely instrumental in the presentation -of the $200,000 which the United States gave him in 1824, and also for -kindness shown his son, George Washington Lafayette, when he was in -prison. The lad was about to be conscripted into the army, and Mr. -Monroe, aided by two American gentlemen, Joseph Russell and Col. -Perkins, raised the amount necessary to buy a substitute ($1,500), and -then sent him to America, where he was the guest of Washington for a -year. - -When news reached Lafayette in 1828 of the pecuniary trouble which Mr. -Monroe was in, and the ill-health of his wife, he wrote him offering him -the proceeds of the sale of half of his Florida lands, which were very -valuable, as a loan, and urging Mr. Monroe not to mortify him by a -refusal, since he had accepted like favors from him in the past. The -generous offer was declined by Mr. Monroe. - -Paris as now, though in a less degree, was the centre of all that was to -be enjoyed, and Mrs. Monroe did not regret her stay there, though so -abruptly ended. This first trip over the tedious waters was fraught with -interest and improvement to both. New fields of thought were explored by -them, and the expanse of their souls, under a sense of freedom and -change, gained for their ultimate happiness more than mere worldly -honors could give or take away. - -Thus in the devious windings of life we are constantly reminded that -after the lesson is the application, and experience pronounces both, -though hard to bear, necessary for ultimate progression. - -Mrs. Monroe returned to New York with her husband, who was looked upon -as a disgraced minister, and being the first who had been so designated, -was viewed by his friends with deep sympathy. For a time the society of -her family and friends soothed her sensitive feelings, but she soon -afterwards accompanied her husband to Virginia, where he was at once -chosen Governor. - -This evidence of affection gladdened the hearts of both recipients, and -during the constitutional term of three years, through which he served, -Mrs. Monroe added to the dignity and success of his official life by her -uniform and acceptable course. The capital of the State at that time was -Williamsburg, a place of refined hospitality and sociability, and here -the fine character of the Governor’s wife was discovered under the most -delicate circumstances, as well as during the most pleasing occasions. - -After President Jefferson came into power, he appointed Mr. Monroe Envoy -Extraordinary to the Court of France, to act with Mr. Livingston in -negotiating for the purchase of Louisiana. As soon as he arrived on the -French soil, Mr. Livingston wrote as follows to him: - - - PARIS, _10th of April, 1803_. - -DEAR SIR:—I congratulate you on your safe arrival. We have long and -anxiously wished for you. God grant that your mission may answer your -and the public expectation. War may do something for us; nothing else -would. I have paved the way for you, and if you could add to my memoirs -an assurance that we were now in possession of New Orleans, we should do -well. But I detain Mr. Beutalon, who is impatient to fly to the arms of -his wife. I have apprised the minister of your arrival, and told him you -would be here on Tuesday or Wednesday. Present my compliments and Mrs. -Livingston’s to Mrs. Monroe, and believe me, dear sir, your friend and -humble servant, - - ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON. - - -After the business of the treaty was arranged, Mr. Monroe was sent as -Minister to London, to succeed Mr. King, who wished to return home. From -there he was ordered to Spain, which country he visited by way of Paris. -Mrs. Monroe accompanied him in all his wanderings, and returned with him -to England soon after the death of Mr. Pitt. - -Mr. Monroe was minister to England when the attack on the frigate -“Chesapeake” placed the two countries, already irritated, in a hostile -attitude, and finding his position at the St. James anything but -pleasant, he returned to this country. Thus did Mrs. Monroe spend almost -ten years in Europe, returning only when the country was plunging again -into a second war with the mother land. She gladly sought retirement at -Oak Hill, her husband’s Virginia home, and the following years passed in -the enjoyment of the serene pleasures of country life—Mr. Monroe engaged -during the day in reading and taking the general supervision of his -plantation, while she supervised the education of their two daughters -and the household duties, which, in a Virginia, home were always -arduous. - -But this quiet home-life was not destined to last, and the husband and -father resumed the duties of a politician, and was elected to the -Legislature. In a few months he was again chosen Governor of the old -commonwealth, and continued to discharge the duties of that office until -chosen Secretary of State by President Madison. - -When the war of 1812 was declared, Mrs. Monroe was living in Washington -City, dispensing the duties of a minister’s wife, and enjoying the -society of her two daughters. - -As the strife came nearer home and the capital was threatened, she -returned to Oak Hill, and there remained until peace was finally -proclaimed. Anxious and uneasy about her husband, who was ever beside -the President, she yet felt that her place was at her own home, that he -might feel assured of the safety of herself and children. - -In 1817, Mr. Monroe became President of the United States, and removed -his family to the White House, where they continued to reside during -both terms of his administration. Mrs. Monroe was spoken of at this time -by the leading paper of the day as follows: - -“Mrs. Monroe is an elegant, accomplished woman. She possesses a charming -mind and dignity of manners, which peculiarly fit her for her elevated -station. Her retired domestic habits will be much annoyed by what is -here called society, if she does not change the etiquette (if it may be -called so), established by Mrs. Washington, Adams and Madison, a routine -which her feeble constitution will not permit her to encounter. To go -through it, she must become a perfect slave to the sacrifice of her -health. The secretaries, senators, foreign ministers, consuls, auditors, -accountants, officers of the navy and army of every grade, farmers, -merchants, parsons, priests, lawyers, judges, auctioneers and -nothingarians—all with their wives and some with their gawky offspring, -crowd to the President’s house every Wednesday evening; some in shoes, -most in boots, and many in spurs; some snuffing, others chewing, and -many longing for their cigars and whiskey-punch left at home. Some with -powdered heads, others frizzled and oiled, with some whose heads a comb -has never touched, half-hid by dirty collars, reaching far above their -ears, as stiff as pasteboard.” - -And an English writer comments in a similar strain: - -“Mrs. Monroe is a lady of retired and domestic habits, not ungraceful -and apparently very amiable. - -“Having resided in Europe with her husband, she has acquired some of its -manners and a good deal of its polish. She receives company, but returns -no visits; she seems more attached to the silence and peace of -obscurity, than the bustle, confusion and glare of public assemblies. -But to preserve a custom established by her predecessor, a lady it is -said of great elegance of manners and much dignity of deportment, she -gives what are termed ‘drawing-rooms’ for the purpose of gratifying the -wishes and curiosity of such strangers as may please to visit her and -the President. - -“These drawing-rooms are conducted on principles of republican -simplicity, and are widely different from the magnificence and splendor -of the English levees. They appeared to me, however, very unpleasant; -the rooms are so crowded, the hum of voices so loud, and the motion of -the company so incessant, that the possibility of continuing a -conversation on any subject is wholly precluded, and you are jostled -every instant without the power of enjoying the ‘feast of reason’ or -even the pleasure of the senses.” - -The White House had been partly rebuilt when Mr. Monroe became -President, but it possessed but few comforts and no elegance. The -furniture was not of the kind nor quality befitting the house of the -Chief Magistrate, and the débris of the former ill-fated building lay in -heaps about the mansion. The country being once more at peace, Congress -ordered Consul Lee, then residing at Paris, to purchase a silver service -of plate, which was forwarded at once, and which has continued in use -until replaced by a more modern and expensive set in March, ’69. - -About the same time was bought for the East Room the furniture which now -adorns that famous apartment. When the purchase was made in Paris, each -article was surmounted by the royal crown of Louis XVIII. This ornament -of gilt was removed, and the American Eagle substituted before it was -sent from France. To the thoughtful mind this furniture is of interest -in so far as it recalls the dead who have long since crumbled back to -dust, yet, whose memory is associated with the chairs and ottomans still -remaining where they were placed years ago. True, they have been often -repaired, but the original eagles are as bright as when they left the -shores of the Empire, to grace the house of the Republic. - -Mrs. Monroe mingled but little in the society of Washington, and always -secluded herself from the observation of the throng. Her health was -frail during the latter years of her life in the White House, and she -became more than ever a recluse. One of the many guests of the President -and Mrs. Monroe during the last winter of their stay in the White House -was Lafayette, who afterward visited them at their residence in Loudon -county, Virginia. - -In a recent publication there is a copy of an old letter written by Mr. -Cooper, in which he thus mentions a dinner and a reception at the White -House during Mr. Monroe’s time. - -“On this occasion we were honored with the presence of Mrs. Monroe and -two or three of her female relatives. Crossing the hall we were admitted -to a drawing-room,in which most of the company were already assembled. -The hour was six. By far the greater part of the guests were men, and -perhaps two-thirds were members of Congress. - -“There was great gravity of mien in most of the company, and neither any -very marked exhibition, nor any positively striking want of grace of -manner. The conversation was commonplace and a little sombre, though two -or three men of the world got around the ladies, where the battle of -words was maintained with sufficient spirit. To me the entertainment had -rather a cold than a formal air. When dinner was announced, the oldest -Senator present (there were two, and seniority of service is meant) took -Mrs. Monroe and led her to the table. The rest of the party followed -without much order. The President took a lady, as usual, and preceded -the rest of the guests. The dining-room was in better taste than is -common here, being quite simple and but little furnished. The table was -large and rather handsome. The service was in china, as is uniformly the -case, plate being exceedingly rare, if at all used. There was, however, -a rich plateau, and a great abundance of the smaller articles of -table-plate. The cloth, napkins, etc., etc., were fine and beautiful. -The dinner was served in the French style, a little Americanized. The -dishes were handed around, though some of the guests, appearing to -prefer their own customs, coolly helped themselves to what they found at -hand. - -“Of attendants there were a good many. They were neatly dressed, out of -livery, and sufficient. To conclude, the whole entertainment might have -passed for a better sort of European dinner party, at which the guests -were too numerous for general or very agreeable discourse, and some of -them too new to be entirely at their ease. Mrs. Monroe arose, at the end -of the dessert, and withdrew, attended by two or three of the most -gallant of the company. No sooner was his wife’s back turned than the -President reseated himself, inviting his guests to imitate the action. -After allowing his guests sufficient time to renew, in a few glasses, -the recollections of similar enjoyments of their own, he arose himself, -giving the hint to his company that it was time to rejoin the ladies. In -the drawing-room coffee was served, and every one left the house before -nine.” - -“On the succeeding Wednesday, Mrs. Monroe opened her doors to all the -world. No invitation was necessary, it being the usage for the wife of -the President to receive company once a fortnight during the session, -without distinction of persons. We reached the White House at nine. The -court (or rather the grounds) was filled with carriages, and the company -was arriving in great numbers. On this occasion, two or three additional -drawing-rooms were opened, though the frugality of Congress has -prevented them from finishing the principal reception-room of the -building. I will acknowledge the same sort of surprise I felt at the -Castle Garden fête, at finding the assemblage so respectable in air, -dress and deportment. The evening at the White House, or drawing-room, -as it is sometimes pleasantly called, is, in fact, a collection of all -classes of people who choose to go to the trouble and expense of -appearing in dresses suited to an ordinary evening party. I am not sure -that even dress is much regarded, for I certainly saw a good many there -in boots. The females were all neatly and properly attired, though few -were ornamented with jewelry. Of course, the poor and laboring classes -of the community would find little or no pleasure in such a scene. The -infamous, if known, would not be admitted, for it is a peculiar -consequence of the high tone of morals in this country, that grave and -notorious offenders rarely presume to violate the public feeling by -invading society. - -“Squeezing through the crowd, we achieved a passage to a part of the -room where Mrs. Monroe was standing, surrounded by a bevy of female -friends. After making our bow here, we sought the President. The latter -had posted himself at the top of the room, where he remained most of the -evening, shaking hands with all who approached. Near him stood all the -secretaries, and a great number of the most distinguished men of the -nation. Individuals of importance from all parts of the Union were also -here, and were employed in the manner usual to such scenes. Besides -these, one meets here a great variety of people in other conditions of -life. I have known a cartman to leave his horse in the street, and go -into the reception-room to shake hands with the President. He offended -the good taste of all present, because it was not thought decent that a -laborer should come in a dirty dress on such an occasion; but while he -made a trifling mistake in this particular, he proved how well he -understood the difference between government and society. He knew the -levee was a sort of homage paid to political equality in the person of -the First Magistrate, but he would not have presumed to enter the house -of the same person as a private individual without being invited, or -without a reasonable excuse in the way of business.” - -Maria Monroe, the youngest daughter of the President, was married March, -1820, in the East Room, to her cousin, Samuel L. Gouverneur, of New -York, after what a letter writer of that day describes as “the New York -style.” This was a wedding where only the attendants, the relations, and -a few old friends of the bride and groom witnessed the ceremony. Then -the bridesmaids were dismissed until a week from that day, when the -bride received visitors. A reception was given then at which Mrs. -Gouverneur presided in the place of her mother, and was formally -introduced to all the guests present. The President and Mrs. Monroe -mingled with the crowd, and left the bridal couple to do the duties of -host and hostess. The bridal festivities were to include general -receptions, and Commodore and Mrs. Decatur gave the young couple a -largely attended ball shortly after the White House reception. Cards had -been issued by Commodore Porter for an entertainment in their honor, -when the news of the death of Commodore Decatur put an end to all gayety -in Washington. The couple soon after took up their residence in New -York. The eldest daughter was living at this time in Richmond, Virginia. - -After Mr. Monroe retired from office, he returned to his home in Loudon -county, and engaged with Messrs. Jefferson and Madison in establishing -the University of Virginia. This occupation formed a pleasant pastime to -him, and was of lasting benefit to his beloved State. Afterward he was -chosen President of the Virginia Convention to amend the Constitution of -his native State. Meanwhile Mrs. Monroe found womanly employment for -hands and heart in caring for those dependent upon her bounty, and -entertaining the various throngs who delighted to do honor to the three -ex-Presidents of the United States, and sons of the old commonwealth. - -Mrs. Monroe was now alone and becoming aged, and was pleasing herself -with the delusion that after so many years of public life, her husband -would spend the evening of his days with her, around the fireside. But -he felt as if he could never cease to serve Virginia. Long after his -duty to his country had been performed and she had dismissed him with -plaudits and laurel wreaths, he struggled under accumulated infirmities -and trials, and to the last hearkened to the voice of his State. The -last public position he held was a magistracy in the county of Loudon, -where he resided, and was as attentive and devoted to the performance of -every duty as when holding the highest office in the gift of the people. - -Mrs. Monroe died suddenly in 1830, and thus was ended the old home-life. -Oak Hill was closed, and the crushed husband sought refuge from -loneliness in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Gouverneur, in New York, -whose devoted affection soothed his pathway to the grave. - -The venerable Dr. Francis tells us that he often met Mr. Monroe walking -out when the weather was fine, and that on these occasions he was the -object of the most affectionate attentions. He has often met him making -purchases for the family, at the Centre Market, where all the stallmen -knew and honored him. - -He was tall and spare, very modest in his bearing, dignified and -gentlemanly. In his address, he was hesitating and diffident, and polite -to the poorest and humblest as to any. He was one of the most -industrious of men, a hard student, and his cares left their marks on -his face. The wound he received at Trenton was felt for many years -afterward—indeed, throughout his life he occasionally suffered from it. - -Less than a year after Mrs. Monroe’s death her husband was preparing to -join her. On the 4th of July, 1831, the anniversary of American -Independence, just five years after his predecessors had quitted this -scene of their labor and their triumph, he, too, joined them. - -His funeral was a very imposing one—the largest that at that time had -ever been seen in New York. The military under Gen. Jacob Morton, Grand -Marshal, filled Broadway from Prince to Broad Street, through which it -passed to the cemetery. The day was fine, and the signs of mourning were -generally adopted by the citizens of New York. - -There is an old cemetery on the north side of Second street, in this -city (New York), between First and Second Avenues, separated from the -sidewalk by a tall iron fence, placed upon a granite foundation. - -The shrubbery is always clean and vigorous; the grass is always the -greenest, and the walks are scrupulously neat. There are many tasteful -and appropriate monuments to the dead that sleep within this hallowed -inclosure; but to the memory of the most famous of its dumb inhabitants -there was no marble shaft, no obelisk, not even a head-stone erected. -But upon a simple slab of marble that lies flat, some two feet square, -upon the earth, and is almost covered by grass, is the following -inscription: - - JAMES MONROE, - ROBERT TILLOTSON, - Vault No. 147. - -There is nothing to indicate that the James Monroe mentioned is the -Monroe who was in the battle of White Plains, and received a ball in the -shoulder at the attack on Trenton, who fought by the side of Lafayette -at Brandywine, who was Minister to France in 1794, and afterward to -England; who was Secretary of State in 1811, and for two full terms -President of these United States. Yet such is the fact, and that -weather-stained slab of marble, two feet square, covered for many years -the grave of Ex-President Monroe. - -Many years afterward, by order of the Virginia Legislature, the remains -of Ex-President Monroe were removed to Richmond, and a monument -befitting his fame was erected over his grave. - -The property of Oak Hill is now owned by Mr. Fairfax, and with it one -thousand acres of land. Three hundred acres are comprised in the McGowan -estate. - -The second daughter of President Monroe, Mrs. Maria Gouverneur, died in -1850 at Oak Hill, where she was buried by the side of her mother. The -eldest daughter died in Paris, and was buried in Pere la Chaise. There -are now living but few descendants of Mrs. Monroe. - -At this short remove from her day, not many incidents relating to her -career are extant. She lived as public a life as did Mrs. John Adams, -and was far better acquainted with society in this country and Europe -than several of the ladies who preceded her in the semi-official -position she filled, but her ill-health and her temperament unfitted her -for familiarity with the people, and kept her from being popular in the -sense that Mrs. Madison was. The difference between these two women was -that the latter was fond of company, enjoyed life and had a healthy, -hearty interest in the events transpiring about her. The other lived in -retirement as far as possible, and the record of so quiet an existence -is not as familiar to the people of this country as is that of those of -her contemporaries who occupied the high place she filled. - -Society was differently organized in her time than it is now. It is -difficult to realize that newspaper correspondents were the exception -and not the rule, and that public attention was rarely directed to -ladies; whereas now it is impossible for women in semi-official life to -keep themselves out of the multitudinous prints of the day, object as -they may. - - - - - VI. - LOUISA CATHERINE ADAMS. - - -Mrs. Adams was the sixth in the succession of occupants of the Executive -Mansion, and with her closed the list of the ladies of the Revolution. A -new generation had sprung up in the forty-nine years of Independence, -and after her retirement, younger aspirants claimed the honors. Born in -the city of London on the 12th of February, 1775, she received -advantages superior to those enjoyed by most of the ladies of America. -Her father, Mr. Johnson, of Maryland, although living at the outbreak of -the war, in England, was ever a patriotic American, and soon after -hostilities commenced, removed with his family to Nantes, in France. -“There he received from the Federal Congress an appointment as -Commissioner to examine the accounts of all the American functionaries -then entrusted with the public money of the United States, in Europe; in -the exercise of the duties of which he continued until the peace of -1782. Our National Independence having then been recognized, he returned -to London, where he continued to reside, and where he acted as consular -agent for the United States, until his final return in 1797, to his -native soil.” - -[Illustration: Painted by C. R. Leslie. Engraved by G. F. Storm.] - -It was fortunate for Mrs. Adams that her husband was a strong, -intellectual nature; he both satisfied and sustained her, and rendered -her sojourn on earth contented and agreeable. In her father’s house in -London he first saw her, in 1794, and on the 26th of July, 1797, they -were married at the Church of All-Hallows. Soon afterward his father -became President, and he was transferred to Berlin, where he repaired -with his wife as a bride, to play her part in the higher circles of -social and political life. It need scarcely be added that she proved -perfectly competent to this; and that during four years, which comprised -the period of her stay at that court, notwithstanding almost continual -ill-health, she succeeded in making friends and conciliating a degree of -good-will, the recollection of which is, even at this distance of time, -believed to be among the most agreeable of the associations with her -varied life. In 1801, after the birth of her eldest child, she embarked -with Mr. Adams on his return to the United States. Not to Maryland, the -home of her childhood, but, a stranger to their habits and manners, she -went among the New England people, and settled with her husband in -Boston. Here she determined to be satisfied and live with a people whom -in feeling she was not unlike, but scarcely was she beginning to feel at -home when Mr. Adams was elected Senator, and she removed with him to -Washington. A sister was already established there, and she met once -more the members of her own family, where to her the winter months -passed pleasantly away. Each summer she returned to Boston, and thus -alternating between there and Washington in winter, she passed the eight -years of Jefferson’s term. To many, the capital was an out of the way -place, and not always pleasant to Congressmen’s wives, some of whom left -the gayeties of larger cities to be detained six or eight months; but -Mrs. Adams was peculiarly fortunate in her position, having around her -near and dear relations from whom she had been separated many years. It -became home to her, and to a Southerner, the climate was more congenial -than the region of her husband’s birth-place. - -Mr. Adams, called by President Madison, to embark for Russia as its -first accredited minister, Mrs. Adams determined to go, even at the cost -of leaving her two eldest children with their grandparents, and taking -with her a third, not yet two years old. They sailed from Boston early -in August, and after a long and somewhat hazardous passage arrived in -St. Petersburg toward the close of October. - -What voyages those must have been, when nearly three months was consumed -in getting from one country to another; when weary weeks of summer -merged into winter before the barrier between the old and the new world -could be passed. Yet how often had members of that family braved dangers -unknown to perform some duty in the other world. Far back into the past, -their Puritan ancestors had found a refuge on “wild New England’s -shore,” and in that interval, the waters of the sea had wafted the -children of the third and fourth generations over its crested waves, to -ask for the heritage their forefathers claimed—liberty of conscience, -and freedom to worship God. - -Years before, a brave, strong woman had, with streaming eyes, seen the -form of her eldest boy start over the same track he was now treading, -and she had gone back to her lonely home to suffer. Now, through its -well-known and treacherous path, that son, grown to man’s estate, with -children of his own left behind, wends his tedious way, to bear to the -halls of remotest nations the wishes and intentions of his young -country. - -His wife, preferring an uncertain exile in a foreign country to a -separation from her husband, suffered extremest anguish as she thought -of her weeping children, for the first time separated from her. She felt -the great distance and doubtful prospects of hearing from them, not less -keenly than she did the length of time which might elapse before she -again would tread the shores of her native land. And the bleak climate -to which she was hastening in nowise tended to make her cheerful; nor -did the fact that Mr. Adams was the first Minister, allay her anxious -sadness. Never, perhaps, in the history of the world, were such scenes -being enacted as now. Europe was literally a battle-field, and Napoleon, -the scourge of the continent, was ruling, by the mighty force of his -great skill, the destinies of the Old World. Shut up in St. Petersburg, -Mrs. Adams gathered rumors of the progress of that “man of destiny,” and -listened for his knock even at the gates of the imperial capital. - -During the six years of her stay in Russia, what wondrous things -transpired! What intense interest marked the era, we, of comparative -quiet, can scarcely conceive. Death took from her an infant, born whilst -there, and the twofold affliction of public and private trouble weighed -upon her. - -“Mr. Adams,” said his son, “lived there poor, studious, ambitious and -secluded, on the narrow basis of the parchment of his commission, -respected for learning and talents, but little given to the costly -entertainments of an opulent and ostentatious court circle. But the -extraordinary mission could afford and was entitled to more expensive -circulation in the splendid palaces of a magnificent city, inhabited by -the owners of thousands of serfs, and some of them of Ural Mountains -containing mines of gold. Living frugally, withdrawn from all but -indispensable parade, Mr. Adams laid the basis of a modest competency -for his return to America, whose official acquisition American, -republican parsimony induces, if not justifies.” - -The war between England and America broke out in the meantime, and -communication was almost entirely cut off. British ships cruised about -our ports to capture peaceful vessels, and thundered their cannon at the -capital of the country. While Mrs. Adams grew tired and weary of her -cheerless abode in that far, northern climate, British troops were busy -devastating the country round about her old home, and burning the -mansion which later in life she was to occupy. Completely cut off from -all that made life dear, Mr. Adams hoped for some opportunity to be -recalled, and restore his divided family to each other. Emperor -Alexander unconsciously prepared the way for their return by proposing -to be mediator for England and the United States. In consequence of this -offer, the commissioners repaired to St. Petersburg, accompanied by Mr. -Payne Todd, the stepson of President Madison, whose simple position in -America was exaggerated by European mistake to princely position. Their -coming was a source of pleasure to Mrs. Adams, whose time had been spent -so quietly, and it was her hope to return with them; but while the -commissioners enjoyed themselves with the sights of the Russian capital, -great changes were taking place on the continent, and they were unaware -how radical they were. The return ship to the United States brought the -news to Boston that Napoleon was banished to Elba, Louis the XVIII. -propped on the throne of his ancestors by foreign armies, and England -was at the zenith of her power and greatness. Never were the prospects -of republican America so low since its independence, and the hearts of -those patriots trembled when they thought of the future. The Russian -mediation failed, but the commissioners afterward met at Ghent, where -delays succeeded each other until on Christmas eve, Saturday, 24th -December, 1814, the treaty was signed. It was the desire of Mr. and Mrs. -Adams to have returned home this winter, but the failure of the -commissioners at St. Petersburg necessitated the presence of Mr. Adams -at Ghent, and it was thought best she should remain in Russia. The state -of Europe, restless and revolutionary, was considered another argument -in favor of her remaining, and consequently Mr. Adams set out without -her. Alone in that place where she had lived five years, where she had -buried one child, and where she hoped her husband would soon rejoin her, -she passed the sixth winter, and wished only for the spring to come to -release herself and son from their exile. How her heart must have -yearned, in days short only because the darkness was so long, for her -little ones over the wide Atlantic, and with what zeal must she have -prepared for that homeward-bound trip, so near in anticipation, yet in -reality so far off. But her trial was in proportion to her strength, and -if she did not go home, her children came to her afterward.[10] Spring -at last came, on the almanac at least, if not in the gorgeous beauty it -was wont to appear in her far-off southern home, and she was advised to -travel by land to rejoin her husband at Paris, whither he had gone from -Ghent. The difficulties and dangers of a land route through the late -theatre of a furious war, had no influence to bear upon her determined -idea to go, and braving solitary journeys, rogues, and dangers of every -conceivable kind, set out with her child to travel to France. Hers must -have been an indomitable spirit, else the lonely days of constant travel -through villages and wild, uncultivated countries, where every inanimate -thing bore traces of grim-visaged war, would have convinced her of the -risk she was running. With the passports of the Russian government, and -the strong recommendation of being the American minister’s wife, she -bade adieu to all apprehensions, and risked all to only get nearer to -home and children. - -Footnote 10: - - Mrs. Adams had four children, three sons and a daughter. 1. George - Washington Adams, born in Berlin, 12th April, 1801. 2. John Adams, - born in Boston, 4th July, 1803. 3. Charles Francis Adams, born in - Boston, August 18th, 1807. 4. Louisa Catherine Adams, born in St. - Petersburg, August 12th, 1811, and died there the next year. - -Her son, in speaking of this time, said: “In such circumstances, to be -fastened in a snow-drift with night coming on, and to be forced to rouse -the peasants of the surrounding country to dig them out, which happened -in Courland, was no slight matter. But it was of little significance -compared to the complicated anxieties incident to the listening, at -every stopping-place, to the tales of robbery and murder just committed -on the proposed route, so perpetually repeated at that time to the -traveller; and to the warnings given by apparently friendly persons of -the character of her own servants, corroborated by the loss of several -articles of value, and, most of all, to the observation of the restless -contention between jarring political passions under which the whole -continent of Europe was heaving until it burst forth at the return of -Napoleon from Elba. Hardly a day passed that did not require of Mrs. -Adams some presence of mind to avoid becoming implicated in the -consequences of party fury. For even the slight symbol of a Polish cap -on the head of her servant came near making food for popular quarrel.” - -On the way she heard of Napoleon’s return from Elba, and knew that his -coming would be disputed not only by the Bourbons in power, but that it -would be the signal for a general uprising throughout Europe. As she -journeyed along from place to place, she witnessed the excitement that -followed the news, and saw, with much concern, the preparations for -hostile demonstrations. As she neared the border the activity of the -military was observable on all sides. Napoleon was making by forced -marches the seven hundred miles that lay between the seaport at which he -landed and Paris, and at every point he was receiving the accessions to -his numbers that increased until he reached Paris at the head of an -army. The immense influence which his past successes had over the French -people was thus exhibited, and he took possession of the capital amid -the huzzas of the populace and to their great delight. It was at such a -time that Mrs. Adams was approaching the city, and it may well be -imagined that her every thought was in the direction of her own and her -children’s safety. Later, when the events were over, and she was at -liberty to recall them, she dwelt with interest upon the dangers -confronted and the anxieties she had endured, nor did she express regret -that her experiences had been what they were. The scenes she witnessed -were commanding the consideration of the world, and romance in her -wildest dreams had not conceived of anything more thrilling than the -enterprise in which Napoleon had embarked. It was a matter that -concerned all Europe, and the moment he set foot upon French soil, the -crown-heads of the old world began to prepare for a conflict that was to -end his career, or change the fate of nations. - -Mrs. Adams found, as she neared Paris, the dangers to which she was -exposed, and dismissing her servants, who were afraid to go farther, -hired others and continued her approach to her husband. But every -crossroad and forest path was filled with soldiers wild with enthusiasm, -rushing forward to join their great chief, and at one time she found -herself surrounded by them. This was a very awkward position, as the -troops seemed disposed to require from all around them the most -unequivocal declaration of political faith. Mrs. Adams appealed to the -commander of the detachment, and by his advice she was enabled to fall -back, although not without the exercise of considerable prudence, until -the last of the men had passed, when she diverged into another road, and -by making a considerable circuit, avoided any further meeting. - -Having proved, in this manner, that calmness and presence of mind render -many things perfectly practicable which imagination at first invests -with insuperable difficulties, she arrived in Paris safe and well, there -to be greeted by her husband, on the evening of the 21st of March, 1815, -immediately after that of the memorable arrival of Napoleon and the -flight of the Bourbons. - -The advantages thus thrown in the way of an American woman were justly -appreciated by Mrs. Adams, and she, free from prejudice, studied the -strange perversities of fortune. The events of the hundred days were -enough to crowd the memory for a lifetime. They fill us at this day, as -we ponder over them, with awe and amazement. All was activity and -eagerness, all bustle and confusion. The armies were reviewing in the -square of the Place Carousel, and the inspiriting notes of martial music -added enthusiasm to the grandness of the time and place. - -But the arrival of her children in England, from whom she had been -separated since the autumn of 1809, nearly six years, was of more -interest to her than the events happening around her. On the 25th of -May, 1815, Mr. Adams went to London with his family, and soon afterward -learned that he was appointed Minister to the Court of St. James. The -impression made upon the most eminent circles during his residence in -London has been retained up to the present time. It has been said of him -that “his simple habits, his plain appearance, his untiring industry, -his richly stored mind, his unbending integrity, his general intercourse -and correspondence with foreign courts and diplomatists of the greatest -distinction, all tended to elevate, in a high degree, the American -character in the estimation of European nations.” - -Mrs. Adams had advantages in London which scarcely any American woman -has ever had since; true, she had not wealth to make a great display, -but her home was one of pleasant comfort, and enjoying as she did the -society of one of the most intelligent of men, and of the best informed -circle in the great capital, she had signal opportunities for -cultivation. Charles King, in his eulogy on John Quincy Adams, speaks -thus: “It was while Mr. Adams was Minister of the United States in -London, that it was my personal good fortune to be admitted to his -intimacy and friendship. Being then in London on private business, and -having some previous acquaintance with Mr. Adams, I found in his house -an ever kind welcome, and in his intercourse and conversation unfailing -attraction and improvement. Under an exterior of, at times, almost -repulsive coldness, dwelt a heart as warm, sympathies as quick, and -affections as overflowing, as ever animated any bosom. His tastes, too, -were all refined. Literature and art were familiar and dear to him, and -hence it was that his society was at once so agreeable and so improving. -At his hospitable board, I have listened to disquisitions from his lips -on poetry, especially the dramas of Shakespeare, music, painting, -sculpture—of rare excellence and untiring interest. The extent of his -knowledge, indeed, and its accuracy, in all branches, were not less -remarkable than the complete command which he appeared to possess over -all his varied stores of learning and information.” - -Mr. Monroe succeeded Mr. Madison in the Presidential chair in 1817, and -immediately appointed Mr. Adams his Secretary of State. On receiving -notice of his appointment to this responsible office, Mr. Adams with his -family embarked for the United States, on board the packet-ship -“Washington,” and landed in New York on the 6th of August, 1817. A few -days after his arrival, a public dinner was given him in Tammany Hall, -New York. The room was elegantly decorated. In the centre was a handsome -circle of oak leaves, roses, and flags—the whole representing, with much -effect, our happy union—and from the centre of which, as from her native -woods, appeared our eagle, bearing in her beak this impressive scroll: - - “Columbia, great Republic, thou art blest, - While Empires droop, and monarchs sink to rest.” - -Soon afterward, Mr. Adams and family went to Boston to visit his -father’s family, where he was the recipient of another public dinner: -the last meeting with his mother on earth, it was one which he never -forgot. It was gratifying to her sensitive nature to see him thus rising -from one elevated position to another, and it soothed her aged heart -beyond any power of expression. Many years of his life had been spent -far away from her, and his absences were long and unbroken. She had -always written regularly to him, and by example and precept endeavored -to instil into his nature some portion of her own aspirations. When his -talents had won for him this last position, she bowed her head and -thanked God. Perhaps her spirit recognized his still higher promotion, -and the natural conclusion, arrived at from former precedents, that by -gradual ascent he would reach the place his father occupied, occurred to -her. When she died at her home in Quincy, he was in Washington, busy -with the manifold duties of his place, whither he had gone to reside -permanently, in September, 1817. - -The performance of the duties of the State Department necessarily -required a residence at Washington, and the manner in which Mr. Adams -thought proper to devote himself to them, devolved upon his lady the -entire task of making his house an agreeable resort to the multitudes of -visitors who crowd to the capital on errands of business, or curiosity, -or pleasure, from the various sections of the United States during the -winter season. A large diplomatic corps from foreign countries, who feel -themselves in more immediate relations with the Secretary of State, and -a distinguished set of public men, not then divided by party lines in -the manner which usually prevails, rendered the society of that time, -and Mrs. Adams’ house where it most often congregated, among the most -agreeable recorded in the social history of the capital. - -Much as it has been ridiculed since, the “era of good feeling” had some -characteristics peculiar to itself. For an instant, sectional -animosities relented, the tone of personal denunciation and angry -crimination, too generally prevailing in extremes, yielded; and even -where the jealous rivalry for political honors still predominated in the -hearts of men, the easy polish of general society removed from casual -spectators any sense of its roughness, or inconvenience from its -impetuosity. Washington may have presented more brilliant spectacles -since, but the rancor of party spirit has ever mingled its baleful force -too strongly not to be perceptible in the personal relations which have -existed between the most distinguished of our political men. - -The following letter, not before published, from Mrs. Adams to her -father-in-law will be read with interest. She corresponded regularly -during her life in Washington, with him, until his death, in 1826: - - - TO JOHN ADAMS. - - “WASHINGTON, _16th April, 1819_. - -“Yes! my dear sir, was my mind sufficiently strong or capacious to -understand, or even to comprehend the study of ancient and modern -philosophy, I am certain I should derive very great advantage from that -study; but you certainly forgot when you recommended it, that you were -addressing the weaker sex, to whom stoicism would be both unamiable and -unnatural, and who would be very liable in avoiding Scylla, to strike -upon Charybdis, or to speak without metaphor, to rush into scepticism. -Have you perceived anything like fatalism in my letters? I am -unconscious of it, though I fear there may sometimes be a little -inclination toward it. The woman you selected for your wife was so -highly gifted in mind, with powers so vast, and such quick and clear -perception, altogether so superior to the general run of females, you -have perhaps formed a too enlarged opinion of the capacities of our sex, -and having never witnessed their frailties, are not aware of the dangers -to which they are exposed, by acquirements above their strength. - -“The systems of the ancients have been quite out of my reach, excepting -the Dialogues of Plato, which Mr. A. recommended to me last year, and -which I read attentively. I cannot say that I am entirely unacquainted -with their different theories, but that acquaintance has been too -superficial to make them well understood, and I have been too much -inclined to view them, as difficult of practice, and not tending much to -the real benefit of mankind. With the modern philosophers I have become -more intimate, if I may make use of such a word, speaking of works which -I have read, but which I could not understand or digest. Locke has -puzzled me, Berkley amused me, Reid astonished me, Hume disgusted me, -and Tucker either diverted me or set me to sleep. This is a very limited -sort of reading, and you will laugh at my catalogue of names which have -at best, I believe, but little title to the rank of philosophers, or at -least must come in at the fag end. I have dipped into others and thrown -them aside, but I have never seen anything that would satisfy my mind, -or that would compare with the chaste and exquisitely simple doctrines -of Christianity. - -“I fear you will find this letter more extravagant than any you have -ever received from me, but I have made it a rule to follow where the -current of my ideas carried me, and to give them to you in a perfect -undress. My reading has been too general, and too diffuse to be very -beneficial. French authors have occupied my attention the largest -portion of my life, but their venom was destroyed, by the events which -were continually passing almost before my eyes, and which showed how -wicked was the practice resulting from such theories. You, my dear sir, -have ever possessed a nature too ardent, too full of benevolent feelings -to all your race, with a mind too noble, and a capacity too enlarged, to -sink into the cold and thankless state of stoicism. Your heart is too -full of all the generous and kindly affections for you ever to acquire -such a cold and selfish doctrine. No, my dear sir, it was, it is -impossible. Look at your past life, retrace all the eminent services you -have rendered to your country, and to mankind, and if you, by unforeseen -and uncontrollable events, have been prevented from doing all you -wished, all you desired, toward promoting their felicity, let their -unequalled prosperity (in producing which, you had so large a share) -sooth your latest hours, and cheer your heart with the conviction, that -to you, in a great measure, they owe it; and this sentiment alone will -be sufficient reward. I set out in life with the most elevated notions -of honor and principle; ere I had entered it fairly, my hopes were -blasted, and my ideas of mankind, that is, all the favorable ones -almost, were suddenly chilled, and I was very near forming the horrid -and erroneous opinion, that no such thing as virtue existed. This was a -dreadful doctrine at the age of little more than twenty, but it taught -me to reflect and not to ‘build my house in the sand.’ My life has been -a life of changes, and I had early accustomed myself to the idea of -retirement. The nature of our institutions, the various turns of policy -to which an elective government is ever liable, has long occupied my -thoughts, and I trust I may find strength to sustain any of the changes -which may be in store for me, with fortitude, dignity, and I trust -cheerfulness. To these changes, I can never attach the idea of disgrace. -Popular governments are peculiarly liable to factions, to cabals, to -intrigue, to the juggling tricks of party, and the people may often be -deceived for a time, by some fair speaking demagogue, but they will -never be deceived long; and though they may, in a moment of excitement, -sanction an injustice toward an old and faithful servant, they -appreciate his worth, and hand his name down with honor to posterity, -even though that ‘name may not be agreeable to the fashionables.’ It is -one which I take a pride in bearing, and one that I hope and pray my -children may never dishonor. - -“What you say concerning the Floridas is, I believe, universally -allowed, and as to the effect upon the name, why, it is of little -importance, provided the substance is left, and the act undeniable. -There is the lance, let the lance speak—I can safely swear as an -individual I never set my heart on what the world calls a great reward. -I am too well assured that ‘uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,’ -and the station is too full of thorns to render it very desirable. I -have no relish for being absolutely crucified for the sake of a short -pre-eminence. You have, I suppose, seen the correspondence between Gen. -Scott and old Hickory? How do you like the epistle of the former? What -do you think of De Witt Clinton’s reply to the charge insinuated against -him? We hear of nothing but complaints of the times, and our commercial -world are in great distress. In Baltimore (that city where the South -American privateers are owned and fitted out by native citizens in the -very face of the public, and committing depredations on the property of -their fellow-citizens) there are failures every day, and it is said the -mischief will extend to all parts of the Union. In Virginia, a man who -broke out of the jail in this city, has offered himself as a candidate -for Congress, telling the electors that he would take only six dollars a -day, as he thinks eight too much; because if he found his pay -insufficient, he would play, and by this means insure himself a living. -That he had often played with their late member, and with many of the -most distinguished members of Congress, who used to send for him to play -with them. Such things are— - - “Adieu, my dear Sir.” - - -“During the eight years in which Mrs. Adams presided in the house of the -Secretary of State,” writes her son, Hon. Charles Francis Adams, in -1839, “no exclusions were made, in her invitations, merely on account of -any real or imagined political hostility; nor, though keenly alive to -the reputation of her husband, was any disposition manifested to do more -than to amuse and enliven society. In this, the success was admitted to -be complete, as all will remember who were then in the habit of -frequenting her dwelling. But in proportion as the great contest for the -Presidency, in which Mr. Adams was involved, approached, the violence of -partisan warfare began to manifest its usual bad effects, and Mrs. Adams -decided to adopt habits of greater seclusion. When at last the result -had placed her in the President’s mansion, her health began to fail her -so much, that though she continued to preside upon occasions of public -reception, she ceased to appear at any other times, and she began to -seek the retirement which since her return to private life she has -preferred. Mr. Adams has been, it is true, and still continues, a -representative in Congress, from the State of Massachusetts, and this -renders necessary an annual migration from that State to Washington and -back again, as well as a winter residence within the sound of the -gayeties of that place; but while her age and health dispense her from -the necessities of attending them, severe domestic afflictions have -contributed to remove the disposition. Thus the attractions of great -European capitals, and the dissipation consequent upon high official -station at home, though continued through that part of her life when -habits become most fixed, have done nothing to change the natural -elegance of her manners, nor the simplicity of her tastes. In the -society of a few friends and near relatives, and in the cultivation of -the religious affections without display, she draws all the consolation -that can in this world be afforded for her privations. To the world Mrs. -Adams presents a fine example of the possibility of retiring from the -circles of fashion, and the external fascinations of life, in time still -to retain a taste for the more quiet though less showy attractions of -the domestic fireside. A strong literary taste which has led her to read -much, and a capacity for composition in prose and verse, have been -resources for her leisure moments; not with a view to that exhibition -which renders such accomplishments too often fatal to the more delicate -shades of feminine character, but for her own gratification and that of -a few relations and friends. The late President Adams used to draw much -amusement, in his latest years at Quincy, from the accurate delineation -of Washington manners and character, which was regularly transmitted, -for a considerable period, in letters from her pen. And if as time -advances, she becomes gradually less able to devote her sense of sight -to reading and writing, her practice of the more homely virtues of -manual industry, so highly commended in the final chapter of the book of -Solomon, still amuses the declining days of her varied career.” - -On the fourth of March, 1825, John Quincy Adams was inaugurated as -President of the United States, and took the executive chair, which had -been entered twenty-eight years before by his venerated father. The -scene at the inauguration was splendid and imposing. At an early hour of -the day, the avenues leading to the capitol presented an animated -spectacle. Crowds of citizens on foot, in carriages and on horseback, -were hastening to the great centre of attraction. Strains of martial -music and the movements of the various military corps heightened the -excitement. - -At 12 o’clock, the military escort, consisting of general and staff -officers and several volunteer companies, received the President-elect -at his residence, together with President Monroe and several officers of -government. The procession, led by the cavalry, and accompanied by an -immense concourse of citizens, proceeded to the capitol, where it was -received with military honors by the U. S. Marine Corps, under Col. -Henderson. - -Meanwhile the hall of the House of Representatives presented a brilliant -spectacle. The galleries and the lobbies were crowded with spectators. -The sofas between the columns, the bar, the promenade in the rear of the -Speaker’s chair, and the three outer rows of the members’ seats, were -occupied by a splendid array of beauty and fashion. On the left, the -Diplomatic Corps, in the costume of their respective courts, occupied -the place assigned them, immediately before the steps which led to the -chair. The officers of the army and navy were scattered in groups -throughout the hall. In front of the clerk’s table chairs were placed -for the Judges of the Supreme Court. - -At twenty minutes past 12 o’clock, the marshals, in blue scarfs, made -their appearance in the hall, at the head of the august procession. -First came the officers of both Houses of Congress. Then appeared the -President-elect, followed by the venerable ex-President Monroe, with his -family. To these succeeded the Judges of the Supreme Court, in their -robes of office, the members of the Senate, preceded by the -Vice-President, with a number of the members of the House of -Representatives. - -Mr. Adams, in a plain suit of black, made entirely of American -manufactures, ascended to the Speaker’s chair and took his seat. The -Chief-Justice was placed in front of the clerk’s table, having before -him another table on the floor of the hall, on the opposite side of -which sat the remaining judges, with their faces toward the chair. The -doors having been closed and silence proclaimed, Mr. Adams arose, and in -a distinct and firm tone of voice read his inaugural address. - -The congratulations which then poured in from every side, occupied the -hands, and could not but reach the heart, of President Adams. The -meeting between him and his venerated predecessor had in it something -peculiarly affecting. General Jackson was among the earliest of those -who took the hand of the President; and their looks and deportment -toward each other were a rebuke to that littleness of party spirit which -can see no merit in a rival, and feel no joy in the honor of a -competitor. Shortly after 1 o’clock, the procession commenced leaving -the hall. The President was escorted back as he came. On his arrival at -his residence, he received the compliments and respects of a great -number of ladies and gentlemen, who called on him to tender their -congratulations. The proceedings of the day were closed by an inaugural -ball in the evening. Among the guests present were the President and -Vice-President, ex-President Monroe, a number of foreign ministers, with -many civil, military and naval officers.[11] - -Footnote 11: - - National Intelligencer, 1825. - -Mrs. Adams gave up the comforts of her home, and took possession of the -White House soon after the inauguration. The spring and summer wore -quietly away, for even in the White House, gayety was confined to the -winter season, and save the visits of friends, nothing occurred to vary -the quiet of every-day life. Her children were a consolation to her in -her infirm condition, for her health failed her as soon as she moved -into the President’s house. - -It was the happy fortune of Mrs. Adams to be the occupant of the White -House when Lafayette visited the United States, who at the invitation of -the President spent the last weeks of his stay at the Executive Mansion, -and from there, on the 7th of September, 1825, bade an affecting -farewell to the land of his adoption. - -As the last sentence of this farewell address was pronounced, Lafayette -advanced and took President Adams in his arms, while tears poured down -his venerable cheeks. Retiring a few paces, he was overcome by his -feelings, and again returned and falling on the neck of Mr. Adams, -exclaimed in broken accents, “God bless you.” The sighs and tears of the -many assembled bore testimony to the affecting solemnity of the scene. -Having recovered his self-possession, the General stretched out his -hands, and was in a moment surrounded by the greetings of the whole -assembly, who pressed upon him, each eager to seize, perhaps for the -last time, that beloved hand which was opened so freely for our aid when -aid was so precious, and which grasped with firm and undeviating hold -the steel which so bravely helped to achieve our deliverance. The -expression which now beamed from the face of this exalted man was of the -finest and most touching kind. The hero was lost in the father and the -friend. Dignity melted into subdued affection, and the friend of -Washington seemed to linger with a mournful delight among the sons of -his adopted country. - -A considerable period was then occupied in conversing with various -individuals, while refreshments were presented to the company. The -moment of departure at length arrived; and having once more pressed the -hand of Mr. Adams, he entered the barouche, accompanied by the -Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, and of the Navy, and passed from -the capital of the Union. - -The whole scene—the peals of artillery, the sounds of numerous military -bands, the presence of the vast concourse of people, and the occasion -that assembled them, produced emotions not easily described, but which -every American heart can readily conceive. - -In the following September, she accompanied her husband on a visit to -his aged father at Quincy, but being taken very ill at Philadelphia, the -President was compelled to proceed without her. He did not remain long, -and on the 14th of October set out again for Washington. It was the last -time Mr. Adams ever saw his father! “The aged patriarch had lived to see -his country emancipated from foreign thraldom, its independence -acknowledged, its union consummated, its prosperity and perpetuity -resting on an immovable foundation, and his son elevated to the highest -office in its gift. It was enough! His work accomplished—the book of his -eventful life written and sealed for immortality—he was ready to depart -and be at peace. The 4th of July, 1826, will long be memorable for one -of the most remarkable coincidences that have ever taken place in the -history of nations. It was the fiftieth anniversary, the jubilee of -American Independence! Preparations had been made throughout the Union -to celebrate the day with unusual pomp and display. John Adams and -Thomas Jefferson had both been invited to participate in the festivities -of the occasion, at their several places of abode. But a higher summons -awaited them: they were bidden to a ‘jubilee’ above, which shall have no -end! On that half-century Anniversary of American Independence, at -nearly the same hour of the day, the spirits of Adams and Jefferson took -their departure from earth! Amid the rejoicings of the people, the peals -of artillery, the strains of music, the exultations of a great nation in -the enjoyment of freedom, peace, and happiness, they were released from -the toils of life, and allowed to enter on their rest.” - -These two patriarchs had been corresponding regularly, and their letters -had attracted the attention of Europe as well as America. Mr. Adams had -written the last letter, in which occurs the following expression: “Half -an hour ago, I received, and this moment have heard read, for the third -or fourth time, the best letter that was ever written by an -octogenarian, dated June 1st.” - -The editor of the London _Morning Chronicle_ prefaces his notice of this -correspondence with the following remarks: - -“What a contrast the following correspondence of the two rival -Presidents of the greatest republic of the world, reflecting an old age -dedicated to virtue, temperance, and philosophy, presents to the -heart-sickening details occasionally disclosed to us, of the miserable -beings who fill the thrones of the continent. There is not, perhaps, one -sovereign of the continent, who in any sense of the word can be said to -honor our nature, while many make us almost ashamed of it. The curtain -is seldom drawn aside without exhibiting to us beings worn out with -vicious indulgence, diseased in mind, if not in body, the creatures of -caprice and insensibility. On the other hand, since the foundation of -the American Republic, the chair has never been filled by a man for -whose life (to say the least) any American need once to blush. It must, -therefore, be some compensation to the Americans for the absence of pure -monarchy, that when they look upward, their eyes are not always met by -vice, and meanness, and often idiocy.” - -The administration of Mr. Adams was remarkable for the peace and -prosperity of the country, and there was therefore no event in Mrs. -Adams’ social life of a stirring nature. Her husband was certainly the -most learned man who has yet occupied the Presidential chair. No one at -all acquainted with his life will deny this assertion. Profoundly versed -in the lore of the ancients, he was yet more thoroughly acquainted with -the history of modern governments, and was a deep thinker, as well as an -eloquent speaker. A Southern clergyman visited him during his -administration, and was astonished to find he was intimately acquainted -with all sects and creeds, and had read every book he could mention. -Finally he remembered one work of importance, and asked if he had read -it. Mr. Adams had not, whereupon the minister, delighted with his -success, told it everywhere and was afterward known as the man who had -read one more book than John Quincy Adams. - -Mrs. Adams retired from the White House with heartfelt pleasure, and -sought the quiet her delicate health demanded. - -The following interesting account of an interview with ex-President -Adams, by a Southern gentleman, in 1834, affords some conception of the -home of Mrs. Adams at Quincy. - -“Yesterday, accompanied by my friend T., I paid a visit to the venerable -ex-President, at his residence in Quincy. A violent rain setting in as -soon as we arrived, gave us from five to nine o’clock to listen to the -learning of this man of books. His residence is a plain, very plain one; -the room into which we were ushered (the drawing-room, I suppose) was -furnished in true republican style. It is probably of ancient -construction, as I perceived two beams projecting from the low ceiling, -in the manner of the beams in a ship’s cabin. Prints commemorative of -political events, and the old family portraits hung about the room; -common straw matting covered the floor, and two candlesticks, bearing -sperm candles, ornamented the mantel-piece. The personal appearance of -the ex-President himself corresponds with the simplicity of his -furniture. He resembles rather a substantial, well-fed farmer, than one -who has wielded the destinies of this mighty confederation, and been -bred in the ceremony and etiquette of a European court. In fact, he -appears to possess none of that sternness of character which you would -suppose to belong to one a large part of whose life has been spent in -political warfare, or, at any rate, amidst scenes requiring a vast deal -of nerve and inflexibility. Mrs. Adams is described in a word—a lady. -She has all the warmth of heart and ease of manner that mark the -character of the Southern ladies, and from which it would be no easy -matter to distinguish her. - -“The ex-President was the chief talker. He spoke with infinite ease, -drawing upon his vast resources with the certainty of one who has his -lecture before him ready written. The whole of his conversation, which -steadily he maintained for nearly four hours, was a continued stream of -light. Well contented was I to be a listener. His subjects were the -architecture of the middle ages; the stained glass of that period; -sculpture, embracing monuments particularly. On this subject, his -opinion of Mrs. Nightingale’s monument in Westminster Abbey differs from -all others that I have seen or heard. He places it above every other in -the Abbey, and observed in relation to it, that the spectator ‘saw -nothing else.’ Milton, Shakespeare, Shenstone, Pope, Byron, and Southey -were in turn remarked upon. He gave Pope a wonderfully high character, -and remarked that one of his chief beauties was the skill exhibited in -ranging the cesural pause, quoting from various parts of his author to -illustrate his remarks more fully. He said very little on the politics -of the country. He spoke at considerable length of Sheridan and Burke, -both of whom he had heard, and could describe with the most graphic -effect. He also spoke of Junius; and it is remarkable that he should -place him so far above the best of his cotemporaries. He spoke of him as -a bad man; but maintained, as a writer, that he had never been equalled. -The conversation never flagged for a moment; and on the whole I shall -remember my visit to Quincy as amongst the most instructive and pleasant -I ever passed.” - -Mrs. Adams enjoyed the pleasures of her home but one year, when Mr. -Adams was elected a member of Congress, and from that time forward to -the hour of his death he represented the Plymouth district with fidelity -and ever increasing honor and power. Mr. Adams took his seat in the -House of Representatives in December, 1831, and he lived in his own -house situated on I street. For fifteen years he was a member of -Congress, residing continually at Washington, although making frequent -visits to his old home. - -More than fourscore years had left their impress upon Mr. Adams’ brow, -and he was still in the midst of his usefulness. In November, 1846, he -had a stroke of paralysis, from which he never recovered. On the morning -of that day, while sojourning at the residence of his son, in Boston, -preparing to depart for Washington, he was walking out with a friend to -visit a new medical college, and was attacked by the way. After several -weeks, he improved sufficiently to return to his duties at the capital, -but never afterward entirely recovered. On Monday, the 21st of February, -1848, at half-past one o’clock, whilst in his seat in the House, he was -struck a second time with the same disease. He was removed to the -Speaker’s apartment, borne on a sofa by several members, and plasters -applied, which seemed to relieve him. Mrs. Adams was sent for, and on -his recovering consciousness, was gladdened by her presence in answer to -his inquiry for her. She was in extreme illness and suffering acute -pain, but remained beside him, sustained by her niece and nephew. Mr. -Adams lay in the Speaker’s room in a state of apparent unconsciousness -through the 22d and 23d—Congress, in the mean time, assembling in -respectful silence, and immediately adjourning from day to day. At seven -o’clock on the evening of the 23d he died. President Polk issued a -Proclamation announcing his death, and orders were issued from all the -Departments directing that suitable honors should be paid the -illustrious dead. The funeral took place in the Capitol, at twelve -o’clock, Saturday, 26th of February, after which the body was conveyed -to the Congressional burying-ground, to remain until the completion of -the preparations for the removal to Quincy. - -The following letter of thanks from Mrs. Adams, addressed to the -Speaker, was laid before the House of Representatives: - - - “WASHINGTON, _February 29th, 1848_. - -“SIR:—The resolutions in honor of my dear deceased husband, passed by -the illustrious assembly over which you preside, and of which he at the -moment of his death was a member, have been duly communicated to me. - -“Penetrated with grief at this distressing event of my life, mourning -the loss of one who has been at once my example and my support through -the trials of half a century, permit me nevertheless to express through -you my deepest gratitude for the signal manner in which the public -regard has been voluntarily manifested by your honorable body, and the -consolation derived to me and mine from the reflection that the -unwearied efforts of an old public servant have not even in this world -proved without their reward in the generous appreciation of them by his -country. - -“With great respect, I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, - - “LOUISA CATHERINE ADAMS.” - - -On the following week, the remains of the deceased ex-President were -conveyed to Quincy, accompanied by a committee of one from each State -and Territory in the Union. - -After this sad event in Mrs. Adams’ life, she lived uninterruptedly at -her home in Quincy, enjoying the society of her children and relations. -Mr. Charles Francis Adams thus closes a letter regarding his mother: - -“I should be very glad to be of service to you if I were possessed of -the material which you desire in connection with the life of my mother. -But I fear they are not to be found among the papers left by her. She -wrote much and read a great deal, both of French and English literature, -and translated from the former for the amusement of her friends. She -also wrote verses frequently in the same way. But all these -accomplishments of hers, including a nice taste in music and a -well-cultivated voice, are matters of little moment in a publication, -however much they may contribute to the refinement of the social circle -at home. Although she lived to quite an advanced age, her health was -always delicate and variable, so as to interrupt the even tenor of her -life and disincline her to the efforts required for general society, -especially during her twelve years spent at different courts in Europe.” - -Mrs. Adams died the 14th of May, 1852, and was buried by the side of her -husband, in the family burying-ground at Quincy, Massachusetts. - - - - - VII. - RACHEL JACKSON. - - -The cruel misrepresentations of political opponents had crushed the -heart of Rachel Jackson, and ended her days before her husband took -possession of the Home of the Presidents. She was denied the -gratification of accompanying him to Washington, and of gracing the -White House, but she was even in death the President’s wife, and as such -is ranked. In his heart she lived there, the object of the most -deathless and exalted affection, the spiritual comforter and companion -of his lonely hours. The friends and visitors of the new President saw -her not, nor was she mentioned by the throng; but to him she was ever -present in the form of memory and eternal, undying love. - -The day of party strife and bitterness toward General Jackson has passed -away forever, and the nobility and refined sensibility of his nature are -at last appreciated. The slanders and falsehoods which embittered his -earthly life, have been eclipsed by the sunlight of truth, and over the -lapse of years comes ringing the prophetic assertion of the immutability -of right. He is avenged. Once it was the fashion to revile him, and -multitudes in this country who had no independent judgments of their -own, took up the gossip of the day and pursued their congenial calling, -even after death had taken him from their sight forever. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. ANDREW JACKSON. -] - -Down from the canvas beams his speaking eye upon us, and its meaning -seems to say, justice to her is honor to me. With feelings an American -only can appreciate, the task is undertaken, and whatever its defects -may be, its merit is its truthfulness. - -In 1779 Colonel John Donelson, a brave and wealthy old Virginia -surveyor, started to the banks of the Cumberland with a party of -emigrants. He had been preceded by Captain James Robertson and his -companions, nine sturdy pioneers, who had engaged to build huts, plant -corn, and make as comfortable a home as possible for the band that was -to follow. This consisted of families, and among them the families of -several of those adventurous pioneers. - -The country was full of Indians, the forests deep, wild and unexplored, -and the perils very great. In order to escape the toil and danger of -travelling through the wilderness, Colonel Donelson accomplished the -journey by water. It was a distance of more than two thousand miles, and -never before had any man been bold enough to project such a voyage. They -sailed down the Holston river to the Tennessee, down the Tennessee to -its junction with the Ohio, up the Ohio till they reached the -Cumberland, and up this stream to the French Salt Springs, on the spot -where now stands the city of Nashville. Colonel Donelson kept an account -of this remarkable and perilous voyage, entitled, “Journal of a voyage, -intended by God’s permission, in the good boat Adventure, from Fort -Patrick Henry on Holston river, to the French Salt Springs on Cumberland -river, kept by John Donelson,” and the thrilling incidents and -remarkable personal adventures are deeply interesting. - -They were four months on the journey, the sufferings and privations of -which can scarcely be appreciated by the more fortunate who now travel -the same way amid quiet woods, green fields, and peaceful country homes. -To those adventurers, the dangerous points of the rivers were unknown, -and many were the accidents that befell them. They started in the depths -of winter, and were obliged to encounter excessive cold and frosts. But -worse than all, the Indians were ever on the watch to entrap them. The -journal says, “we still perceived them, marching down the river in -considerable bodies, keeping pace with us.” The wildest, most romantic, -and lonely spot on this continent is the “Whirl,” in the Tennessee -river, where the river is compressed within less than half its usual -width by the Cumberland mountain which juts in on both sides. Its beauty -is only equalled by its danger. In passing through this place, a large -canoe, containing all the property of one of the emigrants, was -overturned and the little cargo was lost. The family had gone into a -larger boat for safety. “The company,” says Colonel Donelson, “pitying -their distress, concluded to halt and assist in recovering the property. -We had landed on the northern shore, at a level spot, and were going up -to the place, when the Indians, to our astonishment, appeared -immediately over us on the opposite cliffs, and commenced firing down -upon us, which occasioned a precipitate retreat to the boats. We -immediately moved off.” - -One of this intrepid little band of emigrants, sharing in its hardships -and dangers, was Rachel Donelson, the daughter of Col. John Donelson. -She was then a bright-eyed, black-haired, sprightly, pretty child of -about twelve years. On the 24th of April, 1780, they reached the little -settlement of log-cabins that Captain Robertson and his band had made -ready for them. But perils and privations were not past. The Indians -were wily and untiring in laying their crafty ambushes, and many were -the victims that fell within their deadly grasp, and were despatched by -their murderous weapons. With all these troubles, however, the -settlement grew in numbers and in strength; such was the intrepidity and -the persevering energy which inspired these heroic men and women. As -Colonel Donelson was one of the most influential, he became one of the -wealthiest of the settlers. He had owned extensive iron works in -Pittsylvania County, Virginia, which he had sold when he started to the -West. Prior and subsequent to the revolution, he was a member of the -House of Burgesses, and had repeatedly represented the counties of -Campbell and Pittsylvania. Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were his -personal friends; he held commissions under each of them to execute -important trusts, such as the survey of State lines, the negotiating of -treaties with Indians, or establishing the authority of the State over -distant territory. His confidence in General Washington was implicit, -and the earnestness with which he spoke his sentiments had a most happy -and conservative influence over the people of the West. The little -colony soon began to suffer from the insufficient supply of corn and of -powder and lead, and as the family of Colonel Donelson numbered many -children and servants, he concluded to remove with them to Kentucky. He -had in that State, moreover, land claims which he could more easily -attend to and secure by being there. During his residence there, his -daughter Rachel was married to Lewis Robards, a man of good family. She -had grown up amid the trials and dangers of a frontier life, but the -examples that she daily saw of noble fortitude, of calm bravery, and of -heroic labor were worth many a tamer and weaker lesson of more civilized -life. She grew up accomplished in the higher art of making home -attractive and relatives happy. She was at the same time lively and -gentle, gifted with patience and prudence, and winning in her simple and -unaffected manners. - -Soon after his daughter’s marriage, Colonel Donelson returned to -Tennessee with his family. In the fall of 1785, while surveying in the -woods far from home, this brave and gallant gentleman was pierced by -bullets from an unseen foe, and died the same night. Judge John Overton, -then a young lawyer, in the fall of 1787, went to Mercer County, -Kentucky, and became a boarder in the family of Mrs. Robards, where -Lewis Robards and his wife were living. Judge Overton was not long in -discovering that they lived very unhappily, because Captain Robards was -jealous of a gentleman named Short. His disposition was extremely -unfortunate, and kept the whole family in uneasiness and distress. This -unpleasant state of affairs continued to increase until Captain Robards -wrote to his mother-in-law, the widowed Mrs. Donelson, requesting that -she would take her daughter home, as he did not intend to live with her -any longer. Some time in the latter part of 1788, Samuel Donelson came -and started away with his sister. Judge Overton says, “my clear and -distinct recollection is, that it was said to be a final separation, at -the instance of Captain Robards; for I well recollect the distress of -old Mrs. Robards on account of her daughter-in-law Rachel going away, -and on account of the separation that was about to take place, together -with the circumstance of the old lady’s embracing her affectionately. -The old lady always blamed her son Lewis, and took the part of her -daughter-in-law.” - -Judge Overton further remarks that he never heard any of the family -censure young Mrs. Robards on account of the unhappy difference between -her husband and herself; but that he frequently heard them express the -most favorable sentiments regarding her. - -As stated in his narrative, published in 1827, Judge Overton, deciding -to fix his residence in Tennessee, left old Mrs. Robards, with the -promise that he would use his best endeavors to effect a reconciliation -between her son Lewis and his wife, particularly as her son seemed -unhappy, and regretful of what had occurred. The Judge took occasion to -speak with him upon the subject, and he said he was convinced that his -suspicions were unfounded, and that he wished to live with his wife. -Upon arriving at his destination in Tennessee, by a remarkable and -romantic coincidence, the Judge again became a boarder in the same house -with Mrs. Lewis Robards. Mrs. Donelson, her mother, was not only willing -to accommodate him, but was glad to add to the number of her protectors -against the Indians. Another lawyer, Andrew Jackson, became a boarder -with Mrs. Donelson at the same time, being introduced by Judge Overton. -“Soon after my arrival,” continues the Judge in his narrative, “I had -frequent conversations with Mrs. Lewis Robards, on the subject of living -happily with her husband. She, with much sensibility, assured me that no -effort to do so should be wanting on her part; and I communicated the -result to Captain Robards and his mother, from both of whom I received -congratulations and thanks. - -“Captain Robards had previously purchased a preemption in this country -on the south side of the Cumberland river, in Davidson county, about -five miles from where Mrs. Donelson then lived. In the arrangement for a -reunion between Captain Robards and his wife, I understood it was agreed -that Captain Robards was to live in this country instead of Kentucky; -and that until it was safe to go to his own land, he and his wife were -to live at Mrs. Donelson’s.” They became reunited in the year 1789. - -“Not many months elapsed before Robards became jealous of Jackson, -which, I felt confident, was without the least ground. Some of his -irritating conversations on this subject with his wife, I heard amidst -the tears of herself and her mother, who were greatly distressed. I -urged to Robards the unmanliness of his conduct, after the pains I had -taken to produce harmony as a mutual friend of both families, and my -honest conviction that his suspicions were groundless. These -remonstrances seemed not to have the desired effect. As much commotion -and unhappiness prevailed in the family as in that of Mrs. Robards, in -Kentucky. At length I communicated to Jackson the unpleasant situation -of living in a family where there was so much disturbance, and concluded -by telling him that we would endeavor to get some other place. To this -he readily assented. - -“Being conscious of his innocence, Jackson said he would talk to -Robards. What passed between them I do not know. Mrs. Donelson related -that Robards became violently angry and abusive, and said that he was -determined not to live with Mrs. Robards. Jackson retired from the -family and went to live at Mansker’s Station. Captain Robards remained -several months with his wife, and then went to Kentucky. Soon after this -affair, Mrs. Robards went to live at Colonel Hays’, who married her -sister. - -“Some time in the fall of 1790, there was a report afloat that Captain -Robards intended to come down and take his wife to Kentucky. This -created great uneasiness both with Mrs. Donelson and her daughter, the -latter of whom was much distressed, being convinced after two fair -trials, as she said, that it would be impossible to live with Captain -Robards; and of this opinion was I, with all those I conversed with, who -were acquainted with the circumstances. During the winter of 1791, Mrs. -Donelson told me of her daughter’s intention to go down the river to -Natchez, to some of their friends, in order to keep out of the way of -Captain Robards, as she said he had threatened to haunt her. Knowing, as -I did, Captain Robards’ unhappy disposition, and his temper growing out -of it, I thought she was right to keep out of the way, though I do not -believe that I so expressed myself to the old lady or to any other -person. - -“The whole affair gave Jackson great uneasiness. In his singularly -delicate sense of honor, and in what I thought his chivalrous -conceptions of the female sex, it occurred to me that he was -distinguishable from every other person with whom I was acquainted. -About the time of Mrs. Donelson’s communication to me respecting her -daughter’s intention of going to Natchez, I perceived in Jackson -symptoms of more than usual concern. Wishing to ascertain the cause, he -frankly told me that he was the most unhappy of men, in having -innocently and unintentionally been the cause of the loss of peace and -happiness of Mrs. Robards, whom he believed to be a fine woman. It was -not long after this before he communicated to me his intention of going -to Natchez with Colonel Stark, with whom Mrs. Robards was to descend the -river, saying that she had no friend or relation that would go with her, -or assist in preventing Stark and his family and Mrs. Robards from being -massacred by the Indians, then in a state of war and exceedingly -troublesome. Accordingly, Jackson, in company with Mrs. Robards and -Colonel Stark, a venerable and highly esteemed old man and friend of -Mrs. Robards, went down the river from Nashville to Natchez, in the -winter or early spring of 1791. It was not, however, without the urgent -entreaties of Colonel Stark, who wanted protection from the Indians, -that Jackson consented to accompany them. - -“Previously to Jackson’s starting, he committed all his law business to -me, at the same time assuring me that as soon as he should see Col. -Stark and his family and Mrs. Robards situated with their friends, he -would return and resume his practice. He descended the river, returned -from Natchez to Nashville, and was at the Superior Court, in the latter -place, in May, 1791, attending to his business as a lawyer and -solicitor-general for the government. Shortly after this time, we were -informed that a divorce had been granted by the Legislature of Virginia. - -“The divorce was understood by the people of this country to have been -granted in the winter of 1790–1791. I was in Kentucky in the summer of -1791, remained at old Mrs. Robards’, my former place of residence, a -part of the time, and never understood otherwise than that Captain -Robards’ divorce was final, until the latter part of the year 1793. In -the summer of 1791, General Jackson went to Natchez, and, I understood, -married Mrs. Robards, then believed to be freed from Captain Robards, by -the divorce in the winter of 1790–1791. They returned to Nashville, -settled in the neighborhood of the city, where they have lived ever -since, esteemed and beloved by all classes. - -“About the month of December, 1793, after General Jackson and myself had -started to Jonesborough, in East Tennessee, where we practised law, I -learned for the first time that Captain Robards had applied to Mercer -Court, in Kentucky, for a divorce, which had then recently been granted; -and that the Legislature had not absolutely granted a divorce, but left -it for the Court to do. I need not express my surprise, on learning that -the act of the Virginia Legislature had not divorced Captain Robards. I -informed General Jackson of this, who was equally surprised; and during -our conversation, I suggested the propriety of his procuring a license -on his return home, and having the marriage ceremony again performed, so -as to prevent all future cavilling on the subject. - -“To this suggestion, he replied that he had long since been married, on -the belief that a divorce had been obtained, which was the understanding -of every person in the country; nor was it without difficulty he could -be induced to believe otherwise. - -[Illustration: - - THE FIRST RESIDENCE OF ANDREW JACKSON. -] - -“On our return home from Jonesborough, in January, 1794, to Nashville, a -license was obtained, and the marriage ceremony again performed. - -“The slowness and inaccuracy with which information was obtained in -Tennessee at that time, will not be surprising when we consider its -insulated and dangerous situation, surrounded on every side by the -wilderness, and by hostile Indians, and that there was no mail -established until about 1797.” - -Subsequent events proved this marriage to be one of the very happiest -that was ever formed. A romantic person would say that it was made in -Heaven, and certainly it had the requisites of a heavenly union. Nothing -could exceed the admiration, and love, and even deference of General -Jackson for his wife. Her wish to him was law. It was a blessed ordering -of Providence that this kind, good heart should find at last, after so -many troubles, a tender and true friend and protector, understanding her -perfectly, and loving her entirely. - -Mrs. Jackson was a noble woman, and abundantly blessed with superior -sense. She was a good manager, a kind mistress, always directing the -servants, and taking care of the estate in her husband’s frequent -absences, and withal a generous and hospitable neighbor. - -She had a great many nieces and nephews, some of whom were nearly all -the time staying with her. She was very lively in her manners, well -knowing how to tell stories, and amuse the young people of the -neighborhood, who were much attached to her, all calling her -affectionately Aunt Rachel, as her nieces and nephews did. - -About the year 1804, General Jackson fixed his residence upon a superb -estate of a thousand acres, twelve miles from Nashville, which he named -the Hermitage. They lived at first in an ordinary frame building, -sufficiently comfortable, but rather small. No lack of space in the -house, however, could contract the liberal and hospitable spirit of the -master and mistress of the Hermitage. When the Marquis de Lafayette -visited Nashville on his return to America, there was an entertainment -given in his honor at the Hermitage, to which many ladies and gentlemen -were invited. At this banquet, and during his stay in Nashville, General -Lafayette was particularly respectful and attentive to Mrs. Jackson; and -after his return to France, he never failed, in writing to General -Jackson, to send her his compliments. - -But the General was the “prince of hospitality,” as one of his neighbors -said, “not because he entertained a great many people, but because the -poor belated pedlar was as welcome as the President of the United -States, and made so much at his ease that he felt as though he had got -home.” - -One who often visited General Jackson’s house wrote that “it was the -resort of friends and acquaintances, and of all strangers visiting the -State; and the more agreeable to all from the perfect conformity of Mrs. -Jackson’s character to his own. She had the General’s own warm heart, -frank manners, and hospitable temper, and no two persons could have been -better suited to each other, lived more happily together, or made a -house more attractive to visitors. She was always doing kind things in -the kindest manner. No bashful youth or plain old man, whose modesty set -them down at the lower end of the table, could escape her cordial -attention, any more than the titled gentlemen at her right and left.” - -She had no children of her own, and it was a source of regret to both; -but a fortunate circumstance threw a little child across her pathway, -and she gladly took the babe to her home and heart. Her brother had twin -boys born to him, and wishing to help her sister in a care which was so -great, took one of them to the Hermitage when it was but a few days old. - -The General soon became extremely attached to the little guest, and -adopted him, giving him his own name, and treating him from that time -with unremitting kindness and affection, as if he were indeed his only -son. A traveller, who arrived at the Hermitage one wet, chilly evening -in February, says: “I came upon General Jackson in the twilight, sitting -alone before the fire, a lamb and a child between his knees. Seeing me, -he called a servant to remove the two innocents to another room, and -said that the child had cried because the lamb was out in the cold, and -begged him to bring it in, which he had done to please the child—his -adopted son, then not two years old.” This son, Andrew Jackson, jr., was -the sole heir of the General’s large estate. His widow resides yet at -the Hermitage, at the request of the State of Tennessee, which purchased -the homestead at the close of the war. - -A few days after the battle of New Orleans, Mrs. Jackson arrived in that -city with a party of Tennesseeans, bringing with her the little Andrew, -then about seven years old. She participated in the attentions that were -showered upon the General, who showed her, himself, the most marked -respect and deference. The ladies of New Orleans presented her with a -valuable and beautiful set of topaz jewelry. In her portrait, at the -Hermitage, Mrs. Jackson wears the dress which she appeared in at the -grand ball given in New Orleans, in honor of the General. It is white -satin, ornamented with lace, and jewelry of pearls. This portrait was -painted by Earl, an artist who married a niece of Mrs. Jackson’s and -resided many years in General Jackson’s family. - -In 1816 Mrs. Jackson joined the church, while attending the ministry of -the Rev. Gideon Blackburn, a Presbyterian divine, whom she ever after -regarded with the deepest veneration. To gratify her, General Jackson -built a little church on the estate, a quarter of a mile from the house. -It was plain and simple, and small, but very dear to Mrs. Jackson, who -spent in it many happy hours. It was a blessing to the neighbors, who -found it convenient and pleasant to send their children to -Sunday-school, and to attend church themselves when it was impossible to -go farther. - -A new house was built during the summer of 1819. It was erected -expressly for Mrs. Jackson, and everything regarding it was done exactly -in accordance with her wishes. Major Lewis, who visited the site, -recommended a more elevated position to the General. “No, Major,” said -he, “Mrs. Jackson chose this spot, and she shall have her wish. I am -going to build this house for her; I don’t expect to live in it myself.” -He was at the time very feeble and exhausted from the severe illness -succeeding his return from the Seminole war, and was, as he supposed, -not long for this world. - -The house is situated in a level place, rather lower than the avenue -which leads to it, and from the gate only glimpses of it can be -obtained. The surrounding country is exceedingly beautiful. The long -stately avenue of cedars ends in an oval-shaped lawn in which stands the -mansion. Both in front and in the rear of the house there are grand -double piazzas, with stone floors supported by large fluted columns, -round which cling and bloom beautiful rose vines. Under the shade of -these drooping tendrils, General Jackson and his cherished wife were -wont to saunter, occasionally stopping to more distinctly hear the rich -notes of the southern songsters, or to catch the mournful cry of the -ringdove in the distant cotton-field. - -The walls of the hall are covered with scenes from Telemachus, which was -formerly so fashionable for papering. The fairy beauty of Calypso’s -enchanted island, with its sparkling fountains, its flowery groves, its -elegant pillared palaces, its dancing nymphs, its altars of incense and -votive wreaths, its graceful groups of statues on the sea-shore, and, -above all, its lovely queen and the noble youth and his wise Mentor, -lend an air of interest and beauty to this cool hall which is -delightful. There is hanging here a handsome portrait of Columbus. The -furniture is old-fashioned and dignified, and there are several busts of -distinguished men. That of General Jackson was taken by Mr. Persico, -made in Italy and presented to the General. - -The parlors are large, pleasant rooms, in which there are many -curiosities, and various odd and exquisite pieces of furniture that were -presented at different times to General Jackson. The house is spacious -and handsome. When first built, it was the most elegant one in all the -country around. It was a gift of love from the General to his beloved -wife, when he did not expect to survive her; and it was arranged to suit -her slightest wish, that nothing might be wanting to her satisfaction, -which it was possible in his power to provide. The extensive and -carefully-ordered garden was tended and overlooked by her, and contains -a great many sweet shrubs and evergreens and beautiful flowers, a large -number of which she planted herself. - -[Illustration: - - THE HERMITAGE—THE HOME OF ANDREW JACKSON. -] - -In 1821 General Jackson was appointed Governor of Florida, and left the -Hermitage the 18th of April, accompanied by Mrs. Jackson and the “two -Andrews,” the adopted son and nephew—Andrew Jackson Donelson.[12] The -following September she wrote to a friend at Nashville: “The General, I -think, is the most anxious man to get home I ever saw. He calls it a -wild-goose chase, his coming here. He tells me to say to you and Captain -Kingsley, that in the multiplicity of business, if he had or could have -seen any advantages for your better prospects, he would have written -Captain Kingsley long since. You are in the best country in America. O, -how has this place been overrated. We have had a great many deaths; -still I know it is a healthy climate. Amongst many disadvantages, it has -few advantages. I pity Mr. J., he will have so much fatigue. Not one -minister of the gospel has come to this place yet; no, not one; but we -have a prayer-meeting every Sabbath. The house is crowded so that there -is not room for them. Sincere prayers are constantly sent up to the -Hearer of prayer for a faithful minister. Oh, what a reviving, -refreshing scene it would be to the Christians, though few in number. -The non-professors desire it. Blessed be God, he has a few even here -that are bold in declaring their faith in Christ. You named, my dear -friend, my going to the theatre. I went once, and then with much -reluctance. I felt so little interest in it, however, I shall not take -up much time in apologizing. My situation is a peculiar one at this -time. I trust in the Lord my dear child, Andrew, reached home in safety. -I think you all must feel a great deal for me, knowing how my very heart -recoiled at the idea of what I had to encounter. Many have been -disappointed. I have not. I saw it as plain as I now do when it is -passing. O Lord, forgive, if thy will, all those my enemies that had an -agency in the matter. Many wander about like lost sheep; all have been -disappointed in offices. Crage has a constable’s place of no value. The -President made all the appointments and sent them from the City of -Washington.” - -Footnote 12: - - After General Jackson landed at Blakely, near Mobile, he proceeded up - the river about forty miles, to a military post under the command of - Colonel Brook, and called “Montpelier.” Here he was detained some - days, during which time he learned that the Indian Chief - “Weatherford,” who commanded at the destruction and massacre of Fort - Mimms, was living but a few miles off. General Jackson remembered the - brave conduct of the Chief at the battle of “Horse Shoe,” where losing - the most of his warriors, he surrendered alone, remarking, that “he - had fought as long as he had men, and would fight longer if he - could;”[13] and at his suggestion Colonel Brook invited the Chief to - dinner the following day. The next day his appearance attracted much - attention at the fort, and when dinner was announced, General Jackson - escorted him to the presence of the ladies, introducing him to Mrs. - Jackson as the Chief of the Creek Indians and the bravest of his - tribe. She smilingly welcomed him and said, “she was pleased to meet - him at the festive board, and hoped that the strife of war was ended - forever.” “I looked up,” he said, “and found all eyes upon me, but I - could not speak a word. I found something choked me, and I wished I - was dead or at home.” Colonel Brook came to his rescue by replying to - Mrs. Jackson, and the dinner passed off pleasantly, but the Chief - related the occurrence a few years later, and said, “he was never - caught in such quarters again.” - -Footnote 13: - - Weatherford’s words were, “I am in your power. Do with me what you - please. I have done the white people all the harm I could. I fought - them, and fought them bravely. There was a time when I had a choice; I - have none now. Even hope is dead. Once I could animate my warriors; - but I cannot animate the dead. They can no longer hear my voice; their - bones are at Tallushatches, Talladega, Emucfaw and To-ho-pé-ka.” - -General Jackson, in a letter to Captain John Donelson, Sr., speaks thus -of his wife: - -“I hope we will be able to leave here by the 1st of October for home. -Mrs. Jackson’s health is not good, and I am determined to travel with -her as early as my business and her health will permit, even if I should -be compelled to come back to settle my business and turn over the -government to my successor. I am determined to resign my office the -moment Congress meets, and live near you the balance of my life. * * * -Before this reaches you, Colonel Butler and our little son will be with -you, I hope. I trust you will extend your care over him until we are -where he has gone. You may be sure your sister will not remain long -behind. We all enjoy tolerable health at present, but I am wearied with -business and this hot weather.” - -Mrs. Jackson sighed for her quiet home and her little church during her -stay in Florida. Pensacola was so different, and the people so entirely -divided in all their tastes and pursuits from the devout Christian -matron, that she could not be satisfied. “Three Sabbaths,” she says, “I -spent in this house before the country was in possession under American -government. The Sabbath profanely kept, a great deal of noise and -swearing in the streets; shops kept open, trade going on I think more -than on any other day. They were so boisterous on that day I sent Major -Stanton to say to them that the approaching Sunday would be differently -kept. And must I say, the worst people here are the outcast Americans -and negroes! Yesterday I had the happiness of witnessing the truth of -what I had said. Great order was observed; the doors kept shut; the -gambling houses demolished; fiddling and dancing not heard any more on -the Lord’s day; cursing not to be heard. - -“Pensacola is a perfect plain: the land nearly as white as flour, yet -productive of fine peaches, oranges in abundance, grapes, figs, -pomegranates, etc. Fine flowers grow spontaneously, for they have -neglected the gardens, expecting a change of government. The town is -immediately on the bay—the most beautiful water prospect I ever saw; and -from 10 o’clock in the morning until 10 at night we have the finest -sea-breeze. There is something in it so exhilarating, so pure, so -wholesome, it enlivens the whole system. All the houses look in ruins, -old as time. Many squares of the town appear grown over with the -thickest shrubs, weeping-willows, and the Pride of China: all look -neglected. The inhabitants all speak Spanish and French. Some speak four -or five languages. Such a mixed multitude you nor any of us ever had an -idea of. There are fewer white people far than any other, mixed with all -nations under the canopy of heaven, almost in nature’s darkness.” - -On the 3d of November, General and Mrs. Jackson arrived at the -Hermitage, delighted to be again at that home within whose doors the -angels, Peace and Happiness, awaited their return, and sat with folded -wings. - -General Jackson set out for Washington, accompanied by his wife, in -1824, going all the way in their own coach and four, and being -twenty-eight days on the journey. In a letter to a friend in Nashville -she says: “We are boarding in the same house with the nation’s guest, -General Lafayette. When we first came to this house, General Jackson -said he would go and pay the Marquis the first visit. Both having the -same desire, and at the same time, they met on the entry of the stairs. -It was truly interesting. At Charleston, General Jackson saw him on the -field of battle; the one a boy of twelve, the Marquis, twenty-three.” - -A great many persons paid their respects to Mrs. Jackson. She says, -“there are not less than from fifty to a hundred persons calling in one -day.” While wondering at “the extravagance of the people in dressing and -running to parties,” she speaks with enthusiasm of the churches and the -able ministers. - -Soon after their return home, Mrs. Jackson’s health began to decline, -and in the succeeding years of General Jackson’s campaign for the -Presidency, it continued delicate. She went with the General to New -Orleans, in the beginning of the year 1828, and witnessed his splendid -reception there. “She was waited on by Mrs. Marigny and other ladies, -the moment she landed from the Pocahontas, and conducted to Mr. -Marigny’s house, where refreshments had been prepared, and where she -received the salutations of a large and brilliant circle. The -festivities continued four days, at the end of which, the General and -Mrs. Jackson and their friends re-embarked on board the Pocahontas and -returned homeward.” - -Mrs. Jackson’s health continued to fail, and no excursions or remedies -were found availing. She had suffered from an affection of the heart; a -disease which, increased and heightened by every undue excitement, was, -in her case, exposed to the most alarming extremes and continually -liable to aggravation. The painful paragraphs in regard to her character -with which the papers of the country abounded, wounded and grieved her -sorely. The circumstances of her marriage, so easily misconstrued and so -lamentably misunderstood by many whom distance and meagre information -had kept in ignorance, were used by the political enemies of General -Jackson as lawful weapons wherewith they might assail his fair fame and -obstruct his rapid progress to the highest place in the land. Considered -in all its bearings, there is not in the whole world a position more -honorable, more important, or more responsible, than that of the -President of the United States. Well were it needful to choose with -circumspection the Chief Magistrate of a country so vast, of a people so -intelligent and brave, and possessing the elements of such greatness and -glory; who holds in his grasp such a multitude of destinies; and who is -able, by his decisions, to continue the sunshine of prosperity, or to -bring the bitter blasts of adversity and discord. Hence the ardor and -even the desperation of the struggles for victory in each Presidential -campaign. The same enthusiasm which actuated the friends of General -Jackson, actuated also his enemies; and nothing could exceed the -earnestness and rancor with which they attacked him. Not content with -reviling him, they must needs drag before the public the long-forgotten -circumstances of his marriage, and wrest them to suit their unworthy -purposes. The kind heart of Mrs. Jackson, though wrung with -mortification and grief, prompted no utterance of impatience. She said -very little, but was often found in tears. Meanwhile, her health -continued to decline. It was too hard to bear that he to whom she had -devoted the affections and energies of her long life, should be taunted, -for her sake; that he should, for her sake, be considered unworthy of -the trust of that nation for whose defence and honor he had undergone -unnumbered fatigues and conflicts and perils. This silent suffering told -upon her spirits, but anxiety to know the event sustained her. - -When the news arrived of General Jackson’s election to the Presidency, -it was received with rejoicings and hilarity in Nashville as everywhere -else, but with calmness by him and her who were so highly honored. Her -gratification must have been too deep and heartfelt to be expressed with -noise and mirth. Despite the calumnies which their enemies had heaped -upon her and the General, the nation had bestowed upon him its highest -gift; and had confided, for a time, the keeping of its honor and -well-being into his hands. The sorrows through which she had passed, -those clouds that had hung over her thorny way, had been dispersed by -the favoring wind of truth, and the bright rays of peace shone upon her -heart. But she was not dazzled by the new prospects opening before her. -The splendors and gayeties of a life in the White House could offer her -no attractions. Her domestic and simple tastes found more pleasure in -her own home and family circle at the beloved Hermitage. “For Mr. -Jackson’s sake,” said she, “I am glad; for my own part, I never wished -it.” She seemed to regret the necessity of a residence in Washington, -and remarked to a friend with an expression of the utmost sincerity, “I -assure you that I would rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, -than to live in that Palace in Washington.” - -Mrs. Jackson always purchased all the clothing and household articles, -both for her own and the servants’ use. Desiring to arrange everything -comfortable during the winter, for she knew that General Jackson would -have many friends at the Hermitage, she made frequent visits to -Nashville, and on one occasion heard the thoughtless remarks of persons -who probably forgot a moment afterward the words which broke the heart -of their victim. It was her custom usually to go to one of her most -intimate friends on reaching the city, and have the horses and carriage -put in the stable, and then go out shopping; but on this occasion she -went early in her cumbrous coach, and as she had many places to visit, -determined to send the driver to a livery stable and meet it in the -afternoon at the Nashville Inn, then the principal hotel in the city. - -Weary and exhausted after a tedious day’s shopping, she went at the -appointed hour to the parlor of the hotel, and while waiting there, she -heard her name called in the adjoining room. It was impossible for her -not to hear, and there she sat, pale and excited, listening to a -repetition of calumnies which political strife had magnified and -promulgated. The bare truthful outlines of her early unfortunate -marriage were given, but so interwoven with false misrepresentations, -that she could hardly believe herself the subject of remark. All she did -hear was never known, but on her death-bed she told the circumstance to -her husband, and then he understood the cause of her violent attack. He -had tried to keep every paragraph and abusive line out of her sight, and -hoped that now, after the election was decided, this unhappy subject of -“her marriage before a divorce was granted,” would be dropped forever. -She had acted as she thought was the best, and indeed in every act of -her life she discovered the fine sense she displayed in her conduct -towards her first husband. But the malicious envy of people who could -not bear her elevation, caught at every straw to revile her pure and -blameless life. Had she lived unhappily with General Jackson, there -might have been some excuse for considering her a weak woman; but her -long, happy and beautiful existence as his wife, was a convincing proof -of her affectionate nature, and religious, high-minded soul. The fatal -error of her youth, in marrying a man her intellectual and moral -inferior, was more than atoned for in the miserable years she spent as -his unappreciated wife. She was sensitive and refined, and her nature -revolted at his coarseness. She had acted rashly in marrying him, but -she was loth to part with him. Was she to blame that she did not know -his character thoroughly before her marriage? The sigh that heaves from -the hearts of thousands of women as they recall a similar experience, -attests her innocence. Was she to blame for marrying again, when she and -every one who knew her believed her free? He had never provided a home -for her, she had always been compelled to live either with her mother or -his, thereby sealing her doom, for no wife, however kind her husband may -be, can be as happy in the home of her parents as she could in one of -her own, be it ever so lowly. Captain Robards never tried to make her -comfortable or contented, but augmented the sorrows of her young heart -by a course of conduct revolting in even the most degraded of men, and -inexcusable in him, since he was of a respectable family, and supposed -to be somewhat cultivated. - -But her offence was the acceptance of a companion and friend, who would -shield her from poverty and unhappiness, and add to her life, what she -had never known, a husband and a home. The bonds of a civil marriage had -been dissolved, not by her efforts, but by her ungenerous, narrow-minded -husband, and she had become the wife of a man eminently suited to her. -With all the bitter experience of her short married life, she trustingly -confided her happiness into the keeping of one who never betrayed it, -and who made her existence a continued source of joy. In the higher -courts, in her conscience, but one marriage tie was recognized, and but -one possessed the entire affection of her young and chastened heart. - -It had been arranged that a grand dinner and ball should be given on the -23d of December, to General and Mrs. Jackson, that day being the -anniversary of the night-battle below New Orleans; a day rendered -celebrated in the annals of his country by his own heroic achievements. - -A week previous to this intended festival, and a few days after her -visit to Nashville, Mrs. Jackson was seized with a spasmodic affection -of the muscles of the chest and left shoulder, attended with an -irregular action of the heart, and great anxiety of countenance. The -suspense and uneasiness occasioned by the late political strife being at -an end, and the uncertainty of the event no longer torturing her, she -could bear up no further. One of the physicians in attendance upon her, -gives the following minute and interesting account: - -“Being hastily sent for, I lost no time in rendering her all the -assistance in my power. Finding she had been bled before my arrival, -without any manifest abatement of the symptoms, I repeated the -operation, which was again had recourse to in the evening, on the -arrival of Dr. Hogg, an eminent physician of Nashville, who had been -sent for simultaneously with myself. These successive bleedings, -together with other treatment, produced great relief, and an entire -subsidence of all the alarming symptoms. The three following days she -continued to improve; she was cheerful, and could sit in her chair and -converse with her friends. On Monday night, however, she sat up too -long, caught cold, and had slight symptoms of pleurisy. These soon -yielded to the proper remedies, a profuse perspiration ensued, which it -was thought proper to encourage with mild, diluent drinks; everything -promised a favorable issue. In this situation, after Dr. Hogg and myself -had retired to an adjoining room, our patient unfortunately got up twice -and sat by the fire. The perspiration became suddenly checked. She cried -out, ‘I am fainting,’ was placed in bed, and in a moment afterwards she -was a lifeless corpse! - -“All our efforts for her restoration were vain and fruitless. No blood -could be obtained either from the arm or the temporal artery. -Sensibility had ceased, life had departed; and her meek and quiet spirit -sought that rest with her God and her Redeemer, which a cruel world -refused to grant. - -“From a careful review of the case, there seems to be no doubt but that -there was a sudden reflux of the blood from the surface and the -extremities, upon the heart and other organs, producing an engorgement -and consequent spasm of that important viscus. That her death is to be -attributed to this cause, rather than to an effusion of the brain, seems -to be inferable from the fact of the total and instantaneous cessation -of the functions of the heart. Not a pulsation could be perceived; her -lungs labored a minute or two, and then ceased. - -“How shall I describe the agony—the heart-rending agony—of the venerable -partner of her bosom? He had, in compliance with our earnest entreaties, -seconded by those of his wife, left her chamber, which he could seldom -be persuaded to do, and had lain down in an adjoining room, to seek -repose for his harassed mind and body. A few minutes only had elapsed, -when we were hastily summoned to her chamber; and the General, in a -moment, followed us. But he was only in time to witness the last -convulsive effort of expiring nature. Then it was that all the feelings -of the devoted husband burst forth. His breast heaved, and his soul -seemed to struggle with a load too oppressive for frail humanity. Nor -was he the only mourner on this melancholy occasion. A numerous train of -domestics crowded around the bed of their beloved mistress, and filled -the room with their piercing cries. They could not bring their minds to -a belief of the painful reality that their mistress and friend, for such -indeed she was, lay before them a lifeless corpse. ‘Oh! is there no -hope?’ was their agonizing question; and vainly would they flatter -themselves with the belief, that perhaps ‘she was only fainting.’ - -“The distressing event spread with the rapidity of the wind; and -neighbors and relatives thronged the house from midnight until late the -following morning. Soon the painful tidings reached Nashville, twelve -miles distant, and a fresh concourse of friends pressed forward to show -their respect for the dead and to mourn with the living.” - -Early on the morning of the 23d December, while active preparations for -the expected banquet were going on, and many bright eyes and gay hearts -were already, in anticipation, beginning the pleasures of the day, the -afflicting news reached the city, of the President’s unlooked-for and -terrible bereavement. This sad paragraph appeared in the papers and cast -a gloom over the breakfast-tables where so many had assembled in joy. -“In the midst of preparations for festivity and mirth, the knell of -death is heard, and on the very day which it was arranged and expected -that our town should be a scene of general rejoicing, we are suddenly -checked in our career, and are called on to array ourselves in garments -of solemnity and woe. Mrs. Rachel Jackson, wife of General Andrew -Jackson, President-elect of the United States, died last night, at the -Hermitage, in this vicinity. The intelligence of this awful and -unlooked-for event has created a shock in our community almost -unparalleled. It was known, a few days since, that Mrs. Jackson was -violently attacked by disease; which, however, was supposed to have been -checked, so as to afford a prospect of immediate restoration to health. -This day, being the anniversary of an interesting and important event in -the last war, was appropriately selected to testify the respect and -affection of his fellow-citizens and neighbors to the man who was so -soon to leave his sweet domestic retirement, to assume the -responsibilities and discharge the important duties of Chief Magistrate -of the nation. The preparations were already made; the table was -well-nigh spread, at which all was expected to be hilarity and joy, and -our citizens had sallied forth on the happy morning with spirits light -and buoyant, and countenances glowing with animation and hope,—when -suddenly the scene is changed, congratulations are converted into -expressions of condolence, tears are substituted for smiles, and sincere -and general mourning pervades a community where, but a moment before, -universal happiness and public rejoicing prevailed. But we have neither -time nor room, at present, to indulge in further reflections on this -melancholy occurrence. Let us submit with resignation and fortitude to -the decrees, however afflicting, of a just and merciful, though -mysterious and inscrutable Providence.” - -The preparations making for the festivity were immediately stopped, upon -the arrival of the melancholy information; and, in their stead, the -committee of arrangements, together with the Mayor and Aldermen of the -city, recommended to the citizens, as an evidence of their deep regret -and sympathy for the calamity which had befallen their honored -fellow-citizen, to suspend for one day the ordinary business of life, -which was cordially observed. In the course of the morning, a card eight -inches long and six inches wide, with a mourning border one-third of an -inch in width, was printed, containing the following announcement: - - -“The committee appointed by the citizens of Nashville to superintend the -reception of General Jackson on this day, with feelings of deep regret, -announce to the public that MRS. JACKSON departed this life last night, -between the hours of ten and eleven o’clock. - -“Respect for the memory of the deceased, and a sincere condolence with -him on whom this providential affliction has fallen, forbid the -manifestations of public regard intended for the day. - -“In the further consideration of the painful and unexpected occasion -which has brought them together, the committee feel that it is due to -the exemplary virtues and exalted character of the deceased, that some -public token should be given of the high regard entertained towards her -while living. They have, therefore, resolved, - -“That it be respectfully recommended to their fellow-citizens of -Nashville, in evidence of this feeling, to refrain, on to-morrow, from -the ordinary pursuits of life. - - “JOSIAH NICHOL, Chairman. - - “_December 23d._” - - -The city authorities also passed suitable resolutions, the last of which -reads as follows: - -“Resolved, That the inhabitants of Nashville are respectfully invited to -abstain from their ordinary business on to-morrow, as a mark of respect -for Mrs. Jackson, and that the church bells be tolled from one until two -o’clock, being the hour of her funeral.” - -These proceedings were signed by Felix Robertson, Mayor, and attested by -E. Dibbrell, Recorder. - -About a fortnight before her death, she remarked to a friend, that -although she had lived with Mr. Jackson nearly forty years, there had -never an unkind word passed between them, and the only subject on which -they ever differed, or where there was the slightest opposition, was his -acceptance of appointments when conferred upon him; she being always -unwilling for him to enter upon public life. Such was the woman whom -General Jackson was called upon to separate from, at a moment of all -others the most trying. - -Although the weather was unfavorable, her friends assembled from every -point, to pay the last tribute of respect to one who could befriend them -no more. Every vehicle in Nashville, and there were more at that day -than now, in proportion to the population, was put in requisition. The -road to the Hermitage had not been macadamized, and it was, -consequently, at that season of the year almost impassable; yet an -immense number of persons attended the funeral. - -When the hour of interment drew near, the General, who had not left the -beloved remains, was informed that it was time to perform the last sad -rites. The scene that then ensued is beyond description. There was no -heart that did not ache, no eye that did not weep. Many of the officers -present, who had shared with the General his difficulties and dangers; -who had seen him in the most trying situations; who had eyed him when -his gallant soldiers were suffering for food to sustain life, and he -unable to relieve them; who had witnessed him on the battle-field, when -the wounded and the dying were brought before him, and every muscle -seemed moved, and his very frame agonized with sorrow; yet had seen no -suffering, however poignant or excessive, affect the General like this -great affliction. When he bade his final adieu to the last kindred link -that bound him to earth, his Roman fortitude seemed for a time to be -completely overcome. It was a soul-rending sight to see an old veteran, -whose head was whitened by the hardships he had endured for his country, -bending over the lifeless form of an affectionate wife, whose death was -hastened by the cruelty of those whose rights he had so nobly defended. -By a muscular and almost superhuman effort, he endeavored to check the -current of his grief; and, waving his hand to the afflicted company, -begged them to weep no more. “I know,” said he, “it is unmanly, but -these tears were due to her virtues. She shed many for me.” But one wish -pervaded the assembly, that the individuals who had hastened this scene -by their relentless attacks on an unoffending woman, could be brought to -witness the saddest spectacle that any present had ever beheld. - -But they were not there to witness the effects of their calumnies. She -was dead, and they were vanquished. Ever after that funeral, his -opponents complained that his personal feelings were allowed to govern -his public acts, and that to be suspected by him of having believed -aught of slander against his wife, was the unpardonable crime which he -never forgave. Brave old Hero! how deathless was the feeling which to -the latest hour of his life displayed the strength made manifest from -its inception! Silent and grave he was on the subject, but forgetfulness -or indifference did not occasion such a course of action, as too many -found to their sorrow. A dangerous look in his flashing eye satisfied -any one of the sacred ground, and few braved his anger by recalling an -unpleasant recollection connected with her. The inhumanity of the world -robbed him of his treasure, and darkened his life, but while he lived -her name was a hallowed sound breathed in the darkened recesses of his -bruised and lonely heart, which cheered him on to the portals of the -tomb through which she had passed to immortality. - -The dear remains were interred in a corner of the Hermitage garden; and -thither the afflicted General was supported by General Coffee and Major -Rutledge. The following gentlemen were pall-bearers: Governor Sam -Houston, Col. Ephraim H. Foster, Col. George Wilson, Gen. Robert -Armstrong, Col. Sam. B. Marshall, Col. Allen, Mr. Solomon Clark, and -Major G. W. Campbell. - -A resident of Nashville, writing to his brother in Philadelphia, said: -“Such a scene I never wish to witness again. I never pitied any person -more in my life than General Jackson. I never before saw so much -affliction among servants on the death of a mistress. Some seemed -completely stupefied by the event; others wrung their hands and shrieked -aloud. The woman that had waited on Mrs. Jackson had to be carried off -the ground. After the funeral, the General came up to me and shook my -hand. Some of the gentlemen mentioning my name, he again caught my hand, -and squeezed it three times, but all he could utter was ‘Philadelphia.’ -I shall never forget his look of grief.” - -Through the kindness of Sarah Jackson, the widow of General Jackson’s -adopted son, I am in possession of a book compiled by Mr. Earl, under -the direction of the General himself, entitled in gilt letters on the -back, “Obituary Notices of Mrs. Jackson.” It contains the funeral card -before mentioned; a great number of eulogies taken from the papers of -the day; innumerable paragraphs expressive of respect and sympathy; and -a synopsis of the funeral sermon, in manuscript. It was preached by the -Reverend William Hume, of Nashville, and has never heretofore been -published. It will be found interesting, not only as the funeral -discourse of so eminent a lady, but as a specimen of a sermon delivered -forty years ago, in a country so undeveloped as Tennessee was in those -days. - - - “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” - Psalm cxii., 6th verse. - -“These words might be applied to that venerable matron, with much -propriety, as she gave every reasonable evidence that she was among the -righteous. Indeed, as her name is indissolubly connected with that of -the President of the United States, it shall be held in remembrance -while the page of history displays the memorable actions of General -Jackson. The words of the Psalmist, however, are applicable to her in a -much nobler sense. - -“The death of this worthy lady is much deplored, not only by her -distinguished husband and immediate relations, but by a large majority -of the people of the United States of America. Her character was so well -known to multitudes who visited the Hermitage, the abode of hospitality, -that the following remarks will readily be acknowledged as true: - -“With respect to her religious principles, they were such as are held -sound by all religious denominations that are commonly called -evangelical. Convinced of the depravity of human nature, as taught in -the Holy Scriptures, she relied on the Spirit of God alone, to -illuminate, renovate and purify that nature that it might be qualified -for the unspotted society of heaven. Believing with the inspired Paul, -that by the works of the law, no flesh can be justified in the sight of -God, her dependence for eternal life was placed on the merits and -mediation of Jesus. Fully persuaded that the law is holy and the -commandment holy, and that God will not acquit the sinner from -condemnation, in a way that will conceal the dignity of His government, -the purity of His nature, the truth of His threatening, or the glory of -His unchangeable justice, she derived all her hope of acceptance with -God from Him who ‘bore our sins in His own body on the tree; who -suffered, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.’ - -“While, however, her whole dependence for acceptance with God was -founded upon the atonement of the Son of God, through whom grace reigns -unto eternal life, she knew that this doctrine did not tend to -immorality. She was taught by Paul that holiness is always inseparably -connected with this dependence on the merits of the Saviour, and that -every motive to holiness arising from interest or gratitude or the -pleasures of religion remains in full force; she therefore abounded in -good works. Assured by the infallible testimony of her Lord and Master, -that every branch of the true vine, as it derives its verdure, beauty, -vigor, and sap from the vine is fruitful, she, a genuine branch, was so -too. In acts of piety, as adoration, thanksgiving and praise, she took -delight. Her seat was seldom empty in the house of God. Though very -often surrounded with company from every State in the Union, neither she -nor her illustrious husband neglected the house of God on that account. -The tears of genuine penitence were often shed by her in the temple of -the Lord. She had a tender and a feeling heart, and sometimes I have -seen the tears bedewing her cheeks while she was speaking of the -dangerous condition of those around her, who seemed to be entirely -careless about a future state. Indeed, her devotional spirit was -manifest in all her conduct. She meditated on the wonders of redeeming -love with much delight, as the source of her present joy and future hope -of glory. Indeed, her piety was acknowledged by all who knew her, as it -manifested itself by the most unequivocal proofs; a reverential awe, a -supreme love and profound veneration for the incomparable excellences of -God, and a cordial gratitude to Him as the source of all her mercies. -Her love to God was displayed by an unusual obedience to His commands -and by an humble submission to His providence. - -“As a wife, connected with one who stood so high in the estimation of -his fellow-citizens, she was, as a Christian, exposed to some peculiar -temptations; for who can resist the fascinations of honor and of power? -While she rejoiced in the honor of a nation of freemen spontaneously -given to a husband so dear to her heart, yet no unbecoming elation of -mind, no haughtiness, no overbearing conduct, could ever be seen, even -by an inimical eye, in this amiable lady. She was adorned with the -ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, in an eminent degree. Esteem and -affection were so mixed in her bosom for her husband, that her -respectful behavior to him, in her house and among her connections and -acquaintances, struck every beholder as the soft impulse of the -sweetness of her disposition; so that by her kindness and affability, -her husband was more happy in his own family than in the midst of his -triumphs. In consequence of her amiable manners, his own house was the -chief place of his enjoyment. - -“The tears and lamentations of the servants are proofs of the most -unequivocal kind of her excellence as the mistress of her household. -Never did children seem to mourn more sincerely for a mother than the -household servants lament for her. The cordial regard of her servants -may well be attributed to the gentleness of her commands, the calmness -of her temper, and her tenderness in treating them in health and in -sickness. She was, indeed, a mother to her family. - -“The widow and the orphan will long lament the death of Mrs. Jackson. In -the circle of the widows and orphans her benevolence accompanied with -the most substantial acts of beneficence, shone with distinguished -splendor. To her the words of Job may be properly applied: ‘When the ear -heard her, then it blessed her; and when the eye saw her, it gave -witness to her, because she delivered the poor that cried, and the -fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that -was ready to perish came upon her, and she caused the widow’s heart to -sing for joy. She put on righteousness, and it clothed her. Her judgment -was a robe and a diadem. She was eyes to the blind, and feet to the -lame, and a mother to the poor.’ Blest with affluence, she had a heart -to feel and a hand to relieve the poor and the needy. She viewed the -bounties of Providence not only to refresh herself and her family, but -as designed by her Benefactor to flow in channels leading to the doors -of those who were perishing of thirst, that they, also, might quaff and -be satisfied. - -“Some, indeed, during the Presidential struggle, with unfeeling hearts -and unjustifiable motives, exerted all their powers to throw her -numerous virtues into the shade. It was, no doubt, the intention of the -defamers to arouse the indignation of her husband that he might -perpetrate some act to prevent his elevation to that high station to -which the American people resolved that he should be raised. Under this -cruel treatment Mrs. Jackson displayed the temper of a disciple of Him -who was meek and lowly of heart. Her meekness was conspicuous under all -the injuries and provocations which were designed to provoke and -exasperate her. Seldom, indeed, has the busy tongue of slander and -detraction been more gratuitously and basely employed; never was it put -to silence with more helplessness and confusion than in the case of this -amiable and pious lady. Influenced by the religion that she professed, -she restrained all immoderate sallies of passion and harsh language on -that trying occasion. She felt, indeed, the injustice of the warfare. -Her compassionate heart was wrung with sorrow. Her tears flowed, but -there was no malevolence in her bosom. She could have received no -pleasure in giving pain to her detractors. Confiding in God, that He -would bring forth her righteousness as the light, and her salvation as a -lamp that burneth, she was not disappointed. - -“She was permitted to live until the people of America, by their -unbiased suffrage, asserted their full conviction of her innocence in a -manner calculated to shame and confound the most furious and -unprincipled of her defamers. Yes, she lived to see every cloud of -calumny blown away by the united breath of the American people; and -found herself and her beloved husband in the enjoyment of an unclouded -sky, favored with the smiles and the esteem of a people uninfluenced by -detractors and qualified to form their own opinions. - -“While we cordially sympathize with the President of the United States, -in the irreparable loss he has sustained in the death of his amiable -lady, whom he deemed so worthy, as he said, of our tears; we, from our -long acquaintance with Mrs. Jackson, and our many opportunities of -seeing her virtues displayed, cannot doubt but that she now dwells in -the mansions of glory in company with the ransomed of the Lord, singing -the praises of that Saviour whom she loved and served while she was a -pilgrim on earth. In heaven, she drinks of the pure stream of the river -of life, issuing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” - - -Various newspapers, and among them, the _Mercury_ of Philadelphia, -clothed their columns in the badge of mourning; which was “alike -merited,” says the _Mercury_, “by his services and fame and her virtues -and piety.” - -The ladies of Abingdon, Virginia, met and entered into resolutions to -transmit to General Jackson a letter “assuring him of the sincere regard -they bore the character and person of his deceased lady, and the sorrow -they feel at his afflictive bereavement,” and also to wear mourning -badges on their dresses for thirty days. The following is a copy of the -letter of condolence to General Jackson: - - - “_January 5th, 1829._ - -“DEAR SIR: We have heard, with the deepest sorrow, of your late -afflictive bereavement in the death of your truly pious and amiable -wife; and we have met to mingle our tears with yours for the irreparable -loss you have sustained. To weep on such an occasion is not blamable; it -is but a becoming tribute to departed worth; yet, at the same time, we -should bow with submission to the will of Him who ‘gives and who takes -away at his pleasure.’ She has gone, we trust, to those mansions ‘where -the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest,’ where the -voice of malice cannot reach her or the tongue of calumny disturb her. - -“On such an occasion, when religion is deprived of one of its brightest -ornaments, and society of one of its most valuable members, we consider -it our duty to offer to her memory the tribute of esteem which is due to -her worth; and to give you, Sir, our sincerest condolence for this late -afflictive dispensation. At the same time, we offer our fervent prayer -to the Almighty disposer of human events, that your administration of -the high office to which you have lately been elected may be as wise and -happy as your military career was brilliant and successful. - - “SARAH P. PRESTON.” - - -This effusion expressive of womanly feeling does infinite credit to the -highly esteemed authoress. She was a daughter of General William -Campbell, who so gloriously commanded the Virginia militia, and -afterwards a gallant corps in the battle of Guilford Court House, who, -in the language of the historian, were “the first engaged and the last -to quit.” - -The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Knoxville, Tennessee, unanimously -adopted a preamble and resolutions in regard to the death of Mrs. -Jackson. Joseph C. Strong was Mayor, and William Swan, Recorder. Colonel -Jacobs offered the paper, and we annex the resolutions: - -“Resolved, That while we deeply regret the death of Mrs. Jackson, we -cannot but express our gratitude to the Supreme Governor of the -universe, that she was not taken from time to eternity until the people -of the Union had given a clear and distinct manifestation of the high -estimation in which they held the reputation of herself and husband. - -“Resolved, That in consequence of the death of Mrs. Jackson, the Mayor -be directed to request the Rev. Thomas H. Nelson to preach a sermon -suitable to the occasion, in the First Presbyterian Church, at eleven -o’clock A. M., on Thursday, the first day of January next. - -“Resolved, That the inhabitants of Knoxville be respectfully requested -to attend church, and abstain from their ordinary business on Thursday, -the first day of January next, as a tribute of respect to the memory of -the deceased. Dec. 29th, 1828.” - -In accordance with the request contained in the second resolution, the -Reverend Thomas H. Nelson preached a funeral sermon on Thursday the -first day of January, 1829. - -The Common Council of the city of New York passed resolutions of -condolence to mark their “deference for her domestic virtues, her -benevolence and her piety.” An authenticated copy of these resolutions -was forwarded to General Jackson. - -A public gathering assembled at the Vine Street Meeting House, -Cincinnati, Ohio; at which a very large committee was appointed to draft -resolutions which they did, in honor of “a lady in whom by universal -consent, the practical charities of the heart were gracefully blended -with the purest and most unaffected piety.” - -On the 8th of January, throughout the country, instead of the customary -firing of cannon commemorative of the day, a solemn silence was -maintained, as a token of respect for the deceased. At various public -dinners on that day, Mrs. Jackson’s death was alluded to in the most -gentle and sympathetic terms. As an illustration of the tone and spirit -of these allusions, we copy the following. At Boston, this toast was -offered by S. Fessenden, Esq.: “The memory of Mrs. Jackson—sadness to -our joy, but for the bright hope that the event which hath wrought for -him whose praise we celebrate a cypress chaplet, hath introduced her -whose memory we revere and whose death we deplore, to a crown of -unfading glory.” - -In New Orleans the following toast was offered: “The memory of Mrs. -Jackson—an example of piety, benevolence, and every Christian virtue. -‘The only amaranthine flower on earth is virtue.’” - -In Nashville, Captain Parrish presented this—“The memory of Mrs. -Jackson.” - -In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the celebration of the members of the -Legislature, the following toast was drunk:—“The memory of Mrs. -Jackson—the amiable wife of the slandered hero. The grave now shrouds -her mortal remains, but her virtues will shine in brilliant purity, when -her unprincipled slanderers are lost to the memory of man.” - -A touching reference to the sad event was made in the House of -Representatives by the Hon. Pryor Lea, of the Tennessee Delegation. - -And so hundreds of pages of eulogies published in every section of the -Republic might be copied. - -Many pieces of poetry mourning the death of Mrs. Jackson appeared in the -papers, one of which, from the _Cincinnati Advertiser_, is subjoined: - - MONODY - - ON THE DEATH OF MRS. JACKSON. - - “As wintry blasts succeed the summer’s bloom, - And summer suns give place to winter’s gloom; - As to morn’s radiance o’er creation spread, - The night succeeds, when every ray is fled; - Or as the heart, but erst with joy elate, - To sorrow turns beneath some stroke of fate; - So a joy’d nation Fate has bid to turn - Its smiles of joy to tears o’er Virtue’s urn. - Sacred the numbers breathed in Virtue’s name. - Dear still to goodness, if unknown to fame. - Be thine the grateful task, O humble muse - (Virtue’s thy theme, and thou canst ne’er refuse), - Be thine the task that goodness to deplore, - Which Death, relentless, bids to be no more; - To sing th’ unspotted life, unknown to blame. - But every virtue dear to woman’s name; - The meek-eyed charity, the guileless heart, - The long enduring under sorrow’s smart; - The ready friend to comfort in distress; - The hand as willing as the heart to bless; - The every charm exalted virtue lends, - Conferring blessings as its means extends; - The mind sincere, unknown to pious guile; - Which ne’er deceit, dishonest, could defile, - But still intent religion to obey, - And as she taught its precepts, led the way; - To all its active impulses awake, - And virtuous only for fair virtue’s sake. - - “Scarce was the contest o’er, the victory won, - Mysterious Fate! But half thy will was done. - From that first hour a nation made its choice - Of him in whose great name its sons rejoice, - From the first hour the grateful news was hailed, - Even from that hour her gentle spirit failed. - While o’er the land loud peals of triumph rang, - Her milder nature felt the mortal pang - Which still protracted, nought availed to save - Her suffering nature from an honored grave. - - “Eternal Providence! Whate’er thy ways, - ’Tis still our duty to adore and praise. - Lo, the bright virtues from her earliest time, - Which souls ungenerous slandered into crime. - Lo, her loved husband’s fame, by foes assailed, - Impotent still. And while each effort failed, - Behold them turn with most dishonest arts, - Against domestic Peace their venomed darts. - Nor sex, nor purity, nor honored age - Could save them from the shafts of blinded rage. - Yet she but lived to triumph and to see - Her fame proved pure as ’twas designed to be, - When Nature, in her great and high behest, - Formed, of her daughters, her among the best. - Yet shall her cherished memory long endure, - To still assuage the grief it may not cure. - As when the glorious sun retires to rest, - He leaves a golden twilight in the west, - Where the mild radiance of his thousand rays - Illumes the skies and gladdens every gaze; - So the remembrance of her virtues dear - Shall o’er the hearts of those who loved her here - Shed the mild radiance of that tranquil joy, - Which death, nor fate, nor ill can e’er destroy.” - -Until a few days before his death, the General wore always around his -neck and hidden in his bosom a miniature of Mrs. Jackson, on the back of -which is a pretty little wreath made of his and her hair. The chain to -which it is attached is curiously wrought of black beads intermingled -with a flower-work of bright gold ones, into which these words are -skilfully introduced: “Presented to General Andrew Jackson as a token of -esteem, from Caledonia M. Gibson. May blessings crown thy hoary head.” -Every night he placed this miniature on a little table by his bedside, -leaning against his Bible, with the beloved face towards him, so that -the kind, familiar smile should be his first greeting when he waked. His -granddaughter, now Mrs. Lawrence, bears the honored name of his wife, -Rachel Jackson, and was an especial favorite of his. His eyes were often -fixed upon her during his last illness with peculiar interest and -affection. One morning within a few days of his death, when she came to -bid him good-bye, before starting to the city to school, he threw the -chain around her neck and asked her to wear, for his sake, the miniature -he had loved and worn so long. - -In a corner of the garden at the Hermitage there is a simple elegant -monument raised over the vault in which lie the remains of General -Jackson and his wife. The steps run around the circular area, eighteen -feet across. From this platform spring eight fluted columns of the Doric -order, surmounted by a handsome entablature supporting the dome, which -is crowned with a funereal urn. On the interior, a plain cornice of -vaulted ceiling, stuccoed in white, gives an air of purity and -comeliness, well suited to a tomb. From the centre of the platform rises -a pyramid on a square base. On the floor, on each side of this pyramid, -lie the tablets which contain the inscriptions. The one on the left is -the General’s, which bears only his name, and the record of his birth -and death. The hand of an undying affection has covered the other with a -long and tender testimony to her worth. It runs thus: - -“Here lie the remains of Mrs. Rachel Jackson, wife of President Jackson, -who died the 22d of December, 1828, aged 61. Her face was fair, her -person pleasing, her temper amiable, and her heart kind; she delighted -in relieving the wants of her fellow-creatures, and cultivated that -divine pleasure by the most liberal and unpretending methods; to the -poor she was a benefactor, to the rich an example; to the wretched a -comforter, to the prosperous an ornament; her piety went hand in hand -with her benevolence, and she thanked her Creator for being permitted to -do good. A being so gentle and yet so virtuous, slander might wound but -could not dishonor. Even death, when he tore her from the arms of her -husband, could but transport her to the bosom of her God.” - -Here in the freshness and greenness of the garden they planted, -surrounded with climbing vines and fragrant blooms, the General and his -beloved wife sleep their last sweet sleep. Across a garden path lie the -remains of Mr. Earl, the artist, “friend and companion of General Andrew -Jackson.” Beside him lies Andrew Jackson, the adopted son of the -General; and near are two of his infant sons, and a grown son, Samuel, -who fell in battle. - -General Jackson survived his wife more than sixteen years, and, unto the -end, his love for her burned as brightly as in the hey-day of his youth. -Though aged and suffering greatly, he was remarkably energetic and kept -up his correspondence with his old and dear friends. The last letter -that he ever wrote, only two days before his death, was addressed to the -Hon. Mr. Polk, President of the United States, expressing confidence in -his judgment and ability to guard well and truly the interests of his -country. - - - - - VIII. - EMILY DONELSON. - - -Mrs. Emily Donelson, the accomplished mistress of the White House during -General Jackson’s Presidential term, was the youngest child of Captain -John Donelson, a man of sterling integrity and irreproachable character, -perfect in all the relations of life, respected as a citizen, honored as -a Christian, and beloved as a friend and neighbor. She was born in -Davidson County, Tennessee, and educated at the Old Academy, in -Nashville. Of rare personal loveliness and superior intellect, no -expense or care was spared to fit her for the high position she was -destined to fill in society. Though her childhood was spent in what was -then called the “backwoods,” it was not passed in obscurity, for her -close relationship with Mrs. Jackson, the public prominence of her near -relations, Generals Smith, Coffee, and Hayes, and the great wealth and -high standing of her father, early made her familiar with camps and -crowds, and developed that courtly grace and ease of manner for which -she was afterwards so pre-eminent. A host of suitors contended for the -beautiful maiden’s hand, among whom were General Sam Houston, Col. -Ephraim H. Foster, and Major Gustavus A. Henry; they always spoke of her -as the “lovely Emily,” and delighted in expatiating on the charms of her -mind and person. - -At the early age of sixteen she was married to her cousin, Major Andrew -J. Donelson, the protégé and confidential adviser of General Jackson. -She was ever a fond and faithful wife, sharing the joys and triumphs of -her husband, relieving his cares and sorrows, filling his home with -peace and comfort, and his heart with happiness. - -On General Jackson’s election to the Presidency, he appointed Major -Donelson his private Secretary, and invited Mrs. Donelson to officiate -as mistress of ceremonies at the Executive Mansion. - -To settle a delicate question of precedence between Mrs. Jackson, jr., -and Mrs. Donelson, who were both inmates of the President’s House and -nieces of General Jackson, he said to Mrs. Jackson, “You, my dear, are -mistress of the Hermitage, and Emily is hostess of the White House.” -Both were satisfied with this decision, and ever afterward Mrs. Donelson -occupied the first position in the President’s Mansion. This was a -position that the elegance and refinement of the former mistresses of -the mansion had invested with great respect; and Mrs. Donelson filled it -as they had done, ever mindful of her dignity as a lady, and true to her -duty as a wife and mother. In all that is lovely and noble in woman, she -was the peer of her illustrious predecessors; and her tact and grace -contributed much to render General Jackson’s term such a brilliant epoch -in American history. It was a day of fierce party spirit; political -animosity spared neither sex nor condition, yet the voice of detraction -was never raised against her honored name. Friend and foe alike paid -homage to her charms. - -Mrs. Donelson was of medium height, with dark auburn hair, dark brown -eyes, fair complexion, lips and brow exquisitely moulded, slender -symmetrical figure, and hands and feet tiny as a child’s. Her portrait -bears a striking resemblance to the pictures of Mary Queen of Scots. No -stranger ever passes it without commenting on its singular fascination. -Young, fond of society and pleased with attention, she entered with zest -into the festivities of Washington, and participated in all its -gayeties. Her taste in dress was exquisite, and her toilette was the -envy and admiration of fashionable circles. The dress she wore at the -first inauguration, an amber-colored satin, brocaded with bouquets of -rosebuds and violets, and richly trimmed with white lace and pearls, was -a present from the General, and was described in every paper of the -Union. It is still preserved in the family, and even in this day of -costly attire, would be a gala dress. Beloved as a daughter by Mrs. -Jackson, and intimately associated with her for years, she was beside -that honored and dear friend at the time of her death; and her -tenderness and sympathy did much to mitigate the poignancy of the -General’s bereavement. He always called her “my daughter;” and often -when wearied with the cares of office, would seek relaxation amid her -family circle. Arbiter in politics, he deferred all matters of etiquette -to her; and when she would appeal to him to settle any knotty social -point, he would reply, “You know best, my dear. Do as you please.” Of -lively imagination, she was quick at repartee, and had that gift -possessed by so few talkers, of listening gracefully. Thrown in contact -with the brightest and most cultivated intellects of the day, she -sustained her part; and her favor was eagerly sought by the learned and -polished. A foreign minister once said to her, “Madam, you dance with -the grace of a Parisian. I can hardly realize you were educated in -Tennessee.” “Count, you forget,” was the spirited reply, “that grace is -a cosmopolite, and like a wild flower, is much oftener found in the -woods than in the streets of a city.” - -During the Eaton controversy, the public was curious to see what course -she would take. Her friends were also Mrs. Eaton’s friends, it was her -policy to please General Jackson, and General Jackson’s heart was set on -Mrs. Eaton’s social recognition. At the public receptions and levees, -she received Mrs. Eaton with her usual dignity and courtesy; but when -the General asked her to visit that lady, and set the example of public -recognition of his favorite, she refused decidedly, saying, “Uncle, I -will do anything on earth for you, consistent with my dignity as a lady, -but I cannot and will not visit any one of Mrs. Eaton’s reputation.” She -carried her point, and the President never alluded to the distasteful -subject again in her presence.[14] - -Footnote 14: - - Mr. Eaton was the Secretary of War, and Mrs. Eaton, with whose name - scandal was rife, was ignored by the wives of the Cabinet officers as - well as by the generality of ladies in Washington. The Secretary was - an old and intimate friend of the President’s, and his sympathy was - enlisted on Mrs. Eaton’s side of the quarrel, but without avail, so - far as securing her social recognition was concerned. - -Mrs. Donelson’s four children were all born at the White House, and -their earliest reminiscences are of the East Room, levees, state -dinners, and processions. General Jackson made their christenings -occasions of great ceremony. He was god-father of two of them, Mr. Van -Buren of another, and General Polk of the youngest. General Jackson was -very fond of these little ones, and took a grandfather’s interest in all -their plays and games. The White House has probably never had a more -charming tableau than that presented by the old hero, surrounded by the -lovely family group, of which he was the soul and idol. Of Mrs. -Donelson’s children, only her two daughters are now living. Her two sons -passed away in the spring-time of life. They were young men of great -promise, superior intellect, and high social standing. Andrew, the -eldest, was captain of engineers in the United States army, and died of -consumption in 1859. John was captain in the Confederate service, and -fell in the battle of Chickamauga, fighting bravely in defence of the -cause he had espoused. - -In the spring of 1836, Mrs. Donelson’s health became so delicate that -she concluded to leave Washington and go home to Tennessee, hoping, in -the quiet and seclusion of her beautiful home (Tulip Grove) soon to -regain her health and strength. But her symptoms grew more alarming, and -it soon became evident that consumption had marked her for its victim. -The scene changes now from the gay festivities of Washington to the -loneliness and suffering of the sick-room. The hectic flush and wasting -form marked the rapid progress of the insidious disease, and thoughts of -death became familiar. Though so young and gay, she bore her suffering -with the patience and fortitude of an angel, and submitted without a -murmur to the decree that tore her away from husband, children and -friends. Shortly before her death, she made a public profession of -religion, and connected herself with the Presbyterian Church. Every -resource of medical skill and experience was tried to stay the course of -her disease, but in vain; and in December her spirit passed from earth. -Her death was as peaceful and hopeful as her life had been loving and -happy. Always a fond and proud mother, as the time drew near for a final -separation from her children, she clung to them with a tenderness and -devotion touching to behold. A few evenings before her death, she was -sitting at an open window, admiring the beauty of a winter sunset, when -a bird entered, and flying several times around the room, alighted on -her chair. One of her little children, playing by her side, made some -exclamation and tried to catch it. “Don’t disturb it, darling,” said the -dying mother, “maybe it comes to bid me prepare for my flight to another -world. I leave you here, but the Heavenly Father, who shelters and -provides for this poor little bird this wintry day, will also watch over -and take care of you all when I am gone. Don’t forget mamma; love her -always, and try to live so that we may all meet again in heaven.” Ere -the week closed, her chair was vacant; earth had lost one of its -noblest, purest spirits, but heaven had gained an angel. - - “Lovely, bright, youthful, chaste as morning dew, - She sparkled, was exhaled and went to heaven.” - - - - - IX. - SARAH YORKE JACKSON. - - -The wife of President Jackson’s foster-son was the daughter of Peter -Yorke, of Philadelphia, whose grandfather, Judge Yorke, held an -appointment under the crown of Great Britain prior to the Revolution. -She was educated in that city, and received all the accomplishments a -mind of superior order under similar fortunate circumstances would be -capable of appreciating. Left an orphan at an early age, her affections -were concentrated upon those nearest of kin to her, and well and nobly -has she fulfilled all the requirements of sisterly love. A large circle -of friends and relatives rendered her young life happy by their sympathy -and affection, and her youth is remembered as a scene of varied though -ceaseless pleasures. - -Miss Yorke was married to Mr. Jackson soon after the inauguration of his -adopted father, and made her entrée at the White House as a bride. -Necessarily the object of remark and criticism, which has not generally -a tendency to promote ease of manner, she yet managed to win sincere -admiration from all who came in contact with her. Seldom has any one in -so conspicuous a position exhibited so much of the perfect -self-possession which distinguishes the lady “to the manor born.” She -combined the opposite qualities of dignity and affability, and secured -thereby a lasting influence over those with whom she was associated. -Blending a quick temper and high spirits with much kindliness of heart, -she was, as is often the case with such natures, generous and forbearing -toward loved ones—determined and unyielding where her rights were -invaded. Her affection for her father-in-law was intense, and he often -testified his love for her. - -On one occasion, when receiving a deputation from the Keystone State, he -remarked to them, “Gentlemen, I am very glad to see you, for I am much -indebted to Pennsylvania. She has given me a daughter who is a great -comfort to her father.” - -The tone and impressive manner convinced his hearers of the entire truth -of his remark, while the look of affectionate pride bestowed upon her -filled her heart with happiness. - -At the White House she shared the honors of hostess with her kinswoman, -Mrs. Donelson, whose superior charms were gracefully acknowledged by -Mrs. Jackson, and acted in accordance with the President’s suggestion to -remain as the mistress of his own home. - -During the long period of ill-health which accompanied the declining -years of General Jackson, she ministered to him as only a loving woman -can. Never for a moment was her watchful care withdrawn, but leaving all -other duties, she devoted herself to his comfort. - -The crowds of company which flocked to the Hermitage were always -smilingly received by her, and her name was dear to all who enjoyed the -hospitality of the home of old Hickory. After the death of Mrs. Donelson -and the failing health of her father, her task was one of severity, but -the method and order which reigned in and about her home—the attention -she bestowed upon her children, and the manner in which she cared for -the dependent ones about her, attest her strong Christian character, and -convince us that her success was entire. Hospitality at the Hermitage -was taxed in a scarcely less degree than Monticello had once been, and -for many years Mrs. Jackson received the world’s votaries at the shrine -of greatness. - -In addition to all this, there was a never ceasing demand on her time -and brain for the welfare of her numerous dependents. She was a true -friend to the slaves of the family, and the many helpless ones always -seen on a large plantation were her special property. The wants of the -sick, the control of the young and the management of all, was a task -only appreciated by those accustomed to an institution now extinct. On -Sabbath evenings, for many years, it was her habit to have all who would -choose to gather around, to hear her read of eternal life, and to -instruct the children in religious duties. - -Called to pass through great afflictions—to part with father and -husband, and later to mourn the loss of a son in his early manhood, -whose life was just budding into promise of future usefulness, her -sorrows rest now in her declining years heavily upon her. Her grief is -sacred. - -During the civil war, whose earliest tocsin was sounded near her, and -whose dying echoes reverberated along the banks of the Cumberland, she -remained in the lonely home of her happier youth, amid scenes which -continually recall the unreturning past. In the quiet of a winter’s -night, or even amid the beauty of a midsummer’s day, she looks upon the -tomb in the garden, and hallowed recollections fill her heart. Through -the triumphs of life she has passed, and now in the eventide sits beside -her graves.[15] - -Footnote 15: - - The State of Tennessee owns the Hermitage, and Mrs. Jackson resides - there as its guest. - -Now, as in early youth, she evinces her submission to the will of God, -and the little church adjoining the Hermitage is as sacred to her as it -was dear to her adopted mother. - -In her present retirement with her children, of whom two remain to bless -her evening of life, and grandchildren to cheer her with their innocent -gayety, let us hope that further trials may be spared her, and that even -to the end she may enjoy the sweet security of a promise made to those -like her, who have finished their course, and are called to enter into -the joys of their Lord. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. MARTIN VAN BUREN. -] - - - - - X. - HANNAH VAN BUREN. - - -The wife of President Van Buren was born at Kinderhook, on the Hudson, -in the year 1782, a few months after the birth of her future husband, -whose schoolmate and companion she was during their early years. She was -of Dutch descent, and the original name Goes, but pronounced by her -ancestors Hoes, and since so called by all the members of the family in -this country, is familiar to those who are acquainted with the history -of the Netherlands. - -If the charms of nature—grand scenery, magnificent views, and the -ever-varying harmony of beautiful skies—could add to the growth and -development of childhood, Hannah Hoes was incomparably blest. The years -of her life were spent in a happy home circle in the most beautiful -section of her native State—a State remarkable for the grandeur of its -mountain scenery, and the number of its romantic rivers. Chief among -these, and surpassed by none in the world, is the Hudson, in sight of -whose classic waters she lived and died. - -Her ancestors were sturdy, enterprising Dutch, whose homes for many -generations had been along the banks of the stream discovered by their -renowned countryman, and not one of the rosy urchins of their households -but knew of the adventures of Hendrick Hudson, and reverenced him not -only as the hero of their race and the discoverer of their river, but -the founder of their prosperity. Nor could the tales of the old dames -who resided nearest the lofty Catskills—that he and his followers still -haunted the mountains and were the direct cause of calamities—divest -their minds of his wondrous exploits. In each ripple of the dancing -waves, in the denseness of the gray fog, or perchance in the quiet -stillness of eventide, they recognized some similarity, and recalled a -parallel of his experiences. - -Mid such scenes and under such influences passed all the years of Mrs. -Van Buren’s life. - -In February, 1807, at the age of twenty-five, she was married to Mr. Van -Buren. The intimacy which resulted in this union was formed in early -childhood, and the marriage took place as soon as his position at the -bar would justify such a step. The steadfastness of his attachment to -his young relative was a remarkable trait in the character of Mr. Van -Buren, and adds a lustre to his honored name. - -Some time after their marriage they removed to Hudson City, where eight -years of wedded life passed fleetly away, they losing, in the meantime, -the youngest of their four sons, an infant only a few weeks old. In -1816, Mr. Van Buren removed his family to Albany, drawn thither, -doubtless, by his increased and increasing professional standing and -political leadership. - -From this time forth, the highest wishes of his early life were crowned -with complete success. Wealth, fame and influence were the fruits of his -unremitted industry for nearly twenty years. “His natural talents had -reached their full expansion; his laborious industry exhibited its -proper results; and amid a constellation of great minds, whose brilliant -efforts erected and adorned the fabric of New York jurisprudence, the -vigor of his intellect and the richness of his learning won for him a -conspicuous and acknowledged eminence.” - -But the voice of adulation fell upon unheeding ears when sickness -invaded the household and hastened the cherished wife and mother from -her loved ones. Not even the ardent devotion, the deathless affection of -the husband whose efforts in life had all been made for her, could stay -the destroyer in his cruel work. For months she lay an invalid, tended -by those who loved her more than life, and then sank into the grave a -victim of consumption. - -A gentleman of high distinction, who knew her intimately from her -earliest years, said, “There never was a woman of a purer and kinder -heart.” Gentle and winning in life, her memory is redolent with the -perfume of her saintly sweetness and purity. Miss Cantine, the niece of -Mrs. Van Buren, who was but sixteen years of age at the time of her -aunt’s death, gives this picture of her last days: “Aunt Hannah lived -but a short time after their removal to Albany, dying at the early age -of thirty-five, when her youngest child was still an infant. I can -recall but little about her till her last sickness and death, except the -general impression I have of her modest, even timid manner—her shrinking -from observation, and her loving, gentle disposition. The last, long -sickness (she was confined to the house for six months) and her death -are deeply engraved on my memory. When told by her physicians that she -could live, in all probability, but a few days longer, she called her -children to her and gave them her dying counsel and blessing, and with -the utmost composure bade them farewell and committed them to the care -of the Saviour she loved, and in whom she trusted. - -“This scene was the more remarkable to those who witnessed it, as, -through the most of her sickness, she had been extremely nervous, being -only able to see her children for a few moments on those days on which -she was most comfortable. They could only go to her bedside to kiss her, -and then be taken away. As an evidence of her perfect composure in view -of death, I will mention this fact. It was customary in that day, at -least it was the custom in the city of Albany, for the bearers to wear -scarfs which were provided by the family of the deceased. Aunt requested -that this might be omitted at her burial, and that the amount of the -cost of such a custom should be given to the poor. Her wishes were -entirely carried out.” - -The following obituary notice is in itself a sketch of the character of -Mrs. Van Buren, and was written by one who knew her better than any one -out of her own family. - - - _From the Albany Argus Feb. 8, 1819._ - -“Died in this city, on the evening of Friday, the 5th inst., after a -lingering illness, Mrs. Hannah Van Buren, wife of the Hon. Martin Van -Buren, in the thirty-sixth year of her age. The death of this amiable -and excellent woman is severely felt by a numerous circle of relatives -and friends. As a daughter and a sister, wife and mother, her loss is -deeply deplored, for in all these various relations she was -affectionate, tender, and truly estimable. But the tear of sorrow is -almost dried by the reflection that she lived the life and died the -death of the righteous. Modest and unassuming, possessing the most -engaging simplicity of manners, her heart was the residence of every -kind affection, and glowed with sympathy for the wants and sufferings of -others. Her temper was uncommonly mild and sweet, her bosom was filled -with benevolence and content—no love of show, no ambitious desires, no -pride of ostentation ever disturbed its peace. When her attention was -directed, some years before her death, to the important concerns of -religion and salvation, she presented to the gospel she embraced a rich -soil for the growth and cultivation of every Christian principle. -Humility was her crowning grace, she possessed it in a rare degree; it -took deep root and flourished full and fair, shedding over every action -of her life its genial influence. She was an ornament of the Christian -faith, exemplifying in her life the duty it enjoins, and experiencing, -in a good degree, its heavenly joys, its cheering hopes. In her last -illness she was patient and resigned. In the midst of life, with all -that could make it worth possessing—esteemed and loved, happy in her -family and friends—she was forced away. But she left all without a sigh. -She waited the approach of death with calmness—her Redeemer had robbed -it of its sting and made it a welcome messenger. Doubtless, ‘’twas gain -for her to die.’ Doubtless, she is now enjoying that rest ‘which -remaineth for the people of God.’ Precious shall be the memory of her -virtues, - - “Sweet the savor of her name, - And soft her sleeping bed.” - - -[Illustration: Eng_d. by J. C. Buttre. Angelica Van Buren] - - - - - XI. - ANGELICA VAN BUREN. - - -The era in which Hannah Van Buren lived was far removed from her -husband’s ascension to the Presidency, for she had been dead seventeen -years, when, in 1837, that event occurred. He remained a widower, and, -but for the presence of his accomplished daughter-in-law, his -administration would have been socially a failure. The prestige of his -high position was not complete until the honors were shared with his -young relative. - -Angelica Singleton, the daughter of Richard Singleton, Esq., was born in -Sumpter District, South Carolina. Her grandfather Singleton, and her -great-grandfather General Richardson, served with distinction in the -revolutionary war. On the maternal side, her grandfather, John Coles, -Esq., of Albemarle county, Virginia, was the intimate and valued friend -of Presidents Jefferson and Madison, and two of his sons were -respectively their private secretaries during their Presidential terms. - -Miss Singleton’s early advantages were in keeping with her elevated -social position. To complete an education superior to the generality of -her sex at that day, she spent several years at Madame Grelaud’s -seminary, in Philadelphia. The winter previous to her marriage, she -passed in Washington, in the family of her kinsman, Senator William C. -Preston. Soon after her arrival, her cousin, the justly celebrated Mrs. -Madison, procured the appointment of a day to present her to the -President, accompanied also by Senator Preston’s family. Her reception -was a very flattering one, and she became a great favorite with -President Van Buren. In November of the year following (1838), she was -married at her father’s residence, to Colonel, then Major, Van Buren, -the President’s eldest son, and his private secretary—a graduate of West -Point and long an officer in the army. Her first appearance as the lady -of the White House was on the following New Year’s day, when, supported -by the ladies of the cabinet, she received with the President. - -The following brief though favorable cotemporaneous notice of that -occasion is taken from a long and racy account by a correspondent of the -Boston _Post_, of the movements at the capital on New Year’s day: - -“The Executive Mansion was a place of much more than usual attraction in -consequence of the first appearance there of the bride of the -President’s son and private secretary, Mrs. Abram Van Buren. She is -represented as being a lady of rare accomplishments, very modest, yet -perfectly easy and graceful in her manners, and free and vivacious in -her conversation. She was universally admired and is said to have borne -the fatigue of a three hours’ levee with a patience and pleasantry which -must be inexhaustible to last one through so severe a trial. A constant -current set from the President’s house to the modest mansion of the much -respected lady of ex-President Madison. Ex-President Adams and his lady -were also cordially greeted at their residence by a number of friends.” - -Mrs. Van Buren is the only daughter of South Carolina who has graced the -White House as hostess, and her life there was rendered as entirely -agreeable as the combined influences of wealth, station, and refinement -could make it. The reminiscences of her early life carry us back to a -period when South Carolina enjoyed the distinction of sharing with -Virginia the honor of being the seat of elegant hospitality and refined -culture. Under the benign influences of a matchless climate and great -wealth, the people of the Palmetto State enjoyed the leisure and -opportunity of developing all those characteristics which adorn humanity -and render life attractive. The citizens of this State were fortunate in -being the descendants of the best families of Virginia, and Mrs. Van -Buren was a most pleasing representative of this old aristocracy. - -Perhaps no aristocracy in this country was ever so entirely modeled -after the ways and habits of the English nobility as that of Virginia -and South Carolina. The people were enabled, through the institution of -slavery, to keep up a style of living impossible under other conditions, -and they had the wealth and the inclination to be its successful -imitators. They were a monarchial class in a republican government. - -The position of Mrs. Van Buren’s family was always such that all the -avenues of intellectual enjoyment were open to her, while her natural -endowments were of that high order which rendered cultivation rapid and -pleasant. Added to her many gifts was the irresistible one of beauty of -form and deportment. The engraving, from a portrait by Inman, painted -soon after the time of her marriage, represents the exceeding loveliness -of her charming person. More potent than mere regularity of features is -the gentle, winning expression of her clear black eyes; and the smile -about her finely chiselled lips betokens the proud serenity of her most -fortunate life. - -Mrs. Van Buren was, on her mother’s side, descended from a long line of -ancestors, and the genealogical tables of the family discover many of -the leading names of American politicians and statesmen. Aside from mere -wealth, they possessed abilities which, in many instances, secured them -the highest position in the gift of their government. Prominent among -these was her uncle, Mr. Stevenson, Minister to England. In the spring -of 1839, Colonel and Mrs. Van Buren made a rapid visit to Europe, -returning at the request of the President in the following fall in time -for the session of Congress. While abroad, they enjoyed the most unusual -social advantages, being members of the President’s family, and she a -niece of the American ambassador, who had been a resident of London -several years. They were in London during the whole of the season of the -year following the queen’s coronation, which derived especial brilliancy -from the presence of the present Emperor of Russia, Prince Henry of -Orange, and other foreigners of note. - -No American lady has ever visited Europe under similar circumstances. -Nor have any of her countrywomen made a more lasting impression than did -this young representative of the President’s family. By her cultivated, -unassuming manners she made herself most agreeable to the court circles -of England, and maintained in the saloons of royalty the simplicity and -dignity of her republican education. - -Mrs. Stevenson was the chaperon of Mrs. Van Buren on all public -occasions, and the recollections of evenings spent with her at -“Almack’s,” at the Palace, and in the society of the cultured and noble, -were always sunny memories in the heart of her niece. - -Major Van Buren’s position as private secretary rendered their -unexampled and most fortunate visit to England of short duration. To -reach America before the meeting of Congress, they left London for the -continent. In the course of their hurried tour, they passed some weeks -in Paris, and were presented by the American minister, General Cass, to -the king and queen. They were invited to dine at St. Cloud, and were -received with the kind, unceremonious manner which, it is well known, -distinguished all the members of that branch of the Orleans family. -After dinner, Louis Philippe conducted them through the rooms of the -Palace, even to the door of the sleeping apartment, as he supposed, of -his grandson, the Comte De Paris, at which he knocked without obtaining -any response. The queen, having been told by Mrs. Van Buren on her -return of what had happened, said, laughingly, “Ah! that is all the king -knows about it! After his mother left with the Duc D’Orleans for -Algiers, I caused the child to be removed to a room nearer my own.” She -then proposed to send for him, and for her Wurtemberg grandchild also, -but unfortunately for the gratification of her guest’s natural -curiosity, the little princes were fast asleep. - -After the expiration of President Van Buren’s term of office, Mrs. Van -Buren and her husband lived with him at Lindenwald through several years -of his retirement, passing much of the winter months with her parents in -South Carolina, and in 1848 establishing themselves in the city of New -York, which has since been their home uninterruptedly, except by visits -to the South, rendered necessary by the death of her father and the -consequent charge of her patrimonial estate, and by a three years’ -absence in Europe, superintending the education of their sons. - -Mrs. Van Buren’s middle life was spent in New York, where she lived a -pleasant existence, surrounded by her family, and in the midst of a -charming social circle. Her career was an exceptionally prosperous one, -and she enjoyed life thoroughly. She was a cultivated, elegant-mannered -person, considerate of others, sweet in disposition, and gracious in -speech. Her home was the centre of elegant hospitality, and in the -gayest city on this continent she was accounted a society leader. She -was an unselfish woman, and she was never tardy in employing her gifts -or her means in behalf of others. Prosperous and educated to the -enjoyment of wealth; cultured and inclined to appreciate all that was -pleasing and beautiful in life, her career is a delightful one to -chronicle. She knew sorrow in the early death of two of her children; -and in later years the loss of relatives and friends cast a momentary -gloom about her. But few earthly lives have been so unvaryingly even and -free from strong contrasts. Up to the time of her death (which occurred -the 29th of December, 1878) she was a lady upon whom it was a pleasure -to look; whose bearing discovered aristocratic lineage, and cultivation -under happy conditions. - - - - - XII. - ANNA SYMMES HARRISON. - - -Anna Symmes, the wife of the ninth President of the United States, was -born the famous year of American Independence, and but a few months -after the renowned skirmish at Lexington. Her birth-place was near -Morristown, New Jersey, the scene of suffering the following year, where -the tracks of the blood-stained feet of the soldiers attested their -forlorn condition. Soon after her birth, which occurred the 25th of -July, 1775, her mother died. Bereft of her care, she was thrown upon her -father’s hands for those attentions necessary for one of such a tender -age, which until her fourth year he carefully bestowed. Her maternal -grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Tuthill, were residing at Southhold, Long -Island, and thither at the age of four years she was taken by her -surviving parent. The incidents of her journey from Morristown to Long -Island, then in the possession of the British, she remembered through -life. Her father, the Hon. John Cleves Symmes, though at the time a -Colonel in the Continental army, was so anxious to place his daughter -with her grandmother, that he assumed the disguise of a British -officer’s uniform and successfully accomplished his perilous -undertaking. Leaving her in the home from which he had taken her mother -years before, he joined his own troops and served with distinction -during the war. Not until after the evacuation of New York, in the fall -of 1783, did the father and child meet again, nor did she return to his -New Jersey home. Under the care of her excellent grandmother, she became -early imbued with a love of religious reading, and learned those early -habits of industry which the young under the right influences early -attain. Mrs. Tuthill was a godly woman, whose soul had been deeply -stirred by the preaching of Whitfield, whom she greatly reverenced and -admired. From her lips the little Anna received her first religious -instructions, the good impressions of which lasted her through life. She -often remarked that “from her earliest childhood, the frivolous -amusements of youth had no charms for her. If ever constrained to attend -places of fashionable amusement, it was to gratify others and not -herself.”, In this early home of quiet and retirement, she acquired -habits of order and truthfulness which characterized her conduct in -after years. Her hands, even as a child, were never idle, but as a -Christian virtue, she was trained to diligence, prudence, and economy. -When old enough to attend school, she was placed at a seminary in East -Hampton, where she remained some time, and subsequently she was a pupil -of Mrs. Isabelle Graham, and an inmate of her family in New York city. -Here she readily acquired knowledge, and improved the opportunities -afforded her. For her teacher she ever retained the highest regard, and -cherished the memory of that pious and exemplary woman through all the -changes of her own life. - -At the age of nineteen she bade adieu to her aged grandparents, and -accompanied her father and step-mother to Ohio, in 1794. A year previous -to this time, Judge Symmes had located a small colony of settlers who -had accompanied him from New Jersey, at a point on the Ohio river, -afterward known as North Bend. Returning to the Eastern States, he -married Miss Susan Livingston, a daughter of Governor Livingston, of New -York, and in the autumn started again, accompanied by his wife and -daughter, for his frontier home. The journey was made with great -difficulty, and the party did not reach North Bend until the morning of -the 1st of January, 1795. Thus was the youthful Anna a pioneer in the -land which she lived to see blossoming as the rose under the hands of -civilization and material progression. - -Judge Symmes was one of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court of the -Northwestern Territory, and was often called to attend court in a -distant part of the Territory. During the absence of her father on these -journeyings, Anna would spend most of her time with an elder sister, who -had previously removed to Lexington, Kentucky. It was while on one of -these visits to her sister, Mrs. Peyton Short, that she formed the -acquaintance of her future husband, then Captain Harrison,[16] of the -United States Army, and in command of Fort Washington, the present site -of Cincinnati. The youthful Virginian was much attracted by the gentle, -modest manners and the sweet face of Anna Symmes, and he determined on -winning her hand. The effort was highly successful, for they were -married at her father’s house, North Bend, Ohio, November 22d, 1795. - -Footnote 16: - - William Henry Harrison, the third and youngest son of Benjamin - Harrison, of Virginia, was born the 9th day of February, 1773, at - Berkley, on the James river, about twenty-five miles below Richmond, - in Charles City county. His father was a signer of the Declaration of - Independence, a member of the Continental Congress, and afterward - Governor of Virginia. Young Harrison was educated at Hampden Sydney - College, and afterward studied medicine. After his father’s death, in - 1791, he became the ward of Robert Morris, the celebrated financier, - whose private fortune so often relieved the sufferings of the - Continental Army. When about to graduate as a physician, the reports - of troubles in the West decided him to join the frontier troops. The - opposition of his excellent guardian was not sufficient to deter him - from his purpose, and as his design was approved by Washington, who - had also been a warm friend of his father, he received from that noble - warrior an ensign’s commission in the first regiment of United States - Artillery, then stationed at Fort Washington. - -Thus, in less than one year after her removal from her childhood’s home, -in the twentieth year of her age, Anna Symmes became the wife of Captain -Harrison, subsequently the most popular General of his day and President -of the United States. - -Soon after their marriage, Captain Harrison resigned his commission in -the army, and was elected the first delegate to Congress from the -Northwest Territory. Mrs. Harrison accompanied him to Philadelphia, then -the seat of the General Government, but spending, however, most of the -session in visiting her husband’s relatives in Virginia. - -From those who knew Mrs. Harrison at this period of her life, is given -the assurance that she was very handsome. Her face was full of animation -and kindliness, and her health, which was perfectly robust, added a glow -to her features, very pleasing to behold. Her figure was not large, but -a happy medium, although rather inclined to become reduced upon the -slightest occasion. Later in life, as her health grew more delicate, she -looked much smaller than when in youth’s bright morn she became a bride. -In a letter received by her in 1840, from a friend who had known her at -eighteen years of age, this passage occurs: “I suppose I should not -recognize anything of your present countenance, for your early days have -made such an impression upon my mind that I cannot realize any -countenance for you but that of your youth, on which nature had been so -profusely liberal.” In the pictures taken later in life, her face -exhibits a very intellectual and animated expression, and there are -traces of former beauty in the delicate features and bright black eyes. - -When the Indiana Territory which now forms the State of Indiana, was -formed out of a portion of the old Northwestern Territory, General -Harrison was appointed its first Governor by President Adams. - -He removed his family to the old French town of Vincennes, on the -Wabash, then the seat of the Territorial Government, where Mrs. Harrison -lived for many years a retired but very happy life. - -Dispensing with a liberal hand and courteous manner the hospitality of -the Governor’s Mansion, she was beloved and admired by all who knew her. -General Harrison retained this position during the administrations of -Adams, Jefferson and Madison, until the inglorious surrender of Hull in -1812, when he was appointed to the command of the northwestern army. -Mrs. Harrison remained in Vincennes during the fall of 1811, while her -husband was marching with his small force to disband the tribes of -hostile Indians gathering for battle at Prophet’s Town, and was there -when the news of the battle of Tippecanoe reached her. But she rejoiced -that it was over, and the formidable combinations of Tecumseh and the -Prophet were dissipated forever. Henceforth the settlers might work in -peace, for the foot of the red man came never again across the Wabash -with hostile intent. - -The battle-ground of Tippecanoe, the scene of General Harrison’s -dearly-bought triumph, after the lapse of three-quarters of a century, -is as quiet and green as a village churchyard. A low white paling fence -surrounds it, and the trees are tall and carefully pruned of -undergrowth. Mounds, so frequently observed in the west, and here and -there a quaint wooden headboard marks the spot of some brave soldier’s -fall. The train as it rushes from Lafayette, Indiana, through what was -formerly a wilderness, to the west, gives the traveller but a moment to -look upon this historic spot, where on that fatal 7th of November -morning, the Indians rushed unexpectedly upon the weary troops, sleeping -after the exhaustive fatigue of travel, and met with a defeat that made -the spot famous. - -After the battle of Tippecanoe, General Harrison removed his family to -Cincinnati, and accepted the position of Major-General in the forces of -Kentucky, then about to march to the relief of the Northwestern -Territory. - -Mrs. Harrison was thus left a comparative stranger in Cincinnati, with -the sole charge of her young and large family of children during the -greater part of the war of 1812. During this time, several of the -children were prostrated by long and severe illness, and to this trial -was added the painful anxiety attending the fate of her husband. But -under these and all afflictions, Mrs. Harrison bore up with the firmness -of a Roman matron, and the humility and resignation of a tried Christian -mother. - -In 1814, General Harrison resigned his position in the army and went to -live at North Bend, fifteen miles below Cincinnati, on the Ohio. In the -limits of this sketch it is impossible to give all the interesting -details of Mrs. Harrison’s life during her thirty years’ residence at -the old homestead. Many, very many of her acts of neighborly kindness -and Christian charity will never be known on earth, for she shrank from -any display of benevolence. - -General Harrison being much from home, engaged in public affairs, she -was left in the control of her large family of ten children, and -ofttimes the children of her friends and neighbors. Schools in that new -and unsettled country were “few and far between,” and Mrs. Harrison -always employed a private tutor. The generous hospitality of North Bend -being so well known, it was not surprising that many of the children of -the neighborhood became inmates of her family for as long as they chose -to avail themselves of the privileges of the little school. - -Although at this time in delicate health, Mrs. Harrison never wearied or -complained in the discharge of domestic duties, and forgot the -multiplied cares she assumed in the thought of the benefit the children -of others would derive from such an arrangement. She was sustained by -her husband, and loved by her children and servants, and the burden was -lightened spiritually if not materially. - -But here commenced the long series of trials which tested her character -and chastened her heart. During her thirty years’ life at North Bend, -she buried, one child in infancy, and subsequently followed to the grave -three daughters and four sons, all of whom were settled in life, and ten -grandchildren. In view of these bereavements she wrote to her pastor, -“And now what shall I say to these things; only, ‘Be still and know that -I am God.’ You will not fail to pray for me and my dear son and daughter -who are left. For I have no wish for my children and grandchildren than -to see them the humble followers of the Lord Jesus.” - -Her influence over her family was strong and abiding, and all loved to -do reverence to her consistent, conscientious life. Her only surviving -son wrote in 1848, “That I am a firm believer in the religion of Christ -is not a virtue of mine. I imbibed it at my mother’s breast, and can no -more divest myself of it than I can of my nature.” - -The same was true of all her children, and what errors they might -embrace, they could not forget the religion of their mother, nor wander -far from the precepts, for “whatever is imbibed with the mother’s milk -lasts forever for weal or for woe.” The following incident will show -that her precepts and examples as a member of the church were not -unappreciated by her husband. In 1840, during the Presidential canvass, -a delegation of politicians visited North Bend on the Sabbath. General -Harrison met them near his residence and extending his hand, said: -“Gentlemen, I should be most happy to welcome you on any other day, but -if I have no regard for religion myself, I have too much respect for the -religion of my wife to encourage the violation of the Christian -Sabbath.” - -In 1836, General Harrison was first nominated for the Presidency. Mrs. -Harrison was much annoyed by even the remote possibility of his -election. There were no less than three candidates of the old federal -party in the field, and the triumph of either was almost an -impossibility. Yet even this probability of having to break up the -retirement of her old home at North Bend and be thrown in the station of -fashion and position in Washington, filled the heart of Mrs. Harrison -with dismay. When the trio of candidates had defeated themselves and -elected the champion of the Democracy, Mrs. Harrison felt heartily glad -that her quiet was again restored, and she contemplated with renewed -delight the happy contentment of her western home on the banks of the -sparkling, flowing river. - -In 1840, the Federal party had ceased to exist; the opponents of Jackson -and the system which emanated from his administration had taken the name -of the Whig party, and Harrison, the sagacious Governor of the -Northwestern Territory, the successful General, and later the farmer of -North Bend, was the chosen of the people, and the idol of his party. - -The canvass, for months before the day of the election, carried the most -intense excitement and unbounded enthusiasm throughout the Union. The -pecuniary difficulties of the country, during the past administration, -left the people an opportunity for political gatherings. Financial -prostration and hopeless bankruptcy paralyzed the various trades; and in -the workshop, as in the counting-house, in the streets, in the fields, -in vacant factories and barns, in the mechanic’s as in the artisan’s -room, were heard debates of the pending question. Everywhere long -processions with mottoed banners were seen marching to music, and -throughout the land was heard the famous old “Tippecanoe and Tyler too,” -and “Van is a used-up man,” campaign songs. Never before or since was -such interest manifested, and never again will there be the same -admiration expressed for any aspirant to public honors. Log-cabins, -illustrative of General Harrison’s early days, were “raised” everywhere, -and “companies” visited from place to place, equipped in handsome -uniforms, and accompanied by bands of music. The whigs struggled -manfully to elect their candidate, bringing to their service powerful -appeals in the forms of stirring song, executed by youths in the -streets, and dwelling continually upon the resumption of specie payment, -revival of languishing trade, and public retrenchment and economy. The -result was such as every one expected. General Harrison was elected -President by a large majority, and John Tyler, of Virginia, was chosen -Vice-President. This triumphant victory brought no sense of pride or -elation to Mrs. Harrison. She was grateful to her countrymen for this -unmistakable appreciation of the civil and military services of her -husband, and rejoiced at his vindication over his traducers, but she -took no pleasure in contemplating the pomp and circumstance of a life at -the Executive Mansion. At no period of her life had she any taste for -the gayeties of fashion or the dissipations of society. Her friends were -ever welcome to her home, and found there refined pleasures and innocent -amusements, but for the life of a woman of the world she had no -sympathy. - -General Harrison left his home in February, and was received in -Washington with every demonstration of respect, and welcomed by Mayor -Seaton in a speech delivered at City Hall. It was raining hard when he -left the railroad depot, yet he walked with his hat in his hand, -accompanied by an immense concourse of people. He went from Washington -to his old home in Virginia for a few days, but returned in time for the -Inauguration. The morning of the 4th of March, 1841, was ushered in by a -salute of twenty-six guns. The day was devoted entirely to pleasure. The -city of Washington was thronged with people, many of whom were from the -most distant States of the Union. The procession was in keeping with the -enthusiasm and interest displayed throughout the campaign. Ladies -thronged the windows, and waved their handkerchiefs in token of kind -feelings, while the wild huzzas of the opposite sex filled the air with -a deafening noise. General Harrison was mounted on a white charger, -accompanied by several personal friends, and his immediate escort were -the officers and soldiers who had fought under him. Canoes and cabins, -covered with appropriate mottoes, were conspicuous, and the scene was -one of universal splendor. - -Mrs. Harrison’s health, delicate for many years, was particularly frail -in February when her husband left home for Washington, and her -physicians protested against her crossing the mountains at that season -of the year, and urged her remaining in Ohio until the opening of -spring. General Harrison was accompanied to Washington by his -daughter-in-law, Mrs. Jane F. Harrison, the widow of his namesake son, -and her two sons. She was a very refined, accomplished person, and -exceedingly popular during her short stay as mistress of ceremonies at -the White House. Besides Mrs. Jane F. Harrison, there were several -ladies of the President’s family residing temporarily with her until -Mrs. Harrison should come on. Mrs. Findlay, the wife of General Findlay -and aged aunt of Mrs. Harrison, Miss Ramsay, a cousin, and Miss Lucy S. -Taylor, of Richmond, Virginia, a niece of the President’s, these were -the occupants of the mansion the few short weeks of the President’s -life, for in one month from the day of his inauguration he died. -Pneumonia was the avowed cause, but it was the applicants for office who -killed him. He was weak and aged, and unaccustomed to the confined life -forced upon him in his new position, and the gentle kindness with which -he received all who were clamoring for office did but inspire them with -renewed ardor. The whig party had been out of power many years, and the -greed of the politicians snapped the tendrils of the veteran’s declining -years and sent him to the tomb before the glad notes of the inauguration -anthem had died over the Virginia hills. President Harrison died the 4th -of April, 1841, and on the 7th was laid temporarily to rest in the -Congressional burying-grounds. The service was performed in the White -House, by Rev. Mr. Hawley, in the presence of President Tyler, -ex-President Adams, members of the cabinet, of Congress, and the foreign -ministers. The procession was two miles in length, and was marshalled on -its way by officers on horseback carrying white batons with black -tassels. At the grounds, the liturgy of the Episcopal church was recited -by Mr. Hawley. The coffin having been placed in the receiving vault, and -the military salute having been fired, the procession resumed its march -to the city, and by five o’clock that evening nothing remained but empty -streets, and the emblems of mourning upon the houses, and the still -deeper gloom which oppressed the general mind with renewed power after -all was over; and the sense of the public bereavement alone was left to -fill the thoughts. The following touching lines, from the gifted pen of -N. P. Willis, remarkable for their pathos and harmony, need no apology -for being introduced here. The grandeur and simple beauty of the -swelling poem deserve a more lasting record than transitory verses -usually receive. - - What soared the old eagle to die at the sun, - Lies he stiff with spread wings at the goal he has won! - Are there spirits more blest than the planet of even - Who mount to their zenith, then melt into heaven? - No waning of fire, no quenching of ray, - But rising, still rising, when passing away! - Farewell, gallant eagle! thou’rt buried in light! - God-speed unto heaven, lost star of our night! - - Death! Death in the White House! ah, never before - Trod his skeleton foot on the President’s floor; - He is looked for in hovel and dreaded in hall, - The king in his closet keeps hatchments and pall, - The youth in his birth-place, the old man at home, - Make clean from the door-stone the path to the tomb; - But the lord of this mansion was cradled not here, - In a churchyard far off stands his beckoning bier: - He is here as the wave crest heaves flashing on high, - As the arrow is stopp’d by its prize in the sky— - The arrow to earth, and the foam to the shore, - Death finds them when swiftness and shankle are o’er; - But Harrison’s death fills the climax of story: - He went with his old stride from glory to glory. - - Lay his sword on his breast! there’s no spot on its blade - In whose cankering breath his bright laurels will fade: - ’Twas the first to lead on at humanity’s call, - It was stay’d with sweet mercy when “glory” was all; - As calm in the council as gallant in war, - He fought for his country, and not its “hurrah!” - In the path of the hero with pity he trod, - Let him pass with his sword to the presence of God! - - What more? Shall we on with his ashes? Yet stay! - He hath ruled the wide realm of a king in his day; - At his word, like a monarch’s, went treasure and land, - The bright gold of thousands has passed through his hand. - Is there nothing to show of his flittering hoard? - No jewels to deck the rude hilt of his sword— - No trappings—no horses? what had he? But now, - On, on with his ashes! he left but his plough! - Brave old Cincinnatus! unwind ye his sheet: - Let him sleep as he lived—with his purse at his feet. - - Follow now as ye list: the first mourner to-day - Is the nation—whose father is taken away. - Wife, children and neighbor may moan at his knell— - He was “lover and friend” to his country as well! - For the stars on our banner grown suddenly dim - Let us weep, in our darkness—but weep not for him. - Not for him, who, departing, leaves millions in tears; - Not for him, who has died full of honor and years; - From the round at the top he has stepped to the sky— - It is blessed to go when so ready to die! - -The members of President Harrison’s family immediately vacated the -Executive Mansion, and the grief-stricken widow ceased the preparations -for her prolonged absence from home. What a shock this death must have -been to her! For many months an interested spectator, if not an actor, -in the stirring events of the canvass and election, afterward a sharer -in the triumphs of her husband, and for weeks anticipating the happy -reunion in the mansion of the Presidents, to be rudely torn by fate from -his presence for ever, and to see every hope lying crushed around her, -would have harrowed a nature of coarsest mould. She was summoned from -the busy care of forwarding some matter of interest to be told that he -was dead. Dead! she could scarcely believe the evidences of her senses. -Dead! or was she mistaken in what was said to her? His last letter was -before her, and she had scarcely ceased reading the accounts in the -papers of the magnificence of the inaugural ball. - -Howsoever cruel the blow, it was borne meekly and humbly by the -Christian wife and mother, and she aroused herself from the stupor in -which the announcement had thrown her. - -In July, the remains of the sincerely regretted President and deeply -mourned husband and father were removed to their present resting-place -at North Bend. - -Had her husband lived, Mrs. Harrison would have gone to Washington and -discharged faithfully and conscientiously the duties of her position. -But her residence there would not have been in accordance with her -wishes or her taste. - -She continued to reside at her old home, where the happiest years of her -life had been spent, until the autumn of 1855, when she removed from the -old homestead to the residence of her only surviving son, Hon. J. Scott -Harrison, five miles below North Bend, on the Ohio river. She remained -an inmate of his family until her death. - -During the latter part of her life, she had many and severe attacks of -illness, and perhaps nothing but the skill and devoted medical services -of her physicians, and the almost idolatrous attentions of her -granddaughters, kept the lamp of her life flickering so long. Her -grandsons, too, claimed their share in this labor of love, and when the -telegraph bore to their distant homes the tidings of her illness, they -came with their wives to wait at her bedside, and whatever of business -was suspended or neglected, their attentions to her were not relaxed for -a moment. In a recent letter received from a granddaughter of Mrs. -Harrison’s, this paragraph occurs: “Of many of the facts of her later -life I was an eye-witness, as I was an inmate of my father’s family for -three years previous to her death, and had the inestimable privilege of -seeing her beautiful Christian resignation and conformity to the will of -God as life drew to its close. Indeed, it was upon my breast that she -breathed her precious life away.” - -Mrs. Harrison was not indifferent to the political events of the age in -which she lived, and few were better informed with regard to public men -and measures than herself. Much of her time she spent in reading, during -the closing years of her life, and she kept herself informed, through -the medium of the daily papers, of the transactions of the outside -world. Very few persons of even younger years took a greater interest in -the movements of the armies during the late civil war, or could give a -more succinct and graphic account of the details of a campaign. - -She was not radical in her sentiments, and indulged in no preconceived -prejudices against the South and its objectionable institution. In -regard to the holding of slaves, she was willing that all should be -fully persuaded in their own minds as to its propriety, but her own -convictions were strongly against it. - -Many of her grandsons were officers and soldiers in the Union army, and -as occasion would permit, they would visit her to ask her blessing and -her prayers. The one was given and the other promised with a patriotic -zeal and ardor that many of the sterner sex might well have emulated. - -During the war, a grandson and member of the family in which she resided -came home on a brief leave of absence. The day of his departure arrived, -and he went to the chamber of his grandmother to take what he supposed -to be his last farewell in this life, as she was then confined to her -bed with a severe illness. She received him with great affection, and in -reply to his expressions of regret at leaving her, she said, “O, no, my -son, your country needs your services; I do not. Go and discharge your -duty faithfully and fearlessly. I feel that my prayers in your behalf -will be heard, and that you will be returned in safety. And yet, -perhaps, I do not feel as much concerned for you as I should: I have -parted so often with your grandfather under similar circumstances, and -he was always returned to me in safety, that I feel it will be the same -with you.” - -The young Captain did return to see his grandmother again in this life -after several hard-fought battles, in which he received complimentary -notice from his commanding officers. Her granddaughter says: “My -husband, Dr. Eaton, one of her physicians being in the house and an -invalid, spent much of his time in her room, and would often say to me, -‘I never met a more entertaining person than your grandma. I could sit -for hours and listen to her conversation.’ Such is not often said, by a -man in the prime of life, of an old lady nearly ninety years of age. -Since then he has gone to join her in her heavenly home.” - -Mrs. Harrison’s distinguishing characteristics were her Christian -humility and total want of selfishness; her modest, retiring manners and -generosity and benevolence. She was always anxious to promote the -well-being of others at her own expense, and sacrificed herself for the -good of others. - -Many incidents of generosity are remembered and treasured by her -descendants, which, though not of sufficient interest to record, are of -priceless value to those who witnessed their exhibition, and were -recipients of her beneficence. - -Every public and private charity was near her heart, and received -liberally from her hand. But those who enjoyed her bounty knew not of -its source. To a poor minister she would write: “Accept this trifle from -a friend.” To the Bethel Sabbath school, “This is but a widow’s mite.” -To the suffering poor of the city, “Please distribute this from one who -wishes it was a thousand times more.” - -She continued to bear on her praying lips the salvation of her -descendants, and as she drew near the closing scene, this was her song: - - “Just as I am, without one plea - But that thy blood was shed for me, - And that thou bidd’st me come to thee,— - O Lamb of God! I come.” - -Her intellectual powers and physical senses were retained to the last, -and at the age of eighty-eight she was an agreeable companion for both -old and young. - -On the evening of the 25th of February, 1864, in the eighty-ninth year -of her age, Mrs. Harrison died at the residence of her son. - -Her funeral took place at the Presbyterian church at Cleves, on Sunday, -February the 28th. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Horace Bushnell, -from the text, “Be still and know that I am God.” The selection was made -by herself and given several years before to Mr. Bushnell, her pastor -and intimate friend for many years. The remains were deposited beside -those of her husband, and they together sleep by the banks of the -beautiful Ohio at North Bend. - - - - - XIII. - LETITIA CHRISTIAN TYLER. - - -The first wife of John Tyler, tenth President of the United States, was -the third daughter of Robert Christian, Esq., of Cedar Grove, in New -Kent county, in the State of Virginia; a gentleman of good private -fortune, an earnest Federalist of that day in his political opinions, -and an attached friend and adherent of George Washington. He possessed -the highest social and political influence in the county of his -residence, and, indeed, throughout the Peninsular District, embraced -between the York and James rivers. His house was the seat of genuine -Virginia hospitality, and his neighbors, trusting implicitly to his good -sense and integrity, appealed to his arbitration in matters involving -legal controversy, in preference to submitting their cases in the -courts. For many consecutive years, he was not only the presiding -magistrate of his county, but also its representative in the Legislature -of the State; and his brothers, among whom was the late Major Edmond -Christian, of Creighton, Marshal of Virginia, were men of mark and -influence. - -This worthy gentleman married in early life Mary Brown, an amiable lady -of high worth and character, with whom he lived in happiness until her -death, and through whom he was blessed with a large family of sons and -daughters; the males being, without exception, distinguished for their -personal courage, intelligence, and graceful appearance and manners, and -the daughters for their beauty, piety, and domestic virtues. - -[Illustration: - - M^{RS.} LETITIA CHRISTIAN TYLER. -] - -Among that bevy of fair daughters, Letitia, afterward Mrs. Tyler, born -on the 12th of November, 1790, under the paternal roof at Cedar Grove, -was, perhaps, the most attractive in her modest refinement and striking -loveliness of person and character; and although always instinctively -shrinking from public observation, she was regarded as one of the belles -of Eastern Virginia. Her hand was sought in marriage by many suitors, -but from the number who presented themselves—some of whom were the -possessors of large estates—her heart and excellent judgment selected -the then talented and rising young lawyer, who, inheriting the -unrivalled popularity of his father, Governor John Tyler, with a mind -still more brilliant and cultivated, was just entering upon that -remarkable career which has so directly and powerfully impressed his -genius, not only on the history of his noble old State, but on that of -the United States of America. - -The marriage of the youthful pair, on the 29th of March, 1813, she being -in the twenty-second year of her age, and he having completed his -twenty-third on that day, was particularly acceptable to both houses; -and Letitia being the idol of her brothers and sisters, upon Mr. Tyler -was at once concentrated the unfailing affection and support—an -affection and support which attended him through life—of every member of -the numerous and powerful Christian family, harmonizing to no -inconsiderable extent in Lower Virginia, and uniting in his favor both -of the great political parties of the day—his own father having been, -privately and publicly, the constant friend of Henry and of Jefferson, a -leader in the movement and war of Independence, and the special -representative of the State Rights Republicans in his own right, and Mr. -Robert Christian having been the constant friend of Washington, and a -prominent leader and representative man among the Federalists. - -The wedding festivities over, Mr. and Mrs. Tyler retired to their own -home in Charles City county, a part of the “Greenway” estate of his -father, which at once became an object of attraction and intense -interest to the many admirers, friends, and relatives of its happy -inmates. Dating from this period until Mrs. Tyler’s death in the -Executive Mansion, at the city of Washington, nearly thirty years -afterward, nothing, except the loss of two infant children and her -subsequent ill-health, ever transpired to mar the felicity of this -auspicious union. - -In the unselfish, constant, and vigilant affection of his wife, in her -personal charms, in her strong common sense and excellent judgment, in -her unaffected religious sentiments, in the sweet purity of her gentle -life, in her parental and filial devotion, in her watchful care and love -for her children, Mr. Tyler found everything to satisfy his affections -and to gratify his pride. - -In his admitted integrity and worth as a man and citizen, in his great -intellectual powers, in his constantly increasing prosperity and rising -reputation, in the accounts she received of his eloquence both at the -bar and in the legislature, and in the high official trusts which -ultimately were literally showered upon him, one after the other, almost -without intermission; and finally in his tender solicitude to restore -her failing health and to minister to her slightest wish, she discovered -all that her woman’s heart, or her feminine ambition required, to -complete and secure her wedded happiness. The following letter, the -first that Mr. Tyler ever ventured to address to her before marriage, -and the original of which is still preserved in the family—apart from -the natural simplicity of its style and the ordinary interest that would -attach to it—not only presents the most unmistakable evidence of the -sound and healthy sentiments, emotions, and principles of character -associated with both and impelling to their union, but it is also a -remarkable illustration, in view of a long engagement prior to marriage, -of the delicate tone and exalted purity of the social structure and -civilization that surrounded them and under whose happy influences they -were born and reared. - - - “RICHMOND, _December 5th, 1812_. - -“Although I could not entirely obtain your permission to write to you, -yet I am well aware that you will not be displeased at my exercising a -privilege, so valuable to one standing in the relation that I do to you. -To think of you and to write to you, are the only sources from whence I -can derive any real satisfaction during my residence in this place. The -prerogative of thinking of those we love, and from whom we are -separated, seems to be guaranteed to us by nature, as we cannot be -deprived of it either by the bustle and confusion of a town, or by the -important duties that attach to our existence. Believe me, my L., that -this observation has been completely verified by me since I last saw -you, for although deafened by noise, and attentive to the duties of my -station, yet you are the subject of my serious meditations and the -object of my fervent prayers to heaven. From the first moment of my -acquaintance with you, I felt the influence of genuine affection; but -now, when I reflect upon the sacrifice which you make to virtue and to -feeling, by conferring your hand on me, who have nothing to boast of but -an honest and upright soul, and a heart of purest love, I feel gratitude -superadded to affection for you. Indeed, I do esteem myself most rich in -possessing you. The mean and sordid wretch who yields the unspeakable -bliss of possessing her whom he ardently loves, may boast of his -ill-acquired wealth, and display his treasures in all the pride of -ostentation to the world, but who shall administer to him comfort in the -hour of affliction? Whose seraph smile shall chase away the fiends which -torment him? The partner of his bosom he neither esteems nor regards, -and he knows nothing of the balm which tender affection can bestow. -Nature will be still true to herself, for as your favorite Thomson -expresses it, - - “‘Naught but love can answer love, - Or render bliss secure.’ - -“You express some degree of astonishment, my L., at an observation I -once made to you, ‘that I would not have been willingly wealthy at the -time that I addressed you.’ Suffer me to repeat it. If I had been -wealthy, the idea of your being actuated by prudential considerations in -accepting my suit, would have eternally tortured me. But I exposed to -you frankly and unblushingly my situation in life—my hopes and my fears, -my prospects and my dependencies—and you nobly responded. To ensure to -you happiness is now my only object, and whether I float or sink in the -stream of fortune, you may be assured of this, that I shall never cease -to love you. Forgive me for these remarks, which I have been -irresistibly led to make. - -“Colonel Christian will deliver you this letter, together with the first -two volumes of the ‘Forest of Montabano,’ I do not trouble him with the -last two volumes, for fear of incommoding him, and because I shall be at -your father’s on Wednesday evening, if the business before the -Legislature be not very important. You will feel much sympathy for the -unfortunate Angelina, and admiration for the character of good Father -Patrick. Frederick is inexplicable until the last volume is read. - -“Again suffer me to assure you of my constant esteem and affection, and -believe me to be yours most faithfully, - - “JOHN TYLER. - - “To MISS LETITIA CHRISTIAN, - “New Kent.” - - -Mrs. Letitia Semple, the only surviving daughter of Mrs. Letitia Tyler, -says, regarding this letter, “I enclose you a copy of the first letter -my father ever wrote to my mother; and I had a book of original sonnets -written by him in his youthful days, many of which were addressed to -her; for he was full of music and full of poetry and possessed an -exquisite literary taste; but this book has been lost to us, in one of -my writing desks stolen during the war. - -“My father and my mother were born in the same year—that of 1790, he -being from the 29th March to the 12th November older than she was. They -were married on father’s twenty-third birthday following that of his -birth, after a courtship and engagement of nearly five years. He met her -for the first time at a private party in the neighborhood, while on a -visit to ‘Greenway,’ the home residence of grandfather Tyler, in Charles -City county, adjoining that of New Kent, where grandfather Christian -resided at ‘Cedar Grove.’ He had already taken his collegiate degrees at -William and Mary College when scarcely more than seventeen years old, -and was at the time a law student in Richmond, under the special office -counsel and instruction of the celebrated Edmund Randolph, justly -esteemed as the father of the Constitution of the United States, as Mr. -Jefferson was of the Declaration of American Independence, and who had -been the Attorney-General of President Washington, and the Secretary of -State of President Jefferson, my grandfather Tyler being Governor of -Virginia, and then residing in Richmond. After their troth was plighted, -he had been twice or thrice elected to the State Legislature before -their marriage was solemnized; and his last visit to her at ‘Cedar -Grove’ was only three weeks before the wedding, yet I have heard him -repeatedly say that, ‘then, for the first time, he ventured to kiss her -hand on parting, so perfectly reserved and modest had she always been.’ - -“My mother’s mother was Mary Brown, of the same family with that of the -late Judge John Brown, of Williamsburg, and Professor Dabney Brown, of -William and Mary College, the former of whom finally moved to Kentucky, -and the latter more recently to California; and with that of the Hon. -James Halyburton, late Judge of the United States District Court of -Virginia, and of the Hon. John M. Gregory, late Judge of the Henrico -Circuit and Governor of Virginia; and as to the late Judge Christian, -and the present Judge Christian, of the Peninsular Circuit and of the -General Court of Virginia, the first was her son, and the last her -cousin, as are also the present Doctors William and Edward Warren, -formerly of Edenton, North Carolina, whither they moved from New Kent in -Virginia, but now of Baltimore.” - -Not long after her marriage, Mrs. Tyler had the misfortune to lose both -of her parents, and now having two less to love in this world, she -freely gave the share which had been theirs, to her husband and her -children, and to her sisters and her brothers. In truth, at no period of -her life does it seem that she existed for herself, but only for those -near and dear to her. - -She was noted for the beauty of her person and of her features, for the -ease and grace of her carriage, for a delicate refinement of taste in -dress that excluded with precision every color and ornament not strictly -becoming and harmonizing in the general effect. Possessing an acute -nervous organization and sensitive temperament, combined with an -unusually correct judgment, any observant stranger of polished education -would have been almost unconsciously attracted to her among thousands by -her air of quiet courtesy and benignity. With these engaging qualities, -and the social advantages attaching to her position, she could easily -have impressed her power upon what is termed society had she so desired, -still she never aspired to wield the sceptre of fashion, and never -sought to attract attention beyond the limits of her own family, and the -circle of her immediate friends and relatives. - -She modestly shrank from all notoriety and evaded the public eye as much -as possible. She had not the faintest wish to enjoy the reputation of -authoress or wit, or for maintaining an ascendency in the company of -brilliant men and women of the world. She was perfectly content to be -seen only as a part of the existence of her beloved husband; to -entertain her neighbors in her own easy, hospitable, and unostentatious -way; to converse with visitors on current topics intelligently; to sit -gently by her child’s cradle, reading, knitting, or sewing; or else to -while away pleasant hours in the endearing companionship of her sisters -and her intimate acquaintances. - -It appears that, though she resided in Richmond during the period that -Mr. Tyler was Governor of Virginia, and did the honors of the Executive -Dwelling of the State with ease, and grace, and singular discretion, -winning the commendation of all at a time when the metropolis of -Virginia was unexcelled upon the American continent, either in respect -to elegant men or accomplished women; yet that she had rarely visited -the city while he was a member of the Legislature, and that during his -long term of service as Representative and Senator in the Congress of -the United States—having been three times elected to the House and twice -to the Senate,—she suffered herself to be persuaded only once to pass a -winter in Washington, and at the end of another session only reluctantly -consented, at his earnest entreaty, to visit one summer the gay centres -and resorts of the North. - -When either her own health, or that of her husband, or that of her -children, absolutely required a change of air and scene, as several -times happened, she vastly preferred the bracing temperature and -invigorating atmosphere of the mountains of Virginia and the -life-imparting Greenbriar waters to the seats of more fashionable -display and empty vanity. She was, under all circumstances, the wife and -mother, sister and friend, apparently living in and for those whom she -loved, and not for herself. - -No English lady was ever more skilled and accomplished in domestic -culture and economy than was Mrs. Tyler, and she was never so happy as -when in the enjoyment of domestic privacy. At her own home she was a -pattern of order, system, and neatness, as well as of hospitality, -charity, benevolence, and conscientiousness in the discharge of every -duty incumbent upon the mistress of a large household, and scrupulously -attentive to every wish expressed by her husband as to the management of -his interests in his absence on public affairs. - -Nothing escaped her watchful yet kindly eye, either within or without -the mansion. She loved all pure and beautiful things, whether in nature -or in art. The grounds within the curtilage were tastefully arranged in -lawns and gardens, and under her immediate inspection were kept -carefully adorned with shade trees, and flowering shrubs, and -odoriferous plants, and trailing vines, so that in the spring, summer, -and fall the airs around were literally loaded with sweets. The -kitchen-garden and fruit-orchards were always extensively cultivated. - -The dairy and laundry were sedulously supervised, and in all directions -poultry and fowls of almost every kind most prized for the table, were -to be seen in flocks. She preferred that her servant-women should be -held to these milder employments, and to spinning and weaving, knitting -and sewing, rather than being assigned to the more onerous tasks of the -field upon the plantation. - -Thus, under her superintendence, not only were all the negro field-hands -and negro children comfortably provided with clothing of home -manufacture and make, as well as ministered to with care and supplied -with all necessary medical attendance when sick, but, at the same time, -the members of the immediate household had their wants, in these -respects, for the most part bountifully met; while the rarest and most -beautiful toilet fabrics, and counterpanes, and coverlets, such as are -not now to be had at any price, were produced by her handmaids, assisted -by those of the neighborhood inheriting the art. Beyond all question, -and without regard to the portion she brought with her after marriage, -as the gift of her father, which was by no means relatively -inconsiderable, she maintained by her active economy the pecuniary -independence of her husband under his continued public employments, in -an age of public virtue, when the representatives of the people, as well -as those of the States, received but slight remuneration for their -services, and when, in all probability, he would have been otherwise -compelled to have withdrawn from the public councils, and to have -relinquished the career of ambition in view of his family necessities -and requirements. - -Mrs. Tyler was baptized in infancy in the Protestant Episcopal Church, -and in early life became a consistent communicant. At every stage of her -existence she was pervaded by a deep religious sentiment, and the Bible -was her constant companion. For her neighborly and charitable nature she -was proverbial. Although every one who knew her as a young unmarried -lady, and nearly all of her contemporaries in more advanced years, are -now dead, still her reputation in these respects abides among the -living, and is particularly referred to and commented upon in every -communication we received concerning her, as well as in all of her -obituaries that we have read. And one of the most beautiful traits in -her lovely and almost faultless character, in the midst of all her -mildness, meekness, gentleness and amiability, was the perfect -self-respect which constantly attended her, beating in unison with her -true woman’s soul, suffering no encroachment upon true propriety and -decorum in her presence, and sustaining her dignity as a Virginia -matron, which never, under any circumstances whatever, deserted her. - -Mrs. Robert Tyler, the wife of her oldest son, thus wrote concerning -her, at her own home, in the bosom of her own family, in the old city of -Williamsburg, Virginia, under the first impressions she received after -she was married in Pennsylvania, to her sisters at the North: - - - “WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA, _October, 1839_. - -* * * “The bridal festivities so profusely extended to us in Charles -City, that most hospitable of counties, ended last week. My honeymoon -has waned, and I have at last settled down at home. If I can ever learn -to think any place a home where my own dear father and sisters are not, -I certainly can do so here, for a new father and mother have opened -their arms and their hearts to me; new and lovely sisters cluster around -me; and I am welcomed and approved of by any number of uncles, aunts and -cousins. The introduction to all of them was an awful ordeal to go -through, you may be sure, but it is happily over, and I have now settled -myself down absolutely as one of the family. I know you want me to tell -you of each separate member, and of the house, and all my surroundings. - -“You know how entirely charming Mr. Tyler’s father is, for you saw him -at my wedding in Bristol, but you cannot imagine the tenderness and -kindness with which he received me, his ‘new daughter,’ as he called me. -Mr. Tyler’s mother is very much as I imagined her from his description. -She must have been very beautiful in her youth, for she is still -beautiful now in her declining years and wretched health. Her skin is as -smooth and soft as a baby’s; she has sweet, loving black eyes, and her -features are delicately moulded; besides this her feet and hands are -perfect; and she is gentle and graceful in her movements, with a most -peculiar air of native refinement about everything she says and does. -She is the most entirely unselfish person you can imagine. I do not -believe she ever thinks of herself. Her whole thought and affections are -wrapped up in her husband and children; and I thank God I am numbered -with those dear children, and can partake with them in the blessing of -her love. May He give me grace to be ever a kind and loving daughter to -her. - - * * * * * - -“The house is very large and very airy and pleasant, fronting on a large -lawn and surrounded by a most beautiful garden. The parlor is -comfortably furnished, and has that homelike and occupied look which is -so nice. The prettiest thing in it, to my taste, though very -old-fashioned, is the paper upon the walls, which depicts in half -life-size pictures the adventures of Telemachus on Calypso’s enchanted -isle. Telemachus is very handsome, Calypso and her nymphs as graceful as -possible; and old Mentor as disagreeable and stern as all Mentors -usually are. I find something new in the paper every day, and love to -study it. The dining-room is opposite the parlor, across a broad -passage, kept too bright and shiny almost to step upon, and is also a -very spacious room, with a great deal of old family silver adorning the -sideboard, and some good pictures upon the walls. There are two other -rooms behind the parlor and the dining-room, one of which is used as a -sitting and reading-room, for it is a large double house, flanked by -offices in the yard in which the library is kept, and one of which is -used for law and business purposes by Mr. Tyler’s father and himself. - -“The room in the main dwelling furthest removed and most retired is ‘the -chamber,’ as the bedroom of the mistress of the house is always called -in Virginia. This last, to say nothing of others, or of the kitchen, -storerooms and pantries, is a most quiet and comfortable retreat, with -an air of repose and sanctity about it; at least I feel it so, and often -seek refuge here from the company, and beaux, and laughing and talking -of the other parts of the house; for here mother, with a smile of -welcome on her sweet, calm face, is always found seated on her large -arm-chair with a small stand by her side, which holds her Bible and her -prayer book—the only books she ever reads now—with her knitting usually -in her hands, always ready to sympathize with me in any little -homesickness which may disturb me, and to ask me questions about all you -dear ones in Bristol, because she knows I want to talk about you. -Notwithstanding her very delicate health, mother attends to and -regulates all the household affairs, and all so quietly that you can’t -tell when she does it. All the clothes for the children, and for the -servants, are cut out under her immediate eye, and all the sewing is -personally superintended by her. All the cake, jellies, custards, and we -indulge largely in them, emanate from her, yet you see no confusion, -hear no bustle, but only meet the agreeable result. * * * * All Mr. -Tyler’s sisters are lovely and sweet. Sister Mary—Mrs. Jones, who is the -oldest of all—I have already introduced you to in my letter from Charles -City, where she resides, at ‘Woodburn,’ one of the plantations or -‘farms’ as they are called here, of her husband, and where she so -happily entertained us recently. Next comes Letitia, Mrs. Semple, -married last February. She is very handsome and full of life and -spirits. She has a place called ‘Cedar Hill,’ some distance from -Williamsburg, in New Kent county, but is now here on a visit. Then comes -Elizabeth, a very great belle here, though she is not yet seventeen. She -is remarkably sweet and pretty, with beautiful eyes and complexion, and -her hair curled down her neck. John, who is next to Mr. Tyler in age, -and who was at my wedding, and therefore needs no description, is not -here now, but he and his wife will spend next winter with his father, as -he still attends the law department and higher scientific courses of -‘William and Mary’ college, as it is termed in accordance with the -original charter of King William and Queen Mary, although it is now and -has been for many years a university. - -“I have not seen her yet, but hear that she is very beautiful. The two -younger children, Alice and Tazewell, make up the family. * * * The -children, with all the rest of the family, seem very, very fond of me, -but you must not suppose that all this affection and kindness makes me -vain. It is very comforting and sweet, but I know they all love me from -no merit of my own, but from the devotion the whole family feel for Mr. -Tyler, who is idolized by his parents, and profoundly loved and -respected by his brothers and sisters.”[17] - - -Footnote 17: - - The ancient Tylers of Virginia, of whom but few are left in the State, - were from a younger branch of the Tylers of Shropshire, in Wales, - bordering on England. John and Henry, brothers, came to Virginia in - the beginning of the settlement, and finally took up their abode in - the “Middle Plantations” between Jamestown and Yorktown, in 1636. - - President Tyler was the fifth John from the first of the name. The - older line in Shropshire, now divided, still maintain their status - there, represented by the present Sir Charles, son of the late Sir - William. The Tylers of the North have never been able to trace any - connection or common origin with those of Virginia, either in their - correspondence with the first Governor Tyler, or with President Tyler; - but of recent years many have poured into Eastern Virginia, and some - have now purchased estates that formerly belonged to the ancient - Virginia family. History in the future will doubtless, under these - circumstances, become confused on the subject. - -Mrs. Letitia Semple, in a letter addressed to her brother, and which he -kindly placed at my disposal, thus writes: - -* * * * * * “It is a sad truth, but I know of no one now alive who -remembers my mother in her youth. As late as 1861, there were several -who had known her from infancy, but now they are all gone. We have not -an uncle, or an aunt, of all our once numerous family, left on earth. -The early portion of her life must be gleaned from the little incidents -we, her children, may remember to have been recited concerning her, by -those now dead. Apart from ourselves, there are those who may recall -something of her married life, but these have been scattered by the -events of the war far and wide asunder. Her character was so -unobtrusive, and her personal deportment was so little influenced by a -desire to shine before the public eye, that those alone best knew her -who were intimately associated with the family as near relatives, or as -private friends. Our older and two younger sisters are dead; our elder -brother, and one younger, the one driven by the relentless fates to -Alabama, and the other to California, and you, the sport of a similar -fatality, together with myself, may recollect many little things sacred -to filial devotion. The beautiful affection ever manifested toward her -by every member of the family—by her uncles and her aunts, by her -sisters and her brothers, her nephews and her nieces, and by her -cousins, male and female—by all without exception—we know of, and can -speak to the fact. It was with each one of them the unadulterated -affection of the heart for piety, purity and goodness. There was nothing -else to attract it, for their mere worldly circumstances were, in every -direction, fully equal to her own, and in many instances superior in -affluence to those she enjoyed. Nothing could have exceeded the -devotional regard of her sister Anna, the owner of the paternal estate -of Cedar Grove, and who in addition to her own inheritance, had derived -a large fortune by marriage and the early death of her husband, Mr. -Savage. And I have often heard aunt Elizabeth Douglas, her oldest -sister, speak of her obedient disposition and truthfulness as a child, -and of her almost surpassing beauty, grace, elegance, and refinement in -riper years. We ourselves know how exemplary a wife and mother she was. -One of the earliest memories I have of her is, that she taught me my -letters out of the family Bible. Over and often can I recall her with a -book in her lap, reading and reflecting, while her fingers were knitting -or stitching for some of us; or while watching over us until a late hour -of the night, in the absence of our father upon his public duties. - -“You know that these days of our childhood were days of struggle with -our father, under heavy security obligations, and she had but one idea -apart from conjugal piety and affection, and that was to save him from -every care and every expense in her power. - -“His pecuniary independence was preserved, and much of his success was -secured, through her economy, her diligence, her providence, and her -admirable self-sacrificing demeanor. I have frequently heard our father -say that he rarely failed to consult her judgment in the midst of -difficulties and troubles, and that she invariably led him to the best -conclusion, and that he had never known her to speak unkindly of any -one. She was permitted to see him fill the highest office in the gift of -his country, but before he was suffered to enter into his rest from -political life, she had gone to that rest remaining for the people of -God. She died, as you know, on the 10th September, 1842, in the -Executive Mansion at Washington, where her third daughter, our sister -Elizabeth Waller, had been shortly before married, and where two of her -grandchildren now living,—the oldest daughter of our brother Robert, -named Letitia, and the youngest son of our sister Mary, named -Robert—were born. - -“You remember her fondness for flowers. Her favorite flower was the -monthly damask rose, and that brought in to her on the morning of the -day of her death, was found clasped in her hand when the spirit was -fled. From the time that she had been first stricken by paralysis, her -health had been frail, but none of us anticipated an immediate, or even -an early renewal of the attack, and far less a sudden dissolution of her -system; and I had closed my last visit to her only a few days before, -and had gone to ‘Cedar Grove’ to inform Aunt Anne of the condition in -which I had left her, as if the sad Fates had carried me there to be -ready to receive her remains, returning to the place of their birth to -repose, in their separation from her husband, by the side of those of -her father and her mother, as when first quickened into life; but our -sister, Elizabeth Waller, and our Aunt Elizabeth Douglas, were with her, -and witnessed her last breath, and they told me this particularly sweet -circumstance of her favorite rose still clinging to her hand in death.” - -These letters, taken with the obituaries subjoined, and the lines of Mr. -Sargent, together with other communications descriptive of the daily -social routine in the “White House” at this epoch, which remain to be -submitted and cannot fail to interest, leave but little necessary to -fill out and perfect the portraiture of one of the loveliest characters -in history. - -Upon the accession of her husband to the Presidential office in the -beginning of April, 1841, Mrs. Tyler proceeded with him to the Executive -Mansion of the nation, at Washington, but with many sighs and tears at -parting with her own home, and without the thought of personal triumphs -in the world of fashion and display. She resigned herself to the change -simply to be with her loved ones, and to receive the tender care and -attention of those in whom she literally “lived and had her being.” Her -health had become greatly impaired from a severe attack of illness -during the year 1839, and her condition remained as has been described -by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Robert Tyler, then to have been in the -month of October. Nevertheless, in all the private apartments of the -President’s mansion, the same modes of life were maintained as those to -which she had ever been accustomed. Her sisters and brothers and other -relatives, as well as her children, still hovered around her, as they -had always done, with increased and increasing affection as they -discovered her frame becoming somewhat more feeble. She passed her time -chiefly in their society, receiving but few visitors and returning no -visits. Her health, indeed, required that she should delegate to some -one of her married daughters the semi-official duties of her position. - -For the greater part of the time, her own married daughters, Mrs. -Jones[18] and Mrs. Semple, were compelled by their domestic duties, in -the line of the private affairs and personal interests of their -husbands, to remain at their respective residences in Virginia, but -frequently coming to Washington, for brief periods, it is true, through -solicitude for her health and to bestow their affection upon her; and as -regards her two remaining daughters, Elizabeth, afterwards Mrs. Waller, -was just grown up to womanhood, and was not yet married; and Alice, -afterward Mrs. Henry M. Denison,[19] was still but a child. However it -fortunately so happened that her oldest son and his wife had not -permanently located themselves in life since their recent marriage, and -it was considered best they should continue in the family. Sometimes, on -the temporary visits of Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Semple, all her married -daughters would appear together in the Reception-rooms; but under the -circumstances, the constant task of representing her mother, in respect -to the honors of the establishment, was delegated, with the consent of -the President, to Mrs. Robert Tyler,[20] a lady of admirable culture and -address, to whom she was, as well as the rest of the family, devotedly -attached as to her own daughter. One of the few occasions on which she -assented to appear personally in the public Reception-rooms, before a -large and distinguished assemblage of men and women associated with the -world of fashion and that of politics and diplomacy, was that of the -marriage of her daughter Elizabeth, and is thus portrayed by Mrs. Robert -Tyler shortly afterward, in a letter addressed to her relatives near -Philadelphia: - -Footnote 18: - - Mary, the first child and oldest daughter of Mrs. Letitia Tyler, in - her features bore a marked but refined and delicate likeness to her - father, and strikingly blended in her character the admirable - attributes of both father and mother. She was a lady of the most - exalted worth and lovely mould. She married, at an early age, Mr. - Henry Lightfoot Jones, of Charles City county, Virginia, and died - after her mother, leaving an infant daughter that soon followed her - spirit, and three sons, two of whom only survive, Henry and Robert, - who fought in the ranks in Lee’s army, both being mentioned in orders, - and the latter of whom, born in the “White House,” was promoted for a - feat of daring gallantry and three wounds received at Gettysburg, to a - first-lieutenancy. - -Footnote 19: - - Alice, fourth and last daughter of Mrs. Letitia Tyler, resembled her - mother in features more than any other child. She married, years after - her mother’s death, the Rev. Henry M. Denison, of Wyoming, - Pennsylvania, a clergyman of marked ability, eloquence, and - conscientiousness, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and Rector, at - the time, of old Bruton Parish Church, at Williamsburg, Virginia. She - died while he was assistant to the Bishop of Kentucky, at Louisville, - and he died while Rector at Charleston, South Carolina, a victim to - his high sense of duty to his congregation during the prevalence of - the yellow fever in that city before the war. They left an infant - daughter named Elizabeth, who has been reared and educated by her - aunt, Mrs. Letitia Tyler Semple. - -Footnote 20: - - Mrs. Robert Tyler, wife of the second child and oldest son of Mrs. - Letitia Tyler, is the daughter of Thomas Abthorpe Cooper, the - distinguished tragedian, an English gentleman, ward and nephew of - Goodwin, the political economist, pupil of Holcroft, and friend and - relative of Shelley, the poet. Her mother was the daughter of Major - Fairlee, of New York, an officer of the Revolutionary war of - Independence, and of the Governor Yates and Vanness family. Her eldest - daughter, named after her grandmother, Letitia Christian, was born in - the White House. - - - “WASHINGTON, _February, 1842_. - -* * * “Lizzie[21] has had quite a grand wedding, although the intention -was that it should be quiet and private. This, under the circumstances, -though, was found impossible. The guests consisted of Mrs. Madison, the -members of the cabinet, with their wives and daughters, the foreign -ministers near the government, and some few personal friends, outside of -the family and their relatives. - -Footnote 21: - - Elizabeth, third daughter of Mrs. Letitia Tyler, was married to Mr. - William Waller, of Williamsburg, Virginia, in the East Room of the - President’s Mansion, at Washington, on the thirty-first day of - January, 1842, in the nineteenth year of her age. In character she - greatly resembled her mother, and showed much of her early beauty and - grace. Her oldest son, named William, resigned from the West Point - military school and married during the recent war between the States - the youngest sister of the wife of President Davis, in the Executive - Mansion of the Confederate States, at Richmond. And her second son, - John, though a mere lad, was killed during the war, “fighting for his - mother’s grave,” to use his own words. Another son, Robert, and a - daughter, Mary, had been born to her before she died. Her children, - through their great-grandfather, the first Secretary of the American - Colonial Congress, and their great-grandmother, his wife, the sister - of the Earl of Traquaire, and whose grandson is the present titular - Earl, bear in their veins, probably, the nearest living blood to that - of Queen Mary Stuart, of Scotland, whose name her daughter bears. - -“Lizzie looked surpassingly lovely in her wedding dress and long blonde -lace-veil; her face literally covered with blushes and dimples. She -behaved remarkably well, too; any quantity of compliments were paid to -her. I heard one of her bridesmaids express to Mr. Webster her surprise -at Lizzie consenting to give up her belle-ship, with all the delights of -Washington society, and the advantages of her position, and retire to a -quiet Virginia home. ‘Ah,’ said he, - - ‘Love rules the court, the camp, the grove, - And love is heaven, and heaven is love.’ - - * * * * * - -“Our dear mother was down-stairs on this occasion for the first time, in -so large a circle, since she has been in Washington. She gained by -comparison with all the fine ladies around her. I felt proud of her, in -her perfectly faultless, yet unostentatious dress, her face shaded by -the soft fine lace of her cap, receiving in her sweet, gentle, -self-possessed manner, all the important people who were led up and -presented to her. She was far more attractive to me in her appearance -and bearing than any other lady in the room, and I believe such was the -general impression. Somebody says, ‘the highest order of manner is that -which combines dignity with simplicity;’ and this just describes -mother’s manner, the charm of which, after all, proceeds from her entire -forgetfulness of self, and the wish to make those around her happy.” - - * * * * * - - -Major Tyler, who was for more than three years “Major Domo” of the -establishment, and to the last private secretary, says, regarding the -modes and inmates of the President’s house during this time: - - -“My mother’s health was entirely too delicate to permit her to charge -herself with the semi-official social requirements of the mansion, and -my married sisters being unavoidably absent for the most of the time, -the task devolved upon Mrs. Robert Tyler to represent my mother on -stated occasions. She continued in the rôle of honors, as they are -termed, until after my mother’s death, and my brother made his -arrangements to practise law in Philadelphia, by which time it also -happened that Mr. Semple’s affairs became differently accommodated, and -he proceeded to sea as a Purser in the United States Navy, when my -sister Letitia[22] became at liberty to take up her abode in Washington. -Accordingly, both the President and myself now addressed to her letters, -inviting her to assume the position and duties of hostess of the White -House, which she consented to do, and so acted until May, 1844. - -Footnote 22: - - Letitia, the second and only surviving daughter and fourth child of - Mrs. Letitia Tyler, married in early life the nephew and adopted son - of Judge Semple, of Williamsburg, Virginia, who reared and educated - him to manhood, his own father, a brother of the Judge, as well as his - mother, dying in his infancy, leaving him by will a handsome fortune. - The Semples are of the family of the Earls Dundonald, of Scotland, and - of the same branch with that of the celebrated Blair, appointed by - King James the first commissioner of Virginia, and who was afterward - President of William and Mary College. - -“During my mother’s life, and up to this date, always contemning -pretension and worldly vanity, we lived in the ‘White House’ as we lived -at home, save that we were obliged to have rather more company, less -select as to true worth than was altogether agreeable. In the course of -the ‘fashionable season,’ and while the sessions of the Congress lasted, -we gave two dinner parties each week, very much after the plain, -substantial Virginia manner and style, to the first of which, usually -confined to gentlemen from different parts of the country visiting -Washington, and who had shown respectful attention to the President and -family, twenty guests were always invited; and to the second, usually -embracing both ladies and gentlemen from among the dignitaries of the -different departments of the Federal and State governments, and the -diplomatic corps of foreign governments, forty persons were invited, -making in either case quite a full table. - -“Our drawing-rooms, as at home, were open every evening informally until -10 o’clock—never later—when the family rose and retired, and doors were -closed. Before my mother’s death, we gave occasionally during the winter -months, by special invitations, in the general reception-rooms, a -private ball, attended with dancing, but terminating at 11 o’clock. In -addition to these private entertainments and strictly social converse, -we introduced at this period—for the first time it had been done—music -on the grounds of the south front of the Mansion, on the Saturday -evenings of each week during the mild weather of the spring, summer, and -fall, for the recreation of the public at large; and to a similar end a -public levee was held once a month, in addition to the general -receptions on the first day of January and the Fourth of July, of each -year. - -“Nothing whatever preceded by cards of invitation was permitted to be -considered in any other light than as a private affair of the -Presidential family, with which the world outside and the public press -had nothing whatever to do, just precisely as if we had been in our own -house in Williamsburg. Even in respect to the public receptions -mentioned, the _Madisonian_ was never suffered to indulge in a -description either of the persons or characters present, in an -individualizing manner, after modern usages, and no encouragement was -given to any one so to do. I send you a specimen of the only sort of -notice, even in the latter case, that was regarded as at all admissible -while my mother lived. Anything more particular would have shocked her -delicate sense of propriety, and been absolutely offensive to the -President. - - - “_From the Madisonian, Washington, Monday, March 17th, 1842._ - - “THE LAST LEVEE OF THE SEASON. - -“The levee held by the President on Tuesday evening last was a brilliant -affair, and gave satisfactory evidence of the esteem in which that high -functionary is held in social circles. - -“Among the visitors of peculiar note were the distinguished authors of -the ‘Sketch-Book,’ and of the ‘Pickwick Papers,’ in addition to whom -almost all the Ministers of Foreign Powers to our Government were in -attendance in full court dress. - -“The rooms were filled to overflowing with the talent and beauty of the -metropolis, whilst Senators and Members of Congress, without distinction -of party, served to give interest and to add animation to the scene. It -seems to us that these levees, as at present conducted, are peculiarly -adapted to the genius of our Republican institutions, inasmuch as all -who please may attend without infringement of etiquette. We almost -regret their termination for the season, but look forward with pleasure -to the period when they will be renewed.” - -“I may say that this notice, as restrained as it is, bears internal -evidence showing that it would not have been made but for the necessity -of informing the public in some indirect manner of the termination of -the public receptions for a season. I find none other. In another -column, and in quite a different connection, the _Madisonian_ says: ‘The -Richmond _Whig_ admits, and we heartily concur in the sentiment, that -Mr. Tyler, in his appointment of Washington Irving, the author of the -‘Sketch-Book,’ as minister to Spain, has paid a just tribute to the most -distinguished ornament of American letters.’ Scarcely any notice appears -of the marriage of my sister Elizabeth in the preceding January, that -being regarded as a purely family matter.” - - -No perceptible change in Mrs. Tyler’s condition of health occurred until -Friday, the 9th day of September, 1842. On the morning of that day, her -family physician detected a change unhappily for the worse, and a -threatened renewal of paralysis. He instantly called in consultation -others of the faculty, and everything devised by the skill of the -profession to ward off the fatal stroke was promptly applied. But all in -vain. On the evening of the next day, Saturday, September the 10th, at -eight o’clock, the hour came for her to be joined to her fathers. A -pious communicant of the Church of Christ, innocent in soul as a little -child, crowned with the virtues which had marked her useful and -unselfish life, fearing and loving God, reverencing her husband, adoring -and adored by her children—she passed into the heavenly kingdom -palpitating with the immortal joys of a spirit released from every -earthly pain and sorrow. On Sunday, the Executive Mansion stood arrayed -in mourning, and the tolling of the bells of the city announced the sad -visitation to those among the living. Every honor that the sincerest -respect and the purest love and the sense of a bitter bereavement could -suggest, was paid to her remains. A committee of the citizens of -Washington conveyed her body, after it had laid in state in the East -Room for several days, to the family burial-ground at the old paternal -residence in New Kent county, and there, in the midst of a sorrowing -assemblage of relatives and friends and neighbors who had known her from -birth, the parting tears of her husband and her children, gushing up -from the fountain of their hearts, were shed upon her coffin ere it was -deposited in the earth, where reposed already the dust of her parents -and of others she had loved, and who fondly loved her. - -Thus lived and died Mrs. Letitia Tyler, wife of the last of the Virginia -Presidents of the United States, a model of the exalted civilization of -the “ancient commonwealth and dominion,” a representative of her sex -worthy of their grateful memory, and an honor to the human family. - - - - - XIV. - JULIA GARDINER TYLER. - - -President John Tyler was married to Miss Julia Gardiner the 26th day of -June, 1844, at the Church of the Ascension, New York city. Immediately -after the wedding, the bridal party returned to the White House, where -they held a grand reception in lieu of the usual wedding festivities. It -was the first, and up to the present time, the only instance of the -marriage of a President, and the affair created great excitement and -interest throughout the United States, heightened doubtless by the -recollection of the tragic death of the father of the bride, a few -months previous. - -Miss Gardiner was the daughter of a wealthy gentleman residing on -Gardiner’s Island, and the eldest of three children. Her education, -continued at home until her sixteenth year, was completed at the Chegary -Institute, in New York city. Immediately after the termination of her -school life, she accompanied her father to Europe. Returning from abroad -after an extended tour, she visited, during the sitting of Congress, the -National Capital, and there for the first time met the distinguished man -to whom she was afterward married. - -It was while on a visit to Washington in the winter of 1844, that Mr. -Gardiner and his young daughter were invited by Captain Stockton to -accompany a large party of the President’s friends to Alexandria, and on -the return trip, when just opposite to the fort, all the gentlemen were -invited on deck to witness the firing of the “peacemaker.” Many of the -party, who were all partaking of a collation, responded to the -invitation; among the number the father of Miss Gardiner. The explosion -startled the President, who with the ladies had remained below, and in a -moment the piercing cries of the wounded filled the hearts of the -passengers with terror. Death had made fearful havoc, and the living -waited in breathless anxiety for the announcement of the names of the -victims. - -The bodies were conveyed to the White House, where the funeral services -were preached, and the last sad rites performed. - -The following summer Miss Gardiner was married, and from that time until -the close of her husband’s administration, a period of eight months, she -did the honors of the Executive Mansion, performing her agreeable task -with credit to herself and pleasure to her friends. - -After President Tyler’s retirement from public life, he removed to his -home in Virginia, where he continued to reside until his death, which -occurred in Richmond, the 17th of January, 1862. - -Of late years Mrs. Tyler has suffered pecuniary losses, and in the -winter of 1879 she petitioned and received from Congress a pension. She -has resided for the past few years in Washington City, and at present -(1881) is living in Georgetown. A devoted Catholic, she finds it -pleasant to be a resident of that retired and peaceful place, near to -Washington, and yet not in it. - - - - - XV. - SARAH CHILDRESS POLK. - - -Sarah Childress, the daughter of Captain Joel and Elizabeth Childress, -was born near Murfreesboro, in Rutherford county, Tennessee, the 4th day -of September, 1803. In that beautiful portion of the South, almost a -wilderness then, passed the younger years of her life, and there is -little to record of it save its contentment and tranquil happiness. Her -father, a farmer in easy circumstances, and considered rich for those -days, allowed his children every benefit to be derived from his -fortunate circumstances, and she was early placed at school. The -Moravian Institute at Salem, North Carolina, was chosen by Mr. Childress -as the most suitable place for his little daughter, and she was placed -in that strict and most thorough establishment. There she attained -discipline and culture, and her school days with their varying shadows -and sunshine passed quietly away. There was nothing to mar the influence -of those happy school days, and each as it came, did its appointed duty -in moulding her character. The April life fleeted by, clouds and -sunshine, little griefs and joys, the studious hour, the frank -companionship of girlhood, the animating walk, hand in hand with young -friends and with nature, soon rolled away, and Sarah Childress returned -home. Surrounded in her father’s house by all the comforts possible to -obtain in that State in those days, and possessing a hopeful temperament -and sunny heart, adorned with all the accomplishments that the attention -of parents and teachers could bestow, she was a bright ornament in her -home, and a pleasure to her friends and society. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. JAMES K. POLK. -] - -At the early age of nineteen she was married to James Knox Polk, in -Murfreesboro. The wedding was a festival of rejoicing, at which many -friends of the bride and groom assisted, and was characterized by the -abundance and merriment customary at that day. - -Mr. Polk had recently entered public life, and was then a member of the -Legislature of Tennessee. In the following year he was elected to -Congress from the district, at that time composed of the counties of -Giles, Maury, Lincoln, and Bedford. During fourteen sessions he -continued the representative of that district. After having served on -the most important committees in the House, he was, in 1836, elected -Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position for which his -studious and industrious habits, together with his constantly increasing -popularity, peculiarly fitted him. - -Mrs. Polk did not fail to accompany her husband to Washington every -winter except in a single instance. She occupied there a conspicuous -place in society, and by her polite manners and sound judgment made her -companionship pleasant and inspiriting, not only to Mr. Polk, but to the -friends by whom he was surrounded. Mrs. Polk was a highly cultivated -without being a literary woman. Being interested in all that related to -her husband, she took pains to inform herself fully in political -affairs, and read all the news and discussions of the day relating to -the well-being of the country, subjects which to most ladies of that day -proved wearisome and hard to understand. Living in the atmosphere of -politicians and surrounded by public men, she however avoided the -maelstrom upon which ladies are often stranded, and never discussed a -subject in relation to which her sex were expected to be entirely -ignorant. Women were then as now, supposed to be too weak to understand -the mighty problem of Government, and they evidenced their acquiescence -in such a supposition by remaining entirely unacquainted with the -politics of the country. Not so Mrs. Polk, who however was no -politician, for her visitors were not aware of the depth of her -understanding, nor were they offended by the recurrence to a subject -deemed out of her sphere. There was an intuitive feeling in her heart of -what was due to her delicacy, and she was wise enough to be consistent -and appropriate in all her actions. Yet her mind was strengthened by -careful reading and intimate intercourse with many of the finest minds -in the country. - -Mr. Polk’s residence was at Columbia, Tennessee, where the intervals -between the sessions of Congress were spent among his relatives. In the -year 1834, Mrs. Polk joined the Presbyterian Church of that place. Since -that time her character has been entirely a Christian one. Faithful and -devout, consistent in her conduct to every rule and requirement of her -sect, she has exemplified in her life the punctual observance of a vow -to serve her God through the acknowledged tenets of the Presbyterian -faith. - -On the departure of Mr. and Mrs. Polk from Washington, in 1839, Mrs. -Polk received the graceful compliment of a copy of verses addressed to -her by the eminent jurist, Hon. Joseph D. Story. - -In the same year Mr. Polk was made the Governor of Tennessee, and -removed his residence to Nashville, in order to fulfil the duties of his -new position. Mrs. Polk, always amiable and animated by the truest -fidelity to her husband’s interests, exerted a wide influence in the new -circle into which her life had been cast. By the winning gentleness -which ever accompanied her fine social qualities, she attracted even -those members of the Legislature who were among the opponents of Mr. -Polk. And this is saying a great deal when it is remembered that the -political campaign of 1840 was the most fierce and exciting one in the -history of the country. It is known as the “hard cider and log-cabin -campaign.” Political rancor and animosity prevailed to an unprecedented -degree. But the lady-like affability, and high and exalted virtues of -Mrs. Polk, won universal admiration from friend and foe alike. She lived -above the warring elements that surrounded her. The calm and charming -bearing of the Governor’s wife was a source of constant praise. - -From the sister States of Tennessee and Kentucky came the opposing -Presidential candidates in 1844. Henry Clay, the idol of the Whig party, -and the most popular public man in the Commonwealth, against the -champion of Democracy, James K. Polk. - -The election was keenly contested, and the result most damaging to the -Whig party. March 4, 1845, Mr. Polk was inaugurated. The day was very -disagreeable, rain and mud rendering much of a display out of the -question. He was accompanied from the Capitol to the White House by the -retiring President, who there took a kindly leave, wishing him -prosperity and happiness in his new and exalted position. Mrs. Polk -immediately assumed the agreeable duties of the lady of the White House, -and having no children to occupy her time, she devoted herself entirely -to the pleasures of her new station. She held weekly receptions, and it -was customary for her to receive her company sitting. The extreme -formality required now was not practised then. The crowds that attend -the few levees held by the President’s family render everything like -sociability out of the question. Farther and farther from the old -landmarks we are drifting. In Mrs. Washington’s day the company were -seated, and herself and the President passed among the company. Later in -the history of the Chief Magistrates, President Adams dispensed cake and -wine to the guests, and General Jackson cheese. As the throng grew more -numerous, Mrs. Polk did away with refreshments, and now policemen are -stationed in the Mansion during receptions to keep the crowds from -crushing the President and family, who are compelled to stand and shake -hands the entire evening. Verily we are a progressive people. - -The reputation which Mrs. Polk had acquired was nobly sustained, even -when subjected, as one might say, to the gaze of the whole world. Every -circumstance, whether of embarrassment, perplexity or trial, added to -the undiminished lustre of her name. She maintained the dignity of the -President’s Mansion, which, in this country of republican freedom and -simplicity, was often in danger of being lowered. Her parents were of -the old school, high-toned in manners and principles, and she had -imbibed from them what may be called the aristocracy of virtue; an idea -that, whatever the mass of society might consider themselves at liberty -to do, it was indispensably due to her station to preserve inviolate the -strict laws of decorum and of the purest principles. Hence it will not -be surprising that during her occupancy of the White House the practice -which had formerly obtained, of dancing there, was discontinued; a -practice which was evidently out of all harmony with the place, and more -suitable anywhere else. - -The return of Mrs. Polk to Washington was anticipated by her friends -with the liveliest gratification. She was considered, by those who knew -her, remarkably fitted to fill and adorn the high seat to which she was -bidden. The following extracts will show the feeling which was rife. The -_Tennessee Democrat_ said: - -“We have recently noticed in our exchange papers, of both political -parties, the most respectful and flattering compliments paid to the -amiable and accomplished lady who is shortly to take charge of the White -House. We cannot refrain from copying the following complimentary -tribute to Mrs. Polk, which is taken from the _Southern_ (Miss.) -_Reformer_, and we are sure that in this community, where Mrs. Polk is -best known, the compliment will be duly appreciated.”— - -“‘This lady is one of the most sensible, refined and accomplished of her -sex, and will adorn the White House at Washington, over which she is -destined to preside, with distinguished honor to her country. All who -have mingled in her society know well how to appreciate the gracefulness -of her disposition. We have seen few women that have developed more of -the genuine republican characteristics of the American lady. She has had -her admirers not only in the highest, but in the humblest walks of life. -The poor know her for her benevolence; the rich for the plainness of her -equipage; the church for her consistency; the unfortunate for her -charities; and society itself for the veneration and respect which her -virtues have everywhere awarded her. We feel proud that the southwest -can boast of such a noble offspring.’” - - - “WASHINGTON CITY, _February 24, 1845_. - -“MY DEAR SIR:—The advent of our President-elect has concentrated -everything to and about him. The prudence that he observed before he -reached here in reference to the formation of his Cabinet still exists. -He keeps his own counsels, and no tie of personal or political -friendship, as far as we can learn, has been enabled to get from him a -glimpse of the future. It is generally believed here that Mr. Polk will -be influenced by no ultra party considerations; that he will look to the -great interests of the country as a whole, and study, with the -incentives of a statesman and a patriot, so to administer the -government. Should he prescribe to himself this policy, those who know -him best know that he has firmness of purpose commensurate to its -fulfilment. - -“Whatever the diversities of opinion that divide politicians, and -whatever the asperities of feeling engendered by the conflicts to which -they lead, they seem, by common consent, to be surrendered upon the -altar that is reared in every chivalrous heart, to the meed most justly -due to elegance and excellence of female character, in the person of the -lady of the President-elect. - -“All approach her with the tribute that is due to her exalted station, -and all leave her with the pleasing impression that the refinement and -blandishments of her manners, the gentleness of her disposition, and -unostentatious bearing, fit her eminently for the place and part she is -to occupy for the next four years. At home and abroad, the influence of -her character will do honor to our country. These are the impressions of -your friend.” - -“Not long since, in the _Nashville Union_, appeared a communication in -which the writer very justly applauds the lady of the President of the -United States in consequence of her dignified and exemplary deportment -since her occupancy of the Presidential Mansion. Among other remarks, -the following occur: ‘She is a consistent member of the Presbyterian -Church, and therefore has abolished dancing and other light amusements -in her house.’ Assuredly nothing more effectually commends the religion -of the Bible than the holy and consistent conduct of those who profess -to be governed by its precepts. - -“A professor of religion, doubtless Mrs. Polk deeply realized the -responsibility of her position. Exposed to the temptations of -fashionable life in their most alluring forms, it required no trivial -amount of gracious influence to enable her to abjure the maxims and -customs of an ungodly world. The friends of religion anxiously looked -forward in regard to the course she might think proper to adopt in that -respect, and thanks to Providence and her own pious heart, their hopes -and expectations have not been disappointed. By her consistent and -exemplary conduct she has secured the gratitude and respect of the -friends of religion of every name, yea, of all whose good opinion is -most worth enjoying; while, in the meantime, the friends and advocates -of the rejected pastimes, _nolens volens_, will even on that account -feel constrained to accord to her the homage of their augmented respect. - -“The example of Mrs. Polk can hardly fail of exerting, in various -respects, a salutary influence. Especially does it rebuke the conduct of -those ladies who, professing godliness, nevertheless dishonor its -profession by their eager participation in the follies and amusements of -the world. However politicians may differ in regard to the merits of Mr. -Polk’s administration, there can be no difference as respects that of -his lady, in her department of the Presidential Mansion. All will agree -that by the exclusion of the frivolities spoken of, and her excellent -deportment in other respects, she has conferred additional dignity upon -the executive department of our government, and may well be considered a -model worthy of imitation by the ladies who may hereafter occupy the -elevated position from which she is about to retire. This excellent -lady, ere long, it is presumed, will return to the society of kindred -and friends, among whom, it is sincerely hoped, she may long live to -receive and confer happiness upon all around, and as hitherto, continue -to be an ornament to the religion and church her example has so signally -honored.” - - -In her elevated and conspicuous situation, the stateliness of Mrs. -Polk’s bearing was strikingly becoming and appropriate. With this an -English lady was impressed, who averred that not one of the three queens -whom she had seen could compare with the truly feminine yet -distinguished and regal presence of Mrs. Polk. She says: “Mrs. Polk is a -very handsome woman. Her hair is very black, and her dark eye and -complexion remind one of the Spanish donnas. She is well read, has much -talent for conversation, and is highly popular. Her excellent taste in -dress preserves the subdued though elegant costume which characterizes -the lady.” - -The same feeling of admiration seemed to inspire the graceful writer, -Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, in the following tribute: - - “Lady, had I the wealth of earth - To offer freely at thy shrine, - Bright gold and buds of dewy birth, - Or gems from out the teeming mine, - A thousand things most beautiful, - All sparkling, precious, rich and rare, - These hands would render up to thee, - Thou noble lady, good and fair! - - “For as I write, sweet thoughts arise - Of times when all thy kindness lent - A thousand hues of Paradise - To the fleet moments as they went; - Then all thy thoughts were winged with light, - And every smile was calm and sweet, - And thy low tones and gentle words - Made the warm heart’s blood thrill and beat. - - “There, standing in our nation’s home, - My memory ever pictures thee - As some bright dame of ancient Rome, - Modest, yet all a queen should be; - I love to keep thee in my mind, - Thus mated with the pure of old, - When love, with lofty deeds combined, - Made women great and warriors bold. - - “When first I saw thee standing there, - And felt the pressure of thy hand, - I scarcely thought if thou wert fair, - Or of the highest in the land; - I knew thee gentle, pure as great, - All that was lovely, meek and good; - And so I half forgot thy state - In love of thy bright womanhood. - - “And many a sweet sensation came, - That lingers in my bosom yet, - Like that celestial, holy flame - That vestals tremble to forget. - And on the earth or in the sky, - There’s not a thought more true and free, - Than that which beats within my heart, - In pleasant memory of thee. - - “Lady, I gladly would have brought - Some gem that on thy heart may live, - But this poor wreath of woven thought - Is all the wealth I have to give. - All wet with heart-dew, flush with love, - I lay the garland at thy feet, - Praying the angel-forms above, - To weave thee one more pure and sweet.” - -The receptions of the President were always largely attended, and were -made agreeable to everybody by the spirit of liveliness as well as of -courtesy that prevailed. A visitor says: “Last evening I had an -opportunity of seeing the members of the royal family, together with -some choice specimens of the Democracy, in the ‘circle-room’ of the -White House. It was reception night, and the latch-string, in the shape -of a handsome negro, was ‘outside the door.’ On entering, I found the -room full. Mr. Polk is so affable as to prevent one from feeling any awe -that he is in direct communication with the concentrated majesty of the -whole United States and Territories. - -“The wife of the President was seated on the sofa, engaged with half a -dozen ladies in lively conversation. Ill and clumsy as I am at -millinery, yet for the sake of my fair readers, I will try to describe -her toilet. A maroon colored velvet dress, with short sleeves and high -in the neck, trimmed with very deep lace, and a handsome pink head-dress -was all that struck the eye of the general observer. Mr. Willis would, -no doubt, have noticed many other little accompaniments, interesting to -ladies, but I never could indulge in any such familiarity. Who would -think of plucking at an angel’s wing in order to give an analysis of its -fibre? Mrs. Polk is a handsome, intelligent and sensible woman, better -looking and better dressed than any of her numerous lady visitors -present on the occasion. - -“Among the guests of distinction were the Hon. Cave Johnson, -Postmaster-General, who bears a strong resemblance about the head to Mr. -Greeley, of the _Tribune_; Mr. Vinton, of Ohio, Commodore De Kay, Mr. -Rockwell, of Connecticut, and a Wall Street financier, who can draw a -larger draft on London than any other man in the country. There were two -or three pairs of epaulettes; a couple of pretty deaf and dumb girls, -who only talked with their fingers; and scores of others who talked with -their eyes, while a whole regiment of the ‘raw material’ of the -Democracy in frock coats, stood as straight as grenadiers around the -outer circle of the room, gazing in silent astonishment at the President -and the chandeliers.” - -On one of the reception nights a distinguished gentleman from South -Carolina remarked in a loud tone of voice to Mrs. Polk, “Madam, there is -a woe pronounced against you in the Bible.” Every one ceased conversing -for a moment, when Mrs. Polk inquired what he meant. “Well, the Bible -says, ‘Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.’” A general -laugh followed, and the remark was considered very appropriate. - -During President Polk’s administration, the war with Mexico was -inaugurated by a difficulty about the boundary line of Texas. The -country is acquainted with the brilliant successes of the American -troops in Mexico, and of General Scott’s glorious successes, whereby he -reached and revelled in the halls of the Montezumas. The war ended in -1848, the year before Mr. Polk’s retirement. President Polk’s easy, -courteous manners, went far toward allaying the opposition which is ever -apparent in times of national trouble, and the affable manners of Mrs. -Polk rendered his efforts the more successful. With the exception of the -summer of 1847, spent in Tennessee, Mrs. Polk remained uninterruptedly -at the White House; the visits of members of her family cheering the -otherwise monotonous routine of her life there. - -A gentleman who called at the White House one evening in the fall of -1846, writes in the following terms of his visit: “We were met by Mr. -Walker, the Private Secretary, with much politeness, the President being -absent, and were received by Mrs. Polk in the kindest, and at the same -time most graceful, manner. It may be said with truth, she is a lady of -commanding dignity at all times; and her conversation, generally of the -most agreeable character, is always happily directed. In my judgment, at -no period in our history have we seen the hospitalities and ceremonies -of the White House more handsomely dispensed, or displayed with greater -republican simplicity than at the present time. If my observation be -correct, no invidious or improper distinction seems to be made in the -circle of visitors. There is no imposing movement or extra formality -exhibited when a Secretary or some other high officer of Government -presents himself. The quiet and unheralded citizen receives a polite and -cordial salutation, as well as the haughty millionnaire, or some proud -minister of state. And this is precisely as it should be, a just and -beautiful commentary, alike upon our noble institutions, and the -charming social qualities of the President and his family. - -“I was struck not only with the easy and fascinating manners of Mrs. -Polk, but equally with her patriotic sentiments and feelings. A gallant -Lieutenant just from the bloody but glorious conflict at Monterey, was -there also; and as Mrs. Polk gracefully carried back his thoughts to the -distant field of his early fame, he caught the inspiration at once, and -dwelt briefly for her entertainment upon some of the thrilling incidents -of those scenes. In the course of this animated conversation to which I -was a favored listener, the modest young officer remarked, in a playful -manner, that something which I do not now recollect was rather too -democratic; to which Mrs. Polk replied, that ‘whatever sustained the -honor, and advanced the interests of the country, whether regarded as -democratic or not, she admired and applauded.’ The sentiment was a truly -noble one.” - -A correspondent of the New York _Journal of Commerce_ has also given to -the public a sketch of a visit to the Presidential Mansion, which is -interesting. “These the musings were soon interrupted by the entrance of -Mrs. Polk who, with an easy smile and a graceful simplicity of manner, -bid me welcome as an American citizen, and partaker of a common faith. -She bears her honors meekly, and surely it is no mean elevation to be -the wife of an American President; an elevation to which many fond and -ambitious aspirations are doubtless secretly cherished in the bosoms of -high-minded American women, but which only one, now and then, can enjoy. -And this one, probably, was among the last to expect it, till the news -came to disturb the quietude of her happy domestic life in Tennessee. - -“Mrs. Polk may be considered a felicitous specimen of the intelligent, -refined American lady, who, without artificial airs, without any -assumption of stateliness of manners, without any ambitious ornaments of -dress, exchanges the courtesies of social life, and demeans herself in -public, with a sincerity somewhat rare in the current circles of -fashion. - -“I cannot but think that the basis of her style of character is laid in -a true and unaffected piety. She is regular in her attendance on divine -worship and on the communion of the Lord’s supper. In our conversation, -she expressed her great delight, among similar things, in having -recently witnessed and welcomed the admission of three or four -interesting youths to the communion of the Presbyterian Church, of which -she is a member. Unlike some of her predecessors, Mrs. Polk has no taste -for the gay amusements of the lovers of pleasure.” - -In the early fall of 1847, the illness of Mrs. Polk threw a cloud of -sorrow and apprehension over many hearts; but it was only a cloud, and -the recovery of this beloved and honored lady was hailed with delight -and thanksgiving. Some one writing to the Baltimore _Sun_ says: “This -fall we have a peculiar sorrow, in the dangerous illness of the honored -lady of President Polk. She came among us almost a stranger, respected -on account of her station, but unknown to most of us; she is now the -pride of society, as well as the object of our tender affection. The -social circles of Washington gratefully acknowledge the happiness she -has diffused through them; the needy and suffering bless God for such a -friend. All admire her character, all revere her virtues, and all with -one consent join in supplicating the Father of mercies to spare her -long, very long to her distinguished husband and the friends to whom she -is so dear.” - -A few days before the close of his administration, a splendid dinner -party was given by the President to General Taylor. At the levee, the -same evening, a great concourse of persons—acquaintances, admirers, and -friends—assembled to pay their last respects and take their last adieu -of the President and his wife. - -On Sunday afternoon, in the first Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Polk -participated for the last time in the solemn services of the communion. -The Rev. Mr. Ballentyne addressed the distinguished lady in a most -appropriate manner; and on the conclusion of the ceremonies, the pastor -and a large number of the communicants approached and bade her an -affectionate farewell. - -The following morceau appears in the Washington _Union_: - - A FAREWELL TO MRS. POLK. - - “Lady, farewell! amid the gloom of grief, - How many a heart will utter that sad sound! - Farewell! for thee a thousand hearts will mourn; - So much of friendship lost, of sorrow found. - And thou shalt leave a void in Friendship’s hall, - Where joyous notes were once so wont to rise, - Like that fair Pleiad which forsook its home, - And caused to mourn the sisters of the skies. - But thou must go: yet with thee thou shalt bear - A stranger’s hope upon the distant way, - And only fade to give a calmer day. - A welcome, too, I’d give thee to my home, - My sunny home, the old Palmetto soil; - Where many a heart, all warm and true and kind, - Shall chase away the gloom of travel’s toil. - And may life pass as soft as sunset hour, - When gentle rays gleam on the skies above, - And may each pulse in sweetest union beat - To the soft music of the harp of love. - “CONSTANCY.” - -The departure from Washington and return to Nashville was a continued -scene of ovation and triumph. Everywhere along the route, demonstrations -of respect and esteem greeted the distinguished travellers. Arriving at -home, the citizens of Nashville showed them every possible mark of -regard. - -Before the expiration of Mr. Polk’s Presidential term, he had purchased -a house in Nashville, from the Hon. Felix Grundy, in the most commanding -position in the city. It was enlarged and ornamented and put in the most -complete and elegant order. Ever since it has been known as “Polk -Place.” The surrounding grounds are tastefully and elaborately arranged -and adorned with flowers and shrubbery. They extend from Vine street on -the east, to Spruce street on the west; and from Union street on the -north, to Polk avenue, which leads from the mansion to Church street, on -the south. The dwelling, is large and imposing, and the grounds ample, -forming one of the most attractive places in the city. This was the -chosen spot for the declining days of the recent occupants of the White -House. - -Soon after their return from Washington, the ex-President and his wife -contemplated a tour in Europe; then a much more serious undertaking than -at the present day. He even engaged a courier who could speak and write -French and German, to obviate many difficulties of the journey. But -ill-health and the speedy termination of the statesman’s life, put an -end to the pleasant scheme. - -After the death of Mr. Polk, a small but beautiful temple, of native -marble, was erected on the grounds on the eastern front, beneath which -lie the remains of the distinguished statesman. On three sides of a -monument within the temple, there are full and lengthy inscriptions, -recording the principal events of a useful and honored life. The death -of her husband was the only affliction of Mrs. Polk’s life. It had been -invariably calm, cheerful, and happy. “In this great trial and deep -draught of the waters of bitterness, she was sustained and consoled by -the divine principles and precious promises of her religion. She was -enabled by faith to look forward to a reunion in the better land, with -him on whose strong arm she had so long leaned, and to whom her -attachment and companionship had been so dear. She had removed her -membership from the church in Washington, and had become connected with -the First Presbyterian Church of Nashville, of which the lamented Dr. -John T. Edgar was so long the beloved pastor.” The sympathizing -attention paid to Mrs. Polk in her grief was universal. From every lady -and gentleman of her wide acquaintance she received letters of -condolence and consolation. - -The study of the President, a large room in the second story, commanding -a view of the Capitol, is kept by Mrs. Polk just as he left it. Here are -his books, his papers, his pen and all the little articles that betoken -an apartment in daily use; as if he had just stepped out and would soon -return. It is kept in order by her own hands. - -Such public marks of respect have been shown to Mrs. Polk as it has been -no other American lady’s fortune to receive. Prominent men of all -classes and callings rarely visit the city without paying their respects -to her. It was for years the habit of the Legislature to call upon her, -in a body, on New Year’s Day. Large delegations of Masons, of Odd -Fellows, and of Sons of Temperance, at the various meetings of their -societies, have done themselves the honor to be presented to her. -Numbers of the members of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian -Church have, at different times, visited Polk Place to evince their -sincere respect for her whose life has been so pure and blameless, and -whose Christian character is so shining an example. - -During the Confederate days of Nashville, Mrs. Polk received the kind -attentions of the supreme officers; among others of Gen. Beauregard, of -Gen. Breckenridge, and of Gen. Preston. Afterward, Gen. Buell, Gen. -Thomas, Gen. Nelson, Gen. Mitchell, Gen. Crittenden, Gen. McCook, Gen. -Sherman, Gen. Wood, and many others, and staff officers innumerable, -called to pay their duty to the distinguished mistress of Polk Place. - -In a letter from a visitor at Melrose, the residence of Mrs. Gov. A. V. -Brown, in the vicinity of Nashville, is the following pleasant -description: “Among the pleasures that we most value and trust never to -lose, was meeting and becoming acquainted, while at Melrose, with one of -Nashville’s most valued residents—Mrs. President Polk. By far the most -interesting spot in that city is Polk Place, this lady’s home, an -elegant and stately erection, the portico of the noblest architecture, -exquisite in design and proportion. The house has large, lofty rooms, a -noble hall, rich in presents received by Mrs. Polk during the -Presidential career of her husband. Among them is a beautiful drawing of -Niagara, a fine oil painting of De Soto, and walking sticks in curious -shapes and of precious-looking wood. Besides these, the walls are hung -with portraits of illustrious men, and fine likenesses of the President, -repeated at different ages. In this cherished retirement, enlivened by -the presence of a sweet little relative, an adopted daughter of Mrs. -Polk’s, men of all parties meet, forgetting their political differences -in social enjoyment. - -“But the house, noble as it is, is not the goal of the visitor’s -pilgrimage. As at the Hermitage, the true shrine is to be found in the -shade, the verdure, the fragrance of a sloping garden, amid dazzling -masses of verbena, geraniums, heliotrope and jessamine. In the centre of -this lovely mosaic is a fine monument, erected over the remains of him -whose brief and bright career was cut suddenly short, enriched by an -elegant inscription from Mrs. Polk’s pen; a true and noble record, -honorable alike to the departed and to the survivor. Here, amid the song -of birds and the odor of flowers, we paid willing homage to all that -remained of one who died lamented by his countrymen of every sect and -party. - -“His mourners were two parts, his friends and foes. He had kept the -whiteness of his soul, and thus men o’er him wept. - -“Meeting Mrs. Polk was like seeing the original of a familiar picture, -and in a few moments after seeing her, we were surprised to find ourself -forgetting, in a confiding feeling, that we were conversing with a lady -who had presided at the Executive Mansion with a wider popularity than -has since been attained by any of her successors. She seems to have a -warm and unenvying sympathy in the success of others, and in her -conversation there is an expression of those affectionate sympathies -which made her beloved in a more elevated sphere. She has a pleasing -figure, what we call lady-like, delicate, erect and graceful, with a -great deal of manner, in the last respect resembling the late Mrs. -Madison. Mrs. Polk’s mental endowments, as well as her personal -qualities, combine to render her a general favorite, while her manners -and character give a permanence to her social success by converting -admirers into friends.” - -In a pecuniary point of view, Mrs. Polk’s life has passed in ease and -affluence. Her father was comparatively wealthy, and Mr. Polk’s -circumstances were always good. In addition to his property in -Tennessee, he owned a large and flourishing plantation in Mississippi. -Chief-Justice Catron, Major Daniel Graham and other distinguished -personal friends, have attended to Mrs. Polk’s financial affairs during -her widowhood, and have thus relieved her from all care. - -Mrs. Polk, though ever willing to converse, and always enriching the -conversation from her ready store of information and observation, is -remarkably reticent in regard to her own life. Her most familiar friends -fail to persuade an account of incidents relating purely to herself. She -is never seen in public except at church. The visits of chosen friends -are grateful to her, but she does not return them, and no attraction is -sufficient to draw her far away from the home where cluster so many dear -and sacred memories. Occasionally she spends a few days with her -relatives in other counties. - -Having no children, Mrs. Polk, some time after the death of her husband, -adopted a niece, who has ever since been an inmate of her house. No -employment could have served better to console the many lonely hours -that must be the inevitable heritage of a widowed heart, than the charge -of a daughter. - -Mrs. Polk was born in the dawn of the nineteenth century, and is a pure -type of a class which is rapidly becoming extinct. With her will pass -away many of the excellences and not a few of the foibles of a class -modelled after the aristocracy of the old world on their graftings in -the new. Her life has been spent in an age and country where chivalric -honor to woman is a matter of national pride, yet in a land of slaves -and slavery. The young and middle-aged of to-day will never know the -opportunities of time and means which she, half a century ago, enjoyed; -for the South is changed, and verily old things have passed away and all -are new. The present generation, thrown more upon their own resources, -and passing through the perplexities of change and misfortune, will grow -away from the old regime, and may perhaps lose many of their virtues -with too few of their faults. - -During the late civil war, she suffered in common with the people of the -South, losing much of her valuable property, but was fortunately left -with sufficient means to enable her to live in her usual style of -comfort. Her sympathies were with the section of country in which she -was reared, but her conduct was throughout befitting her station, and no -expression or action of hers is a reflection of aught save refined -bearing and high-toned sensibility. - -Surrounded with comforts and luxuries, and enjoying the companionship of -her relatives and friends, Mrs. Polk glides calmly down the vale of -years, with the memory of a past all brightness, and the hopes of a -future all peace. The lifetime imitation of a pure and useful standard -of excellence has rewarded her with a glorious fame, and she dwells -among the friends of her youth, honored and respected, trusted and -beloved. - - - - - XVI. - MARGARET TAYLOR. - - -The importance attached to Presidential honors is not in our country the -inheritance of persons born to the wearing of them. Monarchial -governments, by tradition and law, designate not only who is the “chief -magistrate,” but also provide candidates in advance for the succession. -People, therefore, born to such high estate are always, from infancy -onward, objects of world-wide interest; and the minutest acts of their -lives, before they achieve their inherited position as well as after, -are subjects of note from a thousand pens. - -In our own country the popular will selects its candidates for the -highest office within its gift as often from those who have suddenly -received popularity as from those who have, by antecedent history, -become known to fame. It is probably true that, just before the breaking -out of actual hostilities between this country and Mexico, there was no -military officer—his long and faithful public service considered—who was -as little known to the country at large as General Taylor. - -That the future Mistress of the White House who was buried in the -seclusion of his retired private life, should be little known out of her -domestic circle, is therefore not surprising; and that a family, the -members of which had always courted seclusion and were satisfied with -making perfect the narrow circle of their accepted duties, should shrink -from publicity and notice, is not to be wondered at; and, as a -consequence, there is but little left to afford material for the pen of -the historian. - -Mrs. Taylor and her daughter “Betty,” who for a while shone forth as the -acknowledged “first ladies of the land,” never sympathized with the -display and bustle of the White House, and they always performed such -official duties as were imperatively forced upon them, by their exalted -position, as a task that had no compensation for the sacrifices -attending it. - -The key to Mrs. Taylor’s life was touched by General Taylor himself, -who, when receiving from an appointed speaker, at Baton Rouge, the -official announcement that he was elected President of the United -States, among other things said: - -“For more than a quarter of a century, my house has been the tent, and -my home the battle-field.” This statement, which might have been used -with propriety as figurative language by any officer who had been for -more than a quarter of a century on active duty, was literally true of -General Taylor’s experience. He was emphatically a hard-working officer: -either from choice or accident, his public life was never varied by -those terms of “official repose” which give officers a rest at -Washington, at West Point, or at head-quarters in some large city. - -On the contrary, General Taylor, from the time he entered the army as a -lieutenant until he laid aside his well-earned commission as a -Major-General to assume the highest responsibility of Commander-in-Chief -of the Army and Navy, had never been out of what might be termed the -severest frontier duties. - -He was known as having acquired the largest experience as an Indian -fighter. He was alike the hero of the “Black Hawk,” as he was the most -prominent officer in the Seminole war. Hence it is that Mrs. Taylor, -more than any other mistress of the White House, had seen more army -service, and passed through more varied frontier experiences; for she -would never, under any circumstances, if she could avoid it, separate -herself from her husband, no matter how severe were the trials resulting -from wifely devotion. - -This heroic spirit, that gives such grace and beauty to useful -qualities, carried her cheerfully to Tampa Bay, that she might be near -her husband when he was endeavoring to suppress the wily Seminoles in -the swamps and everglades of Florida; and as the long previous years in -the western country made her familiar with the attributes of savage -triumphs, so the final defeats that eventually secured our settlers a -peaceful home on the rich plains of Mexico, and laid the foundation of -the prosperity of the great West. - -In all this quarter of a century so feelingly alluded to by General -Taylor, as the time when his house was a tent and his home the -battle-field, it was seldom that Mrs. Taylor was not at his side, -bearing her share of the hardships incidental to her husband’s life, and -cheerfully attending to the duties which fell to her to perform. All -this while the modest accommodations were acceptable, the log-cabin in -winter, the tent if necessary in summer, with the coarse but substantial -food of the soldiers, and often even this not in abundance. Deprived of -the little elegancies which are so necessary for a woman’s -comfort—separated from the society of her children, who were almost -always away at school—nothing stood in the way of her fealty to her -husband, and she was content thus to live. - -Through all these trying circumstances Mrs. Taylor, by her good sense, -her modesty, her uncomplaining spirit, her faculty of adding to the -comforts and surroundings of her husband’s life, filled the measure of -her duty, and set an example of the true woman, especially a soldier’s -wife, that her sex for all time can admire and point to as worthy of -imitation. - -Her domestic duties, so far as they related to the comfort of her -family, she would never intentionally abandon for a single day to menial -hands. Especially was she careful in the preparation of the food for the -table, and however simple the meal might be, she saw that the material -was carefully prepared. And this home training General Taylor displayed -when in Northern Mexico, away from his domestic care; for while he was -indifferent to a degree about luxuries, yet what he did eat, he -persisted in having carefully selected and prepared with due regard to -healthfulness; and his tent was ever a model of neatness and rude -comfort. - -Mrs. Taylor’s maiden name was Margaret Smith. She was born in Maryland, -and came of a family identified for their substantial qualities which -distinguished intelligent agriculturists. She received such an education -as was at the command of female pupils in the beginning of the century. -An education which considered the practical, rather than the -intellectual, and to this plane of her school life she was trained with -special care in all the accomplishments of domestic duties. - -“Maryland housekeeping” was for years in the southwest, and is still -among the “old settlers,” a complimentary remark, if applied to a lady -from any part of the country, so excellent was considered the -housewives’ work of those who learned their duties on the tidewaters of -the Chesapeake Bay, and among those examples of domestic perfection in -her State, Mrs. Taylor was eminent. And to be more than this—to make her -home happy—she evidently had no ambition. Marrying an officer of the -United States army, who was born in Kentucky, and was appointed from -private life, her husband had no associations that took him to the -North, which, independent of official opportunities, are increased by a -student’s career at West Point. “Captain Taylor” was therefore, from the -beginning of his public life, confined to the frontiers, and was known -as one of the “hard-working,” and “fighting officers.” His boyhood days -were made up of adventures with Indians, and around the fireside of his -own home, listening to his father and his father’s friends, talk over -the struggles, sufferings, and triumphs they endured as active -participators in the Revolution, under the leadership of General -Washington and General Wayne, and of their subsequent hard lives after -they left Virginia, to found homes “in the dark and bloody ground.” - -To accept with pleasure the incidents of the consequent life was the -true spirit of the American heroine, and to adorn it through long years -of privations and sufferings as Mrs. Taylor did, is the noblest tribute -that can be paid to her virtues. For sixteen years after the conclusion -of our second war with England, the time indicated in history as the -“treaty of Ghent,” Major Taylor spent an active life in what was then -known as our western frontiers. He established forts and corresponded -with the Government on Indian affairs. His custom was to personally -superintend the varied and difficult labors imposed upon him. All this -while he was literally in the savage wilderness, and Mrs. Taylor, then a -young wife, persistently accompanied him. To her attentions to her -husband the country was largely indebted for his usefulness, and by her -influence and example the subordinates, who were attached to the pioneer -army, were made contented and uncomplaining. - -This era of Mrs. Taylor’s life she was wont always to speak of with -subdued enthusiasm. - -It was while thus living that her children were born. They followed her -fortunes as long as a mother’s care was absolutely necessary for their -safety; but the moment they were sufficiently matured to leave her -protection, she submitted to the painful sacrifice of having them sent -to her relatives in the “settlements,” for a less perilous life and the -enjoyment of the facilities of educational institutions; but she never -thought of abandoning her husband, her first duty being for his interest -and comfort. It is not surprising that when the “Florida war” began, -that the Captain Taylor of twenty years previous was now a Colonel, and -that his past services should have secured for him the difficult and -dangerous honor of taking command against the treacherous Seminoles of -the Everglades. True to the characteristics of his whole life, he -quietly proceeded to this new field of action, and to the surprise of -the country, the people of which now began to know Colonel Taylor, it -was heralded in the papers that Mrs. Taylor had established herself at -Tampa Bay. It was looked upon at the time as a piece of unpardonable -recklessness that she should thus risk her life, when to the outward -world the odds at the time seemed to be against her husband’s success. -But she evidently knew his character and her own duty best, and through -the lasting struggle, made so terrible and romantic by the incidents of -the battle of Okee-Chobee, Mrs. Taylor was of immense service in -superintending the wants of the sick and wounded, but more especially so -by shedding over disaster the hopefulness created by her self-possession -and seeming insensibility to the probability of the failure of her -husband’s final triumph over the enemy. - -At the conclusion of active hostilities, the then Secretary of War, -addressing Gen. Jessup, said: “You will establish posts at Tampa, and on -the eastern shore, and wherever else they are in your opinion necessary -to preserve the peace of the country; and I would suggest the propriety -of leaving Col. Zachary Taylor, of the First Infantry, in command of -them.” Agreeably to this order, General Taylor in time of peace repeated -his previously pursued life on the northwestern frontiers, of forming -new military stations in the wilderness and paving the way for the -amelioration of peaceful populations. If he had one thought that he -needed repose, or that his patriotism was overtaxed by such a continued -demand on his time, he had the comforts of a home and a devoted wife -with him, and thus cheered and sustained, he patiently performed his -severe duties; thus the country was indebted to Mrs. Taylor for the -constant services performed by her gallant husband. - -In the year 1840, General Taylor, who now had almost become forgotten in -this obscurity of the Florida swamps, asked to be relieved of his -command, and soon afterward arrived with his family in New Orleans. The -“Old Colonel,” as he was called by the citizens of Louisiana, came -unostentatiously, and was permitted, much to his own gratification, to -proceed quietly to Baton Rouge, which place should be for a while, at -least, the head-quarters of his family. With this understanding, Mrs. -Taylor joyfully established herself with surroundings more comfortable -than were afforded in the Florida swamps. - -This idea encouraged her to arrange a home which she hoped would be -abandoned only when the “General” had selected some quiet place, where -they would together peacefully end their days. - -The barracks at Baton Rouge are picturesquely situated upon the high -land, that here, in a sort of a peninsula, rising out of the surrounding -level, reaches the river. The soldiers usually quartered at Baton Rouge -were mustering along the banks of the Red river, and the buildings were -left, save a single company of infantry, without occupants, and Mrs. -Taylor could select her “quarters” with all the facilities the place -afforded. Leaving the imposing brick buildings, with their comfortable -arrangements for housekeeping, to the entire possession of one or two -officers’ families, Mrs. Taylor selected a little tumble-down cottage, -situated directly on the banks of the river, which was originally -erected for, and inhabited by the Captain-commandant, when the post -belonged to Spain. - -In the long years of its existence, the cottage, consisting only of a -suite of three or four rooms, inclosed under galleries, had become -quaint in appearance and much out of repair, and was hardly considered -else than a sort of admitted wreck of former usefulness, left because it -was a harmless, familiar object, entirely out of the way of the lawn and -parade ground. To Mrs. Taylor’s eye, this old cottage seemed to possess -peculiar charms, for she promptly decided to give up the better quarters -at her disposal, as the wife of the Commander-in-Chief of the military -department, and move into this cottage. - -With the aid of her own servants, two in number, and the usual -assistance always afforded by invalid soldiers unfit for military -duties, she soon put the neglected place in proper order. It was -remarked by the people of Baton Rouge, how rapidly the old “Spanish -Commandant’s cottage” became transformed into a comfortable dwelling -under the superintendence of the new occupants. And in a country where -so much is left to servants, and where the mistress and daughters had so -many at command, they set the noble example of doing much themselves. - -The work employed their minds, and they were happier in the performance -of the details of their well-directed industry. It is certainly true -that Mrs. Taylor and her daughter, Miss Betty, were evidently too much -engaged in managing their household duties to have time for unhappiness -or regrets, if they had cause to indulge in them. - -The house had but four rooms, surrounded on all sides by a verandah, and -thus in the hottest weather there was always a shady side, and in the -coldest, one most sheltered; and so cozy and comfortable did the house -become under the management of its new mistress, that Mrs. Taylor was -most thoroughly justified in her choice by the universal commendation of -the citizens of the town—that it was now the pleasantest residence in -all the country round, and its inmates were probably as contented and -happy as people can be. - -General Taylor himself was not idle, but was kept busy visiting Fort -Gibson and Fort Smith, until finally, to be near his family, was at his -own request transferred to Fort Jessup, Louisiana. He bought the house -selected by his family, within his military department. The domestic -life of General Taylor’s family was now complete. He had performed -public duties enough his friends thought, to permit him to indulge in -the luxury of being left quietly at the head-quarters of a frontier -department, where he could enjoy repose from severe military duties, -look after his neglected private interests, and for the few years that -remained live a kind of private life. Alas! how the dream was to be -dissipated. - -Texas was at this time a State, acting independently of Mexico, yet -unacknowledged as such by the mother country. The Texans, inspired by -the difficulties of their situation, and surrounded by political -influence in the United States, agitated the question of coming into the -Union. The result was that General Santa Anna, then President of Mexico, -made preparations which contemplated the reassertion of the national -government in the revolted province. - -This naturally made the southern border line of Louisiana, the Sabine, -an object of attack, and as General Taylor had, with the idea of being -left in peaceful retirement, asked to be in command in Louisiana, he -unconsciously placed himself in the very position that was to call him -into a more active and important field of duty than had yet been -entrusted to him. - -Mrs. Taylor, meantime, painfully unconscious of the drama that was -opening before her, calmly and full of content, went about her domestic -duties. A garden was planted, and she cherished the first signs of the -growing vegetation with almost childish delight. Her old friends among -the citizens of the neighborhood made friendly visits. Miss Betty, who -was now in the very perfection of her blooming womanhood, was popular -with the young ladies of her age and station. - -The “old General” was here and there, according to his habits; one day -away attending to some military matter, then enjoying what seemed to him -an endless source of interest, the examination of the workings of -plantation life. He began, in fact, to assume the airs of an -agriculturist; invested what means he had in a cotton farm on the -Mississippi, and looked forward to the time when his income would be -large and liberal for the pursuits of peace. - -All this time to the south of General Taylor’s military department there -were signs of trouble, and one day he received from the Adjutant-General -of the Army a letter, which announced that there was great danger of a -hostile incursion of Indians on the southern border of his department. -The letter thus concluded: “Should the apprehended hostilities with the -Indians alluded to break out, an officer of rank—probably yourself—will -be sent to command the United States forces to be put in the field.” - -The quiet domestic life so much desired by Mrs. Taylor was becoming a -dream. The events which followed so rapidly soon placed her husband on -the banks of the Sabine as commander-in-chief of the “Army of -Occupation.” A succeeding order, and he invaded the disputed territory, -and by one single stride rose from the comparative obscurity of a -frontier fighter to be the observed of all the world, in a conflict -where two Christian nations were to struggle for supremacy in an appeal -to arms. The succeeding actions, that began at Palo Alto and ended at -Buena Vista, made him for the time being a hero. While these events were -culminating, Mrs. Taylor and Miss Betty remained in the little cottage -on the banks of the Mississippi, each hour becoming objects of greater -interest, and from their quietness and unobtrusive life making -themselves dear to the nation. - -But the applause and flattery that began to reach the inmates of the old -Spanish cottage made no apparent impression. Mrs. Taylor, while her -husband distinguished himself on the Rio Grande, only worked harder in -her little garden, and she had no superior among the planters of the -vicinity of Baton Rouge in the raising of succulent luxuries for the -table, and she seemingly took more pride in showing these triumphs of -her industry than she did in hearing compliments upon her husband’s -growing fame. Nay, more than this, she instituted a miniature dairy, and -added to her other comforts what was almost unknown at the time in the -vicinity—an abundance of fresh milk and butter. It may be readily -imagined that with such care and supervision the little cottage in the -garrison was illustrative of domestic comfort nowhere else surpassed. -Thus practically Mrs. Taylor taught the young wives of the officers -residing in the barracks their duties, and prepared them by her -excellent example to perform the arduous task imposed upon them as -soldiers’ wives in a manner best calculated to insure their own -happiness and secure honor and renown to their patriotic husbands. - -But Mrs. Taylor’s usefulness did not end with the perfect performance of -her household responsibilities. The town of Baton Rouge at this time had -no Protestant Episcopal Church. It was a want which she, in common with -other officers’ wives and some few persons in the village, felt keenly; -and in her quiet, practical way, she set about meeting the demand. It -was, of course, only necessary for her to designate a proper room in the -garrison buildings to be used as a chapel, when it was at once prepared -for that purpose. She superintended with others the labor necessary to -fit up a chapel, then used her influence to secure the occasional -services of a rector who resided at some distance away. Meantime her -expressed wish that “the service” be regularly read was responded to, -and thus was secured to Baton Rouge a commencement of a religious -movement that in a few subsequent years crystallized in the building of -a handsome church, and the establishment of a permanent and intelligent -congregation. - -This garrison chapel in time became a place of great interest. Owing to -active hostilities in Mexico the number of officers’ wives increased, -and it included, as may be supposed, some of the most accomplished and -elegant ladies in the land. Their husbands, gallant and noble soldiers, -were involved in the duties of actual war, and they, brave-hearted and -courageous, comforted each other. As the news came that actual collision -was threatened, some of these ladies, unable to control their anxiety -for the safety of their husbands, would be overcome with suppressed -emotion, and grow for the moment wild with terror. It was on these -occasions that Mrs. Taylor and Miss Betty maintained their -self-possession, and had kind words and hopeful suggestions for those -suffering sisters. And when at last some rumors reached Baton Rouge of -battles fought, of blood being shed, of men and officers falling in the -strife; when those heart-stricken wives and daughters of the soldiers -engaged were left to the agony of apprehension, Mrs. Taylor, still -always calm and cheerful, was a constant source of comfort, and shed -around her an atmosphere of hope, an inspiration of true courage. At -last when names were given of those who fell on the fields of Palo Alto -and Resaca de la Palma, the stricken ones of the garrison suppressed -their wild sorrow, lest they should wound the feelings of their superior -in rank and influence, and in the little chapel founded by Mrs. Taylor -sought, through the holy influences of religion, that consolation that -could reconcile them to the irretrievable loss of friends, brothers, -fathers and husbands. There was at this time, amid these scenes of -actual war, a bit of domestic history revived in Mrs. Taylor s mind that -no doubt made a strong impression. - -General Taylor was a great admirer of business men, and was opposed to -his daughters marrying officers of the army. He condemned his own life -by saying that soldiers never had a home, and in this sentiment was -cordially sustained by Mrs. Taylor, who no doubt in her heart reviewed -her varied life from place to place on the frontiers, and her constant -separations from her husband, with a regret she could not conceal. It -was this cause that called forth so much opposition from the family to -Lieutenant Jefferson Davis marrying the second daughter, Sarah, which -opposition resulted in an elopement and runaway marriage. General -Taylor, at the time this occurred, was away from home on military -service, and when he heard of it he expressed himself in the most -unmeasured terms of disapprobation. He seemed utterly insensible to the -feelings which inspired the young people in such an adventure, and -persisted in looking upon “young Davis” as having done a dishonorable -thing, and his daughter as being entirely regardless of her filial -obligations. To all protests calculated to lessen his indignation, he -would make the invariable replies, “that no honorable man would thus -defy the wishes of parents, and no truly affectionate daughter be so -regardless of her duty.” General Taylor, though a man of strong -impulses, and possessed of but little training to conceal his feelings, -except what military discipline enforced, was at heart of a generous and -forgiving nature; and no doubt time would have brought about its -softening influences, and the usual ending which follows all runaway -matches would have taken place,—reconciliation and entire forgiveness. -But ere this occurred, within a few short months of her marriage, Mrs. -Davis suddenly died, and a beloved child upon whom he had garnered all -his affections passed forever away, the last words she had from him -being those of reproof and condemnation. This incident and the sudden -death of her daughter left a deep impression upon Mrs. Taylor’s life. -Naturally of a quiet disposition and living from necessity almost -entirely away from influences of society, this sad domestic history was -left to make the greatest possible impression upon her mind. That -General Taylor keenly cherished for long years his sense of sorrow was -destined to be most romantically displayed. His call for volunteer -troops at the time he believed his little army was imperilled, on the -eve of its memorable march from Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande, was -answered promptly by Louisiana and Mississippi. The last-named State -promptly organized a splendid regiment, composed of the very elite of -the native young men, and Jefferson Davis was elected its commander. - -At Monterey the 1st Mississippi regiment was stationed at one of the -forts in the suburbs of the city, and in the battle that ended with the -defeat of Ampudia, its Mexican defender, Jefferson Davis received a -slight wound. Before this event, at the time and subsequently, it was -noticed that Colonel Davis and General Taylor had never met, and it was -evident that this was designed and not the result of accident—there was -an understanding seemingly that kept them apart. The cause of this was -freely discussed, and it came to the surface that a reconciliation had -never taken place between General Taylor and Colonel Davis on account of -the elopement, and so things remained until the close of the three days’ -struggle that ended in triumph at Buena Vista. It was on the occasion -when victory seemed hesitating where she should bestow her wreath—when -the men of the North and the West had exhausted their energies—when -Clay, Crittenden, Yell, and their brave compatriots slept in death on -the bloody field—at this moment, when Santa Anna believed and announced -himself the hero of the field, and when he concentrated his favorite -troops to make a last charge upon our dispirited and exhausted columns, -that Colonel Davis, at the head of his Mississippi regiment, nobly -sustained the shock, and sent the foe back disappointed and dismayed. -Then it was that “Old Zach,” seeing by whom he, his gallant men, and his -country’s honor, had been saved, had no place in his heart but for -gratitude, and the long estranged embraced each other and wept tears of -reconciliation upon the battle-field. - -Time passed on, and General Taylor completed his brilliant campaign. Our -country had then, for nearly two generations, been unused to war, and -the magnificent achievements of old “Rough and Ready” filled the hearts -of the people with the intensest admiration. The old cottage on the low -bluff at Baton Rouge gradually became of classic interest. Grateful -people travelling along the highway of the great Mississippi, -representing every State in the Union, and every civilized nation of the -earth, would admiringly point out General Taylor’s residence. If any of -those great western floating palaces stopped at Baton Rouge, some of the -passengers would climb up the hill and visit the “garrison grounds,” and -the young ladies especially would make the pilgrimage in hopes they -might see Miss Betty, whom they with woman’s quickness of perception, -felt was to be the first lady of the land, by presiding at the White -House. - -How much the neatness of that home, its characteristic simplicity, its -quiet domestic comforts, the self-possession and unpretending, yet -lady-like manners of its inmates, impressed themselves on the public, -and prepared the way for that popular affection that greeted General -Taylor on his return from Mexico, and culminated in his triumphant -election to the Presidency, is difficult to decide; but that it had an -element of strength and of vast importance is certain, and presents in a -strong view how much can be done by the devoted, sensible wife, in -aiding her husband in achieving success. - -Meantime, General Taylor returned, the triumphant soldier, to the United -States. However wonderful were the subsequent victories achieved over -the Mexicans, in the brilliant march from Vera Cruz to the City of -Aztecs, the novelty of the war when this was enacted, was gone. The -first impressions remained vivid, the subsequent ones were received with -gratification, but not enthusiasm. General Taylor returned, not only a -military hero, but over his head was suspended the wreath of an -approaching civic triumph; and the little cottage on the bank of the -Mississippi that Mrs. Taylor selected for her strictly private -residence, became a Mecca for pilgrims from all lands, and for more than -a year it was the centre of interest, where patriotism, intellect, and -beauty paid homage. In recalling the impressions made upon the public -through the press, it is well remarked what a full share of compliments -were paid to Mrs. Taylor, and how grateful was the task of every one to -praise Miss Betty for her agreeable manners, her hospitality, and her -resemblance to her father in matters of good sense, and the further -possession of all accomplishments that adorn her sex. But this flow of -visitors, this public ovation, this constant bustle about Mrs. Taylor -was submitted to and borne, but never received her indorsement and -sympathy. Her heart was in the possible enjoyment of a quiet household. -She saw nothing attractive in the surroundings of the White House. All -this “worldly glory” defeated her womanly ambition, and her life-long -dream that, at some time or another, “the General” would be relieved of -his public duties, and that together in the retirement of their own -estate, unnoticed and unknown except to their friends, they might -together peacefully end their days; and that the realization of her -modest ambition was due to her, for the separations and wanderings that -had characterized all her early married life. - -General Taylor was by habit a public servant, and his future, as shaped -by circumstances, he quietly accepted. But Mrs. Taylor opposed his being -a candidate for the Presidency. She spoke of it as a thing to be -lamented, and declared when such a position was first foreshadowed, that -the General’s acquired habits would not permit him to live under the -constraints of metropolitan life; and to those of her intimate friends -who spoke of his being President, she sadly replied, “That it was a plot -to deprive her of his society, and shorten his life by unnecessary care -and responsibility.” With the announcement that General Taylor was -President-elect, came his resignation as an officer of the army. It was -after all a sad day for him and his family, when he severed a connection -that had lasted so long, and had been made so memorable by a life of -conscientious duty. Miss Betty now appeared on the scene as an agent of -national interest. The White House under Mrs. Polk had been grave and -formal. There was a cold respectability and correctness about it, that -was somewhat oppressive to the citizens of Washington; and there was a -degree of earnest pleasure created in the public mind when it was -understood that as a consequent of General Taylor’s election, there -would preside over the White House a lady eminently attractive in her -personal appearance, young in years, accomplished in mind, and made more -interesting, if possible, by being the bride of Major Bliss, who had -served so faithfully under her father as his accomplished -Adjutant-General. - -Elizabeth Taylor, third and youngest daughter of President Taylor, was -twenty-two years of age, when, as Mrs. Bliss, she assumed the formal -duties of Hostess of the White House, her mother, from disinclination, -refusing to accept the responsibility of official receptions. Mrs. -Bliss, or Miss Betty, as she was popularly called, was at this time -admired by all who saw her, and had the distinction of being the -youngest daughter of any chief magistrate who had honored our -Presidential receptions with her presence. Her face was pleasant, her -smiles exceedingly attractive, and her eyes beamed with intelligence. -She had been throughout her life but little with her parents. When not -among her relations in Virginia or Kentucky, she was at some -boarding-school. Her education was completed at Philadelphia, after -which she resided with her parents. No inauguration of any of the later -Presidents was more enthusiastically celebrated than General Taylor’s. -He was at the time the nation’s idol. Everything in his history charmed -the popular mind, and the fact that he was a total stranger to -Washington—that his family were unknown, gave a mystery and novelty to -the whole proceeding quite different from common place precedence. - -For this reason, more than ordinary encouragement was given to the -celebration of the occasion by a grand ball. A wooden building of -enormous size was erected, which at the time was considered an “immense -affair.” It was tastefully decorated with flags and other proper -insignia; in the enthusiasm of the hour, many articles were loaned for -its decorations by citizens, who ordinarily took no interest in these -“stated occasions.” The best music that could be obtained was in -attendance, and to give the crowning zest, “Miss Betty” was to be -present. The Lady of the Mansion for the next four years, young, -handsome, and hopeful, was to be presented to the admiring public. - -There was the usual crowd and the characteristic confusion; but -nevertheless there pervaded the multitude an intense desire to behold -the new occupant of the White House. There was a “Hero President.” There -was a charming young bride, a young and graceful lady to do the honors -of the public receptions. “At eleven o’clock, General Taylor entered, -leaning on the arms of Major Seaton and Speaker Winthrop.” His fine eye -was bright, his step was elastic, he was brave, he was a conqueror, he -was President, and the gentlemen expressed their feelings in spontaneous -cheers, while ladies waved their handkerchiefs and many wept for -sympathy. A silence ensued, a movement at the head of the room indicated -that a new scene was to be enacted. The throng pressed back, and Mrs. -Bodisco, then the young and handsome wife of the Russian Minister, -enveloped in a cloud of crimson satin and glistening with diamonds, -supported by two ambassadors emblazoned in gold lace and orders, came -forward—just behind were two “Louisiana beauties,” a blonde and a -brunette, whose brilliant charms subsequently divided the gentlemen in -perplexity as to which should be acceded the palm of the belle of the -evening. “Which is Miss Betty?” whispered the throng as these queenly -creatures, by their native charms, without the aid of dress, eclipsed -the more glowing splendor of the Russian court. Then behind these came -“Miss Betty,” plainly dressed in white, a simple flower in her hair, -timid and faltering, yet with an expression in her eye that showed she -was Zachary Taylor’s favorite child. The expectations of the vast crowd -were for the moment realized, and then followed expressions of -enthusiasm that were overwhelming. - -The reaction that followed the inauguration in Washington was, as usual, -intense. The season was more than usually warm, and the Congress fled -from the Capital. Mrs. Taylor was never visible in the reception-room; -she received her visitors in her private apartments, and escaped all -observation from choice. Once established in her new home, she selected -such rooms as suited her ideas of housekeeping, and, as far as was -possible, resumed the routine that characterized her life at Baton -Rouge. As was her merit, she attended personally to so much of it as -affected the personal comforts of the General, and it was not long -before the “opposition” found fault with her simple habits, and -attempted, but without effect, to lessen the public esteem felt for -General Taylor, by indulging in offensive personalities. - -General Taylor was, from principle and choice, an abstemious man. On the -sixth of July, the dullness of Washington was enlivened by the presence -of Father Mathew, the Apostle of Temperance. To know him, General Taylor -invited him to the White House. The press discussed this honorable -notice of the great philanthropist, and spoke of “Miss Betty” as -presiding at the reception with unusual grace and affability. - -The winter following opened officially and fashionably with the -commencement of Congress. There was then in the Senate, Clay, Webster, -Calhoun, Benton, Cass, and lesser but still shining lights. Mr. Fillmore -presided over the body with dignity, and such an array of talent and -statesmanship divided the public mind with the claims of the White -House. - -Few official receptions were given. The excitement attending the -admission of California—the fiery eloquence of Mr. Clay—the attack of -Mr. Calhoun or Mr. Benton, and the growls of disappointed -office-seekers, divided the current that might have otherwise flowed on -to the Executive Mansion, and it is apparent that this created no -regrets in the minds of the ladies of the President’s House. It was soon -understood that set, formal, and official dinners were not coveted, and -they were not encouraged. But social and unceremonious visits prevailed -beyond any precedent, and Miss Betty was always ready to dispense the -honors of her exalted position, with a grace and frankness that was -constantly securing for her a wide circle of admiring friends. Thus the -first winter of General Taylor’s term passed away. - -To those who were familiar with the actual life of the White House, it -was apparent that a change had gradually taken place in the feelings of -the female inmates. Mrs. Taylor had gradually abandoned much of her -personal superintendence of domestic matters, and Miss Betty had assumed -the manner of one who began to appreciate the importance of her social -elevation. The embarrassments that General Taylor suffered from the -betrayal of “false friends” had the double effect, to make the members -of his family more devoted to each other, and at the same time created a -resolve to more ostentatiously perform the duties of their high social -position. A revolution, political and social, had been resolved upon -without the parties interested being aware of the change. This new era -was inaugurated by the ladies of the President’s House having a -reception on the 4th of March, 1850, in honor of the inauguration. The -affair was of singular brilliancy. It was remarked at the time that the -ladies never appeared to better advantage; the rustling of costly -dresses and the display of diamonds were paramount, while the gentlemen, -for the time being, eschewing the license of Republican institutions, -accepted the laws of good society, and appeared in dress coats and white -kid gloves. General Taylor surprised his friends by the courtliness and -dignity of his manner. Some of his soldiers who saw him in his battles -said there was mischief in his eye. He was evidently attempting a new -rôle, and doing it with success. - -Miss Betty, as hostess, was entirely at her ease, and made the ladies by -her affability feel at home in the National Mansion. For the first time, -at the public receptions, she led off in conversation, and her remarks -were full of quiet humor and good sense. The following day, the papers -expressed their admiration in different ways. “Miss Betty” was -complimented with the remark that, in manner and grace at a public -reception, Victoria could not surpass her. General Taylor, it was said, -“had at last determined to open the campaign for the second term, and -those about him, who were intriguing for the succession for others than -for himself, would have to stand aside.” These suspicions were justified -by constantly repeated rumors that Cabinet changes would be made that -would entirely change the character of the general Administration. Mr. -Webster began now to visit the White House, and was treated with marked -consideration by its female inmates. The influence of the ladies of the -White House began to be felt in political circles, and what had been for -the preceding year a negative, now became a positive power. Gentlemen -who had distinguished themselves for the early advocacy of General -Taylor’s election, but who had received no recognition, were now -welcomed to the White House. It was evident that a radical change had -come over its inmates. General Taylor seemed at last to begin to -understand his duties, and knowing them, he commenced their performance -with the same zeal and determination that marked his military career. -Four months of spring and summer passed away. The seventy-fourth -anniversary of our national Fourth of July was approaching. It was -decided that the event should be celebrated by the laying of the -corner-stone of the Washington Monument. General Taylor accepted the -invitation to be present without hesitation, and surprised his friends -at the pleasure he evinced at the opportunity. - -The day was unusually warm and oppressive for Washington City. The -procession out to the banks of the Potomac moved slowly, and General -Taylor suffered with the intense heat. Upon taking his seat upon the -stand, he remarked that he had never before experienced such unpleasant -sensations from the sun, much as he had borne its unshielded rays in the -swamps of Florida and Mexico. General Foote was the official orator, and -Washington Parke Custis took part in the proceedings. It was noticed -that General Foote addressed to General Taylor many of his most pointed -remarks in praise of Washington. The papers of the day said that “when -the orator quoted from a letter of Hamilton to Washington, protesting -against his refusing to serve a second term, President Taylor, who sat -on the left of the orator, roused from his listless attitude, as if -desirous of catching every word.” “Perhaps,” added a reporter, “General -Taylor was thinking what would be his conduct in a similar emergency.” - -From the celebration the President returned to the White House, and to -relieve himself from the terrible thirst the heat had occasioned, in -accordance with his primitive tastes, he partook freely of cold water -and fruit. In less than an hour he was seized with symptoms of a fearful -sickness. The announcement that the President was prostrated by -indisposition, struck the people of Washington with prophetic terror, -for the news went from house to house, as if presaging the fatal result. -General Taylor, after the first paroxysms were over, seemed to -anticipate that he would never recover. He yielded to the solicitations -of his physicians, and the efforts of his afflicted family to assist -him. On the evening of the third day of his sufferings, he said: - -“I should not be surprised if this were to terminate in death. I did not -expect to encounter what has beset me since my elevation to the -Presidency. God knows, I have endeavored to fulfil what I considered to -be an honest duty; but I have been mistaken, my motives have been -misconstrued, and my feelings grossly betrayed.” - -Mrs. Taylor, who heard these remarks, for the first time admitted to -herself the possibility of her husband’s death. She then recalled, in -the bitterness of her soul, the remark she made when it was announced to -her that possibly General Taylor would be President: - -“It was a plot to deprive her of his society and shorten his life by -unnecessary care and responsibility.” This was indeed about to happen, -and in the agony of that hour she prostrated herself at her husband’s -bedside, while her children clung around her. - -The sun, on the morning of the 9th of July, 1850 rose gloriously over -the White House. The President’s family and Colonel Bliss had remained -by his bedside all night, refusing the indulgence of necessary repose. -Each hour it was evident that the catastrophe was nearer. Mrs. Taylor -would not believe that death was possible. He had escaped so many -dangers, had been through so much exposure, he could not die surrounded -with so many comforts and loved so intensely by his family and friends. -The emotions of apprehension were so oppressive, that overtaxed nature -with Mrs. Taylor found relief in fits of insensibility. - -At thirty-five minutes past ten P. M., the President called his family -about him, to give them his last earthly advice and bid them his last -good-by. No conventional education could restrain the natural -expressions of grief of the members of this afflicted household, and -their heart-rending cries of agony reached the surrounding street. “I am -about to die,” said the President, firmly, “I expect the summons soon. I -have endeavored to discharge all my official duties faithfully. I regret -nothing, but that I am about to leave my friends.” - -Mrs. Taylor and family occupied the White House until the sad ceremonies -of the funeral ended with the removal of the late President’s remains. -The bustle and the pomp was now painful to her sight and ears, and she -realized, in the fearful interval of time, how truly he was dead, who, -though the nation’s successful General and a President, was to her only -a cherished husband. It can easily be imagined that, as the glittering, -heartless display of the Executive Mansion commenced fading away from -her sight, that she must have regretfully turned to the peaceful era of -her last home at Baton Rouge, and the unpretentious cottage, the -neglected garden; and the simple life connected with these associations, -must have appeared as a dream of happiness when contrasted with the -fearful year and a half of sad experiences in Washington. From the time -Mrs. Taylor left the White House, she never alluded to her residence -there, except as connected with the death of her husband. - -Accompanied by her daughter, Mrs. Bliss, after leaving Washington, she -first sought a home among her relations in Kentucky, but finding herself -oppressed by personal utterances of sympathy, she retired to the -residence of her only son, near Pascagoula, Louisiana, where, in August, -1852, she died, possessed of the same Christian spirit that marked her -conduct throughout her life. The sudden and lamented death of Major -Bliss soon followed, and without children by her marriage “Miss Betty -Taylor,” as she must ever be known in history, studiously sought the -retirement of private life, and found it in the accomplished circles of -the “old families of Virginia,” with so many of whom she was connected -by ties of blood. By a second marriage, her historical name passed away. -But when the traditions and histories of the White House have the -romance of time thrown around them, Miss Betty Taylor will be recalled -to mind, and for her will there be a sympathy that is associated with -youth, for she was the youngest of the few women of America who have a -right to the title of Hostess of the President’s House. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. ABIGAIL FILLMORE. -] - - - - - XVII. - ABIGAIL FILLMORE. - - -Abigail Powers, the youngest child of Lemuel Powers, a prominent Baptist -clergyman of that day, was born in Stillwater, Saratoga county, New -York, March, 1798. - -Dr. Powers was of Massachusetts descent, being one of the nine thousand -six hundred and twenty-four descendants of Henry Leland, of Sherburne, -and a cousin and life-long friend of the eccentric and talented John -Leland. Though not a wealthy man, he yet possessed a competence, and his -profession was the most honored and respected of all pursuits. - -Only a short decade from the martyr memories of New England, and not -entirely removed from the influences of that severely religious section, -he was yet without the sternness and rigor usual to individuals holding -his high office. - -He died while yet his daughter was in her infancy, leaving to the care -of a watchful mother her education and training. - -Soon afterward, Mrs. Powers, finding that her income would not justify -her in liberality of expenditure, determined to remove with her brother -and several families of relations and friends to a frontier settlement, -and thus, at the early age of ten, we find our little heroine -established in her new home in Cayuga county. Here began the stern -lessons which ultimately educated the pioneer child, and from this point -may be dated the foundation of her noble character, made strong through -discipline and spiritualized through sorrow. She was studious and -ambitious, and with her mother’s assistance, rapidly progressed in -knowledge; her improvement must have been very rapid, for at an early -age she assumed the duties of a teacher, and for many years continued -her chosen avocation. Her mother, after the settlement of her father’s -estate, being greatly reduced in outward circumstances, was compelled to -use the most undeviating industry and economy; and she, feeling the -necessity of relieving her of the burden of her education, began to -teach, during the summer months, to pay her winter’s tuition. Thus, -alternating between teaching and studying, between imparting and -receiving instruction, she became a thorough scholar and remarkable -woman. There are circumstances of poverty which throw an interest around -those involved in them far greater than the noblest gifts of prosperous -fortune could confer. The sight of a young, aspiring woman actuated by -the loftiest, purest desire implanted by nature, overcoming obstacles, -laughing to the winds the remonstrances of weak and timid natures, and -mounting, by patient toil and unceasing labor, the rugged hill of -wisdom—is calculated to dignify humanity and render homage to God. - -Man may at once determine his calling and assert his place—woman has -hers to seek, and however resolute she may appear, with all the dignity -she may assume, there are hours of fearful despondency, and moments -when, in the crowded avenues of trade, the craving for solitude and -aloneness absorbs the energies of her nature, and stills the voice of -ambition. Yet the example of this young life is proof that woman’s -dependence is more the result of custom, than the fiat of nature, and -the record of her trials and final success is a testimonial of virtue’s -reward, and energy’s omnipotence. - -Varied as were the experiences of Miss Powers’ life, they only served to -develop all the latent strength of her body as well as mind; her -singular embodiment of the physical was not less remarkable than the -depth and research of the intellectual. - -Commanding in person, for she was five feet six inches in height, of -exceeding fairness of complexion and delicacy of features, hers was a -harmonious blending of beauty and strength. But she did not possess that -mere superficial beauty which cannot retain if it awakens admiration. -Hers was no statue-like perfection of figure, nor classically -symmetrical face. Genuine kindliness of heart beamed through her light, -expressive eyes, and her brow was the throne of pure and lofty -inspirations. Perhaps, if any one of her features was more universally -admired than the others, it was her light luxuriant hair, which fell in -flowing curls round her finely-shaped head. - -Thus particular in describing her personal appearance, a circumstance -never to be omitted in sketches of women, we but recognize these -facts—that the face is the mirror of the soul, and that the law of -unerring nature is, that the exterior is symbolical of the inner being. - -In the backwoods of New York State, where the borders of the adjoining -county were the limits of civilization, accustomed only to the society -of the village people, Miss Powers passed the first twenty-eight years -of her apparently uneventful life, but in reality, the intensity of her -moral and affectional nature gave breadth and depth to her every-day -existence, and in the quiet recesses of her heart she lived life over -more than once. - -Her occupation as a teacher was continued after her mother’s second -marriage, which occurred about this time, and henceforth her home was in -the family of a much loved relation. It was while in this home that she -first met Mr. Fillmore, then a clothier’s apprentice, and during the -winter months a teacher in the village school. - -His father’s unwise choice of a trade for his son but added to his -all-absorbing desire to become a lawyer. But he was not yet twenty, his -time was his parents’, and his poverty compelled him to serve out his -apprenticeship, and, even after he had commenced the study of law, to -desire to return to his trade. - -The assistance of a gentleman who became much interested in the -ambitious youth, enabled him to buy his time and devote himself to -study. Thus he overcame the adverse circumstances which denied him -freedom of action, and attained for himself leisure to lay the -foundation of future usefulness. - -His subsequent removal to Erie county deprived him of the society of -Miss Powers—his now promised wife, and so limited were his means, that -for three years he was unable to travel a distance of one hundred and -fifty miles to see her. - -In February, 1826, they were married at the residence of her brother, -Judge Powers, in Moravia. Erie county was as much a wilderness to the -young wife as Cayuga had been years before, but the obstacles to be -overcome were not considered by the affectionate couple, and they -started out in their married life buoyed by a confidence in their own -strength, and a reliance on a higher power. - -Into the small house built by the husband’s hands, the wife carried all -the ambition and activity of other days, and at once resumed her -avocation as a teacher, whilst performing the duties of maid of all -work, housekeeper, and hostess. - -Mr. Fillmore was thus enabled to practise his profession, relieved of -all care and responsibility by his thoughtful wife, and so rapid was his -progress that in less than two years he was elected a member of the -State Legislature. - -Mrs. Fillmore rendered her husband most efficient help in his struggle -for eminence, and was the wings by which he soared so high. Instead of -clogging his footsteps by her helplessness, she, with her intellectual -strength, relieved and sustained his every effort. So enthusiastic and -unchanging was her attachment to him, that no duty was burdensome, no -privation sufficient to cloud her brow. The struggles those first years -with poverty and increasing cares were trying, but her dignity never -forsook her—her chosen path never became distasteful. Many are noble -from choice, she was so from necessity. The greatness of soul and -devotion to principle inherent in her nature left no other course. - -A letter now old and worn, written in her neat style, has been placed in -my hands by a member of that happy household in which she resided so -long. It was addressed to one of the sisters, now dead, and cherished by -another for the reminiscences it recalls of the beautiful attachment -which existed through life between these two friends. - - - “AURORA, _August 27th, 1826_. - -“DEAR MARIA:—Although I have been guilty of breaking my promise to you -of writing, and treated you with neglect and indifference, still you are -dear and near to me, still you are remembered with that affection which -one must feel after being so long an inmate with so kind a girl, one who -has bestowed upon me so many acts of kindness and friendship. No, Maria, -I feel that I can never forget your family. My mind often reverts to the -pleasant hours I have passed at your house. Many friendly conversations -I have had with your mother after the family had retired to rest,—but -those hours are gone never to return, yet the remembrance of them is -sweet. Oh, that I may again have the pleasure of spending a happy -evening in your family with the little children sitting near me, asking -a thousand interesting questions. Perhaps I may see that time next -winter—I hope so. - -“Would you like to know how I am pleased with the country? It does not -appear to me as pleasant as Cayuga, but perhaps it may in time. I enjoy -myself as well as I expected to; the inhabitants, as far as I am -acquainted, appear friendly. I am not yet housekeeping, but am teaching -school. But Mr. Dunning will give all these particulars more fully than -I can write on this sheet of paper. You will have a pleasant visit with -his sister Emily; I think her an amiable girl. - -“Maria, if you can forgive me for not writing, I hope you will let me -hear from you by the bearer of this. Write me all the news. You cannot -imagine how any little circumstance concerning my friends interests me -when absent so far from them. Ask Olive to write to me if she can find -leisure. My best respects to your parents, and affectionate remembrance -to your brothers and sisters, and believe me your sincere friend and -cousin, - - “ABIGAIL FILLMORE. - -“Mr. Fillmore wished me to present his respects to yourself and parents. - -“To Miss MARIA FULLER.” - - -In the spring of 1830, Mrs. Fillmore removed with her husband to -Buffalo. In the enjoyment of her children’s society, her husband’s -prosperity, and the pleasure of entertaining her friends, she found -great happiness, and as the years passed by they were noted only for the -peace and contentment they brought her. - -As her life previous to this time had been spent in comparative -seclusion, so now it was a scene of gay society. The social element was -very largely developed in her nature, and constant practice rendered it -a marked characteristic. All the associations of her youth had been -those of the country, and in its freshness and beauty, as well as its -drearier garb, she had revelled. Now, in her city home she was the same -artless, warm-hearted woman of other years, basking in the brightness -about her and reflecting upon others her own quiet peace. Well balanced -and self-reliant, affectionate and happy, there was wanting nothing to -complete her character. The domestic harmony of her life can be partly -appreciated from the remark made by her husband after her death. “For -twenty-seven years, my entire married life,” he said, “I was always -greeted with a happy smile.” - -The result of such unusual evenness of disposition was owing, in a great -measure, to the tender sympathy and ennobling affection of her husband, -whose ambition was gratified only when he saw that she was content. With -her there was no variation or change, no despondency or doubt as to his -success in any avocation; she hovered round his pathway, a beacon, and -the light never grew dim. True and faithful in all things, at all times, -she ever was; but there was even more of ceaseless vigilance than mere -faith implies, where he was concerned. To him who shielded her in her -sensitiveness and overflowing affectional nature, and, by his gentleness -and unremitting watchfulness, guarded every avenue of her heart from -sorrow, she meted the wealth of her love and fondness—and existed in the -sunshine of his presence. After her husband’s accession to the -Presidency, she went to the White House; but the recent death of a -sister kept her from entering into the gayety of the outer world. As -much as possible she screened herself from public observation, and left -to her daughter the duties devolving upon her. Her health had become -impaired, and she rather shrank from the necessity of appearing before -the world in the position in which she was more than competent to acquit -herself. In such a formal routine of life she did not delight; hers was -a confiding nature, and to her family she always turned for the -happiness the world could not give. - -Mr. Fillmore’s friends in New York, soon after he became President, -presented her with a fine carriage and a costly pair of horses. This -carriage was used by the family during their stay in the White House. -After his wife’s death, Mr. Fillmore sold it and invested the proceeds -in a set of plate, which he preferred to the elegant equipage and -horses. - -But only by the most exact details, by endless particularities, -breathing out her whole life and giving evidence, by their nature, of -the depths from which they spring; only by such means is it possible, in -a degree, to give some perception of her remarkable life—the fountain -can only be judged of by the channel through which it flows. - -She died at Willard’s Hotel, Washington City, on the 30th of March, -1853. - -In testimony of respect to the memory of the deceased, the public -offices were closed, both houses of Congress adjourned, and other marks -of respect were adopted. Her remains were conveyed to Buffalo, where, on -the 2d of April, they were laid to rest. - -The accompanying letter, written by a well-known lady of Buffalo, who -was much of the time an inmate of the White House during Mrs. Fillmore’s -stay there, is replete with interest, and gives us an insight into the -home-life of this noble woman, we could in no other way obtain. - -“The great interest I feel in your undertaking has outweighed my -diffidence and decided me, in accordance with your request, to state -briefly some of my recollections of the habits and social traits of my -late friend, Mrs. Fillmore, with incidents of life at the White House. - -“The retiring modesty of manner so inseparable from the idea of a -perfect lady, was eminently characteristic of Mrs. Fillmore. Although -well qualified and, when occasion required, ever ready to act her part -in the position which Providence assigned her, she much preferred the -quiet of domestic life. Her home was pleasant, and while she was a woman -of strong common sense, her tastes were highly refined. Especially was -she fond of music and of flowers. Her love for the former received great -gratification from her daughter’s musical attainments, and her fondness -for flowers amounted to a passion, and much of her time in her own home -was devoted to their culture and care. - -“Mrs. Fillmore read much and carefully, and being possessed of excellent -powers of observation, was consequently a well-informed and cultivated -woman. With qualities like these, it is superfluous to say that, when -she was called to preside at the White House, she did it with dignity -and propriety. She was not strong in health, and had suffered much from -a sprained ankle, from which she never fully recovered. Fortunately for -her, the etiquette of Washington did not require the President and his -wife to return visits or to attend parties, though I believe the -President did sometimes dine with a cabinet minister. All the claims of -society were met and attended to by the daughter, and how well she, a -young girl just from school, acquitted herself in this trying position, -all will remember who were fortunate enough to come within the circle of -her happy influence. - -“When Mr. Fillmore entered the White House he found it entirely -destitute of books. Mrs. Fillmore was in the habit of spending her -leisure hours in reading, I might almost say in studying. She was -accustomed to be surrounded with books of reference, maps, and all the -other acquirements of a well-furnished library, and she found it -difficult to content herself in a house devoid of such attractions. To -meet this want, Mr. Fillmore asked of Congress and received an -appropriation, and selected a library, devoting to that purpose a large -and pleasant room in the second story of the house. Here Mrs. Fillmore -surrounded herself with her own little home comforts, here her daughter -had her own piano, harp, and guitar, and here Mrs. Fillmore received the -informal visits of the friends she loved, and for her the real pleasure -and enjoyments of the White House were in this room. With strangers she -was dignified, quiet, and rather reserved; but with her friends, she -loved to throw aside all restraint and enjoy a good laugh and indulge in -a little vein of humor, which lay quietly hidden under the calm -exterior. - -“Mrs. Fillmore was proud of her husband’s success in life, and desirous -that no reasonable expectations of the public should be disappointed. -She never absented herself from the public receptions, dinners, or -levees when it was possible to be present; but her delicate health -frequently rendered them not only irksome, but very painful, and she -sometimes kept her bed all day to favor that weak ankle, that she might -be able to endure the fatigue of the two hours she would be obliged to -stand for the Friday evening levees. - -“The President and Mrs. Fillmore received on Tuesday mornings, from -twelve to two o’clock. The levees were on Friday evenings, from eight -till ten, and at these there was generally a band of music, but no -dancing. Every Thursday evening there was a large dinner party, and -frequently another on Saturdays. Then there were often smaller dinners -in the family dining-room, which were more sociable and agreeable, as -the invitations were usually confined to the personal friends of the -family. - -“But what Mrs. Fillmore most enjoyed was to surround herself with a -choice selection of congenial friends in her own favorite room—the -library, where she could enjoy the music she so much loved, and the -conversation of the cultivated society which Washington at that time -certainly afforded. One of these evenings I remember with more than -ordinary pleasure. Mr. Webster was there, and Mr. Corwin, and Mrs. A. H. -H. Stuart, of Virginia, Judge Hall and his wife, and possibly some other -members of the Cabinet; Mr. and Mrs. Brooks, of New York, Miss Derby, of -Boston, then a guest at the White House, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll, and -several others of the distinguished residents of Washington. Mrs. -Brooks’ daughter, then quite too young to appear in general society, was -there by special request of Mrs. Fillmore, who so enjoyed her -wonderfully sweet singing, that she relied upon her as one of the -attractions for this evening. Miss Fillmore played the piano with much -skill and exquisite taste. Indeed, few ladies excelled her in this -accomplishment; and this evening she was particularly successful in her -efforts to please. Mrs. Brooks accompanied her upon the harp, which -instrument she played with much grace. Altogether, the music, the -conversation, and the company made it an occasion long and pleasantly to -be remembered. - -“One of the events of Mr. Fillmore’s first winter in the Executive -Mansion was a visit from his father. It was the first time any President -had ever entertained his father in the White House, and Mrs. Fillmore -was very anxious lest some unlooked-for event might prevent this -anticipated pleasure. But he arrived in safety one Monday night. Tuesday -was reception day. The morning papers announced that the venerable -father of the President arrived in town the evening before. There was an -unusual attendance at the reception that day, and it was interesting to -watch each person, as they cast their eyes about the room, unable to -light upon any one who answered to their idea of the ‘venerable father -of the President,’ and when they were presented to him, as he stood -before them, tall and perfectly erect, and with hair but little whiter -than the President’s, there was a general expression of surprise. They -had evidently expected to see an infirm old man, bent with years, and -leaning upon a cane, and Mr. Nathaniel Fillmore, at the age of eighty, -did not answer to that description. Senators and Judges, and Foreign -Ministers came that morning, all anxious to pay their respects to the -President’s father. One gentleman from New York, desirous of drawing him -into conversation, said to him ‘Mr Fillmore, you have been so very -successful in bringing up sons, I wish you would tell me how to raise my -little boy.’ ‘Cradle him in a sap-trough, sir,’ said the old gentleman, -always ready with an answer. That was an interesting reception, to the -President and to all, and when it was over, Mr. Fillmore the elder said -to me, ‘If I had had the power to mark out the path of life for my son, -it would never have led to this place, but I cannot help feeling a kind -of pride in it now that he is here.’ - -“The routine of life at the White House which came under my observation, -did not vary materially from week to week. The social habits of both Mr. -and Mrs. Fillmore were simple and in accordance with those of well-bred -people everywhere. Without ostentation or arrogance, they maintained the -honor of the high position they were called to occupy, with quiet -dignity and ease. - -“I was not in Washington the winter Mrs. Fillmore died, and therefore -know nothing, except from others, of her illness and death, but I know -that she died lamented by all who knew her well, and leaving behind her -many pleasant memories. - -“Her death was a terrible blow to her family, and to none more than to -her daughter, a young lady whose beautiful life and sad death, following -so soon upon her return to her own home, made such an indelible -impression upon her friends, and for whom all her native city so justly -mourned. - -“The reverence her son had for her memory proves her to have been a -devoted mother, and how tenderly Mr. Fillmore cherished that memory is -shown in the sacredness with which he treasures every memento of her. I -have heard him say that he has carefully preserved every line she ever -wrote him, and that he could never destroy even the little notes she -sent him on business to his office. - -“Such affectionate regards from the living speak volumes for the dead.” - - -Lines on the death of Mrs. Millard Fillmore, by Miss Matilda Stuart, on -the occasion of her burial at Forest Lawn, April 2d, 1853. - - Give room, give room, a friend is here, - She comes to tarry with us now— - And though no greeting on her lips, - No light of gladness on her brow, - Yet this is home—that hallowed place - Where she had fondly longed to rest. - Here were her earlier, fresher joys, - Here was the hearth-stone love had blest. - - Though she had moved ‘mid stranger scenes, - To share the honor and the strife - Of him whose life was dearer far - Than friend or kindred, home or life— - Though she had tasted pleasure’s cup, - While it was sparkling to the fill, - And seen what few may ever see, - Hope’s brightest dreams grow brighter still; - - Yet there were places in her heart - Where love could rest and friendship live. - There was a light within her soul - Which earth could neither take nor give, - And there were accents for her ear, - More winning than the notes of fame, - Where household voices softly breathed - The sweetness of a mother’s name. - - And when she heard the other voice - That comes but once, yet comes to all, - Alike to him who longs to go, - And him who dreads to hear the call; - She looked toward her brighter home, - And left life’s garments frail and worn, - As calmly as she laid aside - The robes of honor she had borne. - - Now she has come to sleep in peace - Within our grand old forest shades, - And fresher than the spring-time leaves - Are those sweet memories that have come - To steal the bitter tear away, - And bid us look, as she had done, - Beyond the pomp of Time’s brief day. - - Around her loved and honored grave - The severed “household band” may come, - And seem to hear those blessed tones - That made the music of their home. - The faded form, the silent shroud, - These, these were all they gave the tomb; - She watches o’er them, while she wears - The freshness of immortal bloom. - - -NOTE.—President Fillmore died at his residence in Buffalo, March 8th, -1874. - - - - - XVIII. - MARY ABIGAIL FILLMORE. - - -The only daughter of President Fillmore was, during her father’s -administration, in consequence of her mother’s ill-health, the Lady of -the White House, and as such deserves more mention than the limits of -this sketch will allow. She was remarkable for her mental and intensely -affectional nature, and discovered during her brief life only those -traits which served to render her a source of interest and admiration. -As a child, she was precocious; latterly in life, her physical health -was so entirely good that it overcame every tendency to brain -ascendency. - -She was well fitted, by education and a long residence in Washington, to -adorn the high station she was destined to fill, and acquitted herself -there, as in every other position, with great dignity and -self-possession. - -Her talents were varied, nor was she a dull scholar at anything she -attempted. With the French, German, and Spanish languages, she was -thoroughly conversant; so thorough, indeed, was her mastery of the -former that a French professor declared her accent equal to that of his -own countrymen. - -Her taste for sculpture was fostered by association with a loved -schoolmate, the since renowned Harriet Hosmer. - -Had her life been spared, she would have become famous through the -exercise of some one of the many talents given her, but in less than a -year after her mothers death she, too, passed away. Her father and -brother were left alone for a few days, that she might go and see her -aged grandparents. From this journey she did not return. A message in -the night-time roused her parent from his slumber to hasten to her, and -though no time was lost, it was too late. She was nearing the golden -gates of the spirit-land, when those two of a once happy band reached -her bedside. - -So full of life and health had she been but a few short days before, and -so entirely unconscious of any illness of body, that she anticipated a -visit of great pleasure; after her death, a memorandum of house-work to -be performed while she was absent, was found in her basket, she -expecting to be gone but a few days. - -The obituary notices are so complete that I am constrained to quote them -in lieu of my own imperfect material, believing they discover a more -thorough acquaintance with the subject than I can gather through other -sources. - -“The character of Miss Mary Abigail Fillmore, daughter of ex-President -Fillmore, whose sudden death was announced yesterday, deserves a more -extended notice. Though young—being but twenty-two years of age on the -27th day of March last—she was widely known. - -“Being a native of the city of Buffalo, most of her life had been spent -here, where she had a numerous circle of sincere and devoted friends. -From her early childhood she evinced great talent and industry, combined -with judgment and discretion, and softened by a cheerful and -affectionate disposition, which made her with all a safe and welcome -companion. - -“As an only and much beloved daughter, her parents were resolved to give -her an excellent, practical education. As they were unwilling to spare -her from the little family circle, she received much of her primary -education at our excellent public schools, and the higher branches, with -the modern languages, music, drawing, and painting, were taught her by -private tutors. That she might learn, away from home, something of the -world without imbibing its vices, and be taught self-reliance under -judicious restraints, she was sent for a single year to the celebrated -select family school of Mrs. Sedgwick, in Lenox, Massachusetts. She left -that school, feeling the necessity of an education not merely of grace -and ornament, but which should, in case of a reverse of fortune, place -her beyond that degrading and painful feeling of dependence which so -often renders the life of a female in this country one of wretchedness -and misery. She therefore expressed a desire to attend the State Normal -School and qualify herself to be a teacher. This she could not do -without assuming an obligation to teach. To this requirement she readily -submitted and entered the school. - -“Graduating at the end of six months with the highest honors, she was -then employed as a teacher in the higher department of one of the public -schools of Buffalo for three months, where she exhibited an aptitude and -capacity for teaching that gave entire satisfaction. But the death of -General Taylor and the consequent elevation of her father to the -Presidency, compelled his family to relinquish their residence here and -remove to Washington. This introduced her into a new sphere of action, -but she moved in it with the same apparent ease and grace that she would -have done had she been bred in the midst of the society of the Federal -city. At the close of her father’s official term, she was destined to -suffer a heart-rending bereavement in the death of her excellent and -devoted mother. She returned with her father and brother to their -desolate home in this city, and by her entire devotion to the duties -thus suddenly devolved upon her, she relieved her father from all -household cares, and exhibited those high domestic and social qualities -which gave a grace and charm, as well as system and regularity, to the -home over which she presided. She again called around her the friends of -her childhood and early youth, for no change of fortune had in the least -impaired her early attachments—attachments which she continued to -cherish with unabated ardor and devotion. The home of her bereaved -father had once more become cheerful and happy, for her whole mind and -heart were given to promote his happiness and that of her only brother, -and they repaid her devotion with the kindest and most grateful -affection. - -“She had some weeks since promised a visit to her grandfather, at -Aurora, about seventeen miles from this city. She went from here in the -afternoon of Tuesday last in good spirits and apparent good health, and -she reached Aurora in the evening. She appeared well and cheerful on her -arrival, and after conversing with her grandparents she retired to rest -about nine o’clock. - -“She was soon after attacked with what proved to be the cholera; but -unwilling to disturb the family, she called no one until after 12, when -a physician was immediately sent for, but alas! too late. A messenger -was dispatched for her father and brother, but they only arrived to see -her breathe her last, unconscious of their presence. She died about 11 -o’clock on Wednesday morning. The effects of this crushing shock upon -her fond and devoted father and her affectionate brother may perhaps be -imagined, but cannot be described. - -“Her remains were immediately removed to Buffalo and interred yesterday -in the Forest Lawn Cemetery by the side of her mother. She was followed -to her last resting-place by a numerous concourse of sorrowing friends. - -“In the absence of the Rev. Dr. Hosmer, her pastor, the Rev. Dr. Shelton -officiated in the funeral services.” - - - THE LATE MISS FILLMORE. - - _From the Buffalo Commercial Advertiser, of July 28th, 1854._ - -“We yesterday announced in the usual terms the death of Mary A. -Fillmore. The sad event seems to demand some expression of our esteem -for her character, and of our grief at the heavy loss. We would not, -indeed, obtrude our consolations upon those hearts, broken by so sudden -a calamity, whose sorrows human sympathy can only pity in reverent -silence, nor do we expect either to soothe or express the feelings of -that intimate circle of friends which her many attractions had drawn -around her. But the contemplation of her virtues is a relief to -friendship, and we shall perform a most useful duty, if, by a slight -sketch of her character, sincerely and simply drawn, others shall be -inspired to the pursuit of similar excellence. Miss Fillmore’s character -was written upon her face. It was not beautiful, yet it was so full of -vivacity of intellect, of cordiality, and of goodness, that it attracted -more than any beauty, and as it rises before us now its expression only -suggests the simple thought, - - “‘How good, how kind! And she is gone.’ - -In that character were mingled, in just proportion, almost masculine -judgment and the most feminine tenderness. Its leading feature was -excellent common sense, united with great vivacity of temperament, -genuine sensibility, and real intellectual force. With a keen sense of -the ridiculous, overflowing with wit and humor, all her views of life -were nevertheless grave and serious, and she saw clearly beneath its -forms and shows in what consists its real happiness, and devoted herself -to the performance of its duties, with all the energies of a powerful -will, and the fidelity of the strictest conscientiousness. This fidelity -to her own sense of duty had led her most carefully to cultivate all of -her talents; and it is no exaggeration to say that she was among the -most accomplished young women we have ever seen among us. - -“She was, for her years, uncommonly familiar with English literature; -spoke the French language with ease and elegance, was well versed in -Italian, and had lately made great progress in her German studies. She -had much taste in drawing, but had mostly abandoned that accomplishment -for music; because, as she said, the latter gave greater pleasure to her -friends, and she was a skilful performer both upon the piano and the -harp. Shortly before her death, she had begun to pay some attention to -sculpture, and had got her materials together for self-instruction in -this highest branch of art. It affords an instructive lesson upon the -use of time to know, that she had perfected herself in all these studies -and accomplishments since her father’s accession to the Presidency, and -in the leisure moments of a life almost devoted to society. In -Washington, the etiquette of the place and her mother’s feeble health -combined to devolve upon her, almost unaided, the entire performance of -the social duties incident to her father’s station. She was but a young -girl fresh from school; but all admired the self-possession, the tact, -and the kindness with which she filled the position allotted to her; and -how, young and retired as she was, society in her presence became -something more genuine and hearty, as if ashamed of its false mockeries -in the light of her sagacious mind and honest heart. - -“She was eminently social, and latterly her conversational powers were -of the first order. She had read much; her advantages had been great, -and she had reaped their entire fruit. She was a keen but kind observer -of character, had been familiar with men and women of very various ranks -and descriptions, and she would paint to the life the very interesting -events which she had witnessed, and the character of the many -distinguished persons with whom her fortune had made her acquainted. -Full of information and of spirits, more anxious always to listen than -to talk, yet never at a loss, even with the dullest, for something -pleasant and entertaining to say, with a countenance beaming with -honesty and intellect, and with a sweet cordiality of manners which -invited at once confidence, affection, and respect. No wonder that -wherever she went she became the centre of a circle of friends who loved -her most tenderly, and at the same time looked up to her as one of a -stronger mind and heart, as a guide and confidante. - -“She was a genuine tender-hearted woman. Observant of all the forms of -elegant life, yet with the most utter contempt for its mere fashions; -kind and attentive to all, yet without one point of sympathy with merely -worldly people, she loved her friends with all the affection of a strong -and ardent nature. She never saw or read of a kind or noble deed that -her eyes did not fill with tears. - -“She clung to her old friends without regard to their position in life, -and her time and talents seemed devoted to their happiness; she was -thinking constantly of some little surprise, some gift, some journey, -some pleasure, by which she could contribute to the enjoyment of others. -‘Blessing she was, God made her so;’ and with her death, with many of -her friends is dried up forever the richest fountain of their happiness. - -“She was reserved in the expression of her religious views. As is -natural with youthful and independent minds, she had little comparative -respect for creeds and forms, perhaps less than she would have -manifested in maturer years, but her intimate friends knew that she was -always governed by a sense of religious duty, that her relations to her -Creator and her Saviour were the subject of her constant thought, and -that she trusted for her future happiness to the kind mercies of a -benevolent Father, to the conscientious improvement of all her talents, -to a life devoted to deeds of kindness, and to a heart as pure and -unspotted as a child’s. At home—ah! that house, all ‘emptied of -delight,’ over which she presided with so much dignity and kindness, -that forsaken parlor where all the happiness that social life can give -was wont to be so freely and hospitably enjoyed; the weeping -servants—those bleeding and broken hearts—let these tell what she was at -home! - -“But she is gone! and young though she was, she has accomplished much. -She has done much to lay the foundation in our midst of a mode of social -life more kind, genuine, and cultivated than most of what is called -society; and she has left behind her the example of her life, which, -though most private and retired, will always be a blessing to her -friends, and through them, we trust, to a wider circle for many coming -years. - -“Farewell! - - “Forgive our tears for one removed, - Thy creature whom we found so fair, - We trust she lives in Thee, and there - We find her worthier to be loved.” - - - - - XIX. - JANE APPLETON PIERCE. - - -There are two classes of ladies of whom the biographer is compelled to -write, and both are alike interesting. One includes those whose lives -have been passed in the sunshine of prosperity and allurements of -fashionable society, who have been widely known, and who have mingled -with the leading characters of this country. The lives of such women -include innumerable incidents of public and private interest, and are, -in fact, necessary to a perfect history of their time. They are a part -of the great world about them, and it as easy to gather the facts of -their careers, as of the great men with whom they have been associated -nearly or remotely. - -The other class is composed of those of whom the world knows little; -whose perfect seclusion even in a public position has given but little -evidence of their abilities, and the world, with its eager curiosity, -has been but imperfectly apprised of their merits. Such natures, -howsoever cultivated and developed, receive but a small portion of that -admiration awarded to the first-mentioned class. Their lives are known -only to the inmates of their homes, and though cherished there as a -beautiful harmony, and their memory as a holy, sealed book, the inquirer -after facts and incidents is dismayed by the small amount of material to -be gathered from such an existence. Such an one was Jane Means Appleton -Pierce, who was born at Hampton, New Hampshire, March 12th, 1806. She -was but one year of age when her father, Rev. Jesse Appleton, D. D., -assumed the presidency of Bowdoin College. Reared in an atmosphere of -cultivation and refined Christian influences, the delicate child grew in -years, unfolding rare mental qualifications, but fragile and drooping in -health, developing year by year the most exquisite nervous organization. -Naturally inclined to pensive melancholy—the result, partly, of her -physical condition, she was from her childhood the victim of intense -sensibilities and suffering, and was during her life the unfortunate -possessor of an organism whose every vibration was wonderfully acute and -sensitive. The world of suffering locked up in the hearts of such -persons it is impossible to estimate; but happier by far is the day of -their deaths than the years of their lives. Blended with a naturally -strong mind, Miss Appleton possessed a quick appreciation of the -beautiful, which in the later years of her life was of priceless value -to her own heart. Thrown by her marriage into the political arena, and -much in the society of public men of note, she yet soared to a higher -theme, and, when not incompatible with politeness, discovered to her -company the natural elevation of her nature. Politics, a theme most -generally uninteresting to woman, was peculiarly so to her, and it was -in her presence impossible to sustain a conversation on the subject. In -1834, at the age of twenty-eight, she was married to Hon. Franklin -Pierce, then of Hillsborough, and a member of the lower house of -Congress. The match was a pleasing union of kindred natures, and was a -source of deep and lasting happiness. The wealth and tenderness of Mr. -Pierce’s nature, appreciated to its fullest extent by her, had its -reflex in the urbanity and courteousness with which his conduct was ever -characterized toward others. He is spoken of in a recent publication as -the most popular man, personally, in the District of Columbia, who ever -occupied the position he filled. - -To a person organized as was Mrs. Pierce, public observation was -extremely painful, and she shrank from it always, preferring the quiet -of her New England home to the glare and glitter of fashionable life in -Washington. A friend has said of her: “How well she filled her station -as wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend, those only can tell who -knew her in these private relations. In this quiet sphere she found her -joy, and here her gentle but powerful influence was deeply and -constantly felt, through wise counsels and delicate suggestions, the -purest, finest tastes and a devoted life.” - -“She was not only ministered to, but ever ministering,” and there is so -much of the spiritual in her life that from Bulwer we gather a refrain -most applicable to her. “The cast of her beauty was so dream-like and -yet so ranging; her temper was so little mingled with the common -characteristics of women; it had so little of caprice, so little of -vanity, so utter an absence of all jealousy and all anger; it was so -made up of tenderness and devotion, and yet so imaginative and -fairy-like in its fondness, that it was difficult to bear only the -sentiments of earth for one who had so little of earth’s clay.” - -In 1838, Mr. Pierce removed from Hillsborough to Concord, where he -afterward continued to reside. Four years later, he resigned his seat in -the Senate to practise law, and thereby make provisions for the future. -A bereavement, the second of its kind, occurred two years later in the -loss of his second son, Frank Robert. - -When President Polk tendered Mr. Pierce the position of -Attorney-General, it was the illness of his wife which drew from him his -reply declining it. He says: - -“Although the early years of my manhood were devoted to public life, it -was never really suited to my taste. I longed, as I am sure you must -often have done, for the quiet and independence that belong only to the -private citizen, and now, at forty, I feel that desire stronger than -ever. - -“Coming so unexpectedly as this offer does, it would be difficult, if -not impossible, to arrange the business of an extensive practice, -between this and the first of November, in a manner at all satisfactory -to myself, or to those who have committed their interests to my care, -and who rely on my services. Besides, you know that Mrs. Pierce’s -health, while at Washington, was very delicate. It is, I fear, even more -so now; and the responsibilities which the proposed change would -necessarily impose upon her, ought, probably, in themselves to -constitute an insurmountable objection to leaving our quiet home for a -public station at Washington.” - -Mrs. Pierce was not called upon to leave her pleasant home, and for -another year she passed her time in tranquil happiness, little dreaming -that her country would so soon demand the sacrifice of him who thought -not of public honors when she was concerned. - -The declaration of war with Mexico found him ready and willing to serve -the best interests of his State and Government, by enlisting as a -private soldier in a company raised in Concord. He was subsequently -appointed Colonel, and finally Brigadier-General, which position he -filled with honor and distinction. He sailed from Newport, the 27th of -May, 1847, and remained in Mexico nine months, during which time Mrs. -Pierce and her son continued at their home in Concord. Her health during -his absence was not more frail than usual, but anxiety and suspense, -watching yet fearing to hear of the absent one, kept her from regaining -or improving her impaired constitution, and of renewing the slender -chord by which her life was held. - -The mother of three children, none survived her, and the death of the -last, under circumstances so peculiar, shattered the small remnant of -remaining health, and left her mother’s heart forever desolate. On the -5th of January, previous to the inauguration of Mr. Pierce as President, -an accident occurred on the Boston & Maine Railroad, which resulted in a -great calamity; among the passengers were the President-elect, his wife, -and only son, a bright boy of thirteen years. The family were on their -return to Concord from Boston, and it was between Andover and Lawrence -that the axle of one of the passenger-cars broke, and the cars were -precipitated down a steep embankment. Mr. Pierce, sitting beside his -wife, felt the unsteady movements of the train and instantly divined the -cause. Across the seat from them sat their son, who but a moment ago was -amusing them with his conversation. A crash, a bounding motion as the -cars were thrown over and over down the hill, and men began to recover -from their fright and assist in aiding those injured in the fearful -accident. Mr. Pierce, though much bruised, succeeded in extricating his -wife from the ruins, and bearing her to a place of safety, returned to -hunt his boy. - -He was soon found; his young head crushed and confined under a beam, his -little body still in death. Even now it is a subject too painful to -dwell upon. What must have been the feelings of those grief-stricken -parents, in a moment bereft of their all! - -The remains were conveyed to Andover until arrangements could be made -for their removal to Concord. - -Under such a bereavement, in feeble health and exhausted vitality, came -Mrs. Pierce to the White House. - -Through the season, before her great trial was sent upon her, she had -been nerving herself for the undesired duties and responsibilities of -her public station at Washington; and with the burden of that crushing -sorrow she went forward, with the noblest self-sacrifice, to do what was -to be done, as well as to bear what was to be borne. That she performed -her task nobly and sustained the dignity of her husband, the following -letter will prove. - -From Mr. J. H. Hoover, who, during President Pierce’s administration, -was Marshal of the District of Columbia, the following facts were -received: - - -“MY DEAR MADAM: I learn that Prof. Aiken’s notice of Mrs. Pierce, that -appeared in the _Observer_, has been sent to you, and I presume it does -not contain information on all the points you desired to reach -particularly. Hence this note. The idea has somehow gone out that Mrs. -Pierce did not participate in the receptions and entertainments at the -White House. Mr. Gobright, in his book recently published, -‘Recollections of Men and Things at Washington,’ makes the statement -that Mrs. Pierce did not, until the close of the administration of -President Pierce, appear at the receptions. This is an inexcusable -blunder, for Mr. Gobright was here on the spot, and should have known -better. The fact is, Mrs. Pierce seldom omitted attendance upon the -public receptions of the President. She was punctually present also at -her own Friday receptions, although at times suffering greatly. Often in -the evening of the President’s levee, she would allow herself to be -conducted into the Blue Room, and there remain all the evening -receiving, with that quiet ease and dignity that characterized her -always: a duty which few ladies, indeed, would have had the courage to -perform in her then delicate state of health. She presided, too, with -the President at the State dinners, as well as those of a more social -character, and certainly never before or since, was more hospitality -dispensed by any occupant of the White House. The most agreeable -memories of Mrs. Pierce at the Presidential Mansion, and such only, are -retained and cherished in this city. The days of that period when a -quiet and dignified but hearty hospitality signalized the Executive -Mansion, and the protection of the Constitution, which diffused a sense -of all-pervading security, were indeed the bright days of the Republic. -This is the view of our own people, and who are better judges than they -who have seen so many Administrations here? - -“Every one knew and respected the enfeebled condition of Mrs. Pierce’s -health, and felt that the sad event which happened only a short time -before she came to Washington, on that fatal railroad train, might have -shattered a much hardier constitution than was hers, and at least have -unfitted her, physically as well as mentally, to discharge the duties of -the Lady of the White House. Yet she suppressed her inward grief before -the public eye, and overcame her debility in deference to what she -believed to be her duty toward her distinguished husband’s exalted -position. Those who knew Mrs. Pierce well at this time eulogized her -heroism. - -“No lady of the White House left more warm friends in Washington among -our best people, and she had not a single enemy. What I have written -above, you are at liberty, madam, to use (if you deem it worthy) in your -forthcoming work. It has the merit at least of being the testimony of -‘one who knows.’ I give it in order that the grievously wrong statements -in Mr. Gobright’s work, concerning Mrs. Pierce, may be corrected, and -the error exposed before it passes into history.” - - -Another friend says of her: “It is no disparagement to others who have -occupied her station at the White House, to claim for her an unsurpassed -dignity and grace, delicacy and purity, in all that pertains to public -life. There was a home, a Christian home, quietly and constantly -maintained, and very many hearts rejoiced in its blessings.” - -Mrs. Pierce was always extremely delicate, and was reduced to a mere -shadow after the loss of her son. I have heard a gentleman say, who was -a member of Mr. Pierce’s family at the time, that “it was with the -utmost difficulty she could endure the fatigue of standing during a -reception, or sitting the tedious hours of a dinner party,” and her -courage must have been all-powerful to have sustained her under the most -uncongenial of all things to an invalid—the presence of comparative, and -in many cases entire, strangers. Her pious scruples regarding the -keeping of the Sabbath were a marked attribute of her life. Each Sunday -morning of her four years’ stay in the White House, she would request, -in her gentle, conciliatory way, all the attachés of the Mansion to go -to church, and on their return, would make pleasant inquiries of what -they had heard, etc. “Many a time,” remarked Mr. Webster, the Private -Secretary, “have I gone from respect to her, when, if left to my own -choice, I should have remained in the house.” In her unobtrusive way, -ever thoughtful of the happiness of those about her, she diverted their -minds to the elevated and spiritual, and sought, in her own life, to be -a guide for the young with whom she was thrown. How rare are these -exquisite organizations, and how little do we know of them, even though -they have lived in our midst, and formed a part of us! A while they -linger here to learn the way to brighter spheres, and when they vanish, -naught is left but a memory fragrant with the rich perfume of a -beautiful, unselfish life. - -In the autumn of 1857, Mrs. Pierce, accompanied by her husband, left the -United States, on the steamer “Powhatan,” for the island of Madeira, and -passed six months in that delightful place. The following eighteen -months were spent in Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, -Germany, and England. Of her appreciation of this lengthy sojourn in the -most historic and renowned countries of the old world, we have no -evidence save in the supposition, how one of her fine nervous nature -must have enjoyed the bygone splendors of Spain, the ever-ranging -panorama of luxurious Paris, and the snow-capped mountains of Italy and -Switzerland, of the Alps, of Mont Blanc, and the tamer scenery of German -towns and cities! Would that it were possible to present even one of her -letters to the American public who have ever evinced their regard and -admiration for Mrs. Pierce, through the sympathy extended to her now -desolate husband. But that repugnance to publicity, so characteristic in -life, is respected now by the few of her family who have survived her, -and the painful recollections of what she suffered are as yet too fresh -in the minds of her friends to desire them to be recalled. - -From ex-President Pierce, who very kindly replied to my many inquiries, -the following letter was received just previous to his death, which -occurred on the 8th of October, 1869: - -“If your attention has been called to the obituary notice of Mrs. -Pierce, published in the _Boston Recorder_, of January 8th, 1864, and -reproduced in the _New York Observer_ within two or three weeks of that -date, you may have been impressed with the sentences, ‘She shrank with -extreme sensitiveness from public observation.’ I cannot help being -influenced by that very controlling trait of her character, and this, I -am sure, is true of all her relatives. Hence, and indeed, in consulting -our own tastes, we were thoroughly satisfied with the sketch from the -hand of one who knew her intimately, from his early manhood, and loved -her well. - -“Mrs. Pierce’s life, as far as she could make it so, was one of -retirement. She very rarely participated in gay amusements, and never -enjoyed what is sometimes called fashionable society. Her natural -endowments were of a high order, recognized by all persons with whom she -was, to any considerable extent, associated. She inherited a judgment -singularly clear and correct, and a taste almost unerring. She was -carefully and thoroughly educated, and moved all her life, prior to her -marriage, very quietly in a circle of relatives and intimate friends of -rare culture and refinement.” - - * * * * * - -On the 2d of December, 1863, at Andover, Massachusetts, she died. Many -of her kindred and all her children had gone before her, and she was -ready to join them. But she was patient, and had “learned to wait, with -growing confidence and love, for the revealing of her Heavenly Father’s -will.” Among her last words was the familiar line, - - “Other refuge have I none,” - -repeated with all the emphasis of which she was then capable. Now she -has reached that refuge. - -On the 5th of December, she was buried by the side of her children in -the cemetery at Concord, New Hampshire. - -Those who knew her will be glad, glad just in proportion to the intimacy -of their acquaintance with her, to be reminded of the qualities in which -they found so much delight. To others who have only known of her, and -that mainly in connection with her sorrows, it will be just to present -very briefly other aspects of her life. Her fine natural endowments were -developed by a careful and generous culture, not merely under the forms -of education, but through the agency of all the examples and influences -of her early home and the circle of related families. No one knew better -how to make tributary all the experience of life. All her instincts and -choices drew her toward, and attracted toward her, whatever was refining -and elevating. Her tastes were of exceeding delicacy and purity. Her eye -appreciated, in a remarkable degree, whatever was beautiful in nature -and art. During the last years of her invalid life, she found not merely -physical relief, but the deepest gratification in foreign travel, and in -residence near our own New England mountains and sea-shore. This contact -with nature’s freshness and variety and beauty, often renewed her -strength when the ministries of human affection and skill were alike -powerless. - -The following touching tribute was written by a friend whose affection -for Mrs. Pierce knows no change. He sent it carefully wrapped in many -covers to protect it. Oft used and much worn as it is, he prizes the -paper, from the associations clustered with its appearance, and the -circumstances under which it was written. Its beauty is its truth and -simplicity. - -“The distinctions of earth fade away in the presence of death; but the -memory of departed excellence comes forth fresh and perennial from the -very portals of the grave. - -“To-day this paper records the lamented decease of one who has filled -the highest station in the land with dignity and propriety unsurpassed, -and who has adorned private life with every estimable quality which -could become a true Christian gentlewoman. - -“The many who have esteemed and respected her throughout life will -deeply deplore her loss, and will sincerely sympathize with him who has -been thus called to submit to one of the severest of human afflictions. - -“His beloved companion has passed through great sufferings, bearing -always with him the memory of a great grief; and she has doubtless gone -to that rest which we know ‘remaineth for the people of God.’” - - - - - XX. - HARRIET LANE. - - -The name of Harriet Lane is so nearly associated with the latest and -most illustrious years of her uncle, James Buchanan, that it is quite -impossible to write a life of the one in which the other shall not fill -some space. Of all his kindred she was the closest to him. Given to his -care when she was scarcely past infancy, she took the place of a child -in his lonely heart, and when she reached womanhood she repaid his -affection by ministering with rare tact and grace, abroad and at home, -in public life and in private, over a household which would otherwise -have been the cheerless abode of an old bachelor. The sketch of her -history which we propose to give will, therefore, necessarily involve -many recollections of the great ex-President, with whom her name is -inseparably associated. - -Harriet Lane is of Pennsylvania blood, of English ancestry on the side -of her father, and Scotch-Irish on that of her mother. Her grandfather, -James Buchanan, emigrated to America from the north of Ireland, in the -year 1783, and settled near Mercersburg, in Franklin county, -Pennsylvania. In the year 1788, he married Elizabeth Speer, the daughter -of a substantial farmer, a woman of strong intellect and deep piety. The -eldest child of this marriage was James, the late ex-President. He spoke -uniformly with the deepest reverence of both his father and mother, and -took delight in ascribing to the teaching’s of that good woman all the -success that he had won in this world. - -[Illustration: Engraved by J. C. Buttre. Harriet Lane Johnston] - -Jane Buchanan, the next child after James, his playmate in youth, his -favorite sister through life, known as the most sprightly and agreeable -member of a family all gifted, was married, in the year 1813, to Elliot -T. Lane, a merchant largely engaged in the lucrative trade at that time -carried on between the East and the West, by the great highway that -passed through Franklin county. In this trade James Buchanan the elder -had accumulated his fortune, and on the marriage of his daughter with -Mr. Lane much of his business passed into the hands of the latter. - -Mr. Lane was descended from an old and aristocratic English family, who -had settled in Virginia during the Revolution, and he was connected with -some of the best names of this land. His business talents were well -known and trusted, and all who enjoyed his acquaintance testify to the -uncommon amiability of his disposition. - -Harriet, the youngest child of Elliot T. Lane and Jane Buchanan, spent -the first years of her life in the picturesque village of Mercersburg, -in the midst of a society distinguished for its intelligence and -refinement. She inherited the vivacity of her mother, was a mischievous -child, overflowing with health and good humor. Her Uncle James, then in -the prime of life, and already an illustrious man, paid frequent visits -to his birth-place, and the impression which his august presence and -charming talk made upon little Harriet was deep and lasting. She -conceived an affection and reverence for him which knew no abatement -till the hour of his death. - -Her mother died when she was but seven years old, and her father -survived but two years longer. She was left well provided with money, -and with a large family connection, but at his solicitation she accepted -as a home the house of her Uncle James, and sought his guardianship in -preference to that of any of her other relatives. - -Although Mr. Buchanan was not particularly fond of children, he was -attracted toward this frank and handsome child from her earliest -infancy. Her exuberant spirits, love of mischief, and wild pranks called -forth from him daily lectures and severe rebukes, but his acquaintances -all knew that he was well pleased to have been singled out by the noble -and affectionate girl as her guide, philosopher, and friend. No doubt -that even at that early age he recognized in her a kindred spirit, and -his good angel whispered to him that the boisterous child who sometimes -disturbed his studies and mimicked his best friends, would one day be to -him a fit adviser in difficulty, a sympathetic companion in sorrow, the -light and ornament of his public life, and the comfort, at last, of his -lonely hearth. - -Mr. Buchanan was reticent in speaking the praises, however well -deserved, of his near relatives, but he has been known, especially of -late years, to dwell with a delight he could not conceal upon the -admirable qualities displayed by Miss Lane in childhood. Said he: “She -never told a lie. She had a soul above deceit or fraud. She was too -proud for it.” - -During the earliest years of Miss Lane’s residence with her uncle, in -Lancaster, she attended a day-school there, and though she evinced much -more than the usual aptitude for study, she was chiefly distinguished as -a fun-loving, trick-playing romp, and a wilful domestic outlaw. - -There was one anecdote her uncle liked to tell of her, as an evidence of -her independent spirit and her kind heart. When she was about eleven -years old, she was well grown and, indeed, mature looking for her age. -Unlike most young ladies at that ambitious period of life, she was -entirely unconscious of her budding charms, never dreaming that men must -pause to wonder at and admire her, and that her actions were no longer -unimportant as those of a child. One day Mr. Buchanan was shocked upon -beholding from his window Miss Harriet, with flushed cheek and hat awry -trundling along, in great haste, a wheelbarrow full of wood. Upon his -rushing out to inquire into the cause of such an unseemly and -undignified proceeding, she answered in some confusion, that she was -just on her way to old black Aunt Tabitha, with a load of wood, because -it was so cold. - -In administering the reproof that followed, Mr. Buchanan took good care -that she should not see the amused and gratified smile with which he -turned away from the generous culprit. - -About this time, her uncle executed a threat which he had long held -suspended over Harriet. This was to place her under the tender care of a -couple of elderly maidens of the place—ladies famous for their strict -sense of propriety and their mean domestic economy—just such rule as our -high-spirited young lady would chafe under. She had never believed her -uncle to be in earnest about the matter, and her horror at finding -herself duly installed in this pious household, under the surveillance -of these old damsels, must have been comical enough to Mr. Buchanan, who -was never blind to the funny side of anything. He was in the Senate at -the time, and she was in the habit of pouring out her soul to him in -childish letters that complained of early hours, brown sugar in tea, -restrictions in dress, stiff necks, and cold hearts. The winter passed -slowly away, only solaced by the regular arrival of fatherly letters -from her uncle, or by an occasional frolic out of doors—to say nothing -of pocketsful of crackers and rock-candy, with which the appetite of the -young woman was appeased, her simple fare being, if not scanty, unsuited -to the tastes of one who had sat at Mr. Buchanan’s table. - -The next autumn, when she was twelve years old, she was sent with her -sister, a lovely girl but a few years Harriet’s senior, to a school in -Charlestown, Va. Here they remained three years. Harriet was not a -student, but she knew her lessons because it was no trouble for her to -learn them. She was excessively fond of music, and made great progress -in it. Her vacations were spent with Mr. Buchanan; but the great event -of those three years was a visit with him to Bedford Springs. It was a -glorious time, which even now the woman of the world looks back upon -with her own bright smile of pleasure. - -She was next sent to the convent at Georgetown—a school justly -celebrated for the elegant women who have been educated there. Miss Lane -went over to Washington every month, and spent Saturday and Sunday with -her uncle, then Secretary of State. These visits were, of course, -delightful. Without seeing any gay society, she always met at Mr. -Buchanan’s house such men as few young girls could appreciate, and -listened to such conversation as would improve the taste of any one. - -Miss Lane at once became a great favorite with the sisters, who -constantly expressed the highest opinion of her talents and her -principles. - -Before Mr. Buchanan had decided to send her to the convent, he had -asked, “Do you think you would become a Roman Catholic?” She was anxious -to go, but she answered, “I can’t promise; I don’t know enough about -their faith.” “Well,” said he, “if you are a good Catholic, I will be -satisfied.” - -She did not change her religious opinions, but her intercourse with the -good sisters has always made her respect the old church, and has taught -her sympathy and charity for all God’s people. - -Here she became very proficient in music, an accomplishment which, -unfortunately for her friends, she has much neglected, owing to her -constant engagements in social life and her disinclination for display -in her public position. The nuns were anxious to have her learn to play -upon the harp, not only on account of her musical taste, but because of -her graceful person and exquisite hand. For some reason, however, she -never took lessons upon that beautiful instrument, so well calculated to -display the charms of a graceful woman. - -Her uncle once asked in a letter what were her favorite studies. She -answered, “History, astronomy, and especially mythology.” Mr. Buchanan -did not forget this avowed preference, and in after years gratified his -natural disposition to quiz those of whom he was fond, by appealing to -his niece as authority on mythological questions, in the presence of -company before whom she would have preferred to be silent. - -Miss Lane was exceedingly quick and bright. She never applied her whole -mind to study except the last of the two years she spent at Georgetown. -The result of that effort was that she won golden opinions and graduated -with great honor. She left the school, loved and regretted by the -sisters, with some of whom she has been on terms of close friendship -ever since. They always speak of her with pride, and have followed her -career with an interest they seldom evince in anything outside their -sphere of seclusion and quiet. - -At this time, Miss Lane’s proportions were of the most perfect -womanliness. Tall enough to be commanding, yet not high enough to -attract observation—light enough to be graceful, but so full as to -indicate the perfect health with which she was blest. Indeed, this -appearance of health was the first impression produced by Miss Lane upon -the beholder. It made one feel stronger only to watch her firm, quick -step and round, elastic form. Her clear, ringing voice spoke of life. -The truthful, steady light of her eyes inspired one with confidence in -humanity, and the color that came and went in her cheek, set one’s own -blood to a more youthful, joyous bound. - -Miss Lane was a blonde, her head and features were cast in noble mould, -and her form, when at rest, was replete with dignified majesty, and, in -motion, was instinct alike with power and grace. Hers was a bright, good -face upon which none looked with indifference. Those deep violet eyes, -with the strange dark line around them, could glance cold, stern rebuke -upon the evil-doer, and they could kindle, too, and pour young scorn -upon what was small and mean. Yet of all her features, her mouth was the -most peculiarly beautiful. Although in repose it was indicative of -firmness, it was capable of expressing infinite humor and perfect -sweetness. Her golden hair was arranged with simplicity, and in her -dress she always avoided superfluous ornament. In toilet, speech, and -manner she was a lady. - -Miss Lane was fond of games, and invariably excelled at all she ever -attempted. Her uncle secretly prided himself upon her prowess, and, in -her absence, frequently spoke of this success of hers: but he liked to -laugh at her for being able to “distance everybody else in athletic -sports.” He used to tell about her daring some young man to run a race -with her, and then leaving him far behind and out of breath. Yet it was -known he had, upon this occasion, rebuked her for want of that dignity -which, in his heart, he gladly owned she did not lack. - -At Wheatland, Miss Lane saw much company from a distance, her uncle -constantly entertaining his foreign and political friends. Their -conversation and her historic reading, directed by Mr. Buchanan, made -her a most congenial companion for him. - -She was a good reader, her voice sweet and pure, and her enunciation -clear and distinct. She was in the habit of reading aloud the -newspapers, and afterward discussing with him the news and the political -and literary subjects of the day. She took great interest in the -grounds, and it was her taste that suggested many of the improvements -made at Wheatland. - -The quiet of her life here was interrupted by gay visits to -Philadelphia, New York, Pittsburgh, Washington, and Virginia. Wherever -she went, she left hosts of friends, and never came home without -bringing with her scores of masculine hearts. Indeed, their former -owners often followed them and the young lady, in hopes of obtaining her -hand in exchange. She remained, however, “fancy free,” until her heart -was touched by the love-tale of Mr. Johnston, whom she met at Bedford -Springs, during the annual visit made there by herself and Mr. Buchanan. - -[Illustration: - - WHEATLAND—THE HOME OF PRESIDENT BUCHANAN. -] - -Mr. Johnston was a young gentleman of Baltimore, fresh from college -honors, manly, frank, and kind—full of enthusiasm, and as demonstrative -as youth and Southern blood make an earnest man when deeply in love. - -Geranium leaves exchanged in those golden days of youth—withered surely -in the lapse of time, and, one would fancy, long since cast aside—are -worn by Miss Lane and her husband in memory of a dawning affection of -which neither could have foreseen the end. - -Miss Lane’s brothers lived in Lancaster. One of them married there. Her -sister Mary, who had been married to Mr. George W. Baker, also resided -in Lancaster, and was much with Harriet until her removal to California. -It was during her absence, in 1852, that Mr. Buchanan went as Minister -to England, taking Miss Harriet Lane with him. - -No more illustrious man than James Buchanan had ever been sent to -represent his country at the court of the greatest empire of the world. -His fame as a statesman had preceded him. To the public men and educated -classes of England his name was familiar, for he had been one of the -most conspicuous figures in the United States for the third of the -century. No citizen of this country had ever held so many great stations -as he. His life had been crowded with the gravest public employments. -Apart from his reputation as a statesman, he had won the highest -encomiums at the bar. For ten consecutive years he had sat in the lower -house of Congress. As Minister to Russia, he had negotiated our first -commercial treaty with that empire. In the Senate of the United States -he had stood for years in the foremost rank of those mighty men whose -statesmanship and eloquence made that body, thirty years ago, the most -dignified assembly on earth. When he resigned his seat as a Senator, it -was to become Secretary of State, and during that period, when he held -that position, he refused a seat on the Supreme Bench of the United -States, urged upon him by Mr. Tyler, and afterward by Mr. Polk. His name -had, for half his lifetime, been associated with the Presidency. When he -went to England, it was at the earnest solicitation of Mr. Pierce, who -was unwilling to trust the settlement of the great questions then at -issue between the two countries, to any hands less able than his, and it -was well believed by many friends that, his work abroad completed, he -would return to take possession of the Executive Chair. - -In the blaze of this reputation, and led by the protecting hand of one -so illustrious, did Harriet Lane make her entrance into English society. - -And now she became publicly identified with Mr. Buchanan. At dinners and -upon all occasions, she ranked, not as niece, or even daughter, but as -his wife. There was, at first, some question on this point, but the -Queen, upon whom the blooming beauty had made a deep impression, soon -decided that, and our heroine was thenceforward one of the foremost -ladies in the diplomatic corps at St. James. - -Her first appearance at a Drawing-room was a memorable occasion, not -only to the young republican girl herself and her uncle, but to all who -witnessed her graceful and dignified bearing at the time. -Notwithstanding her youthful appearance, it could scarcely be credited -that she, who managed her train so beautifully, appeared so unconscious -of the attention she attracted, and diffused her smiles in such sweet -and courtly manner, had never before been in the presence of royalty. - -That night when she and Mr. Buchanan discussed the events of the day—as -they habitually did before retiring—he suddenly turned about, saying, -“Well, a person would have supposed you were a great beauty, to have -heard the way you were talked of to-day. I was asked if we had many such -handsome ladies in America. I answered, ‘Yes, and many much handsomer. -She would scarcely be remarked there for her beauty.’” - -Upon every occasion Miss Lane was most graciously singled out by the -Queen, and it was well known that she was not only an unusual favorite -with her majesty, but that she was regarded with favor and admiration by -all the royal family. She was so immediately and universally popular, -that she was warmly welcomed in every circle, and added much to the -social reputation Mr. Buchanan’s elegant manners won him everywhere. At -her home she was modest and discreet, as well as sprightly and genial, -and her countrymen never visited their great representative in England -without congratulating themselves upon having there also such a specimen -of American womanhood. - -The limits of our sketch prevent us from dwelling upon particular -characters, political, noble and literary, with whom Miss Lane -constantly came in contact. Nor have we time to mention the country -houses of lord and gentry where Mr. Buchanan and herself were gladly -received. Suffice it to say that her offers of marriage were very -numerous, and such as would do honor to any lady of any land—men of -great name, of high position and immense fortune, English and American. - -She always confided these _affaires du cœur_ to her uncle, who gave his -advice as freely as it was asked. But he never attempted to influence -her affections, although one could not have blamed him for wishing her -to remain as she was. She always decided for her uncle, and ended the -consideration of each proposal by trusting to the happiness she had -already tried. - -The years that Miss Lane spent in England were probably the brightest of -her life. She loved England, English people, and English habits, and -fortunate indeed it was for her that in the days of her early youth, -when just entering upon womanhood, she acquired that taste for exercise, -early hours, wholesome food, and healthy living, which make the ladies -of Great Britain the fairest and most substantial beauties in the world. - -One of the incidents of her stay abroad with her uncle was her visit -with him to Ostend, at the time of the celebrated conference between the -American Ministers to England, France, and Spain. From here she -travelled with Mr. Mason and others to Brussels, Aix-la-Chapelle, -Coblentz, and Frankfort on the Main, and thence joined Mr. Buchanan and -Mr. Soulé at Brussels, where the business of the Conference was -completed. - -She accompanied Mr. Mason on his return to Paris, and spent two months -at his house. It is needless to say that these were happy months, for -Mr. Mason’s elegant hospitality, and the agreeable manners, and kind -hearts of wife and daughters, made his home a thronged resort of all -Americans who visited the gay capital. Miss Lane’s recollections of that -noble man are as warm as those of any of the thousands who were familiar -with his virtues, and whose feeling regarding him was happily expressed -after his death in an obituary written by a near friend, who summed up -his faults and his merits in the title taken from the most genial -character ever drawn by Bulwer, of “Old Gentleman Waife.” - -Among the brilliant circle that nightly assembled in the saloons of Mr. -Mason, Miss Lane reigned a pre-eminent belle. - -We must also particularly refer to the enthusiasm excited by Miss Lane -upon a memorable occasion in England. We mean the day when Mr. Buchanan -and Mr. Tennyson received the degree of Doctor of Civil Laws at the -University of Oxford. Her appearance was greeted with loud cheers by the -students, and murmurs of admiration. - -She returned to America, leaving Mr. Buchanan in London, waiting for a -release from his mission, which he had long urged, but which the State -Department at Washington had failed to give him. - -During this separation, her uncle wrote her long letters, overflowing -with affection and regret that he had suffered her to leave him. Indeed, -she would never have consented to absent herself from his side for an -hour, had she not been expecting a visit at Wheatland from her sister, -Mrs. Baker, whose sweet companionship she had missed in all her -pleasures and triumphs. It was soon after her happy arrival at dear old -Wheatland, with the welcome of friends still in her ears, and amid -hurried and loving preparations for the reception of this beautiful and -only sister, that the dreadful tidings of her death on the distant -shores of the Pacific, smote on the sad heart of Harriet. In the agony -of her first great grief, brooding over the memory of this twin soul, -often did she echo in feeling those verses of Tennyson: - - “Ah yet, even yet, if this might be, - I, falling on thy faithful heart, - Would, breathing through thy lips, impart - The life that almost dies in me. - - “That dies not, but endures with pain, - And slowly forms the firmer mind; - Treasuring the look it cannot find, - The words that are not heard again.” - -Under these sad circumstances Mr. Buchanan came home, and the news of -his nomination for the Presidency soon afterward reached Wheatland. Miss -Lane heard it, not with indifference, but with less enthusiasm than she -had shown about anything in which her uncle was concerned. She, however, -received his friends with a grace which, if sadder than of old, was none -the less interesting; and the noble figure clad in mourning, and the -modest, tender face beneath her dark English hat, will never be -forgotten by those who saw Harriet Lane dispensing the dignified -hospitalities of Mr. Buchanan’s table, or calmly strolling over the lawn -during the summer of 1856. - -Saddened by suffering, but sustained by her warm affection for her -uncle, she became the mistress of the White House. Her younger and -favorite brother, Eskridge, accompanied Mr. Buchanan and Miss Lane to -Washington, and after a few days’ stay there went home to Lancaster, -promising his sister, who was loth to bid him good-by, that he would -return in about a month. But just a month from that parting, the -telegraph bore to Mr. Buchanan the news of his sudden death. - -The President loved this youth above all his nephews, and had meant to -have him with him at Washington. This was a terrible blow to him, but in -his affliction he was mindful of Harriet, and it was with the kindest -care he broke to her the intelligence. - -The sister, again and so soon smitten, with a crushed heart set out for -the scene of death, there to yearn, over the dear clay of that lost -brother. - -When Miss Lane returned to her uncle, it was not to parade her trouble, -but quietly and cheerfully to assist him in his social and domestic -life; to keep her grief for her closet, and in the endurance of it, to -ask no help but God’s. Yet all who saw her, subdued but dignified, as -she received familiar friends during those first months in Washington, -were struck with the elegant repose of her manners, her sweet thanks for -sympathy, and her kind and gentle interest in everything about her. - -The next winter she went to no entertainments, but the usual dinners and -receptions at home were not omitted. In her new high sphere she was as -much admired as she had always been, and after she began to participate -in the gayeties of that gayest administration, her life was made up of a -series of honors and pleasures such as have never fallen to the lot of -any other young lady in the United States. - -On the occasion of a New Year’s reception, when Mr. Buchanan stood up to -receive the ambassadors of the world’s kingdoms and empires, his great -frame, his massive head, his noble countenance, marked and adorned by -the lines of thought, but untouched by the wrinkles of decay, made him a -spectacle so impressive and majestic, that it did not require the -addition of his courtly manners to elicit a thrill of pride in the -breast of every American who beheld him. - -It would have been a trying contrast to the beauty and dignity of any -one to have stood by his side; yet it was difficult for those who saw -Harriet Lane there to decide between the uncle and the niece—to say -which looked the proudest and the greatest—the man or the woman, the -earlier or the later born. - -Miss Lane’s position was more onerous and more crowded with social -duties than that of any other person who had filled her place since the -days of Martha Washington, because Mr. Buchanan received not merely -official visits in the capacity of President, but his wide acquaintance -at home and abroad was the cause of his constantly entertaining, as a -private gentleman, foreigners and others, who came, not to see -Washington and the President, but to visit Mr. Buchanan himself. - -Jefferson Davis, who, for reasons creditable to Mr. Buchanan’s course at -the outbreak of the secession movement, was not friendly to him, -speaking to Dr. Craven at Fortress Monroe, said: “The White House, under -the administration of Buchanan, approached more nearly to my idea of a -Republican Court than the President’s house had ever done before since -the days of Washington.” In this compliment, extorted by truth, of -course Miss Lane shared. - -In the summer of 1860, Queen Victoria accepted the invitation of the -President for the Prince of Wales to extend his Canadian tour to this -country. The duty of preparing for the Prince’s reception devolved upon -Miss Lane, and so admirably did she order the Executive household, that -a party far less amiable than the Prince and the noble gentlemen who -accompanied him, could not have failed to find their visit an agreeable -one. Apart from the personal qualities of this distinguished guest (and -Mr. Buchanan always spoke with enthusiasm of the admirable qualities and -excellent disposition of his young friend), his visit was an occurrence -of memorable interest, being the first occasion on which an heir -apparent to the Crown of Great Britain had stood in the Capital of her -lost colonies. Especially did this interest attach, when, standing -uncovered by the side of the President, before the gateway of -Washington’s tomb, and gazing reverently on the sarcophagus that holds -his ashes, the great-grandson of George the Third paid open homage to -the memory of the chief who rent his empire—when the last born king of -William the Conqueror’s blood bowed his knee before the dust of the -greatest rebel of all time. - -The modesty of the Prince’s behavior, and his perfectly frank manners -attested the excellence of the training given him by his good mother and -his high-souled, wise, and pious father. He entered with all the -freshness of youth into every innocent amusement planned to beguile the -hours of his stay. - -It may be well here to mention, as an instance of Mr. Buchanan’s care -for the proprieties of his station, that, anxious as it was possible for -man to be to gratify the Prince, who, on more than one occasion, -proposed dancing, approving of it as a harmless pastime, and fond of it -as a spectacle, he yet declined to permit it in the White House, for the -reason that that building was not his private home, that it belonged to -the nation, and that the moral sense of many good people who had -assisted to put him there, would be shocked by what they regarded as -profane gayety in the saloons of the State. - -The visit of the English party lasted five days, and they separated from -Mr. Buchanan and Miss Lane leaving behind them most agreeable -recollections. - -On the Prince’s arrival in England, the Queen acknowledged her sense of -the cordiality of his reception by the President, in the following -autograph letter, in which the dignity of an official communication is -altogether lost in the personal language of a grateful mother thanking a -friend for kindness done her firstborn child. It is the Queen’s English -employed to express the sentiments of the woman: - - - “WINDSOR CASTLE, _Nov. 19th, 1860_. - -“MY GOOD FRIEND:—Your letter of the 6th ult. has afforded me the -greatest pleasure, containing, as it does, such kind expressions with -regard to my son, and assuring me that the character and object of his -visit to you and to the United States have been fully appreciated, and -that his demeanor and the feelings evinced by him, have secured to him -your esteem and the general good-will of your countrymen. - -“I purposely delayed the answer to your letter until I should be able to -couple with it the announcement of the Prince of Wales’ safe return to -his home. Contrary winds and stress of weather have much retarded his -arrival, but we have been fully compensated for the anxiety which this -long delay has naturally caused us, by finding him in such excellent -health and spirits, and so delighted with all he has seen and -experienced in his travels. - -“He cannot sufficiently praise the great cordiality with which he has -been everywhere greeted in your country, and the friendly manner in -which you have received him; and whilst, as a mother, I am grateful for -the kindness shown him, I feel impelled to express, at the same time, -how deeply I have been touched by the many demonstrations of affection -personally toward myself which his presence has called forth. - -“I fully reciprocate toward your nation the feelings thus made apparent, -and look upon them as forming an important link to connect two nations -of kindred origin and character, whose mutual esteem and friendship must -always have so material an influence upon their respective development -and prosperity. - -“The interesting and touching scene at the grave of General Washington, -to which you allude, may be fitly taken as the type of our present -feeling, and, I trust, of our future relations. - -“The Prince Consort, who heartily joins in the expressions contained in -this letter, wishes to be kindly remembered to you, as we both wish to -be to Miss Lane. - - “Believe me always - “Your good friend, - “VICTORIA R.” - - -The Prince spoke for himself in the following note: - - - “JAFFA, _March 29th, 1862_. - -“DEAR MR. BUCHANAN:—Permit me to request that you will accept the -accompanying portrait as a slight mark of my grateful recollection of -the hospitable reception and agreeable visit at the White House on the -occasion of my tour in the United States. - -“Believe me, that the cordial welcome which was then vouchsafed to me by -the American people, and by you as their chief, can never be effaced -from my memory. - -“I venture to ask you at the same time to remember me kindly to Miss -Lane, and - -“Believe me, dear Mr. Buchanan, - - “Yours, very truly, - “ALBERT EDWARD.” - - -The portrait to which the Prince alludes in the preceding letter was a -handsome painting of himself, done by Sir John Watson Gordon, and sent -to Mr. Buchanan. - -The Prince also presented Miss Lane with a set of engravings of the -Royal Family, which are now in her possession. A newspaper -correspondent, after Mr. Lincoln’s inauguration, wrote that the -appearance of the Mansion was very much changed by the removal of the -portraits, which had been presented for the White House. - -Mr. Buchanan could not let so grave a charge remain unanswered, and -wrote to Lord Lyons, whose letter is for the first time published. - - - “WASHINGTON, _Dec. 24th, 1861_. - -“SIR: I have this morning had the honor to receive your letter of the -19th of this month, requesting me to state the facts connected with a -present made by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, to Miss Lane, -of a set of engravings representing Her Majesty, the Queen, and other -members of the Royal Family. - -“The Prince of Wales told me, when His Royal Highness was at Washington, -that he had asked Miss Lane to accept these engravings—he said that he -had not them with him there, but that he would send them, through me, -from Portland. His Royal Highness accordingly sent them on shore -immediately after he embarked at that place. - -“They were marked with Miss Lane’s name, in the handwriting of General -Bruce. - -“In obedience to the commands I had received from the Prince, I -presented them in his name, to Miss Lane. I had the honor of placing -them myself in her hand. - -“I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, - -“Your most obedient humble servant and friend, - - “LYONS. - - “The Honorable - “JAMES BUCHANAN, etc., etc., etc.” - - -When the secession movement was inaugurated by South Carolina, -immediately after the election of Mr. Lincoln, the position of Mr. -Buchanan become one of extreme delicacy and difficulty, and in its great -cares as well as in its petty social annoyances, Miss Lane bore a heavy -part. - -During those last months of his administration, when Mr. Buchanan was -harassed on every side, when his patriotism was doubted, when his -hands—eager to hold steady the reins of Government—were tied fast by the -apathy of Congress and the indifference of the Northern people, his mind -was lightened of much of its load of anxiety by the consciousness that -his niece faithfully represented him in his drawing-room, and that his -patriotism and good sense would never suffer by any conversational lapse -of hers. He always spoke with warmth and gratitude of her admirable -demeanor at this critical time. - -And now we see Miss Lane once more at Wheatland, sharing and enjoying -the dignified retirement of her uncle. - -The society of that revered man who was preparing for a better world and -appealing to a higher judgment than that of a selfish faction, the calm -pleasures of country life, the continued attentions of enthusiastic -admirers, the many visits of dear tried friends, the consolations of -religion, and the devotion of one true heart that had never ceased its -homage, was her compensation for many trials. - -In 1863, Miss Lane was confirmed in the Episcopal Church, at Oxford, -Philadelphia, of which her uncle was the rector, by Bishop Stevens. She -would have joined the Presbyterian Church, to which her uncle belonged, -had he desired it, because she was as liberal as he is known to have -been in his religious views, and they never differed on doctrinal -points. But several circumstances had made it convenient for her to -attend the Episcopal Church a great deal, and she had early learned to -love its beautiful prayer book, and in any other church to miss its -significant forms. - -About this time occurred the death of James B. Lane, leaving Harriet no -brother nor sister, nor indeed any near relations except her two uncles, -the Rev. E. Y. Buchanan, and the ex-President, to whom she clung with -renewed affection. - -However, one morning in January, 1866, when the evergreens before the -old house at Wheatland were burdened with snow, and the lawn was white, -and the spring was frozen, and icicles hung from the roof, the grounds -there were made gay and bright by the assemblage of carriages that -brought guests to see the marriage, by the Rev. Edward Y. Buchanan, of -Harriet Lane and Henry Elliott Johnston. Indoors, there was nothing in -the glow of the fire, the odor of the flowers, the gratified appearance -of the host, or the sunny faces of the wedding party, to indicate the -struggle just finished between two loves. - -Some weeks after the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston went to Cuba, where -they spent a month or two most delightfully. From there, Mr. Johnston -took his wife to his house in Baltimore, which, with characteristic -taste, thoughtfulness, and liberality, he had elegantly and luxuriously -fitted up for the lady of his dreams, to whom he forthwith presented it. - -It would scarcely be fair to dwell, in print, upon the happiness of this -congenial pair, but it would be unpardonable if we did not assure the -reader, that Mr. Johnston is all that Miss Lane’s husband ought to be. -Even those who naturally disliked to see Miss Lane pass out of the house -of her great kinsman into any other home, soon became charmed with Mr. -Johnston, and could not but congratulate Miss Lane upon this choice, -made from many lovers. - -Nor can we consent to close this sketch of Mrs. Johnston’s life without -attracting attention to her in her last and most endearing relation. In -her most glorious days, she was never more beautiful than as a mother, -and the matronly grace with which she cares for her child is sweeter to -her husband than the early flush or the queenly prime when he -occasionally ventured on presents of fruits and flowers. - -Would that we could now drop the curtain upon this fair domestic scene -without noticing the cloud that darkened the prosperous life of Mrs. -Johnston after her marriage. The death of Mr. Buchanan caused her the -greatest grief of her life, and is its permanent bereavement. - -Again, she is at Wheatland—now her own summer home—mourning for the good -man gone; but comforted by the thought that, though in all his dear -familiar haunts she will see him nevermore, he is already understood and -appreciated, and that history is even now doing him justice. Comforted -also in knowing that her husband ministered to her uncle’s dying days, -and that he received his unqualified confidence and affection. Comforted -also in the sweet task, the great work of training up her boy to be -worthy the name of James Buchanan Johnston.... - -This son grew to be a noble youth of fourteen, and died on the 25th of -March, 1881. His character was affectionate and truthful, and his -bearing was distinguished for its grace. His death was a terrible blow -to his parents, of whom and of him Judge Jere. S. Black wrote as follows -in a letter to a friend: - -“I have just returned from the funeral of James Buchanan Johnston, -affected by a deeper sense of bereavement than any death outside of my -own immediate family has caused me in many years. It is strange that we -cannot get hardened to these calamities in the course of time, or at -least learn to accept some measure of consolation when our friends are -fatally stricken. But human philosophy, how well soever it may be -strengthened by trials, is powerless to save our equanimity in cases -like this. The overwhelming grief of that beloved mother and the awful -break down of the proud father’s spirit cannot even be thought of -without strong emotion. Besides that I had built much hope of my own -upon the future of that bright and beautiful boy. He was gifted with -uncommon talents, so well cultivated, and developing so rapidly, that -even at the age of fourteen he was intellectually a full-grown man. With -moral principles clearly defined and quick perceptions of the right, his -sense of justice and his love of truth would have given him a dignity of -character not surpassed by that of his illustrious uncle. But these -visions of a moment are faded forever, and we can only sigh ‘for the -touch of a vanished hand’ and listen in vain ‘for the sound of a voice -that is still.’” - - - - - XXI. - MARY TODD LINCOLN. - - -To Mrs. Lincoln more than to any other President’s wife was the White -House an ambition. She had ever aspired to reach it, and when it became -her home, it was the fruition of a hope long entertained, the -gratification of the great desire of her life. In her early youth she -repeatedly asserted that she should be a President’s wife, and so -profoundly impressed was she with this idea, that she calculated the -probabilities of such a success with all her male friends. She refused -an offer of marriage from Stephen A. Douglas, then a rising young -lawyer, doubting his ability to gratify her ambition, and accepted a man -who at that time seemed to others the least likely to be the President -of the United States. - -[Illustration: - - M^{RS} ABRAHAM LINCOLN -] - -Mary Todd was a Kentuckian by birth, and a member of the good old Todd -family, of Lexington. Her younger years were spent in that homely town -of beautiful surroundings, with an aunt who reared her, she being an -orphan. Childhood and youth were passed in comfort and comparative -luxury, nor did she ever know poverty; but her restless nature found but -little happiness in the society of her elders, and she went, when just -merging into womanhood, to reside with her sister in Springfield. The -attraction of this, then small place, was greatly augmented by the -society of the young people, and Mary Todd passed the pleasantest years -of her life in her sister’s western home. On the 4th of November, 1842, -at the age of twenty-one, she was married to Abraham Lincoln, a -prominent lawyer, of Illinois. A letter written the following May, to -Mr. Speed, of Louisville, Kentucky, by Mr. Lincoln, contains the -following mention of his domestic life: “We are not keeping house,” he -says, “but boarding at the Globe Tavern, which is very well kept now by -a widow lady, of the name of Beck. Our rooms are the same Dr. Wallace -occupied there, and boarding only costs four dollars a week. I most -heartily wish you and your Fanny will not fail to come. Just let us know -the time, a week in advance, and we will have a room prepared for you, -and we’ll all be merry together for a while.” The pleasant spirits in -which the husband wrote, must have argued well for the married life they -had entered upon. Although much in public life, Mr. Lincoln was holding -no office at the time of his marriage, but four years later he was -elected to Congress, and took his seat December 6th, 1847. Mrs. Lincoln -did not accompany her husband to Washington, but remained at her home. -It was a season of war and general disturbance throughout the country, -and while her husband attended to his duties at the Capital, she lived -quietly with her children in Springfield. In August he returned to enter -upon the duties of his profession, and to “devote himself to them -through a series of years, less disturbed by diversions into State and -National politics than he had been during any previous period of his -business life. It was to him a time of rest, of reading, of social -happiness, and of professional prosperity. He was a happy father, and -took an almost unbounded pleasure in his children. Their sweet young -natures were to him a perpetual source of delight. He was never -impatient with their petulance and restlessness, loved always to be with -them, and took them into his heart with a fondness which was -unspeakable. It was a fondness so tender and profound as to blind him to -their imperfections, and to expel from him every particle of sternness -in his management of them.” - -At this time Mrs. Lincoln was the mother of four children, and though -one had passed on to the higher life, her home was one of happiness. -Ministered to by a husband who never knew how to be aught but kind to -her, and surrounded by evidences of prosperity, her lines had fallen in -pleasant places, and she was considered by her friends a fortunate -woman. - -Mr. Lincoln was a hard student and constant reader, and was steadily -progressing in knowledge. Thrown among talented and educated gentlemen, -and possessing an intense desire for improvement, he had become, during -the years of his married life, a superior lawyer and statesman. His was -an aspiring nature, striving for the golden truths of sage experience. - -[Illustration: - - HOME OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN AT SPRINGFIELD. -] - -His enemies sometimes speak of him as a man who owed his eminence rather -to the contrast between his social and his political rank, between his -qualifications and the place in history which it was his fortune to -fill, than to his personal character or his political capacity, but the -estimate is not a true one. A man so revered as is his memory by all -classes of his countrymen, had a character untarnished by corruption, -and a moral refinement far above the comprehension of the average public -man. He was in his domestic life the embodiment of fidelity and -gentleness. His career as a statesman, and not the manner of his death, -places him next to Washington in the hearts of Americans. His services -to the country rank as the noblest performed in its history after those -of Washington. Opportunity, while it did much for him, was not all that -made Lincoln great; it was his readiness to meet the emergency when it -came; his ability to seize the occasion, and use it to the honor of his -country, and his own lasting fame. - -Mr. Lincoln was so intensely individual in his career, and his life was -so devoted to public affairs, that it is with difficulty that a sketch -of Mrs. Lincoln can be written that is not largely composed of the -events pertaining to the official life of her husband. The White House -during her life in it was the reverse of gay. Officials were the chief -callers at the mansion, and the movement of armies, and the news from -the front occupied the attention of its inmates. She was less fortunate -than any lady who had ever preceded her in this respect, and to judge of -her success in her position, it is needful to keep in mind the -conditions under which the administration existed. - -The Republican Convention at Chicago verified Mrs. Lincoln’s prophecy of -being the wife of a President. It assembled the 16th of June, 1860, and -after a close contest between the two favorites of the Republican -party—Governor Seward and Mr. Lincoln—the latter was declared -unanimously nominated as a candidate for the Presidency. In Springfield, -Mrs. Lincoln waited in her own home for the result of her prediction, -and when at noon the cannon on the public square announced the decision -of the Convention, breathless with expectancy, she scarcely dared to ask -the result. Her husband, in the excitement of the moment, did not forget -her, but putting the telegram in his pocket, remarked to his friends -that “there was a little woman on Eighth street who had some interest in -the matter,” walked home to gladden her heart with the good news. That -Friday night must have been the very happiest of her life, for few women -have ever craved the position as she did, and it was hers! Crowds of -citizens and strangers thronged her home all the afternoon, and the roar -of cannon and the wild, tumultuous shouts of excited men filled the town -with a deafening noise. At night the Republicans marched in a body to -Mr. Lincoln’s house, and, after a brief speech, were invited, as many as -could get into the house, to enter, “the crowd responding that after the -fourth of March they would give him a larger house. The people did not -retire until a late hour, and then moved off reluctantly, leaving the -excited household to their rest.” - -And now commenced the life which Mrs. Lincoln had so long anticipated, -and if her husband was not elated, she was, and the hearts of these two, -so nearly concerned in this great honor, beat from widely different -emotions. “He could put on none of the airs of eminence; he could place -no bars between himself and those who had honored him. Men who entered -his house impressed with a sense of his new dignities, found him the -same honest, affectionate, true-hearted and simple-minded Abraham -Lincoln that he had always been. He answered his own bell, accompanied -his visitors to the door when they retired, and felt all that interfered -with his old homely and hearty habits of hospitality as a burden—almost -an impertinence.” She, annoyed by the crowds who thronged the house, and -the constant interruptions, found it so intolerable that Mr. Lincoln -took a room in the State House, and met his friends there until his -departure for Washington. - -Mrs. Lincoln was not greatly inclined to observe the requirements of her -social position, and she thereby lost opportunities of advancing her -husband’s interests of which she perhaps was unaware. She did not -rightly estimate the importance of conciliatory address with friend and -foe alike, and seemed not conscious of the immense assistance which, as -the wife of a public man, she had it in her power to give her husband. -And this was all the more singular for the reason that she was very -ambitious. - -Just after the election, a circumstance occurred which Mrs. Lincoln -interpreted in a manner which forced one to recall the predictions of -her childhood. Mr. Lincoln thus repeated it. “It was after my election, -when the news had been coming in thick and fast all day, and there had -been a great ‘hurrah, boys!’ so that I was well tired out and went home -to rest, throwing myself upon a lounge in my chamber. Opposite to where -I lay was a bureau with a swinging glass upon it; and looking in that -glass, I saw myself reflected nearly at full length; but my face, I -noticed, had two separate and distinct images, the tip of the nose of -one being about three inches from the tip of the other. I was a little -bothered, perhaps startled, and got up and looked in the glass, but the -illusion vanished. On lying down again, I saw it a second time, plainer, -if possible, than before; and then I noticed that one of the faces was a -little paler, say five shades, than the other. I got up and the thing -melted away and I went off, and in the excitement of the hour forgot all -about it—nearly, but not quite, for the thing would once in a while come -up, and give me a little pang, as though something uncomfortable had -happened. When I went home, I told my wife about it, and a few days -after I tried the experiment again, when, sure enough, the thing came -back again; but I never succeeded in bringing the ghost back after that, -though I once tried very industriously to show it to my wife, who was -worried about it somewhat. She thought it was a ‘sign’ that I was to be -elected to a second term of office, and that the paleness of one of the -faces was an omen that I should not see life through the second term.” - -Mr. Lincoln regarded the vision as an optical illusion, caused from -nervousness, “yet, with that tinge of superstition which clings to every -sensitive and deeply thoughtful man, in a world full of mysteries, he -was so far affected by it as to feel that ‘something uncomfortable had -happened.’” Viewed in the light of subsequent events, Mrs. Lincoln’s -prophetic interpretation of the vision had almost a startling import. - -Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln and their three boys, accompanied by a number of -Mr. Lincoln’s old friends, left Springfield in a special car, and all -along the route they were welcomed by the people with every -demonstration of hearty good-will. It was a time of anxiety, and the -throngs that gathered about the newly elected Chief Magistrate seemed -impelled by a stronger feeling than mere curiosity or excitement. -Between Chicago and Indianapolis, the stations were decorated, the towns -and villages were gay with flags and flower-bedecked mottoes, and -wherever a stop was made, men, women and children grasped the hand of -Mr. Lincoln, and wished him a safe journey and all success in the trying -place he was going to fill. - -An immense crowd cheered him as the train reached the depot at -Indianapolis, and a national salute was fired in his honor. The -Cincinnati committee of reception, filling his car, met the party there, -and accompanied it next day. The train passed by the burial-place of -General Harrison, who had for a short month occupied the Presidential -chair, and here the family of the deceased patriot were assembled. Mr. -Lincoln bowed his respects to the group and to the memory of his -predecessor. - -The morning of the fourth of March, 1861, broke beautifully clear, and -it found General Scott and the Washington police in readiness for the -day. The friends of Mr. Lincoln had gathered in from far and near, -determined that he should be inaugurated. In the hearts of the surging -crowds there was anxiety; but outside all looked as usual on such -occasions, with the single exception of an extraordinary display of -soldiers. The public buildings, the schools and most of the places of -business were closed during the day, and the stars and stripes were -floating from every flag-staff. There was a great desire to hear Mr. -Lincoln’s inaugural; and at an early hour, Pennsylvania Avenue was full -of people, wending their way to the east front of the Capitol, from -which it was to be delivered. - -At five minutes before twelve o’clock, Vice-President Breckinridge and -Senator Foote escorted Mr. Hamlin, the Vice-President-elect, into the -Senate Chamber, and gave him a seat at the left of the chair. At twelve, -Mr. Breckinridge announced the Senate adjourned, and then conducted Mr. -Hamlin to the seat he had vacated. At this moment, the foreign -diplomats, of whom there was a very large and brilliant representation, -entered the chamber, and took the seats assigned to them. At a quarter -before one o’clock, the Judges of the Supreme Court entered, with the -venerable Chief-Justice Taney at their head, each exchanging salutes -with the new Vice-President, as they took their seats. At a quarter past -one o’clock, an unusual stir and excitement announced the coming of the -most important personage of the occasion. It was a relief to many to -know that he was safely within the building; and those who were -assembled in the hall regarded with the profoundest interest the -entrance of President Buchanan and the President-elect—the outgoing and -the incoming man. A procession was then formed which passed to the -platform erected for the ceremonies of the occasion, in the following -order: Marshal of the District of Columbia, Judges of the Supreme Courts -and Sergeant-at-Arms, Senate Committee of Arrangements, President of the -Senate, Senators, Diplomatic Corps, heads of departments, Governors of -States and such others as were in the chamber. - - * * * * * - -After the reading of the inaugural and the oath of office, administered -by the venerable Chief-Justice Taney, Mr. Lincoln was escorted back to -the White House, where Mr. Buchanan took leave of him, and where he -received the large number of persons who called to see him. - -During the afternoon, Mrs. Lincoln took possession of the White House, -and her eventful life commenced in Washington. - -The following days were spent with her sisters in happy bustle and -excitement, arranging for the first levee, and domesticating themselves -in their new abode. - -It was held the 9th of March, and was the only one of the season. Her -personal appearance was described in these words: - -“Mrs. Lincoln stood a few paces from her husband, assisted by her -sisters, Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. Baker, together with two of her nieces, -and was attired in a rich pink moire-antique, pearl ornaments, and -flowers in her hair and hands. She is a pleasant-looking, -elegant-appearing lady, of perhaps forty, somewhat inclined to -stoutness, but withal fine-looking and self-possessed.” The levee was a -brilliant one, and many citizens and strangers, not accustomed to taking -part in the gay world about them, did themselves the pleasure of paying -their respects to the new President and his family. It was perhaps the -proudest occasion of Mrs. Lincoln’s life—a triumph she had often mused -upon and looked forward to as in store for her. The desire of her heart -was gratified, and she was mistress of the White House. - -Mrs. Lincoln was a fortunate woman in that she secured the measure of -her ambition, but it was the impartial judgment of her friends that she -was not a happy person. The match was an unfortunate one, in that it -united two people of widely divergent tastes and characteristics. Mr. -Lincoln was utterly devoid of those social qualities which would have -made him agreeable in the drawing-room and in the presence of -fashionable people. His wife was fond of society, pleased with -excitement, and gratified to be among the gay and brilliant company -which she, by reason of her husband’s position, found herself in. She -would have made the White House, socially, what it was under other -administrations, but that was impossible. She found herself surrounded -on every side by people who were ready to exaggerate her shortcomings, -find fault with her deportment on all occasions and criticise her -performance of all her semi-official duties. The state dinners were -abandoned and she was said to be parsimonious. Weekly receptions were -substituted, and her entertainments were made the topic of remark. The -first two years of the administration of Mr. Lincoln were years of the -severest trial to him, and his gloom and absorption affected his family. -The death of Willie, the second son, occurred during this period of -anxiety, and for nearly two more years the President’s family were in -mourning. Mrs. Lincoln grieved long and deeply over her loss, and it was -not possible for either husband or wife to allude to him without showing -intense feeling. Mr. Lincoln rarely mentioned his name, and Mrs. Lincoln -never afterward entered the room where he died, or the Blue Room in -which his body lay. Several instances are told by Mr. Carpenter, the -artist, of the affection entertained by the President for his sons. On -one occasion while paying a visit to Commodore Porter at Fortress -Monroe, “Tad,” the youngest son, accompanied his father, and the latter, -noticing that the banks of the river were dotted with spring blossoms, -the President said, with the manner of one asking a special favor: -“Commodore, Tad is very fond of flowers; won’t you let a couple of your -men take a boat and go with him for an hour or two along shore, and -gather a few? it will be a great gratification to him.” On another -occasion, while he was at Fortress Monroe awaiting military operations -upon the Peninsula, he called his aide, who was writing in the adjoining -room, and read to him selections from “Hamlet” and “King John.” Reciting -the words where Constance bewails her imprisoned lost boy, Mr. Lincoln -said: “Colonel, did you ever dream of a lost friend, and feel that you -were holding sweet communion with that friend, and yet have a sad -consciousness that it was not a reality? Just so I dream of my boy -Willie.” Overcome with emotion, he dropped his head on the table and -sobbed aloud. - -A man who could thus feel towards his children may well be called an -excellent father: and such Mr. Lincoln was. He was, as a lady relative -of his who spent many months in his house said of him, “all that a -husband, father and neighbor should be: kind and affectionate to his -wife and child and very pleasant to all around him. Never,” said she, -“did I hear him utter an unkind word.” - -Mr. Herndon, Mr. Lincoln’s law partner, who knew both husband and wife -well, summed up his estimate, based on long acquaintance, in a single -sentence: “All that I know ennobles both.” Mrs. Lincoln was a lonely -woman much of the time spent in the White House. The President had but -little leisure to devote to her, and the state of the country was such -that any display or gayety seemed out of keeping with the position she -occupied. In the summer of 1864, the political canvas absorbed -attention, and much of the season Mrs. Lincoln spent at the -watering-places. In the autumn she renewed the receptions, and after the -re-election of Mr. Lincoln the White House habitués saw promise of more -pleasure than had been enjoyed there. The New Year reception of 1865 was -the most brilliant entertainment given by the administration. Thousands -of people paid their respects to the President and Mrs. Lincoln, and -congratulated them on the confidence reposed in him by the people. The -war was drawing to a close, and the North was inclined to look upon the -Union as well-nigh restored. The inauguration was anxiously looked -forward to, and when it was safely over the people breathed freer, and -gave up the fear that had oppressed them. - -There was general rejoicing in the land when the long anticipated peace -was declared. General Lee surrendered on the 9th of April, and the White -House was the scene of excitement from that time on to the close of the -President’s life. People thronged to congratulate him, and from all -parts of the nation telegrams poured in upon him. The 14th of April was -the fourth anniversary of the fall of Sumter, and on that evening the -President, Mrs. Lincoln, Major Rathbone, of the United States army, and -a daughter of Senator Harris attended, by invitation, the performance at -Ford’s Theatre. A large audience greeted the President as he took his -seat at the front of the private box. As he sat waiting for the curtain -to rise on the third act, looking pensive and sad, as was his wont, he -was shot from behind by John Wilkes Booth, the leader of a gang of -conspirators, who had carefully matured their plans to kill the -President and members of the Cabinet. The shot was a deadly one, and -total insensibility followed it. - -Mrs. Lincoln, unnerved by the sudden and terrible event, was assisted -from the theatre to a house across the street, where her husband had -been taken. She remained beside him until death released him from all -pain. The return to the White House was a journey never to be forgotten -by those who witnessed it. The grief of Mrs. Lincoln and her children -was shared by a nation of people, but nothing could restore the dead, or -give back the husband and father who went out from their midst so well -only the evening before. - -The afternoon of the day on which the President was shot he was out -driving with his wife, and she subsequently remarked that she never saw -him so supremely happy as on this occasion. When the carriage was -ordered she asked him if he would like any one to accompany them, and he -replied, “No; I prefer to ride by ourselves to-day.” During the ride his -wife spoke of his cheerfulness, and his answer was: “Well, I may feel -happy, Mary, for I consider this day the war has come to a close;” and -then added: “We must both be more cheerful in the future; between the -war and the loss of our darling Willie, we have been very miserable.” -His household was very miserable from that awful night. - -The grief manifested by little Tad, the youngest son, on learning that -his father had been shot was touching to behold. For twenty-four hours -he was inconsolable. He frequently said that “his father was never happy -after he came here,” and asked questions of those about him as to their -belief in his being in heaven. He seemed resigned when this idea -fastened itself strongly in his mind, and in his simplicity he imagined -that his father’s happiness in heaven made the sun shine brightly. - -Mrs. Lincoln never recovered from the shock. After the death of the -President she remained in the White House five weeks, too ill to depart. -The remains of her husband were borne back to Illinois, through towns, -villages and hamlets, bearing every outward token of woe, and the -cortege was met at each stopping-place by thousands of mourners who paid -their respects to the great dead. Impressive scenes occurred all along -the route, and the funeral pageant which met the remains at Springfield -was the largest ever assembled in the country. Robert Lincoln, the -eldest son, accompanied the remains, and after all honor had been paid -the body of the martyred father, he returned to remove his mother to -their future home. - -The White House was like a public building during these sad weeks. The -officials were embarrassed under the extraordinary circumstances, and -the mansion was given over to servants. The soldiers on duty there had -no other authority than to keep out the rabble, and no one felt -justified in taking charge of the house while Mrs. Lincoln remained. The -new President, Mr. Johnson, disavowed any inclination to hasten her -departure; and when at last Mrs. Lincoln removed from the building, it -was in the condition to be expected after the hard usage it had received -subsequent to the tragedy. - -Mrs. Lincoln left Washington accompanied by her sons, the youngest, -“Tad,” being her special care and protection. - -The country learned with sincere regret of the death of this lad after -the return of the family to their western home. Mrs. Lincoln, after all -the excitement and the trials through which she had passed, was unable -to live quietly in any place, and travelled with the hope of recovering -her health. In 1868 she went abroad and remained a considerable time in -Germany. During her stay there she asked Congress for a pension, her -letter to the Vice-President bearing date of January 1st, 1869. The bill -was presented by Senator Morton, of Indiana, and was adversely reported -upon by the Committee on Pensions. It read as follows: - -“The committee are aware the friends of the resolution expect to make a -permanent provision for the lady under the guise of a pension; but no -evidence has been furnished to them, or reasons assigned why such -provision should be made. If such was the intention, the committee -submit, the reference should have been made to some other committee, as -the Committee on Pensions, at least for some years past, have not -thought it compatible with their duty or the objects of their -appointment to recommend in any case the granting of any special -pension, or any pension of a greater amount than is allowed by some -general law. If they thought the amount so allowed too small, they would -feel it incumbent on them to report a general bill for the relief in all -similar cases. If the increase proposed was on account of extraordinary -military or naval services, the proper reference would be to the -military or naval committee. Under all these circumstances, the -committee have no alternative but to report against the passage of the -general resolutions.” - -It was, however, granted her by a later Congress. - -Broken in health and depressed in spirits, Mrs. Lincoln has lived in -various countries, much of her time for several years being spent in -France. She has not and will not recover from the catastrophe which -robbed the country of its President, and her of her husband. With him -died all her hopes of ambition, of home-life, and of rest and -companionship in old age. - -In October, 1880, Mrs. Lincoln returned to the United States from France -on the steamer _Amerique_, and among her fellow-voyagers was Mlle. -Bernhardt, the French actress. The New York _Sun_, in describing the -arrival and reception of the latter thus incidentally mentions Mrs. -Lincoln: - -“A throng was assembled on the dock and a greater throng was in the -street outside the gates. During the tedious process of working the ship -into her dock there was a great crush in that part of the vessel where -the gang plank was to be swung. Among the passengers who were here -gathered was an aged lady. She was dressed plainly and almost commonly. -There was a bad rent in her ample cloak. Her face was furrowed, and her -hair was streaked with white. This was the widow of Abraham Lincoln. She -was almost unnoticed. She had come alone across the ocean, but a nephew -met her at Quarantine. She has spent the last four years in the south of -France. When the gang plank was finally swung aboard, Mlle. Bernhardt -and her companions, including Mme. Columbier of the troupe, were the -first to descend. The fellow-voyagers of the actress pressed about her -to bid adieu, and a cheer was raised, which turned her head and provoked -an astonished smile, as she stepped upon the wharf. The gates were -besieged, and there was some difficulty in bringing in the carriage -which was to convey the actress to her hotel. She temporarily waited in -the freight office at the entrance to the wharf. Mrs. Lincoln, leaning -on the arm of her nephew, walked toward the gate. A policeman touched -the aged lady on the shoulder and bade her stand back. She retreated -with her nephew into the line of spectators, while Manager Abbey’s -carriage was slowly brought in. The Bernhardt was handed inside, and the -carriage made its way out through a mass of struggling ’longshoremen and -idlers who pressed about it and stared in at the open windows. After it, -went out the others who had been passengers on the _Amerique_, Mrs. -Lincoln among the rest.” - -Mrs. Lincoln went at once to Springfield, where her sister resided, and -took up her abode with her, leading thenceforth a quiet and retired -life. Her only son Robert was appointed Secretary of War by President -Garfield. Some years previous to that event he had married the daughter -of ex-Senator Harlan, and has a family of children growing up about him. - - - - - XXII. - ELIZA McCARDLE JOHNSON. - - -In the autumn of 1824, the term of a fatherless boy’s apprenticeship -expired, and he entered the world rich only in energy, and a noble -ambition to provide for a widowed mother. But he was sensitive and -anxious to enlarge his facilities for an education, and his strong mind -grasped and analyzed the fact that to succeed he must form new ties, and -find a broader field of action. Tennessee was the land of promise which -attracted his attention, and accompanied by his mother, who justly -deserved the affection he bestowed upon her, he reached Greenville in -1826. - -Young, aspiring, and ambitious, he was not long in making friends, and -among them a beautiful girl evinced her appreciation of his character, -by becoming his wife. Eliza McCardle was the only daughter of a widow, -whose father had been dead many years, and whose life had been spent in -her mountain home. When she was married, she had just reached her -seventeenth year, and her husband was not yet twenty-one. - -Education in those days did not comprehend and embrace the scientific -accomplishments it does now, but a naturally gifted mind, endowed with -much common sense, received a broad basis for future development. She -was well versed in the usual branches of instruction, and possessed, in -an extraordinary degree, that beauty of face and form which rendered her -mother one of the most beautiful of women. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. ANDREW JOHNSON. -] - -It is a mistaken idea that she taught her husband his letters; for in -the dim shadows of the workshop at Raleigh, after the toil of the day -was complete, he had mastered the alphabet and made himself generally -acquainted with the construction of words and sentences. The incentive -to acquire mental attainment was certainly enhanced when he felt the -superiority of her acquirements, and from that time his heroic nature -began to discover itself. In the silent watches of the night, while -sleep rested upon the village, the youthful couple studied together; she -ofttimes reading as he completed the weary task before him, oftener -still bending over him to guide his hand in writing. - -He never had the benefit of one day’s school routine in his life, yet he -acquired by perseverance the benefits denied by poverty. What a -contemplation it must have been to those mothers who watched over their -children as they struggled together! Let time in its flight transport us -back to those years, and see what a scene was being then enacted there. -In that obscure village in the mountains, three strong, yet -tender-hearted women watched over and cherished the budding genius of -the future statesman. History, in preserving its record of the life and -services of the seventeenth President of the United States, rears to -them a noble tribute of their faithfulness. - -The young wife, thrifty and industrious all day, worked patiently and -hopefully as night brought her pupil again to his studies, and -punctually completed her womanly duties that she might be ready for the -never-varying rule of their lives. Much of latent powers he owed to her -indefatigable zeal and encouragement, and he never forgot those evening -hours years ago when the scintillations of natural genius first began to -dawn, which ultimately converted the tailor boy into the Senator, and -subsequently into the President of his country. - -Year after year she watched him as he rose step by step, and always as -willing and earnest as when in life’s bright morn they were married. - -The later years of Mrs. Johnson’s life were crowned with the honors her -husband’s successes had won, but the story of her younger days is -fraught with most interest to all who can appreciate true worth and -genuine greatness of soul. - -In her girlhood she was the purest type of a Southern beauty, and like -her mother was very graceful and agreeable in her manners. I have heard -persons say that her mother was the handsomest lady in all that region -of country, and her old neighbors stoutly maintained that Mrs. Johnson -was the image of her. Her extreme modesty denied the imputation that she -was the belle of the county. - -While their means increased as time passed, and the caroling of their -little children gladdened their home, Mr. Johnson received his first -substantial proof of the confidence of the community in which he lived -in his election as “alderman.” How intense must have been the joy of the -good wife as she saw her pupil progressing in a career he was so well -fitted to occupy! - -At this time their residence was situated on a hill just out of -Greenville, simple and plain in its surroundings, yet the resort of the -young people of the village. The college boys, as they passed to and fro -on errands, always stopped to enjoy a chat with their “Demosthenes,” and -were ever welcomed by the genial, frank manners of the gentle wife. - -Fresh laurels crowned the alderman’s brow when he was chosen Mayor, and -for three terms he filled the position with credit, winning for himself -an enviable reputation for honest deeds and correct principles. - -Little has been written of Mrs. Johnson, mainly from the fact that she -always opposed any publicity being given to her private life, and from -the reluctance of her friends to pain her by acceding to the -oft-repeated requests of persons for sketches of her. In a conversation -held with her while she was in the White House, she remarked “that her -life had been spent at home, caring for her children, and practising the -economy rendered necessary by her husband’s small fortune.” - -An impartial writer cannot be swayed by such natural and creditable -sentiments, nor is it just that a woman who was the means of advancing -her husband’s interests so materially, and who occupied the position she -did, should be silently passed by. She deserved, as she received from -all who were fortunate enough to know her, the highest encomiums; for by -her unwearying efforts she was a stepping-stone to her husband. Patient -and forbearing she was universally liked, and if she had an enemy it was -from no fault of hers, nor did she number any among the acquaintances of -a lifetime. - -Like Mr. Johnson she had very few living relatives; her children having -neither aunts nor uncles, and being deprived of both grandmothers while -they still were young. Mrs. Johnson’s mother died in April, 1854, and -his parent lived until February, 1856; each having been the object of -his tenderest care, and living to see him holding the highest position -his native State could bestow. There was not two years’ difference in -the deaths of these two mothers, and it was the unspeakable happiness of -their children to know that as the wick burned low, and the lamp of time -went out, all that peace and plenty could devise for their happiness -they received, and their departure from earth was rendered calmly serene -by the assurance that their work was well done and finished. - -When the civil war, which snapped the cords of so many old persons’ -lives and hurried them to premature graves, sounded its dread tocsin -through East Tennessee, it was a source of mournful satisfaction to know -that those two aged mothers lay unconscious of the approaching conflict -which was to bathe that section of the State in blood. The tall grass -grew unharmed, and no impious hand desecrated the resting-place of -departed virtue. - -During the meetings of the Legislature to which Mr. Johnson was -repeatedly called, Mrs. Johnson remained at Greenville; and while he -sought honors and support away from home, she found compensation for his -prolonged absence in the knowledge that she best promoted his interest -when she lived within their still slender means. Her children received -the benefit of her ripe, matured experience, until one by one they left -their home; two to marry and dwell near her, and the youngest to be a -comfort in her days of suffering. Her home in Greenville was thus -described in 1865: “Just down there, at the base of this hill, stands a -small brick building with a back porch, and around it the necessary -fixtures. It stands on the corner of the square, near where the -mill-race passes under the street on its way down to the little mill. -That is the first house Andrew Johnson ever owned. It now belongs to -another person. Almost directly opposite the mill, whose large wheel is -still moving, but whose motion is scarcely perceptible, you will see a -rather humble, old-fashioned-looking, two-story brick house, standing -near the south end of Main street. It has but one entrance from the -street. In front of it stand three or four small shade trees. The fences -of the lot and windows of the house show evident signs of dilapidation, -the consequences of rebellion and of rebel rule. Like many other windows -in the South, a number of panes of glass are broken out and their places -supplied with paper. Glass could not be obtained in the Confederacy. As -you pass along the pavement on Main street, by looking into the lot you -will see several young apple trees, and in the spaces between two of -them are potatoes growing. In the rear of the kitchen stands a small -aspen shade-tree, and down there in the lower end of the lot is a -grape-vine trained upon a trellis, forming a pleasant bower. Scattered -over the lot are a number of rose, currant, and gooseberry bushes. At -the lower end of the lot, and just outside, stand two large weeping -willows, and under their shade is a very beautiful spring. This is the -residence of Andrew Johnson, President of the United States. Up the -street stands his former tailor shop, with the old sign still on it. And -in an old store-room up the street are the remains of his library. At -present, it consists principally of law books and public documents, most -of his valuable books having been destroyed by the rebel soldiers.” - -In the spring of “’61,” Mrs. Johnson spent two months in Washington with -her husband, then a Senator, but failing health compelled her early -return to Tennessee. Long and stormy were the seasons which passed -before she again met Mr. Johnson, and how changed were all things when -they resumed the broken thread of separation, after an interval of -nearly two years! - -At her home quietly attending to the duties of life, and cheered by the -frequent visits of her children, she was startled one bright morning by -the following summons: - - - “HEAD-QUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF EAST TENNESSEE,} - “OFFICE PROVOST-MARSHAL, _April 24th, 1862_.} - - “MRS. ANDREW JOHNSON, Greenville: - -“Dear Madam:—By Major-General E. Kirby Smith I am directed to -respectfully require that you and your family pass beyond the -Confederate States’ line (through Nashville, if you please) in -thirty-six hours from this date. - - “Passports will be granted you at this office. - “Very respectfully, - “W. M. CHURCHWELL, - “Colonel and Provost-Marshal.” - - -This was an impossibility, both on account of her very poor health, and -the unsettled state of her affairs. Nor did she know where to go; rumors -reached her of the murder of Mr. Johnson in Kentucky, and again at -Nashville; then again she would hear that he had not left Washington. -She knew not what to do, and accordingly wrote to the authorities for -more time to decide on some definite plan. - -The military movements delayed the execution of the next order sent her, -and the continued illness of Mrs. Johnson distressed her children, who -knew that a change of residence would sooner or later become necessary. -All the summer she remained in Greenville, occasionally visiting her -daughters, and hoping daily to hear of her husband. September came, and -knowing she would be compelled to leave East Tennessee, she applied to -the authorities for permission to cross the lines, accompanied by her -children and her son-in-law, Mr. Stover. - -Finally, after numerous endeavors, the cavalcade set out. A few miles -out from town they were overtaken by an order to return. - -Reaching Murfreesboro, exhausted and weary from the long trip, the -little band were told they could not go through the lines. The -Confederate troops occupied this once beautiful town, and no -accommodations were to be obtained. Wandering from one house to another -after the long walk from the depot, in the night-time, without food or -shelter, Mrs. Johnson and her children despaired of securing any more -inviting abode than the depot, and that was a long distance from the -centre of the town. As a last resort, a woman was requested to share her -home with the tired refugees, and she consented with the understanding -that in the morning they would depart. Their Union sentiments made them -obnoxious, and it required courage to show them hospitality. Next day -they returned to Tullahoma, but on arriving there received a telegram to -retrace their steps, as arrangements had been made for their passage -through to Nashville. - -A former friend of the family obtained this favor for them, and, nothing -daunted, night again found the same band at Murfreesboro. - -No effort was made to secure lodgings, all preferring to stay on the -cars, rather than undertake the experiences of the previous night. - -The eating-house near by was vacant, and into this Colonel Stover -conducted the tired party. Without fire or food, or any kind of beds or -seats, they determined to stay as best they could; and but for the -thoughtful, motherly care of Mrs. Johnson, it would have been a night of -horrors. She had provided herself with candles and matches before -starting, and the remnants of an old lunch satisfied the hunger of the -little ones, and rendered less cheerless their lonely abode. - -Thus, from one trouble to another, subject to the commands of military -rulers, liable to be arrested for the slightest offence, and ofttimes -insulted by the rabble, Mrs. Johnson and her children performed the -perilous journey from Greenville to Nashville. Few who were not actual -participators in the civil war can form an estimate of the trials of -this noble woman. Invalid as she was, she yet endured exposure and -anxiety, and passed through the extended lines of hostile armies, never -uttering a hasty word or by her looks betraying in the least degree her -harrowed feelings. Wherever she passed she won kind words and hearty -prayers for a safe journey, and is remembered by friend and foe as a -lady of benign countenance and sweet, winning manners. - -The following day Mrs. Johnson received the following note: - - - “MURFREESBORO, _October 12th, 1862_. - -“MRS. ANDREW JOHNSON:—General Forrest sends a flag of truce to Nashville -to-morrow morning, and he wishes you and your party to make your -arrangements to go down with the flag, at seven o’clock A. M., -to-morrow. - -“The General regrets that he has no transportation for you; he will send -a two-horse wagon to carry your baggage, etc. By remaining until -to-morrow, you can go the direct route to Nashville; by going previous -to that time, the route would be necessarily circuitous. - - Respectfully, - “ISHAM G. HARRIS.” - - -A diary kept by a citizen of Nashville at this time contains the -following: - -“Quite a sensation has been produced by the arrival in Nashville of -Governor Johnson’s family, after incurring and escaping numerous perils -while making their exodus from East Tennessee. The male members of the -family were in danger of being hung on more than one occasion. They left -Bristol in the extreme northeastern section of the State, on the -Virginia line, by permission of the rebel War Department, accompanied by -a small escort. Wherever it became known on the railroad route that -Andrew Johnson’s family were on the train, the impertinent curiosity of -some rebels was only equalled by the clamor of others for some physical -demonstration on Johnson’s sons. Arriving at Murfreesboro, they were met -by General Forrest and his force. Forrest refused to allow them to -proceed, and they were detained some time, until Isham G. Harris and -Andrew Ewing, noted rebels, telegraphed to Richmond, and obtained -peremptory orders allowing them to proceed. The great joy at the reunion -of this long and sorrowfully separated family may be imagined. I will -not attempt to describe it. Even the Governor’s Roman firmness was -overcome, and he wept tears of thankfulness at this merciful deliverance -of his beloved ones from the hands of their unpitying persecutors.” - -Nashville and comparative quiet were at last reached, and the long -separated family hoped their trials were over. Mrs. Johnson had -exhausted her strength, and for many months kept her room, too feeble to -venture out. But her little grandchildren enjoyed the freedom of play -once more, and their happy faces are remembered by strangers and friends -who watched them in their gambols about the capital. - -By-and-by Mrs. Patterson joined the family in the safe asylum they had -found in Nashville, and young and old were happy in the reunion. But -trouble, never far from Mrs. Johnson, came very near in the cruel death -of her eldest son. Not long after receiving his diploma as physician, he -was appointed a surgeon in the First Tennessee Infantry. - -One bright spring morning, he started on his rounds of professional -duty. In the exuberance of health, youth, and spirits, he sprang upon -the horse of a brother officer. He had gone but a short distance, when -the high-mettled creature reared upon its hind feet suddenly; the young -man was thrown backward, and falling upon the frozen earth, was -instantly killed. The concussion fractured his skull. Mrs. Johnson -grieved for this son as did Jacob for his beloved Joseph, and not only -the mother, but the whole family, mourned with unusual poignancy his -untimely death. Any mention of “Charlie’s” name for years after brought -the hot tears to their eyes, and a sadness, hard to dispel, gathered -about their lips, when some familiar object recalled their loved and -early lost one. - -The convention, in 1864, nominated Andrew Johnson, then Military -Governor, for the Vice-Presidency, on the ticket with Mr. Lincoln. In -March, 1865, Mr. Johnson left his family in Nashville and went on to -Washington. It was their intention to vacate the house then occupied by -their family and remove to their home in Greenville, but the events of -the coming month caused them to form other plans. President Lincoln was -assassinated the 14th of April, and the Vice-President was immediately -sworn into office. A telegraphic notice in the Nashville papers the next -morning contained the following: - -“The Vice-President has already assumed the authority which the -Constitution devolves upon him, and we feel doubly assured that he will -so conduct himself in his high office as to merit the affection and -applause of his countrymen.” As this was the first murder of a ruler in -the experience of the Republic, it will ever occupy a prominent place in -the history of America, and, involving as it did the result of civil -war, will live a silent monitor to all democratic countries. Had the -conspiracy, which had been carefully planned, been successfully -executed, the Government would have been paralyzed. Even as it was, and -there was but one death, when many others were meditated, the shock was -terrible and lasting. It was a humiliating calamity to our free -government, and a source of national sorrow and mortification. Men and -women, reared to idealize rather than ponder the principles of the -system under which they had lived; educated to give a ready assent to -the hero worship of the signers of the Declaration, and voluntary -adoration to the First General of the army, and the first President, -rudely awakened from their dream of a perfect Government, became -discouraged and dismayed at the unexpected, never to be thought of, -murder of a President. It may not be amiss to give a few facts in -connection with this unhappy affair, relative to the husband of Mrs. -Johnson, which, affecting her interests materially, are not out of place -in this sketch of her life. - -After her arrival in Washington, a beautifully bound album, containing -the letters of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, to Senator -Doolittle, and the replies of himself and Ex-Governor Farwell, was -presented to her. The letters were inscribed by an expert penman, and -are prized by the family as a truthful account of Mr. Johnson’s narrow -escape from death, together with the main incidents of the assassination -conspiracy. - -The Historical Society of Wisconsin, through Hon. L. C. Draper, its -Secretary, wrote to Senator J. R. Doolittle for a full account of the -circumstances; to which he replied, that “by the sagacity, presence of -mind, courage, and devotion of Governor Farwell, our own distinguished -fellow-citizen, Mr. Johnson was apprised of his danger, and his life -secured, if not absolutely saved from destruction;” “and it is a matter -of congratulation to ourselves and our State that a former Governor of -Wisconsin was successfully efficient in securing the life of the -nation’s Chief Magistrate.” - -Governor Farwell’s letter, in reply to the request of the Society, -through Senator Doolittle, is perhaps the most authentic statement ever -made in regard to the unfortunate affair. It is as follows: - - - “WASHINGTON, _February 8th, 1866_. - - “HON. JAMES R. DOOLITTLE, United States Senate - -“DEAR SIR: I have received your favor of the 22d ult., requesting, on -behalf of the Wisconsin State Historical Society, a statement of my -connection with the occurrences that took place in this city on the -night of the assassination of President Lincoln. It is a mournful task -to recall the terrible scenes that I then witnessed. Yet in order that -the expressed wishes of that Society, of which from the time of its -formation I have been a member, and in which I have always taken a deep -interest, may be gratified, and a truthful account of those events, so -far as I witnessed them, may find its way into history, I comply with -the request. - -“At the time of the assassination of President Lincoln, I was boarding -at the Kirkwood House, my family being then in Wisconsin. The -Vice-President had rooms, and was boarding at the same place, and I -there came to know him, and occasionally passed an evening in his room. - -“Early in the evening of April 14th, 1865, I called to see Mr. J. B. -Crosby, of Massachusetts, and found that he had but a short time to stay -and was very desirous of seeing the President before his return. Having -noticed in the papers a statement that Mr. Lincoln was expected to be -present at Ford’s Theatre on that evening, to witness the play entitled -‘Our American Cousin,’ we concluded to go thither for the express -purpose of seeing him. This we did, and procured seats having the -President’s box in full view on our right. When the fatal shot was -fired, we involuntarily turned our eyes to the box from which the sound -proceeded, and at the same instant the horrible vision of J. Wilkes -Booth flashed upon my eyes, brandishing a knife, and jumping from the -President’s box repeating the words, ‘Sic Semper Tyrannis.’ I had -scarcely seen and heard him before he had vanished from the stage. As -the President fell, and the cry ran through the house that he was -assassinated, it flashed across my mind that there was a conspiracy -being consummated to take the lives of the leading officers of the -Government, which would include that of Mr. Johnson. The cause of this -suspicion and of my alarm for the safety of Mr. Johnson was, probably, -the fact of my having read in some newspaper the article copied from the -Selma (Ala.) _Despatch_, being an offer by some fiendish rebel to aid in -contributing a million of dollars for procuring the assassination of -Lincoln, Johnson, and Seward. - -“While some seemed paralyzed by the boldness of the deed, and others -intent upon knowing how seriously the President was injured, I rushed -from the theatre, and ran with all possible speed to the Kirkwood House, -to apprise Mr. Johnson of the impending danger, impelled by a fear that -it might even then be too late. Passing Mr. Spencer, one of the clerks -of the hotel, who was standing just outside the door, I said to him, -‘Place a guard at the door: President Lincoln is murdered;’ and to Mr. -Jones, another clerk, who was at the office desk as I hurried by—‘Guard -the stairway and Governor Johnson’s room: Mr. Lincoln is assassinated;’ -and then darting up to Mr. Johnson’s room, No. 68, I knocked, but -hearing no movement, I knocked again, and called out with the loudest -voice that I could command, ‘Governor Johnson, if you are in this room I -must see you.’ In a moment I heard him spring from his bed, and exclaim, -‘Farwell, is that you?’ ‘Yes, let me in,’ I replied. The door opened, I -passed in, locked it, and told him the terrible news, which for a time -overwhelmed us both, and grasping hands, we fell upon each other as if -for mutual support. But it was only for a moment. While every sound -suggested the stealthy tread of a conspirator, and every corner of the -chamber a lurking place, yet Mr. Johnson, without expressing any -apprehension for his own safety, and with that promptness and energy -which has always characterized him, at once deliberated upon the proper -course to meet the emergency. But the moment of danger had passed. The -officers of the hotel, as requested by me, had stationed guards, who in -a short time were released by Secretary Stanton. Soon many personal -friends of Mr. Johnson arrived, anxiously inquiring for his safety. In -the meantime, the news of the murderous assault upon Secretary Seward -and his son Frederick had reached us, and justified our fears as to the -general purpose of the conspirators. Mr. Johnson was desirous of knowing -the real condition of the President and Mr. Seward, and requested me to -go and see them personally, and not to credit any story or rumor that -might be flying about the city. This was no easy task. Distrust and -horror seemed to fill every mind. The very atmosphere was burdened with -stories of dark conspiracies and bloody deeds. Thousands of excited -citizens, soldiers, and guards, blocked up every avenue leading to Mr. -Peterson’s house, No. 453 Tenth Street, to which the President had been -carried, and in which he was dying. None but prominent citizens, either -known to the officers of the guard, or who could be generally vouched -for, were allowed to pass, and it was with the utmost difficulty that I -succeeded in working my way through the crowd and past the guards to the -house, and then into the room in which the President had been placed. -The news was all too true. There he lay, evidently in the agonies of -death, his medical attendants doing all that human zeal or skill could -devise, and many of his friends had gathered about him, some in tears. -Turning away from this sad sight, I worked my way to the house of -Secretary Seward, and there, too, I found that the villains had done -their work. I then returned and reported to Mr. Johnson the disastrous -doings of the conspirators. In a short time Mr. Johnson resolved to see -the President himself. His friends thought he ought not to leave the -house when there was so much excitement in the city, and when the extent -of the conspiracy was unknown. President Lincoln had just been shot in -the presence of a crowded assembly, and his assassin had escaped. -Secretary Seward had been stabbed in his chamber, and the minion had -fled. But he determined to go. Major James R. O’Beirne, commanding the -Provost Guard, desired to send a detachment of troops with him, but he -declined the offer, and, buttoning up his coat, and pulling his hat well -down, he requested me to accompany him and the Major to lead the way, -and thus we went through the multitude that crowded the streets and -filled the passage-way, till we joined the sad circle of friends who -were grouped around the bedside of the dying President. It is -unnecessary to add anything more to this account of my connection with -an event which forms, with the rebellion plot, the darkest chapter in -our country’s history. - -“If it is true, as regarded by many, that the life of President Johnson -was saved by the timely arrival of citizens at the Kirkwood, at the risk -of their lives, then such risk was properly, and so far as I am -concerned, joyfully incurred, and this statement may be worthy of -preservation. Trusting that this may meet the wishes of the Society as -expressed through you, - - “I have the honor to be, - “Respectfully, - “Your obedient servant, - “L. J. FARWELL.” - - -The Washington correspondent of the Chicago _Republican_ thus speaks of -Mrs. Johnson: - -“Mrs. Johnson, a confirmed invalid, has never appeared in society in -Washington. Her very existence is a myth to almost every one. She was -last seen at a party given to her grandchildren. She was seated in one -of the Republican Court chairs, a dainty affair of satin and ebony. She -did not rise when the children or old guests were presented to her; she -simply said, ‘My dears, I am an invalid,’ and her sad, pale face and -sunken eyes fully proved the expression. Mrs. Johnson looks somewhat -older than the President, and her age does exceed his by a few swings of -the scythe of time. She is an invalid now, but an observer would say, -contemplating her, ‘A noble woman—God’s best gift to man.’ Perhaps it is -well to call to mind at this time that it was this woman who taught the -President to read, after she became his wife, and that in all their -earlier years she was his counsellor, assistant, and guide. None but a -wise and good mother could have reared such daughters as Mrs. Patterson -and Mrs. Stover. When Mrs. Senator Patterson found herself ‘the first -lady in the land,’ she made this remark, which has been the key-note of -the feminine department of the White House from that day to the present -time: ‘We are plain people, from the mountains of Tennessee, called here -for a short time by a national calamity. I trust too much will not be -expected of us.’ When Anna Surratt threw herself prostrate upon the -floor of one of the ante-rooms of the White House, begging to see Mrs. -Patterson, she said: ‘Tell the girl she has my sympathy, my tears, but I -have no more right to speak than the servants of the White House.’ When -the ‘pardon brokers’ trailed their slimy lengths everywhere about the -Mansion, they never dared to cross a certain enchanted pathway; and the -face of any lobbyist set in this direction has always brought up in the -end against a stone wall.” - -Mrs. Johnson shared as little as possible in the honors accorded her -family, as well after as during their stay in the White House, and -gladly turned her face homeward, to find rest and repose so necessary to -her feeble condition. - -Once more quietly established at home, she anticipated renewed happiness -in the presence of her reunited family, and reasonably hoped to have -much happiness in the future. - -Death hovered near her when least expected, and one night, as the -servant entered the room of her son (Col. Robert Johnson), he was -discovered in a dying condition, and in an unconscious state passed from -earth. From a tear-stained letter is gathered these sad particulars. “He -was well and on the street at five o’clock, and at dusk, as the servant -went as usual to light his lamp, she discovered that he was in a deep -sleep. He was never aroused from it. All the physicians of the village -were immediately called in, but alas! too late to do any good. He -breathed his last at half-past eleven that night, without a single groan -or struggle. - -“I do not suppose he ever made an enemy in his life. He was certainly -the most popular boy ever raised in this part of the country, and -continued so after he became a man. Oh, if he could only have spoken one -word to us! but he passed into the tomb, unconscious of all around him. -He was buried with Masonic honors, and the largest funeral ever before -seen in this village accompanied his remains to the grave.” - -After seven years of wanderings, he was permitted to accompany his -parents to their home, and to die surrounded by the friends of his -youth. - -Mrs. Johnson grieved deeply for this son as she had done for his -brother. She lived in and for her family, and the loss of any one dear -to her affected her seriously. Frail in health, tried by anxiety and -care in early life, and a confirmed sufferer in maturer years, she -became now a helpless invalid; and though she was glad to be at home -again, pleased to see the kindly faces of her old neighbors and friends, -she could not be an active participator in anything. She could only -mourn for her dead, and receive and give comfort to those about her in -her own home. The world saw but little more of her. The suggestion at -this time that she would live longer than Mr. Johnson, if made to her, -would have been derided. She had little thought of recovering her health -at any time, and particularly after the first ten years of her -invalidism. Subsequent to her return, and the death of Robert, she -ceased to entertain the wish to live many years, for she was less and -less concerned in public affairs, now that her husband had retired, and -was likely to remain, as she thought, in private life. His health was -not as robust as formerly, and during the summer succeeding his return -from Washington, he was stricken with cholera, and his life was for a -time despaired of. From this he recovered, and in the fall he was again -participating in the service of redeeming Tennessee from the -reconstruction errors into which it had been led by men more eager for -place than true principle. - -In 1874 Mr. Johnson was elected to the Senate to succeed William G. -Brownlow, and his wife saw him set out again for Washington, holding the -same position he had held before the war. She rejoiced in the ovation -that was paid him; read all that the papers said of him, and was pleased -that his career was not over, as she had at one time supposed. He was -again in Greenville in the early spring, and the quiet home-life was -continued during the summer. He spent much time from home during the -following season, making speeches throughout the State, and giving his -time as of old to politics. As a defeated candidate, he returned to -Greenville from Nashville that season, and Mrs. Johnson then felt that -they were two old people who would go towards the grave together -quietly, surrounded by the worldly comfort he had secured for his -family. This was not to be, however. - -It was given him to enjoy the triumph of a re-election to the Senate for -the long term, beginning in December, 1874, and he sat out the -extraordinary session, and made his last speech in the Louisiana case. -But it was not given this indomitable patriot long to enjoy the dignity -with ease, which his own party and his opponents equally wished. He only -lived to attend this one session, and the opportunity was given him to -make one speech of importance to himself as a vindication of the course -he had pursued while President. It was an appeal for the rights of a -population whose government was kept from them by military force, and in -it he threw all the fervor and sincerity of a man who was not only -deeply interested in the subject, but who was speaking in favor of a -policy he had devised and upheld under most adverse circumstances. -Naturally enough, it was the grandest effort of his life, as it was his -last. He went back from the Senate to his own people, and in midsummer -he was stricken down with death. On the morning of the 31st of July, -1875, he died at the residence of his youngest daughter in Carter -county. Her home was not far distant from Greenville, and he thought -that, though ill when starting, he would recuperate from the fatigue of -the ride, and recover more speedily in the country than in town. He had -frequently said to his physician that “he did not think he could hold -out more than a year or two longer, as he was completely worn out.” Two -days before his last illness, he made a similar remark to his wife, who -was anxiously noting the change that had come over his spirits. He left -her in the early morning, saying good-bye, with no thought of a longer -absence than a week or two. The next morning his son and daughter were -summoned to their father’s bedside, and the startling news was broken to -the invalid wife. She could not go to him, and her part was to remain -alone in her deserted house, while her children hastened away. When they -returned, it was to bring with them the dead. From this shock she did -not recover. At no time had she ever entertained the slightest thought -of outliving her husband, and now that this event had occurred, she was -stunned and bewildered. She lived for six months, and died at the home -of her eldest daughter on the 13th of January, 1876. It was not an -unlooked-for event, though her children had become so accustomed to her -invalidism, that they could not realize she was dying. She was always -quiet and gentle, and her serenity deceived even those who watched over -her continually. Very patiently and uncomplainingly she bore her part of -sorrows, and it was only after she was dead that others realized what a -sufferer she had been. Denied every other means of serving her loved -ones, she cheered them, and the unselfishness of her life was not fully -understood until two white hands were clasped in death, and her sad eyes -were closed forever. She lived for others, and counted not self, and was -rewarded for all life’s trials in the love she was capable of giving to -others. She was a woman of heroic mould, and her life-example was a -noble one to her family, to her friends, and to the world. - -Mrs. Johnson was buried beside her husband in the romantic place he -selected many years ago. At the time he bought the property, Mr. Johnson -offered to purchase sufficient ground for a public cemetery, provided -the authorities would improve it. The liberal offer was not accepted, -and for a time there were no other graves there. The monument erected by -the children is a superb structure, standing twenty-six feet high, with -a base that is nearly ten feet square. Granite piers rest on each of the -graves, lying side by side, over which is sprung a granite arch, and -upon this the monument rests, leaving an opening under the arch, through -which are seen the graves. The structure is one of great beauty, with -its four funeral urns supported on pilasters, and its exquisite carving. -Upon the front of the arch is carved a scroll, representing the -Constitution of the United States, and an open book with a hand resting -upon it, representing the taking of the oath of office. Over the apex of -the shaft—which of itself is thirteen feet high—hangs an American flag -in graceful folds, and surmounting the whole is an American eagle with -outstretched wings. On the 28th of May, 1878, this monument was unveiled -with the most imposing ceremonies, and for the first time the simple -inscription was seen. It contained the names, ages, and death dates of -Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and underneath the name of the seventeenth -President is the motto: - - “His faith in the people never wavered.” - -[Illustration: Eng_d. by J. C. Buttre. Martha Patterson] - - - - - XXIII. - MARTHA JOHNSON PATTERSON. - - -The resemblance to her father is a marked attribute of Mrs. Patterson’s -face; a reproduction, though moulded in a softer cast, of his distinct -and strong features and expressive eyes. She inherited his executive -ability, his comprehensiveness, and many of his characteristic -peculiarities. Her countenance denotes strength, and the organs of the -head indicate a harmonious and perfect blending with the finer -sentiments of the heart. - -Eyes large and full discover her power of language, and the development -of form, color, size and weight, attest her ability to judge correctly -and estimate proportions unerringly. Viewed from a phrenological -standpoint, hers is a remarkable organism. The head is symmetrical, -tending upward from the brow, indicating spirituality, and gently -sloping to the ears and neck, embracing in its outlines the faculties of -firmness, generosity and benevolence. - -Never led off by persuasion from what her judgment decides correct, she -rarely makes a mistake in regard to persons or places, and is the firm -advocate of those less fortunate than herself. Like her heart, her mouth -is large, the lips partaking more of the intellectual than of the -sensual. The length, prominence, and compression of the upper lip, -bespeaks the firmness and strength of character which stamps her, -wherever she goes, a woman of rare powers. Adapting herself to -circumstances, she quickly masters any situation in which she is placed, -and controls rather than follows the will of others. The intellectual -lobe is large, the perceptive and reflective faculties are harmoniously -blended, and withal hers is an educated intellect, with an available -mind. She is possessed of almost sleepless energy, and her slight, frail -form seems knitted for endurance. Never restless or impatient, she -comprehends at a glance her position and requirements, and by the force -of her will overcomes obstacles and bears up with fortitude under -accumulated trials. - -Reared in the mountains of East Tennessee, her nature is untrammeled by -artistic contortions, and her manners are as free from ostentation as -are the feelings which prompt them. The eldest of five children, she was -to her mother an efficient aid in the care of her brothers and sister, -and in the management of her house. When she was old enough to attend -school, it was her task to assist in keeping house, and no duty was -neglected. It has been remarked that she never had time to play. While -other school-girls amused themselves in the sports of the season, the -pale, quiet Martha Johnson hastened back to relieve her mother, and by -her indefatigable industry performed the many deeds so grateful to a -parent, when offered by a child. The neighbors called her a strange, -silent being, indifferent to the ordinary amusements of the young, but -she felt herself ennobled by the work she daily made a part of her life, -and passed these younger years in her own earnest way. - -She was placed by her father, who was then a member of Congress, at -school in Georgetown, where she remained three terms, and there laid the -foundation of the structure which, as she grows older, develops her -native strength of mind. - -It happened that, during her school life in Georgetown, President Polk, -of Tennessee, occupied the White House, and she became his frequent -guest, spending most of her holidays in the mansion in which, later in -life, she was to preside. Her own accounts of her sojourn are amusing, -deprecating as she does the awkward conduct of the timid, bashful girl, -in the stately residence, through which the voices of children never -resounded. She was shy and distant, and the stately kindness of the -hostess could not overcome her shrinking reserve; it was her greatest -delight then to observe persons, and the opportunity afforded was not -lost upon her. She returned home in 1851, and was married to Judge David -T. Patterson, on the 13th of December, 1856. No wedding festivities -marked the occasion, it being congenial to her habits to have a quiet -ceremony. After which she visited Nashville, where her father was -residing as Governor of the State. Extending her tour through the -Southern cities to New Orleans, she returned to her old home in -Tennessee, where she continued to live until the war in 1860 disturbed -the private relations of the entire family. Throughout the stormy years -of ’61 and ’62, she remained in East Tennessee, nor did she leave there -till, late in the next year, she visited her mother’s family at -Nashville. It was her intention to remain several months and then go -back to her home; but before she again crossed its threshold, the two -contending armies had passed through the place, leaving nothing but the -empty house. Every particle of furniture, every prized relic of her own -and her children’s infant years were gone, and their home was desolated. -She trod its familiar apartments where she had left so many mementos of -a happy past, and nothing remained save the bare walls. Well she -remembered the arranging and adjusting of everything before closing it -up, and as she gazed upon its comfortless appearance, her mind dwelt -upon the time she had spent in adding to its adornment. - -The family were in Nashville when the nomination of the father, then -Military Governor of Tennessee, as Vice-President was announced, and -they witnessed the delight of the Union men of the Capital, as the news -spread of his success. - -Early in February, the Vice-President proposed to leave Tennessee, and -his children decided to seek once more their home in Greenville. The -news of the assassination of President Lincoln flashed over the wires on -the morning of the 15th of April, as the drums were beating and soldiers -parading for a grand review and procession in honor of the recent -victories. It reached the family of Mr. Johnson as they were preparing -for their removal home, and awakened in their breasts anxious fears for -the fate of the husband and father. Assurances of his safety calmed -their minds, and with deep thankfulness that he was spared, they -sorrowed for the untimely death of the President. The Nashville papers -of the 19th of April thus speak of the funeral procession in honor of -the murdered Chief Magistrate: - -“All places of business were closed, and every store and dwelling -appropriately draped in mourning. The procession numbered upward of -fifteen thousand persons; among them were Generals Thomas, Miller, -Whipple and Donaldson, and in the line of civilians which swelled its -length was seen the carriage of Mrs. James K. Polk, occupied by herself -and Mrs. Patterson, the daughter of President Johnson.” - -The family of the new President reached Washington in June, and soon -after took up their residence in the White House. Here was a new field -entirely for the diffident woman who was compelled to do the honors in -lieu of her mother, who was a confirmed invalid. After the harrowing -scenes through which the former occupants had passed, the House looked -anything but inviting to the family. Soldiers had wandered unchallenged -the entire suites of parlors; and the East Room, dirty and soiled, -looked as little like itself as could be imagined. Guards had slept upon -the sofas and carpets until they were ruined, and the immense crowds -who, during the preceding years of war, filled the President’s house -continually, had worn out the already ancient furniture. No sign of -neatness or comfort greeted their appearance at their new home, but -evidences everywhere of neglect and decay met their eyes. To put aside -all ceremony and work constantly, was the portion of Mrs. Patterson, -under whose control were placed the numerous servants connected with the -establishment. - -“The first reception held by President Johnson was on the first of -January, 1866, assisted by Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Stover, his two -daughters. Their softness and ease of manner had an eloquent external -expression in the simple neatness of their apparel, and surpassed in -quiet dignity all who gathered to see them. The house had not been -renovated, and the apartments were dingy and destitute of ornament save -two kinds, which are more touchingly beautiful than gems of the East. -Natural flowers were in profusion, and left their fragrance, while the -little children of the house were living, breathing ornaments attracting -every eye. The old injured furniture of the East Room was removed, and -the worn-out carpets covered with linen. The supervision of Mrs. -Patterson made the house quite presentable. Mrs. Patterson was attired -in a blue velvet, white lace shawl, and point lace collar. Her dark hair -was put back from her face, with pendent tresses, and adorned with a -single white flower. Mrs. Stover, who was yet in half-mourning for her -gallant husband, wore a heavy black silk, with no ornaments in her light -hair.” - -During the early spring an appropriation was made by Congress of thirty -thousand dollars to refurnish the Executive Mansion, and during the long -and warm summer succeeding, Mrs. Patterson struggled unceasingly with -the atlas-heaps of lumber and old furniture scarcely worth repairing, -but which was renovated for use. The firmness and decision of her -character was fully tested in this trying ordeal, but she triumphed over -every difficulty, and so managed the amount appropriated that the -Executive Mansion was once more comfortable and more beautiful than ever -before. - -Appreciating the condition of the country just emerging from a long -strife, she determined to make the funds voted sufficient to satisfy the -demands of the upholsterer, and to do so she constituted herself agent. - -Hearing the proposals of various firms, she found, to put the matter in -other hands, she could not more than furnish the parlors and -reception-rooms, and then her determination was formed to superintend -the purchases. By dint of perseverance and the co-operation of competent -assistants, she had the house completed when the winter season -approached. Old and abused sets were repolished and covered, and the -papering which she had not the means to remove entirely, was made to -assume a brighter appearance by the addition of panelings and gilt -ornaments. - -The warm weather, which had ever found her before the war in her -mountain home, now came upon her in its intensity, as she labored with -her numerous assistants in arranging the comfortless residence over -which she presided. Who, while admiring the elegant and refined -atmosphere of the historic house during her father’s administration, -imagined that the entire labor was accomplished by the tact and energy -of the daughter who received and entertained her visitors so -unostentatiously? - -Tenderly caring for her invalid mother, and her children, who grew weary -of the restraints imposed upon them, she struggled on and succeeded in -making the house not only attractive to her friends, but to citizens and -strangers, who pronounced it handsomer than it ever was in times past. -The exquisite walls of the Blue Room long remained a lasting proof of -her artistic and cultivated taste, and the graceful adornments of the -hitherto stiff and ungainly East Room were evidences of her ability. A -newspaper correspondent who visited the White House complimented Mrs. -Patterson upon the Republican simplicity of the establishment, to which -she replied, “We are a plain people, sir, from the mountains of -Tennessee, and we do not propose to put on airs because we have the -fortune to occupy this place for a little while.” “There is a homeliness -in this utterance,” said the _Albany Evening Journal_, “which will shock -the sensitive refinement of ‘ottar of roses and lavender water classes,’ -but it has a sentiment in it which must meet with response from every -true lover of democratic ideas and practices.” - -Throughout the White House there existed not a single evidence of tawdry -gaudiness or coarseness in color or quality; and from cellar to garret -it was overhauled and adorned by the unaffected hostess, who called -herself “a plain person from East Tennessee.” - -“The reference of Mrs. Patterson to the mountain home of her family, is -suggestive of the fact that when the tornado of war was sweeping over -Tennessee, President Johnson’s kin dwelt where its ravages were most -dreadful, and that while some who are now leading the shoddy aristocracy -of the metropolis were coining their ill-gotten dollars from the -sufferings and blood of brave men, they were being hunted from point to -point, driven to seek a refuge in the solitude of the wilderness, forced -to subsist on coarse and insufficient food, and more than once called to -bury with secret and stolen sepulture those whom they loved: murdered -because they would not join in deeds of odious treason to union and -liberty. A family with such a record of devotion and suffering, needs -for its recognition none of the adventitious aids of show and pretence. -It is refreshing in these days of extravagant and pompous display, when -silly pretence is made to pass current for gentility, when bombast and -fustian are palmed off as good breeding, when the shopman’s wife -emulates the luxury of a duke’s household, when no one is presumed to be -worthy the honors of good society who does not ‘put on airs,’ to hear -that the President’s daughter, who, by courtesy of her new position as -his housekeeper, is the first lady of the land, proposes to set the -example of a truly republican simplicity all too rare among those who -influence the customs of the land.” - -In September, 1867, Mrs. Patterson accompanied the Presidential party on -their tour through the Northern and Western States, leaving her two -children with her mother at the White House. Returning in a few weeks, -she resumed the routine of her life, and prepared for the approaching -season. - -Mrs. Patterson is the first instance of the wife of a Senator and a -daughter of the President presiding over the Executive Mansion. -President Jefferson’s second daughter, Mrs. Eppes, held a similar -position, but she never presided over the Mansion, and was but once a -visitor at the President’s house during her short life, after her -father’s election. The threefold responsibilities were accepted and -endured with a calm reliance, on the energies of a mind ever ready for -the occasion, and the world has already rendered the verdict of “many -daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.” - -Simple but elegant in her apparel, never descending to a disregard of -place, yet not carried away by the follies of fashion, Mrs. Patterson -pleased the eye, and gratified the pride of all who felt an interest in -her success. Golden opinions of her taste were won by the rich -simplicity of her toilet on every public occasion, and the beauty of her -dress in part consisted in the artless, unassuming manner of the wearer. - -In the combined elements which go to form the marked character of Mrs. -Patterson, she was not unlike Mrs. John Adams, and her will-power, -guided by superior common sense, recalls to mind the life of that brave -woman of the Revolution; but the current of circumstances into which she -has been thrown, has been almost too strong to allow her perfect freedom -of action. In her life there has never come a time when she might choose -between diverging pathways; but if she could not alter the stern fiats -of fate, she had the power of dignifying little insignificant things, -and, by her manner of meeting them, making the pleasantest side appear. -In an eminent degree she inherits that most marked trait of her father’s -character, patient endurance, and knows “how sublime a thing it is, to -suffer and be strong.” Treading unmurmuringly the appointed way of life, -she depends upon her judgment to guide her bark, recognizing the fact -that when nature fills the sails the vessel goes smoothly on; and when -judgment is the pilot the insurance need not be high. - -In the higher walks of literary pursuits she will never shine, nor yet -as a conspicuous person in any department of life. She has essentially a -Southerner’s love of home; and the duties devolving upon her as a -mother, daughter, and wife, fill the meed of her ambition. True to -principle, she will perform the duties of her station, be it high or -low, and the amount of courage hidden away in the recesses of her nature -would lead her in emergencies to dare—if need be—to die. - -Simple to a fault in her desires, she has learned to gather happiness -from within, and to rely upon the cold charity of the world for nothing. -She would not pine for luxuries which others deem necessities, but even -rather scorns the value many set upon them. Reared as she was in -childhood by parents remarkable for ceaseless industry, she imbibed the -lessons taught her by example, and is energetic to restlessness, and -vigilant in working while the day lasts. - -During the impeachment trial of her father, Mrs. Patterson was asked -what she thought of it, and how it would terminate. “I have so much to -do,” she replied, “that I have no time to discuss the subject, and I -suppose my private opinion is not worth much; I do not know how it will -end, but all we can do is to wait.” And she did wait, bending every -energy to entertain as became her position, and wearing always a -patient, suffering look. Through the long weeks of the trial, she -listened to every request, saw every caller, and served every petitioner -(and only those who have filled this position know how arduous is this -duty), hiding from all eyes the anxious weight of care oppressing her. -If she was indisposed after the acquittal, it surprised no one who had -seen her struggling to keep up before. - -There are no triumphs or displays to record of her life, no travels in -foreign lands, nor novel sights of strange places. She has not stood in -the Orient and watched the great stars swim down hot southern skies, nor -heard from the distant palm groves the orioles and nightingales. The -even tenor of her way has been spent far from the palaces of luxury or -the frivolities of fashion. She has not trodden the gilded halls of -ephemeral wealth, nor basked in the sunlight of uninterrupted -prosperity, but from the emanations of her father’s genius she has -gathered the forces which strengthen her own mind, and the rounds she -has mounted in the ladder of progressive development have been won by -earnest thought and the gradual experiences of a still young life. - -She more than any other of her name and race, appreciated the giant -efforts of her father, and upon her he devoted most attention. The -companion in childhood of the village tailor, she became in womanhood -the counsellor and friend of the successful statesman. - -Louis Napoleon, in his Life of Julius Cæsar, says: “How little able are -common men to judge of the motives which govern great souls.” The -history of Mrs. Patterson’s stay in the Executive Mansion suggests the -thought how unappreciated she was by those who fawned around her in her -hour of triumph. Possessing native intellect to a high degree, she knows -her latent powers, and her head thinks and her soul feels the difference -between her sound principles and practical sense, and the flippant, vain -women who consider her unfashionable. With such a class she could have -no sympathy; and it is foreign to her nature to dissemble. Circumventing -all attempts at advice and assistance, she taught many who insisted upon -helping her, that a sensible woman is never at a loss for words or -manners, and to such Presidents’ houses are as simple residences, -requiring only the refinement of the lady and the ability of a resolute, -determined person. Genial and social to familiar friends, she was -generally distant and reserved toward promiscuous visitors; while, at -the same time, she had a high sense of the justice due the masses from -the family of the first official in the nation. This feeling of duty -toward others actuated her course in keeping the White House ready -always to be seen by the crowds who daily throng it. Parlors and -conservatories were kept open as much as consistent, though many times -very annoying to the inmates, and rendering the privacy of their own -apartments rather a matter of chance than of certainty. It was not -unfrequent that idle curiosity-seekers ventured through the closed doors -which separated the private from the public wing of the building, and -intruded upon the forbearing occupants; yet such occurrences were never -made the occasion of trouble—a polite request and pleasant acceptance of -the proffered apology sufficed, and not unfrequently added the offenders -of etiquette to her list of new-made friends. - -It was the custom of Mrs. Patterson to rise early; and after a simple -toilet, to skim the milk and attend to the dairy before breakfast. In -the hall connecting the conservatory to the main building, her clean -pails might be seen ranged in regular order. When, on Saturday -afternoons, the greenhouses were thrown open to the public, these -evidences of her housekeeping propensities were removed. Fond of the -delicacies of the table, she valued home-made articles, and the -delicious food found always upon her table gave evidence of her personal -oversight and thoughtfulness. - -Caring for real comforts, to the exclusion of costly expenditures, she -prided herself upon gratifying the wants and tastes of her household, -and rendering the domestic life of the White House a reality. - -In the possession of such principles, and actuated by motives which -redound to her praise, Mrs. Patterson’s life cannot fail to be worthy of -emulation, and the satisfaction of her conscience must be a well-spring -of pleasure, sparkling like sunshine through the darkest places in her -earthly career. - -The last levee held by President Johnson was discussed by a Washington -paper after the following manner: - -“The levees at the Executive Mansion have always been occasions of -especial interest to strangers who chanced to be in Washington during -the session of Congress; but never before, since receptions were -inaugurated, has there been such an ovation at a Presidential levee as -was last night at President Johnson’s closing reception. The attendance -comprised not only an unusual number of our own citizens, but also a -greater multitude of visitors from all parts of the world, than was ever -present on a similar occasion. As early as half-past seven, and long -before the doors were opened, there were numerous arrivals at the -Presidential Mansion. An hour later, and the rush had commenced in good -earnest. A long line of carriages extended from the street to the -portico in front of the house; every car on the F street and avenue -lines added fresh accessions to the crowd; while hundreds, availing -themselves of the pleasant weather, came on foot. Although an extra -police force had been detailed for the evening, and every arrangement -had been made in the cloak-room for the accommodation of all, so great -was the rush that confusion was, in a measure, unavoidable. The -dressing-rooms and corridors were closely packed with people mainly -striving to reach the entrance to the Reception-room, and it was found -necessary to close the outside doors, and also the door leading from the -hall into the Red Parlor. The crowd here was fearful, but, fortunately, -it was composed mainly of the male sex. - -“Those in front were pushed on by those behind, and the position of -every one was most uncomfortable, while at one time, persons were in -actual danger of being crushed. However, the utmost good humor -prevailed, and we heard of no accidents. In the ladies’ dressing-room, -the pressure was also very great, and the breaking down of a table -caused some thoughtless person to raise an alarm of fire, which for a -few moments created terror and consternation among the timid fair ones. -At ten o’clock, the line of equipages not only filled the carriage-way -from the east to the west gate, but extended for two squares on -Pennsylvania Avenue. - -“The space in front of the Mansion, and the sidewalk from the portico to -the gate, was crowded with people, waiting in the hope of gaining -admission to the house. Policemen were now stationed at the front -entrance, and only a few were admitted at a time. Those who made their -exit from the mansion were obliged to pass under the arms of the -policemen, who were stationed to keep back the surging crowd. Hundreds -left unable even to reach the portico. The door leading to the ladies’ -dressing-room was blocked by gentlemen looking for those under their -charge, while scores of bright eyes searched anxiously through the -throng seeking in vain for escorts not to be found. Many of the ladies, -unable to find their escorts, were pushed on by the crowd, and were -obliged to make their entrance into the Blue Room unattended, and in -several instances it was not until the close of the reception that -parties who had been separated at the commencement of the evening were -again united. - -“The President occupied his usual position near the entrance of the Blue -Parlor, the visitors being presented by Marshal Gording. From eight -o’clock until after eleven, the crowd poured through the apartments, and -to each person, however humble his or her station, President Johnson -extended a pleasant and cordial greeting. Mrs. Patterson, who stood at -the right of the President, and a few steps farther back in the room, -was attired with customary taste and elegance. She wore a Lyons black -velvet, handsomely trimmed with bands of satin and black lace. A shawl -of white thread lace fell in graceful folds over her dress. Her hair was -simply and becomingly ornamented, and her jewelry was of the most chaste -description. The ceremony of introduction was graciously performed by -General Mickler. In the vast concourse assembled to pay their respects -to the retiring Chief Magistrate were many persons of distinction from -abroad, as well as an unusual number of Washington celebrities. From -Maine to Florida, and from the Atlantic coast to the seaboard on the -Pacific, there was scarcely a State or Territory that was not -represented last night, at the farewell reception of Andrew Johnson, -whose kindly grasp and sincere smile called forth many a hearty wish for -his future happiness and prosperity. Exquisite bouquets of choice -exotics were scattered through the rooms. The superb East Parlor was -dazzlingly illuminated. Magnificent mirrors flashed back the light from -the quivering crystals of the massive chandeliers. From the ante-chamber -came the sweet strains of the Marine Band, floating in softened cadence -through the sumptuous apartments. The scene was one of unrivalled -interest, and will never be forgotten by those who were present. The -display of wealth and beauty was bewildering. It would be a difficult -task to describe the toilettes of the many lovely ladies present, and it -would be still harder to decide, among so large a number of magnificent -dresses, which was the most beautiful.” - -Another prominent daily contained a lengthy and interesting account of -this reception, the largest ever held in the Executive Mansion, and from -all the circumstances connected with the unpleasant political life of -the President, was a significant proof that he was socially -pre-eminently popular. Every grade of citizens, representing every party -and creed, vied with each other in their expressions of admiration for -the honest, upright conduct of the retiring Executive and his charming -daughters. - -“Last night, President Johnson held his farewell reception at the White -House, and certainly quite in a blaze of glory, as far as social -attention is concerned. Perhaps the whole history of the Presidential -Mansion gives no record of such a crowded reception. It is estimated -that some five thousand people sought admittance in vain, while fully as -many must have gained an entrance, almost each individual member of this -successful crowd submitting the host of the evening to the inevitable -hand-shaking. He bore it well, and until the last moment a sweet, -suffering smile irradiated his countenance. The band struck up ‘Hail -Columbia,’ and the doors were thrown open. The President received the -crowd in the Blue Room, which was handsomely lighted up, and adorned in -the centre with a magnificent stand of fragrant flowers. As the crowd -increased, the sagacious official abandoned the system of announcing -names, so that the President accepted without explanation all who -presented themselves. - -“A few steps from the President, and near the stand of flowers, Mrs. -Patterson, a handsome, though not tall lady, of very pleasing manners -and appearance, ‘received’ the lady guests. She wore an elegant white -lace shawl, which quite enveloped her person, and a long curl fell down -her back. The simply unaffected grace of this lady, and her entire -freedom from pretension, either in garb or manner, attracted highly -favorable comment. Mrs. Patterson is quite a young lady, and when some -of the bare-armed, bare-necked, would-be-juvenile dowagers were -presented to her, the contrast was entirely in favor of the President’s -daughter.” - -Of the many elegant entertainments given by President Johnson, none -surpassed the State dinners. They were conducted on a most generous and -princely scale, and reflected lasting honor upon the taste and judgment -of his daughter, to whom was left the entire arrangement of every social -entertainment. The magnificent State dining-room, which had been closed -during the last few years of President Lincoln’s administration, became -again a scene of hospitality, and resounded once more with the voices of -welcome guests and personal friends. - -Nothing contributed more than these “affairs of State” to win for the -family that popularity, apart from their lofty social position, which -they enjoyed whilst in Washington. A letter written by a lady who was -familiar with the home-life of Mrs. Patterson, may not prove -uninteresting, pertaining, as it does, particularly to the subject of -State dinners. - -“Late in the afternoon I was sitting in the cheerful room occupied by -the invalid mother, when Mrs. Patterson came for me to go and see the -table. The last State dinner was to be given this night, and the -preparations for the occurrence had been commensurate with those of -former occasions. I looked at the invalid, whose feet had never crossed -the apartment to which we were going, and by whom the elegant -entertainments over which her daughters presided, were totally -unenjoyed. Through the hall and down the stairway, I followed my hostess -and stood beside her in the grand old room. It was a beautiful and -altogether rare scene which I viewed in the quiet light of this closing -winter day, and the recollections and associations of the time linger -most vividly in memory now. The table was arranged for forty persons, -each guest’s name being upon the plate designated in the invitation -list. - -“In the centre stood three magnificent ormolu ornaments filled with -fadeless French flowers, while beside each plate was a bouquet of -odorous green-house exotics. It was not the color or design of the -Sevres china, of green and gold—the fragile glass, nor yet the massive -plate which attracted my admiration, but the harmony of the whole, which -satisfied and refreshed. From the heavy curtains, depending from the -lofty windows, to the smallest ornament in the room, all was ornate and -consistent. I could not but contrast this vision of grandeur with the -delicate, child-like form of the woman who watched me with a quiet smile -as I enjoyed this evidence of her taste and appreciation of the -beautiful. - -“All day she had watched over the movements of those engaged in the -arrangement of this room, and yet so unobtrusive had been her presence -and so systematically had she planned, that no confusion occurred in the -complicated household machinery. For the pleasure it would give her -children hereafter, she had an artist photograph the interior of the -apartment, and he was just leaving with his trophy when we entered. - -“Long we lingered, enjoying the satisfaction one experiences in -beholding a beautiful and finished task. All was ready and complete, and -when we passed from the room, there was still a time for rest and repose -before the hour named in the cards of invitation. - -“Through the Red and Blue parlors we sauntered slowly, she recalling -reminiscences of the past four years, and speaking with unreserved -frankness of her feelings on her approaching departure. It was almost -twilight as we entered the East Room, and its sombreness and wondrous -size struck me forcibly. The hour for strangers and visitors had past, -and we felt secure to wander in our old-fashioned way up and down its -great length. It was softly raining, we discovered as we peered through -the window, and a light fringe of mist hung over the trees in the -grounds, and added a shade of gloom to the cheerless view. The feeling -of bodily comfort one has in watching it rain, from the window of a cozy -room, was intensified by the associations of this historic place, and -the sadness of time was lost in the outreachings of eternity. - -“Its spectral appearance as we turned from the window and looked down -its shadowy outlines—the quickly succeeding thoughts of the many who had -crowded into its now deserted space, and the remembrance of some who -would no more come, were fast crowding out the practical, and leaving in -its place mental excitement, and spiritualized, nervous influences, not -compatible with ordinary every-day life. Mrs. Patterson was first to -note the flight of time, and as we turned to leave with the past the -hour it claimed, her always grave face lighted up with a genuine happy -expression, as she said, ‘I am glad this is the last of -entertainments—it suits me better to be quiet and in my own home. Mother -is not able to enjoy these things. Belle is too young, and I am -indifferent to them—so it is well it is almost over.’ As she ceased -speaking the curtains over the main entrance parted, and the President -peered in, ‘to see,’ he said, ‘if Martha had shown you the portraits of -the Presidents?’ Joining him in his promenade, we passed before them, as -they were hanging in the main hall, he dwelling upon the life and -character of each, and we listening to his descriptions, and personal -recollections. The long shadows of twilight and deepening gloom -disappeared before the brilliant glare of the gas, and we turned from -this place of interest, reminded that the present was only ours, and -with the past we could have no possible business when inexorable custom -demanded of us speedy recognition and attention.” - -On the morning of the 4th of March, 1869, President Johnson, accompanied -by his family, bade adieu to the servants and employés of the Mansion, -and were driven to the residence of Mr. Coyle, on Missouri Avenue. Mrs. -Patterson accepted the hospitality of Secretary Wells, and reached there -soon after twelve o’clock. - -Thus closed the administration of President Johnson. The most perilous, -stormy, and trying one ever known in the history of this country; a -record of rude unpleasant contact with defiled revilers, and a continued -struggle from first to last to maintain untarnished the oath too sacred -to be violated. Not here, but in the annals of history will all its -triumphs be written; not in this day or generation can its untainted and -correct measures be fully estimated, but to the coming men of America it -is bequeathed, a sad acknowledgment of the tyrannous oppression of a -President, and a testimony of his undeviating course, moving onward, -swerving neither to the right nor to the left, but forward to the -cradles of posterity who will pass judgment and wreathe immortelles to -the memory of the patriot, whose truth will not be doubted, whose -honesty cannot be impeached. - -During the afternoon of the day the President left the Executive -Mansion, the house in which he was a visitor was crowded to overflowing -with friends and admirers who gathered about the members of his family -to express their attachment. For two weeks the same scene was -re-enacted, and day and night the numerous callers crowded the spacious -dwelling. One continued ovation of people of every political party -assured them of their popularity, too wide-spread to be circumscribed by -party lines. Behold them, reader, as they were seen that last night in -Washington! The invalid wife is in her room, too feeble to walk, but -surrounded by hearts softened and eyes moistened at the prospect of -seeing her no more. Mrs. Patterson is bidding a farewell to the -sorrowing band of employés who have asked as a last favor for a -photograph, and she makes the gift the more acceptable by presenting -them with pictures of all the family, accompanied by her deeply felt and -eloquently expressed thanks for faithful services and personal -friendship. Ever and anon the familiar face of a servant appears, and is -not disappointed in the welcome received, or the parting token of -well-merited reward for faithful services. Flowers, “recalling all -life’s wine and honey,” shed their aroma through space, and soften by -their delicate beauty the feelings of all kindly natures. - -Time unheeded passes, and yet the advent of callers forbids the wearied -eyes to close, or the final preparations to be made. With a hand raw and -swollen from the hand-shakings in Baltimore a few days before, Mr. -Johnson stands placid, earnest, and deeply interested in the final words -of all. The lateness of the hour, not the last of the stream of visitors -ended the affecting scene, and a weary but happy household slept at -last, and their public life in Washington was ended. - - - - - XXIV. - MARY STOVER. - - -The second daughter of President Johnson was married in April, 1852, to -Mr. Daniel Stover, of Carter county, East Tennessee. He died December -18, 1864, leaving her with three small children. - -Mrs. Stover remained at home after the removal of her father’s family to -Washington until the last of August, and then, accompanied by her -interesting family, took up her residence in the White House. - -Said a newspaper correspondent of her: “Visitors at the White House -during the past two or three years may retain the memory of a dignified, -statuesque blonde, with a few very fine points which, a fashionable -butterfly once said, would make any woman a belle if she only knew how -to make the most of them. Mrs. Stover never became a star in fashionable -circles, and now that she has left the gay capital, perhaps for a -lifetime, she is remembered by those who knew her best as a charming -companion of the domestic fireside, a true daughter and judicious -mother.” - -During the administration of President Johnson, the White House was -brightened by the glad, happy faces of children, and for the first time -since its occupation they became a part of the society of the House, and -exerted a powerful social influence outside. Nothing afforded their -little friends more pleasure than to be invited to the President’s -House, and the agreeable manners of the hostesses and hosts rendered -their visits always delightful. - -Mrs. Stover’s little trio, and her sister’s son and daughter, were an -attraction not to be resisted; and nothing pleased old acquaintances -more than to be invited into their private apartments, where the games -and plays of the young people interested more sedate heads. During the -day, writing and music lessons hushed their merry voices, and the tasks -of indulgent mothers occupied reasonable spaces; but after the evening -meal and the return of the boys from out-door sports, the merriment -began to the infinite delight of every one. Strangers who at the formal -receptions saw the stately, sometimes haughty appearing daughter -receiving with quiet grace the many who drew near for the inevitable -shake of the hand, little knew the sociability and good nature hidden -beneath her calm exterior. - -It was a source of enjoyment and much laughter to Mrs. Stover’s friends -to watch her actions on social occasions, especially when her sister was -not present. Like a statue the first part of the evening, with a look of -resignation on her face irresistible, she would gravely return the -salutations proffered, and resume her forlorn expression as soon as the -persons passed on, only to be addressed again by other strangers, whose -names their owners sometimes forgot and she rarely ever heard. Much -sympathy she would receive from kind-hearted acquaintances who supposed -her wearied, until the band struck up the last air, and then they would -be astonished at the glad light in her eye and the fervor with which she -would bow them out. Bantering did no good, nor good-natured rebukes from -the many spies who enjoyed her agony and deprecated her evident regret -at parting. Often as she performed the task, she acted over her amusing -_rôle_; and the last time she assisted at a reception, before her -departure for her home, her penetrating eye discovered the suppressed -smile, which broadened into hearty laughter as she tried to suffer -meekly the infliction she would bear no more; but true to habit, she -expressed her farewells with so much impressiveness that old habitués -detected her and the old suspicion was aroused as to her sincerity. Long -after the lights in the parlors were out, she repeated her experiences -up-stairs to a friend, and congratulated herself that she was relieved -from the only irksome task connected with her life there. - -It was from no want of appreciation or just estimate of her position, -but an unfeigned diffidence which she could not overcome, which kept her -from mingling in the society of the Capital. And perhaps a feeling that -she was not understood, developed this disinclination to meet strangers. -To persons to whom she was attracted, she was gay and affectionate, full -of interest and thoroughly devoid of affectation. Her children imbibed -this trait, and none ever saw evidences of deceitfulness on the part of -any member of the family. A native strong sense, called common, but in -fact a rarity, enabled her to discern the true merits of individuals, -and in her conduct toward others to recognize the truth of her father’s -motto, that - - “Worth makes the man, the want of it the fellow.” - -To devise new means of enjoyment for her children, and provide for their -mental and bodily needs, was her first thought, and each day was spent -with them at some one of their duties, often at their dancing school, -again overlooking their efforts at writing, never so well content as -when performing some conscientious duty. It was in this character she -made so many love her, and people who never knew her until she went to -Washington, were never weary of praising the young mother, who so -unaffectedly acted her part in the high station to which she was called. - -Recollections of Mrs. Stover will not outlive the changes of time in the -bosoms of the “society” people, who tried so vainly to enlist her in -their set; but the sewing-women and trades-people, the attachés of the -White House, in all capacities, and the servants who served her four -years, will never forget her generous liberality of manners and means; -her polite civilities to all who approached her, and the evident -interest she took in their affairs, won her their lasting regards. The -night before she left for her Southern home several days previous to the -departure of the President and members of the family, the servants who -had learned to appreciate her friendship, wept unrestrainedly as they -bade her and her children a last good-by. - -The house was lonelier after her departure, and the voices of her little -ones gladden the ears no more of those so long accustomed to hear their -noisy gambols. No President ever before had in the White House so many -children, or as youthful ones as were the five grandchildren of -President Johnson, nor will there ever be a brighter band there again. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. ULYSSES S. GRANT. -] - - - - - XXV. - JULIA DENT GRANT. - - -The inauguration of General Grant as President of the United States -placed his wife in the exalted social position of Mistress of the White -House. Mrs. Grant’s first reception on the 4th of March, 1869, marked -the passing away of just fourscore years since Mrs. Washington so -gracefully dispensed the ceremonious hospitality of the Executive -Mansion. - -Her husband being the youngest man who has occupied the Presidential -office, he consequently carried with him into the White House the -novelty of a family of youthful children, and a wife who was still -possessed of the ambition to shine in society, and who enjoyed the -blandishments and excitements of high social position. - -The prestige of General Grant’s military reputation added increased -lustre to his new position, and, consequently, could but render any -triumph of political life the more signal, since his experiences had -been of a widely different character. Upon Mrs. Grant, therefore, -devolved the pleasure of performing a twofold part, in the discharge of -which the people of this country from the beginning have desired her -entire success. Unobtrusively and quietly she entered upon her duties as -hostess of the White House, and devoted her attention as in the past to -her husband’s interests. She entertained personal friends and relatives -in large numbers, and not one of her old acquaintances was neglected or -overlooked by her in those her days of unbounded prosperity and -happiness. Very kindly the press of the nation referred to her, and -always, upon every occasion, she so conducted herself as to dignify the -name she bears, and to gratify her countrywomen. As wife and mother she -is greatly admired, and in both these relations she is a credit to the -sex and an honor to the nation she has represented so well. The moral -atmosphere of the Presidential Mansion was a matter of congratulation to -the American people, and they do not forget that the personal influence -of Mrs. Grant had much to do with impressing this characteristic of her -husband’s administration upon the world at large. She is essentially a -good woman, and as daughter, sister, wife, and mother, she has been all -that could be desired, and has in an eminent degree fulfilled the -promise of her early years, and the predictions then made for her by her -friends. - -Mrs. Grant is a Missourian by birth, and her early years were spent on -her father’s farm, Whitehaven (now the property of her husband), near -St. Louis. Her father, Judge Dent, was a man of position and importance, -and his son was, at the time now referred to, a cadet at West Point. -Through her brother Miss Dent made the acquaintance of his classmate, -and in the course of events very naturally this young couple, mutually -pleased with each other, plighted their troth. The match was not -particularly pleasing to the parents of Miss Julia, and it was with no -little satisfaction that they saw the young officer ordered to frontier -duty with the army under General Taylor. Once out of sight they hoped -that their daughter’s feelings would undergo a change, and that she -eventually would make a more brilliant match. But events occurred which -endeared him to the family, and when, to crown all, young Grant saved -the life of Lieutenant Dent in Mexico, the objections of the family gave -way and they unconditionally surrendered. The constancy of the young -people was rewarded after an engagement of five years, when, on the 22d -of August, 1848, they were married. The wedding took place at Judge -Dent’s residence in St. Louis, and a merry one it was to all concerned. -After the festivities the young bride accompanied her husband to -Sackett’s Harbor, on Lake Ontario, and after a stay there of six months, -removed with him to Detroit, where he was stationed for more than two -years. They kept house in a little vine-covered cottage near the -barracks, and lived in the most unpretentious style. During their -residence in Detroit, Mrs. Grant made a visit to her parents in St. -Louis, and during her stay their first son, now Lieut.-Colonel Fred. D. -Grant, was born. Two years later, and while the father was on the -Pacific coast, Ulysses, the second son, was born at the residence of his -paternal grandfather, in Bethel, Ohio. The other children born of this -union are Nellie, the only daughter, and Jesse; the former in August, -1855; the latter in 1858. Both of these were born at their grandfather -Dent’s country home, near St. Louis, the birth-place of their mother. - -After Captain Grant’s resignation, in 1854, he returned to Missouri, -poor and disheartened, and with no prospects before him. His -father-in-law, to assist him, gave his wife a farm of sixty acres, and -here for several years he fought poverty with his plough and axe—poor -weapons, indeed, for one born to wield the sword, and educated in a -military school. Of course he failed, and leaving “Hardscrabble,” the -title which he had himself given to the scene of such hard and -unrequited labors, he entered the real estate office of a cousin of his -wife’s in St. Louis. He began his career as agent without a hope of -success, and but for his family would doubtless have thrown up the -position in despair. Nothing sustained him in all these years of bitter -adversity and uncongenial surroundings but the hopefulness of his wife -and the unaffected and unchanging faith she had in him. It nerved him to -renewed effort, and animated him with fresh zeal each time that he -faltered in his rough pathway. Her affection was appreciated by him in -return, and his tenderness and fidelity was such that to them poverty -was less terrible to bear than it was to their friends to witness. But -there were four little mouths to feed, and the father felt that yet -greater effort must be made for them. His wife did all the work of their -home, and yet with the most frugal care he could not meet his expenses. - -In the spring of 1860 he paid a visit to his father at Covington, -Kentucky, to take counsel with him concerning his future, and to plan -some new way to struggle for bread. His father owned a valuable business -at Galena, where two younger brothers were making money, and into this -establishment went the unfortunate ex-captain on a salary of six hundred -dollars a year. Moving his little family to Galena, he commenced work in -the tannery which has since been made famous by his association with it. -Poverty went with him to his new home, and what had been “hardscrabble” -on the little farm, and in St. Louis, was hardscrabble still; he could -not meet expenses. Twice his salary was increased, yet he could not -afford to keep any help, and his wife was maid of all work, and nurse -and teacher of her children as well. - -The business did not grow more congenial to the husband, though he tried -his best to do his duty in it, and worked many times as hard as would -have been necessary had he loved his task. Possibly, one reason of his -unpleasant position was due to the fact that his brother, who was -thirteen years his junior, was his employer, and as the success of the -business was due to the enterprise of this brother and another still -younger, the place he held, and which he could not satisfactorily fill, -grew daily more disagreeable and unpleasant. - -The twelfth of April, 1860, the day of the fall of Fort Sumter, and the -death-knell of slavery, was the turning point in the life of Captain -Grant, as it was to many thousands of others, both North and South. But -to no one man in the nation has it proven of such personal significance -as to him. - -He was soon appointed captain of a volunteer company raised in Galena; -afterwards was made colonel, and later, through Gov. Washburne’s -influence, he received the appointment of brigadier-general. From this -time he rapidly rose to distinction and recognition. Mrs. Grant and the -children were at her father’s or visiting his father’s family at -Covington, during these first years of the rebellion; she caring for her -husband’s honor and studying his interest in every possible way. - -While General Grant was in command at Cairo, just after the battle of -Belmont, and while his promotion to a major-generalship was being -discussed, a relation of his said to her: “Ulysses may get along as -brigadier, but he had better be satisfied with that and not seek to rise -higher.” - -“There is no danger of his reaching a position above his capacity,” she -replied, indignantly. “He is equal to a much higher one than this, and -will certainly win it if he lives.” And this was the recognition she -always gave him, and to this fearless advocate of his worth he was -indebted for much of the material help he had received from both his and -her family. In this time of success—though as well of anxiety—she -repeatedly defended him, and more than once brought smiles to the faces -of her friends by saying: “Mr. Grant has great natural ability, he would -fill any public position well if he once had a chance.” - -After the capture of Fort Donelson, while yet the country was ringing -with praises of her husband’s exploits, she visited him at that point, -and later she paid him a visit at Jackson, Mississippi. Just after the -surrender of Vicksburg she was in St. Louis, where she was serenaded by -a great concourse of people, and in response to their repeated demand -she appeared on the balcony of the hotel, leaning on the arm of General -Strong. The moment she came in view the people greeted her with -vociferous cheers. She was beginning to be made aware of the exalted -place her husband had won in the admiration of the people, and for the -first time she was sharing with him the dignity of the place to which he -had risen. - -Several weeks were spent with her husband at Vicksburg, and then, when -his head-quarters were established at Nashville, she removed her -children there, and remained in that city until after his appointment as -lieutenant-general, making during the time a visit to St. Louis. - -The implicit confidence Mrs. Grant reposed in her husband has long ago -been rewarded, and there is now no one to question his ability as a -military officer. But there was a time when her faith in him was in -marked contrast to the opinions entertained by his and her relatives. -They had seen him fail at farming and in the leather business, and a -man, in their opinion, who could not make money in either of these -pursuits, was not likely to reach success in anything. - -But his wife was loyal to him, and, when asked by a party of ladies her -opinion concerning her husband’s new responsibilities and prospects, -just before the battle of the Wilderness, she replied: - -“Mr. Grant has succeeded thus far, wherever the Government has placed -him, and he will do the best he can.” - -“Do you think he will capture Richmond?” - -“Yes, before he gets through: Mr. Grant always was a very obstinate -man.” - -With the return of peace General Grant settled in Washington City, where -his head-quarters as commander-in-chief of the army were established. -His family were, for the first time in many years, again with him, and -they greatly appreciated the three years of comparative rest they -enjoyed. But they were destined to play a still higher part in the -national life. General Grant, the idol of the people after Lincoln, and -the most successful general of the age, was elected President of the -United States. - -Mrs. Grant parted reluctantly with her own home and prepared to take up -her abode in the White House, but it was not before the fall of the year -that she settled down to the routine life there, and prepared to perform -the duties expected of her. - -The first three years passed away pleasantly and without any very great -_éclat_. The President’s household was accounted an eminently happy one, -and there was always in the house some one or more of his own or his -wife’s kindred. But the children were at school, and there was less of -gayety than when, later, Miss Nellie made her _début_ into society, and -the young cadet son had returned from West Point, and was his sister’s -escort and companion. - -The family travelled a great deal more perhaps than that of any other of -the Presidents. Every summer they spent at the sea-shore, and now Long -Branch is their permanent home in the warm season. The children -travelled abroad during their father’s administration, the daughter -receiving the most distinguished attentions while in England and -elsewhere; and when at home their young friends gathered about them, -eager to enjoy the pleasure of their company and the hospitalities of -their splendid home. - -But the event that drew the American people to the President and his -household, as nothing else could have done, was the marriage of his only -daughter. Mrs. Grant and Nellie became, from the moment her engagement -was announced, the most interesting persons in the nation. What will the -mother do for her child that shall be befitting the occasion? was the -question the young and old of the sex asked of each other all over -America. And grave old men, who had long ago forgotten the excitements -of their own wedding days, caught the prevailing infection and became -interested in the sole daughter of the house, soon to be an inmate of it -no longer. Mothers’ hearts ached with Mrs. Grant’s over the thoughts of -the long separation, for Nellie was to marry an Englishman and live in -England; and when at last the time drew near for the nuptials, the -entire nation became interested spectators of an event which they could -not but feel was the most pleasing, and yet the most sad act of all the -grand drama of the double administration. - -Nellie Grant’s was the seventh wedding which had taken place in the -White House. President Monroe’s daughter, Marie, and President Tyler’s -daughter, Lizzie, among others, had passed out from it as brides, and -now, more than thirty years later, this youngest of the Presidents saw -his only daughter wedded in the famous East Room, on Thursday, May 21st, -1874. The wedding took place under circumstances of peculiar brilliancy. -Mr. Algernon Sartoris, the groom, was, at the time of his marriage, -twenty-three years of age, and Nellie was nineteen. He had been educated -in England and Germany, and was a son of Mr. Edward Sartoris, of -Hampshire, England, and his wife, Adelaide Kemble, daughter of Charles, -and sister of Fannie Kemble. - -[Illustration: - - MRS. NELLIE GRANT SARTORIS. -] - -Nellie Grant had led an exceptionally happy life, and for ten years -previous to her marriage had been the recipient of the most -distinguished attentions. Her father’s position, and his rapidly -increasing wealth, had enabled him to gratify every wish of his -daughter, and as if to reward the fidelity of his wife in years past, he -surrounded her children with every earthly blessing. It seemed only -strange that one so situated, and withal so young, should consent to -marry and retire to private life. But the love affair, begun on the -_Russia_, was destined to terminate auspiciously, and eighteen months -afterwards the young couple were united. The wedding was the finest ever -known in Washington, and was the theme of newspaper comment both in this -country and Europe. All that affection, wealth and high social position -could devise were combined to make it an event that should fittingly -express the love and pride of the parents in their only daughter. - -Not more than two hundred guests were present, but they represented the -officials of the government and their families; the army, navy and -marine corps and their families; the diplomatic corps and personal -friends. The floral decorations of the house were superb, those of the -East Room being the richest. The bridal party was accompanied by the -President and Mrs. Grant, and the brothers of the bride, to New York, -from which port the young couple sailed for England. - -The summer was passed by the President and Mrs. Grant at Long Branch, -and in the autumn the social life of the White House was resumed. -Colonel Fred. Grant introduced his bride (Miss Honore) during the -season, and the winter passed off pleasantly, though the daughter of the -House was missed sadly. - -The eight years’ social administration of Mrs. Grant was characterized -by great elegance and dignity. All official and social observances were -conducted on a scale of magnificence, and the mansion itself was richly -furnished—costly plate and decorations were supplied, and the -entertainments were on a more elaborate scale than had marked previous -administrations. Among the social events of an official character that -occurred were receptions and state dinners in honor of the Duke of -Edinburgh, of England, the Grand Duke Alexis, of Russia, the King of -Kalakaua, and the first Chinese Ambassador. The official entertainments -were frequent, and the social career of Mrs. Grant as Lady of the White -House closed with one of the most brilliant receptions ever given in it. -After leaving the White House, ex-President and Mrs. Grant became the -guests of Secretary and Mrs. Fish, and during their stay in Washington -were the recipients of continued social attentions. - -It had been the long-expressed desire of General Grant to visit Europe, -and soon after the close of his administration he began the preparations -for an extended journey. Returning from a visit to Galena, he arrived in -Philadelphia a week previous to the day appointed for the departure of -the steamer, and with Mrs. Grant became the guests of George Washington -Childs, Esq. The most flattering attentions were bestowed upon them. -Military parades, public receptions, and private entertainments followed -each other in quick succession. The vessel selected by General Grant on -which to make the voyage was the “Indiana,” one of the only American -line of steamships crossing the Atlantic ocean. On the morning of the -departure Mr. Childs entertained at breakfast a number of guests, -including the late Secretary of State, Hon. Hamilton Fish, General -Sherman, Governor Hartranft, and others, and afterwards the party, -augmented by the presence of a large number of prominent gentlemen, -proceeded down the Delaware. Mrs. Grant, accompanied by the youngest -son, Jesse, who made the tour with them, Mr. and Mrs. Childs, Mrs. -Sharp—Mrs. Grant’s sister—and many other ladies and gentlemen were taken -down the river to the “Indiana” on the revenue cutter “Hamilton.” -Arriving at New Castle after a sail of thirty-five miles, the voyagers -bade adieu to their friends and boarded the steamer. The scenes which -accompanied the ex-President and his family from the moment of leaving -the hospitable mansion of Mr. Childs to the farewells at the vessel were -such as never before had been witnessed in this country. Thousands of -people lined the wharves and the air resounded with their cheers. The -shipping was gayly decorated, and the flags of all nations floated in -the breeze. Steam-whistles blew their shrill notes, and salutes were -thundered forth from the larger vessels as the ex-President and his -friends passed down the river to their vessel. The party sailed on the -17th of May, 1877, and from the moment of landing on English soil they -were welcomed with generous hospitality by all the nations they visited. -Over the continent of Europe, through Egypt, the Holy Land, and back -through Italy, Spain, Ireland and India, to China and Japan they -travelled, and were everywhere the objects of distinguished -hospitalities. The return voyage to San Francisco was completed in -September, 1879, and the reception at San Francisco was of such -magnitude and enthusiasm as to greatly surprise the ex-President. The -people, without respect to race or party, joined in the hearty welcome -home. The festivities varied each day, and every city in the Union sent -invitations to the ex-President to extend his travels to all parts of -his own country. One of the pleasantest incidents connected with their -stay in San Francisco was the visit of a delegation of the Chinese of -that city to General Grant, and the presentation to him of an address -and a scroll of worked silk. General Grant, in acknowledging the great -kindness and hospitality shown him by the people and authorities of -China, expressed the hope that the country, by breaking down the -seclusion in which she had been shrouded for ages, would continue to -draw nearer to her the trade and sympathy of the civilized world. The -head of the delegation then presented to Mrs. Grant a small ivory -casket, saying that she had done much to break down the spirit of -domestic exclusiveness that reigns in China, and that the Chinese in San -Francisco desired to thank her for it. - -This circumstance recalls an exceptional honor paid Mrs. Grant while in -China, an honor the like of which no other woman has ever shared. And -though she received distinguished attentions in all her travels, she -remembers this as one of the most marked and most pleasant incidents of -her journeyings over the world. The occasion was a dinner given by the -wife of the Viceroy of China. In view of the fact of the exclusiveness -of the Chinese as a race, and the position of woman in that country, it -is one of the events of the age. Mr. John Russell Young, the historian -of the travellers, gives an entertaining description of it,[23] from -which is taken the following excerpt: - -Footnote 23: - - “Around the World with General Grant.” - -“It was a radical thing for the Viceroy to throw open the doors of his -house and bring the foreign barbarian to his hearth-stone. This dinner -was arranged for our last night in Tientsin, and in honor of Mrs. Grant. -The principal European ladies in the colony were invited. Some of these -ladies have lived in Tientsin for years and had never seen the wife of -the Viceroy—had never seen him except through the blinds of the window -of his chair. The announcement that the Viceroy had really invited Mrs. -Grant to meet his wife, and European ladies to be in the company, was -even a more extraordinary event than the presence of General Grant or -the arrival of the band. Society rang with a discussion of the question -which, since Mother Eve introduced it to the attention of her husband, -has been the absorbing theme of civilization—what shall we wear? I have -heard many expositions on this theme, but in Tientsin it was new and -important. Should the ladies go in simple Spartan style: in muslin and -dimity, severely plain and colorless, trusting alone to their graces and -charms, and thus show their Chinese sister the beauty that exists in -beauty unadorned; or should they go in all their glory, with gems and -silks and satins and the latest development of French genius in the -arrangement of their hair? It was really an important question, and not -without a bearing, some of us thought, on the future domestic peace of -the Viceroy. The arguments on either side were conducted with ability, -and I lament my inability to do them justice, and hand them over to the -consideration of American ladies at home. The discussion passed beyond -me and entered into the sphere of metaphysics, and became a moral, -spiritual—almost a theological theme, and was decided finally in favor -of the resources of civilization. The ladies went in all the glory of -French fashion and taste. - -“No gentlemen were invited to the Viceroy’s dinner, and the Viceroy -himself did not entertain his guests. It was arranged that the ladies -should go in chairs. Of ladies there were in all, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. -Detring, Mrs. Denny, Mrs. Dillon, Mrs. Forrest, Mrs. Dorian, and Miss -Denny. It was a distance of two miles to the Yamen, and the streets were -filled with a curious multitude watching the procession of chairs, and -having their own thoughts, we can well fancy, at this spectacle of the -vice-regal home invaded by the wives of foreign barbarians. It was quite -dark when the ladies reached the Yamen. They alighted in a courtyard -illuminated with lanterns, and crowded with officials in their quaint -costumes. The band of the ‘Richmond’ had been sent ahead by Captain -Johnson, and as our ladies arrived they were welcomed with the familiar -notes of home music. The Viceroy also had a band, and the musical effect -of the two styles of music—the Chinese running largely to gongs, and the -American with trumpet and drum—was unique, and added to the strangeness -of the ceremony. - -“As Mrs. Grant, who was in the first chair, descended, she was met by -the wife of the Viceroy, who took her hand and escorted her into the -house. The other ladies were shown in by one of the missionary ladies, -who came to act as interpreter. They passed through a sort of hall into -a small library. The walls of this library were cut up into -pigeon-holes, filled with Chinese books made of soft, tough paper. The -Viceroy’s wife took her seat at the head of the table, and as each lady -entered she was introduced by the interpreter. The hostess arose and -shook hands with each in cordial European fashion, with perfect grace, -and as though it had been her custom all her life to use this form of -salutation. There were two other ladies of the vice-regal family -present, the daughter of the Viceroy, a maiden of sixteen, and his -daughter-in-law, a lady of twenty-three. They sat at the opposite end of -the table from the hostess, looking on with curious interest at the -company of foreign ladies, the first they had ever seen. Still they -restrained their curiosity, showing no wonder, no surprise, and received -their European friends with as much ease as if they had been accustomed -to a London drawing-room. The daughter-in-law of the Viceroy was dressed -in subdued colors, much the same as the hostess, but the maiden was -brilliantly costumed in a bright pink satin jacket, and green satin -trousers, the whole embroidered with gold thread, and silk of a variety -of colors. At every movement she tinkled with her abundant ornaments of -pearl and jade, which hung in long pendants from her ears, wrists, -fingers, and the cord of her fan. She wore two long gold finger-nail -shields on the third and fourth fingers of her left hand, a curious -ornament made necessary by the custom of high-bred persons in China of -allowing the finger-nails to grow. Both of the young ladies wore their -hair ornamented in the same manner as the wife of the Viceroy. - -“The company sat in the library about ten minutes. During this time they -were served with strong pale tea, without sugar or milk, in tiny -porcelain cups. Then, at a gesture from the hostess, the ladies arose -and walked into another room, a larger one, the hostess conducting Mrs. -Grant. Crowds of servants swarmed about, and other crowds of curious -persons looked in at the windows and doors at the unusual spectacle. The -dining-room was furnished in European fashion, with divans and chairs. A -chandelier of four gas jets hung over the centre of the table, and was -an object of curiosity to all, as Tientsin has not yet attained to the -blessing of gas. The dinner table was set in European style, with silver -and French china, and decorated with a profusion of flowers. The ladies -took seats according to the rank of their husbands, Mrs. Grant sitting -on the right and Mrs. Denny on the left of the hostess. Each of the -ladies had her own servant who waited on her. The dinner was a blending -of Chinese and European cookery. First came a European course. Then came -a Chinese course, served in silver cups with small silver ladles and -ivory chopsticks. Smaller silver cups in saucers sat at each plate, -filled with the warm Chinese wine which you find at every dinner. The -ladies tasted their Chinese food with fortitude, and made heroic efforts -to utilize the chopsticks. The Chinese ladies partook only of their own -food. The hostess kept up a conversation with all the ladies. First she -asked each one her age, which in China is the polite thing to do. I have -no information as to the responses elicited by this inquiry, the sources -of my knowledge failing at this point. Then questions were asked as to -the number of children in the families of the married ladies, and the -age of each child. The younger Chinese ladies of the party sat at the -other end of the table, and having no interpreter made themselves -understood by signs—by graceful little gestures of the hand, nods, -questioning eyes. It is wonderful how much talk can be done by -pantomime, and the Chinese ladies with their quick intelligence soon -found themselves in earnest conversation with their European friends. -During the dinner there was a Chinese Punch and Judy show, and the noise -of this entertainment, with the chatter of the servants, and the curious -gazing crowd who never left the doors and windows, made an unceasing -din. China has democratic customs and privileges which are never -invaded. Whenever General Grant and party dined as the guest of a -Chinaman, in Canton, or Shanghai, or Tientsin, it was always in presence -of a multitude. If the people were to have the doors closed upon them, -even the doors of the Viceroy, it would make trouble. And now, of all -days in the calendar of China, this day when female barbarians are -welcomed to a nobleman’s house, it is important that all the world -should stand by and see the wonder. - -“The hostess, with a gesture and smile of welcome, drank from her cup of -warm wine a toast to her friends. The ladies sipped their wine in -response. This astonished the hostess, who had been told that it was the -custom of barbarian ladies to drink their glasses dry. But it was -explained that while some ambitious gentlemen in foreign society -ventured upon such experiments, the ladies never did. The hostess -wondered at this, and seemed to think that somehow it would be more like -what she had heard if the ladies drank more champagne, if they drained -their glasses and turned them upside down. Then the jewels were passed -from hand to hand to be examined by the Chinese ladies. This study of -jewelry, of diamond and emerald, of ruby and turquoise, occupied most of -the time that remained to the dinner. Once or twice the tall form of the -Viceroy could be observed looking over the heads of the crowd to see how -his wife and foreign friends were enjoying themselves. When observed his -Excellency withdrew. Although not appearing during the dinner, nor at -the reception before, the Viceroy was now and then seen moving about -among the curious gazers, evidently anxious about his feast, anxious -that nothing should be wanting in honor of his guests. - -“After the dinner the party went into another room. Here was a piano -which had been brought from the foreign settlement. This was a new -delight to the hostess, who had never seen a piano, and she expressed -her pleasure and surprise. One of the pieces was a waltz, a merry German -waltz, and two of the ladies went through the measures, giving variety -to the dance by balancing separately with one arm akimbo, the other -holding up the skirt, then twirling away to different parts of the room -and coming together again. This revelation of barbarian customs created -great astonishment, and when the dance stopped there was a chorus of -approbation from the Chinese, as if they had discovered a new pleasure -in the world, the hostess nodding and smiling with more energy of manner -than she had shown during the evening. This performance was witnessed by -the Viceroy, who perhaps had his own thoughts as a far-seeing statesman -as to what China would become if German music ever found its way into -Chinese households, and mothers and maidens gave way to the temptations -of the waltz. There were snatches of singing, one of the ladies who had -an expressive voice warbling some roundelay from the Tyrol. This created -another sensation, and was so new, and strange, and overwhelming that -the Chinese maiden in the dazzling pink jacket lost her Oriental -composure, and gave a faint start and laughed, and fearing she had -committed some breach of propriety, suddenly recovered herself and coyly -looked about to see if she had in any way given offence to her barbarian -guests. The hostess, however, sat by the side of Mrs. Grant during the -whole performance, and looked on as calmly at these strange phenomena of -an unknown civilization as if she had known the waltz and heard Tyrolean -ditties all her days. The hostess, with high-bred courtesy, always arose -when her guests did, and never sat down until they were seated. The feet -of the Chinese ladies were extremely small—scarcely more than two or -three inches long—and when they walked it was with difficulty, and only -by the aid of the waiting-women who walked behind. A Chinese lady of -rank does nothing without the aid of servants. If she wishes to take a -handkerchief out of her pocket a servant performs the office. But during -the whole evening, at every phase of the reception and the -entertainment, the hostess showed a self-possession and courtesy that -might have been learned in the drawing-rooms of Saint Germain. She took -pains to show attention to every one. When the time came to leave she -went with Mrs. Grant to her chair. When the others left she took her -leave of them at the door, and they parted with good wishes and polite -little speeches of thanks and welcome.” - -Mrs. Grant has the distinction of having travelled more than any other -lady who has graced the White House, and of having received at the hands -of foreigners more attention than has fallen to the lot of any other -American lady. In her tour she was the guest of the heads of the -government in all countries, and participated in hospitalities of crown -heads and the representative nobility. Her life from the period when her -husband became the victorious general of the army, has been one of high -social rank, and the years as they have passed have brought her many -blessings. She has known public honors and domestic happiness, and is a -most fortunate woman. She has sought her chief pleasure in life in the -family circle, and her reward has been found in their happiness. The -White House under Mrs. Grant’s social administration was a delightful -home, and was ever the abode of many relatives and friends who shared in -the many pleasures it afforded. An atmosphere of pleasant social life -was felt by all visitors at the Executive Mansion, and though Mrs. Grant -was not particularly fond of society, her stay in the White House is -remembered as a period of great gayety in Washington. She was identified -with the events of the administration in all semi-official ways, and was -as popular in society as any of the women who had preceded her. A wife -and mother, she was occupied with the duties pertaining to domestic -relations, and divided her time between her public and private -obligations. In this respect of having twofold duties to perform she was -like all the wives of the Presidents, and with one exception the White -House has known no lady differently situated. Harriet Lane was -untrammelled with domestic cares when she presided there, and was -moreover a great belle. Society claimed more from her than it ever did -of any other lady, and the circumstances attending her life there made -it the most marked in many respects that has yet been chronicled. Mrs. -Grant’s deep interest in the success of her husband, and her commendable -desire to have her countrywomen satisfied with her administration as -hostess, were motives sufficiently impelling to incite her to every -exertion necessary to the accomplishment of her purpose, and she has the -satisfaction of knowing that her career was approved. In her -domesticity, which is her leading characteristic, and with her strong -sense and practical ideas, she had ample armor of protection against -mistakes, and she lived eight years in the White House as serenely as -she would have done in Galena. It is to her credit that her sons, grown -to manhood, pay her marked attentions, and that she is to them the ideal -mother. To be approved by one’s friends is comfort, but to be adored by -one’s children is to be crowned with the most imperishable of earthly -diadems. When Mrs. Grant appeared in sight of the people of San -Francisco, she was leaning on the arm of one of her boys, who had gone -out to meet her, and it was a pleasing sight to those who saw the tender -devotion of the son to his long absent mother. General Grant was in the -hands of the committees who were to show him honor, but his wife was -accepting homage far more satisfying. Her mother’s heart was far more -touched by the welcome she received than any other that could be given -her. It is this womanly quality which has influenced her to be a less -conspicuous figure than her position lent her opportunity for being. She -has not cared to be recognized apart from her husband, but to be -identified with him, and while this trait is an admirable one, it has -none the less conspired to limit rather than enlarge the acquaintance of -the public with her. But she is a woman approved by her sex, and her -record is one that her sister-women will always admire. She has enjoyed -great honors, and abused none of her gifts, and her name will ever be -associated in terms of praise with that of the country’s second military -President, and the most successful general of his day. Her life is yet -in its summer, and the laurels bestowed upon her are bright and -undimmed, and for a long time yet she will be in the enjoyment of them. -Whatever future awaits her she will meet it with dignity and -appreciative consideration of the exceptionally brilliant position she -has filled. - - - - - XXVI. - LUCY WEBB HAYES. - - -Mrs. Hayes was the most widely known and universally popular President’s -wife the country has known. She was an element in the administration -that was gladly recognized, and her influence was most potent and -admirable. In her successful career as the first lady of the land was -outlined the future possibilities of her sex in all other positions and -conditions. She represented the new woman era, and was the first of the -women of the White House of the third period. The women of the -Revolutionary period of American history exhibited stronger traits of -character than those who succeeded them. There was necessity for higher -qualities—the display of courage, heroism and fortitude, and they were -discovered in every emergency. The country was young and the people were -experimenting with liberty; there were common dangers to be shared, and -fewer honors than have fallen to those who came into the inheritance -secured for them. With the end of the administration of John Quincy -Adams a new generation of men and women claimed public notice, and the -women who came to hold the highest place of honor in the land were the -representatives of this second era of the country’s history. They were -social queens, but nothing more. They aspired to supremacy in the -drawing room, and were content to acquire it. Some were too little used -to the world to care for even this, and led retired domestic lives, -wholly apart from the public careers of their husbands. - -[Illustration: - - LUCY WEBB HAYES. -] - -Mrs. Hayes is the product of the last half of the nineteenth century, -and in her strong, healthful influence gives the world assurance of what -the next century women will be. Her life, for many years, was spent -before the public, and she so fully identified herself with her -husband’s administration that it can never be remembered apart from her. -She gave her every thought to the maintenance and advancement of her -husband’s fame and name as the Chief Magistrate of the United States; -she deemed no act, however insignificant of itself, too slight to be -considered unimportant if, in its results, it could add to his renown. -In no one particular did she so ably display her strength of character -as in commanding, by her strict adherence to her domestic duties, the -recognition due her for her able performance of the responsibility -devolving upon her as the counsellor and friend of the President. Mrs. -Hayes went to the White House prepared through her happy married life, -through her winsome, cheerful spirit; through her long experience in -official circles; through her intelligence and culture, and her social -rank and attributes, to fill the highest place a woman can occupy in a -Republic. Through her husband the dignified place she filled was hers, -and in the daily performance of the pleasant duties of hostess of the -Executive Mansion she thought of his honor first. In the results -attained by her was again exemplified the truth of the old adage that we -cannot rightly help others without helping ourselves. She, in lending -additional strength to her husband’s administration, commanded increased -respect for her sex. She gave the world a fair example of the power for -good which a woman of fine breeding and social opportunities can -exercise. Mrs. Hayes called forth, through her successful efforts in -placing herself beside her husband in his official rank, a more just -appreciation of her womanhood and a higher reverence for the relations -of wifehood and motherhood. This service, though it has not been -generally recognized as such, is perhaps the greatest she could have -done the world. The assertion will be endorsed when the fact, which -cannot be controverted, is recognized, that great men in this country -have not always been fortunate in being wedded to representative women. -From the time of Franklin down to the era of Henry Clay, and even more -recently, the wives of many of the leading public men of the country -have not been remarkable. It will require but little effort to recall -the many representatives of the commonplace in women who have filled—or -rather failed to fill—the places made theirs by reason of their -husbands’ positions. The harmony of domestic life has been lost to -public men, no less than to those not known to the public, by their -refusal or their inability to recognize the individuality of their wives -and the duty these same wives owed to society and the world at large. -Ignorance and prejudice, combined with jealousy, have cost men in their -domestic relations more misery than the world readily perceives, but it -is gradually coming to appreciate the fact through the tares that have -come up in the places where a harvest was anticipated. People do not -gather grapes from thistles nor figs from thorns with any greater -success than in olden times. And from the days of Socrates down to that -of President Hayes homes have been bright and happy, or otherwise, -according to the respect in which the women at the head of them were -held. Many of our great men have left an unpleasant record of their -domestic lives, and the retribution has come in the misconduct of -children, sometimes to the third and fourth generation. Mrs. Hayes, in -her honored place, helped men and women to realize the glory of life -when love is its impelling power; and in the hearts of women this -feeling was much strengthened by observing the universal and spontaneous -reverence exhibited toward a woman who was strong in herself and in the -public position she sustained. - -Mrs. Hayes was born in Chillicothe, when it was the capital of Ohio, and -was the daughter of Dr. James Webb, and the granddaughter of Dr. Isaac -Cook. The Webbs were natives of Granville county, North Carolina. In the -last century three worthy brothers belonging to this family went out -from home to carve their own way. One of them became a leading merchant -of Richmond, Virginia; a second one lived near his old home, wedded to -farm life; and the third removed to Ohio and became a prominent -physician. This latter brother was the father of Lucy Webb. He died in -1833, of cholera, in Lexington, Kentucky, where he had gone to complete -arrangements for sending slaves to Liberia who had been set free by -himself and his father. The maternal grandfather of Miss Webb was one of -the first settlers of Chillicothe, and belonged to the best Puritan -stock of New England. Her mother, Mrs. Webb, was a lady of unusual -strength of character and of deep religious convictions. After the death -of her husband she removed to Delaware, in order to be near the Wesleyan -University, where her sons were educated. Her fortune was ample, and she -was enabled to give her children every advantage. In order to be near -them she fitted up a cottage on the college grounds, and her house was -thenceforth a happy gathering-place for the classmates of the brothers -at holiday times. She studied with her brothers and recited to the -college instructors, and had the advantages of a training which prepared -her for the Wesleyan Female College at Cincinnati, which she entered at -the same time that her brothers commenced their studies in the medical -college. She was peculiarly fortunate in having as her early teachers -the professors of the university at Delaware, and it is no small credit -to the denomination to which she belonged to have it said that it gave -to both sexes the best school advantages to be procured in the West in -that day or at the present time. - -The training of girls was not considered as important twenty-five years -ago as it is now, and when the opportunities enjoyed by Miss Webb are -considered, together with the fact that she was a graduate of the first -chartered college for young women in the United States, it will be -realized from whence came her executive ability and well-balanced -character. She was, while at the college in Cincinnati, under the -instruction and in the family of Rev. Mr. and Mrs. P. B. Wilbur, and her -stay with them was a season of enjoyment and study. It was during her -life in this school that her affections were engaged by Mr. Hayes, then -a promising young lawyer of Cincinnati and a native of Delaware. She was -at the Delaware Sulphur Springs enjoying a vacation when she formed his -acquaintance, and he thenceforth became a frequent visitor at the Friday -evening receptions held at the college parlors. The expression the -vivacious under-graduate made upon him during this summer vacation is -expressed in a letter he wrote to a friend in Delaware after his return -to the city. He says: “My friend Jones has introduced me to many of our -city belles, but I do not see any one who makes me forget the natural -gayety and attractiveness of Miss Lucy.” - -Her schoolmates have many pleasant memories of her. One of them, writing -of her in 1880, while she was yet in the White House, referred to her -great likeness to her mother in mental and moral qualities in this wise, -and thus speaks of one of her traits of character. She says: “There is -one trait in the character of Mrs. Hayes which I should like to -emphasize. She absolutely will not talk gossip. Even in the intimate -confidences of daily intercourse she is as guarded as in the presence of -a multitude. The Executive Mansion has for its mistress one who is a -living exemplification of Christ’s Golden Rule. Except in very rare -instances, when some act of oppression to the poor or the defenceless -outrages her sense of right, she is always thoroughly kind in -expression. I think this trait of carefulness for the feelings of others -a gift from her mother, who had a nature exceedingly genial and kind. It -is indeed a blessed thing for our country that such a woman had the -training of our President’s wife.” - -While yet at school Miss Webb became a member of the Methodist Episcopal -church, and was even in those early years ardently attached to the -duties and requirements of a Christian life, and in this, as in other -respects, followed closely in the footsteps of her mother. She was a -clever student, as one of her companions in school admits in a letter in -which she says: “Lucy Webb was a first-class student in botany and other -studies, and I have reason to recall my feeling of mingled annoyance and -admiration as our teacher, Miss De Forrest, would turn from us older -girls to Miss Webb, who sat at the head of the class, and get from her a -clear analysis of the flower under discussion, or the correct -transposition of some involved line of poetry. Somewhat of this accuracy -was doubtless due to the fact that she had been trained in the severe -drill of the Ohio Wesleyan University. She remained in the Ladies’ -College of Cincinnati until she completed its course of study.” - -In 1852, two years subsequent to her meeting with Mr. Hayes, the young -lady, whom he had courted most assiduously while she was yet engaged -with her studies, became his bride. The marriage ceremony was performed -by Professor L. D. McCabe, of the Wesleyan University, December 20, -1852, and the only attendant of the young pair was a pretty child of -eight years, the daughter of the bridegroom’s only sister. It was a -simple, unpretentious wedding, attended by loving friends, and crowned -by the most absolute affection. It has proven a marriage of absolute -happiness, and the successful career of Mr. Hayes is in a large measure -due to the devotion of his wife, and the intelligent appreciation of his -aspirations which she had, and which she inspired and encouraged. This -sentiment of loyalty for and faith in her husband is one of her -admirable traits, and it has been one which has greatly endeared her to -others; “all the world loves a lover,” runs the old saying, and if the -feeling entertained for Mrs. Hayes by the public were analyzed it would -be found to be due to her womanly and wifely qualities and to the -healthful atmosphere of her home-life. Several incidents which aptly -portray the sensitive appreciation she has of what is due the fame of -her husband from her are related, the following being a prototype of -many told. Soon after Mrs. Hayes reached the White House she was visited -by the wife of a minister of Washington, and asked to forbid the use of -wine in the mansion during her stay there. Mrs. Hayes heard the request -with polite surprise, and replied in these words: “Madame, it is my -husband, not myself, who is President. I think that a man who is capable -of filling so important a position, as I believe my husband to be, is -quite competent to establish such rules as will obtain in his house -without calling on members of other households. I would not offend you, -and I would not offend Mr. Hayes, who knows what is due to his position, -his family and himself, without any interference of others, directly or -through his wife.” This reply, in the face of the fact that Mrs. Hayes -was a strong temperance woman, a Methodist, and very likely as entirely -decided in her mind then as later regarding the subject, is a pleasing -evidence of the earnest self-respect of the President’s wife. As to the -stand she did take, the following letter, written by Rev. Dr. Read, -fully explains. The subject created considerable discussion at the time -and afterwards: - -“Mrs. Hayes has decided that hereafter, while she occupies the White -House, there shall be no wine upon the table, even upon state occasions, -when American citizens dine with the President. Noble stand for a noble -Christian woman! God be praised for such a grand, heroic woman to occupy -the highest social position in the nation at this time! It is an answer -to prayer. She comes from Ohio, where the woman’s crusade against -intemperance began, and where she caught from her Christian sisters -something of that noble, heroic spirit that dares to do right in the -face of the world. Henceforth the name of Mrs. Hayes shall be enrolled -with the noblest women of the race, and with the Marys who stood by the -cross of Jesus, even when all the men, except the womanly John, had -deserted him.” - -President Hayes, whose public life for a quarter of a century has been a -series of successes, was the youngest child of Rutherford Hayes, who -died before his son’s birth. The mother upon whom the sole care of the -family devolved, and the only parent her boy ever knew, was a character -of rare sweetness and strength. She was left in straitened -circumstances, but was a self-reliant woman and a good manager, and she -was able to give her children excellent educational advantages. Mr. -Hayes was a graduate of Kenyon College, Ohio, and of the Cambridge Law -School. In 1845 he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of -Ohio, and began his legal life in Fremont, his present home. He removed -to Cincinnati in 1850, and resided there for many years. Mr. Hayes was -twice elected city attorney of Cincinnati, and at the outbreak of the -civil war entered the army as Major of the 23d Ohio Volunteers, of which -General Rosecrans was Colonel and Hon. Stanley Matthews -Lieutenant-Colonel. During the war he was four times wounded, and served -with distinction until the close, though he was elected to Congress -before peace was declared. - -Mrs. Hayes spent two summers and a winter taking care of her husband’s -soldiers, and they loved her for her motherly ministrations to them in -their hours of sickness and mental dejection. - -A member of the Twenty-Third Ohio, who went out with the regiment at the -beginning of the war, tells the following anecdote, which occurred -during the first visit of Mrs. Hayes to her husband’s camp. It is a -simple story, which illustrates the character of the President’s wife -completely. - -“It was the first of our being out, when we had as yet known but little -of the hardships of war. One day Mrs. Hayes arrived in camp, but the -fact was not generally known. James Saunders was a member of my company. -Jim, as he was called, was a tall, lean, unsuspecting, awkward -country-boy—a good soldier, but not overly smart in detecting a joke. -Consequently the boys used frequently to sell him quite badly; but he -took it all in good part, and was entirely ready the next time a sell -came along to ‘bite’ at it. - -“For some time there had been sad need of some means of mending our -clothes. This need was being discussed the next day after Mrs. Hayes’ -arrival, and Jim was especially strong in his expressions of need for -some one to mend his blouse, which really was in a very unpresentable -condition. - -“‘Why, Jim,’ said one of the boys, ‘didn’t you know that there is a -woman in camp whose business it is to mend the boys’ clothes?’ - -“‘No,’ said Jim, in astonishment. ‘Where is she?’ - -“‘Up at the Colonel’s tent,’ said the other. ‘I was there and had her -fix my coat yesterday, and she did a smackin’ good job, too.’ - -“‘Golly’ said Jim. ‘I’ll go up, then, this very afternoon, and git my -blouse doctored. That is very handy, indeed.’ - -“True to his word Jim called around at the Colonel’s tent, and, with his -hat under his arm, presented himself, with his awkwardest bow, at the -entrance. He was received with marked politeness by the Colonel, and the -boys who were lurking about appreciating the joke awaited developments. -In a few moments Jim again appeared outside in his shirt sleeves, and -the radiant smile that lit up his honest features showed that he had not -been rebuffed, at least. Calling him aside, where a group of the boys -were gathered, the following conversation took place: - -“‘Well, Jim, did you find your woman?’ - -“‘Of course I did. She was just a settin’ there, and she’s a mighty -good-looking woman, too.’ - -“‘What did you say?’ all chuckling. - -“‘Why, when I went in I told the Colonel that I heerd there was a woman -there to do sewing for the boys, and as my blouse needed mendin’ and -buttons sewed on, I had come to git it done. He kind of smiled, and -turned to the woman settin’ there and asked her if she could fix the -blouse for me, and she said she could as well as not, as she had nothing -special on hand. So I took it off and left it, the Colonel tellin’ me to -call ‘round this afternoon and git it. You all seem to laugh, but I -don’t see anything funny. If she is here to do the sewing, why not do -mine?’ - -“This was too much. The boys all broke out into a loud chorus of -laughter, and as soon as it subsided, one of them said: - -“‘Jim, don’t you know that that woman is the Colonel’s wife?’ - -“‘I don’t care; she’s a lady anyhow,’ as though that didn’t follow, ‘and -I am goin’ to git my blouse, just as she told me to.’ - -“And he did go, and was again received in that manner which made him -forget himself and his awkwardness, and she restored his blouse to him -in perfect repair. - -“This little incident was all that was needed to fix the affections of -all the boys upon the Colonel’s wife, and whenever she appeared again in -camp, she was certain to receive the warmest welcome. - -“Poor Jim died in a Southern hospital, and his name may now be seen upon -the monument standing in the village square at Mesopotamia, Trumbull -county, Ohio, and we have often wondered if the President and his wife -ever think of mending his blouse, rather than be parties to a sell upon -an innocent soldier boy.” - -At the battle of South Mountain Colonel Hayes was severely wounded, and -his wife learning of his condition hastened to Washington, where she -expected to find him in some one of the hospitals. Failing to get -tidings of him she went on to Frederick, accompanied by a relative, Mr. -Platt. At last in the village of Middletown, Maryland, she found him, -cared for by her brothers, one of whom was surgeon of the regiment. She -was a welcome addition to the Colonel’s corps of nurses, and as soon as -she was established beside him his improvement began. The family in -whose house the wounded Colonel lay, Captain Rudy’s, said of her long -afterwards: “The moment she crossed our threshold we knew she was a good -woman and natural lady. She made herself easily at home, and next -morning after she came she was down in the kitchen early and asked leave -to cook the Colonel’s favorite dish.” - -As soon as he was able to walk about the house she spent a portion of -every day in the hospitals, visiting Union and Confederate wounded -alike, and carrying them grapes and other delicacies. She read to those -who were well enough to be interested, and made herself a welcome -presence to the sick and the dying. Her mild manners and unaffected -kindly ways won her friends everywhere, and when she left the place to -return to Cincinnati with her husband, her departure was sincerely -regretted. They had been well cared for by the family with whom they had -stayed, and when Colonel Hayes became Governor of Ohio, Mrs. Hayes sent -for one of the young ladies of the household, and entertained her most -hospitably. Long afterward, when Governor Hayes had become President, he -heard of the death of Captain Rudy, and wrote a letter of sympathy, in -which he reverted kindly to the time when he was disabled and found a -home with them. Leaving the field as a Brigadier-General to take his -seat in the Thirty-ninth Congress, Cincinnati people saw little of Mr. -Hayes for several years, for he was re-elected to Congress, and resided, -until nominated for Governor, at the capital. - -The Executive Mansion at Columbus was conducted on the most generous -scale socially, and the Governor and his wife entertained continuously. -Both are pre-eminently social in their natures, and in all the public -positions he filled, she extended elegant hospitality. Their circle of -private friends is very extensive, and Mrs. Hayes has ever delighted to -be a hostess, so that their home, wherever it was, has been rarely -without guests. - -Mrs. Hayes worked to enlarge the charities of the State, and was -identified with all good causes during her life in Columbus, and -constantly interested herself in church work. She enjoyed an experience -and exerted an influence that ably fitted her for the position of lady -of the White House. Her domestic responsibilities were not light, for -she has been the mother of eight children, five of whom are living, and -her duty has been performed as well in that as in every other -relationship in life. It has been the custom for Mr. and Mrs. Hayes to -spend as much of the time in the summer in their own home at Fremont as -possible, and up to the time of their removal to the White House -“Spiegel Grove” was the resort of many friends during the warm season. -It became their place of residence after their removal from Washington. -This home is beautifully situated on Burchard Avenue, so named in honor -of Sardis Burchard, the uncle and guardian of Mr. Hayes. The house was -erected by Mr. Burchard in 1860, and it stands in the centre of thirty -acres of woodland. Immediately surrounding the house are handsome lawns -and gardens, with some fine old oaks left standing in their midst, and -which contrast most charmingly with the otherwise open grounds. The -house is of brick, two stories high, and nearly surrounded by a wide -verandah. It is a large and comfortable mansion, furnished like any -country residence of a person of means. There is a library-room on the -second floor well stocked with books and adorned with pictures, and in -the handsome parlors are paintings by American, French and German -artists. The surroundings of the place are remarkably tasteful and -attractive. Burchard Park, which was a gift to the town of Fremont from -Mr. Burchard, lies near the mansion, and there are handsome residences -in the neighboring avenues, which enhance the beauty of Spiegel Grove. - -Mrs. Hayes’ personal appearance has been so often reproduced through -photographs and pen-pictures that it is almost superfluous to give any -lengthy description, particularly as the engraving accompanying this -sketch is an accurate likeness of her face. She is of medium height, is -squarely built, and has large features. Her hair is a particularly -noticeable feature, partly from the manner in which it is worn, and -mainly for its abundance and beauty of color and texture. Her brow is -low and broad, and is unmarked by care. The mouth is large and adorned -with beautiful teeth. Her eyes are large and expressive, and deepen in -color from gray to black as the feelings are wrought upon. All her -features are expressive, and her face is a most pleasing and animated -one. She has a gay and sunny temperament, hence her face is the mirror -of much that is bright and beautiful. She owes much of her good looks -and her happiness to her wonderful health, for she is as splendid a -specimen of physical womanhood as the country can boast, and her -presence is a tonic to weaker women. - -The Presidential canvass in 1876 was an exciting one, and its disputed -results, its electoral commission, and final settlement tested the -equanimity of all parties, and created greater anxiety than any event -which succeeded the war. President and Mrs. Hayes reached Washington the -day before the inauguration, and became the guests of Senator Sherman. -An immense throng filled the Capitol on the morning of the 4th of March -to witness the inaugural and to see the new President. He rode with -ex-President Grant through the city, and alighted at the eastern -portico, welcomed by hundreds of people of all classes. Passing into the -Senate chamber, he was seated in front of the Speaker’s desk, beside the -retiring Chief Executive. In the gallery sat his wife, watching him with -an eagerness that betrayed her happiness, and an anxiety that discovered -her intense interest in the occasion. He looked as impassive as the -taciturn soldier beside him, until glancing his eyes over the Senate -gallery he caught sight of his wife. There was a mutual glance of -recognition, an assuring smile, and the inaugural address was given in -clear, earnest tones. Immediately following the ceremonies the -newly-made President and Mrs. Hayes lunched at the White House with -ex-President and Mrs. Grant. In the afternoon a carriage drove up to the -steps, and soon General Grant and wife appeared, followed by President -and Mrs. Hayes without hat or head-covering. They bade each other -good-bye, and as the carriage moved away, President Hayes remarked to -General Grant: “General, if I had a slipper, I’d throw it after you.” -The President and Mrs. Hayes stood a few moments looking after it, and -she, stopping to kiss one or two children near her, passed with her -husband into the house, and the new life was begun. The children of the -President, who with relatives had been at the Ebbitt House, during their -parents’ stay with Senator and Mrs. Sherman, joined them later in the -day, and the first day in the White House closed in excitement and -happiness. Mrs. Hayes was delighted with the high place to which she had -attained. She made no denial on this point, and freely admitted the -satisfaction it gave her, and the enjoyment she hoped to have. One of -the pleasantest of the many pleasant incidents connected with her advent -into the White House was the class testimonial presented to her by -several of her old schoolmates at the Female Wesleyan College, who were -in Washington at the time of the inauguration. They arranged to send her -a floral offering, and fixed upon the happy device of the college badge. -It is composed of a heart in an open Bible, the motto of the -thirty-first chapter of Proverbs, marked with an anchor. The floral -tribute was formed of a heart centre of white rosebuds, with an outside -border of fine white flowers, the intervening space being filled with -blue forget-me-nots. Upon this was placed an open Bible—a real -Bible—held open by an anchor formed of white roses, like the heart, and -a single rosebud marked the following passage: - -“Her husband is known of the elders and praises her in the gates.” - -Accompanying the beautiful gift was a note written by Miss Rariden, and -signed by the several ladies. It was couched in these pleasing words: - - - “WASHINGTON, _March 5th, 1877_. - -“DEAR SISTER:—It will need but the sight of our offering—the old school -badge—to remind you of the lang syne when school lessons were our -greatest duties, and school triumphs our highest rewards. Since then you -have added to the title of good scholar the higher ones of good wife and -tender mother, and now the voice of the people has called you to come -higher. - -“We, the representatives of the Alma Mater, beg the acceptance of our -flowers as a tribute to the first of our number called to preside at the -White House, though the offering is less due to you as our President’s -wife than to the true woman you have proved yourself in every relation -of life. - -“We hope you will have the kindness to appoint an early day, when we can -express in person our congratulations. - - “MARY BROWN HITT, - “MARY C. RARIDEN, - “MRS. J. EDDY SOMERS, - “MISS EASTON, - “MRS. ELIZA LETFORD NORDHOFF.” - - -Of the number, Mrs. Hitt and Miss Rariden were the only classmates; the -others were _alumni_. The best plans will go aglee, and in the -conveyance of this lovely gift the note was abstracted or lost, and Mrs. -Hayes was in a quiver of excitement over the anonymous offering. That -evening upon receipt of another Bible (she had enough Bibles given her -to stock a hotel), she spoke of the more precious one accompanying the -college badge, and crossing the room pointed out its beauties. The -husband of one of the donors happened to be present, and communicated -their names. The end was felicitous. Mrs. Hayes appointed the next -morning to receive the ladies. She met them with charming friendliness, -conducted them through the green-house, sent for her husband and -children, and in the words of one of her guests, “was all that a -courteous hostess could be.” - -Four weeks after taking up her residence in the Executive Mansion, she -held her first Saturday afternoon reception, and on this occasion she -was as well satisfied a lady as had ever stood in her place. A friend -who observed her on that day said that “her eyes looked as black as -night, and they had a lustre rarely seen. She made no effort to conceal -her delight. Her whole face was positively radiant. The effect as she -received, assisted by her friends, was precisely that of all the light -thrown upon one figure of a tableau.” The toilette worn by Mrs. Hayes on -this occasion was a black gros grain princesse dress, square at the -neck, and perfectly fitting, and relieved of its plainness by exquisite -point-laces. The next public occasion on which she appeared was at the -dinner given to the Russian Grand Dukes Alexis and Constantine. The -gathering was as brilliant as any ever assembled in the Executive -Mansion. The drawing-rooms were elaborately decorated with flowers, and -the State dining-room never presented a finer appearance. The table was -a mass of flowers and cut-glass and Sevres china. In the centre was an -oval mirror representing a lake with tropical banks of ferns and -trailing vines. In the centre of the lake was an island of pink azalias -studded with cloth of gold roses, while over the outer surface were -vines massed to look like water-lilies. The banks of the lake were -strewn with graceful hills formed with vases of tropical fruit, and here -and there a pyramid or column of candied fruits and bon-bons rose -between. At each end of the lake were tall frosted cakes decorated with -white azalias and pink and tea roses and smilax. Delicate pink and white -vases of frosted glass and silver stands stood at each plate, the pink -vases holding clusters of white buds, and the white vases pink buds. -Azalia trees, camelias and other flowering plants were arranged about -the room, ornamenting by their proximity to them the chocolate and -strawberry pyramids that stood at the north side of the room. Vines of -smilax strung on gilt wire were draped about the table, chandeliers and -pictures. The Grand Duke Alexis with Mrs. Hayes led the promenade -through the East Room, the Marine Band playing the Russian march, -followed by the Grand Duke Constantine and Mrs. Evarts. The President -escorted Lady Thornton, and when seated at the table, the two Grand -Dukes were on either side of Mrs. Hayes, and the President sat opposite, -between Lady Thornton and Mrs. Shishkin, wife of the Russian Minister. -The other members of the brilliant company were ranged about the table -in regular order. The toilette worn by Mrs. Hayes at this entertainment -was an exquisite cream-colored _faille_, richly trimmed with the -material and elegant lace. - -As regards the use of wine on this occasion, about which the press of -the entire country had so much to say, the actual facts are these. The -President and Mrs. Hayes objected to its use, but the Secretary of -State, Mr. Evarts, was of the opinion that the Grand Dukes and other -foreigners, being accustomed to dine with wine, would not enjoy their -dinner without it, and the master of ceremonies was ordered to provide -it. He was at the same time informed that on all future occasions, when -the President entertained citizens of the United States, wine would be -omitted. - -In the _American Register_, at Paris, appeared, shortly after the -inauguration, the following complimentary allusion to the new lady of -the White House: “The administration of Mrs. Hayes receives quite as -much attention as does that of the President. Her beauty, simplicity, -womanliness and frankness have taken the blasé society of Washington by -storm. Her dresses of rich material are very simply made, high at the -neck, long at the wrist, with fine laces at both, but no jewelry; her -hair is neither puffed nor frizzed, but coiffured plainly at the back -and held in place with a shell comb. She is a lady by birth and -education, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The first -Sunday she and her husband were in Washington they stole quietly to the -Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church, while the Rev. Dr. Newman, -‘Inspector of Consuls,’ Chaplain to the Senate, Pastor of the Great -Metropolitan Court Church, ‘was all primed and powdered’ for their -appearance. But they came not. Everybody who knows the style and quality -of the Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church was exceedingly pleased -at the incident.” - -When Mrs. Hayes went to the White House it was said that she had decided -not to interfere with appointments, or to consider any application for -her influence in any matter with which her husband had to do. -Applications for office were turned over to the secretaries, and through -the years of her stay in the White House she succeeded in avoiding this -source of annoyance. Occasionally she deviated from this rule, as in the -case of the postmistress of a town in Pennsylvania, who was turned out -of office because of her strong temperance proclivities. The member of -Congress who represented the district in which this woman held office -succeeded in getting a man appointed in her place who would not work -with temperance organizations to defeat party candidates. The order for -her removal had been made out at the Post-Office Department, when a lady -friend of Mrs. Hayes, who had passed through the town, and learned the -facts, telegraphed to her for a stay of proceedings till the case could -be explained. The request was granted, and the next news the member of -Congress received from home was that the postmistress had been -reinstated by order of the President. - -A Washington correspondent describes Mrs. Hayes’ attention to some “poor -relations” who were visiting her. The description is well worth -reproducing as showing her democratic independence and her appreciation -of her friends. - -“Not long ago I was passing Corcoran’s Art Gallery, and saw Mrs. Hayes -assisting into her carriage some people of a sort that are usually -described as ‘countrified.’ They were not finely-dressed, nor were their -garments fashionably made. Quite the reverse was the case. But it struck -me that the horses were unusually well groomed, and there was a footman -in livery, which is a bit of style Mrs. Hayes seldom assumes. It was not -the every-day carriage, either, but the best one, and I am as sure as if -Mrs. Hayes had told me so, that she was putting on a few frills just to -please her guests, for human nature is human nature, and Mrs. Hayes has -a keen sense of perception. I afterwards learned that a party of Mrs. -Hayes’ friends were visiting the White House, from the interior of Ohio. -They were humble people and had never been in Washington before, but -their great-grandchildren will all know about that visit, and the taking -of those folks around in the President’s best carriage, with driver and -footman in livery, will be a tradition in that family for generations. -This wasn’t an isolated occurrence. Similar people have visited the -White House before, and have received similar attentions. Mrs. Hayes has -taken them to the Capitol, and they have sat beside her in the -President’s seat in the reserved gallery, and had they been the Queen of -England and the Princesses Royal, Mrs. Hayes couldn’t have been more -devoted than she was to her ‘poor relations.’” - -Mrs. Hayes entertained many guests in the White House, and she made it -particularly attractive to her young friends and relatives. She gave -them an opportunity of seeing Washington life from the high -vantage-ground of the White House, and showed them at the same time the -domestic side of a lovely home-life. No mistress of the Executive -Mansion, it can truly be said, ever made more of her opportunity in the -direction of true sociability. She, from the first, displayed a generous -hospitality, not so much to official people as to her old friends and -her husband’s and their young connections. She exhibited all the -possibilities of a happy home, and left an influence upon the growing -generation about her that will never be forgotten. In years to come they -will tell of the sweet simplicity of her life there, and the great -influence that she had over a public, hardly recovered from all the -excessive extravagance and display that followed the restoration of -peace, and reached its height under the preceding administration. There -was felt towards her a prejudice on the part of a portion of the public, -which opposed her temperance views, but she has her surest fame in this -stand which no predecessor of hers was ever strong enough to assert and -maintain. And from the millions of homes in this country, where young -men are growing to manhood with their sisters beside them, have gone up -from the hearts of parents thankful, grateful prayers for the honor and -reverence paid to the one cause in this land which has most lacked for -recognition in high places. Whatever course may be adopted by future -generations, the social administration of Mrs. Hayes marks a new era in -the history of temperance, and it will be a mile-stone to show the turn -in the tide in favor of this principle which had languished for want of -just the recognition she gave it and her sex, its standard-bearer. Such -is her fame, and her reward is the gratitude of the best men and women -of the age. - -Mrs. Hayes had with her in the White House all of her children, save the -eldest son, who is an Ohio lawyer. The second son, whose coming of age -was appropriately celebrated in the White House, acted as his father’s -confidential secretary; a third son was at school, and the only daughter -and youngest son were with their parents there. - -Mrs. Hayes has the distinction of being one of the few women who have -lived in the glare and glitter of society in Washington and avoided all -manner of extremes in dress. She did not appear in diamonds, eschewed -low-neck and short-sleeved dresses, never varied her individual fashion -of arranging her hair, and, to quote the remark of one of her girlhood -friends, made at the commencement of her husband’s administration, “she -is the same Lucy as of old.” This same friend said of her, “It is just -like Lucy to go to the Foundry Church. She always despised shams and -ostentation.” - -Of all the Washington scribes who have written of Mrs. Hayes, Mary -Clemmer, in describing the inauguration,has said the most pleasing -things. And the queries she made of her possible course are answered in -the remark of Mrs. Hayes’ school friend. She wrote of her after seeing -her in the Senate Chamber on that auspicious occasion: - -“Meanwhile, on this man of whom every one in the nation is this moment -thinking, a fair woman between two little children looks down. She has a -singularly gentle and winning face. It looks out from the bands of -smooth dark hair with that tender light in the eyes which we have come -to associate always with the Madonna. I have never seen such a face -reign in the White House. I wonder what the world of Vanity Fair will do -with it? Will it friz that hair? powder that face? draw those sweet, -fine lines awry with pride? bare those shoulders? shorten those sleeves? -hide John Wesley’s, discipline out of sight, as it poses and minces -before the first lady of the land? what will she do with it, this woman -of the hearth and home? Strong as she is fair, will she have the grace -to use it as not abusing it; to be in it, yet not of it; priestess of a -religion pure and undefiled, holding the white lamp of her womanhood, -unshaken and unsullied, high above the heated crowd that fawns, flatters -and spoils? The Lord in heaven knows. All I know is that Mr. and Mrs. -Hayes are the finest-looking type of man and woman that I have seen take -up their abode in the White House.” This description of her tallies with -that given by a white-haired Southerner who went to a White House -reception, and remarked to his friends that Mrs. Hayes was a “God -beautiful woman.” President Hayes cannot be described in so graphic a -way, though he is a man easily sketched. His eyes are blue and kindly in -expression; his features are strong and his manners are polished. His -home-life is, as may well be judged by all that has been said in the -foregoing sketch, beautiful. He is refined, affectionate and manly, and -when he and his wife stood together in the Blue Room of the White House, -on the 31st of December, 1877, to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary -of their marriage, their friends gathered about them coincided in the -opinion that they were “the finest-looking type of man and woman that -they had ever seen take up their abode in the White House.” This -silver-wedding, the first ever celebrated in the White House, was a -social event which proved of genuine interest to the people of the -country, who, irrespective of party, wished them a long-continued career -of happiness. The anniversary was celebrated on the afternoon of the -30th, when the Rev. Dr. McCabe, who married, them, renewed his pastoral -blessing in the same words and heard the same pledges given that were -uttered a quarter of a century ago. Mrs. Hayes wore the same satin dress -and slippers which she wore on her wedding-day, and they were surrounded -by their five children and the following personal guests: Mr. and Mrs. -Herron, Dr. and Mrs. Davis, of Cincinnati; General and Mrs. Force, -Secretary Rogers and wife, Miss Platt, Miss McKell, Colonel Wier, Miss -Foote and Mrs. Mitchell. After the celebration of the ceremony a most -interesting event followed. The infant daughter of Mr. Herron was -christened, and received the name of Lucy Webb, in honor of Mrs. Hayes. -After it was baptized the President presented his daughter Fannie and -youngest son Scott Russell, for baptism, and then the party were ushered -into the dining-room, where dinner was served. The next evening the -formal ceremonies were held, and one hundred guests were present. The -Executive Mansion was brilliantly illuminated, and the parlors and the -East Room were elegantly decorated with flowers. Mrs. Hayes wore a -reception dress of white striped silk, trimmed with point lace. Her -wedding dress of white satin was exhibited to her lady friends, but the -idea at first entertained of wearing it was abandoned because of its -size, it being too small. The guests were as far as possible the same -who attended the wedding in 1852, and among the number were Mr. Rogers, -the private secretary and former law partner of the President, Mr. and -Mrs. Wilber, Mrs. Hayes’ former teachers, and Mrs. Mitchell, the -President’s niece, who as a little girl was the bride’s attendant and -held her hand during the ceremony. A large portion of the company -present were Ohioans, and the entertainment was social and informal. The -only present received, for it had been made known distinctly that the -President would accept none, was a gift to Mrs. Hayes from the officers -of the Twenty-Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, consisting of a silver -plate imbedded in a mat of black velvet and enclosed in a richly -ornamented ebony frame. The present was given in memory of kindness -received at the hands of Mrs. Hayes in the field, and it was inscribed -on its face, “To the Mother of the Regiment.” The inscription on the -silver is: - -“To Thee, ‘Mother of ours,’ from the 23d O. V. I. To Thee, our Mother, -on thy silver troth, we bring this token of our love. Thy boys give -greeting unto thee with burning hearts. Take the hoarded treasures of -thy speech, kind words, gentle when a gentle word was worth the surgery -of an hundred schools to heal sick thought and make our bruises whole. -Take it, our mother: ’tis but some small part of thy rare beauty we give -back to thee, and while love speaks in silver, from our hearts we’ll -bribe Old Father Time to spare his gift.” - -Above the inscription is a sketch of the log hut erected as Colonel -Hayes’ head-quarters in the valley of the Kanawha, during the winter of -1863 and 1864, and above it the tattered and torn battle-flags of the -regiment. - -After the invitations were written, the President personally addressed -each and added these words: “I hope you will be present.” - -The White House was a family mansion in the fulness of the term while -Mrs. Hayes was in it. She kept it filled with relatives and friends, and -gave receptions and entertainments suited to the tastes of those she -designed to honor. The President’s niece, Miss Platt, who made her home -with her uncle, was married in the mansion, and bridal parties were -entertained there from all parts of the country. Mrs. Hayes, on one of -her tours with her husband, was asked if she did not get tired of seeing -so many people and going so much, and she replied: “Oh, no; I never get -tired of having a good time.” She really liked to meet the people who -wished to see her, and to shake hands with all who chose to offer her -congratulations and respect. She was the most idolized woman in America -during her husband’s administration, and not because she held the rank -she did, for many have held it before her, who were not known outside a -small circle, but for the reason that she is a loving, sunny-hearted, -unselfish woman, liking popularity and seeking it according to the Bible -injunction: “A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.” She -uses the world without abusing it, and carries herself through its pomps -and vanities unspotted and pure. - -The closing months of President Hayes’ administration were marked by -national good feeling and cordiality, and the social life of the White -House was most brilliant. Dinner parties and invitation receptions -followed each other in rapid succession, and the guests that were -entertained there were great in numbers. The extent of her hospitality -was estimated by ladies whose husbands had official relations with the -President, and who by right of their positions were often at the White -House entertainments, as being greater than any other hostess who had -preceded her in her high position. She never gave a dinner or an evening -party that was not on a scale of elegance compatible with her position, -and hence only praise can be said of her administration. - -One of the most charming of the entertainments she gave was a lunch -party to fifty young ladies in honor of eight guests. There was no -married lady present except Mrs. Hayes. The young ladies invited to meet -her youthful visitors were the daughters of the members of the Cabinet, -of the Chief-Justices, members of Congress, of the foreign Ministers, -and army and navy officers in the city, and they included many beautiful -and not a few distinguished ladies. The lunch was given in the state -dining-room, and as only forty persons can be seated at the table, it -was extended by long tables reaching nearly across the room, placed at -right angles with it at each end. Mrs. Hayes sat at the head of the -room, and the young ladies staying in the house were dispersed among the -guests. No gentlemen were present. The table was exquisitely adorned -with flowers and dishes of fresh and candied fruits, candelabra, etc. -Potted plants were also grouped about the room. The plants and ferns in -the conservatory were seen to great advantage through the long windows. -A photograph was taken of the table and the vista through the -conservatories before the guests assembled. The bon-bons served were of -many choice and novel varieties, and the _menu_ included every delicacy. -The dinner cards were perfectly plain, square, white cards, with a -silver edge, and the coat-of-arms of the United States upon them. - -In addition to the many incidental receptions and entertainments, and -apart from the usual Presidential receptions, Mrs. Hayes was invariably -at home to welcome whoever chose to call upon her from eight to ten -o’clock each evening. And there was scarcely an evening in the week when -the green parlor was not full of people. Whether these were strangers -from out of the city or personal acquaintance, they were received -informally, and as they took their departure it was most usually the -case that they carried away with them flowers, which were always to be -seen in all the rooms during her life there. - -Mrs. Hayes left the White House signally honored by her own sex. She -received during the closing days of her stay in Washington every -recognition that the women of this country could give her, and she -returned to her home in Ohio assured of the esteem of those whose good -opinions she would naturally value. She did not win the regard of her -sex by seeking for their favorable opinions, but by being true to -herself. - -The presentation of her portrait, a life-size painting by Huntington, -was made to the nation by the temperance people, who felt that her -course deserved some more marked tribute than could be paid her in -words. The picture represents her standing, holding in her hands a -cluster of roses. She is arrayed in a ruby velvet, the rich color being -toned by white laces about her neck and sleeves. The canvas is seven -feet four inches high by six feet wide, and the frame (of oak) stands -nearly ten feet in height. The sides of the frame are in the form of -pilasters with a capital at the top and a plinth at the base, the sides -supporting a rich projecting cornice. This cornice presents a hollow -moulding a foot deep, on which are carved branches of oak in high -relief, above which is displayed in unique designs the American flag. -The capitals on the pilasters are in a pattern of lilies (purity), the -bases of these in laurel (victory), the bottom in the English hawthorn -and the water lily, the top in oak leaves and acorns (power and -strength), together with several other less noticeable designs. The -frame was made by the Cincinnati School of Design, under Mr. Benn -Pitman, and is the finest ever carved. The presentation was made in the -East Room on the morning of the 8th of March, General Garfield replying -to Miss Frances Willard, who, as President of the National Woman’s -Christian Temperance Union, tendered it. The event awakened interest -throughout the nation. Everybody felt renewed interest in the woman who -had done such worthy things as to secure to herself a following such as -no other member of her sex ever had in this country. She came to her -fame step by step, proving with each day’s life that she was building -character and not seeking applause. She had no more power in the White -House than she had in Ohio, for though her husband’s ear was ever -conveniently near by, she did not impose taxes upon him or make him pay -tribute to her rank as his wife. With him she shared his high place, but -it was not used selfishly to advance her popularity or to win for her -aught of selfish fame. In the midst of her surroundings, which were -outwardly captivating enough to turn a strong head, she lived a -self-respecting life, individualizing it without antagonizing her -husband’s public interests. In the stand she took in refusing to use -wine on her table, she exhibited rare courage, because it was not only -an unpopular step, but it was one that placed her in contrast with her -predecessors in the position she was holding—a circumstance which was -her chief regret. As to the right of a woman to take the authoritative -stand she did, she did not stop to consider, for she was in her own home -even if in the Executive Mansion, and the public had no more right to -dictate what she should drink than what she should eat or wear. Mr. -Hayes, had he set aside her wishes and trampled her authority, would -have committed in so doing no act that would have condemned him in the -eyes of the majority of people. But she reaped as she had sown, and was -respected in the measure of her self-respect, and it was this evidence -of her moral power, more than the mere fact of her being a temperance -advocate, that drew the women of this country about her. And taken all -in all, she is one of the finest representatives of her sex who has held -the place she has filled. This is the verdict of the women of this -country, who by thousands signed the testimonials sent her, and united -in presenting to the nation her portrait, as a manifestation of their -gratitude for worthy representation. It is the first instance of the -kind in the history of any nation, and it marked the prestige of a -people who are every year becoming more renowned throughout the world, -and more and more an example of the advancing power of civilization. - -Ex-President and Mrs. Hayes, accompanied by their children and a party -of friends, left Washington on Saturday morning, the 5th of March, and -hardly had they begun their journey when an accident occurred which came -nigh proving disastrous. Fortunately none of the persons with the -ex-President were hurt, though two persons on the train were killed and -a number were seriously injured. The accident occurred near Baltimore in -the afternoon of the day they left Washington. Arriving at Fremont the -people received the long absent family with every manifestation of -delight and regard, and welcomed them with music, banners and speeches. -At night the town was illuminated, and the house of the ex-President was -crowded with neighbors and friends, who made the home-coming as pleasant -as the God-speed had been hearty and earnest. - -[Illustration: Engraved by Samuel Sartain, Phil_a ] - - - - - XXVII. - LUCRETIA RUDOLPH GARFIELD. - - -A woman who had known Mrs. Garfield for a number of years previous to -the election of her husband to the Presidency said of her, in reply to a -question regarding her fitness for the place she was to fill: - -“She will have a most beneficent influence upon society in Washington. -She loves truth and despises shams. She is a woman of exceeding good -sense, and will perform her entire social duty when called upon.” - -“Will she be popular with what is called the fashionable world?” - -“Mrs. Garfield is not what would be termed a fashionable woman in -Washington, but she will command the respect of all classes. She -inclines to retirement, and is very quiet and serious, naturally.” - -“A home-body, then!” - -“Yes, a home-body; and a lady whose refinement, attainments and fine -character the people will like.” - -Mrs. Garfield went to the White House under the most advantageous -circumstances, but it was the common remark of her friends that she was -not likely to make as much of her opportunity, as the First Lady of the -Land, socially, as some of her predecessors had. “I hope I shall not -disappoint you,” she said to several women who called upon her during -the inauguration week. She seemed to feel that more was expected of her -than she was likely to perform, and her eyes were full of tears when she -made this remark. Had no circumstance occurred to call into prominence -the finest characteristics of her nature, she would probably have been -slow in producing upon the general public the appreciation she deserved. -Her qualities of heart and mind are those that pass for less than their -value in what is termed society life. She is not a woman of showy -attainments; is not given to the saying of sharp things that sound -clever when repeated, but generally hurt those to whom they are -addressed. She had no ambition to shine as the leader of Washington -society, as the public discovered during the few months of her life in -the President’s House. The newspapers overpraised her accomplishments, -and this troubled her, as all exaggerations did. She remarked the -injustice inaccurate publications did her predecessors, but she could do -nothing more than pursue the even tenor of her way, performing what she -knew to be her duty. The earlier months of the Administration passed -quietly away, the social season being over and her health being poor, -and it was remarked that she kept herself secluded from public gaze. By -and by her severe illness was announced, and the public sympathized with -her husband, who seemed to be borne down by anxiety and dread lest she -should be taken from him. - -It was evident to those who came in contact with the new Lady of the -White House that, though fragile in appearance, she possessed great -powers of endurance, and her deliberate and thoughtful utterances gave -assurance of a mind and heart that could but prove a blessing to her in -her new field of action. The qualities for which she was praised on -every side had characterized her through life, but the full opportunity -for their display came to her for the first time as the President’s -wife. She was found to be undemonstrative and self-contained, and showed -by her words and her acts that she valued the place she occupied mainly -because it reflected her husband’s greatness and could be made a help to -him. Beyond her duties she had no inclinations or aspirations. Her -influence had never been exerted selfishly, and she was not likely to -change in any respect, because she was greater in herself than she was -in the place she had been called to fill for a time. Her husband’s -interests were her chief concern, and she lived at his side, aiding and -blessing him. She was to him an inspiration—a perpetual joy and solace. -He was her rock of strength—her ever-present refuge and rest. He was -hers, she was his, and the two were one in their children. - -The story of their two lives is well known in this country. Both were -born in Ohio; he was the son of a widowed mother, she the daughter of a -home full of children. Neither was well-to-do in worldly ways, and he -was very poor, and with nothing but a stout heart and a mother’s love to -depend upon in the beginning of his career. - -When the little girl, Lucretia Rudolph, met James Garfield, her senior -by a few years, he was in the same school she attended, Geauga Seminary, -and was a strong, healthy boy who was working assiduously to fit himself -for college. She was a studious girl who had no very definite plans -until she became acquainted with him, and imbibed his taste for books. -For several years they were at this school, and then young Garfield -entered Hiram College, just completed. In a short time, through the -illness and retirement of one of the tutors, he became a teacher, and -into his class-room came the reserved young girl, who for two years -recited Latin to him. He evidently taught her well, for twenty years -later she instructed her boys in Latin, preparatory to their entering -college. - -Her father, Mr. Zebulon Rudolph, was a farmer living near Garrettsville, -and was one of the founders of Hiram College. Her mother was a daughter -of Elijah Mason, of Lebanon, Connecticut, and a descendant, on her -mother’s side, of General Nathaniel Greene. - -Her parents reared their daughter in a practical manner, early imbuing -her with ideas of self-restraint and self-government that admirably -fitted her for her after career. - -After she was graduated from Hiram College she taught school in order to -relieve her parents of her support and lift herself above dependence -upon them. When Mr. Garfield went to Williams College to continue his -education, she went to Cleveland, to teach in one of the public schools. -Both studied: she, with a view to self-improvement that she might be a -fitting companion for her ambitious lover; he, that he might be prepared -for the place among men he aspired to take. They loved each other, and -were engaged to be married before their departure from Hiram. - -At the end of the year they met at Hiram, and when he had graduated and -returned there, she was still teaching. She taught for a year after, -though not in Cleveland, and in a letter written by the Hon. A. M. -Pratt, of Bayou, Ohio, is given this picture of the two: - -“Twenty-three years ago Mrs. Garfield sought and taught scholars in -painting and drawing in this then very insignificant village, and not -getting very large classes, living meantime in my house, the guest and -friend of my then wife. The future President was frequently entertained -at my table; he, a young, strong, green, great-hearted, large-headed -youth, but two years from college, hopeful, full of life and push; she, -graceful, sweet, amiable, retiring, with a disposition as lovely as a -star-lit sky—both poor. Their fortune was their youth, health, hearts, -intellects, hopes, and, glad am I to say, love.” - -The marriage took place at the house of the bride’s parents, November -11, 1858. Mr. Garfield had been made Principal of Hiram College, and -considered himself fairly started in life, so that there was no reason -for longer deferring the union. He was not rich enough to give his bride -a home, and for some years they boarded. Pupils of his during that time -knew his wife as a quiet, retiring person, who always welcomed them -kindly and showed real interest in their school work and progress. She -was an admirable school-teacher’s wife, because of her acquaintance with -the work and her appreciation of the responsibility as such. They were a -poor couple and lived much within themselves; but they were happily -united and congenially employed. She had been taught by her parents—to -whom she owes much for such instruction—to be a truth-speaking, -right-thinking young woman, and added to this rare training were her -excellent school advantages and her practical use of them. She was the -outgrowth of this fine family government, and such womanhood as she has -developed is a credit to her and an encouragement to other parents. - -The husband she selected was eminently fitted by his rearing to -appreciate her worth, and it was with genuine satisfaction that their -friends saw them unite their two lives. - -Of General Garfield’s career much could be written, did the limits of -this sketch admit. After his election to the Presidency, considerable -was said of his ancestry, but the people of this country cared little -for genealogical records in his case. The story of his mother’s -struggles to rear her young children, the success achieved in her -labors, and her own personal worth, added to what is known of the -character of his early lost father, were enough to convince his country -people that he came of good stock and had a glorious heritage. - -When the father of James Garfield lay dying, he pointed to his children, -and said to his wife, “Eliza, I have planted four saplings in these -woods; I leave them to your care.” He was buried in a corner of a wheat -field on his little farm, and the mother and her boys worked in the -fields together. James was her baby. When he was four years old he went -to the district school. He was sent thus early that he might learn to -read and write before he became old enough to assist on the farm. The -three elder children were at work, and when the mother could spare time -from her indoor duties she helped them to gather hay, plant corn, and, -with her eldest boy’s aid, she cleared new land and fenced it in. Little -James learned to spell and read, and imbibed with every passing day the -inspiration of purpose and reverence for work that came by-and-by to be -second nature to him. His mother early saw that he loved study, and she -determined to help him gratify his taste. She could not send him to -school in winter, because it was too far for his little feet to plod -alone, and she offered to give a corner out of her farm if her neighbors -would put up a school-house. It was done, and James became a pupil. He -carried home a New Testament at the close of the first term for being -the best boy in school. - -When he was sixteen he walked sixteen miles to offer his services to a -farmer who wanted laborers. He was asked what pay he expected, and -replied, “A man’s wages—a dollar a day.” It was refused, and then he -volunteered to mow hay by the acre, with the help of a boy older than -himself. The offer was accepted, and he earned his dollar before four -o’clock in the afternoon. - -Who does not know the story of his life? The tow-boy on the Erie Canal; -the steersman; the labor-loving and industrious widow’s son whose -respect for women all through his life was founded on his respect for -his mother. He was not long from home at any time, because she could not -bear it, and when he talked about being a sailor she told him of a -better life to lead. She was no drudge whose poverty had quelled -ambition. She was a true mother, and lived over her life in her -children. To her persevering persuasions her boy owed his opportunity -for study. Had she possessed riches she could not have done more for him -and might have done less. Her youngest born, whom the neighbors, looking -at in the cradle, thought would be better off out of the world than in -it, followed the way she led, and gave up his desire to work in order to -get an education. She was helped in her effort by a spell of sickness he -had, and which kept him in the house with her. To that attack of ague, -and the opportunity it gave his mother, he largely owed his future -career. - -If anybody in the day of his power was surprised at the extreme and -enthusiastic devotion he paid his mother, it was from a lack of -knowledge of how he loved her. The sons of widows are, as a rule, far -more appreciative of their mothers than are other boys. It needs not a -very extended outlook of history to be able to recall numerous instances -of this truth, and among the Presidents themselves are several notable -examples of the influence of widowed mothers over ambitious sons. And it -is well to observe that great men who have owed their training directly -to their mothers have never failed to be the strictest observers of the -fifth commandment. It is not possible in the limits of this sketch to -trace all the struggles of the youth to get an education. His history is -one that should be studied by the young of both sexes in this country. -The life-work of Mother Garfield is written in the worthy lives of all -her children, and imperishably in the fame of her “baby” boy, the -twentieth President of the United States. - -Mr. and Mrs. Garfield resided in Hiram until 1860, when he was elected -to the State Senate, and went to Columbus. He had previous to this time -made up his mind that he would become a lawyer, and was admitted to the -bar. His intention was to settle in Cleveland and practise his -profession, and he doubtless would have done so but for the breaking out -of the war. In 1861 he left the Senate to become Colonel of the -Forty-second Ohio Regiment. At an earlier period of his life, and while -a teacher, he had become a preacher of the Church of the Disciples—a -sect known as the Campbellites. His ministerial work was, however, -incidental, and not at any time a regular pursuit, though his friends -desired him to adopt it as such. - -Mr. Garfield went to the war a poor man, not even owning a home, and it -was with money saved while in the service that his wife bought a house -and lot at Hiram, for which $800 was paid. His wife and children lived -in that modest little cottage, which he greatly improved, and owned no -other house until, in 1870, after several years of Congressional life, -he built himself a dwelling in Washington. When he went to the Senate -his salary of $5,000 a year was the largest amount of money he had ever -earned, and with a feeling of lessened pecuniary cares was entertained -the desire of owning a farm in Ohio, where his fast-growing boys could -spend their vacations, and where he could give his wife and himself the -rest they required after the busy winters in Washington. Lawnfield, a -place now historic, was purchased, and Mrs. Garfield designed the house, -which was erected in 1880, and into which the family moved that summer. - -The long years of the war were spent by Mrs. Garfield at her home in -Hiram. Her parents were living not far away, and the absence of the -husband and father was as far as possible atoned for by the presence of -relatives and the companionship of Mother Garfield, whose home was with -her son from the time he had one to offer her. The months dragged slowly -by, until after the battle of Corinth, when Mrs. Garfield was gladdened -by the return of her husband, now Brigadier-General, who remained at -home for six months suffering from fever and ague, contracted on the -tow-path when a boy, and from the effects of which he was never able to -completely rid himself. - -On his return to the front he joined General Rosecrans as Chief of -Staff, and at the battle of Chickamauga he won his Major-General’s -stars. - -It was during this absence that he lost his infant daughter, and when -the news reached him he hastened home to attend the funeral. His dead -child was photographed in his arms, and this picture is among the -treasures cherished of him now. He was greatly attached to his children, -and in speaking of his lost one and the circumstance mentioned, he said -to his friend, President Hinsdale: “As I sat with that dead child in my -arms my eyes rested upon my bright blue uniform, so recently bestowed -upon me, and I thought: ‘How small are all the honors of this life—how -insignificant are all its struggles and triumphs!’ I am grieved and -broken in spirit at the great loss which has been inflicted upon me, but -I can endure almost anything so long as this brave little woman is left -me.” - -While at the front the people of his district elected him to Congress; -and, in 1863, his career in Washington began, and for eight terms he was -re-elected. Afterward he was chosen to succeed Mr. Wade in the Senate. -The first years General Garfield lived in Washington, whether in -boarding-houses or in rented dwellings, his wife and himself were people -of no great prominence socially, because they were poor; both were busy -and their children absorbed their evenings. Their circle of friends was -a charming one, however, because their quiet tastes and studious habits -made them attractive to really accomplished people. - -When Mrs. Garfield moved into her own house she was as happy as a woman -could be, and her husband was not less pleased that he could at last -shelter his children under his own roof and at his own fireside. -Doubtless, this time spent in their modest home was as free from care as -any they ever knew. But wherever they were they were happy together. The -mother had her heart’s desire in giving her children the careful home -training she could not have bestowed without such a home as she -possessed. Her house was a real home because her husband was one with -her in all things, and his life and hers were not separated in pleasure -or in duty. She was as fond of books as he, and he was always her -teacher. It was beyond doubt due to his influence over her life in its -formative period that she became a teacher. Her appreciation of his -ability and their kindred tastes made them comrades in study and in -work. They were united in more than in their domestic relations, and -grew nearer together as the years passed. - -It is rarely that two people marry, who have known each other so long -and so well as did this couple, and it is one of the causes of -congratulation that their example has been so prominently set before the -world. Men and women of the nobler sort, who appreciate the need there -is in public life of notable examples of happy marriages will never -regret that the opportunity was given this man and woman to discover -their home-life to the people of this country, however much they may -deplore the terrible calamity that was the means of unveiling the sacred -side of their lives to the world. The comfort it is to the American -people—in view of the world-wide publicity given the slightest -circumstance connected with their career—that these two people were so -admirable in their personal characters and in their home-life, has not -been fully realized generally; but it is undeniably true that it was the -one sweet strain that sang itself into the wounded hearts of a nation in -their time of grief and pain. - -Ten years before Mrs. Garfield went into the White House, and during one -summer when the family were in Ohio, she was compelled to do much of her -own work. In the temporary absence of her husband from home, she wrote -him a letter, which, intended for no other eye than his, fell into the -hands of President Hinsdale, who made an extract from it for the use of -his pupils, as showing the character of the President’s wife and her -views upon the subject of woman’s work. It is appropriate here, and is -as follows: - -“I am glad to tell that out of all the toil and disappointments of the -summer just ended, I have risen up to a victory; that silence of thought -since you have been away has won for my spirit a triumph. I read -something like this the other day: ‘There is no healthy thought without -labor, and thought makes the labor happy.’ Perhaps this is the way I -have been able to climb up higher. It came to me one morning when I was -making bread. I said to myself, ‘Here I am compelled by an inevitable -necessity to make our bread this summer. Why not consider it a pleasant -occupation, and make it so by trying to see what perfect bread I can -make?’ It seemed like an inspiration, and the whole of life grew -brighter. The very sunshine seemed flowing down through my spirit into -the white loaves, and now I believe my table is furnished with better -bread than ever before; and this truth, old as creation, seems just now -to have become fully mine—that I need not be the shrinking slave of -toil, but its regal master, making whatever I do yield me its best -fruits. You have been king of your work so long that maybe you laugh at -me for having lived so long without my crown, but I am too glad to have -found it at all to be entirely discontented even by your merriment. Now, -I wonder if right here does not lie the ‘terrible wrong,’ or at least -some of it, of which the woman suffragists complain. The wrongly -educated woman thinks her duties a disgrace, and frets under them or -shrinks them if she can. She sees man triumphantly pursuing his -vocations, and thinks it is the kind of work he does which makes him -grand and regnant; whereas it is not the kind of work at all, but the -way in which he does it.” - -In this letter is discovered the quality for which Mrs. Garfield is -distinguished—self-discipline. She is a woman fitted for emergencies, -and it requires them to show her real worth. The control she has over -her emotional nature gives her an immense advantage in meeting a trying -exigency. She withstands surprises, shocks and disasters with a steady -courage that commands respect, and long ago made her a heroine in the -eyes of her husband. In speaking to a friend, a few months before he was -inaugurated, while remarking upon some public man whose domestic affairs -had crippled his course of usefulness, he said of her: - - -“I have been singularly fortunate in marrying a woman who has never -given me any perplexity about anything she has said. I have never had to -explain away words of hers. She has been so prudent that I have never -been diverted from my work for one minute to take up any mistakes of -hers. She is perfectly unstampedable. When things get worse and there is -the most public clamor and the most danger to me and to us, then she is -the coolest. Sometimes it looks a little blue before me, but I get -courage from her perfect bravery.” - - -A Washington correspondent, in writing of Mrs. Garfield, paid her this -tribute: - - -“She was in Washington City during the years of extravagance, and almost -every Congressman’s wife had a carriage and every house competed for -brilliant visitors. She lived through that time as if she belonged to a -different social scale. She would not refuse to see anybody, but was -seldom dressed as if ready for company. She never apologized for her -appearance, and she made visits about twice or three times a year, -generally calling on foot, but never failing to please with the -sweetness of her countenance, the beauty of her eyes, and a -self-restraint and reserve perfectly natural.” - - -Another correspondent, in referring to the same period, says: - -“Quietly, but with the truest kindness, has Mrs. Garfield presided over -her modest house at the corner of Thirteenth and I streets, in this -city, during the years since General Garfield purchased it. In it she -has entertained, often in the simplest style, but ever with -old-fashioned, true-hearted hospitality, all of wit, wisdom, beauty that -Washington has had during the years she has been here. She is an -accomplished hostess as well as an accomplished woman—they’re two very -different things. Living as the Garfields have had to live, in the most -economical way, doing without elegant clothes, fine furniture, sumptuous -food, good, new, and rare old books, dearer than all else to them, they -have contributed more to make Washington winter life pleasant and -profitable than many other families who have supplemented less taste and -culture with more money. Mrs. Garfield’s receptions have been the -largest ever held by the wife of a mere Representative. They have far -surpassed those of more ambitious Senators’ wives, and have approximated -those of the ladies of the Supreme Court and Cabinet families in size -merely. In attractions they have stood abreast of any of them. This -simply because Mrs. Garfield is a sweet-tempered, cultured, refined -woman, in whose smile it is a pleasure to bask. - -“When we consider that, without allowing her manifold cares to interfere -with the performance of her social duties, she has managed her -establishment alone, and personally conducted the training of her boys -for college, we can conceive her superiority, with all her social -success, to the mere ‘society leader.’ General Garfield is the president -of our literary society, and during the past year it has met at his -house. It was more pleasantly entertained there than it had ever been -before. Mrs. Garfield exerted even her latent social powers that night, -and it was difficult for her guests to break away from her delightful -parlors.” - -The summer preceding the Chicago Convention, the Garfield family went to -Mentor rather late in the season, and remained there through the fall -and winter. It had been their intention to return to Washington as usual -before the reassembling of Congress, but the result of the Convention -changed previous plans, and the household continued there until the week -before the inauguration. During that time the crowds continually -visiting Mentor left Mrs. Garfield but little time for relaxation and -rest. She was in the midst of excitement of a political kind constantly, -and to it were added the onerous duties of hostess—a position scarcely -to be desired, under such circumstances. She shrank from the publicity -which the nomination of her husband to the highest gift in the nation -subjected her, though she met the requirements of the position with a -pleasant demeanor and quiet reserve natural to her. - -The newspapers abounded in personal allusions to the family, and many -efforts were made to obtain her photograph for publication in the -illustrated periodicals. This she would not permit, either during the -canvass or after the election. It was not in her power, however, to -prevent those who had her picture from showing it to their friends, and -finally she recognized the natural desire of the public to see the -photograph of the Lady of the White House, and she sat for one that was -approved by herself and husband. The engraving accompanying this sketch -is from that photograph, and is a correct likeness of her, as she -appeared at that time. - -Though the newspapers could not obtain her photograph, the -correspondents made pen-pictures of herself and her home. One of them -(writing to the Detroit _Evening News_) gave so pleasant a picture of -her that it is reproduced in part. It was written shortly after the -election: - -“The historic orchard and pumpkin-fields were lying peacefully now under -their snowy covering, and giving no signs of the recent scenes of -devastation. Crossing the wide veranda, the solitary pilgrim rang the -bell, and was ushered by a wonderfully patient-looking colored -man-servant into the reception-room, although that is quite too formal a -name to give a room combining such an air of comfort with its elegance; -it is the emanation of an artist and a fireside genius in one, and you -are not surprised to learn later that the mistress of the mansion is an -artist of considerable skill. A royal grate-fire burns brightly at one -end of the room, over which is a Queen Anne mantel, with cabinet -photographs of Garfield and Arthur, painted candles, and numerous -articles of bric-a-brac. At the opposite end of the apartment stands a -fine upright piano, adorned with photographs of Hancock, Marshall Jewell -and Ole Bull. Over this is a French picture in bright watercolors, on -one side of which hangs a copy of Meissonier’s Napoleon, on the other a -little landscape, painted and given her, Mrs. Garfield relates, by her -old drawing teacher, of whom she tells some interesting reminiscences. - -“The quiet tinted walls of the reception-room are further adorned with -large portraits of the General and his mother, one of Alexander -Campbell, the founder of the faith which Garfield indorses, and a number -of other pieces, among them a copy of Miss Ransom’s ‘Hagar and her Son,’ -from—‘let me see if I can remember the name,’ Mrs. Garfield said, -turning the picture and spelling out the Italian name from a card on the -back. ‘Miss Ransom put the card there so that I shouldn’t forget the -name, because he was not one of the best known painters.’ - -“‘And this,’ pointing to a little gilt frame decorated with pansies, -‘was sent to the General by a little Vermont girl, her own work, and the -verse inscribed on it was written for her by Whittier.’ - -“In this interest in her pictures and their histories Mrs. Garfield -showed constantly the artistic element in her nature, as well as in a -hundred touches about the rooms. - -“A small-figured dark carpet covered the floor, a Smyrna rug lay before -the fire, in the glow of which sat the famous grandmother, a quaint -little figure, making with her snowy hair and cap, and her -knitting-work, a fitting adjunct to an ‘interior’ charming enough for -anybody’s pencil. There were easy-chairs and lounges, speaking of solid -comfort, and a little centre-table piled up carelessly with all kinds of -books, school-books, story-books, a gay-colored copy of _Chic_, a life -of the President-elect, and ‘Bits of Talk,’ by H. H., being among them. -And there were also upon that table—yes, actually, dear prim -housekeepers—the well-known slouch hat of the General’s, and a roll of -red flannel, with a thimble beside it. - -“Everywhere—in every nook and corner—there are books. A case in the -parlor contains editions of Waverley and Dickens, French history in the -original, old English poets and dramatists richly bound in black and -gold, and a choice collection of miscellaneous works; in the little -hallway leading to the dining-room are books, and in the dining-room -itself more books. The last is a cheery room with its handsome tiled -mantle, open fire, pictures and shining silver. There is everywhere -evidence of the dainty housekeeper. - -“The pilgrim wandered out through the back regions of the house where -the tin wash-basin and milk-cans, which were really seen, would no doubt -be deemed objects of sacred interest to the enthusiastic adorer, and -crossed over to the detached office, whose walls are lined with -ponderous volumes, and where busy clerks and a peculiar hum of the wires -gives one some idea of the work done there. A peculiarity of the -telegraph wires running into General Garfield’s office is that the sound -of Cleveland’s church bells is conveyed distinctly over them, thirty -miles. - -“Under a tree near the office was a spirited picture. The two youngest -scions of the house and the great Newfoundland dog, all three in a state -of frantic delight, were chasing a coon which had been sent the General -by train that morning, a sample of the odd and incongruous quality of -the presents which are showered upon the family. Returning to the -parlor, the visitor found Mrs. Garfield seated before the fire, and -received her pleasant and cordial consent to the sketching of her home -for the benefit of the public, who have a natural and loyal interest in -it. To those who would wish to see a brilliant society leader in the -White House, Mrs. Garfield will perhaps be a disappointment; but those -who have been led to think of her as a retiring, mere domestic woman, -inadequate to the position, will also be disappointed. She is a lady of -admirable self-poise, dignity and thorough culture, reserved yet -affable, and with the distinguishing trait of genuineness. There is not -a trace of affectation about her. A Mentor gentleman remarked, ‘There -isn’t a family in town, apparently, so little set up by the situation as -the Garfields.’ - -“When asked if she dreaded the coming responsibilities (so much has been -said of her retiring nature), she said, slowly, with her brown eyes -fixed thoughtfully on the fire: ‘Yes, in many ways; but it has always -been my experience, so far, that one grows fitted for responsibility as -it comes. My greatest fear is that the time will slip by, and when it is -over I shall have it to look back to with regret for the many things -that ought to have been done.’ - -“With such a spirit it will be safe to trust the woman influence in the -next administration. That it is going to be an influence that will be -felt, no one who is acquainted with Mrs. Garfield doubts.... - -“Her youth was spent quietly at Hiram, and there were struggles -connected with it, in obtaining her education, which have doubtless -aided in developing her self-reliant spirit. Since marriage her life has -been devoted to her family, but she has always given up a great deal of -time to the rites of hospitality. - -“‘Bless you,’ said a local gossip, ‘they have always been overrun with -visitors. Why, Mrs. Garfield hasn’t had a chance to get acquainted, -hardly, with people here.’ The same oracle said: ‘Mrs. Garfield is -wonderfully firm; if she once makes up her mind to a thing nothing can -turn her. Now, the general can be coaxed, but they both have splendid -family government.’... The pilgrim boarded the train, with a good-bye, -for Mentor, and an uncommonly pleasant picture tucked away in his memory -of a charming home, and of the future mistress of the White House. The -latter picture is in personnel a slender, graceful lady, with a -transparently clear complexion, with delicate features, and clear, -penetrating, brown eyes; hair the same shade of brown, worn in a braid -at the back, and frizzed quite in conventional style in front. A dark -blue dress, simple lace tie, and little or no jewelry, completed the -lady’s home appearance. - -“A gentleman, well acquainted with the family, remarked: ‘Mrs. Garfield -looks a little worn now, and no wonder. She has changed a good deal -within the last year. When she got the telegram announcing the -nomination the tears came into her eyes, and when she was asked if she -was not glad and proud to hear it, she said: “Oh, yes; but it is a -terrible responsibility to come to him and to me;” but I tell you she -has put her shoulder to the wheel bravely so far, and she will continue -to the end.’” - -The allusion to Miss Ransom, the artist, in this extract, recalls the -fact that a year or more previous to the election, General Garfield -commissioned her to paint a portrait of Mrs. Garfield. The two were old -Cleveland friends, and had been intimately associated for years. The -portrait was painted, and during the week of the inauguration it was -seen by many strangers in Washington who visited her studio. She told a -characteristic thing of Mrs. Garfield in connection with this portrait. -Miss Ransom for a background sketched a beautiful view from the -Soldiers’ Home, showing the Capitol, and the Potomac, like a thread of -silver, in the far distance. Mrs. Garfield objected to it, saying, “That -will do for a President’s wife who resides at the Soldiers’ Home a part -of each year, but not for me.” The artist argued and pleaded, but in -vain. Mrs. Garfield was decided in her mind, and refused to have it. She -however added to her objection the remark, that she would be pleased if -there could be introduced into the picture a view of Franklin Park—“the -corner opposite my window, where I have so often watched my children at -play,” she said. The artist still demurred, on the ground that the park -was so near and so shut in that it was impossible to get the perspective -requisite for a good background, but the children and the General were -delighted with Mrs. Garfield’s idea, and Miss Ransom yielded to their -united request, and the portrait was finished accordingly. General -Garfield was greatly pleased with the result, and would not let the -portrait be taken from Washington to the artist’s studio in Cleveland, -where she proposed to complete it, lest something might befall it in the -transportation. - -[Illustration: - - ELIZA BALLOU GARFIELD. -] - -Of the mother of General Garfield much was said previous to the -inauguration, and has been since. She is the first mother of a President -who has lived in the White House, and by reason of the deference and -distinction her son showed her has been the recipient of exceptional -attentions. No one who ever saw her in his company but felt that an -unusual tie bound them. They were the ideal mother and son, and were so -recognized years before he had grown into a public man. “You never see -General Garfield at church without his wife and mother,” was the remark -of a resident of Washington who lived near the Church of the Disciples. -“He goes by here almost every Sunday with his wife on one arm and his -mother on the other.” - -People who called at the house saw the bright old lady, who was -“grandma” to so many children, and knew by her sunshiny manner that she -was an honored member of the family—not a mere guest or an inmate of the -house. She was “mother” to Mrs. Garfield as well as to her son, and the -two women loved each other because their hearts were centred in him. - -Many incidents are related of her sterling worth and integrity of -character. Few women of to-day have known such rugged experiences with -poverty as she had for long years after she lost her young husband. She -must have been possessed of intense force of will, or she would have -failed in the work she accomplished. All her children were blessings to -her, and honored her absolutely. She lived for years a life of toil, and -in the neighborhood of the old home are told many circumstances -creditable to her. Her eldest son was a little boy when his father died, -and was not able to wield an axe. She wanted fences made, and her -neighbors offered to do the job for her, as they did for each other. The -custom was a common one, and all that was expected in return was a -supply of whiskey. She refused to furnish liquor to them—she the widow, -with fatherless boys about her, watching her example and knowing no -other guide. She wielded her maul and split her own rails, without -subjecting her boys to temptation or perilling their future by any act -of hers. Widow Garfield would not open her door to an enemy too strong -for women to cope with in strangers and the bitterest of foes to -encounter in the home circle, and wisely decided to save her young at -whatever sacrifice. If people occasionally wondered at the depth of her -children’s love, and the jealous care they bestowed upon her, it was -because she had earned such riches for herself and was wearing the crown -that was of her own making. - -The scene at the inauguration of her son—when he stood in the presence -of the most distinguished men and women of the land, and saw a sea of -human beings before him such as no man could count, and turning from -them all kissed his old mother first and then his wife—will never be -forgotten. The people could talk of nothing else then, and cannot now -recall the event without dwelling upon it. The new President might well -have overlooked his mother at such a time and been formal with his wife, -but he was husband and son first, and the young men who witnessed the -spectacle were benefited and blessed by it. - -Such filial and husbandly devotion won President Garfield the respect of -wives and mothers throughout the land—a respect which kindled into -affection in the time that came. A speedy illustration of the effect of -this act was given by a young school-girl who had been an eye-witness to -it, and whose enthusiasm was checked by her companion. “It was done for -effect,” he teasingly remarked. “It was done because he is a knight—a -real Sir Galahad!” she replied, the bright eyes sparkling, the rosy -cheeks flushing, as she defended her hero. That little act was the tie -that bound the women of this country to those two women as nothing else -could, and it was an assurance of a happy home which aroused generous -American sentiment for the new White House occupants. - -Mrs. Garfield was eighty years of age when her youngest child entered -upon the performance of the highest office in his country, and very -naturally she was the object of much sincere interest. When the -Presidential party reached Washington, she was escorted from the car by -her son and placed in the carriage of President Hayes, which awaited her -coming. She was driven to the White House direct, and was there to -welcome her son and daughter when they came over from the Riggs House in -the evening to see her. Her heart must have throbbed with thankfulness -and delight that night as she looked back over the years that lay behind -her, thought of the husband dead for fifty years, and dwelt upon the -career of her boy, who had grown up by her side, and was the first in -the land and ruler of a nation. - -Incidents of her early life are rare, and from a relative, an aged man, -who knew her in girlhood, these facts are obtained: - -“Eliza Ballou and a sister, about 1820, by the death of their parents, -were left alone in the world and unprovided for, so far as the -inheritance or possession of property was concerned. Preferring to live -among relatives, one went to reside with an uncle in northern Ohio, and -the other, Eliza, came to another uncle, the father of Samuel Arnold, -who then lived on a farm near Norwich, Muskingum county, Ohio. There -Eliza Ballou made her home, cheerfully helping at the house or in the -field, as was then sometimes the custom in a pioneer country. Having -something more than what at that day was an ordinary education, Eliza -procured about twenty pupils and taught a summer school. The -school-house was one of the most primitive kind, and stood in the edge -of a dense and heavily-timbered woods. One day there came up a fearful -storm of wind and rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning. The woods -were badly wrecked, but the wind left the old log school-house -uninjured. Not so the lightning. A bolt struck a tree that projected -closely over the roof and then the roof of the building itself. Some of -the pupils were greatly alarmed, and no doubt thought it the crack of -doom or day of judgment. The teacher, as calm and collected as possible, -tried to quiet her pupils and keep them in their places. A man who was -one of the pupils, in speaking of the occurrence, says that for a little -while he remembered nothing, and then he looked around and saw the -teacher and all the pupils lying dead on the floor, as he thought. -Presently the teacher began to move a little, and rose to her feet. -Then, one by one, the pupils got up, with a single exception. Help, -medical and otherwise, was obtained as soon as possible for this one, -and, though life was saved for a time, reason had forever fled. This was -a fearful experience for a young female teacher, and it probably ended -her career as an instructress. - -“Eliza Ballou’s sister married in northern Ohio, and while on a visit to -her the former made the acquaintance of Abram Garfield, and subsequently -married him. When James was about sixteen years old, he and his widowed -mother visited Muskingum county in search of a school for the young man. -They visited the family of the elder Arnold, at Norwich, and also the -family of Samuel Arnold, now a citizen of New Lexington, and before -referred to. The unusual intelligence of the boy and the astonishing -affection between mother and son were what chiefly impressed itself upon -the minds of those who entertained the poor humble boy who was to become -a future President of the United States, and die a martyr to the high -official position, more widely lamented than any other man had ever -been. There appeared to be no opening for a school in the neighborhood -of Norwich, and mother and son went to Uncle Ballou’s, in another part -of the county, where James got a school and taught a single term. The -money thus earned he applied in further educating himself. And this was -why he and his mother were hunting a school.” - -Forty-five years later the proudest day of that mother’s life had come, -and she went forth to meet it, treading lightly, forgetting that she was -old, and remembering that it was “her baby” who was to be made President -of the United States. “There is the President’s mother,” was whispered -among the throng, as a small, elderly lady, dressed in black silk, with -her white head covered with a close-fitting bonnet, stepped into the -Senate gallery. It was the woman in her that made her so calm and -composed as she looked down upon the scene before her; it was the mother -in her that caused her withered cheeks to flush and the tears to start -as she saw her son come upon the floor, surrounded by the chief officers -of the nation. - -She was the first to receive him as he entered the Executive Mansion, -and a sweeter picture has rarely been seen on earth than this little -mother presented as she advanced, with a proud step and eyes full of -tears, to greet her son. What mattered it to her if the grandest civil -and military procession ever seen in Washington had escorted him there -and was awaiting his presence impatiently! She was his mother by right -of royal reverence as by ties of nature, and she was not disappointed in -the honor paid her. She could walk under his outstretched arm thirty -years before without stooping; but he paid her the same deference he -gave her when he was a little son and not a great man—when she was a -hard-toiling and strong-armed woman, and not the mother of the Chief -Magistrate of the country. - -Despite her fatigue she wanted to see all that was done in her son’s -honor, and when the party left the lunch-table and went to the -reviewing-stand on the avenue in front of the Mansion, Mother Garfield -was one of the number, and for a long while sat near her son enjoying -the sight. The vast multitude that filed in front of that stand scarcely -had time to note the presence of the venerable woman before them, but -the people about her watched her with a satisfaction almost undefinable -to themselves and never to be forgotten now, in view of all that has -transpired. - -A few days after she was established in the White House she wrote a -letter to a relative in the West which, as here given, does not show the -handwriting tremulous with age, yet exhibits all the beautiful spirit of -the writer: - - - “WHITE HOUSE, _March 7, 1881_. - -“MY DEAR COUSIN:—I received your good letter and your picture also, and -would have answered sooner, but waited to get my picture. I have some, -and will send you one, though they are not good. I am happy to tell you -that we are all pretty well, but a good deal tired out. We have passed -through the greatest rush of people for the last six months that I ever -saw. Since the Inauguration it is one steady stream of old friends -calling. It takes pretty much all of the time to entertain them; they -want to see the President’s mother. I am the first mother that has -occupied the White House and her son President, but I feel very thankful -for such a son. I don’t like the word proud, but if I must use it I -think in this case it is quite appropriate. How many times my mind goes -back to our girlhood school days! but changes take place. I have seen -sorrowful days and have seen happy days. I was once young and am now -old, but I have never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging -his bread. I have got a very pleasant room, nice furnished, and waited -on in the very best manner possible. Now I want you to write to me. Our -folks all send love to you; with very much love, I remain your aged -cousin, - - “ELIZA GARFIELD.” - - -Notwithstanding the novelty of her position, the first instance of the -kind in the history of the Presidents, although her son was not the -first President whose mother was living during his term of office, she -was at once established as a great favorite, and her short stay in the -White House was as happy as worldly honors and human affection could -make it. When the summer came she longed for the country and old friends -in Ohio, and accompanied by her two youngest grandsons, she returned to -Mentor. She expected her son to visit her during the summer, and to -return with her daughter in the fall to the White House. - -[Illustration: - - MENTOR—THE HOME OF PRESIDENT GARFIELD. -] - -No more imposing ceremonies were ever witnessed in Washington, or in -this country, than those which attended the inauguration of President -James A. Garfield. Thousands of National Guardsmen and scores of civic -associations were in the procession, which, with the exception of the -famous review in 1865, was the finest pageant the country has yet seen. -Twenty thousand men were in line, and the cortege occupied two hours in -passing the review-stand. From the White House to the Capitol there was -a mass of people, and the decorations of the historic avenue were -profuse and handsome. The snow lay on the parks and terraces about the -Capitol, and the day was raw and disagreeable, though the sun shone at -noonday and dispelled the sombre clouds that hung heavy over the city -after the storm of the preceding night and early morning. - -In the front row of the Senate gallery the wife and mother of General -Garfield sat beside Mrs. Hayes, and with them were the only daughters of -the incoming and outgoing Presidents. The galleries were very soon -crowded with a brilliant audience, and on the floor of the Senate were -many distinguished men. General Hancock, the Democratic candidate for -the Presidency, was among the number, and the ovation tendered him was -second only to that bestowed upon the President-elect. The ceremony of -introducing his successor was performed by Vice-President Wheeler; and -after the oath of office had been administered to Vice-President Arthur, -and Mr. Wheeler had said his farewell to the Senate, the assembly -adjourned to the eastern portico to witness the taking of the oath of -office by President Garfield. The spectacle was a grand one. A vast -multitude of people gazed upon the immense platform upon which were -seated General Garfield, with Chief-Justice Waite on his right and -Sergeant-at-Arms Bright on his left. Immediately back of the three, who -were directly in the centre of the platform, sat President Hayes, Mrs. -Hayes and Mrs. Garfield and the mother of General Garfield. Still behind -them stood Mollie Garfield and Fanny Hayes, and to their right sat the -Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Randall. The gentlemen sat -with their heads uncovered. The Chief-Justice rose from his seat, and -instantly the noise and din died away, and the oath of office was -administered. Then followed the inaugural address, after which Mr. Hayes -shook hands with the new President, as did the Chief-Justice. Turning -from them, President Garfield tenderly kissed his mother and then his -wife. This being the first incident of its kind, the people noted it -with great gratification, and the throng rent the air with huzzas, while -the President received the congratulations of those about him as he -slowly made his way back to the head of the procession. The ladies of -the party returned first, and were at the White House before the -procession got under way from the Capitol. The President’s carriage was -drawn by four horses, and the escort were the Cleveland troops, in showy -uniforms. General Sherman rode at the head of the procession. The -reviewing-stand in front of the White House was occupied by a -distinguished company, which awaited the coming of the Presidential -party from the White House, whither they had gone to lunch. At half-past -two the President and ex-President walked down to the stand, followed by -their families and the entire White House party. The President stood -with his wife and his mother on his right, and ex-President and Mrs. -Hayes on his left, with General Hancock immediately behind and above -him, and surrounded by the members of the Cabinet, Senators, Congressmen -and a numerous company of ladies. - -President Hayes and his family became the guests of Secretary and Mrs. -Sherman, and after the procession had passed they returned to the door -of the Mansion, took leave of the President and Mrs. Garfield, and with -their son, who welcomed Mrs. Garfield as she crossed the threshold, were -driven away. - -The city was brilliantly illuminated at night, and the inauguration ball -in the Museum Building was attended by nearly every person of -distinction in Washington. Mrs. Garfield was arrayed in a magnificent -dress of lavender satin, with trimmings of point lace and a corsage -bouquet of pansies. Mrs. Hayes wore a white satin de Lyons trimmed with -pearl passementeries. Both costumes were elegant and were worn without -jewels. In a ball-room thronged with ladies whose superb diamonds were -resplendent and glittered with reflected light, their simplicity was all -the more charming. - -The National Museum is a building designed in the form of a Greek cross, -the arms diverging from a central octagonal, surmounted by a dome, and -the temporary decorations were magnificent, consisting of statues, -tropical plants, flowers and the national colors, draped with evergreen, -and coats-of-arms. The President and Mrs. Garfield received on a raised -dais. The gallery above them was for the use of Mrs. Garfield and Mrs. -Hayes and their invited guests. Another was occupied by General Hancock, -who was the guest of the committee, surrounded by a distinguished party -of military officers. The scene, viewed from the balcony near the -rotunda, had the appearance of a series of halls, separated by arches, -and affording an extended and varied vista. The view was enchanting and -bewildering. The picture was a never-to-be-forgotten one. With all the -adjuncts of famous people, gorgeous in apparel and surrounded by music -and flowers, the ball-room is remembered as a fairy place and recalled -as a bright dream. - -Succeeding the inauguration were days of bustle and excitement for the -new inmates of the White House. They had many friends in the city where -they had lived so long and entertained so hospitably, and all were -anxious to see them. So likewise were the hundreds of strangers who had -visited the Capitol to witness the inaugural ceremonies, and the -Saturday evening following the event the President and Mrs. Garfield -received. In the matter of dress Mrs. Garfield came up to the -requirements of her position. At this reception she wore a rich ruby -velvet, made in princess style, the facings of the long bow and loops -that fastened the fullness at the back being of Sultan red satin. The -open neck and the half-long sleeves were ornamented with elegant lace. -Her hair was simply arranged after the prevailing style, and she wore no -jewels. - -Several afternoon receptions were held during the spring, and many -invited guests were informally entertained, but there was no opportunity -for social gayeties, and the anticipations were all the brighter for the -coming winter. The ladies of the Cabinet numbered several long -accustomed to official life in Washington, and it was anticipated that -the receptions and State dinners the coming winter would be rendered -brilliant by the circle immediately about the President. Mrs. Blaine, -Mrs. MacVeagh, Mrs. James, Mrs. Lincoln, and in fact all, were well -known in Washington society, and were united in their desire to make the -Administration, socially, as successful as it promised to be officially. - -The spring wore away, and the summer came, bringing with it the two -elder sons of the President, who had been away at school. - -The five children of the President and Mrs. Garfield attracted much -attention while in the White House, particularly the two eldest boys, -Harry and James, just developing into manhood, and Mollie, the only -daughter. Two younger lads, Irwin and Abram, were less before the public -than the elder children, and were in Washington but a short time, having -returned to Ohio in the early summer. The elder boys were at their -studies, and the daughter was too young to participate in the few public -receptions given by the President. - -The family were all together for a time in the spring, and this -description of a dining-room scene is given by a Washington -correspondent: - -“In the cosy family dining-room the President’s seat is midway the -length of the table on its west side, and Mrs. Garfield sits opposite, -with Harry, her eldest, a decided ‘mother boy,’ as near her as the -presence of almost constant guests will permit, while Jimmie sits -correspondingly near his father, where also ‘Grandma’ Garfield has an -honored place. She is always waited on first, whoever else may be -present. Mollie sits at the north end of the table, and the two younger -boys are disposed a little promiscuously, according to the exigencies of -the case. Harry is eighteen, tall and graceful, with the regular -features of his mother. The down of manhood appears on his cheeks. -Jimmie, sixteen years old, is nearly or quite as tall as his brother and -broader shouldered, with the Saxon hair and large features of his -father, whom he bids fair to resemble strongly in person and intellect. -Mollie, aged fourteen, has the dark-brown hair of her mother and the -lineaments of her father not unhandsomely reproduced. When womanhood has -softened the charm of her face she will be very fine-looking. She is a -great pet with her father. Irwin, aged eleven, and Abram, aged nine, you -already know through descriptions, especially the former, who is the -eccentric one, possibly the genius of them all. He is named for General -McDowell, and insists that his name must be always written, not Irwin -M., but Irwin McD. Meal-time is almost the only time the President has -lately had with his children, and he devotes himself in great part to -them at that time, after asking questions on some interesting point of -Harry or James or Mollie to draw them out, and then explaining it at -considerable length, instructing by the Socratic method as it were.” - -The eldest and the youngest of the household are dead; the latter, an -infant son, having died in Washington four years before the President’s -election. It is related of General Garfield that he suffered intense -grief at the loss of his children, and his friends frequently during his -last months of life recalled the sorrow he manifested at the time of his -little child’s death in Washington. - -In June the public was startled with the news of Mrs. Garfield’s -illness, and it was with great concern that the announcements from the -sick-room were learned. The President gave up all public matters, and -for days watched over her, giving her the medicines prescribed and -remaining at her bedside day and night. Happily, her life was saved, and -so soon as she could be conveyed from Washington, she was taken to Long -Branch, where it was hoped the sea air would restore her. She was so -weak when she got there that she had to be carried to her room, and was -but beginning to grow strong when the President left her and returned to -Washington, preparatory to making a trip to New England and the White -Mountains. He was daily cheered by the news of his wife’s steady -improvement, and was anticipating a happy visit to Williams College, his -_Alma Mater_. The party were to leave Washington on the third of July, -and be joined by Mrs. Garfield and her friends at New York. The trip was -all arranged, and the morning of the eventful day came. Mrs. Garfield at -Long Branch was anticipating a reunion with her husband, and was making -final preparations to start from the hotel to the train when the news -that startled the nation reached there and was in part tenderly broken -to her. She was taken from Washington, at a leisurely gait, a helpless -invalid, but the telegram that shocked her that July morning sent her -back at the rate of fifty miles an hour. Even that seemed slow to the -anxious wife and the suffering husband. The event was the -never-to-be-forgotten, never-to-be-forgiven tragedy of the shooting of -President Garfield, the particulars of which are briefly told here. - -On the morning of Saturday, July 2d, when it was supposed that the -President was on his way from Washington to New York, accompanied by all -his Cabinet, their wives and several friends, this news was flashed over -the wires: “President Garfield was shot before leaving on the limited -express train this morning!” - -The brief announcement, made in two lines, that the President of the -United States had been shot by an assassin, excited great incredulity, -then amazement, and finally a feeling of horror that rendered suspense -almost intolerable. The second despatch followed speedily, and it -conveyed the intelligence that Colonel Corbin had returned to the -President with a physician. This was meagre enough, and the third was -waited with intense excitement. It said: “President Garfield was shot -this morning at the Baltimore and Potomac depot by an assassin. It is -reported that he is mortally wounded. The assassin was caught.” - -The fourth despatch, dated half an hour later, was to the effect that -Dr. Bliss had said that the President’s wound was not a mortal one, and -that concerning the assassin nothing was known except that he was under -arrest. A subsequent message announced that the physicians attending the -President were holding a consultation. Soon came the particulars of the -shooting: - -The President and Mr. Blaine rode from the White House to the depot in -the Secretary’s carriage. Reaching the entrance on B street, the -President and the Secretary left it and entered the ladies’ -waiting-room, walking arm-in-arm. Just at the moment that they were -passing through the door into the main room, two shots were fired. Mr. -Blaine saw a man run through the room at that instant, and started -toward him, but turning to the President and seeing that he had fallen -he sprang to his side, as did several others, and raised his head from -the floor. One shot passed through the arm, and the other took effect in -the lower part of the back. There were few people in the room when the -shots were fired. The members of the President’s party were on the -platform beyond the waiting-room, or in the car that was ready to start -the moment the President was aboard. Secretaries Windom and Hunt were -promenading on the platform, Postmaster-General James stood at the side -of the car in which were seated the ladies of the party. They were all -chatting as they watched for the coming of the President. Colonel -Jamison, of the Post-office Department, ran out of the depot immediately -after the shots were fired and exclaimed, “The President is shot!” One -of the party made a doubting reply, but when their informant answered “I -saw it,” they rushed back and found the President on the floor, his head -supported by Mrs. White, the woman in charge of the waiting-room, who -had witnessed the shooting. The entire party hastily quitted the car and -followed them to the scene, and a large crowd gathered about the -prostrate form. Shortly after a mattress was brought in and the -President was removed to the upper floor of the depot. Within an hour an -ambulance had arrived and the President, who had grown very weak, was -removed to it and conveyed to the White House. The news spread like -wildfire, and those who at first doubted the report became convinced -that something had happened by the rapid driving of a carriage through -Pennsylvania avenue, clearing the way for the ambulance which followed -driven at a rapid pace, and surrounded by mounted police. An excited -throng followed. The President bore the removal with great fortitude, -and in fact, after the first paroxysm of pain and faintness had passed, -he seemed not again to lose his self-control. His first thought after -the shock of the shooting had passed was of his wife, and from speaking -reassuringly to his son James, who was beside him, he dictated to -Colonel Rockwell this despatch to her: - -“The President wishes me to say to you from him that he has been -seriously hurt. How seriously he cannot yet say. He is himself, and -hopes you will come to him soon. He sends his love to you.” - -The ladies of the party hurried to the White House to make preparations -for the reception of the President, and when the sad procession reached -the Mansion, everything was in readiness for him. As he was lifted from -the ambulance he saw some familiar faces at the windows, and with a -smile, which those who saw it will never forget, he raised his right -hand and gave the military salute. His face was ghastly white, and it -was thought that his moments were numbered. He was carried into the -“southwest chamber,” that he had recently occupied as a sleeping room, -and was soon surrounded by the physicians. The events that transpired in -that room during the day were made known throughout the land, and are -familiar to all readers of the newspapers. - -It is not needful in a sketch of Mrs. Garfield to recite the painful -history of the creature who shot the President, or to give any of the -particulars of his case. His name is execrated wherever it is heard, and -the world would be glad to bury it in eternal oblivion. The only emotion -of a human kind exhibited by him was his hesitation to shoot the -President when he went to Long Branch with Mrs. Garfield. In his -confession he stated that he was at the depot for that purpose, but -noticing that Mrs. Garfield was pale and ill, and clung tenderly to her -husband’s arm, he decided not to take his life then. - -It was seven o’clock in the evening when the train dashed at express -speed into Washington. Shortly afterward the President heard the wheels -of a carriage on the drive, and speaking to Mrs. James, who sat beside -him, said, “That is my wife.” Alighting from the carriage she was -accompanied up the stairs by her son James and Attorney-General -MacVeagh. She hurried to the bedside of the President, and greeted him -with a cheerful smile. Her self-control and quiet demeanor were noted by -the doctors, who returned to the room and terminated the interview for -the time being. She was escorted out of her husband’s presence, and then -broke down, weeping piteously. Shortly afterward she returned to the -bedside and had a second private interview with him. From that time he -manifested favorable symptoms and hope was revived. Later in the -evening, as Mrs. James sat beside him watching him as he slept, he -suddenly awoke, and said to her: “Do you know where Mrs. Garfield is -now?” - -“Oh, yes,” Mrs. James answered; “she is close by, watching and praying -for her husband.” - -He looked up to the lady with an anxious face, and said, “I want her to -go to bed. Will you tell her that I say if she will undress and go to -bed, I will turn right over, and I feel sure that when I know she is in -bed, I can go to sleep and sleep all night? Tell her that I will sleep -all night if she will only do what I ask.” - -Mrs. James went immediately with the message to Mrs. Garfield, who -quickly replied: “Go back and tell him that I am undressing.” She -returned with the answer, and the President turned over on his right -side and dropped asleep almost instantly. - -Throughout the night he was cheerful, and to Dr. Bliss, who, in replying -to his question as to his condition, had told him that there was a -chance of recovery, said hopefully, “We will take that chance.” - -The people, impressed with this remark and the cheerfulness it -indicated, renewed the hope which had well nigh been extinguished by the -repeated assurances of the physicians that he could not live through the -night. The Fourth of July, the saddest ever known in this country, -passed; the news from the bedside of the nation’s patient was less -cheering, and the gloomy tide of a great sorrow ran a strong current -under the ordinary occupations and duties of every-day life. No -gathering of people was possible where it was not the dominant subject, -and it took weeks of weary anxiety to quell the spirit of revenge that -was universal in the hearts of men against the wasp that had stung the -President and had poisoned his life-blood. The sympathy of other -countries soothed this feeling in time, and the demeanor of the -President was such an example to the country that it was impossible to -express hostile feelings with such a pattern of submission before them. -Great as had been President Garfield’s services in the past, his heroic -bearing in affliction was of more value to the people, and his influence -did more to bring about harmony of feeling, brotherly love and the -obliteration of party bitterness than any work he had done in his days -of health and activity. - -As he lay on his bed of sickness, he thought of his mother, whose -absence from him troubled him. He hoped at first to go to her soon and -to recuperate his strength at Mentor, but while waiting for the strength -that never came he wrote her this letter: - - - WASHINGTON, D. C., _August 11th, 1881_. - -DEAR MOTHER:—Don’t be disturbed by conflicting reports about my -condition. It is true I am still weak and on my back, but I am gaining -every day, and need only time and patience to bring me through. - -Give my love to all the relatives and friends and especially to sisters -Hetty and Mary. Your loving son, - - JAMES A. GARFIELD. - - MRS. ELIZA GARFIELD, HIRAM, OHIO. - - -Telegrams of sympathy reached his bedside from all parts of the earth, -and wherever the news had gone in other lands there came back gratifying -evidences of world-wide sorrow. - -As the days passed the alternations of hope and despair kept the feeling -of the people at its highest tension, and during this time of anxious -waiting, Mrs. Garfield was the recipient of countless messages, letters -and assurances of every kind of the sentiment of her countrymen and -women. She appreciated all that was felt and said; and on one occasion, -when some unusual incident had received her attention, she said in a -voice broken with emotion and with tears in her eyes: “If it were -possible for my husband and me to go around and see all those dear -people who have been so grateful in their remembrance for us here of -late days, I would be so happy; and I know he would, too. I want to -thank them—to tell them all how kindly I feel toward them for what they -have said to me. I never could understand anything about politics, and -if I liked a person it made no difference whether they were Republicans -or Democrats; and now I have grown to think that there is not much -difference between the two great parties, for one says just as kind -words in our present affliction as the other. It makes me feel like -forming an opinion as to what I would do were women permitted to vote as -well as men. I believe I would get two tickets, fold them together so as -to look like one, and drop both in the ballot-box.” - -The love and respect for her womanly attributes and fine self-government -increased as time passed; and it was evident that her conduct under the -most trying circumstances that could come to a woman had aroused the -enthusiasm of the entire country. From the various organizations, -without respect to their nature or object, were received at the White -House kind wishes for the President and earnest assurances to him that -his family was not forgotten in his time of helplessness and suffering. -The practical spirit of the people was aroused, and the question was -repeatedly asked: “What can we do to make it easier for the President?” -Presents of all descriptions, from the rich and the poor, the great and -the humble, patriarchs and little children, were sent to the White House -in great numbers. Everybody wanted to do something, and it was painful -that so little could be offered that would be of use. Sick-room -appliances reached the physicians in such quantities that the basement -of the mansion was crowded, and the slightest intimation of a change in -the nourishment or treatment of the distinguished sufferer sent -numberless articles for trial. That he might have the richest Alderney -milk, an eager owner of an imported cow quickly forwarded the animal, -and he was repaid many times over with the knowledge that the patient -saw from the window the fine creature that had been sent to minister to -his comfort, and spoke of it. Little children sent their tributes, and -the gift of a pet squirrel from two little people who had learned that -the President had expressed a desire for such food, brought tears to the -eyes of all who knew of the circumstance. The tender, constant and ever -deepening feeling of the people for their sick President must have -helped him immeasurably, for he was borne up and cheered daily by the -affection that went out from all human hearts toward him. It seemed to -the people that he must get well, that the prayers of a nation would be -answered; that the assassin’s work would fail; that love would conquer -death, and that into the weary pain-worn body of the sufferer would be -renewed the strong life-currents. Who can ever forget, though long years -may dim other memories, the daily and nightly watch over that -sick-chamber! When the relapse came weeks after the crisis was thought -to be passed, the excitement and interest grew terrible in its -intensity. Those who had the dissemination of the news aged under it as -the bulletins that came from their hands banished hope. The day of -saddest gloom, Saturday, August 27, was given up to prayer, and when -Sunday came, and word went forth that the President was better, the -people called it resurrection, and said in their joy that God had given -back to them in answer to their petitions him who was thought to be -dead. - -Through it all stood Mrs. Garfield, eager and watchful, but steady and -strong in heart. When the doctors told her of their fears she did not -sink down or show dismay. She bade them do their best, and never to give -up, and leaving them she went back with a cheerful face to her husband -and resumed her place at his bedside. Too weak and weary to give thought -to others, the heroic sufferer watched her face and was understood by -her when to others his wishes were unintelligible. If he held on to life -with a tenacity that surprised every one, his strength in large measure -was drawn from her. She was more to him than all else, and she furnished -the strongest motive he felt for his recovery. The thought that was -agitating many minds, that he be given assurance that his family would -be taken care of in case he died, was voiced by Mr. Cyrus W. Field, of -New York, who proposed that a fund of $250,000 be raised for Mrs. -Garfield and her children, and settled upon her. He started the fund -with a large subscription, and the amount subscribed before and after -the death of the President reached nearly $350,000. Though no public -acknowledgment was made of the gift, it is a fact that the President’s -mind was greatly relieved by this considerate act, and his last days -were not troubled with dread of the future for his wife and children. -When the sultry August days had tried his strength beyond endurance, and -it was apparent that a removal from the malarial atmosphere of the -capital was imperative, the journey to Long Branch was undertaken. Many -plans had been suggested and the practicability of all considered; but -Mrs. Garfield, who knew of her husband’s love for the sea, and of the -benefit that she had derived from her stay there, insisted upon this -trip. The journey was undertaken after careful preparation, and the -details of the trip from Washington to Elberon were read with thrilling -interest at the time. At every station and wayside crossing the people -gathered, and stood with uncovered heads as the train with its precious -freight passed by. The sympathy with which every heart was overflowing -was deep but voiceless; all felt the need the sufferer had of silence -and repose. Bulletins were thrown off the cars at different points, and -it was with unspeakable relief that the arrival at the Francklyn Cottage -was announced. For days before, workmen had been busy preparing a -roadbed for a track from the Elberon station to the cottage, and four -hundred men spent the night before his arrival in laying the track. In -this work the hundreds of guests at the various hotels and cottages of -Long Branch took great interest, an interest touchingly expressed in the -request of a little boy, who with his father was watching the progress -of the workmen. He desired to do something for the President, and -leaving his father’s side he approached a man who was driving a pile and -asked to be permitted to help. The man carelessly said to him that he -was too small, and could not lift the maul. “Let me try,” he urged; the -heavy weight was given him, and with the workman’s assistance the pile -was put down in place. The task completed, the child returned with a -radiant face, saying, “There, papa, I have done something for the -President.” Happy child, to have relieved his feelings by striking a -blow in the service of the sufferer! How many thousands upon thousands -of people would have accomplished herculean tasks, if by so doing they -could have been of service to the President! Mr. Francklyn, whose -beautiful summer home was tendered Mrs. Garfield, and accepted, was -kindly envied by the public whose houses would gladly have been given up -for a like purpose. - -The room into which the President was taken was Mrs. Francklyn’s own -boudoir, on the southeast corner of the second story, overlooking the -sea; and his pleasure in beholding the broad Atlantic from his bed gave -hope that he would get well. It was expected that he would revive -rapidly under the combined influences of a cooler atmosphere, the sight -of the sea, and the change of scene. That he did not mend rapidly -troubled the people, and they murmured. Then remembering Mrs. Garfield’s -remark, made in reply to the physician who told her at the time of the -relapse in Washington that only a miracle could save her husband—“Then -that miracle will be performed: he will live”—they redoubled their -earnestness in prayer, and believed that the bitter cup would be taken -from unwilling lips. - -The gloom of the September days deepened and the reluctant warning was -sent out—“Hope no more, hope is dead.” Still the people hoped, relying -upon the faith of Mrs. Garfield, the wonderful vitality and heroic -demeanor of the invalid. They believed in the impossible, and prayed yet -more fervently. Never in the world’s history was any one so universally -prayed for. It seemed like doubting God’s goodness to despair of the -President’s life. Still the same anxious waiting was continued, and with -each telegram that was sent came a knell to the hopes of millions. He -must die, they said, and that last Monday was like the funeral day of a -race. People sought their homes that night oppressed with sad -forebodings, and their petitions were for strength to meet the impending -calamity. - -He died September 19th, 1881, the first news reaching the people in the -cities through the tolling of the bells. When the strokes commenced, -those who listened thought it was the striking of the hour, but soon -they realized the meaning of the slow tolling, and as the church bells -began to give out their dissonance on the night wind, the hearts of the -listeners sank within them. “’Tis he,” they said, and their eyes -overflowed with tears as they thought of the stricken mourner who would -now watch no more at his bedside. From out their homes the people -hurried, and the streets of the cities were crowded with a restless -throng surging aimlessly along, seemingly panic-stricken and unnerved. - -All that day the watchers at the bedside counted the hours with feverish -dread, for the physicians had foretold the end and the brave wife had -gathered her strength to meet the inevitable. Much of the time she had -watched at his bedside, and at intervals when she could be spared had -sat alone at a window overlooking the water, white and still, making no -complaint, causing no unnecessary anxiety on her account. At last, -utterly weary, and believing that her husband was resting quietly, she -retired to her room, leaving him without a thought of immediate death. A -summons to come quickly was made shortly after ten o’clock, and when she -hurried into the room, seeing the change that had come over the beloved -face, she exclaimed, “What does this mean?” and then, realizing the -situation, cried, “Oh, why am I made to suffer this cruel wrong!” That -was all the outburst made by her then or after. The death-damp was on -her husband’s brow, and the end had come. She sat upon the bed beside -him, holding his hand in hers and gazing into the eyes no longer able to -return her look. - -The history of the dying scene can be told in a few words. General Swaim -was watching, when the President, who had been sleeping, suddenly awoke -and said, “Oh, Swaim! this terrible pain!” indicating its locality by -placing his hand on his breast over the region of the heart. “Oh, -Swaim!” he exclaimed again later, “this terrible pain! Press your hand -on it! Oh, Swaim!” The eyes were set in death a moment later, and no -other words were spoken. “Dan,” the colored man, came into the room at -that moment and was hurriedly despatched for Dr. Bliss. The latter was -sitting at a table over his letters. Colonel Rockwell had just left the -room and joined his wife and daughter on the piazza. The moment Dr. -Bliss glanced at the face of the President, before he had touched his -pulse he said, “Swaim, he is dying. Call Drs. Agnew and Hamilton, and -send for his wife.” - -When Mrs. Garfield entered the room, the President was quite -unconscious. There was no sound except the occasional heavy breathing of -the President, and an occasional whisper between the doctors. The light -which had been burning behind the screen was carried nearer the bed, and -the group, which comprised Dr. Bliss, who stood at the head of the bed -noting the pulse of the patient, Mrs. Garfield, who sat on the bed, Drs. -Agnew, Hamilton and Boynton, Col. Rockwell, Gen. Swaim, and Dan, waited -in silence. Mollie Garfield, who was by her mother’s side, put her arms -about her neck and asked, “Is it death?” The mother clasped her to her -heart, saying convulsively, “My daughter.” Soon the President’s -breathing ceased, his head fell back on the arm of Dr. Bliss, and the -latter whispered, “It is all over.” Mrs. Garfield arose and went from -the room, the fixed lines about her face showing the effort she was -making to control herself. At the door of her room she broke quite down -and sobbed aloud. She was alone but a few minutes and then returned to -the bed where her dead husband lay. The eyelids had been closed and the -seal of death was set upon the rigid limbs. She sat by the bed for three -hours, the tears raining down her face and her form shaking violently. -The cold hand she held returned no answering pressure, and she stroked -the arm mechanically as she looked upon the face of her dead. - -When it was necessary for the last service that the living could ever -pay to the departed to be performed, she was led to her room, where Dr. -Bliss from an adjoining apartment heard her pacing the floor all night -long. She did not forget the broken-hearted mother in her distant home, -and General Swaim was commissioned to telegraph her. - -When the aged woman came from her room early in the morning, she asked -for the telegram that was expected every day, but was induced to have -her breakfast first and then read the news. - -“Grandma,” said her granddaughter, in reply to a request that she be -given the telegram that she knew must be there, “would you be surprised -to get bad news this morning?” - -“Well, I don’t know,” she answered slowly. - -“Grandma,” she said, “there is bad news.” - -“Is he dead?” asked the old lady tremulously. - -“He is.” - -The tears started as she asked, “Is it true? Then the Lord help me, for -if he is dead what shall I do? I have no further wish to live, and I -cannot live if it is so.” - -The tolling of the bells had not wakened her in the night, and every -care was taken to keep her from excitement; but she was rendered nervous -and weak, and those about greatly feared the result of the shock. -Several times she retired to her room, and later in the day it was -evident that she had brought herself into a composed state. Alone in her -grief she had found strength to meet the blow, and she read the telegram -which said, “James died this evening at 10.35. He calmly breathed his -life away.” Then after a long silence she slowly said, “I can firmly -believe that God knows best, and I must not murmur.” - -At Mentor the two younger sons were staying with Mrs. Garfield’s -brother, and in the early morning they were told of their loss. At -Williams College were Harry and James, the latter ill of malaria -contracted in Washington. The eldest son reached his mother’s side the -next day, leaving his brother behind. - -At Elberon preparations were making for the removal of the body to -Washington, and Mrs. Garfield was surrounded by the ladies of the -Cabinet and others. After the autopsy, which revealed the nature of the -wound and showed that the President could not have recovered, and that -had he lived he would have been a hopeless invalid, the brave, suffering -woman grew calmer, and with unfailing courage met the demands made upon -her. She saw President Arthur, who called with General Grant, and -refused herself to none whose presence was warranted by right of -official rank or personal friendship. - -It was Mrs. Garfield’s wish that there should be a religious service -held at the cottage before the start was made for Washington. At -half-past nine on Wednesday morning the doors were closed to the public, -and the Rev. Charles J. Young, of Long Branch, stepped to the head of -the bier to begin the service. The audience gathered about him comprised -the highest officials of the land and their wives, together with all who -had been in attendance upon the President. At the moment when all was in -readiness, Mrs. Garfield leaned towards Colonel Rockwell, who stood near -her, and spoke in a whisper to him. He raised his hand to bid the -minister wait, and said in a low tone that Mrs. Garfield wished to look -into the coffin before the service. Immediately she arose and taking her -daughter by the hand went to the side of it. Both stood hand in hand, -the daughter weeping violently, the mother looking down into the coffin, -showing no emotion beyond a face like marble. She stood motionless for -what seemed a very long time to the anxious friends about her. There was -not a dry eye in the room, and strong men wept as they gazed upon the -touching scene. - -The mournful procession that moved out of the cottage was led by Mrs. -Garfield, who leaned upon the arm of her son Harry. She was clad in -heavy mourning, her veil almost entirely concealing her face from view. -As the train moved slowly away, a passing glimpse of her face was seen -as she gazed upon the windows of the room where her husband had died. -Loving hearts were all about her, but she was thinking of him: there was -no panacea for her pain. Had there been, the touching demonstrations of -sorrow at every point along the road to Washington would have brought -it. The school-children gathered in groups at the various stations, -weeping as they stood with uncovered heads; the country people gathered -in groups, with bared heads; the tolling of bells and emblems of -mourning everywhere moved the observers to tears. At Princeton Junction -the College students scattered flowers along the track. At Washington, -where the feeling was intense, and where every possible expression had -been given to the grief of the people, the funeral train was received by -the army and navy officials and thousands of citizens. - -Mrs. Garfield and her children became the guests of Attorney-General -MacVeagh, and remained there during her stay in Washington. She went to -the White House the day preceding her departure to remove her husband’s -papers, her friends having packed her possessions for her the preceding -day. Upon entering the room in which her husband so long lay ill she -grew deathly pale, but maintained her self-composure, and gratefully -noticed the flowers with which some kind soul had decorated the bed in -anticipation of her coming. - -The body of the President lay in state in the Capitol from Wednesday -morning until the following Friday afternoon. Mrs. Garfield visited it -there on Thursday, and viewed the face for the last time. When the -throngs of people pressing about the entrances from every side -understood the reason for which the doors had been closed, they waited -in silence and patiently until they were opened again. - -Leaning on General Swaim’s arm, and followed by her son and daughter, -Mr. MacVeagh and others, Mrs. Garfield entered the building, the guards -concealing themselves behind the columns and draperies or standing with -their faces to the wall. When the rotunda was reached she entered it -alone, those with her waiting outside until she returned. For twenty -minutes she remained with her dead, and when she came out she carried in -her hand a flower she had taken from the coffin. On the casket rested -the magnificent wreath presented by Queen Victoria through the British -Legation, and about it on all sides were countless designs. The wreath -from the Queen was composed of white and Marshal Niel roses, on a base -of smilax, and the inscription was, “Queen Victoria to the memory of the -late President Garfield; an expression of her sorrow and sympathy with -Mrs. Garfield and the American nation.” - -Tributes were there from old friends, from organizations and municipal -authorities, and all were taken at Mrs. Garfield’s request to Mentor to -be preserved for her children, for whom she desired to keep them. Some -of the devices were of great beauty and fine workmanship, but none -seemed to touch the emotions of the people so deeply as the offering of -England’s Queen to America’s widow. - -The start to Cleveland was made Friday afternoon, after the funeral in -the Capitol. President Arthur, the two ex-Presidents Grant and Hayes, -and the Cabinet of President Garfield, together with former members of -Cabinets, General Hancock, who accompanied the remains to Cleveland, as -did General Sherman and thousands of the residents of Washington, -followed the hearse to the depot. The Capitol gave up all that was -mortal of President Garfield with manifestations of sorrow that showed -how deeply he had been loved and honored during his life there. - -Through every town and hamlet that the mourning train passed, the -beautiful affection of the people was shown. Mrs. Garfield, more -composed than on the journey from Long Branch, looked out upon the -crowds and the sable draperies, and expressed herself as thankful for -the sympathy manifested. At one town, where the train stopped, some one -offered to pull down the curtain, but she declined the service, saying -she loved to look at the dear people. - -The scenes at Cleveland on the arrival of the train, during Sunday, and -on Monday, the 21st, the day of the funeral, can never be pictured by -pen. The mother of the dead President, his sisters and brother, and the -relatives and old neighbors, were waiting for the coming of the cortege, -and Mrs. Garfield was reunited to her three sons, James having reached -Cleveland from Williams College previous to her arrival. The reception -procession through the streets to the pavilion catafalque erected upon -Monument Square was an imposing one. Thousands of people viewed the -coffin as it rested upon the structure appropriately draped from base to -dome with black and white crape. The two carloads of flowers that -decorated the interior of the pavilion were sent from Cincinnati, and -this temple for the dead was an honor to the willing hands and loving -hearts that had fashioned it. No more beautiful structure ever held the -body of the revered dead. - -Mrs. Garfield, who had not attended the funeral at the Capitol in -Washington, had expressed her desire to take part in the last honors -paid to her husband, and the committee having in charge the arrangements -had assigned to her use the interior of the temple beside the coffin, -and well screened by the flowers from the public gaze. She rode in the -procession to the catafalque and was seated there between the only -brother of the President and his aged mother. Her children were about -her, and the members of the Cabinet and their wives, General Swaim and -wife, Colonel Rockwell and wife, Secretary Brown, ex-President and Mrs. -Hayes and others. After all had been given seats, the mother, supported -by a lady friend, walked up to the coffin, and laid her face upon the -fastened lid. She stood there for a short time weeping and praying -softly, while the people about stood in silence, uncovered, and with -sympathy in every heart. After the funeral services, performed by Dr. -Errett, Bishop Bedell, and Dr. Houghton, Dr. Errett preaching the -funeral oration at the request of Mrs. Garfield, in accordance with an -old compact made between himself and General Garfield, the long -procession moved to the cemetery. The streets were filled with people; -the crossings were decorated with mourning emblems of all descriptions; -superb flowers, the offerings of various towns and cities, outlining -many beautiful designs. At the cemetery the troops formed in a half -diamond in front of the vault, and into the space between them and the -vault, the funeral car, drawn by twelve coal-black horses, was driven. -The ground was covered with flowers and evergreens. Mrs. Garfield’s -carriage was driven into the centre of the court formed by the troops, -and in it were seated the widow and mother of the President, Harry, -James and little Abe Garfield. The two eldest sons alighted and stood at -either end of the vehicle. Miss Mollie Garfield and her brother Irwin -were in the next carriage, and Secretary Blaine’s came next and took up -a position near Mrs. Garfield’s carriage. A number of prominent -gentlemen, Secretary Blaine, ex-President Hayes, ex-Secretary Evarts, -General Swaim, Colonel Corbin, and others, and the officiating -clergymen, were grouped about the vault door. The marines bore upon -their shoulders the coffin, and as they passed in front of the carriage, -a stifled sob broke from Mrs. Garfield. Rev. J. H. Jones made an -address; President Garfield’s favorite ode, the 22d ode of Horace, was -sung; a prayer was offered, and General Swaim and Colonel Rockwell -escorted Harry and James into the vault to look for the last time upon -the casket containing all that was earthly of their father. The door was -closed and all was over. - -The day succeeding the funeral, Mrs. Garfield, accompanied by Mother -Garfield, her children, Colonel Rockwell, General Swaim and their wives, -and Private Secretary Brown, went to Mentor in the mourning car that -conveyed her from Long Branch. - -Through all the trying scenes of the drama, now closed forever, Mrs. -Garfield had so conducted herself that the nation was proud of her as -the wife of its President, and the grief of the people was mitigated by -their admiration of her bravery and heroism under circumstances that -would have crushed the majority of women. And looking back at the -tragedy from the day the President was shot, through the eighty-two days -of his sufferings, through the death-scene, and even to the end, the -country saw no act, heard no remark of Mrs. Garfield’s that was not -ennobling and beautiful. On every occasion, through every crisis, and -for a week after the death, while she was constantly passing from one -painful interview or scene to another, she was the same quiet, -self-controlled woman. Her husband had said of her that he never knew -her to be stampeded; that she could not be thrown into a panic, and -right nobly she vindicated the truth of his saying. Her courage was -indomitable, and her composure so great that she was an enigma to many -of her own sex. Much of her self-control was due to her unselfishness. -She thought of others when she was the greatest sufferer, and met the -requirements made upon her with a self-possession that led many to -believe she would break down utterly when the excitement was over. - -At Long Branch the evening after the President’s death she sent for all -the wives of the members of the Cabinet, and in her own room she thanked -them for their presence and active sympathy during the trying weeks -since her husband was stricken. She told them that their kind words of -encouragement had helped to sustain her own fortitude which was so -necessary to the sufferer, and spoke of conversations with her husband -before the fatal relapse in August, in which he had expressed himself in -the tenderest terms regarding the members of his official family and -their wives. He loved them as brothers and sisters, and was sure they -loved him. Then with a sweet tenderness of manner she assured them that -one of the sharp sorrows she was suffering was the knowledge that the -ties so pleasant were to be severed, and that she was to see them about -her no more. - -All the beautiful memories that people treasure of her to-day were -created by her in like acts. When she got to Cleveland, where the sight -of so many familiar faces brought anew the realizing sense of her loss, -she forgot herself in thinking of others. Her first act was to visit -Mother Garfield, and comfort her as only she could, and to offer her -sympathy to the sorrowing sisters and brother of her husband. She -visited the cemetery and viewed the spot selected for the grave of the -President, and made the people of Cleveland proud that they had given it -to her, by her satisfaction with it. The spirit of peace and love seemed -to be with her and sustain her, even back to the home she had left under -such different circumstances. Into it followed the affection of a nation -of people, and across the water came tokens of tenderness from many -sources. - -The Queen, whose womanly sympathy for Mrs. Garfield made her dear to the -American people, sent her at her home a message which, with its reply, -was as follows. The message was sent to Minister Lowell, who transmitted -it to Secretary Blaine. - -“I have received the following telegram from the Queen: ‘Would you -express my sincere condolence to the late President’s mother, and -inquire after her health, as well as after that of Mrs. Garfield.’ Her -Majesty adds: ‘I should be thankful if you would procure me a good -photograph of General Garfield.’” - -Acting Secretary Hitt returned the following reply, with the request -that a fitting communication should be made to Her Majesty: - - -“Your telegram expressing the compassion of the Queen for the mother of -the late President was duly forwarded to Mrs. Garfield, at Mentor, Ohio. -Have just received the following reply: ‘Please request Mr. Lowell to -express to Her Majesty, the Queen, the grateful acknowledgments of the -mother of General Garfield, and my own for the tender, womanly sympathy -she has been pleased to send; also that Her Majesty’s wish will be -complied with at an early day.’ - - “LUCRETIA R. GARFIELD.” - - -Mrs. Garfield returned to Cleveland to be present at the arrangements -made for the final interment, and when the monument, to be erected in -Lakeview Cemetery by the people, is completed, she will take part in the -ceremonies then. - -When she went into the White House she was asked for some particulars of -her life for publication. Her reply was, “I have done nothing that can -be written about. Wait until I have, and then it will be time enough to -write.” The time came sooner than she anticipated, and in a way that not -the wildest imagination would have fancied, seeing her in the fulness of -life, at the top round of worldly honors, and happy in all relations. It -came, and from the fiery furnace of suffering, disappointed hopes and -loss, she emerged to shed bright lustre on her sex, and to elevate the -world’s judgment of women in all the relations of life. She was given -the opportunity to “do something,” and so well was her duty performed, -that the world will never cease to do homage, to the character and -virtues of the widow of the Twentieth President of the Republic, -Lucretia Garfield. - - - - - XXVIII. - “THE WHITE HOUSE.” - - -The corner-stone of the Presidents’ House was laid on the 13th of -October, 1792, and the building was constructed after the designs and -under the directions of Captain James Hobon, Architect. After its -destruction by the British, in 1814, the interior was rebuilt by Captain -Hobon. It is located at the intersection of Pennsylvania, New York, -Connecticut, and Vermont Avenues, which radiate from this point as -centre. - -The house is constructed of Virginia free-stone, which is excessively -porous, and consequently would cause great dampness in the interior, -were it not for a thick coat of white lead, which is applied about once -in ten years at an enormous expense. The rock used in the construction -of the foundation was quarried by Captain Samuel Smallwood (afterward -mayor of Washington), on the banks of Rock creek, from the lower or -K-street bridge, as far as Lyonshouse wharf. The grounds were formerly -enclosed with a high stone wall. The old sycamore trees which stand in -the sidewalk on Pennsylvania Avenue, in front of the mansion, occupy a -line running parallel with the former site of that wall. The portico on -the north front was added to the building during the administration of -President Jackson. - -The latitude to the nearest second, 38° 53′ 12″, north. Longitude of the -Presidents’ House from the Paris observatory, 79° 17′ 16″, west. - -In 1793, about eighty paces west of the brick arch on Pennsylvania -Avenue, a log was thrown over the Tiber, which served as a bridge over -which the procession passed, headed by General George Washington. Here -the boys caught herring and other fish. The waters of the Tiber -occasionally extended in places over the present Pennsylvania Avenue, -the road to the Presidents’ House being considerably north of it, and -along which a traveller in that day might pass from the Capitol square -to the former without seeing a human being. The house of David Burns, -which stood in the grounds south of the Presidents’ House, is now owned -by his descendants, and is an object of interest to all who remember -Washington’s notion of him as the “obstinate” Mr. Burns. - -In 1796, as President Washington passed the Presidents’ House (then -building), a salute of sixteen guns was fired by the artillery company -stationed at that point. - -The Presidents’ House is situated in the western part of the city, on a -plot of ground of twenty acres; forty-four feet above high-water mark. -It has a southern and a northern front; the southern sloping towards the -Potomac and commanding a view of it. A semi-circular balcony extends out -from the Parlors on this side and overlooks the private garden near by, -and the public grounds beyond. The high basement gives the house a third -story on this side. On both fronts the grounds are laid out with taste -and planted with forest trees and shrubbery. The walks are of gravel, -broad and delightful. - -The mansion is two stories and very lofty, one hundred and seventy feet -front, and eighty-six feet deep. The northern front is ornamented with a -lofty portico of four Ionic columns in front and three on either side. -Beneath this portico drive the carriages of visitors; immediately -opposite the front door, across the open vestibule or hall, is the -Reception Room. The East Room is eighty feet long, forty feet wide, and -twenty-two high. There are four mantels of marble with Italian black, -and gold fronts, and very handsome grates; each mantel is surmounted -with a French mirror, the plates of which measures one hundred and -fifty-eight inches, framed in splendid style. Four other large mirrors, -two at each end of the room, reflect the rays from three large -chandeliers, from which depend glass pendants, which glitter in the -light like diamonds; each chandelier has twenty-seven burners. - -In front of the Presidents’ House, in a small enclosure, is the bronze -statue of Jefferson, presented to the government by Captain Levy, of the -United States army, who was, at that time (1840) owner of Monticello. -The statue stands on a pedestal: in his left hand Jefferson holds a -scroll of the Declaration of Independence, and in his right hand a pen, -as though he had just finished that immortal instrument, and was -anticipating the glorious results of its influence; the terror it would -strike among the foes of freedom; the strength with which it would nerve -the patriot’s heart; the bitter opposition which it would meet with from -some; the joy with which it would be hailed by more; and, if adopted, -the high destinies which awaited Young America. - -It now occupies an eligible position, and will long stand in honor alike -of the great man it so faithfully represents, and of the noble spirit of -patriotism that secured and presented it to the nation. It formerly -stood in the Rotunda of the Capitol. - -The Presidents’ House, during Mr. Jefferson’s administration, stood -unenclosed, on a piece of waste and barren ground, separated from the -Capitol by an almost impassable marsh. That building was not half -completed, and standing as it did amidst the rough masses of stone and -other materials collected for its construction, and half-hidden by the -venerable oaks that still shaded their native soil, looked more like a -ruin in the midst of its fallen fragments and coëval shades, than a new -and rising edifice. The silence and solitude of the surrounding space -were calculated to enforce this idea, for beyond the Capitol hill as far -as the eye could reach, the city, as it was called, lay in a state of -nature, covered with thick groves and forest trees, wide and level -plains with only here and there a house along the intersecting ways, -that could not yet be properly called streets. - -Thomas Moore visited the United States in 1804, and writes in his -letters to his mother, that “the Presidents’ House is encircled by a -very rude pale, through which a common rustic stile introduced -visitors.” - -The Executive Mansion was opened for the reception of visitors on the -1st of January, 1818, being the first time since the completion of -repairs subsequent to its destruction by the British. - -Gas was introduced into the White House during President Polk’s -administration, the 29th of December, 1848. - -Until President Fillmore’s time there was no library. The circular room -in the second story contains now a fine collection of books, many of -them purchased during President Buchanan’s administration. The trees on -the western side of the mansion were planted by President John Quincy -Adams. At various times there have been complaints made of the -“_palace_” in which the Presidents were entertained during their terms, -and not a few have been the bitter denunciations, written and spoken, -“of its inappropriateness,” averring that it is too fine and too large -for a republican Chief Magistrate. However, as the country has increased -in population and wealth, these objections ceased to be made, and since -the most interested persons say nothing now of its being too large or -elegant, it is to be supposed that it will continue to be the Executive -Mansion as long as the country remains under its present form of -government. Congress has heretofore made an appropriation after the -election of each new President,[24] for repairing and refurnishing the -mansion. After the close of the late civil war, it was in a sad -condition, having been subjected to hard usage. It was renovated, and -the first floor beautifully papered and refurnished under the auspices -of Mrs. Patterson, the daughter of President Johnson. - -Footnote 24: - - There was none made during President Tyler’s administration. - -The green-house was partly burned in the winter of 1868, but is now -greatly enlarged, and adds much to the beauty of the fine old mansion. - -From the library-window on the second floor the view of the Potomac is -very extended and magnificent. On a clear day, the distant points of -Fort Washington may be dimly defined, and the old city of Georgetown -distinctly seen. - -The White House was so called in honor of the Virginia home of Mrs. -Washington, in which her wedding occurred. Washington had pleasant -memories of that residence, and suggested the building of a white house -for the Presidents. It cost originally three hundred thousand dollars, -and was smaller at the time it was burned by the British than now. Its -rebuilding, refurnishings from time to time, and the additions and -alterations, have cost a trifle over one million seven hundred thousand -dollars. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Silently corrected obvious typographical errors and variations in - spelling. - 2. Retained archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings as printed. - 3. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LADIES OF THE WHITE HOUSE *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. 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