The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-08-09
We are indebted to Capt. GEO w. TALBOT, of
Adams Express, for late copies of Memphis papers.
THE LATE MRS. RICHARD BLAND LEE.

"
THE LATE MRS. RICHARD BLAND LEE.
We copy from the National HteUigencer the fol-
lowing sketch ofthe life and character of this ven
cradle lady, whose death in the city of Wash
ington, the 24th of June, 1858, at the advanced
age of 80 years, has already been noticed in the
Exchange:
The virtues and graces which during long life
distinguished the character of the late Mrs Eliza
beth Lee caused all who knew her to regard her
as the true eXamplar of an American matron.-
There were circumstances in her life which gave to
it an historical interest.
This beloved and lamented lady was the daughter
of the late Stephen Collins, one of the principal
citizens and merchants of Philadelphia during the
Revolution, and was born there on the Sth day of
February, in the year l76S. She received from Ma
ture mind OF great power, and from education all
the advantages useful and ornamental, which dur
ing her girlhood were accessible to young ladies in
Philadelphia city which in social refinement was
then in advance of the other colonial cities. While
at school an intimacy commenced between herself
and Miss Dolly Payne who afterwards became Mrs.
Todd; and by second marriage, the consort of the
lllustrious James Madison. This intimacy contin-
ued uninterrupted and in all its original freshness
till the death of Mrs. Madison.
In June 1894, Miss Collins married by Bishop
White to Richard Bland Lee, a Representative from
Virginia in the first Congress of the United States
Philadelphia being then the seat of the General Gov
eminent. The political eminence of the husband
anu IHe nl10 personal esteem IN winch he was heiu
by Washington gave Mrs. Lee habtua access to the
Presidents domestic circle. A singuar aptitude
for accurate observation made her familiar with the
characteristics of the great Chief in private life; and
these were indelibly imprinted her memory,
which was singuarly tenacious. In after years her
vivid pictures of them were treasure on which
her friends and acquaintance were ever eager to
draw Had opportunity been afforded to some w al
ter Scott of listening to her when relating incidents
connected with the early years of the Government,
with the private life of the Father of his Country
and with his own Revolutionary "reminiscences, the
nearer might have been enabled to mpart to that
portion of our annals yet liveer interest than
Scottish history has derived from narratives of
temporary events which the Wizard of the North
received from Scottish ladies, and to which the
magic of his pen has given immortal beauty.
The mutual sistery affection between Mrs. Madi-
son and Mrs. Lee was undisturbed by the differing
political opinions of their husbands on the party
questions which sprung up with the formation Of
the Federal Government. In the family intercourse
which it led to, Mrs. Lee had frequent occasions for
observing and approaching the domestic and social
virtues Of Mr. Madison-an endearing theme on
which she loved to dwcll--and also the friendship
of Hrs. Hamilton, the relict of Alexander Hamilton
whom she knew and loved.
She survived many, very many of her earlier
friends and companions, whose correspondence with
her she sacredly preserved and cherished Mrs
Madison, Mrs. Hamilton, and their illustrious hus-
bands were among these: and in later DAYS she en-
iOyed the friendship and society of William H.
Crawford, Chancellor DeSausseur, of South Caro-
lima; Senators Clay. Berrien, Webster, and other
eminent men, who all while they lived, admired
and cherished her character and conversations.
Few, very few have lived to such an age, with
such memories and beloved, this venerable la
dy, whose life viii be remembered for those graces
and virtues which gave to her death a serene,
peaceful, and happy repose.
Mrs. Lee left surviving her two sons and two
daughters, viz: Major Richard Bland Lee, of the
United States Army; Judge i. Collins Lee, of tbs
Maryland Judiciary; Mrs Ann Matilda Washing
nj he at DR. Rail- Sbi
gcon in the United States Navy; and Mrs Cornc-
liza McRae, wife of DR.. McRae, of Virginia