Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-12-30
MONTPELIER.

MONTPELIER.
They were married in 1894. going to i've
~ "Aiontpelier." Mr.. Madison's beautilui
Virginia residerpe, within days drive
~ the homes ov Monroe and Jefferson.
In 1S0l. after LIZ appointment as Sec
retorv of state, Mrs. Madison accom-
nanied her husband to Washington anu
az a member of official society had
wider field for the display of her beauty
and the exercise Of her talents. NO mouse
a, the capital, the Presidents alone eX-
cented was so resorted to as that or the
Secretary Of State. and his apartments
were thronged, not only with the citlZehs
of Washington. but with distinguished
foreigners, heads of the Diplomatic corps
Senators and Representatives, and proihi-
nent people from all parts Of the Union.
Mr. Jefferson's daughters being married
and living in Virginia. Mrs. Madison, too,
with her fayorite sister. Anna, who
always made her home with her after
her second marriage, frequently did the
honors Of the White House; but in the
midst of her multiform engagements
she was never unmindful Of the claims OF
charity. On the books of the orphan
ASYLUM established by the celebrated Mar
cIa Vannes, and now one OF the most
fourishing institutions OF It's KIND In
Washington, her name Ia recorded as one
of the earliest and most liberal donors,
and numbers Of poor people were daily
fed from her bountiful board. 1t was
said OF her that she never forgot name
she had once heard. face she had seen
or the personal circumstances connected
with those with whom she was thrown,
and during the rancorcous campaign
which preceded her husbands election to
the presidency she frequently, by her
gracious tact, converted his enemies into
friends.
ration was day of jubilee In Washing
ton, and Mrs. MadisOn's instalment as
mistress of the White House the dawn OF
a new era in its festivities Those who
remembered Mrs. Washington's stiff draw
ing-rooms and ceremonious dinners ex-
pected a repetition of the same weary
round but the wife OF the new President
was a foe to dulness, and at once pro-
ceeded to abolish all needless Formally.
In addition 10 the prescribed weekly din
ners, brilliant reunions were inaugurated
where the beauty, fashion, and wit OF
the nation found a theatre for its display.
Mrs. Madlson's dove parties" too, COM
posed Of the wives OF the Cabinet officers
and foreign ministers. when their lords
were engaged in formal dinners. and her
lotteries" In which every guest received
a "cadeeu," are still cherished tradition
IN Washington. In short, in no previous
or subsequent administration have the
entertainments at the Executive Mansion
been characterized by so much OF genuine
enjoyment.
II was In August, 1914. while Mr.. Madi-
son was President that the destruction
of the White House and other public
buildings by the British occurred. Her
husband had gone to join General Winder.
hut Mrs. Madison. though urged 10 fly
from the threatened city. would not leave
until she had secured the precious De-
cIoration of Independence" and the pic
tire of Washington by Gilbert Stuart,
whtch still adorns the White House and
which was then one OF the few ornaments
~ its kind to be found there. In a letter
10 her sister Anna, then Mrs Richard
Cults. written Immediately before her
departure from Washington Mrs. Madi-
son says:
ION leaving me. my husband inquired
anxiously whether had the courage or
firrnness 10 remain In the presidential
house until tomorrow or succeeding day.
and. on my assurance that had no fear
but for him and the success OF our army,
he left me, beseeching me 70 take care
Of myself and OF the Cabinet papers. pub
lie and private. ! have since received two
dispatches from him. written In pencil;
the last IL alarming. because he desires
I should be ready at a moments warn
ing 10 enter my carriage and leave wash
ipgton: that the enem, seems stronger
than reported, and that II might happen
they would reach the city with the inten-
tion OF destroying It. ] am accordingly
ready. I have pressed as many Cabinet
papers into trunks as to I'LL one carriage.
Our private property must be sacrihced.
as II Is impossible TO procure wagons Tor
its transportation. ! am determined not
10 10 myself until see Mr.. Madison
safe and he can accompany me. MY
friea Is and acquaintance are all gone