The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-07-14
MRS. Madison.

The lie and character OF this distinguished lady be-
long TO her country. One who was so generally known
Tor her position her virtues, and accomplishments
mas hed so large space in the community which she has
graced-who has lived SO long time at the metropolis
where she became the centre OF general attraction and the
object oil general admiration destiny has been as
socated with the fortunes OF OF the first OF American
statesmen. and one Of the most distinguished of our
Presidents-who has lived to so good an old age be-
loved respected and venerated for her virtues cannot
pass of the stage OF life without receiving that public
tribute which is due TO her merits. Mrs Madison was
no ordinary parsonage. Perhaps there was no woman
that ever lived in this country who was more WORTHY
oil the distinction which she has attained or of the re-
spect which will be paid to her memory Beloved to the
latest moment OF her existence her doors were surround
ed by her numerous and anxious friends inquire about
The progress OF her disease Nothing speaks more pahe
caly oil the estimation in which she has been uniformly
held during long life. The universal esteem with which
she was consdered was touchngy displayed in the del
cate sympathy and the earnest interest OF all classes Of
the community, "wihout distinction of high and low
rich and poor, bond persons and free"
Mrs Madison was born on the Goth MAY, l7e7. new
style; which makes her to be SO years month and 20
days old at the time Of her death Upon the expiration
OF Mr. Madisons presidential service she retired with
him to Montpelier in Orange county. Virginia. where
she administered with warmth and grace OF man
ner never surpassed, all the rites Of hospitality, in
the house of her distinguished husband Visited bv
crowds Of American citizens. and by strangers from
Europe, who were DESTROYS Of seeing 30 noble states
man, no one ever left his house without carrying away
with him the strongest Of the couresies and accom-
pshments Of his lady. After his death, she continued
to reside at Montpelier until 1897 when she removed for
short time to this city Thence she returned to Mont
peler and finally Washington in ls4a. to reside
at her house Presidents Square, where she breathed
her last Thursday night, between 10 and ii o'clock
after lingering illness Of FIVE days No distinguished
stranger visited Washington who did not consider
it his duty well as his pleasure TO wait upon her
and pay his respects to her. Blessed almost to the
last with good spirits and the kindes SOCIAL feelings, she
mixed in the society of all her old fnenis in Wash
ington with kindness and warmth Of aanner which
attracted every heart and eye aTosnE her There
was charm in her manners which proved inesst-
BILE. Even when she was possessed Of the highest
buoyancy Of spirits. and presided the iueIary genius
Of the White House. she suffered her head to be
turned by the most devoted attentions which were always
paid TO her. She preserved that equanimiiy OF spirit
that simplicity OF character that warmth and ympathy of
heart which preserved her from all a6ectaion and
arrogance of manner. She was the most consid-
crate and polite person we have ever known.
Instead Of pushing herself forward on any occa-
sion, and even claiming what was due to her, she
would, the contrary, dsclam all pretensons and dis
tinctions She seemed determined to sacrifice all idle
etiquette and all selfish discrimination to The ease and
happiness OF others. With that exquisite tac, which
arose from her sagacous mind, and with that delicate
sympathy which the fruit Of her good and generous
feelings, she was ever willing 10 give up her own place
and her comfort for those around her. This remark
was true of her at all times and paces-n the most
crowded assemblies, well in the smallest circles
No woman seemed 10 think so little of herself and
none more OF others. Was il any wonder, then, that
with her position in society, her fine accomplishments
her simple yet polished manners, her long acquaint.
ance with political matters and with the most dstn-
guished men Of our country, and with that utter
disregard OF all preiensons, and her great consideration
OF the happiness of others, Mrs Madison should have
been so long the idol of her friends and the centre
oil general admiration and more than all OF the venera
ton and the love OF every who knew herr We could
furnish numerous anecdotes OF her Kindness of her vr
tues, OF the intense impression which she produced among
the young and the old; but prefer to hand over the
pencil TO one OF her own sex, who herself had the power
to appreciate her fine character and the literary talent 10
describe tive mean Mrs Samuel Harrison Smith, late
Of this citynow herself, unfortunately, no more To
that exquisite pen we were indebted, on another thea
tire, for the most beautiful description we have ever
Of Monticello, and its lustrous proprietor Thomas
Jefferson. To that pen the country is indebted for
the following charming portrait OF our friend Just De.
ceased. We extract il from the aNaonal Portrait Gal.
lery published in Philadelphia in 1885, and embeished
with likness OF Mrs. Madison II is preceded in the
same volume with a fine sketch Of Mr. Madison, from
the pen Of Charles J. Ingersoll, esq
Sketch OF Mrs. Madison.
The parents Of Dolly Payne were natives of Virginia.
and ranked among the most respectable citizens OF the
Carolina Mrs Payne gave birth TO her eldest daughter
the subject oil this memoir who, although accidentally
born in another State, claims the title 90 dear TO all who
possess II, of being Virginan. In disposition she Is
decidedly So having been imbued by nature with all that
warmth, frankness and generosity which are the dis
traits Of the vTg'nian character
Soon after their marriage Mr.. and Mrs Payne Joined
the Society OF Friends, or Quakers, manumftfed their
slaves, and removed 10 Pennsylvania The subject OF
This memoir was educated in PHILADELPHIA according 10
The strict system Of the society which her family be-
onged: system which has utility for its basis and
which fobds the requirement OF those graceful and orna-
mental accomplishments, which too generally con-
sidered the most important parts OF female education
Whatever grace and polish dancing. music, painting,
and foreign languages may besow, many most lovely
examples among the women OF this society prove thai
hese accomplishments may be dispensed with without
any diminution OF the attractions OF the sax.
To none Of these acquired graces and accomplishments