The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1874-01-01
MRS, EATON.
The Woman VIE Rsied nj the White Hons,
Daring Genernl Jaekson's Admiaistratisn.

The Woman VIE Rsied nj the White House
Daring General Jaeksen's Admisissrattsa.
Through DR.. Deems, learned that the celc-
brated woman, who did the hOnOrs of the White
House during General Jsckson's administration,
still liyed-was in the city, and was one of his
congregation. Naturally felt an interest in,
and some curiosity TO see a person who had play
ed so conspicuous a part in the affairs of the ma
ton at one time and, learning that she was fond
of company, and would consider it no intrusion,
called. In doing, so was more forcibly remind
ed than ever before of what slaves We are of the
caprices of fortune-what victims to the vicissi-
tudes of life, over which We have no control.
Here was a woman who once held the destinies of
a nation in her hand. To win her approval ar
gned successful arouse ier anger meant defeat.
Health, luxury, flattery. honors-eyerything this
world could give was laid at her feet. Now, an
old feeble and jaded woman, deserted by friends,
forgotten by the world, she ekes out bare exist
ence in 4 retired clearinghouse, which overloOks
Washington square. Although in her seventy
fifth year, she still bears the traces of having
been beautiful woman, and though miserably
dressed, she received us with the grace aud ele
gance Of queen. We found her very accessible.
The conversation naturally turned npOn events
of the past aud we were surprised to find every
incident connected with her eventful life rs fresh
in her memory if they had only just occurred.
Her story varies somewhat from the facts laid
down in history, aud, perhaps-who knowsf-they
may be right and the historian wrong. Such
Things nave ulpptneu W, VI all people WI
profess to be entirely unprecedented, We think
the generality of historians are more prejudiced
than any other class of writers. She spoke of
Mrs. Randolph and the Duchess de Fensendock
as her only children, and in the midst Of many
changes and heavy losses, she said she consider
cd herself blessed in being surrounded by her
grandchildren, who are very devoted to her, and
console and comfort her in her old age. Mrs.
Randolph has been dead many years. and it is
this family of children she has reared aud who
duty aud pleasure to provide for his grandmoth-
er, whom he seems to love with devotion Dor
dering on romance. She mentioned in conversa-
ton that her son-in-law the Duke, had two IT,
Ties the other being the Duke de Sampayo, and
that their only child, a daughter, was married to
one of the Rethschilds, the son of the elder
Cresus. She said her daughter had become thor
oughly foreguiZed, and hated America so that she
would not allow her husband to accept position
to this country, which was offered him two years
ago. ! asked her if she "ever visited W ASKING
ton nowf" She said, "No; recollections of WASH
ington are SO painful that / do not like to go
there any re,"-tben added-"I very foolishly
married third time, although this marriage lost
all of my property; and it is not pleasant to go
back and see other people enjoying what right
fully belongs to me. He married me for my
money, and it took him ten years and seven
months to get it into his possession. Then, when
he got it all, he left me, taking some woman
whom he fancied and left the country. | was
in complete Ignorance of his movements until a
letter reached me which he bad written from the
steamer saying he returned me my honored name,
and left the country because he was not worthy
to be associated with ME and my family, confess
ed himself villain and adventurer, and as
sured me he would never trouble me again." The
name of this magnificent scoubdrel was Antonio
Bucbignami, and, Mrs. Eaton says, a very hand
some and elegant mana man who had served as
librarian at Washington, although he was an
Italian adventurer of whom nothing was known.
| 0f eOurSa she at resumed the name which