The Washington herald., 1913-08-10

term il nowadays, the tavernkeeper sent
her to New York City and placed her
under the guardianship of Gov. De Witt
! Clinton, who was his personal friend.
Peggy attended Nine. Nau's select school
| while in the metropolis, but she soon
grew weary of her books and the re-
strictions placed upon her by the Gov
ernor and longed for the gay life OF the
tavern.
She wrote a touching letter TO her
father. urging him to permit her 10 re-
turn to Washington. The mingled Wit
and pathos of the appeal was too much
for the soft-hearted father, and he lost
no time in restoring Peggy to her native
atmosphere. Neither Root nor branch
will ever tear me from you declared
the daughter wittily in her letter.
Once again Peggy attempted to elopc.
but fate proved for the second time very,
very cruel, and the plans were sadly
tnwarted. All this time the pretty
maiden was waxing more and more
beautiful. At a big ball given at the
White House during Madison's adminis-
tration. the wife of the Chief Magistrate
crowned the Irish lass as the most beau
tiful girl in the National Capital
While at the height of her beauty.
Peggy married John Bowie Timberlake.
a purser in the United States Navy.
Washington was shocked to learn of the
marriage. for Timberlake was not held
II very high esteem, and every one
wished Peggy q goodly husband
The couple were together but little
after their marriage. Undertake sailed
the high seas. while Peggy lived with
her father, enjoying the same old tavern
life. During the five years following the
nuptials three children We're born-a son.
hn fAI aff hf,-tl ,,,l t...,
daughters. Timberlake was a worthless
sort of a fellow and was given to ex-
cessive indulgence in the flowing bowl.
While in Mediterranean waters in th-
wear lS2S, he became crazed because of
his inability to stop drinking, and com
mitted suicide by cutting his throat and
jumping into the sea
Mai. John II. Eaton. one of the most
prominent politicians of the time, hao
been stopping at the tavern for more
than ten years, and had always been
a great admirer OF Peggy. Now that she
was free from matrimonial bonds. Mai
Eatons attentions to her became very
marked. And consequently, it was NOT
very long before rumors of engagement
began to float around among society ana
political circles.
By this time many tales had arisen
Peggy. 1t was known univer-
sally that she was very bold and reckless.
and soon stories got into circulation that
she was not as discreet as she might
have been. The society women of WASH
ington We're as a rule jealous of the at
tractive Irish girl, and they lost no time
in Selling upon the rumors and convin-
cling themselves that they were incontro-
true
Consequently. there was a decided stir
when it became known that Mai. Eaton
was waiting on" Peggy. Gen. Jackson
had been elected President, and was to
enter the White House in the following
March. 1893 Eaton was a close friend of
Jackson's, and. as a matter of course,
the major would be made a member of
the new Cabinet. The women began to
talk of the disgrace of having Peggy as
the wife of a Cabinet member, and the
politicians commenced TO point out to
Jackson that Eatons marriage with the
tavernkeepers daughter possibly might
the new administration
jackson Ignored Gossip.
Jackson paid no attention to the gossip
or TO the advice. He was ready to be the
champion of any abused woman, SO chiv-
alrous was he, and he declared the at
tacks upon Peggy to be groundless and
the part of a political plot of opponents
Finally. Maj Eaton placed the matter be-
fore Jackson. asking his advice as to the
marriage.
Would you advise the union?' inquired
the major.
"Why. yes, major" replied Jackson.
IF you love the woman. and she will
have you, marry her by all means. Your
her will disprove these charges
and restore Pegs good name"
Maj Eaton lost no time in acting upon !
the advice of the general, and in Janu- |
ary. 1929, the ceremony was performed. |
Jackson. Clay, Benton. Van Buren,, and |
Calhoun attending. The society women |
displayed their contempt for Peggy by |
refusing to witness the ceremony
No sooner had the wedding taken place |
than protests by the scores were sent |
TO Jackson, urging him not to appoint |
Eaton to a position in the Cabinet. The
generals fighting blood was up, and he
was enraged at the cruel attacks upon
his precious Peggy, whom he had grown
TO love as a father does his child. II