FOOTNOTES:

Montpellier. The ancestral estate inherited by James Madison, in Orange County, Va. Courtesy of Mrs. du Pont.Montpellier. The ancestral estate inherited by James Madison, in Orange County, Va. Courtesy of Mrs. du Pont.

After such a greeting, little wonder that his awkwardness and terror disappeared, and a "romantic admiration for this magnificent woman took its place."

One more glimpse of Dolly may be given here as we pass rapidly over these scenes, and also over the later ones at Montpellier,[58]whose chronicles have already been so well written, to linger awhile over her declining years ere taking leave forever. She herself has drawn this picture.

Ingersoll's history contains the following letter from "the lady who there, witha spirit of gentle fortitude, presided." It was written to her sister Lucy, who was then visiting at Mount Vernon,[59]the home of General Washington, eighteen miles from the federal city.

Tuesday, Aug. 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; but the last is alarming, because he desires 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 will 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. Madisonsafe, and he can accompany me—as I hear of much hostility towards him ... disaffection stalks arounds us.... My friends and acquaintances are all gone,—even Colonel C—with his hundred men, who were stationed as a guard in the enclosure.... French John (a faithful domestic), with his usual activity and resolution, offers to spike the cannon at the gates, and to 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, 12 o'clock.—Since sunrise I have been turning my spy-glass in every direction, and watching with unwearied anxiety, hoping to discern 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!3 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 cannons! 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.

Tuesday, Aug. 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; but the last is alarming, because he desires 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 will 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. Madisonsafe, and he can accompany me—as I hear of much hostility towards him ... disaffection stalks arounds us.... My friends and acquaintances are all gone,—even Colonel C—with his hundred men, who were stationed as a guard in the enclosure.... French John (a faithful domestic), with his usual activity and resolution, offers to spike the cannon at the gates, and to 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, 12 o'clock.—Since sunrise I have been turning my spy-glass in every direction, and watching with unwearied anxiety, hoping to discern 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!

3 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 cannons! 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.

August 24, 1814.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 safe keeping. And now, 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 you, or where I shall be to-morrow, I cannot tell!!

August 24, 1814.

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 safe keeping. And now, 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 you, or where I shall be to-morrow, I cannot tell!!

The gentlemen to whom Dolly entrusted the portrait of General Washington were Jacob Barker,[60]the Quaker banker, to whom the government was largely indebted for financial aid during the war of 1812, and Mr. De Peyster, of New York. Jacob Barker himself took it to a farmhouse near Montgomery courthouse, and later returned it to Dolly.

The Declaration of Independence was saved by Josiah King,[61]an official from the State Department, who went to the place where it hung, and took it from its frame; and Dolly took him and his precious burden with her in her flight.

With Dolly went also Mr. Carrol and her servant "Sukey." They drove to Georgetown, a short distance beyond which she spent her first night of exile, (Salona Hall, the Smoot place). She, as well as Madison, was to feel that the "disaffection" and "hostility" were realities in the few following days during which they were banished from the capital, he in hiding and she in disguise, wandering from place to place.

The night of the burning of the capitol she and her companions were refused admittance to an inn and were, for a time, exposed to the fury of the tempest of rain and hurricane that, while it wrought havoc in the city, quenched the flames and drove the British troops in confusion before it.

Monroe says the President crossed the Potomac on the evening of the 24th, accompaniedby the Attorney-General and General Mason, and remained on the south side of the river, a few miles above the lower falls on the 25th.

On the morning of the 26th Madison, General Mason, Rush, Attorney-General, and others of his party rode to Brookville, Montgomery County, Md., intending to join General Winder, who had rallied his troops near the court house, where they spent the following night at the home of Caleb Bentley.

Madison sat most of the night on the porch in an old-fashioned desk chair, writing his dispatches. Sentries guarded the house, pacing to and fro around it. They found no enemies in this peaceful neighborhood, but ere morning came they had trampled under foot the garden flowers and vegetables of their hostess.

At daybreak (27th) a messenger arrived from the Secretary of State with the news of the evacuation of Washington, and the President and his party, joined by Monroe, Secretary of State, left soon afterward, arriving at Washington at 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

Ingersoll's History of the War of 1812 contains the following reference:

"The night following came some compensation for such punishment, the last night of Madison's exile, and eve of his restoration to almost universal favor. It was spent in the family of Quaker hosts, strangers to him, and conscientious adversaries of all war, who with primitive hospitality welcomed friend Madison and entertained him and his outcast comrades in misfortunes with the kindest and most touching attentions. Refreshed by sweet repose under the Quaker roof they returned next day to Washington (the 27th)."

The unfortunate battle[62]of Bladensburg was long called by its contemporaries, "The Bladensburg Races!"

After the burning of the Capitol, the White House being in ruins, Madison rented the Octagon House,[63]yet standing at the corner of New York avenue and 18th street, built by Colonel John Tayloe, 3d, in 1798, and then considered one of the finest houses in the country. It was built of brick with trimmings of Acquia Creek sandstone, on a triangular lot, with a circular tower in front, to which the fine Ionic portico with its delicate tracery leads. Once inside you notice the curved doors, sash and woodwork, and the perfect preservation of their shape; the quaint urn-like wood stoves in niches, and the rich, solid mahogany doors.

The Octagon House. Photographed by Samuel M. Brosius.

From a second hallway a handsome stairway winds upward to the third story. To the right of the entrance was the parlor,with its fine mantel, designed by Condé, of London, with graceful figures in bas-relief, executed in a fine cement. Its estimated cost was sixteen hundred dollars.

Mantel in Octagon House. Photographed by Samuel M. Brosius.Mantel in Octagon House. Photographed by Samuel M. Brosius.

During the burning of the city the French minister had moved into the house to save it from destruction, and had raised from its roof the white flag of the Bourbons; in this case a hastily-gathered sheet answered the purpose!

It was here that the glad tidings of peace were received, and here, in the circular room upstairs, the treaty of Ghent was signed. And when the soldiers came gladly marching home they stopped here to give volleys of cheers for Dolly, the most popular person in all the United States.

Detail of Madison China From The White HouseDetail of Madison China From The White House

FOOTNOTES:[47]Adele Cutts, their granddaughter, married, first, Stephen A. Douglas; second, General George R. Williams.[48]The box-wood border along the walk was planted by Martha Washington.[49]Tradition says that Jefferson had been her ardent admirer and in earlier years the rival of John Payne.[50]Enniscorthy is ten miles south of Monticello. Governor Thomas Jefferson took refuge here from Tarleton's troops in 1781. About eight miles below, at Scotsville, on the James River, is the place where Lafayette, improvising a road through the forest, headed off Cornwallis and drove him back to Yorktown. The portrait of Governor (Edward) Coles hangs in the hall of "Estoutville," Albemarle County.[51]From the Ferdinand J. Dreer collection at Pennsylvania Historical Society.[52]Original owned by Mrs. Eugenia W. M. Brown, Washington, D. C., great-granddaughter of George Steptoe and Lucy Washington.[53]William Cobbett (Peter Porcupine), 1762-1835, was an English political writer. In 1792 he came to America and supported himself for a time teaching English to French emigrants. Talleyrand was one of his pupils. He settled in Philadelphia and began his political writing. Was at first a keen Tory. Stung by the disparaging criticisms of his mother country, he lashed American democracy and French republicanism with coarse and bitter personal scorn. Was twice prosecuted for libel. He left America in June, 1800. In England he started, in January, 1802, his famous "Weekly Political Register," which was continued until his death. At first Tory, it became the determined opponent of the government. He had no refinement of thought, but in matters of common sense exhibited a vigor surpassing any other writer of his day.—From "International Encyclopedia."A caricature of him as Peter Porcupine is published in Scharf's "History of Philadelphia," page 498. Dr. Benjamin Rush had a "pet" treatment for the yellow fever in 1793. Cobbett declared that it was the giving of copious mercurial purges and bleeding five or six times a day. He made it the talk of Philadelphia. In 1797 the "Peter Porcupine Gazette" was published, and he opposed it (the Rush treatment) by squibs, puns, epigrams, and quotations from "Gil Blas." Driven to desperation, Dr. Rush brought suit for libel. It was decided against Cobbett by Chief Justice McKean, whose election as governor he had bitterly opposed. His goods were seized, but did not suffice to pay his debts. He went to New York and published the "Rushlight," abusing Rush, McKean, Shippen and Hopkinson, and others, and ended by consigning all Philadelphians to perdition. He then sailed for England.—Scharf's "History of Philadelphia."[54]April 20th, 1798, B. H. Latrobe says in his journal: "As far as I did observe, I could see no difference between Philadelphian and English manners. The same style of living, the same opinions as to fashions, tastes, comforts and accomplishments. Political fanaticism was, during my residence in Philadelphia, at its acme.... To be civilly received by the fashionable people, and to be invited to the President's, it is necessary to visit the British Ambassador. To be on terms with Chevalier D'Yrujo, or General Kosciusko even, is to be a marked democrat, unfit for the company of the lovers of order and good government. This I saw. Many of my Virginia friends say I must be mistaken."I boarded at Francis's Hotel. It is a much cheaper house than any I have been at in the Virginia towns. For breakfast, dinner, tea and supper, exclusive of liquors and fire, you pay $8 a week. At the Virginian House, 7/6 per day, or $8.75, exclusive of liquors, tea, supper and fire."—B. H. Latrobe's journal.Eleven years later, B. H. Latrobe gives the expense of going to Philadelphia from Richmond, as follows:Stage to Fredericsburg$3.50Stage to Georgetown3.50Stage to Baltimore4.75Mail to Philadelphia8.00Heavy stage to Philadelphia$5.00————$16.75$19.75Breakfast, 2/6, —3/-$0.50Dinner, 6/-1.00Bed and supper, 4/6-.75——$2.25——Five days$11.25Stage$19.75Expenses$11.25——Total$31.00[55]The original of this letter is owned by Lucy Tyson Fitzhugh.[56]Robert Fulton was married in the spring of 1808 to Harriet, daughter of Walter and Cornelia Schuyler Livingstone, of Clermont-on-the-Hudson. His first steamboat was named for the Livingstone place.[57]Such notes as the following were frequently sent: "Thomas Jefferson begs that either Mrs. Madison or Miss Payne will dine with him to-day," etc.[58]Montpellier (Madison always spelled it with ll) is now owned by William du Pont, of Wilmington, Del. The interior has been remodeled. The two wings, formerly one story, have had two stories added. The family graveyard is fenced and in fair condition. The estate formerly consisted of 2,500 acres.[59]Mt. Vernon was willed by George Washington to his nephew, Judge Bushrod Washington (Judge of the Supreme Court, then meeting in Philadelphia). Judge Washington had no children, and he in turn willed it to his only brother's eldest son, John A. Washington. Lucy Washington Todd was visiting these cousins at the time the letter was written.[60]Jacob Barker was one of the remarkable men of that period. He was born in Maine in 1779 of Quaker parentage, and he himself remained a Quaker during his lifetime. He was largely interested in commerce, a ship-owner and a banker, and the government was greatly indebted to him for financial aid during the War of 1812. In the year 1861 he was still a banker, aged 89, but then living in New Orleans. The above story was certified as correct by him at this date.[61]Elizabeth McKean.[62]Much ridicule was heaped on the President, who, as Commander-in-chief, with his Cabinet, was watching the battle, and his orders given as—"Fly, Monroe, fly! Run, Armstrong, run!Were the last words of Madison!"Nor was Dolly exempt. Her departure from Washington was described in the jingle beginning—"Sister Cutts, and Cutts and IAnd Cutts's children three,Will fill the coach—and you must rideOn horseback after we."[63]Dr. William Thornton, the architect of the Octagon House, was born of Quaker parents in the West Indies, May 27th, 1761. He came to Washington in 1793, and was the right-hand man of the commissioners in the early history of Washington. He died there in 1828. He was also the architect of Tudor Place and of the United States Capitol. His works give him sufficient praise."The Capitol in the federal city, though faulty in detail, is one of the finest designs of modern times."—B. H. Latrobe's Journal.After leaving the Octagon House, the Madisons moved to the corner of H Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Nineteenth Street, N. W., where they lived during the remainder of Madison's term in office. The White House was not again ready for occupancy until Monroe became President.

[47]Adele Cutts, their granddaughter, married, first, Stephen A. Douglas; second, General George R. Williams.

[48]The box-wood border along the walk was planted by Martha Washington.

[49]Tradition says that Jefferson had been her ardent admirer and in earlier years the rival of John Payne.

[50]Enniscorthy is ten miles south of Monticello. Governor Thomas Jefferson took refuge here from Tarleton's troops in 1781. About eight miles below, at Scotsville, on the James River, is the place where Lafayette, improvising a road through the forest, headed off Cornwallis and drove him back to Yorktown. The portrait of Governor (Edward) Coles hangs in the hall of "Estoutville," Albemarle County.

[51]From the Ferdinand J. Dreer collection at Pennsylvania Historical Society.

[52]Original owned by Mrs. Eugenia W. M. Brown, Washington, D. C., great-granddaughter of George Steptoe and Lucy Washington.

[53]William Cobbett (Peter Porcupine), 1762-1835, was an English political writer. In 1792 he came to America and supported himself for a time teaching English to French emigrants. Talleyrand was one of his pupils. He settled in Philadelphia and began his political writing. Was at first a keen Tory. Stung by the disparaging criticisms of his mother country, he lashed American democracy and French republicanism with coarse and bitter personal scorn. Was twice prosecuted for libel. He left America in June, 1800. In England he started, in January, 1802, his famous "Weekly Political Register," which was continued until his death. At first Tory, it became the determined opponent of the government. He had no refinement of thought, but in matters of common sense exhibited a vigor surpassing any other writer of his day.—From "International Encyclopedia."A caricature of him as Peter Porcupine is published in Scharf's "History of Philadelphia," page 498. Dr. Benjamin Rush had a "pet" treatment for the yellow fever in 1793. Cobbett declared that it was the giving of copious mercurial purges and bleeding five or six times a day. He made it the talk of Philadelphia. In 1797 the "Peter Porcupine Gazette" was published, and he opposed it (the Rush treatment) by squibs, puns, epigrams, and quotations from "Gil Blas." Driven to desperation, Dr. Rush brought suit for libel. It was decided against Cobbett by Chief Justice McKean, whose election as governor he had bitterly opposed. His goods were seized, but did not suffice to pay his debts. He went to New York and published the "Rushlight," abusing Rush, McKean, Shippen and Hopkinson, and others, and ended by consigning all Philadelphians to perdition. He then sailed for England.—Scharf's "History of Philadelphia."

A caricature of him as Peter Porcupine is published in Scharf's "History of Philadelphia," page 498. Dr. Benjamin Rush had a "pet" treatment for the yellow fever in 1793. Cobbett declared that it was the giving of copious mercurial purges and bleeding five or six times a day. He made it the talk of Philadelphia. In 1797 the "Peter Porcupine Gazette" was published, and he opposed it (the Rush treatment) by squibs, puns, epigrams, and quotations from "Gil Blas." Driven to desperation, Dr. Rush brought suit for libel. It was decided against Cobbett by Chief Justice McKean, whose election as governor he had bitterly opposed. His goods were seized, but did not suffice to pay his debts. He went to New York and published the "Rushlight," abusing Rush, McKean, Shippen and Hopkinson, and others, and ended by consigning all Philadelphians to perdition. He then sailed for England.—Scharf's "History of Philadelphia."

[54]April 20th, 1798, B. H. Latrobe says in his journal: "As far as I did observe, I could see no difference between Philadelphian and English manners. The same style of living, the same opinions as to fashions, tastes, comforts and accomplishments. Political fanaticism was, during my residence in Philadelphia, at its acme.... To be civilly received by the fashionable people, and to be invited to the President's, it is necessary to visit the British Ambassador. To be on terms with Chevalier D'Yrujo, or General Kosciusko even, is to be a marked democrat, unfit for the company of the lovers of order and good government. This I saw. Many of my Virginia friends say I must be mistaken."I boarded at Francis's Hotel. It is a much cheaper house than any I have been at in the Virginia towns. For breakfast, dinner, tea and supper, exclusive of liquors and fire, you pay $8 a week. At the Virginian House, 7/6 per day, or $8.75, exclusive of liquors, tea, supper and fire."—B. H. Latrobe's journal.Eleven years later, B. H. Latrobe gives the expense of going to Philadelphia from Richmond, as follows:Stage to Fredericsburg$3.50Stage to Georgetown3.50Stage to Baltimore4.75Mail to Philadelphia8.00Heavy stage to Philadelphia$5.00————$16.75$19.75Breakfast, 2/6, —3/-$0.50Dinner, 6/-1.00Bed and supper, 4/6-.75——$2.25——Five days$11.25Stage$19.75Expenses$11.25——Total$31.00

"I boarded at Francis's Hotel. It is a much cheaper house than any I have been at in the Virginia towns. For breakfast, dinner, tea and supper, exclusive of liquors and fire, you pay $8 a week. At the Virginian House, 7/6 per day, or $8.75, exclusive of liquors, tea, supper and fire."—B. H. Latrobe's journal.

Eleven years later, B. H. Latrobe gives the expense of going to Philadelphia from Richmond, as follows:

[55]The original of this letter is owned by Lucy Tyson Fitzhugh.

[56]Robert Fulton was married in the spring of 1808 to Harriet, daughter of Walter and Cornelia Schuyler Livingstone, of Clermont-on-the-Hudson. His first steamboat was named for the Livingstone place.

[57]Such notes as the following were frequently sent: "Thomas Jefferson begs that either Mrs. Madison or Miss Payne will dine with him to-day," etc.

[58]Montpellier (Madison always spelled it with ll) is now owned by William du Pont, of Wilmington, Del. The interior has been remodeled. The two wings, formerly one story, have had two stories added. The family graveyard is fenced and in fair condition. The estate formerly consisted of 2,500 acres.

[59]Mt. Vernon was willed by George Washington to his nephew, Judge Bushrod Washington (Judge of the Supreme Court, then meeting in Philadelphia). Judge Washington had no children, and he in turn willed it to his only brother's eldest son, John A. Washington. Lucy Washington Todd was visiting these cousins at the time the letter was written.

[60]Jacob Barker was one of the remarkable men of that period. He was born in Maine in 1779 of Quaker parentage, and he himself remained a Quaker during his lifetime. He was largely interested in commerce, a ship-owner and a banker, and the government was greatly indebted to him for financial aid during the War of 1812. In the year 1861 he was still a banker, aged 89, but then living in New Orleans. The above story was certified as correct by him at this date.

[61]Elizabeth McKean.

[62]Much ridicule was heaped on the President, who, as Commander-in-chief, with his Cabinet, was watching the battle, and his orders given as—"Fly, Monroe, fly! Run, Armstrong, run!Were the last words of Madison!"Nor was Dolly exempt. Her departure from Washington was described in the jingle beginning—"Sister Cutts, and Cutts and IAnd Cutts's children three,Will fill the coach—and you must rideOn horseback after we."

[62]Much ridicule was heaped on the President, who, as Commander-in-chief, with his Cabinet, was watching the battle, and his orders given as—

"Fly, Monroe, fly! Run, Armstrong, run!Were the last words of Madison!"

Nor was Dolly exempt. Her departure from Washington was described in the jingle beginning—

"Sister Cutts, and Cutts and IAnd Cutts's children three,Will fill the coach—and you must rideOn horseback after we."

[63]Dr. William Thornton, the architect of the Octagon House, was born of Quaker parents in the West Indies, May 27th, 1761. He came to Washington in 1793, and was the right-hand man of the commissioners in the early history of Washington. He died there in 1828. He was also the architect of Tudor Place and of the United States Capitol. His works give him sufficient praise."The Capitol in the federal city, though faulty in detail, is one of the finest designs of modern times."—B. H. Latrobe's Journal.After leaving the Octagon House, the Madisons moved to the corner of H Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Nineteenth Street, N. W., where they lived during the remainder of Madison's term in office. The White House was not again ready for occupancy until Monroe became President.

"The Capitol in the federal city, though faulty in detail, is one of the finest designs of modern times."—B. H. Latrobe's Journal.

After leaving the Octagon House, the Madisons moved to the corner of H Street, Pennsylvania Avenue and Nineteenth Street, N. W., where they lived during the remainder of Madison's term in office. The White House was not again ready for occupancy until Monroe became President.

Harriet Martineau has given us a pleasant picture of Montpellier, and life there in 1835.

"It was a sweet day of early spring. The patches of snow that were left under the fences and on the rising grounds were melting fast. The road was one continued slough up to the very portico of the house. The dwelling stands on a gentle eminence, and is neat and even handsome in exterior, with a flight of steps leading up to the portico.A lawn and wood which must be pleasant in the summer stretches behind, and from the front there is a noble object on the horizon,—the mountain chain which traverses the state, and makes it eminent for its scenery. The shifting lights upon these blue mountains were a delightful refreshment to the eye, after so many weeks of city life as we had passed.We were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Madison, and a niece, a young lady who was on a visit to her."

A lawn and wood which must be pleasant in the summer stretches behind, and from the front there is a noble object on the horizon,—the mountain chain which traverses the state, and makes it eminent for its scenery. The shifting lights upon these blue mountains were a delightful refreshment to the eye, after so many weeks of city life as we had passed.

We were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Madison, and a niece, a young lady who was on a visit to her."

Mr. Madison discussed many subjects of mutual interest with Harriet Martineau during her two days' visit, and she afterwards wrote: "He appeared perfectly well during my visit, and was a wonderful man of eighty-three."

Of the second day of her visit she writes:

"The whole of this day was spent like the last, except that we went over the house looking at the busts and prints, which gave an English air to the dwelling, which was otherwise wholly Virginian. During all our conversations one or another slave was perpetually coming to Mrs. Madison for the great bunch of keys; two or three more lounged about in the house, leaning against the door-posts or the corner of the sofa; and the attendance of others was no less indefatigable in my own apartments."

Harriet Martineau was much interested in slavery, and in discussing the subject with Madison he told her that all the bad she had heard about it was true, and he was "in despair in regard to slavery." As long as he was able he always superintended his own slaves, and had no overseer, and they were always well cared for. Another visitor at Montpellier had been greatly surprised to see the women, neatly dressed in bright calicoes, going to church; and when a shower came, to see the dozen umbrellas that were raised.

Madison, in speaking of the appallingincrease in their numbers, said that "one-third of his were under five years of age" (he had over one hundred), and that he had recently been obliged to sell part of his best land to support them, and also to sell some of his slaves. It does not seem to have occurred to him to free them, as both Washington and Jefferson had done by will.

Montpellier and most of the slaves were afterwards sold to pay the debts of Dolly's dissolute son.

Paul Jennings, Madison's faithful servant, bought his freedom from Dolly, and afterwards lived with Daniel Webster.

At the time of Dolly's death[64]her negro slaves were valued at two thousand dollars.

Madison was much interested in the Colonization Society. Of the National Society, founded in 1817, Bushrod Washington was president. Afterward therewas a State Colonization Society of Virginia organized, and of it John Marshall was president, and its vice-presidents were James Madison, James Monroe, James Pleasants, John Tyler, Hugh Nelson and others. These men all recognized the fact that "slavery proved the spring of woes innumerable," and hindered progress in the south.

Dolly Madison in later years. From Water-color by Mary Estelle Cutts. Courtesy of Miss Lucia B. Cutts.Dolly Madison in later years. From Water-color by Mary Estelle Cutts. Courtesy of Miss Lucia B. Cutts.

Of Dolly, Harriet Martineau said:

"She is a strong-minded woman, fully capable of entering into her husband's occupations and cares, and there is little doubt that he owed much to her intellectual companionship, as well as to her ability in sustaining the outward dignity of his office. When I was her guest she was in excellent health and lively spirits, and I trust that, though she has lost the one great object of her life, she may yet find interests enough to occupy and cheer many years of honored age."

James Madison had died shortly after this visit on June 28, 1836. "Madison," said Paul Jennings, "was the best man who ever lived."

Madison was greatly indebted to his wife for the popularity of himself and his administration. This was brought about partly out of her wish to see him successful, but mainly by her kind and lovingthoughtfulness of others, and ready tact in smoothing over the rough places that were ofttimes apparent in the early days of the new government because of the friction caused by those, so widely differing in opinions, who must yet work together for the common good.

James G. Blaine said that "Mrs. Madison saved the administration of her husband, held him back from the extremes of Jeffersonism, and enabled him to escape from the terrible dilemma of the War of 1812. But for her, DeWitt Clinton would have been chosen President in 1812."

Payne Todd grew up to be a handsome young man, "the courtliest of all the cavaliers," during the early years of Madison's administration. His position put many advantages in his way, and opened the door to less profitable things. He was fêted and petted abroad, and received in the royal families of Europe. At St. Petersburg, he danced with the Czar's daughter; in France, the Count D'Orsay was his friend, and afterwards visited him at Montpellier.

Madison House, Washington, D. C., North View. Photographed by Samuel M. Brosius.Madison House, Washington, D. C., North View. Photographed by Samuel M. Brosius.

He came home to be only a grief to hismother. For a time he was Monroe's secretary, but he did little serious work. His debts ate up all his property and hers as well. He never married. He outlived his mother, whom he dearly loved, but two years, died full of grief and unmourned, and was buried in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington. "His was a wasted life."

Madison House, Washington, D. C., West View. Photographed by Samuel M. Brosius.Madison House, Washington, D. C., West View. Photographed by Samuel M. Brosius.

Richard Cutts, who had been first senator, and then, for eleven years (1814-25), secretary of the Senate, was the owner of that valuable square adjoining Lafayette Square, where in 1822 he built, at the corner of Madison Place and H street, the gray mastic stuccoed house, now known as "Madison House," the property of the Cosmos Club. At that time it consisted of two stories, and was the only house on the square. This property Madison bought shortly before his death, and the last twelve years of Dolly's life were spent in this house, already endeared by many associations, as the home of her sister Anna.

It overlooked Lafayette Square with its fine trees, shrubbery and statuary, which years ago had been the "old apple orchard" of David Burns. In the new home, her niece Anna Payne, daughter of her brother John, who had settled in Kentucky, was her devoted adopted daughter and caretaker. Here her old friends rallied around her and she held court during her declining years.

The government bought from her the Madison Papers, thus adding considerably to her income. She was likewise granted the franking privilege and the Senate and House each voted her a seat in their chambers, an unusual mark of respect and appreciation.

Free D P MadisonFree D P Madison

Anna Payne was a bright fun-loving girl, and even the President did not escape her love of practical jokes. One first of April he accepted her invitation to dinner, only to be heartily laughed at on his arrival!

One winter, she writes her Aunt Lucy when they had tarried longer than usual in the country:—

"Nov. 13.—What a dull prospect!—no parties, no 'nothin'' for Christmas. My conscience! Ifwe stay here this winter we'll freeze! Ice this morning. Aunt will tell you as soon as she makes up her mind as to going or not going to Washington. We hear from the City very frequently;—everybody telling us 'Come Home.' I hope we may go:—it's a dear place."—

Lucy Payne outlived her second husband, and came back to live with her son, William Temple Washington, at "Meg Willis" near Harewood. She, too, lived to a good old age. Her only daughter, Madisonia, died young. Lucy Payne Todd is buried at Harewood.

The following letter giving glimpses of later days is treasured in her family:

June 30th.Beloved Sister:—I received your answer to James' last, and forwarded it immediately. Enclosed I send a letter from Madisonia, and am glad to find she is doing so well. Mrs. Crittenden has returned some time from Philadelphia, and brought back her son, for whom she procured glasses to suit the eye upon which there was no operation performed. She has had a good many friends with her at different times, which has prevented my seeing her as much as I should otherwise have done in the manner I desired, which was alone. As soon, however, as Mrs. Ashley and her daughters (from St. Louis) leave, she will spend the day quietly with me, when we shall have a great deal of satisfactory conversation.

June 30th.

Beloved Sister:—

I received your answer to James' last, and forwarded it immediately. Enclosed I send a letter from Madisonia, and am glad to find she is doing so well. Mrs. Crittenden has returned some time from Philadelphia, and brought back her son, for whom she procured glasses to suit the eye upon which there was no operation performed. She has had a good many friends with her at different times, which has prevented my seeing her as much as I should otherwise have done in the manner I desired, which was alone. As soon, however, as Mrs. Ashley and her daughters (from St. Louis) leave, she will spend the day quietly with me, when we shall have a great deal of satisfactory conversation.

Yesterday the good people of Congress received another veto. Mr. Tyler is becoming more and more unpopular [torn] it is said he will soon decide himself a Loco-foco.There was a rumor last night that he was shot, but we soon heard it was without foundation. The 4th of July will be handsomely celebrated, from the preparations going forward, and we shall be here, but not to witness much of it; for, exclusive of themelting mood(anticipated from past and present experience), it is thetonfor the ladies to remain with closed doors during that day in Washington.This evening our next-door neighbor has a dinner, but it is too warm for me to sit up in style, so I shall spend it sociably with one of Mrs. Pearson's daughters, who is a near and lovely little neighbor. Mary Cutts dines with Mrs. Tayloe; Richard has gone to the North, and Walter to the West on business.Anna unites with me in love to you and all.Ever and truly your affectionate sister.D.We purpose going home in a week or ten days, and fear it will not be in our power to visit you on the way, having been kept too long here on my unfinished business, and believing that the roads and the heat will be too much for me at this season. In more auspicious weather I hope to be with you.To Mrs. Lucy P. Todd,"Meg Willis"near Charlestown,Jefferson County,Virginia.

Yesterday the good people of Congress received another veto. Mr. Tyler is becoming more and more unpopular [torn] it is said he will soon decide himself a Loco-foco.

There was a rumor last night that he was shot, but we soon heard it was without foundation. The 4th of July will be handsomely celebrated, from the preparations going forward, and we shall be here, but not to witness much of it; for, exclusive of themelting mood(anticipated from past and present experience), it is thetonfor the ladies to remain with closed doors during that day in Washington.

This evening our next-door neighbor has a dinner, but it is too warm for me to sit up in style, so I shall spend it sociably with one of Mrs. Pearson's daughters, who is a near and lovely little neighbor. Mary Cutts dines with Mrs. Tayloe; Richard has gone to the North, and Walter to the West on business.

Anna unites with me in love to you and all.

Ever and truly your affectionate sister.

We purpose going home in a week or ten days, and fear it will not be in our power to visit you on the way, having been kept too long here on my unfinished business, and believing that the roads and the heat will be too much for me at this season. In more auspicious weather I hope to be with you.

To Mrs. Lucy P. Todd,"Meg Willis"near Charlestown,Jefferson County,Virginia.

James and Madisonia were Lucy Payne's children by her second husband. All her boys were educated abroad, being sent there when very young. Madisonia, the daughter, seems to have been at school.

This letter,[65]like so many of Dolly's, was undated. It has her frank mark upon it. It was probably written in June, 1842, when Tyler vetoed the tariff bill.

Plantation life, with its roomy surroundings, has given many finely developed characters. The oak, the chestnut and the tulip tree of the forest tower higher, because of close contact, perhaps, but in shape differ little from each other. Planted in the open, each one hastens to assume its natural form, and becomes symmetrical in a way with which the other cannot vie. So, too, is it with human life, in country and in city. Flaws there doubtless are in both, and our noblest characters ofttimes adorn themselves with some pet whimsicality or foible for which, like the dwellers of Cranford, they are even more dearly loved.

"Life is a gift from divine Love," says the new teaching, and "why divide it upinto little bits, and think that little by little we are using it up, and that soon we shall come to an end." "Ignore birthdays, which only carry suggestions of age and ugliness, and remember thatlifeandgoodnessare immortal." Such doctrine as this could it have been spoken in Dolly's day, would doubtless have voiced her feelings, and been of greatest comfort. For birthdays she greatly preferred to forget, and was apt indeed, to do so. Why should the dear old lady have been reminded so often, of the many milestones past, and the very few ahead?

FROM THE COLLECTION OF SIMON GRATZ, PHILADELPHIA.I often desire to see you when I cannot, but now there is a new reason for the liveliness of my wishes—it is to rectify the mistake of a moment, not "of a night." You enquired last evening if I was not one year older than your mother. I answered yes, when I ought to have said several—In truth I could then only remember my first acquaintance with that beloved relation, when all the world seemed young to us.—She was about seventeen, and I turned of twenty—this was my calculation before I slept last night—and, being anxious to disavow the affection of curtailing some precious years, I will give you a copy of the notice of me in our family Bible, ... and having been all my life in the world, it gives me the advantage sometimes ofthe nominal advance to eighty. I know you will excuse this little sally on your time because with all your other great qualities you have the most reasonable and indulgent temper.Your friend and cos.,Jany29th 1839 D. P. Madison.To The HonbleW. C. Preston.

FROM THE COLLECTION OF SIMON GRATZ, PHILADELPHIA.

I often desire to see you when I cannot, but now there is a new reason for the liveliness of my wishes—it is to rectify the mistake of a moment, not "of a night." You enquired last evening if I was not one year older than your mother. I answered yes, when I ought to have said several—In truth I could then only remember my first acquaintance with that beloved relation, when all the world seemed young to us.—

She was about seventeen, and I turned of twenty—this was my calculation before I slept last night—and, being anxious to disavow the affection of curtailing some precious years, I will give you a copy of the notice of me in our family Bible, ... and having been all my life in the world, it gives me the advantage sometimes ofthe nominal advance to eighty. I know you will excuse this little sally on your time because with all your other great qualities you have the most reasonable and indulgent temper.

Your friend and cos.,Jany29th 1839 D. P. Madison.

To The HonbleW. C. Preston.

Darwin has said that a man's worth is best measured by the duration of his friendships. Dolly's friendships were life-long. She never allowed the friends of more recent date, no matter who they might be, to crowd into the background the friends of her youth. In the days of her prosperity, rich and poor were alike welcomed at her lavish board.

The little daughter of that early correspondent, Elizabeth Brooke (Ellicott), was treated to strawberries and cake, during informal visits at the White House. And she gave "Jimmie" no rest until he ordered the release of "Debby" Pleasants' (Stabler) son, when he was imprisoned because of conscientious scruples against bearing arms in the war of 1812.

In 1830 she wrote Elizabeth Brooke Ellicott, "it would give me great satisfaction to meet you both again, and sometimes the hope of doing so comes over mymind." But this hope was probably never realized, as the years were leaving their impress on them all.

Philip E. Thomas, the first president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, another cousin, often called and talked about "old times;" and his daughter, Mary Thomas Wethered, in turn became a favorite visitor.

It was on the 24th day of May, 1844, that Prof. Morse was ready to make the final test of his electric magnetic recording telegraph, and the wires between Washington and Baltimore were finally completed. The Baltimore end was set up at the Mt. Clare shops of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and the Washington end in the Supreme Court room of the Capitol, where the many friends of the inventor had assembled to see the first message sent. He had promised his young friend, Miss Annie Ellsworth, that she should indite the first message over the wires. Her choice was the words of Scripture (Numbers 23: 23): "What hath God wrought."[66]

In Baltimore a little company werelikewise assembled to receive the message. It was received there and repeated back to Washington with entire success. Prof. Morse then turned to Dolly Madison, and asked if she wished to send a message, and a few moments later the first real message was flashed over the wires. Its wording was: "Message from Mrs. Madison. She sends her love to Mrs. Wethered." John Wethered was at this time representative in Congress, from Baltimore city.

St. John's Church, Washington, D. C.St. John's Church, Washington, D. C.

The original printed slip of what is now called the "Dolly Madison message" is carefully preserved in the Thomas family, as is also that first copy of the message, "What hath God wrought." The return copy was given by Miss Ellsworth to General Seymour of Connecticut, and by him deposited in the Hartford Museum, as Miss Ellsworth was from Connecticut.

For years Dolly had attended the Episcopal church of St. John's, half a square from her house, of which her sister Anna had become a member. It was shortly before her death that its rector, Mr. Hawley, "persuaded her of her wish" to become a communicant, and she was accordingly baptized with considerable ceremony.

She lived to be eighty-one years old, and during her later years livedmuch in the past, amongst the old friends, of whom her family knew nothing.

She died July 12th, 1849, and her funeral services were held in St. John's Church, the "Court Church" of Washington. They were those befitting a President's wife, and her remains were attended by the Government officials, and her many loving friends and admirers, to the Congressional Cemetery.

The Mayor, Honorable W. W. Seaton, called a special meeting of the City Council, and passed resolutions of respect.

TheNational Intelligencerof July 17, 1849, says: "The remains of the venerable relict of ex-president Madison, were removed from her late residence, Lafayette Square, to St. John's church, yesterday afternoon, at 4 o'clock. The rector of the church, Rev. Mr. Pyne, delivered an eloquent and just eulogy on the life and character of the deceased, which was listened to with deep interest by a dense congregation, including the President of the United States, the Cabinet officers, gentlemen of the army, the Mayor andCity Council, and many distinguished citizens and strangers." Her body was afterward[67]removed to Montpellier, where, after "life's fitful fever" the gift of sleep is hers.

Franklin StoveFranklin Stove

FOOTNOTES:[64]Inventory of Dolly's property at the time of her death gives:Amount in bank$22,000Household furniture and plate900Books500Pictures and portraits (4 Gilbert Stuarts)5,000Negro slaves2,000———-Total$30,400[65]Owned by Mrs. Eugenia W. M. Brown.[66]The dotted copy of this first message is given in Prime's Life of Morse.[67]In 1858, accompanied there by her nephew, Gen. R. D. Cutts.

[64]Inventory of Dolly's property at the time of her death gives:Amount in bank$22,000Household furniture and plate900Books500Pictures and portraits (4 Gilbert Stuarts)5,000Negro slaves2,000———-Total$30,400

[64]Inventory of Dolly's property at the time of her death gives:

[65]Owned by Mrs. Eugenia W. M. Brown.

[66]The dotted copy of this first message is given in Prime's Life of Morse.

[67]In 1858, accompanied there by her nephew, Gen. R. D. Cutts.

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