The Washington herald., 1909-08-29
DOLLY MADISON'S FLIGHT
Mistress of the White House Heroine in the Trying
Days of 1874

Now that the shadow from the wings
Of the dove Of peace rest over all the
! possessions OF Uncle sam. and in october
will extend across the southern border
when the President clasps hands with
Gen Diaz. who fought against us in the
little unpleasantness OF 1Sl7-4S. called the
Mexican war, II Is hard to realize that
only about ninety-six years ago It was
quite different.
The relations OF the United States were
so strained with almost all the great
powers. to say nothing OF the oft recur-
/ ring, wasp-like inju..es from the Barbary
States 20 the American navy, that in
spite OF all doctrines Of neutrality. when
the news Of the Russian victories over
! the French were proclaimed in the streets
OF Washington City the very cream Of
social and political life OF the Federal
city lost no time in calling great meet
Ing to offer prayer and thanksgiving in
church for the success Of Russia.
It was a very natural thing 10 do. If
very impolitc. for Russia was a great,
big friendly power And although It was
rather juvenile 70 throw up the hat and
shout for the ally who had licked the
fellow one was privately afraid OF, still
the Capital was very young and national
policy hardly formed IN 1873 when in
Georgetown. at the Presbyterian church,
the celebration commemoratng the vic
tories OF Russia over Napoleon the OPP
pressor.r as one Of the toasts read, were
held
The celebration began with solemn re-
joiclng. and after two hours Of prayer.
praise. and speeches. the distinguished
company Of 80 gentlemen repaired TO the
Union Hotel where a most elaborate
spread had been arranged for their pleas
ure, and after the dinner had been dis
posed Of the evening was passed in toast
giving until twenty-five had been given
and responded 10 By speech and music
One Of these toasts, from the Russian
counselor. Mr. Swertchkod. was TO The
fair sex OF the United States. May they
never smile on the admirers Of Bona
parte."
A local account OF the affair reads:
The ladies were first introduced into the
church. then the members OF the Senate
and House. members Of the Maryland
legislature, strangers, and citizens Of the
District One OF the large pews In front
OF the pulpit was appropriated 10 the use
OF the President and Vice President Of
the day and the consul Of Spain. At half
after the Russian Minister, his lady,
counselor Of legation. and secretary
reached the church IN his carriage Of
state. The reverend clergy Of the Dis
trict and the orator OF the day, Mr.. Gus
It's. were next introduced. and the latter
was conducted TO a rostrum Immediately
under the pulpit During the seating Of
the company tie ceremony was rendered
unusually solemn and interesting by the
accompaniment Of exquisite music from a
band OF selected performers and profes-
sors. who attended from a considerable
distance. Rev. Mr.. Balch offered up a
prayer, and music succeeded, when Mr..
Custis delivered. In a style OF ease and
dignity so peculiar In his oratory, a SYM
pathetic encOmium upon Russian valor.
The scene was closed with prayer. when
the lady OF the Russian Minister was
conducted to her carriage with the music
OF a Russian march"
Then the gentlemen repaired 70 the
Union Hotel and. duty done, proceeded to
enjoy the occasion TO the full
This is one Of the few social or political
affairs of the period in which the grace
ful presence Of Mrs. Madison was lack
Ing. But the wife OF the fourth President
vas noted for her tact and her kind
heart also. and though she doubtless re-
tHiNeA 81 these victories, she did it IN
private. for she had many warm friends
80 A..
temporary eStrangement forgotten the
aid received from the republic Of France
during the Revolution.
About this time the cheerful Dolly must
have worn a sad heart beneath the trim
bodice that adorned her shapely figure.
for the war clouds were heavy over the
land and the head Of the administration
hardly strong enough 70 cope with the
situation. A month after the celebration
Of the Russian victories Admiral War
ren's feet entered the Potomac, and war
measures were pushed with vigor TO re-
pei the enemy when he should reach the
Capital. There Is q rather quaint plan
still IN print of Gen Wilkinson for the
defense OF the city. This general was
temporarily suspended from command OF
the army. So 10 utilize the spare time
he made the tour Of the city OF Washing
ton in company with Gen John Mason,
OF Masons Island, and Charles Carroll, OF
Bellevue 10 inform them Of his plan in
the last resort 10 repeI a British surprise
1t was as follows:
Two redoubts. one IN the fork Of the
Tiber and Potomac. the other on the
height north Of the Avenue called David
sons Orchard Lafayette Square): also
the fertilization Of the Capitol and Presi-
dents House"
The plan for the Capitol was a defense
by ''ravelins to connect the two discon-
nected blocks (wings) and round towers
OF stone up the angles. with loopholes to
defend the extension end Of the blocks;