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

OF the paterna interest and wachfu care for
the welfare and advancement OF the city, which had been
uniformly exhibited by the late administration.
After Mr. Jefferson left the city Mr.. Madison removed
to the Presidents House. which soon became the centre OF
gay and brilliant circle, and yet OF social and delightful
society. In addition to large dinners every week, a
drawing room was now opened, where the beauty and
fashion OF the nation found the best theatre for display
Those who remembered the stiff ormay and strict GER
emonias 0f Mrs. Washingon's drawing room, antic-
paed renewal OF the same dull But Mrs. Mad-
son was foe to dizziness in every form, even when in
vested with the dignity which high ceremonial could be-
stow. All unnecessary etiquette was banished, and no
acquisitions made beyond those which regulated good So
ciety in private houses.
The sunshine OF prosperity shed its most unclouded
rays this avore OF nature and OF fortune But pros
perty could not spoil hercould not harden heart sus
ceptible OF all the tenderest charities OF life.
But this sence OF general and individual prosperity was
interrupted by the war, which spread desoafion along
our coasts and brought ruin and devastation TO the city
OF Washington.
This the place to discuss the causes Of that fatal
forty miles below the city Their destination was I'M
known. Several roads led across the country TO the
city and several TO Baltimore and when it was ascer
tanned that Washington was their object the commanders
OF our army-for, unfortunately, the command was d.
vlded, al least authority over General Wnder was
claimed by the Secretary Of War-coud not agree on
the route TO be chosen nor the to be adopted
oppose the British forces, who advancing in the
country. In this dilemma, the President was appealed
to, and with view Of settling this difference, went &C.
companed by several members OF the cabinet and
found the two armies engaged Meanwhile, terror
spread over the city Every who could find
conveyance Of any kind whatever made their escape
to the adjoining towns. Those who We're unprovided
with conveyance fled on foot. carrying with them
whatever could be carried The sound Of the cannon
was distinctly heard. The dismay was universal. Mr.
war returned not; no one in the city pretended to any
authority; the whole was scene OF confusion, Some
personal friends who had remained with Mrs Madison
vehemeny urged her to leave the city They had her
carriage brought to the door, but could not persuade her
to enter il until her husband should return and accom-
pany her Butan extract from letter wtten to her sister,
though necessarily broken and abbreviated will give
true, if not fuller, view of her trying situation than
any other pen can do:
Tuesday, August g. 1914
DEAR SISTER: My husband left yesterday morning to
Join Gen Winder He inquired anxiousy whether had
courage or irmness TO remain in the Presidents House,
until his return the succeeding day and
my assurance that had fear but for him, and the
cess OF army, he LEFT me, beseechng take
Of mysefand Of the cabine, papers public and private
pencil the last is alarming, because he desires should
be ready at moments warning to enter my carriage and
reach the city, with intention to destroy it. !" = =
no All o. o psoe
sry must be sacrificed, as i impossible procure wag
sel( until see Mr. Madison sale, and he can accoGpany
me, as hear Of much hostility towards him; J.
and ao9uantanees all gone--even Col O. with his
hundred men, who were stationed guard in this
usual activity and resolution, offers spike the
The gate and lay train Of powder which would blow up
sition positively object without being able, however, to
make him understand why oil advantages in war may not
Wednesday morning, IL oeoek-Since sunrise have
been turning my spygass every direction and watching
aaS his % n
only groups OF military wandering In all directions f
there was lack oil arms or Of spirit TO fight for their own
Three oeoek WIN you believe 1t, my sister, We have
here within sound Of the cannon! Mr. Madison not
May God protect him! Two messengers, covered with
this late hour wagon has been procured have had
filled with the plate and most valuable portable articles
belonging 10 the house Whether will reach It's destna
lion, the Bank OF Maryland, fall into the hands of
British sodiery, events must determine.
parture and is ia very bad humor with me, because
insist waiting until the large picture Of Gen Washington
This process found tedious for these perous
have ordered the frame to be broken and the
n the hands Of two gentlemen New York. or .ss Eespnr
And now dear sister, must leave this house, or the
rOad f' directed ase When shah again @e
10 you, or where shall be tomorrow. cannot tell
The disastrous events which followed are too well
known 70 need description, even the limits Of this
OF Mr. Madisons presidential term he resided
in private house. where, however, he received CON-
pany with nndpiplshed hospitality When at the expi-
ton, and returned TO his mountain home. his departure
was amented as private as well as public less by the
citizens, with whom his family for sixteen years had
lived on terms OF reciprocal kindness
Always fond OF agricultural pursuits, Mr.. Madison
joyfuIly returned TO his beautiful and peaceful home
Montpelier was within less than days ride Of Month
cello, and, in the estimate OF Virgqian Mr.. Jefferson
and Mr.. Madison were neighbors. Both had run the
whole Of public lifehad endured its tolls and its
been crowned with its highest honors and
reunited in the dignity and tranquility OF do
dearest affections and every resource which virtue, learn
ing, and philosophy could unish-and TO crown all,
friendship which the conflicts OF public life had
interrupted, which absence had chilled and which
death only could terminate
Embosomed among the hills which lay al the foot oil
the south mountain is the paerna estate OF Mr.. Madi.
son. Naturally fertile, but much improved by his judi
cous care comparatively small part is kept under cult
yahon, the greater part being covered with s native
forests. large and commodious mansion, designed
play rises al the foot Of high wooded hill. which, while
u Affords shelter from the northwest winds, adds much 10
the picturesque beauty OF the scene. The grounds
around the house their ornaments 10 nature
than art as, With the exception OF fine garden behind,
and a wide. spread lawn before the house, for miles
ground is covered with forest trees The extreme salu-
briy Of the situation induced the proprietor to call il
Montpelier.
One wing OF the house during her lifetime was exclu.
syey appropriated to the venerable and yenerated mother
OF Mr.. Madison, 10 which were attached Offices and gar.
dens, forming separate establishment where this aged
matron preserved the habits and the hours OF her early
lfe attended by old family slaves and surrounded by
her children and grandchildren.
Under the same roof, divided only by partition wall.
end Of century thus Offering strange but most inter-
estng exhibition OF the differences between the oden and
the present age BY only opening door, the observer
passed from the eegmces, refnements, and gaetes Of