m EL c J- , J IE IE V K.B.T,
THE QUEENS
AMERICAN SOCIETY.
MRS. ELLET,
AUTHOR OF "THE WOMEN OF TIIK AMERICAN RKVOI.UTION,
"WOMEN ARTISTS," ETC.
SIXTH
PHILADELPHIA:
PORTER & COATES
1873.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, by
CHARLES SCBIBNER & CO.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for th
Southern District of New York.
PEEFAOE.
SOME friends have objected, in advance, to the title of thia
volume, on the ground that the term "queens," as applied to the
subjects, seems out of place in the society of a republic. But if
we call to mind how continually and universally the expression is
used in ordinary conversation, it must be conceded that no other
would do as well. We are all accustomed to hear of any leading
lady that she is "a perfect queen," the "queen of society," a
"reigning belle," the "queen of the occasion," &c. The phrase is
in every one's mouth, and no one is misled by it. The sway of
Beauty and Fashion, too, is essentially royal ; there is nothing re-
publican about it. Every, belle, every leader of the ton, is despotic
in proportion to her power; and the quality of imperial authority is
absolutely inseparable from her state. I maintain, therefore, that
no title is so just and appropriate to the women illustrated in this
work, as that of " queens."
It may be thought that too much space has been given to per-
sonal description and accounts of dress and entertainments. It
should be borne in mind, that the subjects are the Flowers of the
sex choice and cultivated flowers not representatives of woman-
kind in general. To them especially and necessarily pertain the
Adornments of person and the luxury of surroundings; and in
scenes of festal display they are the stars of attraction. To pre-
sent them without the adjuncts and associations of dress and
gayety would be fair neither to them nor the reader. There is
significance, too, in the style of decoration and amusements, as
well as that of daily living. The style prevalent in the early days
of the republic differed widely from the present, as does that of the
West and the South from ours in the metropolis and the Atlantic
cities.
550943
ii PREFACE.
In a country so extensive embracing such diversities in cli-
mate, habits of life, and tone of the community it cannot certain-
ly be expected that society should have always and everywhere the
eame prevailing features. The differences are marked in different
sections ; and a social favorite in one might be regarded in another
as entitled to no distinction. It will be obvious, therefore, how
unfair it would be to measure by the same rules those who have
been made unlike by diverse origin, customs, and training. There
are points of similarity enough, if a broad and liberal view of other
conditions be taken.
I trust the candid reader will admit that the women most
prominent in our society have had better than frivolous claims to
distinction ; that they have possessed high moral worth and supe-
rior intellect. Many of them have devoted their influence and
efforts to works of charity. It is the blessing of New York so
justly reproached as the temple of money-worship that her most
elevated society is pervaded by a noble spirit of benevolence, and
the refinement of taste growing out of mental culture. A line 6f
distinction is drawn between the class that confers honor on the
country, and mere shallow and vulgar pretenders whose lavish
display of wealth is their only merit. Abundant materials for the
illustration of this latter class were at hand, but they have not
been used.
It has seemed to me that a comprehensive view of the best
society would be a valuable part of the country's history. It is
curious and interesting to trace the noted families whose descend-
ants have spread over the land, and, parting with the aristocracy
derived from ancient blood, have risen to individual distinction.
The limits of a single volume are too narrow to do full justice to
t 1 .") subject; but enough is done to show the study a worthy one.
The reader is indebted for the memoir of Mrs. Jay, to the pen
of her gifted descendant, Mr. John Jay, of New York.
CONTENTS.
I.
PASS
The Early Colonial Society In the South and the East Leading
Ladies Prominent Families The Virginia School of Aristoc-
racyMrs. Washington The Birthnight Ball New York as the
Capital The President's Title Reception of Mrs. "Washington
The Inauguration Establishment of the " Republican Court "- -
Presidential Receptions Count de Moustier's Ball, 4c. New
Year's Calls Prominent Ladies Charles Carroll's Family Fam-
ily of Thomas Jefferson Noted Ladies 13
II.
The Livingston Family Governor William Livingston and hia Daugh-
ters Miss Susan saving the Papers Lady Stirling and her
Daughter Sarah's Marriage Mrs. Jay during the gloomy Pe-
riod of War Sailing for Spain Disasters at Sea Correspond-
ence Letters of Mrs. Robert Morris, &c. Description of Mrs.
Jay Society in Paris at the Period Negotiation of American
Commissioners for the Conclusion of Peace Jay's Agency
Prevailing Fashions La Fayette's Family Intimacy with Dr.
Franklin Brilliant Circle of Celebrities around his Table His
Letters to Mrs. Jay Mrs. Jay at Chaillot Correspondence
Return to New York Society there Dinner Guests Home
Occupation Mrs. Jay Managing the Estate Her Character. ... 4i
III.
The Early Aristocracy of New England Customs Brissot's Obser-
vations John Quincy Adams' Descriptions of several Belles
Mrs. Cashing The Misses Allen Mercy Warren Mrs. Knoi
The Sheaffe Ladies Mrs. Adams Her Sisters, &c. Mrs. Smith
Her Letters on Society John Quincy Adams' Opinion of
New York Beauties Madame de Marbois Mrs. John Quincy
Adams, &c 85
4 CONTENTS.
IV.
PACK
The Quiney Family Marriage of Dorothy to John Hancock Mrs.
Hancock's Patriotism Her House in Boston Style of Living-
General Washington's Visit The Breakfast to the French Fleet
Complimentary Dinner to Mrs. Hancock by the Admiral
Anecdotes Plate in Use Hancock's Epicurean Taste Break-
ing the China Samuel Adams going to Jail The Governor's
Last Hours Mrs. Hancock's Attractions Mrs. Greene Mrs.
Wooster Countess Rumford 113
y.
Philadelphia Society in Early Times The Willing Famfly Philadel-
phia the Center of Fashionable Gayety Mrs. Bingham Her
Life abroad Miss Adams' Letters about her Her Home in
Philadelphia Her Country Seat Brilliant Society Mrs. Bing-
ham's Taste in Dress and Entertainments Her Beauty and Pleas-
ing Manners Jefferson's Letter to her French Noblemen The
First Masquerade Ball Judge Chase at Dinner Illness and
Departure of Mrs. Bingham Mrs. Robert Morris 135
VI.
Foreign Writers on American Society Extravagance of the Women
The Wistar Parties The Misehianza Fete in Honor of the
Dauphin Miss Graeme Mrs. Bache Miss Vining Miss Mar-
garet Shippen Mrs. Arnold Miss Franks Lady Johnston's
Interview with General Scott Mrs. Stockton Mrs. Rufus King
Mrs. Bruyn Mrs. Sqhuyler Mrs. Hamilton Jerome Bona-
parte's Marriage to Miss Patterson Her after Life Mrs.
Wilson 149
vii.
fhe Van Cortlandt Family Mrs. Beekman " Castle Philipse " The
Old Dutch Church Locality of the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
Region of Romance Mrs. Gates Mrs. Benjamin H. Field
Descended of Distinguished Families The De Peyster Family-
Its remarkable Men Mrs. Field one of few Americans Marriage
to Mr. Benjamin H. Field His Ancestry" Silver Wedding "
Poem by Bishop Coxe, addressed to Mrs. Field 171
CONTENTS.
VIII.
PAOB
Early Society at the South In Charleston, South Carolina Promi-
nent Belles "Moll Harvey" Paulina- the Heiress Mrs. Riv-
ington Mrs. Singleton Whig Ladies Mrs. Brewtou "Mad
Archy's" Marriage A Brilliant Ball Epigram Mrs. Motte
Mrs. Gibbes Mrs. Barnard Elliott Mrs. "William Elliott Mrs.
Lewis Morris Mrs. Jane Elliott Anna Elliott Mrs. Calhoun
Esther AVake and Lady Tryon Mrs. Wilie Jones and Mrs.
Ashe Mrs. Ralph Izard Princess Achille Murat (note) 181
IX.
Belles among the Pioneers of Tennessee Miss Hart Miss Bledsoe
The Lady of "Plum Grove "Mrs Sevier Miss Sevier Th
Belle of Natchez Mrs. Iimis Mrs. Combs Mrs. Robertson
Mrs. Kenton Mrs. Talbot Miss St. Clair Mrs. Sibley Mr*
Walworth Mrs. Heald Mrs. Kinzie Mrs. Allen Miss Traak !Q5
X.
Memoir of Mrs. Polk Early Marriage Winters in Washington-
Circles of distinguished Persons Mrs. Polk's Dignity and Grace
Her Benevolence Mr. Polk Governor of Tennessee Klected
President of the United States Mrs. Poik's admirable Tact and
noble Qualities She will not have Dancing Mrs. Maury's Ac-
count of her Leaving the White House Her Home in Nashville
Testimony of Respect by the Legislature and Military Compa-
nies Mrs. Huntington of Indiana Her Beauty and admirable
Character Mrs. "Florida White" Mrs. Pleasants The Daugh-
ters of Governor Adair Mrs. Jacob Brown La Fayette's Letter
to her Mrs. Henry Clay Mrs. Joshua Francis Fisher Miss
Sallie Ward The Belle of the Southwest Her Father Mrs.
Robert J. Ward Early Training Rare Gifts of the young Girl
Popular Admiration Presentation of Flags to the Louisville
Legion, &c. The Greeting on their Return Mrs. Johnston A
Fancy Ball Dress Mrs. Hunt's Beauty and imperial Elegance
Taste in Dress Mrs. Hunt's Charity Her Elevation of Mind
Her splendid Home in New Orleans A Masquerade Ball
Domestic Retirement. . . 213
6 CONTENTS.
XI.
MM
Memoir of Mrs. Madison Her Family Her Beauty and Fascinations
Her first Marriage and Widowhood Her Marriage to Mr. Mad-
ison Hospitality at Home The new National Capital re-
claimed by Mrs. Madison Her elegant and liberal Style of
Entertainment The Presidential Election The Inauguration
Festivities Danger of the Capital in 1814 Mrs. Madison's Let-
ter Her noble Conduct Celebration of Peace Mrs. Madison's
Mountain Home Letter from Judge Johnson Montpelier The
aged Mother-in-law Mrs. Madison's Letter Her Return to
Washington Loss of Fortune Her Last Days Anecdotes
Eleanor Parke Custis Mrs. Mary Custis Mrs. Marshall Mrs.
Sitgreaves Mrs. Wallace 238
XII.
Mrs. J. P. Van Ness A distinguished Belle and HeiressHer Mar-
riage Splendid House in Washington Elegant Hospitality
Brilliant Circle Her Personal Attractions Her Piety and Char-
ity Marriage of her Daughter to Arthur Middleton Death of
Mrs. Middleton Mrs. Van Ness's Retirement, from Society
Founding of the Orphan Asylum Her Burial with Public Honors
Mrs. Woodbury Mrs. McLane Miss Butt Mrs. Edward Liv-
ingston Miss Cora Livingston Mrs. Thomas Barton Evening
Scene at the White House Mrs. Andrew Jackson Pure Morals
and Taste in Society 264
XIII.
Mrs. J. J. Roosevelt Her Mother, Mrs. Cornelius P. Van Ness The
Governor's hospitable Home in Vermont Residence in Madrid
Miss Cornelia Van Ness A brilliant Belle in Washington In
Spain with the Ambassador Her Admission to the exclusive
Circles of the Spanish Grandees Favor shown her by the King
and Queen of Spain Her Marriage in Paris La Fayette bestows
the Bride Return to America Letter of La Fayette Mrs.
Roosevelt helps to reform a Social Usage in Washington Tri-
butes in her Album Her Correspondence with distinguished
Persons Her Leadership of Society in New York Superinten-
dence of the " Knickerbocker Kitchen,'' &c. Lady Ouseley Her
Stay in Washington 281
CONTENTS. 7
XIV.
PAOI
Mrs. "Winfield Scott Scott's and Washington Irving's Tributes to
"William C. Preston of South Carolina The Preston Family-
Mrs. William Preston Mrs. Merrick Anecdote Mrs. William
C. Preston Baron Raumer and the Peacock Mrs. Preston in
Columbia, South Carolina Her Illness and Death Mrs. Renwick
Celebrated by Burns The Blue-Eyed Lassie of Lochmaben
Picture of her New York Life Her House Washington Irving'a
"Ark" Mrs. John C. Stevens Her Masquerade Ball Mrs.
Parish Mrs. Hickson Field Mrs. Redfleld Mrs. Leavenworth. 295
XV.
Memoir of Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis Her Widowhood Return from
abroad Her Devotion to Works of Charity The Mount Vernon
Ball Washington's Birthday made a Public Holiday through the
Influence of Mrs. Otis Her Receptions and Soirees Her com-
manding Position Her Relinquishment of Social Honors to take
Charge of the Enterprise for the Benefit of Poor Soldiers and
their Families Extracts from Reports Her Perseverance and
Benevolence The Swedish Compliment to her Successful
Closing of the House Tributes to Mrs. Otis Her Portrait in the
" Gallery of Fallen Heroes " Her patriotic Liberality Miss Mar-
shallMrs. Derby Mrs. Wallace Mrs. William H. Prescott
Miss Harriet Preble 311
XVI.
Memoir of Mrs. Crittenden Her Family Early Marriage Her
Daughters Stay in Washington " The Belle of the Capital"
Mrs. Ashley the Center of a Brilliant Circle Residence in St.
Louis in her Widowhood Education of her Daughters Winters
in Washington Always a Favorite in Society Her Tact, Grace,
and generous Kindness Marriage to Hon. J. J. Crittenden Ap-
pearance in Washington Address to her at the National Hotel
Her Removal to New York Miss Lane Miss Fendall Misa
Morgan Mrs. McLean Mrs. Slidell Her Appearance at a Ball,
&c. Mrs. A. G. Brown, of Mississippi Mrs. A. V. Brown, of
Tennessee Entertainment at her House Mrs. Calhoun Miss
Dahlgren Mrs. Pringle Mrs. Duval, of Louisiana Prominent
Richmond Ladies Mrs. Reverdy Johnson Mrs. Douglas Mrs.
Gaines Mrs. Thornton . . . 321
8 CONTENTS.
XVII.
PAGB
Ladies prominent in Benevolent Enterprise Mrs. James "W. White
Her Family Her Mother" The sweet Song" of her Girlhood
Daniel Dickinson's Letter Her Marriage Mr. White's Family
"Castle Comfort " : Perfect Domestic Management A happy
Home Instruction of her Children Their Musical Talent Mrs.
"White's noble Works The first Great Fair The first private
Charity Soiree Fair in the Academy of Music Letter of the
Archbishop Method of Home Education Home Amusements
Drawing-room Operas Mrs. White's Correspondence and In-
fluence Senora del Bal Her great Work in Santiago Origin of*
the Idea of the "Nursery and Child's Hospital" Charity of
Mrs. Thomas Addis Emmet and Mrs. Cornelius Dubois Erection
of the Building Fashionable Entertainments for its Benefit-
Other fashionable Charities Mrs. Dubois Mrs. Emmet 342
XVIII.
Memoir of Mrs. Rush Her Education Dr. James Rush She takes
the Lead in Philadelphia Social Life Her splendid Home
Enlarged Hospitalities Description of her Acknowledged the
Queen of Society in Philadelphia Parties and Receptions
Celebrities shown Musical Character of the Receptions Mrs.
Rush's Estimate of Intellect Her Disregard of Conventional
Distinctions Her Life at Saratoga Springs A Fancy Ball The
Succession in Seats next her at Table Conditions imposed Her
Dresses Her last Ball at Home The Robbery of her Jewels
Her last Summer at Saratoga Illness and Death Mrs. Mac-
Gregor Mrs. Daniel Webster Mrs. Henry D. Gilpin Brilliant
in Washington Society as Mrs. Johnston Her Marriage to Mr.
Gilpin Their Tour in Europe Attentions received in London
Hospitalities extended by Persons of Rank and Literary Repute
Mrs. Gilpin's Tour on the Continent Ascent of the Nile
Visit to Asia Minor Turkey Greece Acquaintance with the
Earl of Carlisle Mrs. Gilpin's Home in Philadelphia Her Mu-
sical Receptions Her Hospitality and Charities 363
XIX.
Mrs. Coventry Waddell Her Family Her Marriage Mr. Waddell's
noble Ancestry '"Murray Hill" Hospitalities, and brilliant Par-
ties at this Villa Tributes of Foreign Visitors Mrs. Waddell at
Saratoga Ball at Murray Hill Fancy Dresses Complimentary
CONTENTS.
FAGB
Letter of "Washington Irving Ball at Murray Hill Mr. Thack-
eray's Letter Mrs. Waddell's playful Wit Loss of Fortune-
Cheerfulness in Adversity Home in the Highlands Suburban
Eesidence near New York Mrs. Wadsworth Mrs. Montgomery
Ritchie Miss Schaumburg Her Ancestors Her Gifts in Vocal
Music and Poetry A Belle in Philadelphia Society Admired by
the Prince of Wales Her wonderful Dramatic Talent Perform-
ances at the Amateur Theater for Charity Ristori's Surprise and
Delight 382
XX.
Memoir of Madame Le Yert Her extraordinary Popularity Cause
of such universal Admiration unmixed with Envy Her warm
and kind Heart Her Family Childhood of Octavia Visit to
La Fayette Classic and Scientific Studies Miss Walton a great
Linguist Friendship with Washington Irving Marriage
Friendship with Lady Emmeline Stuart Wortley Her Poem ad-
dressed to Madame Le Vert Visit to England Distinguished
Attentions to Madame Le Vert Invitation to a Court Ball before
her Presentation A Star in the Court Circle Presentation at
the French Court, &c. Return to Mobile Her crowded Recep-
tionsMiss Bremer's Tribute-yDescription of a Ball at her House
in Mobile Madame Le Vert in Washington At Newport At
Saratoga Years of Trial at the South Bereavements Visit in
New York In Washington Return to her Birth-place In New
Orleans Devotion of her Servants. MRS. ACKLEN Her Loveli-
ness and Virtues Marriage and Widowhood "Bellemonte"
The most beautiful Home in the Southwest Her Charity and
Hospitality Her Marriage to Dr. Cheatham. Mrs. Stanard of
Richmond Miss Emily Mason of Kentucky Presides at the Gov-
ernor's House in Detroit A Celebrity in New Orleans, &c. Loss
of Fortune The Market Farm Rural Life Seizure of her Home
Suspected as a Spy Her Benevolent Labors in the Hospitals
and for Southern Girls Rosa Vertner Jeffrey 396
XXI.
Memoir of Mrs. Fremont Her peculiar Influence Her Maternal
Ancestry Colonel McDowell's eminent Position Region in
Virginia where the Family was settled Early Customs Con-
tempt of mere Moneyed Aristocracy The leading Families
opposed to Slavery Established Order of Society Thackeray's
10 CONTENTS.
Types of the best Class Absence of deceptive Display Charac-
ter of the true "Virginia Gentleman" Colonel Benton's Fanillv
In connection with leading Families of the State Mrs. Albert
Sidney Johnston Colonel Benton's Family in Washington In
St. Louis In New Orleans The Changes in Travel, and varied
Experiences Mrs. Benton's Washington Coteries She gives
Freedom to her Slaves Miss Benton's early Studies and Society
Experiences Marriage to Mr. Fremont Share in his Western
Adventure The Flatteries of Society in Washington Detention
at Panama Mrs. Fremont's Residence in California The prac-
tical Evidence of her Example said to influence the Decision for
Freedom Her Experiences in Western Life The honest Spa-
niards Mrs. Fremont's Visit to Europe Privileged at the Eng-
lish Court Scene in Paris at the Restoration of the Empire
Scene at the Court of St. James The Campaign of 1856 Again
in Paris Count de la Garde's Album left to Mrs. Fremont Let-
ter of Queen Hortense Mrs. Fremont at St. Louis during the
\y ar Her Removal to New York Her Country Seat on the
Hudson Her Home Life and Instruction of her Children Her
active Charities and Aid to Benevolent Associations The Brown
Locks suddenly silvered Mrs. Fremont's brilliant Wit and
Humor Her prepossessing personal Appearance 428
XXII.
Mrs. Hills The American Improvisatrice in Music Lydia Maria
Child enchanted by her Playing Mrs. Osgood's Impromptu Lines
Mrs. Girard's Introduction of Morning Receptions Mrs. Hills'
" Mission " Remark of Willis Improvisation Her Concerts
at Dr. Ward's Theater Mrs. John Schermerhorn Miss Minnie
Parker Miss Hetty Carey Miss Lillie Hitchcock Mrs. Harvey
Miss Breckenridge Mrs. William Schermerhorn Her Fancy
Ball Mrs. Hamilton Fish Mrs. Auguste Belmont Brown, the
Sexton and Manager of Entertainments Poetical Tribute to him
Present Leaders in Boston The Ladies prominent in Fashion-
able Life not merely Frivolous, but Women of superior Intellect
and Culture Ball in Fifth Avenue Presidential Reception
New Fashion at Delmonico's Recent Changes in Social Life
"Faot" People The "Shoddy" and "Petroleum" Element
Those who scatter Money merely for Display not worthy to he
named The Ball Season of 1866 "Fast" Ladies Pure Aris-
tocracy in New York , 449
THE QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY,
I.
ANY view of society in the United States must, of
necessity, take in a variety of aspects. During the
existence of the Eepublic, there has been no period
when its social condition was like that of a compact
nation which had been a unity in its origin, growth,
and development. In the early colonial days, the lead-
ing society in the North, in the East, and in the South
was composed of diverse elements ; in each section dif-
fering from that of others. Yirginia the first colony
that could boast an aristocracy traced her proud and
gentle blood to ancient families of England ; in Penn-
sylvania, and farther south, the best society came of
that stock of continental Protestantism the French
and Flemish refugees whom the bigotry of Philip the
Second in one century, and of Louis XIY. in the
next, drove from their homes and places of worship,
to seek, in the wild solitudes of a new world, " freedom
to worship God." To these, in Pennsylvania, were
14 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
added the Quakers, who came to the country with
William Penn. In ISTew England, the Puritan element
mingled with an aristocracy created by prosperity and
growing wealth. Thus the social phases presented had
various aspects, modified, in the progress of years, by
the various modes of living. The unity of -feeling
produced by the Revolution caused some change and
assimilation, so far as the great cities were concerned ;
in other portions of the Union social differences not
only continued to exist, but developed into more marked
peculiarities. We cannot help observing this in the
most general survey.
About the middle of the last century we find a ruling
class in families of wealth and distinction living hun-
dreds of miles apart. We note this when we read of
George Washington being entertained at the house of
Beverley Robinson, and being captivated by the charms
of his host's fair sister-in-law, Mary Philipse. She was
the daughter of the lord of the old manor of Philips-
borough, who owned an immense estate on the Hudson.
Her marriage afterwards with Captain Roger Morris, and
the confiscation of that portion of the Philipse estate,
led to the formation of a home of another character.
Both Mrs. Morris and her sister, Mrs. Robinson, who
shared in the outlawry and attainder, were leaders in
the society of that period, and remarkable for graces and
accomplishments.
About 1749 Mrs. Jeykell was leading lady of the ton
in Philadelphia, pre-eminent in beauty and fashion. She
THE FIRST BALL LADY FRANKLAND. 15
was the grand-daughter of the first Edward Shippen,
and married a brother of Sir Joseph Jeykell, secretary
to Queen Anne.
The first dancing assembly, said to have been held
in Philadelphia in 1748, had its subscription list mostly
filled with names of English families attached to the
Church of England. The list was under the direction
of John Inglis and other gentlemen, and each subscrip
tion was forty shillings. The custom was universal
among men, of wearing the hair tied up with ribbon, in
a long bunch, in a form called a queue. Gentlemen's
coats were made of cloth or velvet, of all colors ; the
collar being sometimes of a different hue from the coat.
In the Supreme Court the Judges, in winter, wore robes
of scarlet faced with black velvet ; in the summer, full
black silk go\vns.
Agues, Lady Frankland, was the wife of Sir Charles
Henry Frankland, Baronet, who was buried alive at the
great earthquake at Lisbon ; and being rescued through
the efforts of the young girl, married her in 1755. Lady
Frankland came to America after his death in 1768,
and was allowed an escort to Boston by the Provincial
Congress, and to take " seven trunks, beds and bedding,
boxes, crates, a basket of chickens, some ham and veal,
two barrels and a hamper, two horses and chaises, one
phaeton, and small bundles."
The biography of Catalina Schuyler, written by
Anne McYickar, well known as Mrs. Grant, is an inter-
esting memorial of early times. Catalina was the niece
16 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
of the first Colonel Philip Schuyler. She was born in
1702, and married her cousin, Philip Schuyler. Her
house, near Albany, was a fine building, with large
latticed portico with seats. The birds had their nests in
the trees, and were so tame they would run across the
table with insects or crumbs for their young. The Hud-
son river was in front, and on its brink, under elm and
sycamore trees, ran a road to Saratoga and the Lakes.
The French Canadian prisoners usually called the good
lady " Madame Schuyler," and she was "Aunt Schuyler"
to the country people. ' She kept a liberal table, and
had much influence in the primitive society of the coun-
try, though old-fashioned in her manners. Her superior
mind and education, her virtues of character, and her
majestic grace, commanded general respect. British
officers of rank and merit were fond of visiting her.
She read a great deal; and Milton and the Scriptures
were her constant companions. When she laid down
the book she always took up her knitting. The grave
of her husband was on the grounds near the house, and
she was accustomed to sit near it.
The fringe of civilization on the colonial seaboard in
1770 and 1771 was very narrow, for though across the
continent scattered military settlements extended to the
Ohio, a hostile Indian population was not farther than
the Susquehanna and the Lehigh from Philadelphia,
then but a large village, with village habits and modes
of life. For all articles of luxury, and even many of
necessity, the colonies were dependent on the " Old
THE FITZHUGH FAMILY. 17
Country;" and the few ships which periodically crossed
the Atlantic were freighted with hats, shoes, pins,
needles, and clothing of all kinds. Mrs. Reed, writing
to her brother, in 1772, sends to England for " bowed
cap-wires, quilted caps," and a gown to be dyed u any
color it will take best." The literary taste of the period
was the same prevalent in England, when the "Idler,"
the " Rambler," " Thomson's Seasons," or " Young's
Night Thoughts," and their contemporary books, formed
the current literature. In religious history, the time
was that of the supervening of enthusiastic devotion
upon the formalism of the Church of England ; of the
diffusion of the spirit that animated Wesley and White-
field to lift a banner alien to old forms, and rally round
it the humble and the poor.
One of the most prominent Maryland families was
that of Fitzhugh. It was ancient and honorable in
England. The first settler in America was William
Fitzhugh ; he made a home in Westmoreland County,
Yirginia, and married Miss Tucker. From him de-
scended all the Fitzhughs in "Virginia, Maryland, and
Western New York. William was an eminent lawyer,
and managed land causes for the great landholders. He
was counselor for the first Robert Beverley, and trans-
acted business for Lord Culpepper.
Martha Washington is venerated as the earliest rep-
resentative among the ladies prominent in our repub-
lican society. She belonged to the Yirginia school of
aristocracy. The original settlements of that colony
18 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
were agricultural, and the early settlers brought with
them the feelings and habits of their native country.
The extensive landed proprietors formed a population
thinly scattered over a wide surface, and lived in almost
patriarchal fashion. Their lands had a multitude of
hands for cultivation ; but the only produce the Virginia
gentry chose to deal in, was tobacco. They exercised
boundless hospitality ; the gentlemen welcomed each
other's visits and traveled in something like feudal state.
The slavery question was never agitated. Thus, in the
second or third generation, a class of "first families"
was built up, and the best education was limited to
them ; for there were no schools for the masses. There
existed, therefore, a broad line of distinction between
those wealthy proprietors and the common people. The
planters had their tenants and slaves, and lived luxuri-
ously. The emigration of the cavaliers, in the days of
Cromwell, did not lessen the supremacy of this landed
aristocracy ; and the public offices, in most cases, passed
into their hands ; the peasantry being retainers to their
patrons. There were scarcely any towns, and the estab-
lishments of the gentry were like little villages, in which
they and their vassals dwelt. Some, indeed, were needy
potentates, living in a rough manner, and attended by
domestics in ragged liveries ; but all kept open house,
were habitually idle, and loved field-sports like gentle-
men of good lineage. They were " horse-racing, cock-
fighting Virginia squires." Visiting was done in pon-
derous emblazoned coaches. The hospitable board was
VIEGINIA FAMILIES. 19
loaded with terrapins, shad, salmon, wild geese, pigeons,
plover, canvas-back ducks, venison, and every variety of
bread, with " that delicious hotch-potch," gumbo, and
other country dainties. The laced lappets of sleeves
were turned up to carve, and guests were pressed to
demolish the various meats and wash them down with
cider, ale, brandy, and Bordeaux wine.
Twenty-one counties in Virginia, comprising nearly
a quarter of the State, are said to have once belonged to
one family that of Fairfax. Every acre was confis-
cated, after the Revolution, because of loyalty to Great
Britain. Many battles of the late civil war were fought
on the old Fairfax domain.
Robert Carter, called " King Carter," was a repre-
sentative and agent of the Culpepper and Fairfax families.
The Jacquelines were of Huguenot descent. The first
of the name came from Kent, in England, 1697, married
Miss Carey, and settled at Jamestown. The Ambler
family came also from England, and was much noted in
Virginia. Mrs. Edward Carrington was Jacqueline's
grand-daughter. Thorpe is another noted name, dear to
philanthropy as friendly to the Indians and early colonists.
A curious incident of Bishop Clagget's consecration
of the old St. Paul's Church, in Alexandria, is tra-
ditional. As he walked to church, in his robes and
mitre, the boys ran alongside, admiring his peculiar
dress, which his gigantic stature and Herculean form
set off. His voice matched his frame in irrepressible
strength. As he entered the church, amid profound
20 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
silence, and uttered the opening words of the service, a
young lady, turning suddenly and seeing his huge form
thus arrayed, fell into violent convulsions and was taken
out.
The name of Barradale is memorable in law, as well
as of ancient respectability. Bray and NelsOn are also
remembered. When the British were about landing
from James River, and Yorktown lay exposed, General
Nelson sent his wife and infant to the upper country.
Near Williamsburg she met a company of armed youths,
marching to encounter the enemy. As they halted and
presented arms, she saw two of her own sons, boys who
had escaped from preparatory school. She ordered them
into her carriage, and sent them back to Philadelphia.
The first wife of Governor Page was Frances Bur-
well, of the Isle of Wight. She was said to have no
enemies, and to know no competition but how to out-do
others in kindness and good offices. In the proud man-
sion of his forefathers, this patriot soldier had on his
walls the portrait of Selim, an Algerine negro, among
those of his family.
The name and blood of the Custis family was inter-
mingled with those of the best families of Northampton
and Accomac. John Custis appears earliest on record,
in 1640. John Custis the fourth, educated in England,
received the Arlington estate from his grandfather, re-
moved to Williamsburg, and married the daughter of
Colonel Daniel Parke. He was father to the first hus-
band of Martha Washington.
MES. WASHINGTON. 21
So many biographies of Mrs. "Washington have been
published, that any sketch of her life would be super-
fluous. As a belle at the colonial court in Williamsburg,
as a beautiful young widow reigning among the chival-
rous Yirginians, as the wife of the Commander-in-chief
and the President of the new nation her benign aspect
is familiar. It will be remembered that she was accus-.
tomed to join General Washington in camp, traveling
with postillions in white and scarlet liveries. During
the six years that elapsed before Washington was chosen
to the Presidency she remained at Mount Vernon, dis-
pensing its ample hospitalities with gracious tact and
the dignity of a Virginia matron. Brissot wrote:,
" Every thing about the house has an air of simplicity ; ;
the table is good, but not ostentatious ; and no deviation
is seen from regularity and domestic economy. She
superintends the whole, and joins to the qualities of an
excellent housewife the simple dignity which ought to,
characterize a woman whose husband has acted the
greatest part on the theatre of human affairs."
At a brilliant entertainment given in the camp near
Middlebrook, in celebration of the anniversary of the
American alliance with France, Mrs. Washington, Mrs.
Greene, Mrs. Knox, and many other distinguished ladies
were present, forming " a circle of brilliants." The fete
was opened by the discharge of cannon; there was a
dinner, and dancing and fireworks followed in the even-
ing. The adornments and illuminations were cheap;
22 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
the company consisting of hardy soldiers and lively
belles.
At a subscription ball in Philadelphia, the master of
ceremonies distributed partners by lot. The dances
related to politics. One was called " The Success of
the Campaign ;" another, " The Defeat of Eurgoyne ;"
another, " Clinton's Eetreat," &c. A young lady who
in talking forgot her turn in the figure, was sharply
reproved by a manager. " Take care, Miss !" he cried.
" Do you think you come here for your own pleasure '$"
The Birth-night Ball was instituted at the close of
the war. Its first celebration was at Alexandria, and it
became general in all the towns. Among the brilliant
illustrations of a birth-night were groups of young ladies,
wearing in their hair bandeaux or scrolls embroidered in
ancient and modern languages with the motto : " Long
live the President." The last celebration was attended
by Washington, in Alexandria, February 22, 1798.
General Washington came to Annapolis in Decem-
ber, 1783, after his adieu to the army in New York.
Generals Gates and Smallwood, with a large concourse of
distinguished citizens, met and escorted him to the hotel,
amid the firing of cannon, the display of banners, and
other manifestations of popular respect. A dinner was
given to him by the members of Congress, at which two
hundred persons were present; and he attended a grand
ball in the State House, which was brilliantly illuminated.
Washington opened the ball with Mrs. James Macubbia,
one of the most beautiful women of the time.
NEW YORK AS THE CAPITAL. 23
Mr. Noah "Webster visited Mount Yernon in 1785,
when the old mansion of the retired chief was crowded
with a succession of guests. He mentioned that the last
course at dinner consisted of pancakes, with a bowl of
sugar and one of molasses. Webster refused the mo-
lasses : " Enough of that in my own country," he said.
General Washington then told the story of a hogshead
of molasses upset in a wagon and stove in, at Westches-
ter ; and some Maryland troops being near, the soldiers
running to fill their hats and caps.
The court end of New York before the Revolution
had been Pearl Street, between Coenties Slip and the
neighboring streets. Wall Street became a rival seat of
fashion, surperseded by Park Place. " Few Americans,"
says Mr. Jay, " as they pass the northwest corner of
Wall and Broad Streets, now faced by the Custom
House on one side, and Broad Street with its throng of
brokers on the other, recall the memorable historic
scenes associated with the spot where stood the old
Federal Hall, adorned with the portraits of Louis XYI.
and Marie Antoinette, presented by the French mon-
arch portraits that graced the chambers where assem-
bled the first Congress under the new Constitution.
Washington Irving was one of the latest survivors of the
throng that, in 1789, witnessed from the balcony of the
Hall the inauguration of the first President, and whose
acclamations greeted the announcement by Chancellor
Livingston : ' Long live George Washington, President
of the United States !' It should not be forgotten by
24 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
New Yorkers that on the same spot were heard, in the
Senate, the voices of John Langdon, Oliver Ellsworth,
Charles Carroll. Richard Henry Lee, and Ralph Izard ;
and, in the Chamber of Representatives, the voices of
Elbridge Gerry, Roger Sherman, Jeremiah Wadsworth,
Elias Boudinot, Frederick A. Muhlenberg, James Mad-
ison, and that greatest of American orators, Fisher
Ames."
A ball was given at the Assembly Rooms, on the east
side of Broadway, above Wall Street (New York was
then the capital), on the 7th May, 1789, to celebrate the
inauguration. The members of Congress and their fam-
ilies were present, with the ministers of France and
Spain, distinguished generals of the army, and persons
eminent in the State. Among the most noted ladies
were Mrs. Jay, Mrs. Hamilton, and Mrs. Montgomery,
the widow pf the hero of Quebec. A specialty at this
ball was the presentation by the committee, to each lady,
of a fan made in Paris, the ivory frame containing a
medallion portrait of Washington, in profile. These
fans were presented to the ladies as each couple passed
the receiver of tickets. It was of this ball that an
account was published by Jefferson in his "Ana," upon
insufficient authority. Washington danced in two cotil-
lions and a minuet. Colonel Stone, in describing this
ball, says: "Few jewels were then worn in the United
States, but in other respects the costumes were rich and
beautiful, according to the fashions of the day. One
favorite dress was a plain celestial-blue satin gown, with
THE INAUGURATION BALL. 25
a white satin petticoat. On the neck was worn a very
large Italian gauze handkerchief, with border stripes of
satin. The head-dress was a puff of gauze in the form
of a globe, the head-piece of which was composed of white
satin, having a double wing in large plaits, and trimmed
with a wreath of artificial roses-, falling from the left at
the top to the right at the bottom in front, the reverse
behind. The hair was dressed all over in detached curls,
four of which, in two ranks, fell on ea.ch side of the neck,
and were relieved behind by a floating chignon"
Some of the ladies wore hats of white satin, with
plumes and cockades. A plain gauze handkerchief,
sometimes striped with satin, was worn on the neck, the
ends tied under the bodice.
In the evening of the inauguration, the house of
Count de Moustier near Bowling Green, in Broadway
was brilliantly illuminated, the doors and^ windows dis-
playing borderings of lamps that shone on paintings
suggestive of the past, present, and future in American
history. There were large transparencies over the front
of the house, said to be painted by Madame de Brehan,
Bister to the Count.
The subject of the President's title had caused much
discussion in society. Madison recommended that he be
spoken of simply as " The President," or " The Chief
Justice;" McKean proposed "His Serene Highness,"
without the " most," as a title that had not been appro-
priated in Europe. General Muhleuberg thought Wash-
ington would like the title " High Mightiness," used by
26 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
the Stadtliolder of Holland. The General, dining with
Washington, observed on the subject:" "If the office
could always be held by men as large as yourself or
Wynkoop, it would be appropriate ; but if by chance a
president as small as my opposite neighbor were elected,
it would be ridiculous." He therefore voted against any
title.
More than a month after the inauguration, Mrs.
Washington set out for New York with her grandchil-
dren, Eleanor Custis and George Washington Parke
Custis, traveling in her private carriage, with a small
escort on horseback. She was received at Hammond's
Ferry by a deputation of citizens ; and fireworks, a
supper, and a serenade celebrated her arrival. Her
dress was entirely of American manufacture. Informa-
tion being sent to Philadelphia that she would breakfast
in Chester, two troops of dragoons, under Captains
Miles and Bingham, left town early, with a numerous
cavalcade of citizens, and halted at ten miles distance to
await her appearance. The military formed and re-
ceived her with honors, the procession defiling on either
side for her carriage to pass. At Darby, se^en miles
from Philadelphia, she was met by a brilliant company
of ladies in carriages, who escorted her to Gray's Ferry ;
on the Schuylkill. At that favorite resort a collation
was prepared, at a fashionable inn, for more than a
hundred persons.
Mrs. Eobert Morris, who was to entertain Mrs.
Washington, here took a seat in her carriage, resigning
THE PROGRESS TO NEW YORK. 27
her own to young Custis. About two o'clock the pro-
cession entered High Street, amid the ringing of bells,
the firing of thirteen guns, and shouts of joy from the
people. Mrs. Washington thanked them, and dismissed
her escort. The doors of Mrs. Morris were thronged
with visitors next day.
Such a reception may have recalled to the memory
of Mrs. Washington the disaffection shown her on an
earlier visit to Philadelphia, during the war, when she
was waited on with a request that she would not attend
a ball in preparation.
Mrs. Morris accompanied her when she left Philadel-
phia. The party slept at Trenton, and at Elizabethtown
were the guests of the venerable Mr. Livingston. The
President left New York at five o'clock, in his barge,
manned by thirteen pilots in rich white dresses, to meet
his wife. A crowd gathered on the wharves to greet the
returning vessel, and a salute of thirteen guns was fired
as it approached the Battery.
The winter of 1787-88 had been remarkably gay in
JSTew York. William Livingston, in a letter written in
March, 1787, alludes to the extravagance and dissipation
of fashionable life in that city. " My principal secretary
of state," he says, " who is one of my daughters, is gone
to New York, to shake her heels at the balls and assem-
blies of a metropolis which might as well be more stu-
dious of paying its taxes than of instituting expensive
diversions."
The residence of President Washington was on the
28 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
spot now known as the corner of Cherry Street and
Franklin Square. The house had plain furniture. The
family plate had been melted and renovated. The state
coach was the finest carriage in the city, and was drawn
by four horses ; by six, when it conveyed the President
to Federal Hall. The coach-body was in the shape of a
hemisphere, cream-colored, and ornamented with cupids
supporting festoons, with borders of flowers around the
panels.
The principal ladies of New York, at the time the
"Republican Court" was established there, were Mrs.
George Clinton, Mrs. Montgomery, Lady Stirling, Lady
Kitty Duer, Lady Mary Watts, Lady Temple, Lady
Christiana Griffin, the Marchioness de Brehan, Madame
de la Forest, Mrs. John Langdon, Mrs. Tristram Dalton,
Mrs. Kuox, Mrs. Robert R. Livingston, of Clermont, the
Misses Livingston, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Gerry, Mrs.
McComb, Mrs. Edgar, Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. Houston, Mrs.
Provost, Mrs. Beekman, the Misses Bayard, &c.
Mr. Wingate describes the dinner given at Wash
uigton's house the day after his wife's arrival, as the
least showy of any he ever saw at the President's
table. The Chief said grace and dined on boiled leg
of mutton. After dessert one glass of wine was
offered to each guest, and when it had been drunk,
the President rose and led the way to the drawing-
room. Two days afterwards Mrs. Washington held
her first levee, the President continuing to receive
every Tuesday afternoon. Mrs. Washington received
MES. WASHINGTON'S LEVEES BALL. 29
from eight to ten every Friday evening. The levees
were numerously attended by all that was fashiona-
ble, elegant, or refined in society ; but " there were
no places for the intrusion of the rabble in crowds, or
for the mere coarse and boisterous partisan, the vul-
gar electioneerer, or the impudent place-hunter, with
boots, frock-coats, or roundabouts, or with patched knees
and holes at both elbows. On the contrary, they were
select and more courtly than have been given by any of
the President's successors." Mrs. Washington was care-
ful, in her drawing-room, to exact those courtesies to
which she knew her husband entitled. " Democratic
rudeness had not then so far gained the ascendency as
to banish good manners." " Xone were admitted to the
levees but those who had either a right by official station
or by established merit and character ; and full dress
was required of all."
The journals of the day especially noted a magnifi-
cent ball given by Count de Moustier at his house. A
lady said she heard the Marchioness declare she had
exhausted every resource to produce an entertainment
worthy of France, and Elias Boudinot calls it " a most
splendid ball indeed. After the arrival of the President,
a company of eight couples formed, and, entering the
room, began a curious dance called en ~ballet. Four of
the gentlemen were dressed in French regimentals, and
four in American uniforms; four of the ladies had
American flowers with blue ribbons round their heads,
and four had red roses and the flowers of France."
30 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
"Three rooms were filled, and the fourth was elegantly
set off as a place for refreshment. A long table crossed
this room in the middle, and the whole wall inside was
lighted up, and covered with shelves filled with cakes,
oranges, apples, wines of all sorts, ice-creams, &c. A
number of servants behind the table supplied the guests
with every thing they wanted from time to time, as they
came in to refresh themselves, which they did as often as
a party had done dancing, making room for another set.
We retired about ten o'clock, in the height of the
jollity."
The anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
was celebrated by a brilliant ball, at which Mrs. Wash-
ington and the principal ladies of "her court" were
present.
At the Presidential receptions Washington wore "his
hair powdered and gathered behind in a silk bag. His
coat and breeches were of plain black velvet ; he wore a
white or pearl-colored vest and yellow gloves, and had
a cocked hat in his hand, with silver knee and shoe
buckles, and a long sword, with a finely-wrought and
glittering steel hilt. The coat was worn over this and
its scabbard of polished white leather." He never shook
hands at these receptions, even with intimate friends.:
Visitors were received with a dignified bow, and passed
on. At Mrs. Washington's levees he appeared as a
private gentleman, with neither hat nor sword ; con-
vening without restraint, and generally with ladies.
Private theatricals were sometimes given at Wash-
MRS. ROBERT MORRIS. 31
<ngton s house. President Duer enacted Brutus, in
" Julius Csesar," before him in the attic of the Presi-
dential mansion, young Custis taking the part of
Cassius.
At one of Mrs. Washington's Friday evening draw-
ing-rooms, owing to the lowness of the ceiling, the
ostrich feathers in the head-dress of Miss Mary McEvers,
a distinguished belle in New York, took fire from the
chandelier, to the general confusion and alarm. Major
Jackson, aid-de-camp to the President, flew to the rescue,
and, clapping the burning plumes between his hands,
extinguished them. This lady married Edward Living-
ston, the minister to France.
At Mrs. Washington's drawing-rooms, " Mrs. Morris
always sat at her right hand ; and at all the dinners,
public or private, at which Robert Morris was a guest,
that venerable man was placed at the right of Mrs.
Washington." At the age of thirty-six, Eobert Morris
had married Miss White, the sister of Bishop White.
She was described as " a lady of elegant accomplish-
ments, rich, and well qualified to carry the felicity of
connubial life to its highest perfection."
Mrs. Washington was accustomed to speak of her
days of public life in New York and Philadelphia as her
"lost days." She preferred home comforts and seclu-
sion. Contrasting the pictures, Mrs. Carrington wrote
to her sister, a short time before Washington's death,
describing his wife's room at Mount Yernon : " On one
side sits the chambermaid with her knitting; on the
82 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
other a little colored pet learning to sew. A decent-
looking old woman is there, with her table and shears,
cutting out the negroes' winter clothes; while the good
old lady directs them all, incessantly knitting herself.
She points out to me several pairs of nice colored stock-
ings and gloves she has just finished, and presents me
with a pair half done, which she begs I will finish, and
wear for her sake."
Loving such simple, domestic employments, and
wearied with the glare, no wonder the illustrious lady
was restive under the etiquette of public life.
The custom of calls on ISTew Year's day was intro-
duced by the Dutch and the Huguenots. The President
received calls on the first of January, 1790. At Mrs.
Washington's levee the visitors were seated, and tea and
coffee were handed, with plain and plum cake. The
company was expected to retire early. " The General
retires at nine, and I usually precede him," the lady
would say.
To an inquiry by the President whether such obser-
vances were casual or customary, it was answered that
New Tear's visits had always been kept up in the city.
Washington remarked that the favored situation of New
York would in time attract numerous emigrants, who
would gradually change its ancient customs and man-
ners; but, he added, "whatever change takes place,
never forget this cordial and cheerful observance of
New Year's day."
Curwen, in his Journal, gives, as the origin of the
PROMINENT LADIES. S3
custom of offering New Year's presents, the tradition
that Tatius, King of the Sabines, was presented with
boughs from the forest of the goddess Strenia, in token
of good-will, and consecrated the holiday to Janus.
The people sacrificed to Janus, and brought presents
of dates, figs, honej, &c., covered with leaf-gold.
Of New York, Brissot wrote : " The inhabitants pre-
fer the splendor of wealth and the show of enjoyment to
a simplicity of manners and the pure pleasures resulting
from it. The expenses of women cause matrimony to
be dreaded by men." But when Oliver Wolcott, in
1789, was appointed Auditor of the Treasury, he wrote
to Ellsworth about the cost of living, and was informed
that a thousand dollars a year ought to supply him and
his family. " The example of the President," said his
correspondent, " and his family, will render parade and
expense improper and disreputable."
Among the ladies most intimate with Mrs. Washing-
ton, beside Mrs. Knox, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Morris, and
Mrs. Powell, were Mrs. Bradford, Mrs. Otis, and Miss
Eoss. Mrs. Otis was the wife of the Secretary of the
Senate, and mother of the great Senator, Harrison Gray
Otis, who married in Boston, May, 1790, Miss Sally
Foster, daughter of a prominent merchant. She was
remarkable for beauty of person and grace of demeanor,
vivacity of wit, and powerful intellect. She was promi-
nent in metropolitan society during the administration
of Washington. Mrs. Stewart, also noted in the same
circle, was the wife of General Walter Stewart ; and
2*
84 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Miss Ross was the beautiful daughter of a Senator from
Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Bradford was the only child of Elias Boudinot,
and married William Bradford, afterwards judge of the
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Her house was always
the elegant abode of the most cordial hospitality. Her
graces of person were so remarkable, that even at the
age of four-score her appearance was strikingly prepos-
sessing, and her carriage was stately as ever. Her
suavity of manner and kindness of heart were also
memorable. Mrs. Wallace, the wife of a nephew of
Mr. Bradford's, thus described her :
" Mrs. Bradford is one of the finest models of mild
and courtly dignity this country can exhibit. Early
accustomed to the best society, of a family and connec-
tions holding rank and offices of trust and honor her
happy and much caressed girlhood was passed in inter-
course with persons long since the boast of the brightest
days of American refinement and patriotism. With her
husband she commanded a sphere of extensive influence,
the just desert of their united excellencies, and lived
more than ten years in the full possession of every
earthly enjoyment. Well for them they lived as Chris-
tians ought to live, in constant remembrance of their
accountability to God ! for in the height of distinction
their well-planned schemes of happiness were laid in the
dust by the death of Mr. Bradford. For many years
afterward Mrs. Bradford maintained a position of useful-
BELLES IN SOCIETY. 35
jess, dispensing elegant hospitality to her numerous
relatives and friends."
This lady, Mrs. Hamilton, and the younger Mrs.
Charles Carroll, were the last survivors of the ladies of
the Republican Court. Mrs. Carroll was Harriet Chew,
daughter of Benjamin Chew, and was married after the
retirement of Washington to Mount Yernon. One of
her sisters married Henry Philips; another, Colonel
John Eager Howard, of Baltimore, coming to live in
Philadelphia in 1796. These ladies were great favorites
with Washington, and were belles in society. Julia
Seymour was another celebrated beauty. Miss Mary
Ann Wolcott, also distinguished for charms of person,
was married to Chauncey Goodrich, of New York,
llrs. Wolcott, of Connecticut, had less beauty, but was
noted for graceful manners, and few could be compared
with her for culture, intelligence, and refinement. The
British minister remarked to Tracy at a dance: "Your
countrywoman, Mrs. Wolcott, would be admired even
at St. James's." " Sir," replied the senator, " she is ad-
mired even on Litchfield Hill." A member of Congress
called her " a divine woman ;" another, " the magnificent
Mrs. Wolcott ;" and some compared her to Mrs. Bing-
ham.
The family of Charles Carroll had been settled in
Maryland ever since the reign of James the Second.
They were among the wealthiest in the Union, and
stood at the head of the landed aristocracy, which was
naturally in alliance with the Government. Yet Carroll
36 QUEENS OF AMEKICAN SOCIETY.
was among the first to sign the Declaration of Indepen-
dence. " There go millions of property 1" was the com-
ment ; and when it was said, " You will get clear ; there
are so many of the name," he added to his signature,
" of Carrollton." He was senator from Maryland. He
had ' one fair daughter," Polly, who was married in
1786 to Eichard Caton, an Englishman. In 1809 two
of her daughters were the reigning belles of Baltimore
and Washington. The eldest had a romantic history.
She was married, when very young, to Robert Patter-
son, a wealthy merchant. Traveling in Europe, she
attracted the attention of Sir Arthur Wellesley, after-
wards the Duke of Wellington. He was so captivated
with her, that he followed her over half the European
continent, causing some scandal, notwithstanding her
prudence, by his unguarded devotion. After Mrs. Pat-
terson's return to Maryland, her admirer kept a diary
for her amusement, and sent her letters. After she
became a widow she revisited London; but the future
hero of Waterloo was then a married man. He intro-
duced to her his elder brother, the Marquis of Welles
ley ; the great statesman whose outset in life was marked
by a cordial support of American Independence. He
was Yiceroy of Ireland. He married Mrs. Patterson,
while Sir Arthur continued her warm friend. The Mar
chioness of Wellesley died at Hampton Court in Decem-
ber, 1853. One of her sisters was the wife of Colonel
Harvey, aid-de-camp to Lord Wellington at the battle
of Waterloo ; and, being widowed, married the Marquis
MRS. THOMAS JEFFERSON. 37
of Carmarthen, afterwards Duke of Leeds. Another
daughter of Mrs. Caton married Baron Stafford; an-
other, Mr. McTavish, of Baltimore.
In 1796, General Washington received as a guest, at
Mount Vernon, Don Carlos Martinez, Marquis d'Yrujo,
the newly arrived Spanish ambassador, who had suc-
ceeded Jaudennes. The Marquis had not been long in
Philadelphia before he fell in love with Sally, the daugh-
ter of Thomas McKean, Chief- Justice of Pennsylvania.
Miss McKean, a celebrated beauty, became the Mar-
chioness d'Yrujo. Her son, the Duke of Sotomayer,
who was born in Philadelphia, became the Prime Minis-
ter of Spain.
Henry Wansey, in his Travels, also -speaks of the
simple manners of Washington and his family. He
breakfasted with them, June 8, 1794, and Mrs. Wash-
ington made the tea and coffee. There were plates of
sliced tongue, dry toast, and bread and butter.
The wife of Thomas Jefferson was Mrs. Martha
Skelton, a rich widow, twenty-three at her second nup-
tials. She was of good family, beautiful, accomplished,
and greatly admired. The story went, that two, among
the many suitors for her hand, going severally to her
house on the same errand, to learn their fate from her
decision, met in the hall, where they heard her playing
on the harpsichord and singing a love-song, accompanied
by Jefferson's voice and violin. Something in the song
or the manner of the singing satisfied both wooers of the
folly of their hopes, and they withdrew. The statesman
38 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
was fond of the violin. When his paternal home was
burned he asked, "Are all the books destroyed ?" " Yes,
massa," was the reply, " dey is ; but we saved de fiddle."
Thomas Jefferson kept open house, it is said, and a
liberal table. His eldest daughter, Martha, was born in
1772. John Randolph called her " the sweetest young
creature in Virginia." She was intrusted in Paris to
the care of Mrs. Adams, and pleased every one by the
good feeling and kindness expressed in her conversation.
Mrs. Smith wrote : " Delicacy and sensibility are read in
her every feature, and her manners are in unison with all
that is amiable and lovely." While Martha was at
school in Philadelphia, 1783, boarding with Mrs. Trist,
her father wrote : " With respect to the distribution of
time, the following is what I should approve : From
eight to ten, practice music ; from ten to one, dance one
day and draw another; from one to two, draw on the
day you dance, and write a letter next day ; from three
to four, read French ; from four to five, exercise yourself
in music ; from five till bedtime, read English, write, &c.
Communicate this plan to Mrs. Hopkinson, and, if she
approve of it, pursue it."
Miss Jefferson was educated in Philadelphia and in
Europe. She married Thomas Mann Randolph, of
Tuckahoe, " a gentleman of genius, science, and honor-
able mind," who afterwards filled a dignified station in
the General Government, and the highest in his own
State. They lived in Virginia.
Mrs. Graydon was born in the island of Barbadoes,
BELLES IN SOCIETY. 39
but came very young to Philadelphia. Dr. Baird called
her " the finest girl in Philadelphia, having the manners
of a lady bred at court." After her marriage to Mr.
Gray don, their house was the resort of numerous distin-
guished guests, who were hospitably entertained. Among
the foreigners were, Baron de Kalb ; Lady Moore, the
wife of Sir Henry Moore ; and her daughter, Lady Susan
O'Brien ; and her husband, Major George Etherington ;
Sir William Draper, and others. During the War of
the Revolution, Mrs. Graydon went from her home in
Reading to Philadelphia, to solicit the release of her son
Alexander from Sir William Howe. She met with
many curious adventures,* but succeeded in her object.
Margaretta Faugeres, the daughter of Mr. Bleecker,
was distinguished in Xew York fashionable society, after
the war, as a highly gifted and accomplished woman.
She died at twenty-nine.
The daughters of Henry White, who married Miss
Yan Cortlandt, were greatly admired ; the family hold-
ing a high position among loyalists before and during
the Revolutionary war. They lived in Wall Street,
near Broadway. One of the Misses White was dowager
Lady Hayes, and the widow of Peter Jay Monroe.
Mrs. White possessed great wealth, " and her recollec-
tions of New York society were curious." I find thus
quoted an old citizen's reminiscences :
" You must remember the Misses White, so gay and
* Women of the American Revolution.
40 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
fashionable ; so charming in conversation, with such
elegant figures ! I remember going one night, with Sir
John Temple and Henry Remsen, to a party at their
house. I was dressed in a light-blue French coat, with
high collar, broad lapels, and large gilt buttons ; a
double-breasted Marseilles vest, nankeen-colored cassi-
mere breeches, with white silk stockings, shining pumps,
and full ruffles on my breast and at my wrists, together
with a ponderous white cravat with a pudding in it, as
we then called it. I was considered the best dressed
gentleman in the room. I remember to have walked a
minuet with much grace with my friend Mrs. Yerplanck,
who was dressed in hoop and petticoats ; and, singularly
enough, I caught cold that night from drinking hot port-
wine negus, and riding home in a sedan-chair with one
of the glasses broken."
THE LIVINGSTON FAMILY. 41
II.
THE Livingstons in America, at the time of the
Revolution, according to Mr. Theodore Sedgwick, in
his life of Governor Livingston, were descended from
Kobert, the second son of the fourth Lord Livingston of
Scotland, whose daughter was in attendance upon the
Scottish Queen at the French Court. At a later day
the seventh Lord Livingston was made Earl of Linlith-
gow, and the earldom continued in the family for five
generations. Eobert was born in 1654, emigrated to
America 1674, and married, about 1683, Alida, widow
of the Reverend, sometimes called Patron Nicholas Yan
Rensselaer, and daughter of Philip. Pieterre Schuyler.
The patent of the Manor and Lordship of Livingston
granted to Robert bears date the 22d of July, 1686, and
comprised from one hundred and twenty thousand to
one hundred and fifty thousand acres on the Hudson
River. His son, Philip Livingston, who succeeded to the
manorial estate, born at Albany in 1686, and prominent
in the history of the Colony, married Catherine Van
Brugh, daughter of Peter Yan Brugh, of Albany, of the
Dutch family of Yan Brugge, of whom was Carl Yan
Brugge, Lieutenant-Governor under Peter Stuyvesant
in 1648.
42 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Among the children by this marriage were .Robert,
who succeeded to the manor as the last lord the Eevo-
lution breaking the entail ; and Peter Yan Brugh, mer-
chant, of New York, who married Mary Alexander,
sister of Lord Stirling, both adhering to the British
during the war; with Philip, the signer of the Dec-
laration of Independence ; John, merchant, of New
York ; William, Governor of New Jersey ; Sarah,
wife of Alexander, Lord Stirling ; Alida, who mar-
ried, first, Henry Hausen ; and secondly, Martin Hoff-
man ; Catharine, who married John L. Laurence, and
Henry.
William Livingston, born 1723, married, in 1745,
Susannah French, of New Brunswick, a grand-daughter
of Philip French, an English gentleman.*
Governor Livingston's political principles were deci-
dedly Republican, and he declined to give to his country-
seat at Elizabethtown any name more aristocratic than
"Liberty Hall." He was a man of marked ability,
decided in his views, and fearless in their expression ; a
* Mr. French at one time owned a tract in New Jersey, comprising
what is now New Brunswick. Miss French was grand-daughter on her
mother's aide to Anthony Brockhold, Lieutenant-G-overnor of the Colony
of New York under Andross, and subsequently its chief magistrate.
Philip French, of England, married a daughter of Frederick Philipse, or,
as formerly written, Flypsen, a Protestant refugee from Bohemia, where
his father had lost his life. The other children of Philipse were Eva
(who married Jacobus Van Cortlandt, and became the mother of Mary
Van Cortlaodt, wife of Peter Jay, and mother of John Jay) and two
sons, Frederick and Adolphus. A grandson, also named Frederick, and
the inheritor of the manor of Philipsburgh, joined the Tories in the Revo-
lution, and his estate was confiscated.
THE LIVINGSTON FAMILY. 43
forcible writer, and exhibiting at times great power of
satire.
Sarah Van Brugh, his fourth daughter, born in
August, 1757, inherited some of his finest traits, intel-
lectual and moral, which were developed by a very
careful education, while with the father's stern patriot-
ism and resolution she blended features of gentleness,
grace, and beauty peculiarly her own. The delicate
sensibility occasionally exhibited in her letters seems to
have come from her mother.
The family of Governor Livingston was a large one,
and besides sons, who died young, there were four other
daughters : Susan, who married John Cleve Syrnmes ;
Kitty, who married Mathew Ridley, of Baltimore ; Ju-
dith, who married John W. "Watkins; and Mary, who
married James Linn.
When the Governor's house was forcibly entered at
night by British soldiers, in February, 1779, not finding
him, they demanded his papers. Miss Susan Livingston
had been prepared for this visit, and quietly assented,
claiming only safety for a box containing " her private
property." The officer set a guard over it, while the
library was ransacked, and the men filled their foraging
bags with worthless law papers, and then quitted the
house. The box thus saved contained the Governor's
correspondence with Congress, the Commander-in-Chief,
and State officers.
In one of Livingston's letters to the Earl of Stirling,
he says he has intrusted to his daughter Catherine his
44 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
dispatches to his correspondents in Spain. General
Washington's complimentary note to this lady was first
published in " The Women of the American Revolu-
tion."
The sister of Governor Livingston, Sarah, married
the Earl of Stirling, whom she accompanied to camp
when he served in the American Army. She visited
New York while it was in possession of the British, to
see her daughter, Lady Catherine Alexander, whose
husband was neutral in politics. Lady Stirling was a
strong patriot, and would not avail herself of Sir Henry
Clinton's permission to take any thing out of the city.
Lady Catherine Alexander was the daughter of Lord
Stirling, and was married at Baskenridge, New Jersey,
to Colonel William Duer, in 1779. She was very beau-
tiful, and much admired in society.
On the 28th of April, 1774, Sarah Livingston, then
in her eighteenth year, was married at Elizabethtown
to John Jay, a young lawyer in his twenty-ninth year,
of a Huguenot family, which, by intermarriage with
the Bayards and Yan Cortlandts, had become connected
with the prominent families of the province. Mr. Jay,
up to this time, had held no public office, excepting that
of Secretary to the Royal Commission for settling the
boundary between New York and New Jersey. Before
the honeymoon, however, was complete, in May, 1774,
Jay was called to take part in the first movements of
that Revolution which was to result in the birth of a
new Republic, and from this date the private life of Mrs.
MRS. JOHN JAY. 45
Jay was so shaped and controlled by public events that
it is hardly possible to give even a sketch of her career
without occasionally referring to the history of the
country. Mr. Jay's public duties as member of the
New York Provincial Congress and of the Committee
of Safety, and in other important capacities, kept him
constantly separated from his young wife, who passed
the greater part of the time at the residence of her
father, with occasional visits to her husband's parents at
their country place at Eye, Westchester County, New
York. Her husband wrote to her from Philadelphia :
" I am much obliged to you for being so mindful of my
good mother." The letters of Mr. Jay's father, Peter
Jay, frequently show the fondness of the old people for
their youthful daughter-in-law ; and one of his notes
about this time, from Rye to his son at Philadelphia,
thus mentions a passing visit from the Commander-in-
Chief: "General Washington, and several gentlemen
with him, called here about ten o'clock last Tuesday
morning. They stayed about an hour with me and
refreshed themselves, then set off again on their journey,
and appeared much pleased with the reception they had
met here. * * General Washington told me you were
well. 1 '
The progress of the war brought to the Americans
living near New York increased hardship and anxiety,
and added to the trial already suffered by Mrs. Jay of
being separated from her husband. He had written to
her in December, 1776 " I begin to wish for the hob*
46 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY
days Eb muck as a school-boy ever did ;" and soon a
rumor reached him that the British, after landing at
Statei. Island, had marched to Elizabethtown. It
proved to be an exaggeration, and he wrote to his wife
" I much commend the coolness and presence of mind
with which you received the alarm." A concentration
of American troops in l^ew Jersey presently tended to
the safety of the Livingston country-seat.
Peter Jay the elder wrote this year to his son from
Rye " When you write to Sally, remember our love to
her, and that she must every day give your little boy
(Peter Augustus) a hearty embrace for us. We long to
see them both again here, but despair of its being soon,
in these unhappy times. I am, dear Johnny, your affec-
tionate father/' Later, Mr. Jay thought it best to send
his wife and son to Fishkill for greater safety, and the
family from Eye removed also to the same place.
Among the pleasant country-seats where Mrs. Jay
passed a part of her time was Mrs. Livingston's, at
Rhinebeck; and Mr. Jay, in writing to her at this place,
12th of September, 1778, remarks " As I always wish
you to be with me, I hope an opportunity will soon
offer, though I confess I am the less anxious, as you can't
fail of being happy in so agreeable a family." In
December of the same year, after Mr. Jay's election as
President of Congress, his wife wrote him " I had the
pleasure of finding by the newspapers that you are hon-
ored with the first office on the continent. * * * *
Had you consulted me, as some men have their wived
MRS. JOHN JAY. 47
about public measures, I should not have been Roman
matron enough to have given you so entirely to the
public."
Notwithstanding this disclaimer of Roman heroism,
Mrs. Jay's letters, during the most gloomy and anxious
periods of the war, show the cheerfulness with which
the patriotic women of the day, however carefully nur-
tured, endured the trials and privations demanded by
their country. During this year, the fashionable gayeties
which the war had interrupted were resumed at Phila-
delphia, after its occupation by General Howe. The
British officers devoted themselves to amusements, enact-
ing plays three times a week the drop-curtain having
been painted "by Major Andre. It was wittily said, that
"it was not Howe who had taken Philadelphia, but
Philadelphia which had captured Howe." A more
moderate cheerfulness was found at times in the Amer-
ican camp ; and Miss Kitty Livingston, writing from
Raritan, General Greene's quarters, February 22, 1779,
to Mr. Jay, at Philadelphia, says : " Your favorite
beauty, Miss Helena Morris, is sitting by me, and desires
her compliments. * * * It is very gay at camp, at
present. The Troy, the Princeton, and the Baskenridge
beauties are all here."
Mrs. Jay writes the same month, from Persipiney,
of a grand dinner and entertainment at General Knox's
head-quarters, with fireworks ; and a note dated March
llth, announcing " four approaching marriages in Cousin
Livingston's family," shows that the war at that moment
48 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
interrupted but slightly the old order of events. These
gayeties, however, were exceptional.
On the 10th of October, 1779, Mr. Jay, baring been
appointed Minister to Spain, sailed in the Congressional
frigate, The Confederacy, accompanied by Mrs. Jay, her
brother, Celonel Brockholst Livingston, afterwards a
judge of the Supreme Court of the United States, as his
private secretary, and by Mr. Carmichael, a member of
Coigress, as his public secretary.
On the 7th of November, the vessel was disabled by
a sudden gale, and a letter from Mrs. Jay to her mother
gives a graphic sketch of their troubles ; within a half
hour, she writes " We had been deprived of nothing less
than our bowsprit, foremast, main-mast, and mizzen-mast,
so that we were in an awkward situation, rendered still
more so by a pretty high southeast wind and a very
rough sea. However, our misfortunes were only begun.
The injury received by our rudder the next morning
served to complete them. * * *
"Let my dear mamma imagine the dangerous situa-
tion of more than three hundred souls, tossed about in
the midst of the ocean in a vessel dismasted and under
no command, at a season, too, that threatened approach-
ing inclemency of weather."
By the aid of a temporary mast constructed of spars
the frigate reached St. Pierre, on the north side of Mar-
tinico, on the 18th of December, narrowly escaping
capture from a fleet of six English ships of the line off
MRS. JOHN JAY. 49
Port Royal, on the south side of the island, for which
some of the passengers had wished the captain to steer.
At St. Pierre they were received with warm hospi-
tality, and the Governor placed at their service the
French frigate Aurora^ in which they embarked for
Toulon, on the 28th of December.
The Aurora was chased by a British man-of-war, and
cleared for action, but outsailed her pursuer, and put
into Cadiz for intelligence. It was found that the naval
superiority of the enemy in the Mediterranean was BO
great as to render it unsafe for her to proceed to Toulon.
At Cadiz they received every attention from Count
O'Reilly, the Governor of Andalusia, who invited them
to his house, and treated them with great cordiality.
Hence they proceeded to Madrid, where they lived for a
time in the Street of St. Mattes, near St. Barbary, the
former residence of the Saxon minister.
Of the many letters written to them by their friends
in America, but a small number came safely to hand,
some being captured by hostile cruisers, and others
arrested by the Spanish post-office. Dispatches rarely
reached them safely except by Government cruisers or
.private hands.
Extracts from a few of them may here be interesting,
as illustrative of the character of their writers and of
persons and events at home.
Governor Livingston, Trenton, 17th of March, 1780,
wrote to Mr. Jay, at Madrid :
3
50 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
"Heaven grant that you, and all the cargo shipped on board the
Confederacy, in which I have so great an interest, may be safely
arrived at Madrid before this reaches that metropolis. I have suf-
fered much for poor Mrs. Jay, though I have been greatly com-
forted to hear that she bore the terrors of the ocean with so much
magnanimity. Her letters from Martinique are safely arrived."
Mr. Jay from Ilfonso wrote, 18th of September, to
Miss C. Livingston :
" You are really a charming correspondent, as well as a charm-
ing every thing else. "We have more letters from you than from
all our friends in America put together. I often wish you with us
for our sakes, and as often am content that you are not, for yours.
"We go on. however, tolerably well, flattering ourselves that we
shall not be long absent, and anticipating the pleasures we are to
enjoy on our return ; among them, that of your being again with
us is, I assure you, not the least."
Trenton, April 26, 1780, Miss Kitty Livingston wrote
to Mrs. Jay, at Madrid :
"MY DEAR SISTER:
"Last Monday I left Philadelphia, under the escort of General
Schuyler, Mr. Mathews, and Mr. Peabody, the committee from Con-
gress to General Washington. *******
4 Mr. Witherspoon is establishing your character for the great-
est philosopher of the age. You would have saved me, and all
your friends, no small degree of uneasiness, had you mentioned in
your letter to mamma (and that is all that has reached us of your
whole family) how little you had been affected with the accident
and other disagreeable circumstances attending your voyage. * *
"The minister, Don Juan, and M. Marbois, are on their*
return from camp. He contributed not a little to the pleasure
of Philadelphia last winter, and is much esteemed there. He is
one of the best and most cheerful tempers in the world."
Again, May 23, 1780 :
"Lady Mary and Mr. Watts have rented Mrs. Montgomery's
farm for two years. Cousin Nancy Browne is one of their family.
H1B8S.
MRS. JOHN JAY. 51
Colonel Lewis has purchased a house in Albany ; one of the girls
lives there with Gittey. He and Robert have each presented
Cousin Livingston with a grand-daughter. The Chancellor's is a
remarkably fine child. Mrs. L. never looked so well as she did the
last winter, and was much admired in Philadelphia. She and Mrs.
Morris were inseparable. She was also a first favorite of Mr. Mor-
ris. His esteem I think very flattering. Robert is in Congress,
and I believe is at present there. She is to accompany him in the
fall. General and Mrs. Schuyler are at Morristown. The General
is one of the three that compose a committee from Congress. They
expect to be with the army all summer. Mrs. Schuyler returns to
Albany when the campaign opens^
"Apropos, Betsey Schuyler is engaged to our friend Colonel
Hamilton. She has been at Morristown, at Dr. Cochrane's, since
last February. Morristown continues to be very lively. The fate
of Charlestown still depending and Mrs. P. is said to be making a
match with her daughter and her husband's brother. She has
absolutely refused to let her go to her relations, and to let her
choose a guardian. Colonel Burr and she are not on speaking
terms."
In July, 1780, she writes to Mrs. Jay :
" Do you know I am trading on your stock of firmness; and if
you are not possessed of as much as I suppose you to have I shall
become bankrupt, having several wagers depending that you will
not paint nor go to plays on Sundays. The Chevalier is not to be
convinced that he has lost his bet till Mr. Carmichael informs him
you do not use paint. Mr. Witherspoon informs me that he was
questioned by many, at Martinique, if you did not. (Mrs. Jay had
a most brilliant complexion.) Mr. Bingham makes very honorable
mention of you and Mr. Jay to your friends at Philadelphia.
" In our last distresses from the invasion of the British troops,
Mr. and Mrs. Morris sent for me to come and live with them. It
was exceedingly friendly ; and it is certainly no small alleviation to
our infelicities to have such friends as can feel for us, and by their
kind endeavors soothe our troubled bosoms to peace and tran-
quillity. They have at present a delightful situation Springsberry.
Mr. Morris has enlarged the buildings and converted the green-
52 QUEENS OF AMEKICAN SOCIETY.
house into a dining-room, which far exceeds their expectations in
beauty and convenience."
Mrs. Jay, writing from Madrid, December 1, 1TSO, in
reply to this letter :
" The bets depending between you and the Chevalier I hope are
considerable, since you are certainly entitled to the stake, for I
have not used any false coloring, nor have I amused myself with
plays or any other diversions on Sundays."
Mrs. Morris wrote from ISTew Jersey to Mrs. Jay,
September 6, 1780 :
" Yesterday we were informed from camp of the death of your
cousin, William Alexander Livingston, who received his de.ith
from a Mr. Steaks, in a duel. Also, was buried at the same time,
in like circumstances, a Mr. Peyton, from Virginia. You may
judge how fashionable dueling is grown, when we have had five
in one week, and one of them so singular that I cannot forbear
mentioning it. It happened between two Frenchmen, who were
to stand at a certain distance, and, marching up, were to fire when
they pleased. One fired and missed, the other reserving his till he
had placed his pistol on his antagonist's forehead, who had just
time to say, 'Ah, Mon Dieu, pardonnez-moi!' at the same time
bowing, whilst the pistol went off, and did no other mischief than
singeing a few of his hairs."
Susan Livingston wrote in October, from Khinebeck,
to Mrs. Jay :
" I ought to conclude, and beware the third page, as they say a
woman can't write more than two pages without scandal. You
must be more or less than woman, for you have written thirteen
pages without scandal witness your letter that we call the Con-
federacy."
" We are in such high spirits about our public affairs that I
must tell you a little about it."
The letter then gives an account of a brilliant naval
MRS. JOHN JAY. 53
victory, and their hope of hearing presently of the sur-
render of Lord Cornwallis.
Mrs. Robert Morris wrote from Philadelphia, July
12, 1781, to Mrs. Jay:
"Kitty and myself often avail ourselves of the pleasure memory
affords us, in the recollection of the many happy days spent to-
gether in this city. The Chevalier de la Luzerne, M. de Marbois, '
and Mr. Holker, expect great pleasure at your remembrance of
them, and request your acceptance of their best wishes. The
Chevalier acquiesces in the loss of his bet, presented Kitty with a
handsome dress cap, accompanied with a note acknowledging your
firmness. Mr. Morris's friends here, and, indeed, all who know
him, were exceedingly shocked at his irreparable misfortune the
loss of his leg. * * * I never knew an individual more sympa-
thized with."
During a part of the time, Mr. Jay was compelled to
follow the court to Ilfonso, and leave his wife behind,
attended by his youthful nephew, Peter Jay Munro, of
whom Mr. Jay wrote to his father, " Peter has masters
both for his head and heels." Mrs. Jay writes, 24th
April, " We have had a charming winter clear, mild,
sunshine almost every day ;" but of her sketches of
society in Madrid we have no note. Her sister Susan,
referring to the new circles around her, writes, July 18,
1787 :
" I wonder whether my dear sister appears as sweet, amiable,
and beautiful to the signoras as she does to her own countryfolks."
Mrs. Jay's person, conversation, and character at this
period were thus alluded to by Mrs. Janet Montgomery,
in a letter to Mrs. Mercy Warren :
" You speak of my dear friend, Mrs. Jay. We have heard from
her at Hispaniola, where she was obliged to put in after the storm,
54 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
in which she had like to be taken. When she arrives at Paris I
expect to hear from her; if in the descriptive way, it shall be en-
tirely at your service. She is one of the most worthy women I
know ; has a great fund of knowledge, and makes use of most
charming language; added to this, she is very handsome, which
will secure her a welcome with the unthinking, whilst her under-
standing will gain her the hearts of the most worthy. Her man-
ners will do honor to our countrywomen, and I really believe will
please, even at the Court of Madrid."
Mrs. Montgomery evidently thought, as did the
Americans generally, that Spain was about to recognize
our independence and lend us the assistance we required.
She did neither the one nor the other. The little money
she loaned us was given grudgingly, and with the at-
tempt to attach unreasonable, if not impossible, con-
ditions to her grants. As Mr. Jay declined to accept
the courtesies of the Court, except as the minister of an
independent nation, it is probable that Mrs. Jay never
appeared at the Royal assemblies.
Of the characteristics of Mrs. Jay's personal appear-
ance, glimpses are occasionally given in the family cor-
respondence. In March, 1776, her husband, describing
a very beautiful country-girl whom Colonel Morris and
he had met at an inn near Gray's Ferry, and who,
from her exquisite complexion, they had called "the
conch-shell beauty," said: "Her teeth were as good,
and her eyes of the same color and almost as fine as
those of my fair correspondent. Colonel Morris thought
she bore a great resemblance to the lady who will
open this letter, and I assure you his opinion was not
ill-founded."
MRS. JOHN JAY. 55
Nearly twenty years afterwards, in April, 1794, Mr.
Jay, then Chief Justice, writing to his wife, and referring
to her eyes, says: "Tell me if they are as bright as
ever."
Lady Strangford, nee Philipse, a cousin of Mrs. Jay,
with whom she had been intimate, and whose husband
had married her when in orders, and had afterwards
succeeded to the title, occasionally corresponded with
Mrs. Jay in after years, sending her souvenirs of affection
in one case a ring, and in another a cross. Although
her father was a tory, and his estate at Philipsburgh
had been confiscated, Lady Strangford retained a touch-
ing devotion to America.
" I have," she writes, in a letter from England, " a
warm and affectionate regard for every thing American ;
and though fate has rendered me stationary here, my
own dear country can never be forgotten by me." In
another, she says : " Though so long departed from
America, I have the liveliest attachment to whatever
relates to it, and feel inexpressibly interested in its wel-
fare. And now one word of my girls. They are both
good and handsome as I could wish, and my eldest is
particularly elegant. I fancy her, my dear cousin, very
like you in feature and complexion."
Congress having associated Mr. Jay with Dr. Frank-
lin, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Laurens, in a commission to
negotiate a peace, Dr. Franklin requested his presence
in Paris ; and on the 23d of June, 1782, after a tedious
journey from Madrid, Mrs. Jay, with her husband and
56 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
child, arrived at the Capital. The Doctor had written
in April, " Let me know by a previous line if you con-
clude to come, and if, as I hope, Mrs. Jay will accom-
pany you, that I may provide for you proper lodgings."
Their first quarters were in the Hotel d'Orleans, Rue
deb Petits Augustines, where the Commissioners fre-
quen ly assembled ; and again at Passy, where they
lived *ith Dr. Franklin, in a mansion which is still
standing, and occupied as a pension for girls. Once
again, in November, 1783, they removed to a house, a
very charming one, from Mrs. Jay's description of it, at
Chaillot " sur la Chaussee de Versailles, pros de la Car-
riere de la Conference."
Rarely has the French capital, during its checkered
history, been more the centre of interest to Europe
and to the world. The peace between America and
England, of which Franklin and Jay were to arrange
the preliminaries of their associates, Adams being in
Holland, Jefferson in America, and Laurens in London,
just released from the Tower was the initial step
towards a peace between England and Holland ; and to
those who did not dream of the dark shadow gathering
over France, it must have seemed an auspicious omen
for the young Republic of the New World, that its birth
was to restore, on sea and land, the broken repose of the
older nations.
Did our space permit, we should be tempted to blend
with this sketch something more than a mere glance at
the historic memories of the period connected with the
MRS JOHN JAY. 57
peace negotiations, in which Mrs. Jay was almost a par-
ticipant, from her intimate association with the negotia-
tors, who frequently met at her apartments. There is
no page certainly in our foreign diplomacy to which the
intelligent American reader will ever recur with more
national pride and interest than that which records the
progress and result of these negotiations, in view of the
fact that the American Commissioners began their work
fettered by the resolution of Congress peremptorily in-
structing them to take no step without the knowledge
and concurrence of the French ministers, and to be gov-
erned by their opinion and advice.
The illness of Dr. Franklin threw the chief responsi-
bility upon Jay, and the first advice given by the French
minister, that they should treat under a British Commis-
sion that recognized us not as an independent nation,
but as British colonies or plantations, decided Jay to
disregard, from that moment, the order of Congress, as
no longer applicable to the situation. Promptly acting
on this resolution, without further consultation with the
French Court, he demanded, as indispensable, a new
commission ; to which the British Cabinet consented,
allowing Jay to dictate its form.
The importance to England of a definite settlement
w ith her late colonies in advance of her final negotia-
tion with the European allies, gave to the American
Commissioners a position of advantage, to which Jay's
sternness and resolution, backed by the approval of
Adams and Franklin, gave immense strength. The
3*
58 QUEENS OF AHEKICAN SOCIETY.
terms they demanded relating to the fisheries, the Mis-
sissippi, and the boundaries, while of immense impor-
tance to the United States, were regarded, under the
circumstances, as of minor significance by the English
ministry in their settlement of the European question ;
and such was the address and decision of the American
Commissioners, that they obtained all they demanded,
and far more than they had dared to hope for.
The preliminary articles were signed on the 20th of
January, 1Y83. On the 3d of September, when France
and Spain had settled their respective terms, the defini-
tive treaties were signed, and Count de Yergennes enter-
tained the diplomatists at a grand dinner at Versailles.
On this conclusion of a general peace, England, France,
Spain, and Holland, by a series of mutual concessions,
on the principle of restitution and compromise, returned
in great part to the statu quo. The United States alone,
which, in the view of England and France, had entered
the council-chamber as English "colonies or plant^-
tions," whose independence was to be granted by treaty
stipulation, and which, to their surprise, had refused to
take the first step except as a sovereign nation, and
on an equal footing, came forth from that chamber en-
dowed with the fisheries, the Mississippi, and a vast
extent of territory to the north, the west, and the south,
whose cession quieted forever all rival claims from Can-
ada, France, or Spain, and gave to the infant Republic
boundaries imperial in their grandeur.
In America, no one had ventured to hope for boun-
MRS. JOHN JAY. 59
daries so magnificent. Governor Livingston wrote to
Jay, Burlington, 20th of May, 1783, " The treaty is uni-
versally applauded." Hamilton wrote to him " The
New England people talk of making you an annual fish-
offering ;" and John Adams said, of the title of " Le
Washington de la Negotiation," which had been be-
stowed upon him, " I sincerely think that it belongs to
Mr. Jay." Years later, Mr. Adams, when President,
wrote to Mr. Jay (November 24, 1800), "Among the
very few truths in a late pamphlet, there is one that I
shall ever acknowledge with pleasure, viz., ' that the
principal merit of the negotiations for peace was Mr.
Jay's.' "
More than half a century after the negotiations, the
British Minister, Mr. Fitzherbert, who had become Lord
St. Helens, after reading the life of Jay, wrote : " I can
safely add my testimony * * * that it was not only
chiefly, but solely, through his means that the negotia-
tions of that period, between England and France, were
brought to a successful conclusion."
Mrs. Jay wrote to Mr. Jay, January 21, the day
after the signing of the provisional articles.:
"I long, my dear, to embrace you now as a deliverer of our
country, as well as an affectionate and tender husband."
The scenes and the society amid which Mrs. Jay
lived for nearly two years, presented a brilliant contrast
to the trials and hardships to which she had been sub-
jected by the war at home, as well as to her more
retired life during their residence at Madrid.
00 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Mr. Jay's health having become impaired, he went
for a while to England, to try the Bath waters ; and on
his return, in January, 1784, with improved health and
spirits, the last months of their stay in Paris were
devoted to the enjoyment of its polished society.
History has made us familiar with the Paris of that
period; so interesting, as presenting the last pictures
of the pride and splendor that were still unconscious of
the impending revolution. Marie Antoinette, now in
her twenty-ninth year, still justified by her grace and
beauty the magnificent apostrophe of Burke. In a
letter to Mrs. Eobert Morris, 14th of November, 1782,
Mrs. Jay thus describes the Queen after whom, was
named one American town, Marietta, in Ohio :
She is so handsome, and her manners are so engaging, that,
almost forgetful of Republican principles, I was ready, while in her
presence, to declare her born to be a queen. There are, however,
many traits in her character worthy of imitation, even by Repub-
licans; and I cannot but admire her resolution to superintend the
education of Madame Royale, her daughter, to whom she has
allotted chambers adjoining her own, and persists in refusing to
name a governess for her. The Duchess of Polignac is named for
that office to the Dauphin. I have just been interrupted by a visit
from the Princess Mazarin, who informed me that the Count
d'Artois was expected here in eight days hence, and the Prince,
her husband, soon after; so that I conjecture the siege of Gibraltar
is to be abandoned."
The fantasies of fashion, says a court historian, re-
vealed the spirit of France as capricious and changeable.
The queen and her intimate friends, especially the Com-
tesse Diane de Polignac and the Marquise de Yaudrienne,
MRS. JOHN" JAY. 61
changed the mode day by day. The women wore the
hair most fantastically raised in a pyramid, and this high
edifice was crowned with flowers, as if it were a garden.
Mrs. Jay wrote to Mrs. Morris :
"At present the prevailing fashions are very decent and very
plain; the gowns most worn are the robes a 1'Anglaise, which are
exactly like ye Italian habits that were in fashion in America when
I left it ; the Sultana is also a la mode, but it is not expected that
it will long remain so. Every lady makes them of slight silk.
There is so great a variety of hats, caps, cuffs, &c., that it's impos-
sible to describe them. I forgot that the robe a 1'Anglaise, if
trimmed either with the same or gauze, is dress; but if untrirnmed
must be worn with an apron, and is undress. Negligees are very
little in vogue. Fans of eight or ten sous are almost the only ones
in use.
" At the Marquis de la Fayette's table I had the pleasure of
hearing you, my dear Mrs. Morris, mentioned in terms the most
grateful imaginable."
Among the first to congratulate Mrs. Jay on her
arrival at Paris were the Marquis and the Marchioness
de la Fayette. A note from the Marquis bears date the
25th June, and the Marchioness offers to Mrs. Jay her
"tender homage." Some two years later, on leaving
Paris, Mr. Jay wrote to la Fayette : " I shall never think
of France without recollecting your friendly attention
to Americans and American affairs."
The two circles of society where Mrs. Jay was entirely
at home in Paris were those which were to be found in
the hotels of la Fayette and Franklin.
" La Fayette and his companions had left the coun-
try," says the author of Memoirs of Marie Antionette,
" Frenchmen, but came back Americans. They set out
82 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
in quest of danger and military glory only, but brought
back systems and patriotic enthusiasm. They appeared
again at court, boasting of the scars and wounds received
in the cause of liberty, and wearing with their dress the
emblems of republican decorations."
This feeling was not confined solely to France.
While the princes of Germany lent themselves to the
purposes of Great Britain, the better mind of Germany
sympathized with the American people, and our rising
empire was not altogether overlooked in the thought of
Goethe, Lessing, Schiller, and Kant.
The acquaintanceship of Mrs. Jay and Madame de
la Fayette soon ripened into friendship, and their letters
are marked by a tone of sincere regard and affection, and
indicate a degree of intimacy between these youthful
mothers closer than that which usually characterized the
courtly circle that lent brilliancy to the Hotel de Noailles.
The kind devotion of Madame de la Fayette to Mrs. Jay
was extended to her children, and in the invitations to
dinner the latter was sometimes prayed to bring Made-
moiselle, her daughter (Maria), to see Madame de la
Fayette's little family. Mrs. Jay's letters in reply refer
gracefully " to the pleasure it will give her daughter to
wait upon the charming little Miss Virginia." There is*
reason to believe that both enjoyed these domestic scenes
more than the salon where they were surrounded by the
elegance, wit, and beauty of the ancient regime, whose
splendor was presently to disappear forever.
MRS. JOHN" JAY. 63
Miss Adams, the daughter of John Adams, writing
from Paris in 1785, said :
"Every person who knew her when here bestows many enco
miuins upon Mrs. Jay. Madame de la Fayette said she was well
acquainted with her and very fond of her, adding that Mrs. Jay
and she thought alike, that pleasure might be found abroad, but
happiness only at home, in the society of one's family and friends."
Among the souvenirs presented by Madame de la
Fayette to Mrs. Jay were two arm-chairs, embroidered
by her own hands. One of these is now in the possession
of Mrs. Henry E. Pierrepont, of Brooklyn, a grand-
daughter of Mrs. Jay.
Did space permit, we might give some interesting
extracts from Mrs. Jay's correspondence with her hus-
band while in England and her friends in America.
One of his first letters from London says : " The doctor
advises me to be as idle as possible, but so agreeable an
employment as that of writing to you can hardly be a
trespass on that injunction." Another, dated Bath, 22d
December, gives an account of the celebrated Lady Hunt-
ington, her chapel, and its fine music, her cheerful con-
versation and pleasant recollections of Lord Bolingbroke,
Lord Bath, Lord Bathnrst, Lord Chesterfield, Pope, and
other celebrities of her earlier years.
To Dr. Franklin, now in his seventy-sixth year, Mrs.
Jay was indebted for uniformly kind attentions ; and if
the circle she met at the Hotel de Noailles was marked
by its aristocracy of rank, that which surrounded the
venerable philosopher at Passy was no less celebrated
64: QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
for happily blending the choicest and most opposite
elements of the world of learning, wit, and fashion.
Retaining, at that advanced age, a singular gayety and
spirit, having lost, according to Mr. Adams, neither his
love of beauty nor his taste in judging of it, he was con-
stantly surrounded by savans, statesmen, and sprightly
women, who flocked to pay their affectionate homage to
the " Sage," as Mirabeau afterwards apostrophized him,
'9 whom two worlds alike claimed, and for whom the
history of science and the history of empires were dis-
puting." The Paris of that day teemed with celebri-
ties ; among whom to Franklin, as the philosopher who
had snatched the lightning from heaven and the sceptre
from tyrants, the historians of the period assign the first
place.
There was Mesmer, with his fascinating doctrine of
the influence of the planets and the mysterious harmo-
nies of ideas and forms, censured by the Academy, but
popular in the salon. There were Lavoisier, exciting
wonder by his application of chemistry ; Buffon, the
naturalist; Bailly, the astronomer ; Legendre, the math-
ematician ; and Darcet, the chemist. There was Gui-
llotin, the philanthropic physician to the king, who, to
alleviate the horrors of capital punishment, recommend-
ed the use of the machine which has perpetuated his
name in connection with scenes which cannot be recalled
without a shudder. There was Cagliostro, with his
filters, talismans, and amulets, exhibiting, in the lan-
guage of a French chronicler, an audacity that only
MRS. JOHN JAY. 65
superstition could authorize. There was Moiitgolfier,
with his balloons, creating, on his first ascension, a furor
of excitement ; and Jean Gaspar Lavater, the youthful
pastor of Zurich, calm and reflective, the author of
sacred songs and llelvetique chants, challenging the
admiration of the world by deducing traits of character
from the physiognomy. The painters of the period in-
cluded Greuze, Yernet, Doyen, Menageot, David, and
Le Brun ; and the musicians, Mozart, Gretry, Delaysac,
and Gluck.
There seems to have been a theatre, and a good one,
at Passy, for Mrs. Jay writes, in 1782, " The queen has
recently returned to Versailles, after a residence of eight
or ten weeks at Passy. "While there, I used sometimes
to have the pleasure of seeing her at the plays."
Among the more intimate friends of Franklin were
Turgot, the Abbe Kaynal, Eochefoucault, Cabanes, Le
Koy, Mabley, Mirabeau, D'Holbach, Marmontel, Neckar,
Malesherbes, Watelet, and Mesdames de Genlis, Denis,
Helvetius, Brillon, and La Reillard.
Such were the types of the brilliant circle that sur-
rounded the Doctor's table or enlivened his evenings,
and for their benefit he kept a printing-press in his
house, for the convenient circulation among them of his
" bagatelles." Of his genial, pleasant humor, his letters
and those of Mrs. Jay afford abundant evidence. One
of them (June 18, 1780), sending his portrait to Mrs.
Jay at Madrid, thus pleasantly refers to his own celeb-
rity:
66 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
"Mrs. Jay does me much honor in desiring to have one of the
prints that have been made here of her countryman. I send what
has been said to be the best of five or six, engraved by different
hands from different paintings. The verses at the bottom are truly
extravagant. But you must know that the desire of pleasing by a
perpetual use of compliments in this polite nation has so used up
all the common expressions of approbation that they have become
flat and insipid, and to use them almost implies censure. Hence,
music, that formerly might be sufficiently praised when it was
called bonne, to go a little farther, they called excellente, then
zuperbe, maynffique, exquisite, celeste, all which being in their turn
worn out, there remains only divine, and when that is grown as
insnfficient as its predecessors, I think they must return to common
speech and common sense, as from vying with one another in fine
and costly paintings on their coaches, since I first knew the
country, not being able to go further in that way, they have
returned lately to plain carriages, painted without arms or figures,
in one uniform color."*
Here is one of the Doctor's little notes :
"Dr. Franklin regrets exceedingly that his health does not
permit the honor and pleasure of waiting upon Mr. and Mrs. Jay,
according to their obliging invitation.
" He hopes Mr. and Mrs. Jay will condescend to indemnify him
for the loss he sustains, by honoring him with their company at
dinner on Saturday next. The Doctor would be happy to see Mr.
Munro at the same time. Passy, 9th October, 1782."
Mrs. Jay's almost romantic devotion to her husband
could hardly escape notice and comment in the Parisian
circles, where she was known as " la belle Americaine " ]
and an incident to which it led on one occasion, in an
assemblage at Passy, interesting from its connection
with the Doctor's development of magnetism, and charm-
* Anotherof the Doctor's presents to Mrs. Jay a tea-kettle of Sevres
china is preserved in the family of Dr. John C. Jay, at Rye.
MRS. JOHN JAY. 67
ingly illustrative of the man, is thus related in a letter
from Mrs. Jay at Chaillot to Mr. Jay at Bath, Novem-
ber 18, 1783:
"Dr. Franklin charges me to present you his compliments,
whenever I write to you, but forbids my telling you how much
pains he takes to excite my jealousy at your stay. The other
evening, at Passy, he produced several pieces of steel ; the one he
supposed you, at Chaillot, which, being placed near another piece,
which was to represent me, it was attracted by that, and presently
united ; but when drawn off from me, and nearer another piece,
which the Doctor called an English lady, behold, the same effect !
The company enjoyed it much, and urged me to revenge ; but all
could not shake my confidence in my beloved friend. The Doctor
has just sent me word that he'll drink tea with me this evening,
notwithstanding the storm."
An extract from Mr. Jay's reply to this letter is, in
its turn, characteristic. He writes to Mrs. Jay from
Bath:
"It gives me pleasure to hear that our friend the Doctor is in
such good spirits. Though his magnets love society, they are never-
theless true to the pole, and in that I hope to resemble them."
A letter from Mrs. Jay to her husband, a few days
later, dated Chaillot, 2d of December, gives a full
description of the first ascent, at Paris, by Messrs.
Charles and Robert, of Montgolfier's, balloon, which cre-
ated a great sensation. It landed some nine leagues
distant, and the Dukes of Chartres and Fitz James, fol-
lowing by relays, arrived in time for its descent. The
letter closes thus :
"If I had four balloons to make a Mercury of a common mes-
senger, you should not be twenty-four hours without hearing
f am us."
68 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
After Mrs. Jay's return to America, Dr. Franklin's
letters show the strong attachment he had conceived for
her and her children. He wrote to Mrs. Jay from
7, 8th of February, 1785 :
jPassy,
" I received, by the Marquis de la Fayette, your kind letter of
the 13th of December. It gave me pleasure on two accounts, as it
informed me of the public welfare and that of your, I may almost
say our, dear little family, for since I had the pleasure of their
being with me in the same house I have ever felt a tender affection
for them, equal, I believe, to that of most fathers."
Again, the Doctor writes to Jay, at New York, from
Passy, 10th of May, acknowledging the resolution of
Congress permitting his return : " Next to the pleasure
of rejoining my own family will be that of seeing you
and yours well and happy, and embracing my little
friend,* whose singular attachment to me I shall always
remember. Be pleased to make my respectful compli-
ments acceptable to Mrs. Jay, and believe me ever, with
sincere and great respect and esteem, &c."
After Franklin's return to America, Jay welcomed
him in a cordial letter. He says, in reference to the
Doctor's proposed visit to New York :
"Mrs. Jay is exceedingly pleased with this idea, and sincerely
joins with me in wishing to see it realized. Her attachments are
very strong, and that to you being founded on esteem, and the
recollection of kind offices, is particularly so. I suspect your little
friend has forgotten your name. Your name is familiar to her, as
indeed it will be to every generation."
Soon after, Mr. Jay left his wife at Passy, attended
* Maria, afterwards Mrs. Banyar.
MRS. JOHN JAY. 69
oy his nephew, P. J. Munro, in order that he might try
the Bath waters, she moved her little family to the
house at Chaillot, which Mr. Jay had engaged for her,
and she thus describes it in a letter to him, November 6,
1783 :
"Everybody that sees the house is surprised it has so long
remained unoccupied. It is so gay, so lively, that I am sure you'll
be pleased. Yesterday the windows were open in my cabinet while
I was dressing, and it was even then too warm. Dr. Franklin and
his grandsons, and Mr. and Mrs. Coxe and the Miss "Walpoles drank
tea with me likewise this evening, and they all approve of your
choice. As the sky is very clear and the moon shines very bright,
we were tempted to walk from the saloon upon the terrace, and
while the company were admiring my situatioa, my imagination
was retracing the pleasing evenings that you and I have passed
together in contemplating the mild and gentle rays of the moon."
Mrs. Jay's family now embraced two daughters.
Her husband, in announcing to his brother Frederick
the birth of the last (26th of August, 1783), said.: " She
is to be baptized this morning, by the name of Anne.
I wish we could as easily give her the virtues as the
name of our amiable sister."
Those who were so fortunate as to have known per-
sonally the late Miss Anne Jay, or who are familiar
with the extent of her charities and the beauty of her
life, will not think that her father's wishes were unac-
complished.
We find a mention in one of Mrs. Jay's letters of
having met at dinner, at the Marquis de la Fayette's,
20th October, 1783, the younger Pitt, who, accompa-
70 QUEENS OF AMEKICAN SOCIETT.
nied by Mr. Wilberforce and Mr. Elliot, was making a
hurried tour through France.
Governor Livingston writes to Mrs. Jay, from Eliza-
bethtown, 8th of January, 1T83 :
"I long to see you both, and my dear little French grand-
daughter Maria. My sweet little Peter is now standing at my
elbow. He is really, and without flattering, one of the handsomest
boys in the whole country."
November 12th, Mrs. Jay, at Chaillot, writes to her
husband, at Bath :
" I hope the weather is fine in England, for we have a most
enchanting autumn here. You'll be pleased with our situation
here when you return, for which I most ardently long, though I
would not have you leave England until you have given it a fair
trial. My little Nancy is a perfect cherub, without making' the
least allowance for a mother's partiality."
Mrs. Jay left Paris with her husband and children
for Dover on the 16th of May, 17S4, and landed at New
York on the 24th of July, after an absence of more than
four years and a half.
Mr. Jay had, the autumn before, written from Passy
to his old friend, Peter Yan Schaick : " I have asked
leave to become a simple citizen, and to return home
,next summer;" but Congress, having heajd from Dr.
Franklin of his anticipated return, appointed him, in
advance of his arrival, to the office of Secretary for For-
eign Affairs, which has been described as " unquestion-
ably the most prominent and responsible civil office
under the Confederation." There was then no President
of the United States, and the Secretary had charge of the
MES. JOHN JAY. 71
whole foreign correspondence as well as of that between
the General and State Governments. In this position,
the entertaining of the foreign ministers, officers of Gov-
ernment, members of Congress, and persons of distinc-
tion, was an important incident, and Mrs. Jay's domestic,
duties assumed something of an official character.
Her long residence near European courts, and her
recent association with the brilliant circles of the French
capital, assisted her to fill with ease the place she was
now to occupy, and to perform its graceful duties in a
manner becoming the dignity of the republic to whose
fortunes she had been so devoted.
We have no record relating to the entire period dur-
ing which she presided over the entertainments given by
her husband as Secretary for Foreign Affairs ; but by a
happy chance her "Dinner and Supper List for 1787
and '8 " has been preserved, and the names which the
list furnishes, together with the memoranda afforded by
occasional private correspondence, and the published
notes of European travelers touching that interesting
period, help to give a picture, that already possesses an
historic interest, of the social circles of New York during
.its brief existence as the National capital under the
Articles of Confederation, and for two sessions of the
first Congress under the Constitution.
The society of New York at that time, despite the
comparative insignificance of the city in extent and pop-
ulation, and all that it had suffered during the war,
presented more strikingly than in after years, when
72 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
domestic and foreign emigration had made it a common
centre, those distinguished characteristics derived from
its blended ancestry and colonial history, that are still
discernible in the circles of the Knickerbockers, and
which recall alike to Americans and Europeans the
earlier traditions of the National metropolis. While
here and there might be found members of a family
which, misled by mistaken convictions, had, during the
war, sided with the mother country, or had timidly
endeavored to preserve an inglorious neutrality, the
tone of society was eminently patriotic, and worthy of
the antecedents of an ancestry representing, in the words
of an English historian, " the best stock of Europe who
had sought homes in the Western World, and in whose
forms of Government, charter, provincial and even pro-
prietary, may be discerned the germs of a national lib-
erty." With the culture and refinement of a class thus
descended was blended that love of country which lends
dignity to wealth and respectability to fashion.
The bar of New York gave to the salons of the day
a list of names never since surpassed in our juridical
history, in James Duane, Eichard Harrison, Aaron Burr,
Alexander Hamilton, Morgan Lewis, Robert Troup,
Robert R. Livingston, Egbert Benson, John Watts,
Governeur Morris, Richard Yarick, James Lansing,
and Josiah Ogden Hoffman and James Kent, both in
their youthful vigor, the last of whom had been admitted
in 1785, and was just commencing the career that gave
him while yet living a world- wide reputation. The
MRS. JOHN JAY. 73
Church furnished, of the Presbyterians, Dr. Rogers and
Dr. John Mason ; and of the Dutch Reformed Church,
Dr. John H. Livingston and Dr. William Linn. Among
the Episcopal clergy, the chief was the " easy, good-
tempered, gentlemanly, and scholarly Dr. Provoost,
Bishop of New York a chaplain of Congress, and a
welcome guest at the dinner-table of his friends." The
Doctor had been devoted to the American cause, and
was in every respect a most estimable and agreeable
person ; and, in addition to his classic, ecclesiastical, and
Hebrew lore, he is said to have been familiar " with the
Greek, Latin, French, German, and Italian languages."
It is even affirmed that, as a literary recreation and
the circumstance seems more significant in view alike of
his Episcopal duties and the times he had made a new
poetical translation of Tasso. The medical profession
was represented by Dr. Charlton, Dr. Samuel Bard,
Dr. John Bard, Dr. Wright Post, Dr. Bailey, Dr. Kis-
sam, and Dr. Jones.
To the older families of New York mentioned in
Mrs. Jay's invitation list, among whom were prominent
those of Beekman, Bronson, Clinton, Clarkson, Cruger,
Sterling, De Peyster, Livingston, Morris, Rutherford,
Schuyler, Yan Horn, Yan Cortlandt, Yan Rensselaer,
Yerplanck, and Watts, were now added, by the presence,
first, of the Congress under the Confederation, and then
under the Constitution, some of the most eminent of the
statesmen and generals of " the old thirteen " who had
helped to vindicate the independence and lay deep the
74: QUEEN'S OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
foundation of the country. Among the names on Mrs.
Jay's list may be found those of John Langdon, Paine,
and Wingate ; Roger Sherman and Benjamin Hunting-
ton, of New England ; Elias Boudinot and Cadwallader,
of New Jersey ; Robert Morris, of Pennsylvania ; George
Read, of Delaware ; Charles Carroll, of Maryland ; Mr.
Grayson, Theodoric Bland, and James Madison, of Yir-
ginia ; Pierce Butler, Ralph Izard, Daniel Huger, and
Thomas Tudor Tucker, of South Carolina ; and William
Few, of Georgia.
These gentlemen were, in many cases, accompanied
by their families, representing in part the higher circles
of New England, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the
South ; and to these was added the small circle of diplo-
mats accredited to the United States, and occasionally
European travelers, attracted by the rising greatness of
the young Republic. The letters of the day which have
been preserved, both of Americans and Frenchmen, al-
lude frequently to the grace, beauty, and attractiveness
^? many women then in society. Among them were
Lady Mary Watts and Lady Kitty Duer, daughters of
Lord Stirling, and cousins of Mrs. Jay ; Mrs. Ralph
Izard, grand-daughter of the Huguenot Etienne de
Lanci ; Mrs. Alexander Hamilton, daughter of General
Schuyler ; Mrs. Beekman (Miss James Kettletass) ; Mrs.
Theodore Sedgwick (Miss Pamela Dwight) ; Miss Wol-
cott, of Connecticut, afterwards Mrs. Chauncey Good-
rich; and to New York came also, occasionally, the
belles of other cities, especially of Philadelphia. Mrs
MRS. JOHN" JAY. 75
Jay's dinners and receptions at this time are thus
alluded to by Mrs. Win. S. Smith, in a letter to her
mother, Mrs. John Adams :
"Mrs. Jay gives a dinner almost every week, besides one to the
t-orps diplomatique on Tuesday evening; Miss Von Berckel (daugh-
ter of the Dutch Minister) and Lady Temple see company on
Thursday ; Mrs. Jay, Mrs. De la Forest, the wife of the French
Consul ; on Friday Lady Christiana, the Presidentess (of Congress) ;
and on Saturdays, Mrs. Secretary ."
Again, on the 20th of May, Mrs. Smith writes to her
mother :
" Yesterday we dined at Mrs. Jay's, in company with the whole
corps diplomatique. Mr. Jay is a most pleasing man, plain in his
manners, but kind, affectionate, and attentive ; benevolence is
stamped in every feature. Mrs. Jay dresses showily, but is very
pleasing on a first acquaintance. The dinner was d la Francaise,
and exhibited more of European taste than I expected to find."
On referring to Mrs. Jay's list, it appears that the
guests at the dinner referred to by Mrs. Smith on the
20th of May, 1788, were as follows :
The President of Congress, Mr. Griffin ; Lady Chris-
tiana Griffin, his wife, belonging to a noble family in
Scotland ; Count de Moustier, the French Minister ; hia
sister, the Marchioness de Brehan ; Mr. Otto, afterwards
Count de Mosloy, who had succeeded M. Marbois aa
Charge d'Aftaires, and had married a Miss Livingston ;
Comte de Brehan ; Don Diego Gardoqui, the Spanish
Minister ; M. Von Berckel, the Dutch Minister ; his
daughter, Miss Yon Berckel ; Sir John Temple, the
British Consul General ; and Lady Temple, who was the
76 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
daughter of Governor Bowdoin of Massachusetts ; Gen-
eral Armstrong, Mr. Arthur Lee, Mr. and Lady Mary
Watts, Mr. and Mrs. "Watts, Mr. Bingham, Colonel Wil-
liam S. Smith and Mrs. Smith, Mr. Daniel McCormick,
Mr. Kean.
Among the distinguished foreigners on Mrs. Jay's
list, is found the name of M. Brissot de Warville, well
known from his work on America, written on his return
to Europe, and for his prominent and tragical connection
with the Girondists of the French Eevolution. He
dined 'at her table on the 2d of September, 1788, with
the following guests :
Mr. and Mrs. Pintard, Mr. and Mrs. Eufus King, Mr.
and Mrs. Montgomery, Mr. and Miss Yon Berckel, Mr.
Otis, Mr. Dane, Mr. Gerry, Mr. Sedgwick, Mr. Gilman,
Mr. Wingate, Mr. Wadsworth, Mr. Huntington, M. de
la Yalle, and M. de Saussure.
M. Brissot de Warville had brought to Mr. Jay,
from La Fayette, a letter commending him as a writer
on the side of liberty, and as one of the founders of the
society in behalf of the blacks; and another from the
Chevalier Burgoyne, the minister from Saxony to Paris.
His character and life have been cleverly drawn ; among
others, by Lord Brougham, and also by Grace and
Philip Wharton, in their "Queens of Society," under the
heading of his friend, the unfortunate Madame Eoland.
The inauguration, by the new Government, under
the National Constitution, in the spring of 1789, was
heralded by the arrival of Yice-President Adams, after
MRS. JOHN JAY. 77
an almost triumphal progress from Boston. He was
conducted in state, by the civil dignitaries and military
officers, through a multitude of people, to the house of
John Jay, in the lower part of the city.
On the 23d of March General Washington arrived,
by the Bay, attended by the heads of departments, and
escorted by a fleet of boats and sloops ; and in the even-
ing the city was brilliantly illuminated, and there was
a display of h're-works. On the 13th of April he was
inaugurated, at Federal Hall.
Mr. Jay's duties as Chief Justice carried him, this
year, on the New England circuit, in the course of which,
especially at Boston, he was received with cordial hos-
pitality.
A letter to him from Mrs. Jay gives a pleasant pic-
ture of her home occupation, and a glimpse also of Mrs.
Washington :
"Last Monday the President went to Long Island to pass a
week there. On Wednesday, Mrs. "Washington called upon me to go
with her to wait upon Miss Von Berckel, and on Thursday morn-
ing, agreeahle to invitation, myself and the little girls took an early
breakfast with her, and then went with her and her little grand-
children to breakfast at General Morris's, Morrisania. "We passed
together a very agreeable day, and on our return dined with her,
as she would not take a refusal. After which I came home to
dress, and she was so polite as to take coffee with me in the
evening. * * * If you see Mrs. Langdon, pray thank her
for her very polite attention. Governor Langdon was well last
evening, when I was honored with his company."
Another letter says : " Our friends Mr. and Mrs.
Hamilton left New York last Wednesday ; they dined
78 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
with me on Sunday and Tuesday." Mrs. Jay mentions
also having entertained Mrs. Iredell, her daughter, and
Mr. and Mrs. Munro, and adds : " My endeavor has
been to show my affection for you by my attention to
your friends."
In the spring of 1784 Mrs. Jay suffered a trial in
the separation from her husband, who was sent by Wash-
ington as special ambassador to England, where he nego-
tiated with Lord Grenville the treaty which bears his
name, and which subsequently encountered, at the hands
of the Democratic party, a vigorous but unsuccessful
opposition.
Congress was sitting in Philadelphia when Mr. Jay
advised his wife of the President's decision. Her
reply, dated April, shows how deeply she was affected
by it :
"The utmost exertion I can make is to be silent; excuse me if
I have not philosophy. * * * Should you leave me I must
entreat you to permit your son to accompany you. It would give
him infinite pleasure and me great consolation. * * *
"Adieu, my best beloved, absent or present, I am wholly
yours. SA. JAY."
Another of her letters, about this time, closes:
" Farewell, my best beloved. Your wife till death, and
after that a ministering spirit."
Mr. Jay acceded to his wife's wish, and their son,
Peter Augustus, then in his nineteenth year, accompa-
nied his father. Soon after they had sailed, a violent
storm occurred at New York, to which Mrs. Jay thus
alludes, in a letter dated the 2d of May :
MRS. JOHN JAY. 79
"Oh, my dear Mr. Jay, how greatly do circumstances alter our
ideas of things. I've known the time when in your company I
have enjoyed a storm like this.' At present I cannot, nor would I
wish to describe the painful fancies it gives birth to. I know you
disapprove the anticipation of evils, but indeed, my best of hus-
bands, such a storm as this is enough to prostrate one's reason.
At this season of the year it is so unusual. The poplars this morn-
ing were on the ground, and the cherries, still unripe, were blown
from the trees before the dining-room window into the stable-yard.
Frank has raised the poplars. "When I droop who shall raise me,
if the wide ocean should swallow up my husband and child?"
Mrs. Jay's letters to her husband, during his absence,
are in great part devoted to his domestic affairs at home,
of which she assumed the chief charge, assisted occasion-
ally by his nephew, Peter Jay Munro. They are full,
practical, and exact, giving the particulars of moneys
paid in and reinvested, by the advice of friends, in the
National Bank and stocks, with quotations of their rise,
and the sale of lands, the progress of the mill and dam,
then being built on the Jay estate at Bedford, and mat-
ters of more minute importance, in which Mr. Jay was
sure to feel an interest.
In one of Mr. Jay's letters to his wife, he says :
" Thanks for your many affectionate letters and unceasing atten-
tion to our mutual concerns. I frequently anticipate with satisfac-
tion the pleasing moment when I shall again take my place by our
own fireside, and with William on one knee and Sally ou the other,
amuse you with a variety of information."
Mrs. Jay was accustomed to ride on horseback, and
her care in regard to her horses is occasionally exhibited
in her letters. She writes to Mr. Jay, October 11,
1794:
80 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
" Last Tuesday J. Lyon came to town on business, and brought
the carriage horses. They are lean and entirely unbroke, even to a
wagon. I was advised to send for Swan, a person who is said to
understand breaking horses. He has undertaken it, and if he suc-
ceeds is to receive 6, but is not to be paid any thing if he doea
not. Frank attends him daily with the horses, for Swan says that
the coachmen of this city require as much breaking as the horses."
A fortnight later, she writes that
"The young horses have become gentle and tractable under the
tuition of Mr. Swan and your man Frank. I have rode out with
them, and last evening paid some visits in town. They stood very
quietly ; and, what to me was of equal consequence, they did not,
like a former pair, stand longer than I wished."
The horses in question had exposed Mrs. Jay to
vexations, with a mention of which she had avoided
annoying her absent husband. She had been disap-
pointed at the delay of Mr. Jay's agent at Bedford in
breaking them for her use, and had sent him by his son
a mild message on the subject, which by some persons
had been maliciously distorted into a notice that he
should never be pardoned, and that Mr. Jay would
require him to quit^the farm on the 1st of May follow-
ing. This untrue statement induced a hasty and ill-
tempered letter, dated the 10th of November, to Mrs.
Jay, written under extreme irritation. Its tone may be
gathered from a single line : " Madam, although I am
your servant, I am not your slave." The next day
brought a more civil letter, making an offer of potatoes,
turnips, &c., but no apology for the first. Mrs. Jay's
reply exhibits at once the force and dignity of her char-
acter, as well as her womanly tact and skill of expression.
MRS. JOHN JAY. 81
After declining the vegetables, with thanks, she pro-
ceeded :
"I could wish, Major, your letter of the llth had been unac-
companied by the one of the 10th, as I am convinced you have
yourself too much sensibility to reflect, without regret, on having
wounded the feelings of a lady who has invariably treated you
with cordiality and politeness."
After stating distinctly what she had said, the letter
concludes :
" That, sir, is the whole of what I told your son. Mr. Jay or
the farm were not mentioned, and the word pardon neither entered
my thoughts nor escaped my lips. I leave you, sir, to judge whether
my observations merited the strictures you thought proper to make.
Though Mr. Jay could not but be aware of the many inconveniences,
injuries, and anxieties, that would be the consequence of his accept-
ance of a mission three thousand miles from his family, yet I am
well convinced asperities from you, sir, to his solitary wife never
entered his calculations. It is unnecessary, Major, to trouble you
with further observations. Should Mr. Jay's labors abroad be
again blessed to his country, the sacrifice his long absence costs his
family shall be submitted to without murmuring.
"SA. JAY."
In one of her letters, Mrs. Jay tells Mr. Jay, that, in
consequence of his prolonged absence, she had resolved,
upon her own responsibility, to send their daughter Maria
'to the Moravian school for girls at Bethlehem, Pennsyl-
vania, under the charge of Mr. and Mrs. Adams. Their
friends, Mr. and Mrs. Arden, had already two daughters
at the establishment. This was the most celebrated of
the schools for girls, " where, in nun-like seclusion, were
educated a large proportion of the belles who gave the
fashionable circles of New York and Philadelphia their
82 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
inspiration during the last twenty years of the century."
When first visited by Mr. Adams, he found one hundred
and twenty living under the same roof, and in a letter to
his daughter he compared it to a nunnery. Mrs. Jay's
daughter Anne afterwards joined her sister at Bethlehem,
and both retained in after life pleasant recollections of
the days passed there.
On the 28th of May, 1795, Mr. Jay returned from
England, and learned that during his absence he had
been elected Governor of the State, the result having
been declared but two days before his arrival. He
landed at the Battery, in the presence of a large con-
course of citizens, who welcomed him with bells and
cannon, and attended him to his house in Broadway.
This popular applause was presently succeeded by vehe-
ment abuse, by the Democratic party, of " that damned
arch traitor, John Jay ;" and Mrs. Jay had the opportu-
nity of observing both sides of a political career, when
she found her husband burned in effigy at Philadelphia,
and when Hamilton, defending the treaty, was answered
with stones.
Mr. Jay was a second time elected Governor, and
the State Government, which had sat in New York, was.
during his first term, removed to Albany. Mrs. Jay's
health, in 1796, sent her to Lebanon Springs, which had
already a high reputation. She was accompanied by her
daughter Maria, and her letters show the enjoyment and
benefit she received from the waters, aided by a simple
country life and mountain air.
MRS. JOHN JAY. 83
The State Government had made no provision for a
Governor's residence at Albany, and it was not until
l79Y-'8 that Mrs. Jay permanently assumed the charge
of her husband's house, and presided over the reunions
of the descendants of the Dutch Huguenot and English
colonists, whose devotion to freedom had given to New
York its proud position in the country ; while the wealth
and importance derived from stately manors, miles in
extent, and but recently invested with almost baronial
privileges, blended with the simplicity of the young
Republic, social features that had something of the dig-
nity and grace usually associated with ancient aristoc-
racy.
In 1801, at the conclusion of his second term as
Governor, Mr. Jay retired from public life, declining a
reappointment as Chief Justice, tendered him by Presi-
dent Adams, and with his daughter Anne he repaired to
his farm at Bedford, where the improvements of the old
dwelling-house were not yet completed. Mrs. Jay's
health forbade her coming until the mechanics had all
departed ; and while staying at Oakhill, May 27, 1801,
she wrote to Mr. Jay :
" Say every thing to our dearest daughter (Anne) that a fond
and delighted mother could express. Thank her for her charming
letter. No cordials could have so salutary an effect on my spirits
as the dear letters I receive from you both. I have perused and
reperused them twenty times at least."
A little later she wrote from Rye, October 6, to Mr.
Jay :
84 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
" T have been rendered very happy by the company of our dear-
children, but could we have been together it would have heightened
the satisfaction, every word and every look of our dear little boy
(William). Your brother himself frequently exclaimed, you are a
dear little dog. Banyar and his little wife (Maria) are an amiable
couple, and I often, I should say daily, bless God for giving us such
amiable children. May they long be preserved a blessing to us and
to the community."
Mrs. Jay wrote on her arrival at Bedford : " I can
truly say I have never enjoyed so much comfort as I do
here." Her enjoyment, however, of the calm pleasures
of domestic life, surrounded by her children, was destined
to be but brief. Within twelve months she died, after a
short illness, on the 28th of May, 1802.
The character of Mrs. Jay is in part exhibited by the
brief extracts given from her letters. However much of
its equanimity was due to the example and influence of
her husband, her letters show that, with a singular
delicacy of feeling and sensibility of organization was
combined a strength of mind based upon Christian
principle, which enabled her to face danger without fear
and to endure hardships and disappointments without a
murmur. "You have a soul," wrote Mrs. Morris, in
1YSO, to Mrs. Jay, "superior, I know, to this. You
look forward, doubtless, to events like my misfortunes
with the eye of a philosopher and the mind of a Chris-
tian."
Her biography and correspondence, should it be
published, would illustrate in no slight degree the early
days of the Kepublic, and disclose the temper of the men
MRS. JOHN JAY. 85
and the women whose virtue secured the independence
of their country, and whose characters and accomplish-
ments sustained its dignity at home and at the courts of
Europe. If to Sarah Livingston Jay belonged beauty,
elegance, and accomplishments; if, from the charms of her
manners or the vivacity of her conversation, combined
with the accidents of birth and position, there is assigned
her a prominent place among American women, she is
entitled to regard on far better grounds than simply as a
" Queen of American Society." Her memory may be
cherished as that of one who exhibited from her youth,
amid trial and hardship, a steadfast devotion to her
country ; who, amid the gay society of Paris and New
York, preserved unimpaired her gentleness, amiability,
and simplicity; and who, throughout her life, fulfilled
with Christian fidelity and womanly affection the duties
of a daughter, sister, wife, and mother.*
* Mrs. Jay left five children: Peter Augustus, born at Klizabethtown,,
24th of January, 1776 ; Maria, born at Madrid, 20th of February, 1782, died
21st of November, 1856; Ance, born at Passy, 13th of August, 1783,
died 13th of November, 1856; William, born at New York, 16th of June,
1789, died Uth of October, 1858 ; Sarah Louisa, born at New York, 20th
of February, 1792, Died 22d of April, 1818. Governor Jay long survived
his wife, and died at Bedford, 17th of May, 1829.
86 QUEENS OF AMEKICAN SOCIETY
III.
Ix the country's early days, New England had her
acknowledged aristocracy, and Massachusetts boasted the
most finished school of refined manners. Her public
officers, clericals, and most wealthy persons constituted
her gentry, or the upper classes, in all the towns ; in the,
country, those who held large landed estates, who were
representatives, or held high civil or military offices,
were regarded as members of the aristocracy. Habits
and dress plainly denoted rank in life. One who was a
gentleman usually went abroad in a wig, white stock,
white satin embroidered vest, black satin small-clothes,
with white silk stockings and fine broadcloth or velvet
coat. At home, he wore a velvet cap, sometimes over a
fine linen one, instead of a wig ; a gown of colored
damask lined with silk in place of a coat, and leathern
slippers.
In most genteel families, a tankard of punch was
prepared every morning, and visitors during the day
were invited to partake of it; the master frequently
taking the vessel from the cooler, drinking first from it
himself, and handing it to his guests.
Dinners and suppers were frequently interchanged.
The fashionable hour was never later than three o'clock.
SOCIAL LIFE IN BOSTON". 87
and the table groaned with the dainties provided. The
evening amusements were dancing and cards. Dramatic
entertainments were prohibited by law ; but concerts
were in vogue, and in Boston gentlemen in private life
performed vocal and instrumental music for the amuse-
ment of their friends. The dancing was conducted with
a severe regard to propriety. The modern objectionable
waltzes were unknown ; the stately minuet, with its
high-bred, formal courtesy, was varied by the contra-
dance ; and cotillions did not come into favor till brought
by French refugees from the West Indies.
Glimpses of the social life of Boston at the close of
the war may be found in the memoirs of the Marquis de
Chastellux, who went the rounds of fashionable gayety in
1782. The city was the home of the Winthrop families,
noted as founders of the colony ; there were the Gush-
ings, Quincys, Bowdoins, Danas, Prescotts, &c., and
more real respectability was to be found there than in
almost any other town of its population. The Marquia
noticed the prevalence of a " tone of ease and freedom ;"
but thought the gentlemen awkward dancers, particu-
larly in minuets. The women were well dressed, but
: with less elegance than in Philadelphia. He took tea at
'Bowdoin's, and was at supper with a select party of
twenty ; noticing especially the host's beautiful grand-
daughter, the eldest child of Lady Temple " an angel
in the disguise of a young girl." Elizabeth Temple, the
daughter of Sir John Temple, and grand-daughter of
Governor Bowdoin, in whose family she was brought up,
88 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
was married in 1786 to Thomas Lindal! Winthrop.
During the years of the war, she had been in the habit
of seeing Franklin, La Fayette, and the principal French
and American officers. She was the reigning belle of
Boston. La Fayette was her ardent admirer, and often
called to see her. Her husband, Governor Winthrop,
possessed an ample fortune, and they lived in style,
exercising a generous hospitality, and receiving at their
table most strangers of consideration who came to the
vicinity. This lady was the mother of Kobert C. Win-
throp.
Lady Temple, the wife of Sir John, was a daughter
of Governor Bowdoin. The Marquis de Chastellux said,
in 1782: "If I do not place Mrs. Temple in the list of
handsome women, it is not from want of respect, but
because her figure is so distinguished as to make it
unnecessary to pronounce her truly beautiful."
Jean Pierre Brissot de Warville was also intimate
with the fashionables of Boston. He " hopes the Boston
women may never, like those of Paris, acquire la mala-
die of perfection in music, which is not to be attained
but at the expense of the domestic virtues." The ladies,
he said, had " the liberty of Geneva, in the days of the
republic, when vows of love were believed, and the
women were occupied in' rendering their husbands
happy." At that time, Frenchmen were inquisitive
and intelligent speculators on our resources, government
and society. Brissot afterwards appeared in Paris in
Quaker costume, and was the first to introduce the
MRS. HALEY. 89
fashion of wearing the hair without powder. " The
Bostonians," he said, " unite simplicity of manner with
that French politeness and delicacy which renders virtue
more amiable. Music, which their teachers formerly
proscribed as a diabolical art, begins to make part of
their education."
On the road to New York he marveled at " supper,
cider, tea, punch, and all for fourteen pence a head.
Breakfast, coffee, tea, boiled and roast meat, tenpence
each. On the road you often meet those fair Connecti-
cut girls, driving a carriage, or alone on horseback,
galloping boldly; with an elegant hat on the head, a
white apron and a calico gown." This leads to comments
on the general innocence of manners.*
Sullivan says : " An important person in the fashion-
able world was Mrs. Haley, sister of the celebrated John
"VVilkes, who came over and purchased a house in Boston,
in 1785. She was, at the time, rather advanced in life,
* A curious anecdote of the misfortune of a veteran gallant Jeremiah
Smith, of New Hampshire who " had dabbled in love many times," and
at last became a Benedick, illustrates the dress of the times. On his way
to the bride's house, he lost his trunk with his wedding suit, and had to
stand up in his traveling clothes. His biographer gives a list of the arti-
cles : " A light-colored broadcloth coat, with pearl buttons ; breeches of
the same cloth ; ditto, black satin ; vest, swansdown, buff, striped ; ditto,
moleskin, cheque figure : ditto, satin figured : ditto, Marseilles, white ;
ditto, muslinet, figured ; under vest, faced with red cassimere ; two ditto,
flannel; one pair flannel drawers ; one ditto, cotton ; one pair black patent
silk hose ; one ditto, white ditto ; one ditto, striped ; ten or a dozen white
eilk hose ; four pairs gauze ditto ; a towel ; six shirts ; twelve neckhand-
kercliiet's ; six pocket handkerchiefs, one a bandanna; a chintz dressing-
gown ; a pair of silk gloves ; ditto, old kid all valued at two hundred
dollars."
90 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN" SOC1ET1 .
and of singular personal appearance, but was extremely
prepossessing in manner. She afterwards married a
gentleman who was the uncle of a celebrated Scotch
reviewer, and her house became a place of fashionable
resort."
The sympathy of a portion of the people with French
Jacobinism was shown in observances by no means in
good taste.
A " civic feast " was given in Boston, in honor of
the success of the French Revolution. "A whole ox,
skinned and dressed, with head and horns entire, and
eyes protruding from the sockets, was turned on a great
wooden spit before a furnace. When sufficiently roast-
ed, it was placed on a sledge or carriage, propped up,
and drawn through the principal streets, followed by
two cartloads of bread and two hogsheads of punch.
An immense concourse attended. A table was laid in
State Street for the feast intended for the friends of
liberty. The cutting up and distribution became ridicu-
lous, then riotous. The roasted fragments were hurled
into the air, and at the female spectators on the balco-
nies and at the windows. A pole fifty or sixty feet high
.was raised in Liberty Square, surmounted with the
j horns of the ox, and stood several years. This feast took
place on the day Louis XVI. was guillotined."
Elsewhere the same spirit was exhibited by a part of
the democracy. M. Genet, the first minister of the
French Eepublic, on entering the house of the President,
and seeing there a bust of Louis XVI., complained of it
BELLES IN SOCIETY. 91
as an insult to France. At a dinner at which Governor
Mifflin was present, a roasted pig received the name of
the murdered king, and the head severed from the body
was carried round to each of the guests, who, after
placing the liberty cap on his own head, pronounced the
word " Tyrant," and proceeded to mangle with his knife
that of the luckless creature doomed to be served for so
unworthy a company.
M. Genet first landed in Charleston, where his recep-
tion and his journey to Philadelphia were triumphal;
for, notwithstanding the President's proclamation of
neutrality, the sympathy for the French was irrepressi-
ble. " Aristocrats " were denounced ; the common ex-
pressions of the sans-culottes were adopted in society,
and the title " Citizen " became common. Genet mar-
ried Cornelia Tappan Clinton, the daughter of the Gov-
ernor of New York. One of her sisters was Madame
Campan, noted for her ability and her intimate relations
with the royal family of France ; another was the beau-
tiful Madame Auguie, mother-in-law of Marshal ISTey.
Madam Genet's home was at Greenbush, near Albany.
John Quincy Adams wrote, in January, 1789, of
Miss Aleny Ellery : " She is, unfortunately, somewhat
deaf, but is uncommonly sensible, and (what I am
grieved to say is still more uncommon in this country)
her mind is much improved by reading, so that she can
entertain a company with a large variety of conversa-
tion without having recourse to the stale and trivial
topics of commonplace, or to the ungenerous and dis-
92 QUEENS OP AMERICAN SOCIETY.
graceful topic of scandal. She is not handsome, and is,
I suppose, twenty-seven years old ; yet, were she in com-
pany with twenty of the most beautiful young ladies in
the State, and in this company I had to choose my seat,
it should certainly be by her side. I have been en-
deavoring, my sister, ever since I returned from Europe,
to find a female character like this, united to great
beauty of person ; and I begin to have the same preju-
dice against a beauty as you have expressed in one of
your letters against handsome men."
At a ball, he wrote : " It fell to my lot, at first, to
dance with the handsomest lady in the company. I en-
deavored to enter into conversation with her; but, to
every thing I could say, the only answers were, ' Yes,'
'No,' 'I think so,' 'Indeed.' I was soon tired of her,
and concluded she was too much occupied in thinking
of herself to give any of her attention to other people."
Dr. Abrier Hersey, of Barn stable, Massachusetts,
was accustomed to rail at the fashions of the day. He
lived on milk and vegetables, and wore a coat made of
tanned calf-skins. The widow of his brother once pro-
posed to visit him. He wrote : " Madam, I can't have
you here ; I am sick, and my wife is sick ; I have no
hay or corn for your horses ; I have no servants ; and I
had rather be chained to a galley-oar than wait on you
myself." It was this eccentric man who founded the
professorship of Theory and Practice of Medicine in
Harvard University.
Chastellux mentions an entertainment given by Mrs.
BELLES IN SOCIETY. 98
Gushing, where Mrs. Bowdoin was a guest, and the sup-
per was on the table four hours after dinner.* Mrs.
Gushing was the wife of Judge Gushing, of the Supreme
Court, and often traveled with her husband. Mrs.
Pinckney wrote to her, July 5, 1795 : " Mr. Izard con-
trived to overset his chair and himself on his journey
home, and dislocated his arm. He says the accident
could not have happened had he taken Mrs. Izard with
him, and that it was in consequence of thinking of
politics instead of the road. So you see, my dear madam,
in what a variety of ways your traveling with Mr. Gush-
ing is beneficial to him."
John Adams wrote, in 1774 : " "We breakfasted with
Mr. Isaac Low, a gentleman of fortune and in trade.
His lady is a beauty." Mrs. Low was the daughter of
Cornelius. Cuyler, Mayor of Albany, and was greatly
admired in New York society for her personal attrac-
tions and her amiable character. She died in London,
at the age of eighty.
The eldest Miss Allen was one of the most splendid
beauties in the country. She became Mrs. Greenleaf.
Mrs. Adams mentions the sisters and the Misses Chew
among " a constellation of beauties." Mrs. Theodore
Sedgwick, of New England, had a charming face and an
air of elegance and refinement. She was Miss Pamela
Dwight.
* " The aliments," he says, " behave with the American stomach as
we do in France on paying visits ; they never depart till they see others
ente ."
94 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
In point of influence, Mercy Warren was the mcst
remarkable woman who lived in the days of the Ameri-
can Revolution. She was the daughter of James Otis,
of Barnstable, in the old colony of Plymouth. The ,
Otis family came to this country about 1630, and first j
settled in Hingham. Mercy was born in 1728, and
passed her youth in retirement, her studies being direct-
ed by the parish minister, who directed her attention
especially to history. At the age of twenty-six she
married James Warren, a merchant, and resided on a
farm. Here she continued her literary pursuits, and
amused herself by writing poetry. Her active and pow-
erful mind entered with deep interest into political
affairs, and she maintained a rich correspondence with
some of the leading spirits of the Revolutionary era.
Samuel and John Adams, Jefferson, Knox, and others,
wrote to her, and consulted her in regard to important
matters. Her close friendship and correspondence with
Mrs. Adams continued unchanged through a long and
eventful life ; the sister of Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Shaw, was
also warmly attached to her. During the years pre-
ceding the war, Mrs. Warren's house was the resort
of much company ; and, as she said, " by the Plymouth
fireside were many political plans originated, discussed,!
and digested." During the war she lived part of the
time in Milton; and wherever she was, the friends of
her country were always welcomed to shelter and hos-
pitality. Washington, Lee, Gates, and other distin-
guished officers, were frequently her guests; also Mrs.
MRS. WARREN. 95
Washington ; and her social influence and literary abili-
ties were alike directed to the advancement ..of her coun-
try's cause. She wrote poems, tragedies, political letters,
and a history of the war, in which her pen did justice to
those distinguished by merit. Her letters to the widow
of General Montgomery and other eminent women have
been quoted in another work,* in which an extended
memoir is given.
Mrs. Warren invited Mrs. Washington to her house,
and paid her many attentions on her visit to head-quar-
ters in Cambridge. In a letter to Mrs. Adams, Mrs.
Warren describes one of these visits to Mrs. Washington,
and a drive in her chariot to see the enemy's deserted
lines and' the ruins of Charlestown. Speaking of Mr.
Custis, she says : " His lady, a daughter of Colonel
Culvert, of Maryland, appears to be of an engaging
disposition, but very delicate in health. She is pretty,
genteel, easy, and agreeable; but a kind of languor
about her prevents her being as sociable as some
ladies."
One of Mrs. Warren's intimate friends was Hannah
Winthrop, the wife of Dr. Winthrop, of Cambridge.
The two ladies corresponded under the signatures of
" Honoria " and " Philomela ;" the last name being
given to Mrs. Warren for her powers of song. Her
usual poetic signature was "Marcia." Other correspon-
dents were Mrs. Montgomery and the celebrated Mrs.
Macaulay.
* Women of the American Revolution.
96 QUEENS OF AMERICAN' SOCIETY.
Mrs. "Warren k described by Rochefoucault, in his
"Travels in the United States." "Although seventy
years of age, she was," he says, " truly interesting ; forj
lively in conversation, she has lost neither the activity
of her mind nor the graces of her person." As a writer,
she was in advance of the age. Her portraiture. of Mr.
Adams, in her history, gave offense to the great states-
man ; but, after a sharp correspondence, all was recon-
ciled, and Mrs. Adams sent her a ring with her own and
her husband's hair.
Seldom has a woman, in any age, acquired such
ascendency by the mere force of a powerful intellect,
and her influence continued to the close of life.
The Due de la Rochefoucault Liancourt said of Mrs.
Knox : " Seeing her in Philadelphia, you think of her
only as a fortunate player at whist ; at her house in the
country, you discover that she possesses sprightliness,
knowledge, a good heart, and an excellent understand-
ing." Her father, Thomas Flucker, was the last Secre-
tary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. He married
Hannah, the daughter of General Waldo, proprietor of
the Waldo Patent, in Maine. The portions of this
domain belonging to Mrs. Flucker and her two brothers
were afterwards confiscated. Flucker's high position
gave his daughter, in girlhood, the advantages of the
best society in Boston. Entitled, as she was, to a bril-
haiit match, it was mortifying to her parents that their
MRS. KNOX. 97
lovely and accomplished daughter should bestow her
affections upon an obscure young man ; one, too, who
favored the rebellion of the colonies against the mother
country. The maiden found that her marriage with
Henry Knox would separate her from her dearest rela-
tives, but love triumphed in the struggle, and she cast
her all on the die that was to decide the nation's fate.
After her marriage, Mrs. Knox found herself in the
midst of new surroundings. She was much in the
society of Mrs. Washington, and even more constantly
in camp with the army. Her influence was shown in
the deference uniformly paid to her. She was at Mount
Yernon during the siege of Yorktown, soothing the grief
of Mrs. Washington, in bereavement, by her affectionate
sympathy. After the close of the war, General and
Mrs. Knox returned to Boston, where they found great
changes in society. She used to say, " The scum had all
risen to the top." The prominent loyalists had fled the
country. Knox took charge of the War Department
under the old Confederation, and they removed to New
York. They found a disposition general to welcome the
new era with social festivities. Mrs. Washington was
sovereign of the new court, and Mrs. Knox, her intimate
friend and close neighbor, occupied a high post of honor.
The removal of the capital to Philadelphia was the
signal for hilarity and rejoicings in the latter place. It
was said that the influence of Eobert Morris had led to
this removal, and he was caricatured in New York by
pictures exhibiting the great financier carrying off the
98 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
body of Congress on his back, with the motto, " Stick to
it, Bobby." The world of fashion seemed to have run
mad. All kinds of entertainments became popular, and
ladies prominent as leaders were emulous in gayety and
splendor. Mrs. Knox made her house the resort not
only of fashionable people, but of the intellectual and
cultivated. Her tact and talent in the management of
life "at the court" were of essential service to Mrs.
Washington, who relied on her guidance. The French
Revolution brought an accession of many illustrious
visitors, in princes and nobles driven from their own
land. The house of General Knox was hospitably open
to them, and some were entertained as his cherished
guests. The Due de Liancourt passed several seasons
with them at their beautiful home in Maine. In his
destitution of proper apparel he was heard to exclaim :
" I have three dukedoms on my head (beating it with
violence), and not one coat to my back !" The suit was
immediately supplied from the wardrobe of the General,
and the kindness was gratefully remembered when the
nobleman was restored to favor and wealth. Another
visitor, both in Philadelphia and Maine, was the cele-
brated Talleyrand. La Fayette visited General and
Mrs. Knox in Boston, and stood godfather to their son.
On the retirement of General Knox, in 1795, they
finally quitted Philadelphia. Mrs. Knox was the only
one of her family entitled to inherit property in the
United States, and one-fifth of the large tract of land
in Maine, the "Waldo Patent" originally owned by
MRS. KNOX: 99
her grandfather, General Waldo belonged to her. Gen-
eral Knox bought a tract of equal extent from another
branch of the family, and determined to establish a new
home on this noble estate. At Thomaston, at the head
of St. George's Elver, he built a splendid mansion ; a
palace in dimensions, and called a " chateau " by his
French visitors. It was furnished with luxurious taste ;
the outhouses comprised every convenience ; and a vast
amount of expenditure rendered " Montpelier " really a
princely abode. Here the retired soldier exercised un-
bounded hospitality ; receiving the great, patriotic, and
distinguished of the land, and frequently entertaining
total strangers, who came with real or assumed claims.
Louis Philippe and his two younger brothers, the Due
de Montpensier, the Comte de Beaujolais, and Due de
Charolais were often welcome visitors at the house of
Knox, in Boston, where he and Mrs. Knox were accus-
tomed to spend their winters. The daughter of Mrs.
Knox remembered the princes' expressions of anxiety
about their mother and sister, still in the power of
French Jacobins. One day when they came to dinner
she saw them, with apparent joy, tear the tri-colored
cockade from their hats, and trample them under foot.
News had just come of the escape of their relatives into
Spain ; and they would no longer keep terms with the
wretches who bore sway in their native country !
The hospitality dispensed at Thomaston was such as
the country has seldom seen. It was not unusual to
order an ox and twenty sheep killed on Monday, to be
100 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
consumed by guests in the course of the week, and to
have a hundred beds made daily. Their daughter, Mrs,
Thacher, wrote to the author of this volume :
" My mother, I think, was never more entirely satis-
fied with her situation. Her greatest trouble was, that
the retirement she anticipated was far from being real
ized. My father's hospitable propensities still induced
him to open his doors to all who were disposed to visit
him ; and, as every thing that could interest or amuse
was liberally provided, we were often favored much
longer than was desirable with the company of guests
who were entire strangers, and had no possible claim.
It was to some such visitors as these, I doubt not, that
my mother may have appeared distant and haughty.
Such instances I well recollect, particularly when these
unasked visits were unreasonably prolonged ; but those
whom she liked, or was at all interested in, would have
given her a far different character."
It was in the second summer of Mrs. Knox's resi-
dence in Maine that a party from Philadelphia, consist-
ing of Mr. and Mrs. Bingham, their two daughters, Miss
Willing, the sister of Mrs. Bingham, said to have been
sought in marriage by Louis Philippe, the Yiscount de
Noailles, the brother-in-law of La Fayette, and one of
the most polished nobles of the French Court Mr.
Eichards, an English gentleman, and Mr. Baring, after-
wards Lord Ashburton, passed six weeks at Montpelier.
The gentlemen made extensive excursions through the
adjacent country, and Messrs. Bingham and Baring
HKS. KNOX. 101
were induced to purchase a million of acres on the Ken-
nebeck, and a tract somewhat smaller east of the Waldo
Patent. The wilds of Maine were thus enlivened by
the most brilliant of the society of the national capital
their companionship solacing the depressed spirits of
Mrs. Knox, who suffered many sorrows in the loss of
children. After the death of her husband her days
were spent in retirement. She died in June, 1824, at
the age of sixty -eight.
Justice has not been done to Mrs. Knox, either by
chroniclers of the times or by contemporaries who were
not admitted to intimacy, and failed, in consequence, to
perceive that she had a heart full of warm sensibilities.
She had a mind of a high and powerful cast, with such
qualities as make a deep and abiding impression, and
her influence was marked on all who approached her.
But some called her dignity hauteur, and gave the name
of boldness to the independence of a calm and lofty
spirit. She gave a decided tone to the manners of the
day in general society, and the deference shown her by
General and Mrs. Washington sanctioned the homage
paid to her superior intellect.
Mrs. Knox was a remarkably fine-looking woman.
Without being tall, her dignity of manner gave her a
commanding appearance ; and she had a blooming com-
plexion and brilliant black eyes. Stuart, who painted
the General, attempted a portrait of her, but became
dissatisfied, rubbed it out, and would never resume the
work.
102 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
The daughters of William Sheaffe, of Boston, were
noted for beauty and fashion. A romantic incident is
remembered of Captain Ponsonby Molesworth, a nephew
of Lord Ponsonby, landing at Boston, in command of
British troops, and halting opposite the house of Mr.
Sheaffe. Susanna Sheaffe and her sisters were in the
balcony or piazza. Captain Molesworth, struck with
the girl's beauty, exclaimed, " That girl seals my fate !"
She was at the time about fifteen. The Captain ob-
tained an introduction, visited her, and proposed mar-
riage, but the father refused his consent. The young
lady agreed to an elopement, and, accompanied by
her governess, fled with her lover to Rhode Island,
where they were married. They afterwards went
abroad.
Margaret Sheaffe married John R. Livingston, then
a Boston merchant, and died in Boston, 1784, at the age
of twenty-four. " So handsome no one could take her
picture." La Fayette visited and admired her. lie
said once to her lover, " Were I not a married man I
would try to cut you out." After his return to France,
the Marquis sent her a " satin cardinal, lined with
ermine, and an elegant silk garment to wear under it."
The relic was long preserved.
Helen, another daughter, "like a rosebud just open-
ing to view," married James Lovell, afterwards an officer
in the naval service. At thirteen she wrote a poem in
answer to the question, " What is religion ?" She died
in Boston, 1802, at the age of thirty-three. Her daugh-
MRS. ADAMS. 103
ter, Mrs. Loring, resides at Brookline, Massachusetts.
Lady Temple was very intimate with the ladies of the
Sheaffe family. William Sheaife was nephew and heir
to Major-General Sir Koger Hale Sheaife, Baronet.
Abigail Adams was descended from the genuine
stock of the Puritan settlers of Massachusetts. She was
the daughter of Rev. William Smith pastor during forty
years of the Congregational church at Weymouth, in the
colony of Massachusetts Bay and of Elizabeth Quincy,
born in 1744. In October, 1764, she married John
Adams, then a young lawyer of Braintree, afterwards
the second President of the United States. She passed
with her family through the horrors of war and many
scenes of distress, after peace leaving her modest home
to accompany Mr. Adams on his mission as the first
representative of the United States at the British Court.
She passed some years abroad, visiting France and the
Netherlands ; and her letters to her sister are a faithful
transcript of life in the Old World. She bore an impor-
tant part in the nation's early history, while sustaining
its social fame. Her republican simplicity of manners
was compensated by habitual elevation of demeanor,
which commanded the highest consideration ; and hei
close observation, clear judgment and discrimination,
enabled her to exercise an influence widely acknow-
ledged. When Adams entered on the Yice Presidency,
and when afterwards he became Chief Magistrate of the
104 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
nation, the worthy partner of his honors added grace
and dignity to her elevated position. One chief charm
of her conversation was the perfect sincerity apparent in
all she said. By her cheerful, affectionate sympathy and
buoyant spirit, her sensibility, tact, and practical know-
ledge of life, she sustained her husband in the severest
cares and labors of his station, disarmed the demon of
party spirit, calmed the agitation of discord, plucked out
the root of bitterness, and healed the wounds of political
animosity. She was, indeed, fitted for eminent^ useful-
ness as the companion of one great statesman and the
guide of another. After the President's retirement to
private life, she continued to feel a deep interest in
public affairs, as is shown in her correspondence with
Mercy Warren. Mrs. Adams's exemplary deportment,
during the twelve years of her husband's connection with
the American government, and her well-known devotion
to him, with her superior mental endowments, gave her a
ruling social influence founded on universal esteem. She
always maintained a liberal hospitality, was faithful and
warm in her friendships, kind and benevolent to the
poor, and a bright example of womanly and Christian
virtues. During her later years, she lived in rural seclu-
sion at Quincy, and died at the age of seventy-four,
October, 1818.
Mrs. Adams thus described her residence on Rich-
mond Hill : " The avenue to which is interspersed with
forest trees, under which a shrubbery rather too luxu-
riant and wild has taken shelter. In front of the house
MES. CRANCH. MRS. SHAW. 105
the noble Hudson rolls his majestic waves, bearing on
his bosom innumerable small vessels. Beyond the Hud-
son rises to view the fertile country of the Jerseys,
covered witL a golden harvest, and pouring forth plenty
like the cornucopia of Ceres. On the right hand an
extensive plain presents us with a view of fields covered
with verdure and pastures full of cattle. On the left the
city opens upon us, intercepted only by clumps of trees
and some rising ground. In the background is a large
flower-garden, inclosed with a hedge, and some very
handsome trees ; on one side is a grove of pines and
oaks fit for contemplation."
The mother of Mrs.' Adams was the daughter of Hon.
John Quincy, of Braintree. She possessed great dignity,
combined with benignity of character. She had three
celebrated daughters. The eldest, Mary, in 1762 mar-
ried Richard Cranch, Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas in Massachusetts ; the youngest, Elizabeth, mar-
ried Eev. John Shaw, of Haverhill, and after his death
Eev. Stephen Peabody, of Atkinson. These ladies were
handsome, with polished and courtly manners, and supe-
rior powers of conversation ; for they had high culture
and were well read in the English classics. Mrs. Shaw's
house, at Haverhill, was the centre of an elegant circle
of society for many years after the Revolution ; the
resort of the most cultivated residents of Boston and the
vicinity ; and light and joy were liberally dispensed by
the accomplished mistress. As Mrs. Peabody she corre-
sponded with Mrs. Warren, and with her brother-in-law,
106 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
John Adams. Her manuscript journal describes a din-
ner on bacon and eggs on the road to Plymouth, a quilt-
ing by the daughters of the house, and her reading to
them from her book, " Zulima the Coquette," " Virtue
and Constancy Kewarded," &c.
Abigail, the daughter of John and Abigail Adams,
was married in London, 1786, to Colonel William S.
Smith, then Secretary of Legation. She returned to the
United States in May, 1788.
She describes the Marchioness de Brehan, sister of
the French Minister, as "the oddest figure eyes ever
beheld; she speaks English a little, and is very much
out of health." Madame de Brehan wrote with spirit,
and was an accomplished artist. She painted portraits
of Washington, one of which he presented to Mrs. Bing-
ham. Jefferson wrote to her, on her quitting Paris for
the United States : " The imitations of European man-
ners which you will find in our towns, will, I fear, be
little pleasing. I beseech you to practice still your own,
which will furnish them a model of what is perfect.
Should you be singular, it will be by excellence."
Mrs. Smith wrote of Mrs. Clinton : " Mrs. Clinton is
not a showy, but a kind, friendly woman. She has five
daughters and one son ; the second daughter is as smart
and sensible a girl as ever I knew ; a zealous politician
and a high anti-Federalist.
" You would not be much pleased with society here.
It is quite enough dissipated. Public dinners, public
days, and private parties, may take up a person's whole
NEW YORK GAYETIES. 107
attention. The President of Congress gives a dinner
one or two or more days every week, to twenty persons
gentlemen and ladies. Mr. Jay, I believe, gives a din-
ner almost every week."
The dignity of office was then maintained by forms
designed to inspire respect, and special regard was paid
to the wives of men who had deserved much of their
country. The widows of Greene and Montgomery were
always handed to and from their carriages by the Presi-
dent himself, the secretaries and gentlemen of his house-
hold performing those offices for the other ladies.
These New York gayeties, in 1788, had been in-
creased by numerous weddings in fashionable circles.
Miss Montgomery, in her " Eeminiscences," relates an
anecdote of a wedding at the Rutgers' Mansion. Her
grandfather, who was to sail at daylight, was persuaded
to stay to the wedding-supper. He took his departure
after eleven o'clock, a servant being ordered to conduct
him through a huckleberry swamp on the way to his
lodgings. He declined the service, but the moon going
down, he lost his way, and wandered all night among
thorns and briers, emerging at dawn with his clothes
nearly torn off. This swamp was long ago the centre
of the city.
The correspondence of John Quincy Adams with
his sister gives an amusing picture of the times. Before
her marriage he visited the family of Colonel Smith, at
Jamaica, Long Island. There were six daughters.
"Sally is tall, with a fine shape, blue eyes, and much
108 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
vivacity." " She has," he says, " the ease and elegance
of the French ladies, without their loquacity." This
lady married his brother, Charles Adams, a few years
later. He mentions also a " celebrated beauty, Miss
Ogden, who resembles the handsome Mrs. Bingham, of
Philadelphia ; also a Miss Yon Berckel, who complains
of not understanding our language." "-Lady Wheate is
one of the most celebrated belles of the city. About
two years ago she married Sir Jacob Wheate, a British
officer between sixty and seventy she not yet sixteen.
Sir Jacob, before he had been married a week, went to
the West Indies, and there died, leaving her a handsome
fortune. It is said she is soon to wed Sir Francis Coch-
rane, son of Lord Dundonald, a Scotch nobleman.
" Miss Sally Smith was with Lady Wheate, having
spent nearly a week with her. I am vastly pleased with
this lady ; the contrast between her manners and those
of Lady Wheate is greatly in her favor, and very
striking."
He wrote of Lady Duer, whom Adams met at a
dinner at General Knox's :
"Lady Duer is not young or handsome; but she
would not have been thought old by a man over
eighteen, and she had been, if she was not then, one of
the sweetest looking women in the city.
" Miss Sears is very pretty, and has the reputation
of being witty and sharp. I am sure she does not look
mechante" After a passage of more than twelve weeks
from. Amsterdam, the daughter of Mr. Yon Berckel
MADAME DE MARBOIS. 109
arrived in Philadelphia, and the Minister went out to
meet her. Adams had seen her in Holland. " The
young ladies here are very impatient to see her, and I
dare say, when she comes, reflections will not be spared
on either side. The beauties of New York will triumph;
but, I hope, with moderation." " Oh, that our young
ladies were as Distinguished for the beauties of their
minds as they are for the charms of their persons ! But
alas ! too many of them are like a beautiful apple that is
insipid to the taste !"
M. de Marbois, French Charge d' Affaires in 1784,
had married Miss Moore. General Washington wrote
to congratulate him on his union, alluding to " the
accomplishments of the lady, and her connections."
Their daughter, born in New York, married the Duke
de Plaisance, the son of Le Brun, one of Napoleon's
colleagues in the Consulate. Madame de Marbois was a
spruce, pretty little woman ; she spoke French habitu-
ally, and had none of the rigid notions of the Quakers,
among whom she was born. John Quincy Adams
writes, in 1785, after a visit to her house on Long
Island: "Madame de Marbois may be called a pretty
little woman ; she was a Quaker, but appears not to
retain any of the rigid tenets of that sect."
The wife of John Quincy Adams was Louisa Cath-
erine, daughter of Joshua Johnson, of Maryland. She
was born in London, in 1775, and spent her early years
110 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
in England and France. Her father's house in London
was the general resort for Americans. She was married
to Mr. Adams in July, 1797. He had been resident
Minister at the Hague. After the elder Adams became
President his son was Minister to Berlin, where his
young wife performed her part in the higher circles of
social and political life. She proved quke competent to
sustain honors with dignity, and her good humor and
conciliating manners made friends. In 1801 she re-
turned with Adams to the United States ; and, as he
was Senator, their winters were passed in Washington,
while their summers were spent in Boston. In 1808,
Adams was appointed by Madison the first accredited
Minister to Russia ; and his wife was the first lady pre-
sented at that Court as the representative of American
female manners and character. The impression she
made was eminently favorable. While Adams was at
Ghent, to negotiate a mediation between England and
the United States, Mrs. Adams passed the winter alone
at St. Petersburgh. In the spring she set off to travel
by land to Paris, to join her husband. The dangers of
the journey were great, in a small carriage, with only
her son, eight years of age, besides menials. The car-
riage got buried in a snow-drift as night was coming on,
and the servants were compelled to rouse the peasants
to dig it out. They heard tales of robbery and mur-
der at every stopping-place, and were cautioned as to
the character of the servants. A Polish cap worn by
one nearly caused a riot. The hostility shown was so
MRS. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. Ill
alarming, Mrs. Adams was obliged to dismiss her atten-
dants and hire others to go on. Then they became
entangled with the wild soldiery, elated by news from
Napoleon, on their way to Paris to prepare, under his
inspection, for the field of Waterloo. These troops
requiring demonstrations of political faith, Mrs. Adams
appealed to the commander of the detachment, and
by his advice fell back till the last of the soldiers
had passed. She then diverged into another road, and
by a circuit avoided another meeting. Her calmness
and presence of mind were of essential service in these
trying situations. She arrived safely in Paris, March,
1815, very shortly before the memorable arrival of Napo-
leon and flight of the Bourbons. She had opportunities
for seeing every thing at the beginning of the celebrated
" hundred days."
When Mr. Adams was appointed Minister to Eng-
land, she quitted France for their sweet and modest
country-seat near London. After his eight years' ab-
sence, Adams returned to America in 181V, and she
resumed the habits of republican life, unspoiled by court
customs, and unawed by civil or military supremacy.
The society in Washington was then on a most agree-
able footing ; it was " the era of good feelings," and the
relenting of national animosity, and the ascendency of
polished urbanity. Mrs. Adams presided with ease and
graceful courtesy for eight years in the house of the Sec-
retary of State. Her sprightly conversation and capa-
city for enjoyment produced a benign and enlivening
112 QUEEN'S OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
effect in the circles where she moved. When the con
test for the election of President began, she retired, in a
measure, from society, and continued in seclusion till
called to do the honors of the Executive mansion as the
wife of the President. lier mariners were elegant,
though her tastes were extremely simple. The failure
of her health made it necessary for her again to seek
retirement, and she was no longer seen in fashionable
circles, though she still presided at public receptions.
When Mr. Adams's term expired, her retirement became
complete; the remainder of life being devoted to the
cares of her family and the practice of homely do-
mestic virtues.
THE QUINCY FAMILY. 113
IV.
THE Quincy family can be traced back for more than
BIX centuries. Supposed to be of Norwegian origin, it
received its territorial appellation from the village of
Quincy, in Normandy. Eobert de Quincy came from
Normandy to England with William the Conqueror.
As a feudal baron, after the conquest he held an emi-
nent position. His grandson was created Earl of Win-
chester by King John, about 1207. He attended the
call of the convention between King John and the
barons, which resulted in extorting from the monarch
the grant of Magna Charta; thus helping to establish
the earliest basis of English constitutional liberty. The
title of Winchester soon became extinct for lack of male
heirs, but the daughters married into illustrious families
in England. Edmund Quincy came to Boston with the
Reverend John Cotton, in 1633. His name and his
wife's are on the record of the first church established
the "Old South." His son Edmund inherited and
settled upon his father's estate at Mount Wollaston,
afterwards Brain tree, now Quincy. His grandson, John
Quincy, was one of the most distinguished public char-
acters of the period, serving, in succession, as a represen-
tative of Braintree and a member of the Executive
114 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY
Council, forty years. His patrimonial estate passed lo
the possession of his great grandson, John Quincy
Adams. Edmund, the uncle of John, was also eminent
in public life, and became judge of the Supreme Court
in 1718. He was appointed by the . General Court of
Massachusetts their agent at the court of Great Britain
in the controversy between the provinces of Massachu-
setts Bay and New Hampshire, and died while employed
on the mission, in 1738. The General Court, in acknowl-
edgment, made a donation of a thousand acres of land in
the town of Lenox, Berkshire County, to his heirs. His
eldest son, Edmund, who lived on the ancestral estate at
Brain tree, was the father of Dr. Jacob Quincy, and
Dorothy, the subject of this sketch. Some of the family
removed to Portland, Maine. Dr. Quincy's eldest daugh-
ter married Hon. Asa Clapp, and her daughter was the
wife of Hon. Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Treasury
of the United States. The celebrated philosopher and
rhapsodist, Thomas de Quincy, was of this family, and
boasted, even in the ears of George III., of his ancient
and honorable blood.
Sullivan pronounced John Hancock " one of the
greatest men of his age." The honor which encircled
his name received added lustre from his wife. She was
a leader of taste and fashion in the best circles of society.
The daughter of Judge Edmund Quincy, she was born
in 1748. In 1775, Dorothy Quincy was married to John
Hancock, then Governor of Massachusetts, afterwards
President of the first Congress. The wedding took place
MRS. HAXCOCK. 115
at the country-seat of Thaddeus Burr, in Fail-field,
Connecticut.* Mr. Hancock had gone thither for safety,
and was in concealment with Samuel Adams, a price
having been put upon their heads by the King of Eng-
land. It was not deemed safe for Mr. Hancock to
return, that the marriage might take place in Boston.
Their meals were privately conveyed to them, and they
were kept in strict seclusion. After a time, they were
permitted to sit down to the dinner table with the
members of the family, in expectation of a comfortable
repast. Before they had realized the anticipated pleas-
ure, a farmer from the neighborhood came in, greatly
excited, and requested the Rev. Mr. Clark (at whose
house the fugitives were staying) to lend him his horse
and chaise to go after his wife, as "the British were
coming." This news in a moment scattered the whole
party. Adams and Hancock were hurried away to their
hiding-place ; and Mrs. Hancock used to say it was
always a matter of wonder to her what became of that
dinner, for none who sat down to it ever tasted it. The
alarm was occasioned by a false report ; but there was a
time when the leaden balls of the enemy reached the
house that sheltered them. A fortnight after the birth
of her first child, Mrs. Hancock was conveyed on a bed,
with her baby, to her carriage, to travel from Boston in
* I am indebted for the reminiscences in this sketch to Miss Martha
A. Quincy, of Boston, the grand-daughter of Mrs. Hancock's youngest
brother, Dr. Jacob Quincy, and the companion of Mrs. Hancock during
the last ten years of her life. Her reminiscences were a contribution to
Mrs. Lincoln Phelps' volume entitled " Our Country."
116 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
the winter to Philadelphia, in company with her hus-
band, then chosen President of the first Congress. She
often spoke of his reluctance, from natural modesty, to
accept the office. While he hesitated, one of the mem-
bers clasped him around the waist, lifted him from his
feet, and placed him in the chair of state.
"While Mrs. Hancock was in Philadelphia, her hus-
band came to her room one day, saying he had a secret
to communicate, which must be faithfully kept. It was
that he had that day received a letter from home, stating
that it was thought it would be necessary to burn the
city of Boston, to prevent its falling into the hands of
the enemy ; and, as his wealth was centered there, he
was asked if he would be willing to sacrifice all his
property for such an object. He immediately replied
that he gave his full consent to commit his property to
the flames, if the good of the people demanded it. This,
Mrs. Hancock answered, was rather a disagreeable secret.
Her husband acknowledged that it would reduce them to
beggary. But his purpose was fixed he wished his
possessions to be devoted to the best interests of his
country.
His wife was at this time just preparing to attend a
Quaker meeting for the first time. This terrible an-
nouncement, or the thought of what might be the result,
did not overcome her even so much as to deter her from
the proposed attendance upon the meeting. She often
told her friends how the room was crowded when she
arrived at the place, and how the painful secret weighed
MRS. HANCOCK. 117
upon her as she sat there three hours, waiting to hear
svhat she supposed would be a speech, from which she
hoped mental relief for the time. But no relief came ;
for no utterance broke the silence before the time for
parting. On further consideration, the inhabitants of
Boston deemed it unnecessary to burn the town.
At the time when the "continental money" was
nearly worthless, Governor Hancock's sympathies led
him to continue taking the bad paper of those who pre-
sented it, until his friends saw that he would soon dis-
pose, in this way, of his whole fortune. They told his
wife that the " money -trunk " must be removed from
the house, or she and her child would be penniless. It
was removed without consulting the Governor. At
that time he resided in the then magnificent mansion
built by Thomas Hancock, and left at his death to his
adopted nephew, John Hancock. It was situated on
Beacon Street, opposite Boston Common, and was the
finest residence in the town. In 1863, this house, built
in 1737, was taken down. It was held to the last year
by the family.
Hancock lived in luxurious style. He was noted for
his hospitality, and kept an open house and a sumptuous
table for his friends. La Fayette, on his first visit to
this country, accepted an invitation to spend some time
in his house. The Marquis General was much attached
to Mrs. Hancock, and, on his second visit to America,
she was the first lady on whom he called. Many spoke
of the interesting interview between u the once youthful
118 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
chevalier and the splendid belle." It is probable that
few if any. in his day, surpassed Mr. Hancock in his style
of living. His equipage 'was a carriage and four horses;
his coach being fitted up in good .taste, with brilliant
plate-glass and handsome ornaments, suitable both for
traveling and parade. Thirteen servants and a goodly
number of horses were attached to the service of the
Governor's family. His wife had a pretty pony, with
a light, drab -colored saddle-cloth, highly embroidered.
Hancock gave every Saturday what was called a " salt-
fish dinner;" an elaborate affair, duly prized in those
days. Prince Edward of England, while traveling in
this country, called upon Mrs. Hancock, and made him-
self very agreeable, telling her that he was said to
resemble some noted personage, and asking her what
she thought of his " red whiskers." His friends regret-
ted that she did not, as it was Saturday, give him an
invitation to her " fish dinner." All classes were enter-
tained ; the veterans, the clergy, the gay, the gifted, and
those who had no superior claims.
Brissot wrote of John Hancock: "He shows himself
the equal and the friend of all. I supped at his house
with a hatter, who appeared to be in great familiarity
with him. Mr. Hancock is amiable and polite when he
wishes to be ; but they say he does not always choose it.
He has a marvelous gout, which dispenses him from all
attentions, and forbids the access to his house." Sulli-
van, in his " Letters on Public Characters," expresses his
opinion that so much gout was caused by the general
MRS. HANCOCK. 119
practice of drinking punch in the mornings as well as
evenings. The tankard was prepared early, and visitors,
during the day, were invited to partake of it. The
usual dinner-hour was one or two; and the suppers were
abundant in good things. The evening amusements
were cards and dancing ; concerts were attended, thea-
tres were prohibited. We may gather some idea of the
manner of living by the fact that, when going to visit a
niece of his wife in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Han-
cock traveled with a coach and four, two outriders, a
postillion, coachman, and footman, the servants. in liv-
ery, besides seven horses. At the end of the first day's
journey they reached Marblehead ; arriving at Ports-
mouth, sixty miles from home, on the second day. At
another time they were a fortnight traveling from Boston
to Philadelphia, in similar style. Once, when journeying
on this route, Mrs. Hancock found, after stopping over
night at a certain place, that her horses were so jaded
they could not proceed the next day. On inquiry, it
was ascertained that they had been taken in the night
and used on a pleasure excursion in honor of St. Pat-
rick's day.
Governor Hancock was a great sufferer from the
malady aforementioned. At one time, when he returned
from public business, he was so ill that he was taken
from his carriage in the arms of his servants, and laid
upon the sofa till the tailor who had made the new suit
of clothes he had on could cut them off, so that he could
be carried with less pain to his sleeping-room. At"
120 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
another time, when suffering in a similar way, he went
as usual to the State House, which was then at the
head of State Street, to attend to his appointed duties.
Coming out, he was surrounded by an admiring multi-
tude, who, after he had entered the carriage in which
his wife had come to meet him, began to remove the
four horses, with the design of drawing him themselves
to his home in Beacon Street. Four hundred men were
already forming in procession with this intent. The
Governor was overcome by this demonstration of public
respect, and being so ill he could not speak for himself,
he requested his wife, who was noted for her personal
beauty, to address the crowd from the carriage window,
and say to them that the Governor was overwhelmed by
the honor they desired to confer upon him ; that he
gratefully acknowledged the kindness of feeling that
prompted the act ; but he must beg them, on account of
his present weak state, to permit him to be taken by his
horses as rapidly as possible to his home. His request
was granted.
Mrs. Hancock often related the circumstances of his
severe attack of gout at the time when General Wash-
ington was expected to make his first appearance in
Boston. The General had accepted an invitation to
dine that day with the Governor. It had been repre-
sented to Washington that etiquette demanded that the
Governor should be at the entrance of the town to wel-
come him. This was expected ; and when the General
had been delayed two hours waiting, in a cold wind,
MRS. HANCOCK. 121
with delicate health Hancock not appearing, he asked
if there were no other entrance to the town by which he
could speedily reach his lodgings. Being answered in
the negative, he ordered the cavalcade to move on at a
quick pace, proceeding directly to the place of his abode.
Meanwhile, Governor Hancock was patiently keeping
back his dinner, in continual expectation of the arrival
of the distinguished guest. Soon the report reached the
house, and was whispered about, explaining why he had
not come.
The next day the Governor ordered his carriage, and,
with limbs wrapped in red baize, he was placed in it, in
order to call on the General. When he arrived at
"Washington's lodgings, he was carried in the arms of
his servants to the head of the stairs, and thence he
crawled on his hand and knees into the presence of the
Commander-in-Chief. The General, seeing him in this
position, was moved to tears. All difficulties being soon
removed, kindness and cordiality were reciprocated.
Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Hancock were friends.
The first would say to the latter: "There is a great
difference in our situations. Your husband is in the
cabinet, but mine is on the battle-field." Persons of
eminent position in other countries, as well as his own,
were often favored guests in Governor Hancock's family.
While the French fleet was in Boston Harbor, Count
d'Estaing and some other persons of rank, with their
life-guards, visited the Governor. Hancock sent a note
to the Admiral of the fleet, inviting him to breakfast,
122 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
with thirty of his officers. The Admiral accepted the
invitation, but sent a request to the Governor to permit
him the pleasure of bringing all his officers, including the
midshipmen. This request was granted, but not with-
out some solicitude as to the possibility of accommodating
three hundred officers and providing for their entertain-
ment. In those days, there were not the facilities of
confectioners, and other resources of the present time.
It was summer, and carts and wagons were pressed into
the service to bring from the surrounding country the
various fruits of the season.
It was found that milk sufficient for the demand
could not be obtained, even from the whole vicinity of
Boston. Boston common was at that time used as a
place of pasturage for cows ; and Mrs. Hancock, in liei
dilemma, requested the life-guards and the servanta of
her family to take pitchers, mugs, and bowls, and to
milk all the cows on the common. If any persons
interfered, they were to be sent to her for explanation.
This novel proceeding made a laughable exhibition to
the public, but it was a success, and offended no one.
Eleven o'clock was the hour for breakfast. At the
appointed time, the officers were seen entering the far-
thest end of the Common, in front of the Governor's
house. Mrs. Hancock often in after life described that
scene ; and, though naturally very calm and tranquil in
manner, when speaking of that day she always showed
great animation, seeming to feel again the fire and
excitement of the scene. She said the sun shone
MRS. HANCOCK. 123
brightly on the gold lace that elaborately adorned the
French officers ; and, in their march to the house, the
brilliant display exceeded any thing she ever saw before
or afterwards of military parade. The Admiral soon
after returned the compliment by giving a grand dinner
on board his ship to the Governor and his wife. Mrs.
Hancock occupied the seat of honor, and at her right
hand was a large rosette of ribbon, attached by a strong
rope to something under the table. This mysterious
apparatus caused her no small curiosity. At the moment
when the toasts were to be given, the Admiral's aid,
who sat next her, requested that she would draw up the
ribbons. She obeyed, and in doing so she fired the
signal gun, which in an instant was answered by every
vessel in the fleet. This was a distinguished honor paid
her, in return for the attention shown to the Admiral
and his officers.
At the annual commencement of Harvard College,
it was the custom for the Governor and the " Boston
Cadets" (his escort) to be present at the college exer-
cises. It was Mr. Hancock's pleasure that this military
company should take their breakfast with him that
morning ; and as the services at Cambridge commenced
at nine, a' very early breakfast had to be given, in order
that all might be in readiness for their place and duties
at the appointed time. The Governor would have this
plan carried out for several years, in spite of the great
inconvenience it caused to his wife. She was compelled,
in order to be present at the breakfast table, to summon
124: QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
her hairdresser at four o'clock in the morning ; and the
day was always one of extreme fatigue to her.
Many of the colored people were in the habit of
marching in procession annually, on a certain day, be-
fore the Governor's house. When they stopped in front
of it, he would address them from the balcony. In the
Bunimer he was in the habit of riding through the coun-
try. If he came to an unfinished church, he would
inquire why it was left so, and, if money was needed to
complete the building, he w^ould encourage the people to
proceed, saying : " I will pay for the glazing if you will go
to work and have it finished." This he did many times.
He kept the yearly fast in spring oafish, but for his
dinner had always the first salmon of the season, for
which he paid a guinea. He had a fine dinner-set of
pewter ordered from England. It was the duty of his
household to see that this pewter was kept at the highest
point of brightness, and used every day, to the exclusion
of the valuable India china set, also owned by him. He
preferred to use the pewter, because, as he said, the con-
tents of the plates and dishes were not so apt to slide
off; also, that the use of them caused no clatter in con-
tact with knives and forks. He had a large quantity of
silver, much of it bearing the tower-stamp of England.
He had four dozen silver forks matched with the same
number of silver spoons ; also several silver tankards of
different sizes. One, holding a gallon or more, he devo-
ted exclusively to hot punch ; this he called " Solomon
Townsend," in honor of a friend. He had also a large
MRS. HAXCOCK. 125
silver porter-cup, holding two quarts or more, with two
massive handles ; intended, probably, to be passed from
guest to guest, that each might quaff in turn from the
same cup. Much of the silver not only bore the " tower-
stamp," but had also his own coat of arms engraved on
it. I remember a silver wash-bowl, silver salvers, aspar-
agus-tongs, four heavy silver chafing-dishes, four silver
butter-boats, with various other articles ; also six heavy
silver candlesticks, and a silver snuffers and snuff-dish.
The last is in my possession. It has the Hancock arms
engraved on it.
The Governor had a passion for the portraits of his
distinguished guests, which were painted to his order for
his hall of paintings. Hancock ordered from England a
whole piece of crimson silk velvet of richest quality,
from which he had a coat and vest made. His wife
refused a dress off the piece, as too heavy for her light
figure. The Governor wore diamonds on great occa-
sions. A silver dollar -engraved on one side with the
united arms of Mrs. Hancock's parents, on the other
with her maiden name and the date 1764 the coin
bearing the date 1689, and the stamp of James II., is a
prized relic in the family, with a tortoise-shell whisker-
comb, imported from England, belonging to Hancock's
dressing-case. Mrs. Hancock's wedding-fan was from
Paris, and made of white kid, painted with appropriate
designs. "Fan -mounting" was then done in this coun-
try by ladies of respectable families. One who was Mrs.
Hancock's fan-mounter, and others who were her dress-
126 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
maker and hairdresser, have their descendants among
the leaders of Boston society at the present day. The
city was searched at that time in vain for gold or silver
bells with coral for " the baby," though a rattle of the
description was found. The christening suit, from Eng-
land, was of embroidered India muslin, with stomacher
and trimming of thread lace. Mrs. Hancock sent at the
same time for a hat of lavender-colored silk trimmed
with flowers, and a mantilla of muslin lined with laven-
der silk. She gave six dollars a yard for a piece of mus-
lin, in India, before it was cut from the loom. One of
the breakfast-cloths used at the great breakfast given to
the French fleet, was lately exhibited at a party given
by Mrs. Cutts, in Boston, a great-niece of Mrs. Hancock,
who presented her with the cloth. It had been used
once since the breakfast; at a dinner given by Mrs.
Cutts to Daniel Webster. Another relic was a silver
cake-basket, given by Mrs. Hancock, with the request
that it should make its appearance at the wedding re-
ceptions of her nieces and nephews. Six heavy silver
candlesticks, a large salver, chop ping -dish, and other
articles of plate, bearing the Hancock coat of arms, be-
long to her great-nephews, Clapp, in Portland, Maine.
Hancock had an epicurean taste, and all the delica-
cies of the season might be found upon his table. After
his death his wife kept up his custom in these matters.
Once she said : " The Governor's hobby was his dinner-
table, and I suppose it is mine." From early morning
till eleven at night, her house was open for the reception
MRS. HANCOCK. 127
of friends and strangers, as it had been while her hus-
baiid was living. She was for years one of the " won-
ders of the age ;" and, as the widow of Governor Han-
cock, she was visited till the close of her life by distin-
guished persons from foreign countries as well as her
own. So long had she studied the tastes of her husband,
that she excelled in the preparation of rich and delicate
viands. With recollections of Hancock House are asso-
ciated renison dinners and mince pies, which vanished
when that house was taken down, and cannot now be
had in the same state of perfection as- in those palmy
days.
Governor Hancock was the son of a clergyman, but
adopted by his uncle, who left him a very large fortune
for the period in which he lived. At twenty-one he
went to England, was presented at Court, and kissed the
hand of King George. He was a man of warm sympa-
thies as well as strong will. His manners were gracious,
in the old style of dignified complaisance. One morn-
ing, going to town in his phaeton, at an early hour, he
saw a poor woman, with a large bundle, trudging along
the road. He ordered the horses stopped, and asked
where the woman was going. Being informed she was
a washerwoman, on her way to the town, he had her and
her bundle placed in the open carriage, and took her to
her stopping-place. Such acts made him king in the
hearts of the people. His temper, indeed, was some-
times so violent as to lead some to question his benevo-
lence ; for when suffering from a fit of the gout he
128 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
would almost outrage common sense. An instance illus
trative may also serve to show what strict obedience he
required of his servants. Shut up in his sick-room, he
could not always be sure that his orders were carried
out to his full requisition. He had repeatedly forbidden
the use of the china table-service, directing that the
pewter should at all times be used. The unreasonable-
ness of this direction consisted in the difficulty of keep-
ing a pewter set in constant fitness for use. On one
occasion he called Cato, his favorite colored servant, to
his room, and asked if the china set had been used that
day. Being answered in the affirmative, he said: "I
thought so. Now go down stairs and bring up a pile of
china dishes." The servant soon returned with the
dishes in his hands. The Governor said, "Now, open
the window and throw them out." Cato did as he was
told ; but took good care to open a window over a bank
of soft turf, and to give them a gentle slide as he let
them drop, so that none of them were injured. The
Governor said, " I don't hear them break ! Go down,
Cato, and bring them up again." The dishes were a
second time produced. " Now," said he, " open the
window over the paved coachyard, and throw them
out." This order being obeyed, the dishes were de-
stroyed.
Sullivan describes Hancock, in June, 1T82, as wear-
ing " a red velvet cap, within which was one of fine
linen ; the last turned up two or three inches over the
lower edge of the velvet. He wore a blue damask gown
MRS. HANCOCK. 129
lined with velvet, a white stock, a white satin embroi-
dered waistcoat,, black satin small-clothes, white silk
stockings, and red morocco slippers." At this visit the
Governor took from the cooler on the hearth a fall
tankard of punch, drank first himself, then offered it to
those present.
Governor Hancock was one day driving out with his
wife, when they met Samuel Adams walking with the
sheriff beside him. Hancock asked, " What is the mean-
ing of this?" Adams replied, "I am going to jail, as I
cannot satisfy the sheriff's demands." The Governor
said he would see to that and settle the demand, and
bade the sheriff leave his prisoner. Many times was his
purse opened for Mr. Adams's benefit, under similar
circumstances.
The Governor had a very large marquee made,
which he wished to see displayed for once at least on
the ground occupied by the present State House. His
wish, however, could not be gratified. The time for its
erection was to be on the day of the annual general
review of all the military companies, in October. He
requested his wife to have a collation provided on that
occasion for all the officers. He was at that time pros-
trated with his last fatal attack of the gout. He did
not appear to comprehend that he was so near the close
of his earthly career. Mrs. Hancock was informed by
the physician that his death might occur at any hour.
She could not, therefore, make the necessary prepara-
tions for such a public display. At her refusal to com-
6*
130 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ply with this long-cherished wish of his heart, her hus-
band was much displeased, and she often said she could
not feel satisfied that she had his full forgiveness for not
carrying out his plans on that occasion. He became
increasingly ill, and at ten o'clock on that very day it
was announced that he was dying. The companies
tvere ordered to leave the Common; and hushed were
tiie drum and fife, with all their military inspiration,
nrhile the Commander -in -Chief of the State was pass-
ing into the immediate presence of the Great Judge of
all men. This was in October, 1793.
Governor Hancock left orders that he should be
buried without public honors, and forbade the firing of
a gun over his grave. The State government chose to
have the management of the whole affair, and told Mrs.
Hancock that the funeral and its expenses belonged to
the State. She submitted reluctantly to the arrange-
ment; but she finally had to pay the bill of the obse-
quies, which amounted to eighteen hundred dollars. A
will, unsigned, was found after his death, in which he
gave the bulk of his property to the State.
Mrs. Hancock was acknowledged to possess superb
beauty. She was also thoroughly high-bred, had a
courtly manner, and a high-toned spirit that showed
itself in her conversation. -She was always dressed with
care, and a dignified propriety, rather than a wish to
display, was evident. She was heard to say she would
never forgive a young girl who did not dress to please,
nor one who seemed pleased with her dress. She died
MRS. GREENE. 131
February, 1830, in her eighty-second year, going but
little into society for some time previous.
Besides the Quincy family, the most distinguished in
Boston society were those of Otis, Winthrop, Apthorp,
Ainory, Emery, &c. The Bradfords of whom Alden
Bradford was for many years Secretary of State in Mas-
sachusetts belonged to the same class.
A lady noted in society in New England was Cathe-
rine, the daughter of John Littlefield, born on Block
Island, in 1753. Her girlhood was chiefly passed in the
house of Governor Greene, a few miles from Providence,
commanding a view of Narraganset Bay. Mrs. Greene
was her aunt. Catherine was a belle gay, joyous, and
full of frolicsome humor ; her form was light and grace-
ful, and she possessed extraordinary quickness of appre-
hension and activity of mind. Her conversation was
enriched with knowledge gained, almost by intuition,
from every source. She had a lively imagination and
great fluency of speech, with a ready tact that gave her
irresistible fascination. This bright, volatile, coquettish
young creature took captive the heart of her kinsman,
Nathaniel Greene, and lost her own in return. They
were married in 1774. Little did the bride dream that
her husband's broad-brimmed hat covered brows which
would one day be wreathed with living laurels won by
genius and patriotism. When General Greene took his
part in the great drama of the Kevolution, his wife gave
132 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY".
him aid and encouragement. The papers of the day
notice her presence at head-quarters ; but her home was
at Coventry, a Rhode Island village, a princely man-
sion, on the banks of one of those small streams that
form so beautiful a feature in Rhode Island scenery.
She gave up this house for hospital uses when the army
before Boston was inoculated for the small-pox.
General Greene's letters show how much he prized,
the society of his wife. While in winter quarters with
him, she was very intimate with Mrs. Washington. Fol-
lowing her husband south, they established their home
at Mulberry Grove, a plantation presented to Greene by
the S'tate of Georgia. Her lively letters give a picture
of the times. After the General's death she removed to
Cumberland Island, where she lived much in society,
exercising extensive hospitality. It was Mrs. Greene
who introduced to- the world the invention of the cotton-
gin, by her patronage of Eli Whitney.
The incident of her quitting her own house when
Aaron Burr claimed her hospitality, after his duel with
Hamilton, leaving the house for his use, and only return
ing to it after his departure, illustrates her generous and
impulsive character. In her later years she retained
her singular power of fascination, and would hold a
company in breathless attention with her winning tones
and brilliant sketches of character or tales of adventure.
She had, in truth, a faculty of charming all who ap-
proached her.
Mary Wooster .was the widow of General David
COUNTESS EUMFOED. 133
Wooster, killed in Connecticut in the war of the Revo-
lution. She was the daughter of Dr. Clapp, at one time
President of Yale College, and was married at sixteen
years of age. Gifted with beauty and noble intellectual
powers, well educated, and with a mind stored witli a
great variety of knowledge, she was very prominent in
society and much sought by admiring friends. In con-
versation she was uncommonly brilliant. Her piety was
exemplary, from youth to advanced years; and when
she was bereaved of husband and children, and lost her
fortune, she found in religion a consolation trials could
not impair.
Sarah Thompson the Countess Rumford who died
at Concord, New Hampshire, in December, 1852, is
mentioned by Curwen as a woman who exercised much
social influence. She was the grand-daughter of Rev.
Timothy Walker, the first clergyman in Concord, and
the only daughter of Benjamin Thompson born in
1774. Her father left the United States suspected of
loyalism, and entered into the employ of the Elector of
Bavaria at Munich, where he received the title of Count
of the Holy Roman Empire, with a pension for life of
nearly two thousand dollars a year. To this title he
added Rumford, the name of his residence at Concord.
His daughter joined him in London, in 1796, and shared
his home and fortune till his death in France, in 1814.
She was in Munich when it was about to be bombarded
by the Austrians; but her father, being Commander-in-
Chief of the Bavarian forces, succeeded in preventing it.
134 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
He was held in much honor among the savans of
Europe; and the daughter was received with caressing
attentions among the most select circles in Paris. When
left an orphan, she inherited the title as well as the
estates of her father. She went to England and settled
on an estate at Brompton belonging to her, receiving
the most marked' attentions from many eminent persons
among the literati. In 1845 she returned to her native
State. She never married, but passed the remainder of
her life in a quiet circle of society, aloof from the stir of
city life, with an adopted daughter for her companion.
The grounds around her residence were tastefully orna-
mented with trees and shrubbery. She had considerable
property, saved from her father's estates, with a pension
of nearly a thousand dollars a year from the Bavarian
government for the services rendered by her father.
This she bestowed chiefly in charity, and, dying at
seventy-eight, left fifteen thousand dollars for an asylum
at Concord for widows and female orphans.
PHILADELPHIA SOCIETY. 135
V.
THE society of Philadelphia, about the middle of the
last century, appears to have been divided into two
classes of families ; the first, some of whom had come
with Penn, adhering to the Quaker tenets, or bound by
hereditary custom, if not religious faith, to deny the
world and abjure the pageants of life. Such were the
Morrises, the Logans, the Shippens, the Lloyds, the
Pembertons, the Rivingtons, and many other families of
antiquity in their sect. At a later period came in an-
other class, chiefly from England; they had cultivated
the liberal accomplishments ; among them were men of
extensive learning, both merchants and professional men ;
and they were noted for a high degree of social refine
ment. Such were the Hamiltons, the Ashetons, the
Lawrences, the Chews, the Conynghams, the Aliens, the
Inglises, the Bonds, the Plumsteds, and others. This
class was strengthened, as wealth and civilization spread,
by the return of proprietary descendants to the Estab-
lished Church. Then was added the element of patriot-
ism, in Revolutionary times, forming another distinct
class, of such as Bradford, Biddle, Butler, Reed, Boudi-
not, Hifflin, McKean, &c., comprising many of the pre-
.136 QUEENS OP AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ceding, and drawing to themselves, by their own actions,
public consideration and respect.
The family of Willing was one of the most promi-
nent among the English families of the second class
above mentioned. Their social connections were exten-
sive and powerful ; and on this account, with the weight
of personal influence and high character, they enjoyed
an enviable distinction. The name originated in Ger-
many, but obtained no eminence till it was borne by
residents of Philadelphia. The first known of the family
was Joseph Willing, of Gloucestershire, who married
Ava Lowre, an heiress. His son Thomas married Anne
Harrison, and brought his son Charles to America in
1728. Charles entered into commercial life, and became
the founder of the family in this country. His house
stood in Third Street, its grounds occupying an entire
square, and shaded by primeval oaks. His wife was
Anne Shippen, grand- daughter of Edward Shippen, the
first mayor of Philadelphia, and their son was Thomas
Willing, born in 1731.
The women of Philadelphia, in the latter part of the
century, were distinguished for their attractions. The
Duke de Lauzun speaks enthusiastically of their grace,
beauty, and intelligence; and the gay Marquis de Chas-
tellux is warm in his admiration of the ladies who gave
life to society after the close of the war. Philadelphia
became the centre of fashionable gayety, as she had been
the heart of the nation ; and it was found that the rava-
ges of war had swept away none of the elegance and
MRS. BINGHAM. 137
refinement, or the social spirit, by which her coteries
had been distinguished. One lady, pre-eminent by uni-
versal acknowledgment, who exercised indisputable sway
over the manners/ and pleasures of the metropolis, and
reigned a queen to whom all vowed allegiance, was
Anne, the daughter of Thomas Willing. She received
in the home of her father, who was a man of liberal
education, the best instruction which could be given,
and grew up a maiden of wonderful loveliness. She
passed much time in the family of Washington. At the
age of sixteen, on the 26th of October, 1780, she was
married to William Bingham, by Rev. William White,
afterwards the first Episcopal bishop in Pennsylvania.
Bingham was United States senator from Pennsylvania,
and owned large estates. He was congratulated from
high quarters for having won so fair a bride ; John Jay
wrote from Spain to felicitate him on his nuptials " with
one of the most lovely of her sex." A few years after
the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Bingham went abroad, and
spent some time in France. Mrs. Bingham was pre-
sented at the Court of Louis XVI., and attracted much
attention among the nobles and aristocracy. Miss
Adams wrote, after mentioning a dinner at which she
met the Binghams, in October, 1784, " Mrs. Bingham
gains my love and admiration more and more every
time I see her. She is possessed of greater ease and
politeness in her behavior than any person I have met."
At a dinner at La Fayette's, some months later, she
again wrote : " Mrs. Bingham was, as ever, engaging ;
138 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
her dress was of black velvet, with pink satin sleeves
and stomacher, a pink satin petticoat, and over it a
skirt of white crape spotted all over with gray fur ; the
sides of the gown open in front, and the bottom of the'
coat trimmed with paste. It was superb; and the
gracefulness of the person made it appear to peculiar
advantage." Mrs. Adams wrote : " Mrs. Bingham has
been twice to see me. I think she is more amiable and
beautiful than ever."
After spending some time at the Hague, Mrs. Bing-
ham accompanied her husband to England, where " her
elegance and beauty attracted more admiration than,
perhaps, was willingly expressed in the old Court of
George the Third." The reputation of American women
for beauty was great ; yet Mrs. Adams wrote : " I have
not seen a lady in England who can bear a comparison
with Mrs. Bingham."
Miss Adams wrote from London, February, 1786 :
"Mamma went to court to present Mrs. Bingham, and papa
presented Mr. Chew. Mamma says, if admiration could make this
lady happy, she must be so; for she never saw one so much stared
at. 'There she goes,' cries one; 'what an elegant woman!' Some
gentlemen told mamma she had presented the finest woman they
had ever seen. I suppose she is not free from vanity, and if not,
must have been gratified."
" Lady Talbot is not a Mrs. Bingham, who, taken altogether, is
the finest woman I ever saw. The intelligence of her countenance,
or rather, I ought to say, its animation, the elegance of her form,
and the affability of her manners, convert you into admiration;
and one has only to lament too much dissipation and frivolity of
amusements, which have weaned her from her native country, and
given her a passion and thirst after all the luxuries of Europe."
MES. BINGHAM. 139
Mrs. Adams afterwards mentions " the dazzling Mrs.
Bingham and her beauteous sisters" in Philadelphia.
The Adams family was intimate with the Binghams
during their stay in London. Miss Adams says of Mrs
Bingham :
"She is coming quite into fashion here, and is very ranch
admired. The hairdresser who dresses us on court-days inquired
of mamma whether she knew the lady so much talked of here
from America Mrs. Bingham. He had heard of her from a lady
who had seen her at Lord Duncan's. At last, speaking of Miss
Hamilton, he said, with a twirl of his, comb, '"Well, it does not
signify, hut the American ladies do beat the English all to
nothing.' "
" I think, from the observation I have made upon those ladiea
from Philadelphia with whom I have been acquainted, that they
are more easy in their manners, and discover a greater desire to
render themselves acceptable, than the women of Boston, where
education appears to be better and they seem to be sensible of
their consequence in society. I have seen some good specimens of
their brilliancy ; first, in Mrs. Bingham, and now in Mrs. Stewart."
During her stay of five years abroad, Mrs. Bingham
found everywhere the same caressing reception in the
highest circles. Her immense wealth enabled her to
live in a style of luxury and display, without which
beauty, elegance, or worth, would stand, especially in
England, little chance of recognition. Eeturning to her
own country, she seemed resolved to show that she had
not lost the wish to find herself at home there. Mr.
Bingham had studied the domestic architecture of Lon-
don and Paris to advantage, and being desirous of build-
ing a house in Philadelphia, he selected as a model
the Duke of Manchester's residence. It was, indeed, a
140 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
home where taste, wealth, and hospitality might appro-
priately dwell; a palace of splendor; known as "The
Mansion House," and a credit to the city. It stood in
Third Street above Spruce, forty feet from the street,
and approached by a circular graveled carriage-way,
opened by gates of iron tracery, and shut in by a low
wall. The grounds were diversified by walks, parterres,
and shade trees, and were adorned by statuary. They
covered three acres, and adjoined the houses occupied by
Mrs. Bingham's father and two of her aunts. In this
princely abode Mrs. Bingham, who had been distin-
guished among the ladies in the Presidential court,
became the centre of a court of her own. In her neigh-
borhood were the residences of numerous family connec-
tions, of commanding social influence. The southeast
was then the fashionable part of the town ; and when-
ever Mrs. Bingham wished to have a large yet select
party, she had only to send invitations to her own circle
of relatives and connections, to have her spacious rooms
filled with a brilliant assemblage. The house had a
broad stair-way of fine marble, the pavement of tesselated
marble ; the first of the kind known in America. On
the left hand were parlors ; on the right, the study ; and
opposite was the library, separated by a lateral hall.
The drawing-room and card-rooms were on the floor
above ; the windows looking on an extensive conserva-
tory adjoining the lower parlors. There were various
and extensive domestic offices surrounding the dwelling.
The furniture and carpets were of French manufacture,
MRS. BINGHAAf. 141
and the halls were hung with paintings chiefly selected
in Italy.*
The Binghams had a country-seat " Landsdowne "
on the west bank of the Schuylkill, where the summers
were passed. General Washington was a frequent
visitor, both here and in their town' house. The same
elegant variety, richness, and excellent taste in enter-
tainment, marked their hospitality in both places.
One of the customs brought from Paris by Mrs.
Bingham, and introduced by her into society in Phila-
delphia, was that of the servants' announcing the names
of guests, on their arrival at a party, in different places,
from the hall to the drawing-room. A republican gen-
tleman who was a stranger to the innovation, one who
was afterwards President of the nation, one evening,
hearing his name called out repeatedly while he stopped
to divest himself of his outer garment, cried out,
"Coming!" "Coming!" and in a louder tone, as he
heard his name at the drawing-room door, " Coming !
as soon as I can get my great-coat off!"
All that was illustrious in statesmanship or brilliant
in society was now congregated in Philadelphia. It
was the residence of the diplomatic representatives of
European Courts and eminent persons from every quarter
of the world. Its first circles were composed of those
who would have ranked highly in any country, and who
possessed every accomplishment of refined culture. The
*See "THE REPUBLICAN COUBT."
142 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
external luxury and splendor of the society were in
striking contrast to the unadorned simplicity which had
marked the sway of Mrs. Washington. Mrs. Bingham
" led the ton " in this brilliant world, and was unques-
tionably at the head of American society ; not only by
virtue of her husband's political position and her father's
honorable career in the country's service, but in her own
personal right. Her style illustrated all that was im-
posing and superb in the social life; and her acknow-
ledged judgment and taste in dress and in the arrange-
ments of her house, her influence over all with whom
she came into contact, the splendors with which she was
ever surrounded, and the aristocratic character of her
parties, gave her a celebrity which became historical in
the annals of higher social life in America.
Her beauty was of a striking and dazzling order ; her
figure was tall, and her carriage light, airy, and the per-
fection of grace. Her manners had resistless fascina-
tion easy, sprightly, frank, and winning, and inspiring
with interest all who conversed with her. She was
indeed a most gifted and favored being, ever smiled
upon and flattered, courted and served with the alacrity
of genuine regard ; happy in every change ; awakening
no envy or jealousy, in spite of her personal and social
advantages; never the object of unkind feeling or ma-
lignant aspersion ; giving offense to none, in spite of her
great ambition to maintain superiority ; pleasing all by
her manner, even while refusing favors, and, while really
exclusive, leaving even on the excluded the impression
MRS. BINGHAM. 143
of being obliged. This singular charm of tact may
account for the great traditionary reputation of her
personal influence, as fresh in recollection now, and
almost as much wondered at, as when she lived. She
gave entertainments often, and they were very expensive
and elaborate, while marked by good taste and elegance
of style. She had a happy faculty and discretion in
selecting and grouping her guests, so as to harmonize
the circle and guard against disagreement. Her dress
was a model for imitation, such was its exquisite adapta-
tion and propriety, and its subdued tone combined with
costliness.
Thomas Jefferson was one of Mrs. Bingham's ad-
mirers. He wrote her from Paris, describing the con-
trast between foreign and domestic fashionable life :
"At eleven o'clock, it is day chez madame. The curtains are
drawn. Propped on bolsters and pillows, and her head scratched
into a little order, the bulletins of the sick are read and the billets
of the well. She writes to some of her acquaintances, and receives
the visits of others. If the morning is not very thronged, she is
able to get out and hobble round the cage of the Palais Roy ale ;
but she must hobble quickly, for the coiffeur's turn is come, and a
tremendous turn it is. Happy if he does not make her arrive when
dinner is half over. The turpitude of digestion a little passed, she
flutters half an hour through the streets, by way of paying visits,
and then to the spectacles. These finished, another half hour is
devoted to dodging in and out of the doors of her very sincere
friends, and away to supper. After supper, cards; after cards,
bed ; to rise at noon next day, and to tread like a mill-horse the
same trodden circle over again. Thus the days of life are con-
sumed, one by one, without an object beyond the present moment ;
ever flying from the ennui of that, yet carrying it with us." u In
America, on the other hand, the society of your husband, the fond
144 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
cares for the children, the arrangements of the house, the improve-
ments of the grounds, fill every moment with a healthy and useful
activity. Every exertion is encouraging, because to present amuse-
ment it joins the promotion of some future good. The intervals of
leisure are filled by the society of real friends, whose affections are
not thinned to cobweb by being spread over a thousand objects."
Chastellux mentions a ball at Chevalier de la Lu-
zerne's, at which " the Count de Damas had Mrs. Bing-
ham for his partner, and the Yiscount de Nouailles,
Miss Shippen. Both testified respect for the manners
of the country by not quitting their handsome partners
the whole evening."
The Yiscount de Nouai'lles, brother-in-law to La
Fayette, in the summer of 1795, came to America in
company with Mr. Bingham, whose guest he was,
though he occupied a third-story room in a block of
buildings at the extreme west end of Bingham's garden.
He gave a dinner to D'Orleans and other gentlemen of
rank, using Bingham's plate and kitchen, and being
waited upon by his servants. The same story was told
of him as of Louis Philippe, who is said to have lived
in Philadelphia, and occupied a room over a barber's
shop, where he once gave a dinner, apologizing for
seating half his guests on one side of a bed ; he had him-
self " occupied less comfortable places without the con-
solation of such agreeable company." The young prince,
at that time twenty-three years old, was introduced into
Mr. Bingham's family, and is said to have proposed for
one of the daughters, but the Senator declined the
alliance. "Should you ever," he said, "be restored to
MRS. BINGHAM. 145
your hereditary position, you will be too great a match
for my daughter; if not, she is too great a match for
you."
Mr. and Mrs. Bingham were guests at the dinner
given by General Washington, when he bade farewell to
the President elect and the heads of the departments.
Among the other guests were Mr. and Mrs. Liston and
the Marquis and Marchioness d'Yrujo, Mr. and Mrs.
Gushing, Mr. Adams, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Jefferson,
Bishop White, &c.
The first masquerade ball in Philadelphia was said
to have been given at Mr. Bingham's. Mrs. Bingham
did not appear to be fond of theatricals, like Mrs. Adams ;
she and her set rarely went to the theater, and on that
account Manager Wignell refused, on any terms, to let
her a private box. She offered to furnish and decorate
the box at her own expense, but would keep the key,
allowing no one to enter without her permission. The
manager feared to offend the fierce spirit of liberty and
equality in the masses by such a concession.
Sir John Oldmixon, celebrated in England as " the
Bath beau," rivaling Uash or Brummell, was then
flourishing. It was said he was a gardener in 1796,
and carried his own cabbages to market. His wife,
formerly Miss George, was an actress ; sang at the
theater, and returned at night in the vehicle which car-
ried the vegetables. Actors then "held their own" in
society, and a grand-daughter of Franklin is said to have
married one Mr. Harwood.
7
146 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
During the winter of 1795-6, when Judge Samuel
. Chase was in Philadelphia, a curious story is told of a
great dinner given to him by Mr. Bingham. The Judge
was placed on Mrs. Bingham's right hand, and coolly
adjusted his spectacles to view the superb repast, which,
unfortunately for him, had been prepared by a French
cook. Having searched in vain for a familiar dish, he
turned to the lady, and remarked : " A very pretty din-
ner, Madam ; but there is not a thing on your table I
can eat." With her habitual presence of mind and
urbanity, Mrs. Bingham inquired if she could procure
any thing more suitable to his taste. " A beefsteak, or
a piece of roast beef, Madam," was the reply, "will
please me better than any thing else." A servant was
called and a word whispered in his ear, whereupon he
vanished. Yery soon he reappeared, bearing a dish of
roast beef, which Chase attacked with vigor and appe-
tite, washing it down with a couple of bottles of brown
stout, in lieu of French wines. Having concluded his
labors, he turned to his hostess, and with a satisfied air
exclaimed : " There, Madam, I have made a sensible
and excellent dinner, but no thanks to your French
cook."
This gifted and brilliant woman was early removed
from the sphere she adorned. Returning from a party
of pleasure soon after the birth of her only son, exposure
to cold in a sleigh brought on an illness, which was soon
discovered to be of a dangerous character. A milder
climate was recommended ; and a vessel was fitted up
MES. BINGHAM. 147
with care to convey her to the Bermudas. On her
departure, carried on a palanquin from her superb man-
sion to this vessel, her friends gathered around her to
bid farewell, and hundreds thronged to see her. The
hope of restoration was vain ; after months of gradual
decline, Mrs. Bingham died in the Bermuda Islands,
May llth, 1801, in the thirty-seventh year of her age.
Mr. Bingham went to England, where he died at Bath
three years later. His eldest daughter, Anne, married
Alexander Baring, afterwards Lord Ashburton. Maria
married the Count de Tilly; afterwards Henry Baring,
and the Marquis de Bluisel.
In the winter of 1795-6, Eobert Morris, the great
financier, was in the splendor of his prosperity. He
had laid the foundation of a palatial residence on the
south side of Chestnut Street, just above Seventh, in-
tending to have the building occupy the whole space.
His home was ever the abode of generous and cordial
hospitality,, and was rendered delightful by his simple
and affable manners. Mrs. Adams says, in Philadel-
phia, " I should spend a very dissipated winter if I
were to accept one-half the invitations I receive, par-
ticularly to the routs and tea and cards." A passion for
gambling prevailed at the time, and it was not uncom-
mon to lose three or four hundred dollars at a sitting.
Chastellux thus describes a dinner in the then Amer
ican fashion: "There are two courses, one comprehend
148 QUEENS OP AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ing the entrees, the roast meat and warm side-dishes ;
the other, sweet pastry and confectionery. The cloth
is then taken off, and apples and nuts are produced;
healths are drunk ; and coffee is the signal to rise. It
is an absurd and barbarous practice to call out to each
individual that you drink his health ! it causes confusion.
Also, the asking to take wine with one ; the ridiculous
custom borrowed from England and laid aside by her."
At the balls given in Philadelphia Mrs. Morris was
always led in first to supper ; the visitor remarks, " as
the richest woman in the city; all ranks here being
equal, and men following their natural bent by giving
the preference to riches."
DRESS IN PHILADELPHIA. 149
VI.
SOME writers of the day comment on the addiction
of American women to extravagance in dress at this
period. Count de Rochambeau observed, at the close
of the war, that " the wives of merchants and bankers
were clad to the tip of the French fashions, of which
they were remarkably fond ;" and the Due de Liancourt
says : " Ribbons please young Quakeresses as well as
others, and are the great enemies of the sect."
The women in 1800 wore hoops, high-heeled shoes
of black stuff, with silk or thread stockings, and had
their hair tortured four hours at a sitting to get the curls
properly crisped. The hoops were succeeded by " bish-
ops " stuffed with horse-hair. In the early days, ladies
who kept their coaches often went to church in check
aprons; and Watson mentions a lady in Philadelphia
who went to a ball in full dress, on horseback.
Brissot wrote: "If an idle man could come into
existence in Philadelphia, on having constantly before
his eyes the three amiable sisters Wealth, Science, and
Virtue, the children of Industry and Temperance- he
would soon find himself in love with them, and endeavor
to obtain them from their parents." The Due de Lian-
court observes : " The Americans have an excessive
150 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
avidity of becoming rich," and thinks it a mistake to
suppose pure republican manners prevalent. Perhaps
as a consequence of enervating luxury, the Abbe Robin
remarks : ' " At twenty the American women have no
longer the freshness of youth; at thirty-five or forty
they are wrinkled and decrepit. The men are almost
as premature." And Chevalier Felix de Beaujour :
" The beauty of American women fades in a moment.
At the age of twenty-five the form changes ; and at
thirty all the charms have disappeared. As long as
they are unmarried they enjoy great liberty ; but as
soon as they have entered the conjugal state they bury
themselves in the bosom of their families, and appear no
longer to live but for their husbands." " The manners
have there established in society distinctions more
marked than anywhere else; distinctions rendered the
more odious for being founded on riches, without any
"regard to talents, or even to public functions. There
the rich blockhead is more considered than the first
magistrate ; and the influence of gold is counterbalanced
by no illusion or reality."
Towards the close of the century, it was noticed that
the forms of society underwent some change, as the
leveling process of France began to be felt. Powder
became unfashionable ; a looser dress was adopted for
the legs ; the fashion of wearing the hair tied gave place
to short locks. Dark or black cloth was substituted for
colored coats, and buckles disappeared. But the style
:f living was not less expensive. Parties were more
ENTERTAINMENTS. 151
crowded, and more form and display were seen, with
less freedom of sociability than ever.
The Wistar parties, for gentlemen, were commenced
by Dr. Caspar Wistar, in 1799. He was accustomed to
call the members of the Philosophical Society once a
week to his house during the winter. The parties were
continued till his death, in 1818, and were kept up by
members afterwards at their several houses.
The fete of the Mischianza had been the most cele-
brated that ever took place in Philadelphia. It was
given by the British officers to Sir William Howe, just
before he relinquished the command to. Sir Henry Clin-
ton, May 18, 1778. It commenced with a grand regatta,
followed by a tilt and tournament, wherein the knights
of the Burning Mountain and the Blended Eose vindi-
cated the charms of the ladies in whose honor they
appeared ; a ball and fireworks closing the evening.*
The next entertainment in order of pre-eminence
was given on the birthday of the Dauphin, by the French
Minister, after the close of the war. Weeks of prepara-
tion preceded it, and hundreds came to see the building
erected for dancing, fronting sixty feet, the roof sup-
ported by lofty pillars, painted and festooned. There
were banners and pictures for internal decorations ; and
a garden surrounded the building, with walks, seats,
groves, and fountains. Nothing else was talked of in
the city for ten days. At an early hour a corps of
* For the particulars of this fete, see " Women of the American Rev-
olution."
152 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
hairdressers took possession of the room assigned to the
city watchmen. Some ladies had their hair dressed
between four and six in the morning. The company
assembled at seven in the evening, ten thousand specta-
tors thronging the streets.
"At eight o'clock," says Dr. Rush, "our family entered the
apartment, received through a wide gate by the Minister, and con-
ducted by one of his family to the dancing-room. The numerous
lights distributed through the garden, the splendor of the room,
the size of the company, which already consisted of about seven
hundred persons, the brilliancy and variety of their dresses, and
the band of music, had, together, an effect which resembled en-
chantment. Here were to be seen heroes, patriots, and members
of Congress, in close conversation with each other; Washington
and Dickinson held several dialogues together; Rutledge and Wal-
ton from the South, here conversed with Lincoln and Duane from
the East and the North ; and Mifflin and Keed accosted each other
with all the kindness of ancient friends. The dancing commenced
at half- past eight; at nine, fire-works were exhibited; at twelve,
supper was served in three large tents in the grounds; before three
the company had dispersed."
A lady distinguished in Philadelphia society was
Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Dr. Thomas Graeme, a
physician of note, and for a time colonial collector of the
port. His wife was the daughter of Sir William Keith,
the Governor of Pennsylvania. His house, " The Carpen-
ter Mansion," was rendered attractive and celebrated by
the talents and accomplishments of Elizabeth, who was
the center of literary coteries accustomed to meet there.
She was sent to Europe for her health, and was intro-
duced into the best society abroad. She attracted much
attention by her mental accomplishments, and was par-
MRS. BACHE. MISS VINING. 153
ticularly noticed by the King of England. On her
return to Philadelphia she presided in her father's house,
which became the head-quarters of literature, refined
taste, and hospitality. Her husband, Hugh Henry
Ferguson, a Scotch gentleman ten years her junior,
espoused the royal cause in the war; his wife was a
patriot, and their political difference led to a separation.
Her charity and labors for the soldiers obtained the
respect of both parties, and she always enjoyed the
highest social position.
Sarah, the only daughter of Benjamin Franklin, was
born in Philadelphia, in September, 1744, married
Richard Bache in 1767, and was prominent in the best
society. Her house was the rendezvous for the com-
mittee superintending the making of shirts for the army.
In 1792 she accompanied her husband to England; and
two years afterwards they were settled on their farm
near the Delaware, where they exercised unbounded
hospitality for thirteen years. She had an impulsive
and generous disposition, with cheerful, strong good
sense, and a ready flow of wit. She was a zealous
republican, and chid a school-teacher for treating her
children with peculiar distinction as " young ladies of
rank." " There is no rank in this country," she said,
" but rank mutton."
Miss Vining was a famous belle in Philadelphia. In
1783 she wrote to Governor Dickinson, complaining that
the town had lost its gayety with the departure of Con-
gress. Her rare beauty commanded admiration, while
154 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
her intellectual endowments ana sparkling wit enter-
tained the literati. The French officers so praised her
in their letters, that her name became familiar in Paris ;
and Queen Marie Antoinette expressed to Jefferson a
wish to see her at the Tuileries. She had a large cor-
respondence among the great men of the Revolution.
When she retired from her place in society, she took'
up her residence in Wilmington, Delaware, where she
received distinguished visitors, foreigners of rank solicit-
ing introductions to her. Among the guests she enter-
tained were the Due de Liancourt and the Due d' Or-
leans (Louis Philippe). It is said that General Miranda,
passing through Wilmington at night, too late for a call,
left his card for her at the post-office. Her last days
were passed in seclusion, not exempt from poverty.
One of the most admired belles of Philadelphia, at a
period when loyalists were prominent among the higher
classes, was Margaret, the youngest daughter of Edward
Shippen, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. Shippen was
grandson to the first city mayor, in 1701, who had a
" great and famous orchard, in which reposed herds of
tranquil deer;" lawns, and a summer-house in the midst
of the garden, having tulips, pinks, carnations, roses, &c.
He was said to be " the biggest man, with the biggest
house, and the biggest carriage in Philadelphia." The
Marquis de Chastellux describes a tea-drinking at the
house of the Chief Justice, on the first occasion that he
saw music introduced as an amusement: "Miss Rut-
ledge, after Madame de Marbois, played on the harpsi-
MRS. ARNOLD. 155
chord ; Miss Shippen sang. The Yicomte de Nouailles
took down a violin mounted with harp-strings, and made
the young ladies dance." At the age of eighteen, in so
princely a home, belonging to a family distinguished
among the aristocracy of the day, beautiful, brilliant,
and spirited, it is no wonder that Margaret was the
toast of the British officers and the favorite of society,
called " one of the brightest of the belles of the Mischi-
anza." The volatile and fascinating young creature,
accustomed to the pride of life and the homage paid to
loveliness in high station, was captivated by the splendor
of Benedict Arnold's equipments and his military osten-
tation. She became his second wife. Major Andre was
one of her visitors and correspondents. No evidence,
however, exists to sustain the accusation of the third
Yice-President of the United States, that Mrs. Arnold
" instigated one of the most startling crimes in history."
Though ambitious, she was not a Lady Macbeth ; and
there is no proof even of her acquaintance with the dark
design of her husband. Aaron Burr would have it that
" the chief miscreant of the American Revolution could
say, 'Margaret, my wife, she gave me of the tree of
treason, and I did eat.' " But she was not yet nineteen
when her husband opened the correspondence with Sir
Henry Clinton ; nor could she have counterfeited the
anguish described as following the discovery of his
treason. She found her way back to the shelter of her
father's house ; but in a few months she was ordered by
the Executive Council of Pennsylvania to leave the
156 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
State, and not return during the war. She followed
Arnold to New Brunswick, where she resided at St.
Johns, sad and stricken indeed, but lovely and fascina-
ting enough to be sought after and admired. Her resi-
dence was finally in London, where she died in 1804.
Rebecca Franks, a young lady distinguished for
beauty, intelligence, and wit, occupied a brilliant posi-
tion in the society of Philadelphia in the days of the
Revolution. She was the youngest of three daughters
of David Franks, a wealthy Jewish merchant. The
eldest married Oliver de Lancey, who accepted a com-
mission in the British army after the outbreak of the
war ; the second, Andrew Hamilton, owner of " Wood-
lands," the finest rural residence in Philadelphia.
Rebecca was more celebrated for wit and repartee than
any lady of the day. Her pointed shafts spared neither
friend nor foe, though generally aimed to chastise pre-
sumption and folly. She was universally courted for the
charms of her conversation ;. General Lee called her " a
lady who has, had every human and divine advantage."
She was one of the princesses of the " Mischianza." Few
were able to. enter the lists in satire with this scornful
belle. In a letter from. New York, she described social
life in that city :
" You ask a description of Miss Cornelia Van Home. Her per-
son is too large for a beauty, in ray opinion, and yet I am not par-
tial to little women. Her sister Kitty is the belle of the family.
By the bye, few ladies here know how to entertain company in
their own houses, unless they introduce the card-table. Except
the Van Homes, who are remarkable for their good sense and ease,
MISS FRANKS. 157
I don't kno\v a woman or girl who can ch.it above half an hour,
and that on the form of a cap, the color of a rihbon, or the set of a
hoop, stay, or jupon. I will do our ladies, that is, the Philadel-
phians, the justice to say, that they have more cleverness in the
turn of an eye than those of New York have in their whole com-
position. With what ease have I seen a Chew, a Perm, an Oswald,
or an Allen, and a thousand others, entertain a large circle of both
sexes; the conversation, without the aid of cards, never flagging,
nor seeming in the least strained or stupid. Here in New York,
you enter a room with a formal set curtsey, and after the howdos,
things are finished ; all is a dead calm till the cards are introduced,
when you see pleasure dancing in the eyts of all the matrons, and
they seem to gain new life. The maidens, if they have favorite
swains, frequently decline playing, for the pleasure of making
love ; for, to all appearance, it is the ladies, not the gentlemen,
who now-a-days show a preference. It is here, I fancy, always
leap-year. Indeed, scandal says, that in the cases of most who
have been married, the first advances came from the lady's side, or
she got a male friend to introduce the intended victim and pass her
off. I suspect there would be more marriages were another mode
adopted ; they have made the men so saucy, that I sincerely be-
lieve the lowest ensign thinks he has but to ask and have ; that a
red coat and smart epaulette are sufficient to secure a female
heart."
Soon after the war, Miss Franks was married to
Lieu tenant-General Sir Henry Johnston, who had been
knighted for his gallantry in one of the outbreaks of
rebellion in Ireland. In 1810 she was living at Bath in
great style, exercising a liberal hospitality, with all the
graces and virtues that adorn social life. General Scott
visited her some years later, with a letter of introduction
from her great-niece. He remembered hearing of her as
" the belle of Philadelphia, handsome, witty, and an
heiress ; also high in toryism and eccentricity." He
recollected that when Mrs. Washington gave a ball to
158 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
the French Minister, in honor of the recent alliance
between Louis XVI. and the United States, which had
led America to unite the cockades of the two countries
white and black Miss Franks had caused this token of
alliance to be tied to the neck of a dog, and by bribing
a servant got the animal, thus decorated, turned into the
ball-room. In 1816, the vivacious lady, from ill health,
had become prematurely old ; " a near approach to a
ghost, but with eyes still bright, and other remains of
her former self." On receiving the letter of introduc-
tion, Lady Johnston sent her amiable husband a fine
old soldier to fetch the stranger. Scott was fortunate-
ly acquainted with her eccentricities. She had been
rolled out on the lawn in an easy-chair to receive him ;
and he was transfixed by her eager gaze. "Is this tlie
young rebel ?" were her first words. " Yes, it is," she
added, quickly ; " the young rebel ; and you have taken
the liberty to beat his Majesty's troops !" Scott pleas-
antly parried the impeachment ; but she followed it up
with specific references. At last the American soldier
found himself seated beside her, a hand clasped in both
hers, which were cold and clammy as death. Suddenly
she exclaimed : " I have gloried in my rebel country-
men !" Then, lifting both her hands towards heaven,
she added : " Would to heaven I too had been a pa-
triot !" Sir Henry here interposed with a gentle remon-
strance. Turning on him with the earnestness of truth,
she said : " I do not I have never regretted my mar-
riage ! No woman was ever blessed with a kinder- a
MRS. STOCKTON. MRS. RUFUS KING. 159
better husband; but I ought to have been a patriot
before marriage !" In relating this incident, Scott used
to say that Lady Johnston's eyes were the only ones free
from tears.
The wife of one, and the mother-in-law of another
signer of the Declaration of Independence, Mrs. Annis
Stockton, of Princeton, New Jersey, adorned high posi-
tion by elevated character and superior endowments.
She was the descendant of Elias Boudinot, a French
Protestant, who fled after the revocation of the edict of
Nantes. Elias Boudinot of New Jersey was her brother.
She w r as born about 1Y33. After her marriage to Rich-
ard Stockton, she lived at his seat near Princeton, and
shared with him the perils and privations incident to
war. Her husband's letters to her from England, roman-
tically addressed to his " dearest Emilia," portray the
most charming of characters. She had refined literary
taste and cultivation, and was the author of a volume of
poems. Washington praised her pastoral on the capture
of Cornwallis, and complimented her talents in several
letters. Her social influence was acknowledged by
an extensive circle of friends. She was called "The
Duchess" for her elegance and dignity. Her daughter
Julia became the wife of Dr. Benjamin Rush. Mrs.
Stockton died in 1801.
Rufus King, in 1786, married Miss Mary Alsop, the
only child of John Alsop, an opulent merchant of New
York, and a member of the first Continental Congress.
She was noted for beauty; having an oval face, with
160 QUEENS OP AMERICAN SOCIETY.
regular features, blue eyes, and a clear brunette com-
plexion; black hair and fine teeth. Her movements
were graceful, her manner was gracious and winning ;
her voice was music. She possessed quick faculties of
mind, and was carefully educated. Though reared in
the lap of indulgence she had an unspoiled nature, and
had little fondness for display, notwithstanding that she
was the object of general admiration.
When the British occupied New York, in 1778, Mary
went with her father to Middletown, Connecticut, where
her girlhood was passed. The family returned to New
York after peace. Mary was but sixteen at the time of
her marriage. ' Her grandson, Rufus King, married a
lady who since, as Mrs. Peters, has become a celebrity
in Cincinnati ; well known for her active charities and
zeal in every good work. She was Miss Worthington.
In 1867 she accompanied some friends to Europe.
A region of country near the Hudson, where the old
aristocratic families are held in reverence, is familiar
with the name of Blandina Bruyn, the daughter of
Petrus Edrnundus Elmendorf, born at Kingston, then
called Esopus, in 1753. Her mother, Mary Elmendorf,
was known through a large part of New York, New
Jersey, and Pennsylvania, having studied medicine that
she might practise among poor families. She took great
pains with the education of her daughter, who learned
to speak and write fluently English, Dutch, and Erench.
MES. BRUYN. 161
Blandina was engaged to Jacobus S. Bruyn, who after-
wards became a colonel in the American army ; they
were married in 1782, and fixed their residence in King-
ston, where Mrs. Bruyn was a leader in society, liberally
entertaining many visitors. Her charity and piety are
traditional in the place. She died in 1832.*
* The country-seat of Colonel Morris, which became afterwards the
head-quarters of General Washington about ten miles from New York
was the residence of the singular woman known as Madame Jumel, the
wife of Aaron Burr. She lived on Washington Heights, and died in 1865,
in her ninety-second year. She was known in the court circles of France,
though she never had any position in American society. She was inti-
mate with Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, General Knox, La Fayette,
and others among the leaders in the Revolutionary struggle. She met
Burr when he was a captain in the army, and at Lady Stirling's parties ;
and it is said that scores of men of high position and talents worshiped
at her shrine. Many were her escapades and adventures, and marvelous
tales were told of her.
She married Stephen Jumel, who amassed in the wine trade a fortune
that gave him rank among merchant princes. Their residence was for a
time in Paris; but after Jumel lost his fortune, his wife, in 1822, returned
alone to New York, and lived on her own estate. Jumel was killed by a
fall in his seventieth year.
Colonel Burr was then practising law with great success, though
seventy-eight years of age. Madame Jumel called on him for legal advice
about her estate; the acquaintance ripened, and she invited the great
lawyer to dinner. He was charmed with her, and is reported to have said,
on handing her to the table, "Madame, I give you my hand; my heart
has long been yours." At length he proposed, and was rejected; but
persevered in his suit. Having advanced so far as to obtain an undecided
" No," he said one day in a jocular manner that he should bring out a
clergyman to Fort Washington, at a certain time, and then would expect
a more favorable answer. He came at the time appointed, accompanied
by Dr Bogart, and took advantage of the lady's embarrassment and dread
of a new scandal. So they were married, the ceremony being witnessed
only by the members of the family and the servants, and followed by an
excellent supper. Some bottles from Jumel's wine-cellar that had not
1G2 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Catharine Schuyler was the only daughter of John
Van Rensselaer, the great land-holder, called the Patroon
of Greenbush. She married Philip Schuyler. The fam-
ily residence was near Albany, and was built by Mrs.
Schuyler while her husband was in England, about,
1760. It was a large house, ornamented in the Dutch
style, and was a place of resort for British officers and
travelers of note during the French war. Fourteen
French gentlemen, paroled prisoners, were here enter-
tained at one time. In 1801, Mrs. Schuyler and some
of her family, visiting Montreal and Quebec, were grate-
fully welcomed by the children of some of those prison-
ers. After the surrender of Burgoyne, he and his suite
were received and entertained by General and Mrs.
Schuyler, though he had destroyed their elegant coun-
try-seat near Saratoga. Madame de Riedesel described
been opened for half a century were produced on the occasion, and the
party was exceeding merry.
At Burr's advice, his wife sold out her shares in some Connecticut
property, and gave the proceeds to him for investment. Texas was then
beginning to attract the tide of emigration, and Burr embarked the money
in an enterprise for settling a colony of Germans on a tract of land there.
The speculation proved a failure, and the title to the lands defective. Burr
had not mentioned the Texas scheme to his wife, and he refused to account
for the funds invested. A coolness and estrangement followed. Bun-
continued to speculate and lose his wife's money; her patience wa?
exhausted, and she filed a complaint against him, to deprive him of con-
trol in her affairs. He suffered the proceedings to go by default ; but
they went no further than to restore to the lady sole authority over her
property. After a few months of alternate reconciliation and estrange-
ment, the marriage was in effect though never in law dissolved.
After the separation, the wife never bore Burr's name, but lived almost
solitary in her home on the Heights. Her grandchildren inherited her
property.
MBS. SCIIUYLER. MBS. HAMILTON. 163
their reception as that of intimate friends rather than
enemies. So much delicacy and generosity drew from
Burgoyne the observation to his host, " You are too
kind to me, who have done so much injury to you."
The noble-hearted victor replied : u Such is the fate of
war ; let us not dwell on the subject." Even from the
ruins of his beautiful villa the General had written to
his wife to make preparations for entertaining their late
foes. The best apartments and an excellent supper were
provided, and the honors done with a grace that moved
the British general to tears.
Like many other women of her family, Mrs. Schuyler
was remarkable for vigorous intellect and judgment.
Many instances of her heroic spirit are recorded in
another work. Her social influence was widely recog-
nized, and was transmitted to her accomplished daugh-
ters. The second of these, Elizabeth, married Alexander
Hamilton in December, 1780. She was described as " a
charming woman, who joined to the graces all the can-
dor and simplicity of the American wife." When Ham-
ilton was mortally wounded, he said : " Let Mrs. Hamil-
ton be immediately sent for ; let the event be gradually
broken to her, but give her hopes." Thus the love of
his admirable wife was the great man's strongest feeling
in the hour of death. When he saw her frantic grief,
he remonstrated with her gently : " Remember, my
Elizabeth, you are a Christian." His residence was at
the corner of Wall and Broad Streets, opposite Federal
164 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Hall. His country-seat on the island was called " The
Grange."
There was a story of Mrs. Hamilton's having met
Burr in 1822, at a dinner on board a steamboat, and
swooning from the shock; but it was untrue. Parton
says she met the slayer of her husband on a small steam-
boat between New York and Manhattanville, but that
nothing unusual occurred. Mrs. Hamilton is said to
have founded an orphan asylum in New York. She
was one of the few ladies for whom Talleyrand professed
deep respect and admiration.
During the hostilities between France and England,
after the French Revolution, a French man-of-war, with
the First Consul Napoleon's brother, Jerome Bonaparte,
on 'board, was chased by two English frigates into the
harbor of New York. The future king of Westphalia
was thus constrained to visit the United States. He
was received in different cities with extraordinary marks
of attention. Hamilton made a great dinner for him in
New York, while he lived at "The Grange." The
company waited long, after assembling, for the host,
who did not appear, to the chagrin of Mrs. Hamilton
and the disappointment of the distinguished guest.
After creating much uneasiness by the delay, Hamilton
at length arrived and finished a hasty toilet ; and the
tact with which he made his graceful apologies to the
company removed all embarrassment. On that occasion
he had a lively chat in French with Misrf Patterson, of
MADAME BONAPARTE. 165
Baltimore. Bonaparte lost his heart to this beautiful
young lady.
It is a subject for wonder that Napoleon should have
been blind to the capabilities of the American wife of
Jerome Bonaparte. With her airy manner, her beauty,
and her wit, so fair and piquante, she. would have made
an excellent princess. Jerome, who had been sent to
sea, assumed the airs of a prince in Baltimore. Eliza-
beth Patterson was the daughter of a rich and respected
merchant, of a family belonging to the aristocracy. In
birtli and education she was the equal of Jerome ; in
intellect and character, his superior. With her father's
consent, the marriage was celebrated December 25th,
1803, by Bishop Carrol, Roman Catholic Bishop of
Baltimore. A few months passed in wedding festivities
and social gayeties.
The First Consul was declared Emperor before
Jerome received his answer to the announcement of his
marriage with the fair American. A French law existed
prohibiting the marriage of any French subject under
twenty-five without the consent of his guardians ; and,
availing himself of this, the Emperor refused to recog-
nize his brother's marriage, and summoned him home,
forbidding the French vessels to give Madame Bonaparte
a passage, and threatening her with arrest if she dared
accompany her husband to his own country. A pension
of sixty thousand francs was offered her, on condition of
her not assuming the name of Bonaparte. Jerome took
her to Lisbon, where he left her, while he went to Turin
166 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
to meet his imperial brother. With a meanness of soul
no royalty could cover, he offered to give up wife and
child, repudiating his marriage, and submitting to the
will of Napoleon, who gave him to wife a German
princess, and made him king of Westphalia. Madame
Bonaparte was left unprotected and without provision in
a foreign country, not yet eighteen, and with a new-born
infant. Abandoned by her husband, subjected to the
bitterest outrage, the legality of her marriage denied,
stripped of means, and flung upon the world, she yet
managed to sustain her difficult position with a calm
spirit and scornful courage. She was in Paris in 1816,
and much in society ; the most distinguished among the
literati belonging to her circle. In the autumn of 1819,
she wrote to Lady Morgan, with whom she was intimate,
that she had " heroically resolved to support the ennui
of her fate in America," but was compelled to go abroad
for the means of education for her son.
" You know," she says, " we have been nearly ruined
in America by commercial speculations ; and even I
have suffered, as my tenants are no longer able to pay
me the same rents, and the banks have been obliged to
diminish the amount of yearly interest." Speaking of
her son, she says : " His father never has and never
will contribute a single farthing towards his mainte-
nance. We have no correspondence since the demand I
made two years ago, which was merely that he would
pay some part of his necessary expenditure. This he
MRS. WILSON. 167
positively refused ; therefore I consider myself authorized
to educate him in my own way."
Jerome Bonaparte, in later years, lived on familiar
terms in London with Lady Morgan's circle. Vain,
selfish, inconsiderate, and extravagant, he owned no
obligation but his own whims. In 1849 Madame Bona-
parte wrote from Baltimore to Lady Morgan : " There is
nothing here worthy of attention save the money-market.
Society, conversation, friendship, belong to older coun-
tries, and are not yet cultivated in any part of the United
States which 1 have visited. You ought to thank your
stars for your European birth ; you may believe me when
I assure you it is only distance from republics which
lends enchantment to the view of them. A residence
of a few months in the Etats Unis would cure the most
ferocious republican of the mania of republics." Never-
theless, the evening of her life passes serenely in Balti-
more. Beyond fourscore, she enjoys excellent health,
which she attributes, in part, and no doubt justly, to
early hours. Her habits are active, and she is able to
enjoy the visits of her friends and strangers.
Mrs. Wilson was celebrated in New Jersey, both in
the days of her girlhood and widowhood. She was the
daughter of Colonel Charles Stewart, and was born in
1758, at Sidney, the residence of Judge Johnston, her
maternal grandfather. The old mansion was one of the
most stately and aristocratic of colonial residences in
168 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
that section of New Jersey. Its square, massive walls
and heavy portals, made for defence against the Indians,
formed a stronghold for the wealthy proprietor, his rela-
tives and dependents for miles around. " l The big stone
house" was in fact extensively noted as a place of refuge
from danger. For thirty years before the Kevolution,
Judge Johnston was chief magistrate of that section of
the colony, holding court every week in his spacious
hall. The house was situated on an 'elevated terrace,
overhung by parklike woods, at the confluence of the
Capulory and a branch of the Raritan. Colonel Stewart
had a place adjoining this estate. His hospitality was
really unlimited ; besides that his house was the resort
of choice spirits in intellect and public influence, the
stranger and the wanderer " were almost compelled to
come in."
Miss Stewart always presided at his bountiful table.
In 1776 she married Robert Wilson, a young Irishman
of the Barony of Innishowan, and went with him to
Philadelphia. Widowed after three years of married
life, she returned to her residence at Hackettstown,
where her situation was favorable for observation and
knowledge of important military movements. She here
entertained the leading spirits of the Revolution. Wash-
ington, La Fayette, Generals Greene, Gates, Maxwell,
and others, were her frequent guests. On one occasion,
she had ordered dinner provided for thirty or forty,
when news was privately brought to her that General
and Mrs. Washington were coming, escorted by a troop
MRS. WILSOK 169
of horse. She was soon ready to welcome them. The
party stayed till the afternoon of next day, and crowds
came to see the chief. To gratify the people, Mrs.
Wilson had a fine horse brought up, and invited the
General to go out and inspect it. On another occasion,
when there was a similar crowd, a tory lady obtained
permission to stand in the hall while the General passed
through,' and was so much affected by the majesty of his
deportment that she discarded her loyalism.
In her journeys to and from the camp, Mrs. Wash-
ington stopped to visit Mrs. Wilson. During the Pres-
idency of Washington, when Mrs. Wilson came to
Philadelphia with her daughter and entered society, she
was distinguished by particular attentions from his
family.
Her father's house was robbed by bandit tories in
1T83.* Till his death in 1800, Mrs. Wilson continued
at the head of his family, and in the exercise of her
proverbial hospitality. General Maxwell of New Jersey
was a constant visitor. She was often heard to express
regret that full justice had not been done to this valued
friend by some impartial biographer. " As a soldier
and a patriot, he had few superiors," she was wont to
say ; " and in integrity, strength of mind, and kindness
of heart, but few equals." She saw him first at a review
of his regiment, the second raised in New Jersey. He
distinguished himself in many battles, and testimony is
* See " Women of the American Revolution." General Maxwell was
the grand-uncle of the author of this work.
170 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
borne to his high character and services, in numerous
letters and journals of the day. Before the close of the
war he resigned his commission, in displeasure at the
appointment over him of an inferior officer. His death
took place at the bouse of Colonel Stewart.
For fifteen years after her father's death, Mrs. Wilson
devoted her time to the settlement of his large estates,
and the care of two orphan nephews, one of whom was
the distinguished missionary and author, Rev. Charles
Stewart. In 1808 she removed to Cooperstown, New
York; but her last years were spent at "The Lake-
lands," the beautiful residence of her daughter, near
that town. Hers was a lovely close of life, universally
respected and honored; it might better be called a
ripening for immortality.
MRS. BEEKMAN. 171
VII.
OLOFF STEVENSON YAN CORTLANDT, the ancestor of
a distinguished family, died in this country about 1683,
leaving seven children. Two years later, his eldest son
obtained from Governor Dougan a patent for large tracts
of land purchased from the Indians in Westchester, Put-
nam, and Duchess Counties. The old-fashioned stone
mansion that stood on the banks of the Croton known
as the Cortlandt Manor House was the residence of the
family for many years preceding the Revolution, and it
was here that Cornelia, second daughter of Pierre Yan
Cortlandt and Joanna Livingston, was born, in 1752.
Her father, a zealous patriot, was Lieutenant-Governor
of New York under George Clinton, from 1777 to 1795.
Her husband was Gerard G. Beekman ; and their home,
after marriage, was in New York, till the storm of war
drove them back to Croton. When the Peekskill Manor
House, a large brick building two miles north of Peeks-
kill, was completed, the Beekmans removed thither,
remaining during the war. It was a picturesque spot,
but too convenient, as a place of encampment for the
army, not to be exposed to peril and aggression. Of
these Mrs. Beekman had her full share from the tories ;
on one occasion, when she was constrained to fly, finding
172 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
the house despoiled of every thing on her return. Her
social qualities and unbounded hospitality made her
famous throughout the country. The leading Ameri-
can officers were entertained, and one room was called
"Washington's" the house having been his and Gen-
eral Patterson's head-quarters. The charity and kind-
ness of Mrs. Beekman were as widely known as her hos-
pitality; and the poor of the country blessed her for
many acts of self-sacrificing generosity. The trials and
privations she endured for her patriotism, and the depre-
dations with which her property was visited, are de-
scribed in another work.*
The lands in the manor of Philipsburgh, having been
vested in the State of !N"ew York by the attainder of the
owners, were sold in parcels; and Mr. Beekman pur-
chased the tract in the vicinity of Tarrytown in which
stood the old Manor House, to which he removed his
family in 1T85. " Castle Philipse" was the ancient resi-
dence of the lords of Philipsburgh, and strongly fortified,
in the early days of the colony, for defense against the
Indians. The embrasures, or port-holes, now form the
cellar windows. "With additions made by Rodolphus
Philipse, this fort was a convenient dwelling ; looking
on the old Dutch church built in 1699 by Frederick
Philipse and Catharina Van Cortlandt his wife. Tra-
dition says, while superintending its erection, she rode
from New York on horseback, on moonlight nights,
* " Women of the American Revolution."
MRS. BEEKMAN. 173
mounted on a pillion behind her brother, Jacobns Van
Cortlandt. This church, which was struck by lightning,
and rebuilt with modern improvements, is described in
" The Legend of Sleepy Hollow " with the wide, woody
dell, and the bridge over the shaded stream, where
Ichabod Crane met with his adventure. Mrs. Beekman
often expressed her indignation that Irving had given
the name of " Sleepy Hollow" to a spot so near her own
residence, when the ravine on the other side of the hill
was the actual locality of the legend. The Pocanteco, or
Mill Eiver, wanders here, replenished by crystal rills,
through a region of romantic beauty, by dark woodlands,
over grassy meadows, and beneath rugged heights. The
Manor House was fronted by trees surrounding a silver
sheet of water; and near it was the old mill, with its
moss-covered roof, where many bushels of grain were
ground free of toll for the poor. The windows com-
manded a most picturesque view of the landscape
through which the stream wound, to lose itself in the
bosom of the Hudson. Here passed the later years of
Mrs. Beekman's life, in the midst of a circle of friends,
to whose improvement and happiness she contributed.
She was well pleased to welcome La Fayette on his last
visit, and talk with him of days gone by. She survived
her husband many years, and died in the midst of loving
kindred, in her ninety-fifth year. Her funeral was at-
tended by an immense concourse, in carriages, on horse-
back, and on foot. The hearse was drawn by two white
horses with sable trappings, while the tolling of the old
174 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
church bell broke the silence. She was known as an
accomplished lady " of the old school." With steadfast
principles, she had a lofty sense of honor ; with force of
will and stern resolution, a heart alive to all kindly feel-
ings. In her prime she was noted for beauty of person,
refinement, and dignified courtesy ; while her conversa-
tion was brilliant and interesting. Amid her stores of
anecdote were thrilling tales of the olden time. Her
mental faculties were unimpaired to the last; though
her sight failed. Calmly she awaited death, with the
clear faith of a Christian, and, while counting the failing
beats of her pulse with one hand, signed her name with
the other, shortly before she breathed her last. Of her
brothers and sisters, General Pierre Van Cortlandt and
Mrs. Yan Eensselaer alone survived her. Her daughter
was Mrs. De Peyster, and her son was Dr. Beekman of
Tarry town.
Mrs. Gates, the wife of General Gates, was his intel-
ligent and efficient helpmeet, managing his house and
estate in his absence. She was Miss Phillips, the daugh-
ter of a British officer. She and General Gates lived for
years in Virginia, but afterwards at their country-seat
"Rose Hill" near New York, where they exercised
almost unlimited hospitality. " My Mary " was always
quoted with deference by the General, and had a frank
welcome for his friends.
CATHARINE M VAN CORTLANDT FIELD
MRS. BENJAMIN H. FIELD. 175
MRS. FIELD, the grand-daughter of Cornelia Beekman,
has the blood of the most distinguished families in
America in her veins. The De Peysters, Livingstons,
Beekmans, Yan Cortlandts, and Yan Rensselaers, among
whose branches the intermarriages would puzzle a gene-
alogist, were all more or less closely connected with hei
ancestors. It is curious to trace back such a descent.
Taking that of De Peyster one of the French Protest-
ant families driven from their native land by the perse-
cution of Charles IX. we find the first American resi-
dent to be Johannes de Peyster, a native of Haarlem,
and a merchant of wealth and respectable standing. He
was descended from a long line, and filled various poSi
tions in the church and magistracy ; being Deputy
Mayor of New Amsterdam in 1677. Portions of mas-
sive and elegant plate, and gems of art in the way of
pictures, brought by him from Holland, are preserved by
his descendants. He was assessed among the wealthiest
inhabitants of the city, and his name is chronicled in
connection with movements of importance in the colony.
The office of Schepen was held by him ; and after the
cession of the Dutch colony to England, he was promo-
ted to the highest offices in the municipality. Two of
his sons and a son-in-law were successively Mayors of
New York. Of the sons, Abraham was a prominent
politician, of great wealth, and one of the largest owners
of real estate in the colony. His wife was Caterina De
Peyster, who was married to him in Holland in 1684.
He was one of Leisler's adherents in the revolution of
176 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
1689 ; was Judge, and then Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court, and died in 1728. His son, Colonel Abraham De
Peyster, at different times advanced large sums for
Government use. He was a friend of Bellamont and
William Tell the patriot. His eldest son, Abraham,
succeeded him in the office of Treasurer of the Province
of New York about 1721, and his eldest daughter, Cath-
arine, was married to Philip Yan Cortlandt, whose son
was the well-known Lieutenant-Governor Pierre Yan
Cortlandt, of Croton. His daughter, Elizabeth, was the
wife of Hon. John Hamilton, the Governor of New
Jersey. His seventh son, Pierre Guillaume De Peyster,
married Catharine Schuyler, the sister of Peter Schuyler,
who was famous for his extraordinary influence among
the Five Nations of Indians. The second son of this
Pierre Guillaume was the distinguished Colonel Arent
Schuyler De Peyster, of the British army, whose services
secured the overthrow of French influence in the great
Northwest, thus giving the empire of the lakes to the
Anglo-Saxon race. Abraham, who held the office of
Treasurer forty years, had a descendant in the British
army, who met with marvellous accidents. He was
blown up, and buried for more than an hour, by the
explosion of a mine at the siege of Yalenciennes ; swal-
lowed up twice by the explosion of another mine in front
of the French works near Menin, and so completely cov-
ered that only the fringe of his sash protruded from the
ground, leading, after a long search, to the recovery of
MRS. BENJAMIN" H. FIELD 177
his body. A few days afterwards he fell in action at
Lincelles, in 1793.
The Colonel Arent Schuyler De Peyster alluded to
was remarkable as a soldier and diplomatist. The Brit-
ish government owed to him itg vast Northwest terri-
tory. He wielded a vigorous pen, and had a poetical
controversy with Burns through the Dumfries Journal.
One of Burus's fugitive pieces, addressed to him in 1796,
Degan
"My honored Colonel, deep I feel
Your interest in the poet's weal.
All, how sma' heart ha' I to speel
The steep Parnassus,
Surrounded thus by bolus pill
And potion glasses."
This really "wonderful man" was buried with honors
in Dumfries. His nephew, namesake, protege, and
intended heir, one of the first American circumnaviga-
tors, sailed twice round the world, doubling the Cape of
Good Hope fifteen times, and discovering the De Peyster
Islands.
Frederick, the son of James De Peyster and Sarah
Reade, was born in 1758, and married Helen Hake, the
daughter of the claimant of the title of Lord Hake, and
the grand-daughter of Robert Gilbert Livingston. His
second wife was Ann, daughter of Gerard G. Beekman,
and grand-daughter of Pierre Van Cortlandt, of Croton.
He had one son and seven daughters, of whom, the
youngest was Catherine Matilda Van Cortlandt De Pey-
eter, the lady of whom we make brief mention, as one of
178 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
the few Americans who can look back upon the wonder
fill deeds of distinguished ancestors, and refer to a thick
volume of genealogy.
Miss De Pejster was carefully educated, and from
childhood associated with the numerous connections of
her family who have their residences on the Hudson and
in New York. In 1838, she married Mr. Benjamin
Hazard Field, a descendant of Sir John Field, the
astronomer. He is the owner of the tract of land in
Westchester County which has been kept in the family
over two hundred and fifty years ; but his residence has
been chiefly in New York, where Mrs. Field has hospita-
bly entertained numerous friends from time to time, and
devoted herself to the care of her two children. In 1863,
her " silver wedding " was celebrated by a very large
party and the offering of splendid presents. A large
mirror over the mantel was encircled by a plateau of
green moss, suitable to the Christmas season, with the
letters, " Silver Wedding," formed by rose-buds, through
the center of the half circle. Rich bouquets and baskets
of flowers were ranged on either side, and on each side
the corresponding mirror in the hall; the reflection hav-
ing a fine effect when the folding-doors were thrown
open. Poetry, as well as flowers, adorned the festive
occasion. The Bishop of Western New York, Eev.
Arthur Cleveland Coxe, gave to Mrs. Field some im-
promptu verses, referring to another gay party which
they had mutually enjoyed when he was a youth, not
MRS. BENJAMIN H. FIELD. 179
yet devoted to the sacred calling. Even an early effu-
sion from such a mind is worth preserving.
TO MRS. B. H. FIELD.
" I take your word it must be so,
This is your silver wedding-day I
I thought we still were young but lol
My hair is turning silver-gray.
" And, now you mention it, the time
Comes back to mind, and that gay board,
When flrst I prophesied, in rhyme,
Sen should be soon your wedded lord.
"Merry we spoke and merry laughed;
And bright your crimson blushes glowed,
As foaming bumpers then wo quafl'ed,
And wished you life's most flowery road.
" Full soon the oracle came true.
But scarce can I believe mine ears,
When, now, once more it comes to view,
Well kept for flve-and-twenty years.
"So lasts and lives the generous wine;
And so, well kept, the vintage flows
Afresh, when years are sped, and fine
And mellow too its flavor grows 1
"I did not pledge so long a lease
Of love and joy, your destined fate;
Though married bliss and home-born peace
I knew full well would bless your mate.
" For years 'tis God alone can give :
And solemn must the questions be,
How long together ye shall live ?
Who shall your golden wedding see?
180 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
"How long shall yet the merry ring
Of friends that saw your gladsome start
Unbroken last? What year shall bring
To one, or all, the broken heart?
11 With Heaven still let the secret rest 1
Happy, if with assurance calm
We wait, each one to be a guest
At the great wedding of the Lamb?
SOCIETY IN CHARLESTON. 181
VIII.
THE revocation of the edict of Nantes, in the days of
Louis XIV., drove from their homes thousands of the
best among the French population. Many of those who
sought refuge in America settled in the Carolinas, where
their industry created homes for their families. Among
these were the Hugers, the Petigrus, the Desaussures,
the Gourdins, and others eminent in society. In the
Eevolution all adhered to the cause of the patriots.
Charleston, in South Carolina, was in advance of any
other Southern city as the seat of social elegance and
refined and generous hospitality. The private residents
were so liberal in entertaining strangers that inn-keepers
complained of their business suffering. The ladies wore
the rich and tasteful costumes of the middle of the
century; and their milliners and tailors kept up commu-
nication with Paris, as the preference was given to
French fashions. From four o'clock in the afternoon
business was given up, and the people thought only of
amusement. There were two gaming houses, which
were always full. The women were not so handsome as
in Philadelphia, but were interesting and agreeable. At
a public concert and ball given when Washington was
in Charleston, they wore bandeaux of white ribbon inter-
182 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
woven in the head-dress, with heads of Washington
painted on them, and the motto, in gilt letters, " Long
live the President."
Among the Charleston ladies most prominent in
society, some loyalist women formed the material of the
large parties given by the leading officers of the British
army. Local tradition remembers among them, as belles
of the city during its occupation by the royal troops, the
Misses Harvey ; three sisters, of rich, exuberant beauty,
and wild, passionate temper. "Moll Harvey," as she
was familiarly called, was a splendid woman, with dark,
Cleopatra-like eyes, and tresses long, massive, and glossy
black. " A more exquisite figure never floated through
the mazes of a dance." Her intellect was subtle, and
she was keen and quick at repartee, free of fancy, and
of a bold and reckless spirit. It is said that one of her
flirtations was with Prince William, afterwards William
IY., the. 1 !' a lieutenant in the navy. The prince became
madly in love with her, and the rumor went that he pro-
posed a secret marriage ; but her proud spirit would be
content only with public espousals. Another royalist
lady was Miss Mary Roupell, a proud beauty, and
haughty as a queen. Paulina Phelps was an heiress,
and of highly respectable family ; she made a conquest
of Major Archibald Campbell " Mad Archy," as he was
termed.
The fashionable Mrs. Eivington was the widow of a
wealthy planter, and lived in Broad Street. Her hus-
band had been one of the royal counsellors for the pro-
MRS. RIVINGTON. MRS. SINGLETOX. 183
vince. She was a fiery tory, and led the ton among
them all, ruling with absolute sway as long as the Brit-
ish had possession of Charleston, and turning her back
on the liutledges, Gadsdens, and other Whig families.
She was indeed an important acquisition to the garrison.
She was wealthy, fair, and forty, though not fat; her
suppers were excellent. Thus Cornelia Rivington had
numerous admirers, but rejected all matrimonial over-
tures. Having suffered as a wife, she took revenge as a
widow, and the stout majors of foot who besieged her
heart were compelled to sigh in vain. She gave levees
for conversation and evening parties ; and at her "morn-
ings " her rooms were open from eleven to one.
Mrs. Richard Singleton was sprung of the best Vir-
ginia stock, and was devoted to the American cause.
Her husband had lost his life in the last struggle with
the French, when the Indians ravaged the frontier.
Her house was in Church Street near Tradd, and it was
a favorite point of meeting with the patriots. " Hither,
in the dark days that found their husbands, sons, or
brothers in exile, or in camp, or in the prison-ship, came
the Rutledges, the Laurens, the Izards, and most of the
distinguished families of the low country of South Caro-
lina, to consult as to the future, to review their con-
dition, to consider their resources ; and, if no more, to
' weep their sad bosoms empty.' " Among these Whig
ladies were the wife of General Gadsden, a dame of
stately pride ; Mrs. Savage and Mrs. Parsons, described
by the witling as " tragedy queens," &c. ; and the names
184 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
of Edwards, Horry, Ferguson, Pinckney, and Elliott,
were represented with dignity and patriotism. They all
attended Mrs. Singleton's "evenings." Grave studies
occupied their time ; their work was to go continually
from the city to the interior, gathering reports of the
signs of the times, and conveying intelligence, and some-
times ammunition, to friends in the army, or devising
schemes for the deliverance of the city. Thus the social
assemblages sometimes led to large results. Notwith-
standing political troubles, Charleston was gay at that
time ; there were fetes champetres, and brilliant evening
parties ; parties and picnics for Hadd rill's, Sullivan's,
James's, and Morris Islands ; drives into St. Andrews,
Goose Creek, and Accabee, &c. Tradition remembers a
grand ball given in a mansion in Ladsden's Court, then
occupied by Biddulph, the paymaster of the British
forces. The whole court was lighted up, and every
room was filled with the select of the garrison and the
distinguished of the city, without regard to politics, so
far as ladies were concerned. Mrs. Brewton, a patriotic
woman, celebrated for her talent for repartee, was there.
A young officer of the Guards offering to take letters for
her to Mrs. Motte, her sister-in-law, she replied : " Thank
you, Lieutenant, I should like much to write, but I
really have no wish to have my letters read at the head
of Marion's brigade." It was believed that the same
officer's capture, which really occurred on his expedition,
was owing to the secret intelligence conveyed by Mrs.
Brewton ; and she was expelled from the city.
BALL IN CHARLESTON. 185
The story went, that "Mad Archy" invited the
handsome heiress, Miss Paulina Phelps, to take a drive
to Goose Creek. The rector of the parish, Mr. Elling-
ton, lived there, and was seen on the piazza as they
drove up. Campbell flung the reins to a servant, sprang
out, and lifted out Paulina, who seemed in extreme
agitation, for she had no sooner reached the piazza than
she sank into a chair, and faintly asked for a glass of
water. Campbell was in great haste to be married ; he
had laid a wager; the lady said nothing, but seemed
terribly frightened; the parson was in rare embarrass-
ment. At last " Mad Archy" drew out a pistol. " You
must marry us directly, or I'll blow your brains out!"*
he exclaimed. There was no choice. They were shown
into the parlor ; the books were prepared, and the cere-
mony was performed; the lady afterwards protesting
that she was surprised and terrified into acquiescence.
Another ball given by Colonel Cruden, who then
had the spacious mansion of General Pinckney, on East
Bay, was long remembered as the greatest display of the
season. The illuminations were brilliant, the gardens
being absolutely draped with light. At the end of
every avenue the lights were multiplied from pyramidal
lusters of steel bayonets, burnished muskets, and sabers
grouped in stars and crescents. The guests were nu-
merous, and invited from both parties. Rousing bowls
of punch furnished refreshment, and from one splendid-
* Mr. W. G-. Sirnms.
186 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ly enameled vase on a table, which held several gallons,
it was served in large cups of filagreed china. An inci-
dent that occurred gave occasion for sundry witticisms;
Miss Mary Roupell was leaning against a window-seat,
when the sash fell heavily upon her wrist. She swooned
with the pain. A Mr. Stock, in his anxiety to revive
her, seized the mammoth bowl of punch, and threw its
contents over her face. Major Barry wrote the follow-
ing epigram on the occasion :
" When fair Roupell lay fainting in her pain,
' Oh, what,' cry all, ' will bring her to again ?'
1 What ! what 1' says Stock, ' but punch a draught divine 1
'Twill ease her pain: it always conquered mine 1' "
Rebecca Motte, celebrated for her heroic conduct in
giving Lee the bow and arrows to fire her dwelling when
it was occupied by the -British, was the daughter of
Robert Brewton, and was married in 1758. Her two
eldest daughters married, in succession, General Thomas
Pinckney ; the third was the wife of Colonel William
Alston, of Charleston. Her descendants are among the
most distinguished families in South Carolina. They
cherish her name with pride and affection, regarding her
fame as a rich inheritance. She died in 1815, at her
plantation on the Santee.
Mrs. Gibbes, the wife of Robert Gibbes, lived in a
beautiful house near Stono River, on St. John's Island,
two hours sail from Charleston. The extensive lawn,
the river walks, the live oaks and orange-trees, and
flower-gardens, were pleasant adjuncts ; and " Peaceful
MRS. GIBBES. MRS. ELLIOTT. 187
.Retreat" was the seat of elegant hospitality. Every
luxury art could furnish was added to the beauties of
natural scenery, and a cultivated taste presided over all.
The fame of this noble country-place induced some of
the British to resolve to transfer themselves into such
desirable quarters, and one night they landed with the
intention of forming their establishment. Mrs. Gibbes
hastily dressed herself and the children, her husband
being a cripple from gout, and prepared to receive the
enemy. When the soldiers advanced, the door was
thrown open, discovering the invalid surrounded by his
helpless family. During the stay of the intruders, Mrs.
Gibbes continued to preside at her table, with a digni-
fied courtesy that kept the rudest in reverence. When
the American authorities sent two galleys to dislodge
the British, she removed her family in haste to a planta-
tion three miles distant. The heroic conduct of her
eldest daughter, who went back to save a child, and
carried him in her arms through the fire of the soldiery,
has been the theme of song and story.* Mrs. Gibbes
had a house in Charleston, but during the latter years
of her life resided at Wilton, the country-seat of Mrs
Barnard Elliott.
The name of Mrs. Barnard Elliott is familiar in
South Carolina. Her maiden name was Susannah
Smith ; she was the daughter of Benjamin Smith,
Speaker of the Provincial Assembly. In June, 1776,
* See "Women of the American Revolution" for a memoir, with
details of the incident.
188 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
she presented two standards of richly embroidered colors
to Colonel Moultrie's regiment of infantry, with an ap-
propriate speech, and received thanks. One of these
was planted by Jasper on the works before Savannah,
three years afterwards ; the gallant soldier received his
death-wound, and sent a message to Mrs. Elliott that he
had lost his life supporting her colors.
Susannah was an orphan heiress, and brought up by
her aunt, Eebecca Motte, of patriotic memory. The
niece also gave her sympathies and efforts to her coun-
try's cause. General Greene acknowledged her services.
She was a beauty, and a universal favorite both before
and after her marriage. Many anecdotes of her heroic
spirit and patriotism are related, which are given in
another work.
A beauty and leader in social circles, who had a
picturesque life, was Sabina, the wife of William Elliott.
Their family residence "Accabee," seven miles from
Charleston was noted during the war as a place of
refuge. Its garden and lawn extended to Ashley
River ; the grounds were shaded by magnificent live
oaks, decorated with the floating silvery moss peculiar
to the Southern lowlands. There, too, were the grace-
ful fringe-tree, and the magnolia grandiflora, with other
ornamental trees in front and on either side the mansion.
The rear portico looked on an avenue of flowering locusts
nearly a mile long. In the spacious hall, a circular
flight of stairs led to Mrs. Elliott's study. This charm-
ing country-seat was her residence in the winter and
MRS. LEWJ3 MORRIS. 189
early spring ; her summers were passed at Johnson's
Fort, on John's Island.
The eldest daughter of Mrs. Elliott became the wife
of Daniel linger ; the youngest, Ann, married Colonel
Lewis Morris, eldest son of Lewis Morris, of Morrisania,
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Ann Elliott was born at Accabee. She was an ardent
patriot, and was called by the British "the beautiful
rebel." "While the British had possession of Charleston,
she wore a bonnet decorated with thirteen small plumes.
Kosciusko was her admirer and correspondent. The
second son of a noble English family became so enam-
ored of her that he offered to join the American army ;
but, though he besought friends to intercede, she refused
him and his gifts with scorn. She saved the life of
Colonel Morris when her house was visited by the Black
Dragoons in search of him.
Colonel and Mrs. Morris owned a cotton plantation
on the Edisto River, four miles from Charleston, called
the " The Round O." They had also a residence upon
Sullivan's Island. Mrs. Morris was one of the belles
distinguished at the levees of the first President, and at
the " Republican Court." During the latter part of her
life she lived at Morrisania. She died in New York, in
1848, at the age of eighty-six.
Jane Elliott married Colonel Washington, whom she
first saw as a wounded prisoner, while engaged in the
supervision of the hospital. She was the only child of
Charles Elliott, of St. Paul's parish. Gifted with beauty
190 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
and wealth, her frank and winning, yet dignified man-
ners, and noble character, gained general admiration.
Political friend and foe alike paid homage to her charms.
Major Barry addressed a poem " To Jane Elliott, play-
ing the guitar." commencing thus :
" Sweet harmonist ! -whom nature triply arms
With virtue, beauty, music's j owerful charms;
Say, why combined, when each resistless power
Might mark its conquest to the fleeting hour?"
Her marriage to Washington took place in 1782.
Her residence was the family seat, " Sandy Hill," in
South Carolina. She died at sixty-six, in 1830.
Anna Elliott was the daughter of the brave patriot
Thomas Ferguson. She labored for her country, and
was an angel of mercy to the poor and afflicted. Her
power of fascination, even over enemies, was remarkable.
Many favors were granted at her request by British
officers, while they held Charleston. Tradition preserved
her reply to a royal officer in her garden, when he asked
the name of a flower : " The rebel flower," she answered.
" Why so called ?" he asked. " Because it always flour-
ishes most when trampled on."
When Ferguson was banished, his daughter, whose
nature was all impulse and feeling, came to Charleston,
and obtained leave to accompany him. She went on
board the ship, and strove to cheer and encourage her
father ; but her feelings overcame her, and she fainted in
the cabin.
MRS. CALHOUtf. i91
The mother of John C. Calhoun was Martha Cald-
well, whose parents emigrated to Virginia about 1749.
They were descended from French Huguenots. Martha,
with Patrick Calhoun, her husband, lived in Abbeville,
South Carolina. Her sister, Elizabeth Caldwell, was a
sufferer, with her mother, in the perils and persecutions
of the Revolution. She married Robert Gillam, and
lived to a great age, residing with her son, General
James Gillam. She and other members of the Caldwell
family were very prominent in society. John C. Cal-
houn, in 1811, married Floride Calhoun, the daughter
of John Ewing Calhoun, his cousin, a former United
States senator from South Carolina. She brought him
an accession of fortune.
Esther Wake was the sister of Lady Tryon, the wife
of Governor Tryon, of North Carolina. These two
lovely and accomplished women exercised great influ-
ence, not only in society, but in matters of State. The
Governor's dinners were princely ; the fascinations of
the ladies irresistible ; and they helped to sustain the
Executive authority. It was owing to their endeavors
that a grant was obtained from the Assembly for build-
ing a splendid palace ; and when the name of Tryon
County was discarded, on account of the loyalism of
those who bore it, the resolution to alter that of Wake
was rejected by acclamation. Thus the county in which
Raleigh is situated is consecrated in popular remem-
192 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
brance by association with the memory of beauty and
virtue.
Margaret Gaston, the mother of Judge Gaston, of
North Carolina, was born in England, about 1755, and
educated in a French convent. While on a visit in
North Carolina, she met Dr. Alexander Gaston, and
was married to him at the age of twenty. He was bar-
barously killed by the tories, in 1781. The widow had
thenceforth but one object in life the education of her
son. Her piety and lovely character gave her the high-
est appreciation in North Carolina.
Mrs. Wilie Jones was the daughter of Colonel Mount-
fort, and was conspicuous in society, being said to be
" loved enthusiastically by every being who knew her."
Born to ample fortune, she dispensed it with munifi-
cence, and an elegant hospitality rarely seen in a new
country. She was charitable, and had a " native nobili-
ty of soul." The famous reply to Tarleton, when he
sneeringly expressed a wish to see the rebel colonel,
Washington, that he ought to have looked behind him
at the battle of the Cowpens, has been attributed both to
her and her sister, Mrs. Ashe. Mrs. Jones died in 1828.
Mrs. Long (Miss McKinney) was the wife of Colonel
Nicholas Long, commissary-general of the North Caro-
lina forces. She possessed great energy and high mental
endowments, and was greatly admired by the officers on
both sides.
Mrs. Ealph Izard, in her youth, was noted as a
beauty in the gayest circles of New York society. She
THE DE LANCET FAMILY. 193
was the daughter of Peter De Lancey, of Westchester,
grand-daughter to Etienne De Lancey, a Huguenot no-
bleman, who came to America in 1686. Many women
of this distinguished family married eminent men.
Susan, daughter of Colonel Stephen De Lancey, married
Lieutenant-Colonel William Johnson, and afterwards
Lieutenant-General Sir Hudson Lowe, and was the beau-
tiful Lady Lowe praised by Bonaparte. Charlotte mar-
ried Sir David Dundas ; another of the family, Sir Wil-
liam Draper. In later years, one of them became the
wife of J. Fennimore Cooper. Alice married Ralph
Izard, of Charleston, a gentleman of accomplishments
and liberal fortune, in 1767. He took his bride to
Europe, and lived in Paris some time; his family re-
maining abroad till peace was concluded. The old
family residence, " The Elms," in South Carolina, was
noted for their liberal hospitality. During the illness of
her husband, Mrs. Izard managed -his large estate and
wrote his business letters, besides taking care of three
families of children.*
* A fair relative of General "Washington had a very remarkable expe-
rience. Born of wealthy parents, in Virginia, she was a widow at seven-
teen, living with her father, who had lost fortune and emigrated to
Florida. His home was a log cabin with two rooms, in the unbroken
solitude of a primeval forest. Colonel Gadsden was a neighbor, and often
spoke of his friend the Prince Achille Murat exiled, with a price set on
his head, living like a hermit on his plantation. He was introduced at
length, and became enamored of the beautiful Kate. After some months
she was married to the son of the Neapolitan monarch, the consent of his
exiled family having been obtained. Madame Murat took the manage-
ment of the plantation. In the Florida war Murat had the friendship of
an Indian chief, who was accustomed to come at night, build a fire in his
194 QUEEXS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
dwelling, and stay till morning. "You and your squaw safe," he would
say, when they trembled at the terrible deeds they witnessed. Twenty-
five years after the marriage Murat died ; but the princess continued to
live on her Florida property, among her slaves ; attending to the hospitals
during the war, and selling her jewels to feed the destitute. Afterwards
she visited England and France, and was received by the Emperor and
Eugenie ; returning to the gardens and fields of her beloved Southern
home.
BELLES OF THE WEST. 195
IX.
ABOUT 1779, Governor Caswell, of North Carolina,
appointed Isaac Shelby lieutenant-colonel (Anthony
Bledsoe being colonel) of the military company of Sul-
livan County. When Shelby returned from Kentucky,
he became the affianced husband of Miss Susan Hart, a
celebrated belle among the western settlements at that
time. He took command, soon after, of the gallant vol-
unteers who encountered the forces of Ferguson at
King's Mountain, October 7, 1780, and, coming home
crowned with the victor's wreath, found that his be-
trothed had gone with her brother to Kentucky, leaving
for him no invitation to follow her. A lively little
damsel was Sarah, the daughter of Colonel Bledsoe, and
as the young officer spent much time at her father's, she
often rallied him on his dejection at this cruel desertion.
Shelby would reply by expressing resentment at the
treatment he had received at the hands of the fair
coquette, and protesting that he would not follow her,
nor ask her of her father ; he would wait for little Sarah
Bledsoe, a far prettier bird than the one that had flown
away. The flippant maiden, then some thirteen years
old, would laughingly return his banter by saying, " he
had better wait, indeed! and see if he could win Miss
196 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Bledsoe, who could not win Miss Hart!" The arch
damsel was not wholly in jest ; for a youthful kinsman
of the officer David Shelby, a lad of seventeen or
eighteen, who had fought by Isaac's side at King's
Mountain had already captivated her merry fancy.
She remained true to this early love. The gallant
colonel, who had threatened infidelity to his, did actu-
ally, notwithstanding his protestations, go to Kentucky
the following year, seek out Miss Susan Hart, and
marry her. She made him a faithful and excellent
wife.
"Little Sarah" Bledsoe married David Shelby in
1784, and had her home in the midst of the wilderness
of Cumberland valley. Shelby established himself as
the first merchant in Nashville, in 1790. He afterwards
removed to Sumner County ; maintaining a high and
honorable position, and giving valuable aid in building
up the new State, in which his wife took her part.
Her history, indeed, would embrace that of Tennessee.
The names of Bledsoe, Shelby, Sevier, Robertson, Bu-
chanan, Rains, and Wilson, are conspicuous in the
country's annals; and amid the toil and heroic deeds
that have made them celebrated, no woman did her
share more nobly than Mrs. Shelby. She lived to see
the helpless colony increase to a goodly State ; residing,
for the last twenty years of her life, with her son, Dr.
Shelby, at his beautiful country-seat, " Faderland," near
Nashville. Here she received and conversed with all
interested in the early history of that region, and daily
MRS. SEVIER. 197
exhibited the beauty of an earnest u walk by faith."
She died in 1852, aged eighty-six.
The wife of the first Governor of Tennessee the
lady of " Ilium Grove " is worthy of a record. Cathe-
rine Sherrill came with her father's family, in one of the
pioneer parties, from the banks of Yadkin, North Caro-
lina, across the rugged mountains, to seek new homes in
the valley of the "Watauga. Mr. Sherrill's residence was
on the Nola Chucka, and known as "Daisy Fields."
The station was attacked by the Indians in 1TY6; and
among the flying women who were pursued by them was
Miss Catherine Sherrill, whose family had removed for
safety to the fort only the day before. The young lady
was distinguished for courage and fleetness; it was said
she could outrun and outleap any other woman ; " could
walk more erect, and ride more gracefully and skilfully
than any other in all the mountains round about." On
this occasion she did ''run her best." Her figure was
tall and straight, and her appearance was such as to
attract the special notice and pursuit of the savages.
They intercepted the direct path to the fort, and she was
compelled to make a circuit, with a view of scaling the
walls or palisades. At her first attempt, some one with-
in the defenses tried to assist her; but his foot slipped,
or the object on which he stood gave way, and both fell
to the ground on opposite sides of the inclosure. The
Indians were close at hand, and determined to capture
the maiden. She said : " Their bullets and arrows came
like hail : it was now leap the wall or die, for I would
198 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
not live a captive !" She sprang, and in a moment was
over, and within the defenses, "by the side of one in
uniform." It was Captain John Sevier, and this was
her first sight of her future husband. Sevier was then
married ; but his wife died in 1779, and in the follow
ing year he married Miss Sherrill. Their happy unior-
lasted forty years. Sevier had selected an estate on the
Watauga and Nola Chucka, and it received the name of
"Plum Grove." Mrs. Sevier devoted herself to the
duties of her station as mistress of a large household.
Then the women did not disdain the employments of
spinning, weaving, and making up most of the clothes
worn by backwoods people; and all young girls were
taught how to do such things. Mrs. Sevier's first work
after marriage was to make the suits worn by her hus-
band and his three sons at the battle of King's Moun-
tain ; and she often said, " Had his ten children been
sons, and old enough to serve in that expedition, I could
have fitted them out." She became the mother of eight
children.
Colonel Sevier's life was one of incessant action and
contest. He took a principal part in the Indian wars of
East Tennessee, in the settlement of the country, and
the organization of the State government. The Indian
prisoners captured by him at one time thirty in num-
ber were taken care of in his own house. Mrs. Sevier's
influence over them was salutary. When tories threat-
ened invasion, she would not leave her home to seek
refuge in a block-house. " The wife of John Sevier
MRS. SEVIER. 199
knows no fear," she was accustomed to say. The respect
she manifested for her- husband, and her own womanly
dignity, had a favorable influence in promoting both his
zeal and usefulness in the public service. She relieved
him of all home cares. At one time the tories, infuri-
ated against him, came to take him prisoner, determined
to hang him ; and when Mrs. Sevier refused to inform
them where he was, threatened to shoot her if she per-
sisted in her silence. " Shoot ! shoot !" she exclaimed,
in defiance ; " I am not afraid to die. But remember,
while there is a Sevier upon the earth, my blood will
not be unavenged !" She proved her ability to defend
her property on more than one occasion. She was lib-
eral and charitable to the poor, and always welcomed
the sick and wounded to the care and nursing she gave
the soldiers. Many of the Colonel's Indian expeditions
were fitted out and supplied by her exertions with money
and provisions.
In 1784, occurred the scenes of the " State of Frank-
land," a name given by the people of East Tennessee to
a separate and independent government, organized in
consequence of dissatisfaction with the condition of
affairs under North Carolina. John Sevier was the first
and last governor of the new State. The establishment
of this little republic was regarded as no less than a
declaration of revolt by the Governor of North Carolina,
and those concerned in it were sternly commanded to
return to their allegiance and duty. In the conflict of
authorities, and the civil and personal contests that grew
200 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
out of this state of things in the revolted territory, the
prudent and judicious conduct of Mrs. Sevier added to
her husband's reputation and popularity. Their house
was a place of general resort ; being known to be open
freely to all friends of the rights of self-defense and inde-
pendence. All who came for counsel or aid were deeply
impressed by Mrs. Sevier's dignity and noble bearing.
Measures of adjustment were at last adopted. This
gave some offense, and Governor Sevier was entrapped
and carried off by enemies into North Carolina. His
wife, with a courage and daring few women could have
shown, promptly raised up friends who rescued him.
When, after those scenes were past, he was called, again
and again, by the unanimous voice, to preside as gov-
ernor over the State of Tennessee, and when he was
elected to the Congress of the United States, then did
her great heart swell with thankfulness, as she acknow-
ledged that she had not endured peril, toil, and sacrifice
in vain. During the twelve years that he was Governor
of Tennessee, she made his home delightful ; a place of
repose for the weary, an asylum for the afflicted ; known
far and wide as " the hospitable mansion of the people's
favorite." This admirable woman was self-educated. She
said : " I picked up a good deal from observation of men
and their acts, for that was a business with us in the
early settlements." She was the instructor of her chil-
dren. Her own time was always filled up with employ-
ment of some kind ; she plied her knitting- work while
MRS. SEVIER. 201
in conversation, and always wore a bunch of bright keys
at her side.
After the death of Governor Sevier, in 1815, his
widow removed to Overton County, in Middle Tennes-
see, where most of her children lived. Her retired resi-
dence was in a romantic and secluded spot about ten
or fifteen acres on a high bench or spur of one of the
mountains, a few miles from Obed Kiver. A bold
stream flung its waters down the mountain, and a dense
wood shaded the spring near the house. Mrs. Sevier
was known for years as the lady of " The Dale," seldom
coming down from her eyrie ; for the aged eagle had
lost her mate, and she breathed the air nearest heaven,
among the lofty oaks on the heights. Yet she was
always cheerful, and, in her pointed and expressive lan-
guage, would often relate anecdotes of the early settlers.
"With some pride she preserved an imported carpet,
which had been presented to "the first governor's
wife." It was, indeed, the first article of the kind ever
laid on a "puncheon," or split log floor, west of the
Alleghanies. It was usually spread out when company
was expected ; and when they had gone, Susy and Jeff,
the servants, dusted, folded, and boxed it up. Cleanli-
ness and order reigned in the abode, and "godliness
with contentment." The lady herself was always, neat
and tidy ; she wore a white cap with black trimmings,
and sat erect as a statue, with her feet on the hearth-
rug, her work-stand beside her, and her Bible upon it, or
on her lap. The governor's hat hung on the wall. She
9*
202 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
quitted this mountain hermitage only when her last son
removed to Alabama ; dying in 1836, in Russelville, at
the age of eighty-two.
Ruth, the second daughter of Governor Sevier by his
second marriage, was born at " Plum Grove," in that |
part of North Carolina now known as East Tennessee ;
those settlements then forming the extreme borders of
the country inhabited by civilized Americans. During
the Indian wars in which Governor Sevier commanded
the troops, and was acknowledged as " the friend and
protector of the exposed settlements," Ruth evinced a
strong interest in the history and character of those
warlike tribes. She learned the Cherokee language, and
won favor with the savages, who called her " Chiicka's
Rutha." Her form was of rare symmetry ; she had " a
face and a figure for a painter," and never stood, sat, or
walked, but with a native ease and grace that won
admiration. A young captive, adopted by the Indians,
and named Shawtunk, saw and loved her, and won her
affections. They were married, and Ruth not only
taught her husband the elements of education, but
accompanied him to military posts as his secretary ;
making out his reports, and performing the duties of
which she could relieve him. In Natchez and other
towns she became a brilliant belle in social circles; "the
cynosure of neighboring eyes" for her beauty and un-
limited influence. She was married a second time to a
wealthy planter .of Mississippi. Their residence was a
beautiful and highly improved country-seat "Burling-
KENTUCKY LADIES. 203
ton'" within view of Port Gibson, in Mississippi. Here
were entertained a continual succession of visitors, with
hospitality more splendid than had yet been seen in the
western country. The stately abode was made charm-
ing by the cheerful temper and genial kindness of its
mistress. She was a model housewife, and had all
things in perfect order, while showing attention to her
numerous guests. Her death occurred in 1824, while
she was on a visit to Maysville, Kentucky.
One of the pioneers of Kentucky the pride of her
State, and celebrated as an ornament to the country
was Anna, the widow of Hon. Henry Innis. Her early
day? were passed in the wild woods, and yet in the
society of such men as Clark, Wayne, Shelby, Scott,
Boone, Henderson, Logan, Breckenridge, and all the
great and heroic spirits of the West. She became the
chronicler of her own times, interweaving traditions of
the past with her narrative. With a cheerful disposi-
tion and a powerful intellect, she was blessed in store
and in the children given her. . Her daughter was the
first wife of Hon. J. J. Crittenden. She died at Cedar
Hill, near Frankfort, in 1851.
Another eminent daughter of Kentucky was the
mother of General Leslie Combs. Her maiden name
was Sarah Richardson. She was of a Quaker family in
Maryland, connected with the Thomases and Snowdens.
When her son Leslie started as a volunteer to join the
204: QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Kentucky troops ordered to the northern frontier under
General Winchester, in 1812, she reminded him of his
father's history and her own trials and dangers in the
early settlements ; and bade him " die rather than fail
in duty." Her residence was six miles from Boones-
borough.
Charlotte Eeeves, the wife of General James Robert-
son, was born in North Carolina, 1751. She crossed the
mountains and shared the dangers and sufferings of the
early settlers of Tennessee. Her husband was the
special protector of the infant colony, and was obliged
to make long and arduous journeys every winter to
attend the Legislature in North Carolina. Mrs. Robert-
son took charge of the family and maintained their
place in society. Her adventures have been elsewhere
recorded.* In 1805 Nashville is said to have had but
one brick house; but Mrs. Eobertson witnessed its
growth to a large town.
The name of Simon Kenton, in the annals of the
early pioneers, stands second only to that of the re-
nowned woodsman, Daniel Boone. A county of Ken-
tucky was named after him, and the incidents of his life
were more thrilling than any romance. Elizabeth, his
second wife, had a celebrity different from that of the
other pioneer women of the West. She was the young-
est daughter of Stephen Jarboe, a Frenchman, who
removed to Kentucky about 1796. His daughter was
* " Pioneer "Women of the West."
MRS. KENTON. 205
then seventeen, and, possessing rare attractions of per-
son and manners, had numerous admirers. She was tall
and graceful, with blue *eyes and dark hair. Kenton, 1
the hero of Indian encounters, saw and loved and laid
siege to her. They were married at Kenton's Station in
1798. They removed to Cincinnati, and thence to the
Mad Eiver country. Their adventures, privations, and
perils are chronicled elsewhere.* In their pleasant
home they did as much as any one else in Kentucky to.
stamp the character of the State for liberal hospitality.
Kenton was extensively known, and, possessing large
land-claims in Kentucky, was reputed wealthy. His
house was the resort of every shelterless emigrant, sol-
dier, or land-hunter; even the wandering Indian stopped
there for the supply of his wants. The continual influx
of visitors, and the provisions necessary to supply their
wants and those of a large family, entailed privations,
which Mrs. Kenton bore with cheerfulness for ten years.
In 1810 General Kenton removed to Urbana, where he
lived eight years. The dishonesty of agents and various
misfortunes involved him in trouble and lawsuits. He
was reduced from opulence to poverty, and was hunted
like a felon, arrested and imprisoned. These wrongs and
sufferings embittered the life of Mrs. Kenton. In 1818,
they took up their residence on some wild land in what
is now Logan County, and lived simply, remote from
those who had thronged around them in days of pros-
* " Pioneer Women of the "West." i
206 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
perity. General Kenton died in 1836. His wife re-
moved to Indiana, and died at the house of her son-in-
law in 1842.
Mrs. Talbot, of Michigan, the daughter of Commo-
dore Truxton, was a celebrated beauty, and in advanced
years retained the dignified manners of the old time.
She lived on her farm near Pontiac, in an ancient log-
house embowered in eglantine ; within, however, were
evidences of refined taste, which invested with dignity
the homeliest materials.
Louisa St. Clair w*as the daughter of the Governor of
the Northwest Territory. He removed in 1790 from his
plantation, " Pott's Grove," in Pennsylvania, to Mariet-
ta, Ohio. Louisa was distinguished among the ladies of
that period for grace and beauty ; and possessed indom-
itable energy and a strong intellect in a strong frame.
She was a splendid equestrian fearless, blooming, and
graceful and managed the most spirited horse with
perfect ease, dashing at full gallop through the open
woodlands of the West, and leaping over the logs in her
way. In skating she was equally expert ; her speed and
dexterity were unrivaled ; and her elegant person and
neat dress were shown in rapid gyrations over the broad
frozen surface of the Muskingum, close to the garrison.
In short, she was the ideal of a soldier's daughter, and a
model huntress, like Diana, loading and firing with the
accuracy of a backwoodsman. With all these masculine
accomplishments, and that of being a tireless walker,
her refined manners rendered her the ornament of draw-
BELLES OF THE WEST. 207
ing-room circles. Her beauty was the more bewitching
from her high intellectual culture ; for she had received
the best education Philadelphia could afford. The ath-
letic exercise of the country strengthened both her men-
tal and physical powers, and her rare spirit was suited to
pioneer times and manners. After the Indian war, she
returned to her early home in the romantic glens of
Ligonier valley. The French emigrants who came from
Paris to Marietta, and were entertained at the Govern-
or's, wondered, as they descended the Ohio in " Kentucky
arks " or flat-boats, at the broad rivers and vast forests
of the West ; and hardly less at the fearless spirit of the
daughters of the land.
Sarah Sibley was Miss Sproat, the daughter of a
Revolutionary officer. She was born at Providence,
Ehode Island, in 1782, and was married at twenty to
Solomon Sibley, a distinguished lawyer from Massachu-
setts, who finally fixed his home in Detroit. The fort
there was garrisoned, and had Southern officers ; the
inhabitants of the town were mostly French ; some
descended of noble families, and priding themselves on
superior refinement ; these formed a most agreeable
society. The families of British merchants living on
the opposite side of the river often joined in their gaye-
ties. For six months in the year they were -shut off
from intercourse with the outer world by the snows and
want of facilities for travel ; depending on their own
limited circle for amusement. Mrs. Sibley went in
August, 1804, to visit her parents, in Marietta, Ohio ;
208 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
encamping in the woods on her journey, and keeping
the wolves off by fires at night. Her horse died on the
way, and many inconveniences had to be endured before
she reached her destination.
Detroit was destroyed by fire in June, 1805; and
Mr. Sibley was obliged to fit up another dwelling, which
he and his family occupied thirty years. Mrs. Sibley
bore a heroic part in the scenes of the war of 1812, and,
some years after the peace, again visited her relatives in
Ohio. During the whole of her married life she was the
centre of an admiring circle. Her height was command-
ing, and her face and form were beautiful ; she possessed
rare intellectual powers, well trained, and most pleasing
manners. With a truly noble character, rich in femi-
nine graces, she was the object of profound and marked
respect. Her husband was for many years Judge of the
Supreme Court of the Territory of Michigan. He lived
not only to be the last relic of the ancient Bar of Michi-
gan proper dating back to 1798 but the last remain-
ing link, in that State, of the profession in the present
day to that of the Northwest Territory. Judge Sibley
was associated with General Cass in negotiating a treaty
with the Indians by which the Indian title to Michigan
was extinguished. He was successively a delegate from
the Territory to Congress, District Attorney of the Uni-
ted States, and Judge of the Supreme Court of the State
of Michigan.
The wife of Hon. John Walworth, one of the earliest
settlers of Lake County, Ohio, shared the toils and pri-
BELLES OF THE WEST. 209
vations of the pioneers, and shone conspicuous in hospi-
tality, benevolence, and social influence. To her win-
ning and attractive manners, her sprightliness and
vivacity, must be attributed the resort to her house of
the polished and highly respectable in the community.
Twice she traveled on horseback to the farthest part of
Connecticut and back, to visit friends. She was a belle
at tlfe first ball given at Cleveland, July 4, 1801, in
Major Carter's log cabin. There were a dozen ladies
and fifteen or twenty gentlemen ; and the dancers kept
time on the puncheon floor to Major Jones's violin,
refreshed occasionally by sling made with whisky and
maple-sugar. The dances were lively and hilarious ; the
" scamperdown double-shuffle," " western swing," " half
moon," &c., &c.
Kebecca JJeald was the daughter of Colonel Wells,
of Kentucky, and the wife of the commander of Fort
Dearborn, Chicago a place associated with the scenes
of the massacre on the 15th August, 1812. Near the
junction of Chicago River with Lake Michigan, directly
opposite the fort, from which it was separated by the
river and a few rods of sloping green turf, stood the
dwelling and tracing establishment of Mr. John Kinzie.
On the 7th April, 1812, while he was playing the violin
and his children were dancing, his wife having gone up
the river to see a sick neighbor, another neighbor rushed
in, screaming, " The Indians ! They are at Lee's place,
killing and scalping !" The family hurried into two old
pirogues, moored near, and paddled across the river to
210- QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
the Yort, Early in August, Captain Heald received
orders to evacuate the fort, and started to obey ; Mr.
Kinzie volunteering to accompany the troops, and leav-
ing his family in the care of friendly Indians, who
promised to convey them in a boat round the head of ..
Lake Michigan to a point on St. Joseph's River. The
boat had scarcely reached the mouth of the river, when
a second message from the chief of St. Joseph's band
came to detain them. This chief had already warned
Kinzie that mischief was intended by the Pottowatta-
mies, who had promised to escort the detachment. Mrs.
Kinzie was a woman of uncommon strength and pres-
ence of mind, with rare energy; but her heart died
within her as she folded her arms around her infant
children, and saw her husband and eldest son marching
to almost certain destruction. Mrs. Heald was placed
in the boat with Mrs. Kinzie and her children, and
covered with a buffalo robe, silence being enjoined.
The boat returned to Kinzie's house, and the family
were conveyed from the Potto wattamie encampment,
closely guarded by their Indian friends. The fort was
then fired. After new dangers and escapes, the family
of Kinzie was carried to St. Joseph's, and afterwards to
Detroit.
Mrs. Helm was the step-daughter of Mr. Kinzie;
her mother, the widow of Colonel McKillip, having
married him in 1803, and removed with him to Chicago,
then a mere trading-post among the Pottowattamies.
She married Lieutenant Helm. She was a witness to
MRS. KINZIE. 211
the terrible attack and massacre. Her life was saved by
an old Indian, who dragged her into the lake, and when
the firing subsided led her up the sand-banks into a wig
warn.*
Mrs. Kinzie was the danghter-in-law of John Kinzie,
the earliest resident of Chicago, whose trading establish-
ment, as mentioned, stood near the junction of the river
with the lake. At that time the peninsula of Michigan
was a wilderness peopled with savages, with only one or
two families of settlers besides the garrison. Many
members of the Kinzie family were associated with the
early history of this region.
Mrs. Kinzie took several excursions on horseback
through the primeval forests of Illinois, before the
pioneer settlers had yet penetrated its northern portion.
She was accustomed, on these journeys, to camp out at
night, without lodging or roof, save the canopy of
heaven. Her home was fixed in Chicago, where she
was looked up to with high respect as a social leadei
and a woman of superior endowments.
The residents of Ann Arbor, Michigan, will remem-
ber as a remarkable woman Mrs. Elizabeth Allen, who
passed her later days in that village. She was Miss
Tate, born among the mountains of Yirginia, and was so
great a belle, she was said to have had sixteen offers be-
* For a full account, see " Pioneer "Women of the "West."
212 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
fore she was eighteen. One overforward suitor, riding
home among the mountains from the burial of his wife,
overtook Miss Tate's horse, and, riding alongside, ven-
tured to express a wish that she would consent to fill the
place of the dear departed. The young lady blushed
with indignation, and sternly forbade him to name the
subject again " under a year." When the year had ex-
pired he proposed, and was rejected. She had a proud
and happy bridal in the Old Dominion, and went cheer-
fully into the backwoods of the West with her husband,
always remembering her brilliant girlhood, and often
talking of it. Her gentle dignity and force of character
gave her unusual influence, and her habits were those
of a matron of the olden time.
Miss Frances Trask figured as a belle of the early
days of Washtenaw County, Michigan, residing in Dix-
boro'. She had brilliant natural gifts, well cultivated.
Her accomplishments were unusual, and gave her ac-
knowledged superiority, which was maintained by her
excellent qualities of character. She had great force,
energy, and decision ; a piquant wit, and a happy
audacity that charmed even while she startled the pru-
dence of her friends. Greatly admired in society, she
was devotedly charitable, and abundant in ministrations
to the sick. Like other maidens in that wild region,
she excelled in athletic exercises; was accustomed to
fire at a mark, and could cut off" a chicken's head at an
incredible number of rods ; could ride with any racer, and
was the sprightly leader at picnics and pleasure parties.
, JAMES
MRS. JAMES K. POLK. 213
X.
MKS. POLK was born in Tennessee, and was the
daughter of Captain Joel Childress. She was a pupil
at a Moravian Institute, and pursued her studies for two
years under the care of instructors among this singular
people. Perhaps the quiet, gentle, benevolent traits of
character with which she became familiar in such asso-
ciation contributed to mould her own, or at least to
encourage the growth of those womanly and Christian
virtues for which in after life she was distinguished, and
which adorned the eminent position she occupied.
Soon after her education was completed, Miss Chil-
dress left North Carolina, her father having taken up
his residence in Murfreesborough, Tennessee. Here, in
the bloom of nineteen, she was married to Mr. James
K. Polk, who had been lately elected to the Tennessee
Legislature. In 1825 he was elected a member of Con-
gress. During fourteen sessions he continued a National
representative, spending the winters at "Washington ;
and in all but one Mrs. Polk was with him. Being
often appointed the chairman of important committees,
Mr. Polk's house was frequented by persons of political
distinction ; while the estimable qualities of Ms wife
drew around her the best in the social circles of the
214 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
metropolis. Among their visitors were many illustrious
persons, whose services to their country have become
historical, besides those entitled to distinction on the
score of intellectual and social accomplishments. All
were charmed with Mrs. Polk ; and her womanly grace
and dignity, her mild and amiable temper, her reserved
yet winning and fascinating manners, crowned with
humble and fervent piety, impressed all who were 8
acquainted with her, and exercised a widely beneficial
influence. She was always consistent in her walk, and
governed her life by religious precepts rather than by
regard to the opinion of the world. She was eminently
charitable, and it is said that no applicant worthy of
assistance, or engaged in any work of true benevolence.
ever failed to receive aid at her hands. To many
objects deserving support, her donations were munifi-
cent. These good deeds were always performed in a
manner so simple and unostentatious that others either
did not discover, or knew little of them. They were not
for the voice of public praise.
Some complimentary verses on her leaving Wash-
ington were addressed to Mrs. Polk, in February, 1839,
by the eminent jurist, Hon. Joseph D. Story, and showed
his friendly regard. In that year Mr. Polk was called
to fill the office of Governor of Tennessee. Mrs. Folk's
devotion to his interests at all times, her spirit of concili-
ation and kindness, and the attractive graces of her de-
portment, had an important influence, not only on
friends, but on members of the Legislature opposed to
MRS. JAMES K. POLK. 215
the governor. Although never desirous of the distinc-
tion of a female politician, she had taken great pains to
make herself well acquainted with public affairs. One
who knew her intimately, said there were few days in
' the year in which she did not spend a certain time read-
ing the leading journals containing the grave produc-
tions of superior minds. The matter which only healthy,
'strong, and reflective minds could comprehend or digest,
was always preferred by her to the light, frivolous litera-
ture of the day. Yet she rarely conversed on the sub-
ject of politics, and never was vehement in argument,
or heated in advocating the side her judgment approved.
When James K. Polk was inaugurated President of
. the United States, in March, 1845, the home of his
family was in the city of Washington. Mrs. Polk
remained with him during the four years of his adminis-
tration, with the exception of the summer of 1847, which
she passed among friends in Tennessee. In this eminent
station, where so much lies in the power of a true-heart-
ed woman, she won from all parties not only approval,
but unqualified admiration. Wide as were the differ-
ences of opinion relative to the President, visitors,
friends, opponents, were unanimous in their praises of
the grace and dignity with which Mrs. Polk presided
over her department. A lady's letter to South Carolina
says : " She is one of our sex of whom I feel justly
proud, on account of her efficient good sense, admirable
tact, experienced judgment, quiet decision, and irre-
proachable conduct, during her husband's whole admin-
216 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY. -
istration ; and I am sure that, without distinction of
party, she has secured the unqualified approbation and
good-will of every person who has visited her at the
White House." " She possesses, in a remarkable degree,
kindness of feeling, equanimity of temper, good-humor,
and conversational power, with affability of manner,
and firm though unobtrusive determination of purpose.
She is peculiarly fitted by nature, education, and exten-
sive intercourse with the best society, to adorn her ele-
vated station. In various positions she has always been
self-possessed and equal to the occasion ; being easy
without familiarity, and dignified without restraint."
Mrs. Polk partook of the prejudices of many mem-
bers of the Presbyterian Church, and would not permit
dancing or cards in the house of which she was the
mistress. At church a stranger would not be struck
with any difference in her dress from others in the con-
gregation ; but, the same writer remarks, " at her grand
levees, in full dress, she is a most imposing, magnificent-
looking woman, and receives her numerous guests with
grace, eloquence, and charming affability." "She dis-
arms envy by her unaffected good sense and good feel-
ing, and fully appreciates the folly of upstart assump-
tions of aristocratic superiority." " I have every reason
to believe that when her husband resigns his office, she
will carry with her into retirement the unqualified
respect and esteem of the whole American people."
Many testify to Mrs. Folk's faculty of making her-
self popular with all classes ; it might emphatically be
MRS. JAMES K. POLK. 217
b aid of her : " jSTone named her but to praise." Besides
her attractive personal appearance, the kindly warmth
of her manner bespoke heartfelt sympathy. A visitor at
the White House, at a levee given on New Year's day,
thus describes the scene and Mrs. Polk : " The foreign
courts were well represented in the imposing splendor of
official costumes and uniforms shining with gold. The
audience-room was nearly filled. Many ladies, beauti-
fully attired, stood near the wife of the President ; but
among them all I should have selected her as fitly rep-
resenting, in person and manner, the dignity and grace
of the American female character. Modest, yet com-
manding in appearance, I felt she was worthy of all the
admiration which has been lavished on her. She was
richly and becomingly dressed, and easy and affable in
deportment ; looking, indeed, worthy of the high station
which Providence had assigned her."
Mrs. Maury, in her "Englishwoman in America,"
mentions Mrs. Polk among the three ladies who have
shared in the honors of the presidency whom she has
seen. " Truly," she says, " among the queens w"hom I
have seen, net one could compare with the regal grace
of Mrs. Madison, the feminine, distinguished personnel
of Mrs. Polk, and the intelligent and ladylike *demean or
of Mrs. Adams. The first of these ladies is still, at the
age of eighty- six, eminently beautiful, with a complexion
as fresh and fair, and a skin as smooth, as that of an
English girl. Mrs. Polk is a very handsome woman.
Her hair is black, and her dark eyes and complexion
10
218 QUEENS OP AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
give her a touch of the Spanish donna. These American
ladies are highly cultivated, and perfectly accomplished
and practiced in the most delicate and refined usages of
distinguished society. It is not possible to observe the
affectionate and deferential manner of Mrs. Polk towards
the august lady who is now the ' mother of the republic,'
without feeling for each the warmest admiration. Mrs.
Polk is very well read, and has much talent for conver-
sation ; she is highly popular ; her reception of all parties
is that of a kind hostess and an accomplished gentle-
woman. She has excellent taste in dress, and both in
the morning and the evening preserves the subdued
though elegant costume which characterizes the lady.
She is ready at reply, and preserves her position admira-
bly. At a levee a gentleman remarked : ' Madam, you
have a very genteel assemblage to-night.' 'Sir,' replied
Mrs. Polk, with perfect good-humor, but very signifi-
cantly, ' I have never seen it otherwise.'
" One morning I found her reading. ' I have many
books presented to me by the writers,' said she, ' and I
try to read them all ; at present that is not possible ; but
this evening the author of this book dines with the
President, and I could not be so unkind as to appear
wholly ignorant and unmindful of his gift.' I wore a
brooch in which was contained the hair of my husband
and children, very tastefully displayed. Mrs. Polk car-
ried it to the window, read the names of the ' eleven,'
compared their hair, and asked many questions about
MRS. JAMES K. POLK. 219
them. Saving her gracious majesty, I could have put
my arms around her neck and kissed her."
An eloquent poem was addressed to Mrs. Polk by
the accomplished novelist, Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, from
which we give a brief extract :
" There, standing in our nation's home,
My memory ever pictures thee
As some bright dame of ancient Rome,
Modest, yet all a queen should be.
I love to keep thee in my mind,
Thus mated with the pure of old,
"When love, with lofty deeds combined,
Made women great and warriors bold.
" When first I saw thee standing there,
And felt the pressure of thy hand,
I scarcely thought if thou wert fair,
Or of the highest in the land;
I knew thee gentle pure as great,
All that was lovely, meek, and good ;
And so I half forget thy state
In love of thy bright womanhood."
Some complaint being made about the discontinu-
ance of dancing at the White House, Mrs. Polk replied
to the dissatisfied ladies, Ct Why, I would not dance in
the President's house, would you?" intimating that a
more private drawing-room was a more suitable place.
With her strict religious views, and regular attend-
ance at church, Mrs. Polk was free from austerity or
bigotry, and always exercised the largest charity in her
judgment of others. Her life was directed by a genuine
Christian faith, out of which grew a warm interest in
the welfare of those she knew ; a simple spirit of charity.
220 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
and a deep, abiding solicitude for the advancement of
the holy cause to which her whole being had been early
consecrated. Influenced thus by the purest and highest
motives, her conduct was at all times exemplary, and it
is no wonder she was universally regarded as " a perfect
woman nobly planned," whose name was always asso-
ciated with what is lovely, pure, and of good report
with what is gracious and holy.
Towards the expiration of the term of Mr. Folk's
administration, when the President elect, General Tay-
lor, came to Washington, he was invited, with Yice-
President Fillmore, to dine at the White House, and all
the courtesies usually extended to the new chief magis-
trate were shown by Mr. Polk, notwithstanding the
confusion attending his breaking up housekeeping and
removal, and the close of a session of Congress. Mr.
and Mrs. Polk left the White House the evening before
the new President entered on his office. On the
Wednesday evening previous, the house had been thrown
open and brilliantly lighted up for the largest levee of
the season ; General Taylor and his family and suite a
company of forty persons, belonging to both political
parties having been entertained at dinner.
The life of Mrs. Polk was un visited by any deep sor-
row till she was bereaved of the husband to whom she
had been so affectionately devoted. He had purchased,
for a permanent residence, an elegant mansion, sur-
rounded by extensive grounds, in the city of Nashville,
Tennessee. This has ever since been the home of his
1TES. JAMES E. POLK. 221
widow. Under a temple in the grounds, within view
from the side windows, is the tomb of President Polk
a plain monument, with an inscription recording the
principal events of his history and the posts of distinc-
tion in which he served his country. This place is
visited by many citizens and travelers, the grounds
being kept open to the public. A room in the house,
occupied by the President as a study, has been kept
sacredly in the same condition in which he left it ; his.
papers laid about, his pen as if just fallen from his hand,
and every thing as if in use by the occupant^ The deep
sorrow of Mrs. Polk shrouded the house as well as her
heart in mourning; but Time, the great softener of
grief, has alleviated the first anguish of her loss, and the
faith of a fervent Christian looks to re-union beyond the
grave. When a large number of members of the Gen-
eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church called upon
her, as a mark of respect for one who had shared the
honors of the nation's chief magistrate, and for the con-
sistent Christian example she had maintained, both in
her high position and in her secluded retirement, she
invited to dinner many of those who called, and won
their unfeigned admiration by her refined and graceful
deportment, and the deep religious spirit evinced in her
conversation. It was known that while presiding at the
White House she was always ready to receive ministers
of the gospel, when obliged to excuse herself from other
visitors.
Rumors prevailed at the time that Mrs. Polk intended
222 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
to reside, at least for a time, in Washington, and that she
had visited England after her husband's death ; but they
were without foundation. Nashville is her chosen home,
and, having no children, she sought solace in the society
of her niece and adopted daughter.
The Legislature of Tennessee was in the habit of
calling in a body on Mrs. Polk, on the first of January in
every year. This was the highest compliment ever paid
by the State authorities to any lady. On one occasion,
they expressed a wish to pay their respects on the 22d
of February, in honor of the anniversary of Washington's
birthday. Mrs. Polk received and entertained them
with great cordiality. The people of Tennessee always
manifested gratification at this mark of respect paid by
their representatives to the distinguished wife of one of
Tennessee's greatest statesmen.
On another occasion, various military companies,
escorted by the Union Guards, came to pay their respects,
approaching the grounds by the main entrance, and
filing through them in front of the house. Such genuine
manifestations of esteem and sympathy could not but be
pleasing to Mrs. Polk. But she was always careful not
to show any marked preference at such times for the
Democratic party, of which her husband had been so
many years the pride and support. She had so earnestly
shared his sentiments, that it was natural she should
ever feel a lively interest in the success of the Democracy
and a wish for the ascendency of its principles: yet,
holding inviolate her lady-like reserve and her sense of
MRS. HUNTIXGTON. 223
what was due to her position, she could not distinguish
between parties in receiving public marks of respect.
The wife of Judge Huntington, of Indiana, was
Susan, the daughter of Dr. Christopher A. Rudd, a
physician of eminence in Springfield, Kentucky. He
was of the Carroll family of Maryland, and his ancestors
came with Lord Baltimore. He married Anna Benoist
Palmer, descended from an old Huguenot family settled
in Charleston, South Carolina.
Susan was born in Springfield, in 1821. She was
placed early in a Catholic convent for her education,
and acquired many brilliant accomplishments. She
excelled in music, was a good linguist, and possessed
Buch a knowledge of general literature as to develop
and cultivate a rare taste. When only sixteen she was
married to Clark Fitzhugh, of Louisville, Kentucky, a
nephew of General George Rogers Clark, of Kentucky.
They resided in Louisville till her husband's death.
Mrs. Fitzhugh was surrounded by a circle of admiring
friends, and was esteemed one of the brightest ornaments
of Western society. Pure in heart, affectionate and
kind in her nature, and disposed to exercise every office
of sincere friendship and tender charity, accomplished in
her manners, and brilliant in mental attainments, as
well as beautiful in person, she soon became the favorite
of her circle. Only a little more than a year, how-
ever, did this union last. One daughter was left to the
224 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
widow; this daughter became the wife of Allan Polk,
of Arkansas, a nephew of President Polk.
In 184:2, Mrs. Fitzhtigh went to "Washington with
her cousin, Mrs. Florida White. Here she became a
courted belle in the fashionable world. Her beauty was
in its blooming perfection. Her form was tall and
exquisitely proportioned. She possessed a commanding
dignity of mien, with faultless grace in every movement.
Her complexion was fair ; her eyes were dark blue, with
long brown lashes; and her dark brown hair fell in
heavy waves almost to her feet. Her features had the
regularity of a Greek outline, and their classic beauty
was rendered more charming by the refined intelligence
that illumined her whole countenance. Her voice was
musical, and she had fascinating eloquence in conversa-
tion. The elegance of high-breeding in her was harmo-
nious with her feminine gentleness, and her playful
humor gave her still more powerful attraction. Among
her gentlemen admirers were the most distinguished
men in the Capital. It was during this visit that she
met the Hon. E. M. Huntington, then Commissioner of
the General Land Office at Washington. She was mar-
ried to him in November of the same year. President
Tyler, who was a special friend of Mr. Huntington,
offered him the position of Judge of the United States
Court in Indiana. He fixed his home at Terra Haute ;
but he and his wife traveled extensively, and wherever
they went, Mrs. Huntington was the centre and star of
attraction. The judge was a man of learning and lite-
MRS. HUNTINGTO^". 225
rary accomplishments, and served on the bench, associated
with the Hon. John McLean, of Ohio, long enough to
render his name celebrated. He died at St. Paul, Min-
nesota, in 1862.
The health of Mrs. Huntington had failed in 1853,
when she accompanied her husband to Louisiana, and
afterwards to San Antonio, Texas. Here they remained
during the winter. The disease, however, gained upon
her, notwithstanding the change of climate and the
attention of her physicians. In December, 1854, she
faded like a flower, dying at the early age of thirty-two.
She was the mother of five children.
This lovely woman had a ruling influence in social
circles, but one more valuable in the hearts of those
nearest to her. Her life was an exemplification of the
sweetest womanly virtues, elevated by unaffected piety.
Beloved in her home and by numerous friends, her Chris-
tian faith allied her to higher natures in a purer world.
Ellen Adair, the daughter of Governor Adair, of
Kentucky, who married Colonel White, of Florida, was
usually called " Mrs. Florida White," in allusion to the
State represented in Congress by her husband. She
was a fashionable belle in Washington for several years,
and was celebrated for her magnificent person and her
accomplishments throughout the Gulf States. She spent
some time in Europe. In her widowhood, while on a
visit in New Orleans, she met Mr. Beattie, a native of
Ireland, whom she accepted for her second husband.
Her residence afterwards was in Florida.
10*
226 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Her sister, Mrs. Benjamin F. Pleasants, was much
admired in Washington society, and took an interest in
public affairs. These were two of the seven daughters
of Governor Adair, all of whom were women of mark
for beauty and talents.
Pamela Williams was born in Williamston, Massa-
chusetts, about 1785. At the age of eighteen she mar-
ried General Jacob Brown, whom she met at the house
of her brother, Judge Williams, of Utica, New York,
and went with him to reside at Brownsville, in Jefferson
County. She was his constant companion in Washing-
ton, where her associations were with many elevated in
station and brilliant ornaments of social life. The Madi-
sons, Hamiltons, Schuylers, Calhouns, &c., were among
her most intimate friends. Her rare qualities of mind
and heart, her unassuming dignity, graceful ease, and
finished culture, were highly appreciated in the best
circles of the national capital. Her house was the
centre of a polished coterie, where were welcomed not
only the statesman and the scholar, the gifted and dis-
tinguished, but the less fortunate, who stood more in
need of sympathy and encouragement.
When the General's death left his widow in sorrow,
she received from General La Fayette a tender letter of
condolence :
"PARIS, March 80, 1828.
' MY DEAR MADAM :
" Amidst the heavy blows I have to bear this side of the At-
lantic, by the loss of a young and beloved grand-daughter, and of
MRS. J. P. FISHER. 227
an old friend and relation, the melancholy account from Washing-
ton has filled my heart with inexpressible grief. Previous infb'--
mation had given me the hope of improvement in the state of the
excellent General's health, and has rendered the lamentable event
still more painful to me.
" You know, dear madam, the intimate and most confidential
friendship that has been formed between us. Our personal ac-
quaintance was recent, although our characters had long been
known to each other; but no old intimacy could be more affec-
tionate, no mutual reliance better established.
" While I deeply regret him on my account, be assured, my dear
madam, that I most affectionately sympathize in your affliction,
and the feelings of your family. My son and M. L. Vasseur beg to
be remembered ; and I am, most cordially,
41 Your affectionate and mourning friend,
"LAFAYETTE."
The wife of Henry Clay of Kentucky was the
daughter of Thomas Hart of Lexington, one of the lead-
ing men of the State.
Mrs. Joshua Francis Fisher, the daughter of Henry
Middleton, at one time United States minister to Rus-
sia, is noted at the present day in Philadelphia for
musical accomplishments, social influence, and liberal
hospitality. She was a native of South Carolina. Sev
eral persons of mark have belonged to the Middleton
family, which is one of the oldest in the State.
228 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
In later years, Miss SALLIE WARD was extensive!}
known as a fashionable belle in the West. The high
position of her family, her extraordinary personal beauty
and fascinations, and her connection with, noted persons,
placed her, even in youth, among the conspicuously
observed. Her ancestors came of one of the most re-
spectable of the ancient Huguenot families who fle(?
from French persecution, bringing to the Southern
States the best blood infused into the veins of the young
nation. Her grandfather, Major Mattheus Flournoy,
served with distinction in the war of the Revolution.
He purchased a country-seat in Scott County, Kentucky,
where the subject of this sketch was born. Her father,
Hon. Robert J. Ward, possessed the intellectual qualities
that make men great, with those moral ones which
secure lasting friendship. At twenty-eight he was elect-
ed Speaker of the Kentucky Assembly, his ability and
eloquence giving promise of a splendid public career.
So great became his popularity that he might have ob-
tained any office in the people's gift, had he remained in
public life; in comparative retirement, his generous
character and virtues gave him influence during life,
and endeared his memory to numerous friends.
Mrs. Ward was one of the most remarkable women
of the day, prominent for intellectual gifts and personal
loveliness. No one in Kentucky has entertained so
much company, or with such " success" in charming her
guests and rendering her home famous as the centre of
MRS. SALLIE WARD HUNT. 229
social enjoyment. She still holds an admired place in
society.
The daughter of such parents might be expected to
have every advantage of education and moral training ;
and thus it happened that the young and lovely girl,
reared in the lap of luxury, idolized by her family, en-
joying every pleasure wealth could bestow, and received
in society with the most flattering homage, escaped
being spoiled by adulation, and grew up as amiable and
as well developed in mind as if stern discipline and
severe trial had moulded her character in early years.
She had rare natural gifts ; a remarkable memory and
quick perceptions enabled her to acquire foreign Ian
guages with readiness, and to retain what she had
learned; and especially for music she possessed talent
which the most careful and scientific cultivation im-
proved into surpassing skill.
Every class in Louisville, Kentucky, where she lived,
seemed to take pride in the loveliness of this young girl.
It was a curious kind of popularity, more like that of a
French princess in her hereditary province, in whom
her people claimed a sort of ownership, than the simple
admiration of republicans for a fair being highly favored
of fortune. If a child had a pet kitten or a bird of re-
markable beauty, it was fondly named u Sallie Ward."
If a farmer rejoiced in the possession of a young lamb or
heifer which he wanted to praise to the utmost degree
of comparison, he would recommend it as " a perfect
Sallie Ward.' " She was the ideal of all that was pure,
230 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
beautiful, and sacred to young people who saw her oniy
at a distance in her father's carriage, or walking, attend-
ed, or at church. Once, when a mother was teaching
her bright little girl, six years of age, to say her prayers,
and to meditate on the grandeur and power of the Al-
mighty Creator, she told her how God made the glorious
sun, the stars, and all the beautiful flowers, the child
interrupted her with, "And, mamma, He made Sallie
Ward !"
" The Louisville Legion " was a source of great pride
to the city. It is now identified with the memory of
gallant services in the war with Mexico. The call upon
the Governor of Kentucky for a regiment of infantry for
service was responded to by the entire body of the
"Legion," which was mustered into service in May,
1846, and embarked at Portland for New Orleans. The
company of the " Louisville Guards " was quartered on
board the steamboat " Scott," which came up to the foot
of the falls to give the men a last look at their homes.
The morning of the departure of the brave Kentucky
troops was bright and exhilarating, though many hearts
were wrung with anguish at the parting. The troops
marched to the residence of Mr. Ward, followed by
friends who crowded to look their farewell. There was
scarcely a dry eye in the vast throng as the youthful
daughter of Mr. Ward appeared with a beautiful silken
flag bearing the stars and stripes. This she presented ;
and as the soldiers received it, and its rich folds were
flung to the breeze, a burst of inspiring music filled
MRS. SALLIE WARD HUNT. 231
every heart with new hopes. The noble fellows marched
away to the music amidst loud cheerings and faltered
blessings. One of the principal officers of that celebrated
"Legion" was General William Preston, who distin-
guished himself in the Southern army.
Miss Ward, accompanied by friends, drove to Port-
land to present the star-spangled banner also to the
"Louisville Guards." She often described the scene
with emotion. " As those brave fellows marched by the
open carriage in which I sat, each one lifting his hat to
me, it was the proudest moment of my life. I esteemed
the honor of being selected to present the flag to those
noble sons of Kentucky far greater than all the flattery
and homage of a ball-room."
After the return of the troops, covered with honor,
from the army, Miss Ward was one afternoon seated on
her horse for a ride, when the two companies to whom
she had presented the flags marched up and halted
before her father's house. Unfurling the regimental
banners, which they had carried through the entire
campaign, they gave her a joyous greeting, " such as
only brave men can give a woman. And, with my
whole soul" she said, " I bade them welcome. I gazed
with pride upon those flags, borne with honor and suc-
cess through so many battles by the brave men before
me."
A letter-writer, describing an evening at the White
Sulphur Springs, thus mentions Mrs. Johnston, another
daughter of Mr. Ward :
232 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
" The cynosure of all eyes, the nucleus around which all gath-
ered, was the newly arrived bride from Louisville, Kentucky,
the daughter of Mr. Ward of that city, who is among the guests.
"We do not believe Tom Moore found any thing fairer when he
went angel-hunting under the shade of the sumachs, than the
picture-like face of this child-bride. Although her exquisite loveli-
ness of feature, bright with the flush of early youth, is such as to
throw the pretensions of others into the shade, yet her disposition
seems so gentle, her naivete' so captivating, that it would be im-
possible to cherish one jealous feeling against her. To our mind,
the chief charm of this young creature is the shy, sweet tenderness
in her face. Her diamonds and point d'Alen^on would have
rejoiced the courtly pencil of Vandyke."
The White Sulphur Springs, in the mountainous
region of Yirginia, and surrounded by magnificent
scenery, had long been the favorite resort of Fashion
from the Southern and Southwestern States. Many
were the belles who flourished here, season after season,
and many were the fancy balls, that rivaled those of
Saratoga and Newport.
At a fancy ball given by Mrs. Eobert J. Ward, her
daughter Sallie was described as the centre of attraction.
As Nourmahal, she wore a pink satin skirt, covered
with silver lama, the bodice embroidered with silver
and studded with diamonds ; the oriental white sleeves
adorned with silver and gold ; the satin trousers spangled
with gold. Her hair was braided with pearls and cov-
ered with a Greek cap; her pink slippers were embroi-
dered with silver, and splendid jewels profusely decorated
the whole costume. The second dress Nourrnahal at
the feast of Eoses was of white illusion dotted with
pilver, with a veil of silvery sheen and wreath of white
MRS. SALLIE WARD HUNT. 233
roses, and white silk boots with, silver anklets. She
bore the charmed lute.
During her subsequent sojourn and travel in Europe
she had opportunities for enjoying the master-pieces of
art in all its forms, and her taste became critical, while
her own powers were more developed. All who have
known her bear testimony to her high intellectual cul-
ture and varied accomplishments, as well as to her fault-
less grace, and her excellence in the relations woman is
called to bear, of daughter, wife, and mother. A distin-
guished man remarked, that she " had the mind of a
man, with the gentleness and refinement of a true
woman."
Not only in her native State, in the South, and in
the courtly circles of London, but in other portions of
the United States, was this gifted lady admired and
courted as a leader of fashion. Her beauty was said to
be absolutely dazzling. Her bright spirit, her " imperial
elegance," combined with unaffected simplicity, her im-
pulsive gayety united to gentleness, her charming wit
and sprightliness in conversation, rendered her a favorite
in every society. She was tall, with a form exquisitely
symmetrical, combining majesty with bewitching grace.
Her hands and feet were aristocratically small ; her fair
complexion, large blue eyes, and delicately penciled
eyebrows, with a wealth of auburn hair, were distinctive
of a blonde. Her voice is melodious, low, and sweet,
and admirably modulated ; " an excellent thing in
woman," and rare in America. No justice to a woman's
234 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
beauty can be done in a written description. But that
she possesses a heart and mind of superior order, a soul
above conventional distinctions, is evident to all who
know her. She never seemed to prize the reputation
of the fashionable belle, nor wished to be remembered
merely as the idol of frivolous admiration ; she would
rather turn from such adulation. The true and tried
friendship of those she judges worthy of esteem, the dis-
interested kindness of noble hearts these she " grapples
to her soul with hooks of steel ;" these she appreciates
and values. A gentleman from New York, who had
refused a letter of introduction to her, saying he was
sure he would not like her, cha'nced to meet her at a
friend's house, was introduced without hearing her
name, and entered into animated conversation with
her, not knowing, for hours, that the lady who had
so charmed him was formerly the Miss Ward so cele-
brated. He became one of her most devoted friends,
and often said he " never knew a woman who had been
so little understood."
The refined taste which showed itself in this lady's
love of music, painting, and sculpture, always appeared
in her style of dress. This was rich, but never ostenta-
tious nor incongruous. A French gentleman who was
presented to her expressed his surprise at her faultless
costume, saying, with enthusiasm, "If the rest of her
character corresponds with her taste in dress, she must
be perfect," and observing that he had rarely seen such
in American ladies.
BOKS.SAILD.ffE
MRS. SALLIE WARD HUNT. 235
The generous charity of Mrs. Hunt has ever been
warm and free. The poor were always her friends.
The little daughters of her dressmakers and working-
people, who were named after her, were always noticed
kindly, and she seemed more pleased with the compli-
ment from them than from wealthy parents of little
" Sallie Wards " covered with lace and jewels.
Before her marriage, Miss Ward had been accus-
tomed to spend the winters in New Orleans. After she
was married to Dr. Hunt, and before the civil war, her
residence was in New Orleans for seven years. Her
home was a palace in splendor. The furniture for some
of her rooms was made after the model of that used in
the apartments of the Duchess of Orleans, in Paris;
covered with white satin embroidered with chenille in
wreaths and bouquets, with gilded framing richly
carved ; and divans and sofas covered with light blue
satin, embroidered with white lilies, in rose- wood frames.
The style in which Dr. Hunt lived corresponded with
this magnificence. Several carriages were kept, with a
retinue of servants. The dinner-parties were splendid,
and always accompanied by music from the orchestra of
the French Opera. The dining-room opened on a mar-
ble court, in the centre of which was a beautiful marble
fountain, with jets arranged so as to play in figures.
One of these was turned on every day just before dinner
was announced; and the freshness and music of falling
waters were an agreeable adjunct in that warm climate
to the enjoyment of the meal. Surrounded with luxurv
236 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
by a Husband whose wealth was devoted to her gratifica-
tion, Mrs. Hunt was the centre of a choice circle of
friends, dispensing hospitality in a style suited to her
liberal feelings, and happy in promoting the enjoyment
of those around her. The house was adorned with the
finest statuary and paintings. Her superb entertain-
ments were the delight of distinguished guests, as
marked by refined taste.
At a fancy dress and masquerade party given by
Miss Lillie Ward, in compliment to one of the belles of
Cincinnati, Mrs. Hunt's light blue moire antique dress
was remarkable for its decorations of magnificent point
lace and diamonds of wonderful size and brilliancy.
The necklace was composed of thirty-two "solitaires'"
of immense value. She wore a superb point lace shawl.
The fair young hostess appeared as a Polish princess at
the Russian Court, in a dress of heavy white silk, the
Bkirt trimmed with ermine, and four rows of wide scar-
let satin bands embroidered with gold. The corsage
was high, and striped across the front with scarlet satin
bands and gold lace. A hussar jacket of scarlet satin,
embroidered with gold and trimmed with ermine, hung
from her left shoulder, fastened with a gold cord and
tassel. A jaunty cap of scarlet satin, with band of er-
mine and the emblematic Polish feather, fastened with
opal and diamonds, completed the costume.
A general, distinguished in the late war, who met
Mrs. Hunt at a party in Louisville, wrote an eloquent
description of her. " For each epoch of life," he said,
MRS. SALLIE WARD HUNT. 237
' the style of her beauty was the appropriate model."
" What I noted chiefly was, the fullness of soul, the ex-
pression of refined intellect, that beamed from her eyes
and was revealed in every lineament and movement.
Her every word expressed a thought, while her language
and manner were unaffected and simple as a child's.'*
" Her benevolent spirit finds exercise in diffusing de-
light."
In her domestic life at her present home, Mrs. Hint
displays the noble gifts and graces of her true nature.
Death has bereaved her of her devoted husband ;
but, surrounded by affectionate relatives and engrosst % d
by the employment of teaching her only child, a bright
and noble boy, forming and developing his character for
the greatest usefulness in life, and giving time and efforts
to aid religious works under the auspices of her church
she has crowned a lovely youth with the meek virtues
of Christian womanhood. It is rarely that the flower
reared in the perilous glare of the world's homage thus
preserves its bloom and fragrance to brighten the shady
walks of life. Perhaps, in the United States, there has
been no woman so much flattered and courted ; and the
fact that the pure simplicity of her character has not
been impaired, argues a truly elevated mind. She seems
to desire, above all worldly things, to be loved by her
family and friends ; and amply is her wish gratified,
while the society in which, she lives owns the gentlest
and sweetest of womanly influences.
238 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
XI.
IN preparing a limited sketch of Mrs. Madison, one
labors under many difficulties. The subject must inter-
est every American ; yet the outline cannot be filled up
with such details of life and character as would make a
picture worthy of the noble original. Those of her own
family who knew and loved her must be sensible of this
disability. Her life, too, was so closely interwoven with
that of Mr. Madison, by their mutual devotion to each
other's interests and happiness, and their perfect unison
of opinion and feeling in outside affairs, that a memoir
of the lady must be incomplete without continual refe-
rence to her husband. Her kind and genial disposition,
her delicate tact and good sense, were brought into exer-
cise chiefly in the "aid and comfort "rendered to him ;
as also were those graces of mind and person which
made the home of the Secretary of State, of the Presi-
dent, and, lastly, of the retired patriot and statesman, so
charming a retreat, and* so attractive alike to political
friends and opponents.
The true character of Mrs. Madison can only be
delineated properly by a faithful description of the whole
tenor of her life, and of her consistent conduct during
her eventful experience. I must deprecate, therefore, in
MRS. MADISON. * 239
the commencement of this brief notice, the criticism of
her friends, who have a right to expect a portraiture
satisfactory to their recollections. Such would require a
volume of itself. This imperfect sketch may, however,
suggest an extended memoir by some able pen, before
the materials are lost.
John Payne, the grandfather of Mrs. Madison, was
an English gentleman of wealth and liberal educa-
tion. He came to reside in this country, and settled
in Goochland County, Virginia. His wife was Anna
Fleming, grand-daughter of Sir Thomas Fleming, who
landed at Jamestown in 1616, and afterwards settled
in the county of New Kent. Their son, John Payne,
removed to North Carolina, where was situated the
plantation his father had given him. He married
Mary, the daughter of William Coles, a native of Ennk
corthy, in Ireland. Not long after his marriage he re-
turned to Yirginia, and purchased an estate in Hanover
County. He served as captain in the American army
during the Revolutionary war. He had six children, of
whom the oldest and youngest were sons. The eldest
daughter is the subject of this sketch. Of her three
sisters, Lucy, in 1792, married George Steptoe Washing-
ton (a nephew of General Washington), who owned a
splendid estate in Jefferson County, Yirginia ; and after-
wards, in 1811, Thomas Todd, of Kentucky, one of the
Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Anna Payne married Hon. Richard Cutts, member
of Congress from the District of Maine, in 1804 ; and
240 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Mary Payne, in 1800, was wedded to General G. J.
Jackson, a prominent member of Congress from Vir-
ginia.
Dorothy Payne was born May 20, 1772, while her
parents were on a visit to North Carolina, and received
her name in honor of a beloved relative, Mrs. Henry, of
Yirginia. Both her parents became strict members of
the Society of Friends, and were among the first of their
sect in Yirginia who had conscientious scruples as to the
right of holding slaves as property. In 1786, their plan-
tation in Yirginia was sold, and with their negroes they
removed to Philadelphia, where they gave all the slaves
their freedom. One of the women, "Mother Amy,"
the nurse of the little Dorothy, would not consent to
leave her kind master and mistress. She remained in
their household, and was always faithful to their service.
Being thrifty and saving, she laid up her wages, and at
her death bequeathed five hundred dollars to Mrs.
Payne-
In early youth Dorothy was remarkable for personal
beauty and for grace of manners, joined to a modesty
and gentleness that disarmed envy. She was bright
and lively, endowed with a power of fascination felt by
all who approached her, and withal was kind-hearted
and full of sympathy. As her parents were in moderate
circumstances, she owed neither to wealth nor hereditary
possession the attention she received. In 1791, she was
married to John Todd, of Philadelphia, a wealthy young
lawyer, who also belonged to the Society of Friends. The
MRS. MADISON. 241
youthful pair lived in simplicity and seclusion, but were
not long united. Mr. Payne died a few months after
the marriage, and in 1793, during the prevalence of the
yellow fever in Philadelphia, Mr. Todd fell a victim to
the disease, leaving Dorothy a widow with two children,
one of whom survived its father but a short time. The
other son, John Payne Todd, lived to be nearly sixty
years of age.
Mrs. Todd returned to the home of her widowed
mother in Philadelphia. Young and lovely as she was,
her natural frank gayety prevailed over the depression
of sorrow, and she soon became a great favorite in
society. She was surrounded by suitors for her fair
hand. One among them James Madison, then a mem-
ber of Congress from Virginia was successful in laying
siege to her heart. In truth, it is said she never before
knew what love was till he became her affianced hup
band.
Towards the close of 1794, the youthful widow, ac-
companied by her son, her sister Anna, and other
friends, among them her accepted lover, left Philadel-
phia for Herewood, the country-seat of her sister, Mrs.
Washington. The gay party spent a week in making
the journey, and shortly after their arrival Mrs. Todd
was married to Mr. Madison ; the Rev. Dr. Belmaine,
of the Episcopal Church, who resided in "Winchester,
performing the nuptial ceremony. The event was cele-
brated with the festivities usual on such occasions, and
the bridal pair proceeded to Montpelier, in Orange
242 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
County, Virginia, where they took up their residence
with the father of Mr. Madison.
The hospitality of the Virginia planter, now a tra-
dition, was then in its golden prime. Mr. Madison's
house overflowed with guests, and various social plea-
sures made the hours and days pass rapidly. Mrs.
Madison's mother and sister were invited to share in the
enjoyments of her new home, and she, on her part, be-
came devotedly attached to the mother of her husband.
Harmony and mutual affection, with the enlivening
society of friends and the luxuries a liberal fortune could
command, made the place a little paradise. Mr. Madi-
son continued in Congress then holding its sessions in
Philadelphia until 1797. During these years of home
and social pleasures, his beautiful wife had gradually
changed the sober dress and grave manners of the Qua-
keress for an attire and deportment better suited to the
part she was destined to take as a leader in society.
She retained, however, the fundamental principles of the
faith in which she had been educated ; and no contact
with the world could divest her of that softness of man-
ner and gentle dignity, that sympathizing kindness of
heart and universal charity, which she inherited from
her parents as a part of her nature.
Mr. Madison was appointed Secretary of State b\
President Jefferson, in 1801, and removed his residence
shortly after to Washington. The new National capital
was at that time little better than a wilderness. The
house to which Mrs. Madison was brought stood on a
MRS. MADISON 243
barren waste, in which were scattered rough masses of
stone half hidden by the foliage of oak trees, like ruins
over which moss and ivy clustered. The silence and
solitude of the premises were almost appalling. The
society of the place consisted of families unaccustomed
to the new aspect of things, and not harmonized by simi
larity of habits, nor by established modes of living.
They formed, in truth, a motley throng, in need of mu-
tual aid and adaptation to bring them into the degree
of unison necessary to make their association in any way
agreeable. Here Mrs. Madison's ready sympathies and
exquisite tact came into full requisition. She did much
to unite the discordant elements, and make her neigh-
bors, as Mr. Jefferson said, "like one family." The
spirit of union and kindly feeling began to pervade
society, and grew as the social intercourse, unshackled
by etiquette or empty ceremony, became more genial
and extended. In the absence of Mr. Jefferson's daugh-
ters, Mrs. Madison presided in the Executive mansion,
and her influence was the true fostering genius to which
the happy change was due. The house of the Secretary
of State, next to the President's, was the resort of the
greatest number of guests. Foreign ministers and visit-
ors, senators, representatives, and persons of various
political opinions, there met and conversed freely, while
party spirit lost its bitterness in that pleasant atmo-
sphere. How much of this softening of asperities was
owing to the peculiar charm of the manner of the fair
hostess, to her gracious affability, her cordial ease and
244 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
frankness, and her faculty pf banishing the evil cloud
from the horizon, probably none knew, for the sweetest
moral influences are 'felt rather than discerned by out-
ward sense. The table of the Secretary was continually
surrounded by guests, and was spread with the profusion
of Virginian hospitality, sometimes at the expense, it must
be confessed, of the refined elegance of European taste
The wife of a foreign minister once ridiculed the enor-
mous size and the number of the dishes with which the
table was loaded, and remarked that it was more like a
harvest-home supper than the entertainment of a Secre-
tary of State.* On hearing of this observation, Mrs.
Madison replied, that she thought abundance preferable
to elegance ; that customs were created by circum-
stances, and tastes by customs ; and that, as the profu-
sion so repugnant to foreign ideas of propriety arose
from the happy circumstance of the superabundance and
prosperity granted by a bountiful Providence to our
favored land, she did not hesitate to sacrifice the deli-
cacy of European taste to the less elegant but more
liberal fashion of Virginia. That profusely spread table,
indeed, supplied the daily food of many poor families.
Mr. Madison held the office of Secretary of State
for eight years. During this time the same hospitable
and kindly relations were sustained with the citizens,
* I have availed myself of a sketch of Mrs. Madison in the " National
Portrait Gallery," written by Mrs. S. H. Smith, an old and esteemed friend
of the family. I am indebted for other materials to Mr. Richard D. Cutts,
of Washington, the nephew of Mrs. Madison.
MRS. MADISON. 245
and reciprocal civilities strengthened mutual good -will.
While her husband was absorbed in public business,
Mrs. Madison discharged the duties devolving upon her,
as his helpmeet and the mistress of his home, in social
entertainments and as a visitor to others. Never was
woman better fitted by nature and attainments for the
difficult and delicate task. In her conspicuous position,
exposed to jealousy and misconstruction, she managed to
conciliate the good-will of all without offending the self-
love of any one. Every visitor left her, it is said, under
the impression that he or she had been received with
favor, and had secured some portion of the esteem of the
charming lady. One of her peculiarities was, that she
rarely or never forgot a name, a face, or any occurrence
worth remembering. Her quickness of recognition, and
ready recurrence to the peculiar interest of an individual,
doubtless went far to enlist the feelings of those with
whom she conversed ; yet her sympathies were genuine,
and she never feigned a regard she could not feel.
While in the exercise of hospitality and in dispensing
charity, her profusion was unchecked, Mrs. Madison's
house was plainly furnished, and her dress was far from
extravagant. In this respect her example is an admira-
ble one for the ladies of the present day.
As the time approached for the election of another
President Mr. Madison being a candidate political in-
trigues were rife in Washington. The times were trying
beyond precedent, and the war of conflicting parties was
severe. Here was a field for more than diplomatic tact ;
246 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
for the play of woman's true wisdom, and her gentlest
ministrations in reconciling differences. Mrs. Madison
proved herself " equal to the situation." She met politi-
cal assailants with mildness, and by "the soft answer"
turned away the rancor of hostile party feeling. Many
a political foe did she convert into a friend and follower
of Madison. The bitterness of opposition was neutral-
ized by her amiable civilities, which she took care should
never be influenced by party politics. " Her snuff-box,''
says a friend, " had magic influence ; who could partake
of the offered dainty and retain enmity? 1 ' Thus the
most violent partisans in her presence stood smiling and
courteous, and the kindly feelings her generous polite-
ness awakened in the end triumphed over animosities.
No human heart can resist the gentle approach of " melt-
ing charity," and the excellent effect of Mrs. Madison's
tactics if so they may be called was soon evident.
Her husband was elected to the Presidency of the
United States, and was inaugurated in March, 1809.
At the first reception given, Mr. Jefferson was sur-
rounded by a crowd of admiring friends, anxious to
express their regret for his impending departure. As
the fairer portion of the throng pressed forward, a gen-
tleman said, " The ladies will follow you."" That is
right," replied the ex-President, " since I am too old to
follow them ;" and added, " I remember, in France,
when Dr. Franklin's friends were taking leave of him,
the ladies almost smothered him with embraces. On his
introducing me to them as his successor, I told them
MRS. MADISON. 247
that, among the rest of his privileges, I wished he would
transfer this enviable one to me. But he answered,
'No, no ; you are too young a man.' "
One of the ladies whispered, "Why does he forget
that that distinction no longer exists?"
A splendid ball celebrated the inauguration of Mad-
ison, and Jefferson came early to receive his successor.
The band struck up at the entrance of each party. Mrs.
Madison was led to a seat at the upper end of the room.
She " looked and moved a queen." She wore a robe of
buff-colored velvet, with rich pearls on her neck and
arms, and a Paris turban with a bird-of-paradise plume.
Jefferson, who was all life and exhilaration, replied to a
remark on the paleness and apparent exhaustion of the
new President : " Can you wonder at it ! My shoulders
have just been freed from a heavy burden; his just
laden with it." When the manager brought Mrs. Mad-
ison the first number in the dance, she said, smiling :
" I never dance ; what shall I do with it ?" " Give it to
the lady next you," was the answer. " No ; that would
look like partiality." " Then I will," said the manager,
and presented it to her sister.
The Presidential mansion now became more than
ever the center of a gay and brilliant society. Large
dinner parties were given every week, and a drawing-
room was opened, where the beauty and fashion of the
nation had a suitable field for display. The stiff formal-
ity and rigid ceremonials which had marked the rule of
Mrs. Washington, were exchanged for ease, freedom, and
248 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
lively conversation, all unnecessary etiquette being ban-
ished. Mrs. Madison's own manner was distinguished
by sweet dignity and an amiable courtliness that adorned
her high station, without the least admixture of pride or
pretension ; it was gracious and winning without famil-
iarity, and modest without too much reserve.
Mrs. Adams wrote to her daughter, June, 1809 :
" With respect to Mrs. Madison's influence, it ought to
be such as Solomon describes his virtuous woman's to be,
one who should do him good and not evil all the days
of her life, so that the heart of her husband may safely
trust in her. I believe I may say with safety that her
predecessors left her no evil example."
The bright aspect of affairs was soon changed. War.
raged over the country, and brought desolation in its
train, as it threatened the National capital in 1814. The
terror was wide spread ; the inhabitants fled to neigh-
boring towns for refuge as the advancing cannon was
heard booming in the distance, and dismay came upon
all who remained. The President had gone to hold a
council of war, and no entreaties could prevail on Mrs.
Madison to leave the city'of Washington in his absence.
In vain the friends who implored her to escape had the
carriage brought to the door ; she refused to enter it.
At this juncture, her feelings may best be seen by her
letter to her sister :
"TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1814.
"DEAR SISTER:
" My husband left me yesterday morning to join General Winder.
He inquired anxiously whether I had courage and firmness to re-
MES. MADISON". 249
main in the Presidential house till his return, and on my assurance
that I had no tear but for him and the success of our army, he left
me, beseeching me to take care of myself and of the cabinet
papers, public and private. I have since received two dispatches
from him, written with a pencil. The last is alarming, because he
desires I should be ready at a moment's warning to enter my car-
riage and leave the city ; that the enemy seemed stronger than had
been reported, and that it might happen that they would reach the
city with intention to destroy it. * * * *
I am accordingly ready. I have pressed as many cabinet papers
into trunks as to fill one carriage. Our private property must be
sacrificed, as it is impossible to procure wagons for its transporta-
tion. I am determined not to go myself until I see Mr. Madison
safe, and he can accompany me, as I hear of much hostility
towards him. * * * Disaffection stalks around us. * * *
My friends are all gone ; even Colonel C., with his hundred men,
who were stationed as a guard in this inclosure. French John (a
faithful domestic), with his usual activity and resolution, offers to
spike the cannon at the gate, and to lay a train of powder which
would blow up the British should they enter the house. To
the last proposition I positively object, without being able, how-
ever, to make him understand why all advantages in war may not
be taken.
"Wednesday morning, twelve o'clock. Since sunrise I have been
turning my spy-glass in every direction, and watching with un-
wearied anxiety, hoping to discern the approach of my dear hus-
band and his friends; but alas! I can descry only groups of mili-
tary wandering in all directions, as if there was a lack of arms or
spirit to fight for their own firesides!
" Three o" 1 clock. Will you believe it, my sister, we have had a
battle or skirmish near Bladensburgh, and I am still here within
sound of the cannon ! Mr. Madison comes not. May God protect
him! Two messengers, covered with dust, come to bid me fly;
but I wait for him. * * * At this late hour a wagon has been
procured; I have had it filled with the plate and most valuable
portable articles belonging to the house. Whether it will reach its
destination, the Bank of Maryland, or fall into the hands of British
soldiery, events must determine.
" Our kind friend, Mr. Carroll, has come to hasten my departure,
11*
250 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
and is in a very bad humor with me, because I insist on waiting
until the large picture of General Washington is secured, and it
requires to be unscrewed from the wall. This process was found
too tedious for these perilous moments; I have ordered the frame
to be broken and the canvas taken out. It is done, and the pre-
cious portrait is placed in the hands of two gentlemen of New
York for safe-keeping. And now, dear sister, I must leave this
house, or the retreating army will make me a prisoner in it, by fill-
ing up the road I am directed to take. When I shall again write
to you, or where I shall be to-morrow, I cannot tell."
Such was the truly gallant conduct of this admirable
woman on a most trying occasion, and such her tender
anxieties for the husband from whom she would never
permit herself to be separated for more than a day or
two, during their forty-two years of married life.
"When Mrs. Madison did the honors of the Presiden-
tial house, on the news of peace, in 1815, she was in the
meridian of her life and queenly beauty. She was de-
scribed on that occasion as radiant with joy, and dis-
pensing hospitalities and exchanging congratulations
with unrivaled grace. Washington Irving mentioned
her " as a fine, portly, buxom dame, who has a smile and
a pleasant word for everybody." Her sisters, Mrs. Cutts
and Mrs. Washington, he playfully compared to "the
merry wives of Windsor."
During the remainder of Madison's administration he
lived in a private house, but continued to receive and
entertain company with undiminished hospitality. At
the close of his second term, March, 1817, he quitted
Washington, and returned to his mountain home Mont-
pelier where he passed the remaining years of his life,
MRS. MADISON. 251
with annual visits to Charlottesville, to serve as a mem-
ber of the Board of Visitors of the University. One
visit he paid to Richmond, in 1829, to preside over the
Convention called to revise the Constitution of Virginia.
-Mrs. Madison always accompanied him on these excur-
sions ; and when they went to Charlottesville they were
the guests of Mr. Jefferson, as long as he lived.
The following letter from Judge William Johnson,
of the United States Supreme Court, to Mrs. Madison,
may show the estimation in which she was held, and the
general feeling at her departure from Washington :
" WASHINGTON, 1817.
"I am this moment on the eve of leaving "Washington, and shall
leave it without a parting interview with one whom I must be
indulged in the liberty of comprising among the most respected and
most cherished of my friends.
"But you, madam, cannot mistake the feelings which dictate to
me this mode of making you an humble tender of a most affection-
ate adieu.
" You are now about to enter upon the enjoyment of the most
enviable state which can fall to the lot of mankind to carry with
you to your retirement the blessings of all who ever knew you.
Think not, madam, that I address to you the language of flattery.
It is what no one but yourself would hesitate at conceding. And
be assured that all who have ever enjoyed the honor of your
acquaintance, will long remember that polite condescension which
never failed to encourage the diffident, that suavity of manner
which tempted the morose or thoughtful to be cheerful, or that
benevolence of aspect which suffered no one to turn from you
without an emotion of gratitude.
"Permit, madam, one who has shared his due proportion of
your attentions to make you a sincere tender of the most heartfelt
gratitude and respect, and to wish that you may long enjoy every
blessing that Heaven dispenses to the meritorious.
252 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
"Do me the favor to tender to Mr. Madison also a respectful
adieu, and a cordial and sincerely friendly one to your son.
" Very respectfully,
" WILLIAM JOHXSOX, JE."
Montpelier was a beautiful place, less than a day's
journey from Monticello, whence the Blue Eidge could
be traced a hundred and fifty miles. Thus Jefferson
and Madison were neighbors in the Virginian accepta-
tion of the term. The tranquillity and dignity of
domestic retirement were very agreeable to Mr. and
Mrs. Madison. Their house was large and commodious,
arranged more with a view to comfort than ornament,
and stood at the foot of a lofty and densely wooded hill,
commanding a view of scenery remarkable for its pic-
turesque beauty. There was a fine garden and grounds,
and an extensive lawn shaded by forest trees. The
place was called "Montpelier" on account of the salu-
brity of the situation. One wing of the building was
appropriated entirely to the use of the venerable mother
of Madison ; it had offices and a garden attached to it.
The aged matron was attended by her old family ser-
vants, and surrounded by children and grandchildren.
Thus under one roof were exhibited the customs of the
end and the beginning of a century. By opening a door,
you passed from the refined elegancies and the gayeties
of modern life, into all that was venerable and dignified
in by-gone days; from airy apartments and windows
opening to the ground and hung with light silken
drapery from French furniture, light fancy chairs, gay
MKS. iiADisojsr. 253
carpets, &c., to solid and heavy, carved and polished
mahogany furniture, darkened by age ; to the thick, rich
curtains and comfortable adjustments of our great-grand-
mothers' time. It was a great favor to gay visitors to
be permitted to pay their respects to the President's
mother. She usually sat upon a couch, beside which
stood a small table, nearly covered with large, dark,
well-worn quarto and folio volumes. "The venerable
matron closed one of them, and took up her knitting.
' Look at my fingers,' she said ; ' you will perceive I
have not been idle.' Delicate fingers they were, and
polished by knitting. ' I owe every thing to h&rj she
added, pointing to her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Madison.
' She is my mother now, and tenderly cares for all my
wants.' Never was Mrs. Madison so lovely in her
splendid drawing-rooms, surrounded by courtly and
brilliant circles, the center of attraction never so esti-
mable, as in her loving attendance on this venerable
woman." She took delight in the society of the young,
and participated in their pleasures, to which she always
contributed by her presence. A more affectionate and
devoted wife never existed ; and tenderly did she soothe
and comfort her husband in his long imprisonment with
illness.
An extract from one of her letters to Mrs. Kichard
Cutts is illustrative of life at Montpelier at the period
when it was written :
" MONTPELIER, July 5, 1820.
" I have just received yours, my dear sister, and rejoice that
VOM are all well. ******
254 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
" Yesterday we had ninety persons to dine with us at one table,
fixed on the lawn, under a large arbor. The dinner was profuse
and handsome, and the company very orderly. Many of your old
acquaintances were here among them the two Barbours. We
had no ladies except Mother Madison, Mrs. Macon, and Nelly
Willis. The day was cool and all pleasant. Half a dozen only
staid all night, and are now about to depart. President Monroe's
letter this morning announces the French Minister; we expect him
this evening, or perhaps sooner, though he may not come until to
morrow; but I am less worried here with a hundred visitors than
with twenty-five in Washington, this summer especially. I wish
you had just such a country home as this, as I truly believe it is
the happiest and most independent life, and would be best for your
children. **.*****
t; Your devoted sister,
"D. P. MADISON."
Within a few months after Mrs. Madison had been
bereaved of her husband, her health utterly failed ; and
during the winter of 1836-37, she suffered greatly from
a painful affection of the eyes ; being compelled to keep
her bed, with closely drawn curtains, for the greater
part of the time. As the spring advanced she began to
recover; and, as her physician earnestly recommended
change of air and scene, she went to spend part of the
summer at the White Sulphur Springs, in Virginia. At
the end of August she returned to Montpelier, much im-
proved in health. On many accounts she dreaded the
solitude of a winter residence at this mountain home.
Her brother John and his family, who had been living
for many years in her immediate neighborhood, in that
autumn removed to Kentucky, leaving one of his daugh-
ters Anna Payne in the charge of Mrs. Madison. It
MRS. MADISON. 255
was, therefore, not surprising to\ her friends that she
decided on another visit to Washington. She owned a
house situated in the most pleasant part of the city, near
to the children of her sister Anna and to many of her
most valued friends. These, and indesd the whole so-
ciety of Washington, including many who were strangers
to her, warmly welcomed her return in 1837.
Finding a residence here more congenial to her feel-
ings, she remained in Washington, with occasional visits
to Montpelier. If she could not enjoy social gayeties as
she formerly did, her benevolence and sympathy for
those in distress were as lively as ever. Many times did
she interpose with aid in cases of suffering or injustice,
and her charities were limited only by her means.
These became much straitened in the later years of her
life ; and the loss of fortune was felt most severely by
her in the deprivation of her ability to extend liberal
assistance to the needy, and to entertain the friends to
whom her sincere and tender heart clung with undevi-
ating affection.
It was a sad day for her when her pecuniary embai
rassments compelled Mrs. Madison to consent to the sale
of Montpelier. In 1842, accompanied by her niece, Miss
Payne, and her nephew, Richard D. Cutts, she visited
Philadelphia, and thence proceeded to New York, where
the party spent a few days at the Astor House before
returning to Washington.
Mrs. Madison was one of the guests on board the
Princeton, at the time of the explosion of the " big gun "
256 QUEENS OP AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
in 1844. The catastrophe occurred immediately after
dinner, while most of the ladies were in the cabin, hav-
ing fortunately lingered there to hear some merry songs
by the young people. It was in the same year that the
House of Eepresentatives paid to Mrs. Madison an
unusual and signal mark of respect, by offering her
the privilege of a seat on the floor of the Hall, whenever
she might desire to attend the sittings. This was a testi-
mony of homage never before or since offered to a lady.
The noble qualities of head and heart which distin-
guished Mrs. Madison were crowned by deep and fervent
piety. She was constant in her attendance, while resi-
dent in Washington, at the Episcopal Church of St.
John's, which was built during Madison's administra-
tion; and on her return she found her old friend still the
rector. She was confirmed as a member of the church
by Bishop Whittingham, of Maryland.
In the last year of her life she suffered from extreme
debility, but her mental faculties were not in the least
impaired. Her memory was often busy with the past ;
she would have old letters read to her, and seemed to
connect with them associations unknown to those around
her. She took great delight in hearing the Bible read.
It was while listening to a portion of the Gospel of St.
John the part of the New Testament which she most
loved that she sank into her last peaceful slumber.
The sleep lasted so long as to cause alarm ; and when
the physician was summoned, he pronounced it slow
apoplexy. For two days she lingered, apparently with-
ELEANOR PARK CUSTIS. 257
out suffering, and only occasionally roused to a con-
sciousness manifested rather by loving smiles bestowed
on those around her than by words. She died on the
8th of July, 1849. The funeral took place on the llth.
The body, incased in a sarcophagus, was temporarily
deposited in a vault in the Congressional Cemetery. In
January, 1858, the sacred remains were removed by
Mrs. Madison's nephew, Mr. Richard D. Cutts, to the
family burial-ground at Montpelier, and placed by the
side of her husband. A separate monument was erected
to her memory; a monument to- Mr. Madison having
already been put up the year previously by his friends
in Virginia.
Eleanor Parke Custis was considered one of the most
beautiful and brilliant women of her day. Her portrait
is preserved with care among the treasures at Arlington
House. She was the grand-daughter of Mrs. Washing-
ton, with whom she lived. She was never suffered to
waste her time in idleness ; being required, in addition
to other studies, to practice the harpsichord four or five
hours daily. One day, not hearing the music, Mrs.
Washington came down stairs, and remarked that she
had heard some one go out of the house, so that the
young lady must have had a visitor. Noticing a blemish
on the wall, which had been newly painted cream color,
she exclaimed : " Ah, it was no Federalist !" pointing to
the spot just over the settee ; " none but a filthy Demo-
258 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
crat would mark a place with his good-for-nothing head
in that manner !"
In the beginning of 1798 Eleanor was a blooming
girl, exceedingly attractive in person and manners, and
a great favorite with General Washington. Lawrence
Lewis, Washington's favorite nephew the son of his
sister Elizabeth was at that time living at Mount
Yernon, and learned to love Nelly Custis. But a seem-
ing rival arose in the person of Charles Carroll of Carroll-
ton, who had just returned from Europe, accomplished,
well educated, and adorned with the social graces
derived from foreign travel. Young Custis was pleased
with Carroll, and, being anxious to secure Nelly's hap-
piness, wrote to the General in April, 1798, that he
thought it would be a desirable match. Washington
wrote in reply : " Young Mr. C came here about a
fortnight ago to dinner, and left us next morning after
breakfast. If his object was such as you say has been
reported, it was not declared here, and therefore the
less said upon the subject, particularly, by your sister's
friends, the more prudent it will be, until the subject
developes itself more."
Other suitors, meanwhile, came to Mount Yernon,
and paid homage to the wit and beauty of Miss Custis.
She wrote to a friend: '"I was young and romantic
then, and fond of wandering alone by moonlight in the
woods of Mount Yernon. Grandmamma thought it
wrong and unsafe, and scolded and coaxed me into a
promise that I would not wander in the woods again
ELEANOR PARK CUSTIS. 259
unaccompanied. But I was missing one evening, and
was brought home from the interdicted woods to the
drawing-room, where the General was walking up and
down with his hands behind him, as was his wont.
Grandmamma, seated in her great arm-chair, opened a
severe reproof."
Poor Nelly, taxed with delinquency, admitted her
fault, and offered no excuse but when there was a slight
pause, she moved to leave the room. She was just
closing the door behind her, when she overheard the
General attempting, in a low voice, to intercede in her
behalf. " My dear," he said, " I would say no more ;
perhaps she was not alone."
This intercession stopped Miss Nelly in her retreat.
She opened the door again quickly, and walked up to
the General with a firm step. " Sir," she said, " you
brought me up to speak the truth; and when I told
Grandmamma I was alone, I hope you believe I was
alone."
The General made one of his magnanimous bows,
and replied, " My child, I beg your pardon."
Eleanor was married to Lawrence Lewis on the
birthday of the Chief| 1799.
It was a bright day in the early spring of the South.
The flowers were budding in the hedges ; the bluebird,
making its way cautiously northward, gave out a few
joyous notes in the garden ; and nature seemed to sym-
pathize in the hilarity that prevailed at Mount Yernon
on that auspicious February morning. The bride was
260 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
dearly loved by her relatives ; Major Lewis was near
his uncle's heart for the sake of his dead mother, who
bore so striking a resemblance to the great Chief, that
sometimes, when in sport she would put a chapeau on
her head and throw a military cloak over her shoulders,
she might easily have been mistaken for himself.
It was the bride's wish that the General should wear
on that occasion the splendid embroidered uniform
which the board of general officers had adopted; but
Washington would not appear in a costume bedizened
with tinsel ; preferring the plain old continental blue
and buff, with a modest black ribbon and eookade. The
magnificent white plumes which General Pinckney had
presented to him he gave to the bride ; and to the Rev.
Thomas Davis, the rector of Christ Church, Alexandria,
who performed the marriage ceremony, he gave an
elegant copy of Mrs. Macaulay's* " History of England,"
in eight volumes, telling him they were written by a
remarkable woman, who had visited America many
years before. She had crossed the Atlantic in 1785 to
see General Washington.
Mrs. Mary Custis, of Arlington, the wife of Mrs.
Washington's grandson, was the daughter of William
Fitzhugh, of Chatham. Bishop Meade says : " Scarcely
was there a Christian lady more honored ; none more
loved and esteemed."
Mrs. Marshall, the wife of Chief Justice Marshall, of
* Catharine Macaulay Graham.
MRS. MARSHALL MRS. SITGREAVES. 261
Kichmond, Virginia, was devoted to her husband. After
her death, in 1831, he often repeated General Burgoyne's
lines, substituting " Mary " for " Anna " :
" Encompassed in an angel's frame,
An angel's virtues lay;
Too soon did Heaven assert its claim,
And take its own away.
"My Mary's worth, my Mary's charms,
Can never more return ;
What now shall fill these widowed arms I
Ah me I my Mary's urn!
Ah mel ah me! my Mary's urnl"
An intimate friend of" Nelly Custis" was Mary A.
Sitgreaves, the second child of Colonel Daniel Kemper,
of the Revolutionary army. She was born in New York,
in April, 1774. Her early associations were with per-
sons distinguished in those times. When New York
was threatened by the British, her father removed his
family to Morristown, New Jersey. While the head-
quarters of General Washington were in the neighbor-
hood, Miss Kemper was in the habit of playing about
the Chiefs premises, and now and then running into his
marquee. Mrs. Washington one day was busy in ar-
ranging the camp-stools and putting things to rights,
when the little visitor presented herself. The General
seized her, placed her upon his knee, and had a long
talk with her. This incident she often referred to with
pleasure.
During the Presidency of Washington, Miss Kemper
became prominent in the circles of the republican court
262 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
for her great beauty and the fascination of her manners.
In the Capital she attracted much attention, and was a
welcome guest at Mrs. Washington's at all times. She
was on a visit at the house of her uncle, the celebrated
Dr. David Jackson, of Philadelphia, when she first met
Hon. Samuel Sitgreaves, a member of Congress, in the
President's drawing-room. Love at first sight ensued,
and she was married to him in June, 1796.
Once hearing a sermon on the birthday of Washing-
ton, Mrs. Sitgreaves described a birthnight-ball she had
attended, in company with him and Mrs. Washington,
just fifty-six years before ; Mrs. Washington appearing
dressed in black velvet trimmed with silver lace, and
Mrs. Knox in green velvet decorated with gold. She
and Eleanor Custis had their hair arranged by the hair-
dresser, long previous to the fete, and then had a frolic
in the garden, on the afternoon preceding it ; she pluck-
ing snow-balls from the tree and showering the blossoms
over her friend's head. They stuck fast, and formed a
most admired addition to the head-dress in the evening.
On the adjournment of Congress, Mrs. Sitgreaves
accompanied her husband to Easton, Pennsylvania. He
was appointed Minister to England during the Presi-
dency of the elder Adams, and was in Congress several
years. Their home was in Easton till the death of Mrs.
Sitgreaves, who long survived her husband, and died in
November, 1864. She retained her faculties unimpaired
and clear to the last moment of her existence, and her
firm faith in her Redeemer was a consolation to her
MKS. WALLACE. 263
bereaved children, and a bright example to all who
knew her, as had been her life of active Christian duty
and cheerful benevolence. The church was her beloved,
and she was always ready for every good word and
work.
Mrs. Susan Wallace, the mother of Horace Binney
Wallace, was eminent for the noble grace of her deport-
ment. Her mother, Mrs. Mary Binney, lived opposite
Washington's house in Philadelphia. The daughter of
Mrs. Wallace, who married John Bradford Wallace, died
in 1819. The Eev. Herman Hooker said of her, "No
praise befits the character of such a person but a truthful
and grateful mention of her virtues. She was a model
of a woman." She was born February 22d, 1778, and
was just entering society in the last years of Washing-
ton's administration. Her husband was the nephew of
Mr. Bradford, the second Attorney General of the Uni
ted States.
264 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
XII.
ONE of the most distinguished and charming women
who gave a character of elegance and high-bred grace to
the best circle in "Washington society, was the wife of
General Van Ness. She was the daughter of David
Burns, a gentleman of excellent family, who inherited a
fine estate near the Potomac, in the District of Colum-
bia, and held the office of civil magistrate while attend-
ing to the interests of his large plantation. He married
Miss White, a young lady also of highly respectable
family. Marcia was their only daughter, born on the
plantation now embraced within the limits of the city of
Washington. She grew up a lovely girl, light as a fairy
in form, with a face of innocent beauty, and manners so
arch and engaging that all who saw her were attracted.
She was placed at school in Georgetown, where she re-
ceived a good education, with the accomplishments
necessary for a young lady entitled to move in the most
refined society. After completing her studies, she was
sent for "finishing" to Baltimore, where she lived in the
family of Luther Martin, then at the height of his repu-
tation as the most eminent jurist and advocate in Mary-
land. He was a friend of Mr. Burns. Marcia had
formed an intimacy with his daughter at the George-
MRS. VAN NESS. 265
town boarding-school, and the two enjoyed the best
opportunities and were well pleased to go into society
together. The conversation of Martin often turned on
public affairs, and his enthusiasm kindled in the young
girl the patriotic and philanthropic spirit which impelled
her in after life to an earnest interest in public matters.
Her brother at the same time studied law with Martin.
This brother died young. Miss Burns returned to her
home about 1799 or 1800, not long before her father's
death. From him she inherited a large fortune.
The seat of National Government was removed to
Washington in May, 1802. Miss Burns was much
sought after and admired for her personal charms and
intellectual acquirements, as well as for the endowment
of wealth ; she was, indeed, from the first, one of the
most prominent belles of Washington, and received at
her father's house all who were distinguished in the po-
litical as well as the fashionable world throughout the
United States. Mrs. Madison was one of her most inti-
mate friends. At the age of twenty she married Hon.
John P. Yan Ness, member of Congress for New York,
a gentleman of ancient and distinguished .family. He
became a resident of Washington, and their home was
we of the most brilliant and agreeable in the Capital.
Mouthful as she was, the beautiful and accomplished
Mrs. Yan Ness was regarded as a leader in the most
telect circle, and as a model of all that is charming in
the character of a lady. The principal men in the
national councils, and those who had gained distinction
266 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
in political life, did homage to her varied powers, her
grace and dignity, and the charms of her sprightly con-
versation.
Her splendid house on Mansion Square was surround-
ed by beautiful shrubs and evergreens, with flowers of
the choicest variety ; the woodbine and multiflora creep-
ing up the sides of the building. This was her residence
after quitting the cottage in which she had been born
and passed her childhood. This house was noted for
elegant hospitality, in small social gatherings as well as
in more splendid entertainments, and the success of Mrs.
Van Ness in drawing around her the refined and culti-
vated, superior to the frivolous butterflies of fashion,
made it a most desirable thing to have the pleasure of
her acquaintance. Chief Justice Marshall, Henry Clay,
President Monroe, General Jackson, Mr. Calhoun, Mr.
McDuffie, Daniel Webster, Mr. Hayne, and many other
noted celebrities, were on intimate terms Math General
Van Ness, and were frequent visitors; the foreign min-
isters also sought the society of a lady whose receptions
were so agreeable, and whose social gifts were so capti-
vating. In the bloom of her loveliness Mrs. Yan Ness
was remarkable for a complexion of dazzling fairness.
Her features were regular, and her face was bright with
expression ; her smile was most bewitching ; her eyes, a
soft hazel, were full of fire ; her form, though she was
not tall, was exquisite in symmetry. The great charm
of her presence was her perfect ease and refinement of
manner ; a gracious affability combined with dignity
MRS. VAN NESS. 267
that bespoke true elevation of mind. She was full of
vivacity in conversation, possessing a rich fund of humor,
and her poetic fancy gave a coloring to her thoughts and
opinions. This taste for poetry led her now and then to
metrical effusions; and her friends were accustomed to
be facetious about her family name of Burns, averring
that she was of kin to the poet ; though probably no re-
lationship existed.
The only daughter of Mrs. Yan Ness Ann Elber-
tina was a lovely girl, and became, in her early bloom,
the ornament and delight of society. She was not only
the darling, but the intelligent companion of her mother,
whose delight it was to teach her, and impress her mind
with the solemn truths of religion. The two entered
into each other's feelings with a sympathy not often seen
even in that near and sacred relation. Mrs. Yan Ness
was not satisfied, in the midst of her social triumphs,
with dominion over the world of fashion. She felt herself
called upon to act a higher and nobler part in society
than that of a minister to its fleeting pleasures. The
charity which in her always abounded, had its root in
that true love of God which leads to good works. Her
piety was enlightened by the faith in the Redeemer that
brings every thought into subjection to the obedience of
Christ, and produces fruits such as He approved. Her
influence was always genial ; her example ever noble
and elevating ; her friendships were true and warm ;
but these were not enough to fill her ideal of Christian
duty. Th,e sympathy that takes in humanity, the be-
268 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
nevolence that springs from earnest religious feeling, the
beneficence that spreads its fostering care over all who
need it, without respect of persons the deep humility
that disclaims all thought of merit grew in her heart,
regenerated as it was by the Holy Spirit. She became
a ministering angel to the sick and suffering ; the poor
sought her aid and received both counsel and assistance ;
she found her greatest delight in comforting the afflicted.
" Distress but gleaned from others' store,
From hers it reaped a plenteous dole."
Her good deeds were unostentatious her gentle and
loving ministrations unnoticed, while they brought balm
to many a wounded heart. Prayer and thankfulness
were continual in her household, and she took part in
social prayers for the diffusion of the Gospel. Her taste
for the beautiful in nature and the arts was sublimed by
her devotion to the good.
Her beloved daughter, so like her in all Christian
graces, returned in 1820 from school in Philadelphia,
and two years afterwards was married to Arthur Mid-
dleton, of South Carolina. The young wife went to
visit her husband's friends in his native State, and then
returned to Washington. She died of malignant fever
shortly afterwards, giving birth to a child, who also
perished.
Mrs. Van Ness never recovered from the shock of
this bereavement. From the day of her daughter's
death she bade adieu to the gay world, and mingled no
MRS. VAN NESS. 269
more in fashionable assemblages. She selected a retired
room in the cottage where her parents lived and died,
and would often go to that venerated place for medita-
tion. The allurements of society could no longer draw
her from the remembrance of the happiness she had lost.
But her faith was too firmly grounded to permit the
Christian virtues that had taken root in her character to
languish and die. The fountain of her aifections con-
tinued to pour forth a stream of charity. She became
resigned to the will of God, and sought consolation in a
more earnest devotion to her duties, both as a wife and
as the benefactress of the destitute. It was owing to her
persevering efforts that an institution was established
which became an honor to the Capital the Washington
City Orphan Asylum. With her husband's concurrence
she bestowed on it four thousand dollars, besides many
small contributions from time to time, and by her inde-
fatigable exertions with friends in Congress she obtained
an act of incorporation, and a donation of ten thousand
dollars for its permanent support. She also gave direc-
tions that a legacy of a thousand dollars should be given
to the institution after her death.
Mrs. Yan Ness was thus the founder of the asylum,
though she always acknowledged the efficient co-opera-
tion of other benevolent ladies. During the administra-
tion of President Madison, Mrs. Madison was First
Directress of the Institution ; but after her departure,
Mrs. Van Ness was induced to accept the office, which
she held till her death. She was truly a mother to the
270 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
children thus saved, sheltered, and trained for heaven
by her instrumentality. She did not wait for those
"pelted by the pitiless storm" of adversity to present
themselves at her door; night and day she sought
them out.
The grave of her daughter was a holy place to her,
and she resolved to make an offering there. She built
the Alms House beside it.
The portrait of Mrs. Yan Ness is still in the Asylum.
She is represented sitting, with three little girls clinging
to her as if claiming protection ; one with its head in
her lap.
The closing scenes of her life evinced the power of
religion to give peace and joy in the hour of death.
Her disregard of self was apparent, even in her last
moments, and in her last words to her husband kneeling
beside her. After a long and painful illness, she died
on the 9th of September, 1832, at the age of fifty.
She was the first American woman buried with pub-
lic honors. The funeral took place on the day following
her death, and was attended by a large concourse of
people. The mahogany coffin, inclosing a leaden one,
was covered with black velvet without decoration. On
the breast was a silver plate, engraved with the date of
her birth, marriage, and death. As the procession
began to move, General Yan Ness, who was Mayor of
Washington, received from a committee of the citizens
a silver plate inscribed : " The citizens of Washington,
in testimony of their veneration for departed worth,
MRS. VAN NESS. 271
dedicate this plate to the memory of Marcia Yan Ness,
the excellent consort of J. P. Yan Ness. If piety,
charity, high principle, and exalted worth, could have
averted the shafts of fate, she would still have remained
among us, a bright example of every virtue. The hand
of death has removed her to a purer and happier state
of existence ; and while we lament her loss, let us endea-
vor to emulate her virtues." Then followed dates ; and
the gift was accompanied by a copy of the preamble and
resolutions.
At the gate of the burial-place the little girls of the
Orphan Asylum stood in lines, the procession passing
between them. The coffin was placed at the door of the
vault, and the children came forward and strewed the
bier with branches of weeping- willow, singing a hymn
of farewell. The funeral service was then read, and the
deceased was laid beside her buried child.
The Board of Managers of the Washington City
Orphan Asylum passed resolutions expressive of deep
and heartfelt sympathy, and testifying respect for the
character of the departed. Similar condolences were
offered by the Association of Ben efi pence of Trinity
Church. Few ladies, indeed, have ever occupied a
larger field of usefulness, or been more devotedly en-
gaged for many years in those labors of love which the
Saviour enjoined on his followers as the evidence of
their discipleship.
272 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
One of the intimate friends of Mrs. Yan Ness, and
one called by her " the most popular woman who was
ever in Washington," was the wife of Levi Woodbury,
Secretary of the Navy during Jackson's administration.
She was remarkable for her amiable temper and digni-
fied elegance of deportment. The officers who came to
her house on business were treated by her with uniform
courtesy and kindness ; the midshipmen with the same
urbanity as the* commodore. Mrs. Woodbury was the
daughter of Hon. Asa Clapp, of Portland, the most
wealthy man at that time in the State of Maine. His
wife was Miss Quincy. Their daughter had the advan-
tage of an excellent education, and was fitted to adorn a
high position.
Mrs. Louis McLane is mentioned in the letters of
Washington Irving, and in other publications, as promi-
nent in fashionable society in Washington. She was the
eldest daughter of Robert Milligan, and in 1812 married
the son of Allan McLane, of Delaware. In 1817 he
was elected member of Congress from that State ; and
his liberal, patriotic opinions made him the steady
advocate of internal improvements arid a just economy.
The pendency of the celebrated Missouri question, and
the legislation in reference to the admission of that
State, gave extraordinary interest to that year's Con-
gress ; for a new discussion arose on a much agitated
subject. Mr. McLane thought it a member's duty to
vote according to his own judgment, without regard to
MRS. McLANE MRS. LIVINGSTON. 273
instructions; and his wife approved his course. He
took his seat as United States Senator in December,
1827; and was sent by President Jackson Minister to
England in May, 1829. ' His diplomatic talents found
aid in the courtesy, grace, and dignity of his accom-
plished wife. In 1831 McLane returned to take charge
of the Treasury Department in Jackson's second Cabinet ;
and in two years he was called to superintend the
Department of State.
While McLane was in England, Washington Irving
was entertained at his house. His respect and admira-
tion for Mrs. McLane were manifest in his conversation
as well as his letters. One of her daughters married
General Joseph Johnson; another the grandson of
Alexander Hamilton.
Washington Irving mentioned a Miss Barney the
Bister of "Beau Barney" as a belle in Washington,
and very graceful in her deportment.
Miss Butt, of Norfolk, the author of " Anti-Fascina-
tion" published in reply to " Uncle Tom's Cabin"
was highly praised in the Norfolk journals as having
maintained, at Washington, "the fame of the 'Old
Dominion' for. charms and accomplishments, and for
beautiful women beyond reproach."
Edward Livingston married, in June, 1805, the
young widow of a Jamaica agent, Louise Moreau de
Lassy, born Davezac de Castera. Her beauty was
12*
274 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
described as extraordinary, and to wondrous graces of
person she added a brilliant intellect. Livingston's first
wife was Mary McEvers. Eliza McEvers became the
wife of John R. Livingston.
In 1834, when Edward Livingston, who had been
Secretary of State, accepted the appointment of Minis-
ter to France, he was accompanied by Mrs. Livingston
and his daughter. Mrs. Livingston was born in one of
the West India Islands ; her family, driven from home
by the horrors of revolution, came to New Orleans.
Her brother was Minister from the United States to the
Hague. She was possessed of rare intellectual attain-
ments as well as personal attractions ; her manners were
gentle and refined, and she was brilliant in conversation,
for her well-stored mind and extensive observation fitted
her to shine among the cultivated. Her daughter, Cora,
inherited her mental qualities and her loveliness. She
was in Washington with her parents when it was men-
aced by the British troops, in 1814. Amid the hurly-
burly, says Parton in his Life of Jackson, " the grim
and steadfast warrior found time to caress and love the
little girl who sat on his lap and played around his high
splashed boots at head-quarters while he was busy. For
her sake he retained one of his horses from the public
service."
When Edward Livingston did not return to New
Orleans, Major Mitchell, the highest English officer in
rank among the prisoners, was held as a hostage for the
safety of the Americans in the British fleet. One day
MRS. BARTON. 275
General Jackson, calling on Mrs. Livingston, found her
in great anxiety about her husband. Cora, the little
girl, whimpered, " When are you going to bring me
back my father, General? The British will kill him."
The mighty man of war stooped, and patting the little
one on the head, said, " Don't cry, my child ; if the
British touch so much as a hair of your father's head, I'll
hang Mitchell."
Miss Livingston was famous as the belle of "Washing-
ton in the time of General Jackson's administration.
She was married to Thomas Barton, who went as Secre-
tary of Legation on the mission to France. The party
traveled through Switzerland and Germany. At Hei-
delberg, Professor Mittermaier, the voluminous and en-
lightened advocate of jurisprudential reforms (called the
German Brougham) received the card of Mr. Livingston,
with whom he had corresponded. He came to the hotel,
and, on seeing him, rushed into his arms, clasped and
kissed him, to the surprise and amusement of the ladies.
When Mr. Livingston returned home, Mr. Barton
was left as Charge des Affaires. He came to the United
States in 1836, bringing water for the fire between Jack-
son and Louis Philippe.
Mrs. Barton continued to reside at Montgomery
Place after her mother's death, in 1860. Mr. Living-
ston's rooms were kept in the same state as when occu-
pied by him. She has for many years resided in New
York.
A lady thus described an evening scene at the
276 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Executive mansion in the early part of Jackson's
administration. "The large parlor was scantily fur-
nished; there was light from the chandelier, and a
blazing fire in the grate ; four or five ladies sewing
round it; Mrs. Donelson, Mrs. Andrew Jackson, Mrs.
Edward Livingston, &e. Five or six children were
playing about, regardless of documents or work-baskets.
At the farther end of the room sat the President in his
arm-chair, wearing a long loose coat, and smoking a
long reed pipe, with bowl of red clay; combining the
dignity of the patriarch, monarch, and Indian chief.
Just behind was Edward Livingston, the Secretary of
State, reading him a dispatch from the French Minister
for Foreign Affairs. The ladies glance admiringly now
and then at the President, who listens, waving his pipe
towards the children when they become too boisterous."
Brief mention of the wife of the military President
may not be inappropriate, though she was no social
leader. Rachel Donelson was a dark-eyed and dark-
haired brunette; a gay, handsome, and spirited lass "as
ever danced on the deck of a flat-boat, or took the helm
while her father took a shot at the Indians." Her first
husband was Lewis Robards, of Kentucky. She married
Jackson in 1794. The last marriage was a happy one,
their affection being elevated by mutual respect, sympa-
thy, and unselfish kindness. Mrs. Jackson, in her hus-
band's absence, took care of the farm and a hundred and
MRS. ANDREW JACKSON. 277
iifty slaves. She had a wonderful memory for anecdotes
and tales of pioneer adventure, and had not lost her
merry disposition or her liking for old-fashioned dances.
She was short and full in person, while the General was
tall and gaunt. Having no children, they adopted
nephews. The biographer of Jackson pays Mrs. Jackson
a tribute of praise, as exemplary in all relations, with a
warm, true, and excellent heart, frank and cordial man-
ners; liberal in hospitality and overflowing with kind-
ness. "Aunt Kachel" was loved by all the young
people, and was " the stay and solace of her husband's
life." At a ball given in New Orleans, after the peace
of 1815, she mingled in the dance with the merriest.
She wrote graphic letters descriptive of a journey to
Florida, and a residence at Pensacola. A new " Her-
mitage" was built for her abode, where hung her por-
trait in white satin, topaz jewelry, low corsage, and
short sleeves. She came to Washington with her hus-
band, traveling with coach and four, in the autumn of
1824. Her health was in a precarious state. In 1828,
she revisited New Orleans. Her reception was a splen-
did one ; a brilliant circle was assembled to wait upon
her, and fetes were given in her honor. The huge old
family coach, which afterwards was among the curiosi-
ties of the Hermitage, was there presented to her by the
General ; and the set of topaz seen in her portrait, by
the ladies of the city.
When Mrs. Jackson came to the White House, the
ladies of Washington took it on themselves to arrange
278 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
the dresses suitable for her. The good lady, with her
homely bearing and country manners, was both maligned
and caricatured by the an ti- Jackson party. One picture
represented her perched on a table, with Mrs. Livingston
lacing her stays. The General, however, was blind to
any want of fashionable elegance, and always put honor
on his " bonny brown wife." *
The high moral tone and pure taste prevalent in
"Washington society at this period was illustrated by the
refusal of the ladies to visit or receive one whose con-
duct had been open to reproach, though influence was
used in official quarters to induce them to relent. The
President himself contended in vain with their determi-
nation.f
* See Parton's Life of Jackson.
f Mr. Parton, in his Life of Jackson, gives an account of the origin
of the scandal about Mrs. Eaton. William O'Neal kept a tavern in Wash-
ington, at which several Senators and officers boarded. Major Katon
came first, in 1818, and stayed there ten winters; Andrew Jackson also
was a regular boarder. O'Neal had a pretty daughter, lively, saucy, and
full of repartee. She was married to Purser Timberlake; but in 1828
came the news of his death. There had been some scandal in regard to
her and Eaton. Then the Major consulted Jackson as to the propriety of
his wedding the pretty widow. "Why, yes, Major," replied the soldier;
" if you love the woman, and she will have you, marry her by all means.
Your marrying her will disprove these charges and restore Peg's good
name." The marriage took place in 1829.
No sooner was it whispered that Eaton was to be a member of Presi-
dent Jackson's new Cabinet than the ladies at the head of society became
alarmed. "Peg O'Neal" the wife of a Cabinet minister, would be, as
such, entitled to admission into their sacred circle. Horrible 1 General
PURE TASTE IN SOCIETY. 279
Jackson was remonstrated with by a reverend gentleman in writing, the
letter being dated March, 1829. The President, in his reply, repelled the
idea of judging his friend by common rumor ;_he believed Mrs. Eaton an
innocent and injured woman. The story was fully investigated by Jack-
son's order ; certificates of Mrs. Eaton's good character were produced,
and a mass of confidential manuscript was laid open. The President
brought to the cause the fire and resolution he had shown many years
before in silencing the slanders concerning Mrs. Jackson. The matter
got mixed up in politics ; and suitors for Presidential favor were advised
to attend Mrs. Eaton's receptions. She was beautiful, and full of grace-
ful vivacity. Gentlemen were quite willing to visit her ; but the lady
leaders of society refused to be convinced of her worth by the President's
showing the charges against her unsupported by testimony. They ob-
stinately declined receiving her. Mrs. Calhoun would not. though Mrs.
Eaton called in company with the Vice-President ; Mrs. Berrien would
not, though Mr. Berrien had been one of the guests at her wedding; Mrs.
Branch would not, though Mr. Branch had been taken into the Cabinet
at Major Eaton's suggestion ; Mrs. Ingham would not, though gossip had
not spared her fame. The wives of foreign ministers followed suit in
their refusal. Mrs. Donelson, the mistress of the White House, though
compelled to receive Mrs. Eaton, would not visit her. "Any thing, uncle,
I will do for you ; but I cannot call on Mrs. Eaton." " Then go back to
Tennessee, my dear." She went ; her husband gave up his post of pri-
vate secretary and went too; both returning in a month. Thus was the
indomitable will of Andrew Jackson in collision with the will of woman.
Three weeks after the inauguration came Mr. Van Buren as Secretary of
State. He was a widower; had no daughters; and he was very happy
to call upon and receive Mrs. Eaton, and even to make parties for her.
For more than two years society was divided into hostile parties. " Bel-
lona " was the sobriquet given to Mrs. Eaton in published letters. Baron
Krudener, the Russian Minister, and Vaughan, the British, both bach-
elors, got up entertainments to keep " Bellona " afloat, and she was led by
the British Minister to the head of his table. Mr. Van Buren appealed to
Mrs. Huygens, the wife of the Minister from Holland, to be favored with
an introduction to " the lovely and accomplished Mrs. Eaton." The lady
avoided the advance, but finally accepted with reluctance, one evening,
M;ijor Eaton's arm to supper. Finding Mrs. Eaton seated at the head of
the table, beside her own chair, Mrs. Huygens turned to her husband,
took his arm, and walked out of the room. It was said that President
Jackson threatened, for this, to send the Minister home to Holland.
Another similar failure occurred at a grand dinner, when Mr. Vaughan
280 QUEENS OF AMERICAN 'SOCIETY.
led Mrs. Eaton to the head of the table the President allowing the guests
to see how much he had her recognition at heart. Nothing could move
the inflexible ladies of "Washington. Even the Cabinet became divided
on the subject ; while Jackson threw the whole energy of his nature into
the lady's defence. He was like a roaring lion at any attack upon her.
Eaton finally had a quarrel with his old chief, and they never became
reconciled. Parian's Life of Jackson.
MRS. J. J. ROOSEVELT. 281
XIII.
THE niece of Mrs. Yan Ness, of "Washington, war
celebrated as a belle universally admired in the society
of the Capital in the winter of 1828-9. She was Miss
Cornelia Yan Ness, the daughter of Cornelius P. Yan
Ness, the eminent Chief Justice and Governor of Yer-
mont.
Mrs. C. P. Yan Ness occupied a position not less dis-
tinguished than that of her sister-in-law. Her admirable
performance of the duties pertaining to her position as
the wife of the Governor of Yermont, added an elevating
social influence to his political supremacy. Her house
was the resort of distinguished travelers from every part
of the United States as well as Europe ; her hospitality
was known throughout the State ; and few, who had any
claim to attention, passed through the beautiful village
of Burlington, on their way to Boston or Canada, with-
out stopping at the Governor's residence to pay their
respects. Mrs. Yan Ness was noted for personal beauty
of a commanding order, as well as for uncommon powers
of intellect, and attainments that in any time or country
would be remarkable.
Her talents in conversation were improved by exten-
sive reading ; for she possessed a wonderful tenacity of
282 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
memory, with a mental power of transmutation that
enriches the mind with the products of what it receives.
With these endowments, added to the most graceful cour-
tesy, accomplished manners, and kindness of heart, it was
not surprising that Mrs. Yan Ness should hold an exalted
place in the esteem of all her acquaintances. When
General La Fayette revisited the United States, it was
her part and privilege, as the Governor's wife, to receive
and entertain him at her house. She accompanied her
husband to Spain when he became Envoy Extraordinary
at the Court of Madrid. Here a new sphere opened for
the exercise of her talents, and new duties devolved upon
her. At the christening of the present Queen of Spain,
in the Koyal Chapel, she represented America. When
she came in, in a State procession, with other ladies of
the corps diplomatique, her commanding figure, the dig-
nity of her carriage, and the beauty of her face, caused
many to fancy that her country must be remarkable for
its lovely women.
Miss Cornelia Yan Ness, when a very young girl, left
her home in Yermont to visit her uncle, General Yan
Ness, in the Federal city. At that time there were
many young ladies in society who had brilliant preten
sions to belleship ; but Miss Yan Ness, on her first ap
pearance, was acknowledged to possess superior claims,
not only on account of her uncle's high position and the
attraction of her aunt's fascinating social qualities, but
for her own exquisite beauty, grace, sprightliness, and
elegance of style, with accomplishments rare in one so
MRS. J. J. ROOSEVELT. 283
youthful. Her admirers were not destined long to enjoy
her society; in the autumn of 1829 she was taken to
Spain by her father, who had been appointed Minister
by General Jackson. The ambassador had his residence
in Madrid, and his family was at once received into the-
most select of the court circles and of the society of the
Capital. Immediately on her arrival, Miss Yan Ness
was introduced to the Duchess of Beneventi, one of the
principal ladies of the court. The Duchess was charmed
with her young American friend, and took pleasure in
presenting her to the exclusive circles of the Spanish
grandees ; a favor seldom accorded to foreigners. The
young lady was, of course, admitted to all State recep-
tions and to the parties of the foreign Ministers, in vir-
tue of her father's official position ; but the old grandees
of Spain are jealously exclusive, tenacious of their tra-
ditional grandeur, and averse to receiving into their
social circles the most honored of any other nation. The
distinction shown to the fair American was, therefore, a
rare and valued one. Miss Yan Ness had equal good
fortune in being made acquainted with the persons of
note in Madrid, and in being shown all that was recher-
che and distinguished in metropolitan society. % Thus
her time passed most agreeably, and the incidents of
almost every day were treasured in memory as improv-
ing recollections.
The Marchioness de Casa Yrujo was an American :
a daughter of Governor McKean, of Philadelphia. She
had married the Marquis when he was Spanish Minister
284 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
to the United States. The Marchioness had been in her
day a celebrated beauty, and was, even at that time, an
elegant looking woman. She possessed wealth, and
lived in superb style, in Madrid, with her son and
daughter. She had known the ambassador, Mr. Yan
Ness, in America; and both were happy to renew the
acquaintance formed in a far distant country, to which
both belonged by birth. This noble lady was well
pleased to find a youthful countrywoman so accom-
plished and lovely in the daughter of her friend ; one
whom she could present to her friends with pride and
satisfaction, and who would do credit to her regard and
companionship. Miss Yan Ness could speak both French
and Spanish with fluency, and with two chaperones like
the Duchess of Beneventi and the Marchioness, asso-
ciating familiarly with those with whom they made her
acquainted^ she speedily found herself at home in Ma-
drid. She was presented to Queen Christina, who made
her entrance into the Capital, as the third wife of Fer-
dinand YIL, the day after Governor Yan Ness and his
family arrived. The Queen received the young girl
most kindly, and was particularly pleased with her ; the
sovereign honored her with special marks of favor, and,
indeed, made quite a pet of her ; showing a regard no
American lady had ever yet won from a monarch of
Spain. This distinguishing notice of royalty, of course,
made the beautiful daughter of the western Republic
" the observed of all observers." Her album contains
numerous tributes in Spanish and French poetry signed
MRS. J. J. ROOSEVELT. 285
by names of world-wide distinction. Fontaney sighs in
verse " Oh, that my eye was in itself a soul !" and
there are records from Forcinet at Paris, Charles Nodier,
Marie Nodier, Menessier, and many others. A Spanish
poet, Don Manuel Breton de los Herreros, addressed to
her some impromptu stanzas which have great spirit and
beauty in the original.
During twenty months Miss Yan Ness remained in
Spain, partaking of all the gayeties and delights of the
Capital, assisting at the court festivals, pleased with every
thing she saw, and charming those w r ho knew her. The
last fete at which she was present wag the baptism of the
present Queen of Spain ; a most interesting ceremony :
celebrated with brilliant festivities. This appropriately
crowned the series of stately pageants and entertainments,
in which our fair subject had the rare privilege of min-
gling with noble and royal personages, honored as one of
themselves, and endowed with grace and loveliness such
as nature seldom bestows even on the favorites of for-
tune. After this she bade farewell to these bright
scenes, and w r ent to Paris. Here, in May, 1831, at the
house of Mr. Eives in the presence of many distin-
guished friends, among them General La Fayette, who
gave away the bride she gave her hand to Mr. James
J. Roosevelt, of New York.
"When La Fayette revisited the United States, Miss
Yan Ness then at Mrs. Willard's school in Troy had
been selected, with Miss Cass, to present to the General
the poetical tribute Mrs. Willard had written for the
286 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
occasion. These daughters of the governors of Yermont
and Michigan were chosen as representative young
ladies for the office. La Fayette had never forgotten
that pleasant incident, and thus agreeable recollections
of her girlhood were mingled with his esteem for the
charming maiden he bestowed in marriage. He invited
her and her husband to visit him at his country home
La Grange. They passed several days there, welcomed
with every mark of friendship by the General and his
family.
In September, 1831, Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt returned
to the United States, taking up their residence in New
York. On her return, Mrs. Roosevelt received a letter
from the Marchioness de Casa Yrujo, giving her the
gossip of their circle in Madrid : u The Duke of Ossuna,"
she says, " is rather triste on account of the absence of
his friends. I had the pleasure of seeing your mamma a
day or two ago ; she looks very thin, and appears to feel
the separation from you very severely. She is desirous
of returning to America. It appears to me it would be
for the happiness of all your family to return."
In a letter from La Fayette, dated July 25, 1831, he
says :
"In case you were still on this side of the Atlantic, I may
assure you that Prince de Talleyrand will highly value the pleasure
of your and Mr. Koosevelt's acquaintance; and should you think it
requisite, these very lines, although addressed to you, would be
considered as an introduction to him. But I think they will not
be received before you have had the happiness to find yourself again
MES. J. J. ROOSEVELT.. 287
m the great and good city of New York. Remember me to your
sister, husband, and brother-in-law, and believe me forever,
"Your affectionate friend,
"LA FAYKTTK."
In 1840, Mr. Eoosevelt was elected Member of Con-
gress, and took his seat in the following year, when his
family accompanied him to Washington. During the
winters of 1842-43, Mrs. Koosevelt remained in that
city, her husband having taken a house. They were
very prominent in society, and were among the first to
introduce the new fashion of entertaining.
Mr. Ingersoll, giving an account of social matters in
Washington at this time, wrote :
" Washington's administration, with Jefferson's and Hamilton's
concurrence, established some forms deemed indispensable for the
new republican government, one of which was that the President
was never to visit any one but the Vice President, nor ever to dine
out. But Acting President Tyler sometimes, I believe, did both.
When I first came to "Washington, most of the hospitalities were
done by the President and the several foreign ministers. But a
great change has since taken place; and now many members of >
Congress give more and more luxurious entertainments than any
of the foreigners who used to set the fashion. In 1842, one of the
city of New York members, Mr. Jarnes J. Koosevelt, and his
beautiful and accomplished wife, who had spent many years in
Madrid when her father was American minister there, were among
the earliest and most effective in that social revolution, by frequent
and very agreeable dinner and evening parties. At one of these,
where President Tyler was a gay and unassuming guest, I had the
honor to play a rubber of whist with him, Lord Ashburton, and
ex-speaker, and ex-minister to England, &c."
One literary curiosity preserved in Mrs. Eoosevelt's
288 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
album is an original impromptu poetical conceit, written
by Yictor Hugo, with his own hand, in 1831 :
"La Poesie, inspire lorsque la terre ignore,
Ressemble a les grands monts que la nouvelle aurora
Dore avant nous a son reveille,
Et qui, longtemps vainqueur de I'ombre,
Gardent jusquo dans- la nuit sombre
Le dernier rayon du soleil.
"VlCTOE H."
A translation was written below by Mr. Adains :
" The bard is like yon hilltop high,
At sunrise shining to the sky,
While darkness reigns below ;
And when shall come the shades of night,
Still on that h'illtop's lofty height
The sun's last beams shall glow.
"JOHN QuiNor ADAMS."
JULY, 1842.
Another distinguished poet gave a more liberal
version :
"Moorland and meadow slumber
In deepest darkness now,
But the sunrise hues that wakened day
Smile on that mountain's brow.
" And when eve's mists are shrouding
Moorland and meadow fast,
That mountain greets day's sunset light,
Her loveliest and her last.
" And thus the god-taught minstrel,
Above a land untaught,
Smiles lovely in the smiles of heaven
From his hilltops of thought.
"FITZ GREENE HALLEOZ."
The same treasury of art and poetry contains
an
MRS. J. J. ROOSEVELT. 289
original drawing by Federico di Madrazo, of Apollo with
his lute ; and a drawing of our Saviour wearing His
crown of thorns, by Yincentio Lopez, the great historical
painter. There is also an extract in "Washington Irving's
delicate handwriting, from his unpublished essay on the
" Self Dependence of an American," written in London,
July, 1831 ; with some relics of Washington and Jeffer-
son ; a sonnet to La Fayette, in Mrs. Madison's quaint,
old-fashioned hand ; and the following sentiment :
" The enduring record of departed goodness dwells in the soul,
like the writing that is inscribed upon adamant.
"D. P. MADISON"
Mr. Clay wrote to Mrs. Eoosevelt :
"MY DEAR MADAM:
''You did me the honor to express a wish to possess some
written memorial of me. I take pleasure in complying with it, and
regret that I have not something to offer more worthy of your
acceptance. But nothing could more truly testify than I now do,
to the respect and esteem cherished for you by both Mrs. Clay and
" Your faithful friend
" And obedient servant,
"H. CLAY."
There is also a curious autograph of the Prince de
Ligne, inviting Mr. Roosevelt to visit him.
Many letters were written to Mrs. Roosevelt by
statesmen of the greatest distinction in American politi-
cal life, touching affairs of national importance ; but
publicity cannot be given to what was written without
any idea of publication. They serve to show the high
personal esteem entertained for the lady by those friends,
13
290 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
and their respect for her opinions and judgment in mat-
ters wherein a woman is not usually supposed able to
decide. Some of the letters were sent to her while she
was in Paris, on the eve of a contested nomination for
the Presidency ; and few ladies have been let so deeply
into party secrets. One from Sir John Rowland Eustace,
in 1854, showed how much he was indebted for his recep-
tion in America to the civilities of Mrs. Roosevelt. He
wrote :
"I recall to mind with very great pleasure ray two very agree-
able trips from Canada into the United States, into which I was
ushered by you and Mr. Roosevelt; for, from the moment of my
having the good fortune to make your acquaintance, in the steam-
boat upon Lake Champlain, every thing was to me quite l -couleur
de rose ? and when, after a very agreeable journey, you and Mr.
Roosevelt so kindly presented me to your friends at Saratoga, I
really felt quite as much at home as I should have done at any
watering-place in England. And after that auspicious introduction,
I never met with any thing in the United States but the greatest
civility and kindness, and the most interesting scenery, and the
most interesting people I have ever met. Indeed, I should like to
revisit America very much ; and I think I should have gone to
vour exhibition at New York last summer, but that we also had
one in Dublin, where as an Irishman I was bound to attend. I
was in hopes of seeing you and Mr. Roosevelt again in London
before this time ; but I suppose the high and dignified office which
the Judge now holds and upon which promotion I beg leave to
offer my sincere congratulations will prevent his being able to go
so far from home."
Mrs. Roosevelt has for many years past been in
reality " a queen " in the leading society of New
York. Her regal grace and dignified deportment, her
animated, intellectual countenance, her conversation,
MRS. J. J. ROOSEVELT. 291
enriched with the treasures of a well-stored mind, and
sprightly with brilliant fancies, adorn the drawing-room
and give a charm to social intercourse wherever she
is. Her entertainments have always been splendid, and
marked by refined taste as well as lavish decoration.
Flowers in profusion may be seen ,; the arts are worthily
represented, and her guests are unanimous in their testi-
mony to the enjoyment provided for them. Nor is the
time of this lady, acknowledged leader of " the ton " as
she is, altogether given up to fashionable gayeties ; she
is continually occupied with some good work, and is
active and liberal in aiding many charities. In the
great (Sanitary Fair held in New York, Mrs. Roosevelt
gave important assistance. The " Knickerbocker Kitch-
en" was especially under her superintendence. The
" Herald" report said :
"The high priestess of this ancient temple of cleanliness and
comfort is Mrs. Judge Roosevelt, a lady of veritable Dutch descent,
and a well-known leader in the best circles of New York society.
"If Washington Irving could now step forth from his summer-
house, he would put on his hat, take his cane, and quickly find his
way to the Knickerbocker Kitchen. There, seated in some high-
backed, broad-flottomed wooden chair, he would call for oly-koeks,
krollers, rollitjes, &c., with a cup of tea, and doubtless he would
be served by Mrs. Roosevelt herself, in the costume of her great-
grandmother, which becomes her so well that she looks more like
a Duchess than a Dutchwoman.
"As you enter the door, the first glance conveys the impression
that you have stepped across the ocean and are in a foreign coun-
try. The second is, that you have slipped backward two hundred
years or more ; and the middle of the seventeenth century, in tho
person of a pretty Dutch girl, stands before yon.
" Grim old Dutchmen look down upon you from dingy canvas
292 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
on the walls; long-waisted, straight-laced old ladies, in remarkable
head-dresses, and round-faced children, in wonderful clothes, greet
you at every turn. The tables groan with blue china, steel forks,
and all the good things that were found on the Knickerbocker bill
of fare.
" Overhead, strings of dried apples hang in festoons from the
heavy beams. Eows of dip-candles, large ears of seed-corn, and
bright red-peppers adorn the ceiling. Above the deep fire-place,
a shelf full of burnished pewter plates, copper sauce pans, bake-
pans, kettles, and brass candlesticks, attest the divotion of the
housewife to a godly cleanliness. The spinning-wheel is near at
hand, the ancient dresser, and, above all, the corner china-closet,
in which are displayed rare mementoes of the choice blue porcelain
ware, once the pride of some old family table. In the chimney
corner or bustling around the room, in old Dutch costumes, may
be seen Mrs. Judge Eoosevelt, Mrs. Ronalds, Mrs. Dr. Brown,
Miss Roosevelt, and other ladies of the committee, which is com-
posed exclusively of representatives from the oldest Dutch families
in the State."
The account of this distinguished family would be
incomplete without a brief notice of Mrs. Boosevelt's
sister, whose lot has been to reside abroad most of her life.
Marcia, Lady Ouseley, says an English paper, " comes
of a race of distinguished public servants of the United
States." While the eminent diplomatist, Sir William
Gore Ouseley, was at the British Legation in Washing-
ton. Marcia, then extremely young, was married to him,
in 1829. Their residence afterwards was in different
European courts, where Sir William was employed in a
diplomatic capacity. He was a nephew of Sir Gore
Ouseley, the famous Ambassador to Persia and St.
Petersburgh, and the son of Sir William Ouseley, the
LADY OUSELEY. 293
not less famous historian of the celebrated Persian em-
bassy. Entering the diplomatic career at a very early
age, he filled important posts in various countries. He
served at the Court of Rio Janeiro, whither his wife
accompanied him, and was much pleased with the pic-
turesque place and scenery. Here Sir William repre-
sented his queen and country at the coronation of the
present Emperor of Brazil. Lady Ouseley accompanied
him to Buenos Ay res in 1844, and subsequently to
Washington, whither he went on a special mission, .pre-
viously to proceeding to Central America. Some years
before this he was specially accredited to Monte Yideo,
during a most eventful epoch in the annals of the East-
ern States of South America, in whose prosperity he
ever continued to take a lively interest, contributing to
it by his persistent antagonism to the military despotism
and commercial restrictiveness of Rosas. The opening
up of the affluents of the La Plata was mainly due to
the preliminary expedition on which he dispatched Cap-
tain Hotham.
During Lady Ouseley's stay in Washington she was
the object of universal attention, and took part in the
gayeties of the season. A brilliant party was given at
her house in March, 1858; at another was described her
" winning elegance of manner, which could not fail to
command attention ;" at another, " Prominent in the"
throng we see Lady Ouseley's expressive face and en-
gaging manners." Many such passing tributes show
that she had a celebrity among the fairest in Washing-
294: QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ton for her personal loveliness, charming manners, and
accomplishments of conversation ; though her reign was
but short, as she was called to appear in other and more
courtly scenes, and in the sunshine of royal favor.
Sir William returned to England in 1860, from his
mission to the governments of Central America and his
visit to Washington. He died on the 5th March, 1866,
leaving only one child, a daughter, who was married to
the Honorable James Terence Fitzmaurice, of the E-oyal
Navy, son of the Earl of Orkney.
Lady Ouseley was personally acquainted with many
of the sovereigns of Europe ; among them the late King
Leopold, of Belgium " the Nestor of sovereigns ;" Queen
Marie Amelie and her husband, Louis Philippe, with
their family ; also the present emperor of France, Louis
Napoleon. Her home of late years has been in England.
MRS. SCOTT. 295
XIY. ,
THE wife of General Winfield Scott was prominent
in society where she lived. She was Maria Mayo, the
daughter of John Mayo, of Richmond, Virginia ; " a
young lady more admired in her circle than her soldier
husband." She had seven children, of whom four died
young. She was not well known as a poetess ; but she
wrote some creditable verses in Paris to cheer her hus-
band on his mission of peace to Puget'a Sound, San
Juan Island, via Panama. He sailed in tlie " Star of
the West," September 20th, 1859. Mrs. Scott was
present at a breakfast given to loyal American citizens
in the Hotel du Louvre, Paris, in the May preceding
her death. One hundred and fifty were present, one-
third ladies. She was remarkable for pungent wit, and
was often eccentric in her manners.
General Scott paid a high but just tribute to William
C. Preston, of South Carolina, for many years a United
States Senator, in saying he was a man " of the purest
morals, with a wife worthy to ' glide double swan and
shadow' down the stream of life with him. They were
lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death not
long divided." Both Mr. and Mrs. Preston were well
known to the writer of this volume during her residence
296 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
in South Carolina. Mr. Preston, as his friend observed,
was " greatly gifted in genius and fancy ; highly accom-
plished as a scholar, a gentleman, and a statesman, with
splendid powers of oratory to enrapture the multitude
and edify the intelligent ; with a soul so genial and a
voice so sweet as to win all who approached him young
and old, men, women, and children." " Though at an
unhappy period he was given up to nullification, his
good genius triumphed in the end ; for he lived long
enough to make atonement to the Union, and to die
faithful to the same allegiance that distinguished his
grandfather Campbell, of King's Mountain, and his
immediate parent, General Frank Preston, long mem-
ber of Congress from Southwestern Virginia." He lived
also to testify to his acceptance of the Christian's hope
through a Redeemer, and to show the evidence of his
earnest faith.
Frank Preston, the father of William Campbell
Preston, by his marriage with Miss Campbell, obtained
the salt-works and mines of Abingdon and on the
Kenawha. His sons were William C. ; John, who mar-
ried Miss Hampton, of South Carolina, while in Louisi-
ana; and Thomas, the present owner of the Abingdon
property. His uncle had married Edmonia, daughter
of Edmund Randolph, the first Attorney General of the
United States, and the friend and legal adviser of
Washington. Frank's daughters were Eliza, who mar-
ried Colonel Carrington; Susan, who married James
McDowell, Governor of Virginia, the brother of Mrs.
MRS. PRESTOS. 297
Benton ; Sophy, who became the wife of Rev. Robert
Breckenridge,'of Kentucky;* and Sarah, who married
her cousin, Governor Floyd of Virginia, f The sister of
Frank married one of Madison's family.
"William Preston, a brother of Frank Preston, mar-
ried Miss Hancock, and settled in Kentucky on a grant
of military land, now the site of part of the city of Louis-
ville. Their only son was William Preston, afterwards
minister to Spain, who married Margaret Wickliffe, the
daughter of Robert Wickliffe, an eminent lawyer of
Kentucky, and the owner of extensive lands and large
fortune. He was distinguished for elegance of manner
combined with determination and strength of will, being
popularly called " The Old Duke." His home in Lex-
ington, over which two of his daughters presided, was
noted for hospitality, and was the center of social attrac-
tion for several years. The eldest daughter married
Judge Wooley, an eminent jurist; Mary became the
wife of John Preston of West Virginia. After Marga-
ret's marriage, she went to reside in Louisville. She
accompanied her husband to Washington when he
became member of Congress for that district, and
afterwards wjien he went as ambassador to Spain.
Everywhere her beauty and intellect, her accomplish-
ments and charming manners and conversation, and
* Dr, Breckenridge of the Presbyterian Church, uncle to John Breck-
enridge.
f His father was Dr. Floyd, United States Senator ; his mother, the
Bi'oter of Frank Preston.
13*
298 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
her influence in society, gave her a leading position.
Both she and General Preston were of majestic height
and regal appearance. Since the late war they reside in
Lexington, on Mrs. Preston's estate.
Mrs. Merrick, the wife of Judge Merrick, of the
United States District of Columbia, was the daughter
of Charles Wickliffe. She was a leader in Washington
society, and gave superb entertainments.
I have heard Washington Irving remark, that Wil-
liam C. Preston was the most brilliant man in conversa-
tion he had ever known. His discourse, in fact, sparkled
with illustration and wit, in which sarcasm was often
blended. Sometimes, by a felicitous turn, he would
rebuke an unjust or censorious remark. One evening at
Professor Ellet's house, a gentleman known to have a
stupid wife, looking at an engraving of Lady Byron,
said : " I should not like to marry one of these clever
women ; they are seldom suited for it ;" whereupon Mr.
Preston coolly added : '" Well, I like to see a man's
practice in life correspond with his theory." His words
were often pictures, and, in ordinary conversation,
seemed to glow with the abundance .of the treasures his
fancy showered ; it almost realized the fable of the fairy
who dropped pearls and jewels from her lips in speaking.
The second wife of Mr. Preston was Louisa Penelope
Davis, the daughter of Dr. James Davis, of Columbia,
South Carolina. She was born in 1807. She improved
the advantages of a superior education, having little
taste for the occupations in which young girls generally
MRS. PRESTON. 299
delight ; and became distinguished among her associates
for the extent and variety of her acquirements. Her
powers of conversation were remarkable ; pronounced
by Calhoun, Mitchell King, and others, superior to
^ those of any other woman they ever knew. In girlhood
she possessed great beauty, combined with graceful and
winning manners, which made her a favorite with all.
The soft melody of her voice, with its clear and rather
slow articulation, added to the pleasing eifect of her ani-
mated language, in which her delicate wit illustrated
every subject.
In the autumn of 1830, Miss Davis gave her hand to
William Campbell Preston. During his brilliant career
in public life she was his inseparable companion, the
star of beauty and wit in Washington, the leader of the
most aristocratic society in her native town. Her health
became very fragile, but she never relaxed in her devo-
ted attentions to her husband, who suffered much from
illness. To please him, she cultivated her rare mental
powers, and read the works in which he delighted. The
Bible, and Shakespeare's plays, were so familiar to her
retentive memory, she was almost a living book of con-
cordance to them. In Columbia she was the acknow-
ledged queen of society. Her entertainments were
marked by good taste as well as profuse liberality. The
house had a large and well-shaded garden, in which the
company was invited to wander on summer evenings,
lamps being hung in the trees and shrubbery. Some-
times refreshments were served in the grove. I remem-
300 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ber the visit of Baron von Raumer, who wrote a book
entitled u America and the American People." He thus
mentioned the occurrence :
" We dined with an agreeable party at the house of
Colonel Preston. After dinner we had a very interest-
ing conversation upon Shakespeare and the Greek tra-
gedians. Our host showed throughout a great deal of
knowledge and acute judgment ; others were not be-
hindhand ; and the ladies also took a lively part in the
discussion. Seldom do we hear among us such sensible
and coherent remarks."
The soil of that portion of South Carolina did not
produce the grassy turf so beautiful in the Northern
States ; but Mrs. Preston, with great pains, had culti-
vated a square space where the grass was green in
spring ; and here, after dinner, her guests were invited
to sit in the cool shade. She had a favorite peacock,
with a gorgeous tail, which he was fond of spreading ;
but on this occasion the perverse bird chose to hide his
brilliant plumage among the shrubbery, out of the sight
of the distinguished visitor. Desirous of showing oif
her pet, Mrs. Preston whispered to me a request that I
would drive the bird upon the green in front of her
guests. The young baron, son of the elder, volunteered
his assistance, holding a glass to his eye, for he was
extremely near-sighted. The obstinate peacock seemed
determined to balk our purpose; he ran into all manner
of obscure by-ways ; and when, after long pursuit, the
chase became vigorous, and he was fairly cooped in to
MRS. PRESTON. 301
the desired locality, lie fled, with closed plumes and
frightened pace, across the Baron's feet, quite unnoticed.
The learned German was discoursing on the topics he
mentions, and would no doubt have despised the spread
tail had he seen it. What made the failure more pro-
voking was, that an ugly turkey buzzard, of whom Mr.
Preston had made an uncouth pet, sturdily refused to be
kept in the background.
Soon after Mr. Preston's retirement from the Senate
of the United States, he was chosen President of the
South Carolina College, which his reputation and talents
raised to much prosperity. Here Mrs. Preston's influ-
ence was felt in a new sphere. Her benignity and kind-
ness conciliated the respect and gratitude of the students ;
and her entertainments diffused a general spirit of cour-
tesy and good-will, that promised to open a vista of
increasing usefulness to the institution. But renewed
attacks of illness constrained her husband to resign his
position, and seek the restoration of his health in retire-
ment. In March, 1853, they made an excursion to
Louisiana, to visit the plantation of his brother, John S.
Preston. Mr. Preston's health improved; but that of
his wife gave way, and she was seized with a disease
which for her medicine could not relieve. For weeks
she suffered, anxious to return home, but unable to be
removed, till a slight improvement induced her physi-
cians to consent to her removal to South Carolina. She
reached her beloved home a few days before her death.
Her mother, her brothers and sisters, and many friends
802 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
were near her, and calm in the assurance of a blessed
immortality for her life had for years been passed in
the light of Christian faith -did she " like tired breezes
fall asleep."
I cannot resist the temptation of including some
notice of a beloved friend, whose influence, limited
Indeed within a select circle, was powerful over all who
knew her. She was a native of Scotland, but the greater
part of her life was passed in the city of New York,
where, up to the advanced age of seventy-seven, she
adorned a high position with all those qualities of heart
and mind, all those sweet and captivating amenities of
manner, which had in her youth, when joined to great
personal attractions, rendered her one of the most fas-
cinating maidens of Annandale, in Scotland. Her father
was the Rev. Andrew Jeffrey, of Lochmaben, in Dum-
frieshire. At his fireside the bright blue eyes of his
daughter, the young and blooming Jeanie Jeffrey, then
only in her fifteenth year, attracted the beauty-loving
eye of Burns, who, under the impression they had pro-
duced upon his imagination, made her the subject of one
of his sweetest songs :
" I gaed a woefu' gate yestreen,
A gate I fear I'll dearly rue :
I gat my death frae twa sweet e'en,
Twa lovely e'en sae bonnie blue." &c.*
* A memoir of Mrs. Ren-wick, written by the accomplished Mrs. Bal-
manno, and included in her illustrated volume entitled "Pen and Pencil"
a volume which is a credit to American art and literature enables me
to give her reminiscences of our friend.
MRS. RENWICK. 303
" Often in the familiar flow of friendly conversation
has she described, with animation, the universal joy
which prevailed among the younger inmates of the
manse, herself included, when the step of their father's
friend Burns was heard at the door ; the joyful en-
thusiasm which his appearance never failed to create,
and then the hushed quietness on their part which suc-
ceeded his entrance; while, with their creepies (low
footstools) drawn as closely round him as possible, they
sat looking up into his face, listening to his eloquent
words, and never weary of watching the changes of his
varying countenance. His powers of conversation, she
said, were unequaled ; feelings the most ardent, fancies
the most brilliant, perpetually leaping forth, and render-
ing the commonest theme from his lips full of novelty
and beauty. The pastor's hospitable fireside, independ-
ent of its own intrinsic charm, must for him have
abounded in associations the most romantic ; Marion
Fairlie, the 'Fairlie fair' of Scottish song, being the
ancestress of Mrs. Jeffrey, who herself was the direct
descendant of ' Jonnie Armstrong,' the famous free-
booter, and had in her maiden days formed the theme
of song as the 'Nannie' of 'Roslyn Castle.' "
In a letter to her sister-in-law, Mrs. Renwick thus
describes the occasion upon which Burns addressed to
her the poem above referred to :
"It was after dinner, in company with the poet, at the house
of Mr. Nicol, who was living at Moffat for the benefit of his child's
health, that Burns sent to me the two songs ' Willy brewed a
304 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Peck o' Maut ' and ' The Blue-eyed Lassie.' Mr. Nicol was the
'Willie' whose 'raaut got aboon the meal' that night with the
poet. I was then only fifteen, and sic a wee bit lassie, that Burns
danced out with me in his arras, and put me into the carriage to
my father, singing ' Green grow the rushes, 0.'
"Poor, poor Burns 1 how often have I seen him in a colil win-
ter's night, when he had been riding for hours over the moors and
mosses after smugglers (what a task for such a spirit ty, open our
little parlor door, and stalk in with his great lion-skin coat and fur
cap covered with snow, and his fine Newfoundland dog, Thurlow,
at his side, looking stern and dour, as if at war with all the world.
With what kindness he was welcomed by my dear parents, while
my sister and self seated him in my mother's easy-chair, brought
dry slippers, and prepared for him a warm, comfortable cup of tea;
then, seating ourselves on our low creepies at his feet, watched his
countenance brighten up into almost more than mortal beauty and
intelligence, and listened to his inspired words, every one of which
was absolute poetry."
Burns addressed to this "blue-eyed lassie" another
song, beginning, "When first I saw my Jeanie's face," &c.
Mrs. Balmanno describes Mrs. Renwick in her later
years : " Of medium height, her features feminine and
regular, with a benign, engaging aspect. Pier com-
plexion was still fresh, her brow unwrinkled, and her
eyes still those of the ' Blue-eyed Lassie ;' and when, a
short time before her death, she was humorously de-
scribing the great number of her descendants, her cheeks
were dimpled with pleasure, and she spoke with such a
sweet voice, laughing at the same time so softly and yet
merrily, that it seemed no wonder she should have made
BO many hearts her own in the days o' lang syne, some
sixty years ago, when she was that most beautiful girl
and elegant dancer described by Mr. Cameron. This
MRS. RENWICK. 305
gentleman, a Highlander by birth, passed much of his
boyhood at Lochmaben, where he describes himself
deeply enamored of ' Jeanie . Jeffrey,' having a l great
jealousy' in those days of ' ane Wully Brown' (after-
wards Sir William Brown), his powerful rival at the
dancing-school."
" How delightful was a visit to Mi's. Een wick's house
in Barclay Street, New York ! The servants wore an
honest, kindly look, as if glad to see their mistress's
friends; while she herself, to whom time had given a
grace for every one it had taken away, received her
friends in a manner that showed she loved them, and
spoke and smiled a thousand welcomes. Surrounded by
objects of taste and vertii, of elegance and luxury, by
pretty little tributes of affection and respect, by all that
can delight the eye or charm the mind, the beholder ex-
perienced that sense of pleasure which arises from objects
in just proportion and harmony with each other. In a
conspicuous situation hung a fine old Andrea Ferrara,
that perchance had given many a hard blow at Ban-
nockburn, and beneath it stood a finely chased antique
silver casket, containing a pair of the silk and silver-
fringed long kid gloves of the lovely Mary Stuart, queen
of Scotland. This interesting relic came into the pos-
session of Mrs. Kenwick from the representatives of her
relative, Professor Kemp, of Columbia College, New
York. In his family, in Aberdeenshire, it had been an
heirloom, traced back more than two centuries.
" The two large bow-windows were filled with choice
306 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
flowers, one of the windows affording entrance to a long,
narrow terrace, overlooking beautiful gardens and ven-
erable trees, old Indian warriors of the woods, which had
been saplings when New York was a choice hunting-
ground ; dear to her eye as shadowing the grounds of
Columbia College and the house of her son, who was its
distinguished Professor of Chemistry. This pleasant
walk was always in summer crowded with exotics, large
and small, among which she loved to walk, and from
whose treasures she enriched the conservatories and
drawing-rooms of her friends. There also might be
found violets, daisies, Scotch heaths, bluebells, and the
'lang yellow broom,' cherished as mementoes of that
far ' long ago ' which spoke to her again in its old fami-
liar flowers. Amidst these charming objects of innocent
delight, she cheerfully pursued her needle- work or knit-
ting, chatting vivaciously on old times or new, and
managing to make people, when they retired from her
presence, have a better idea of themselves, their friends,
their neighbors, and the world in general. The elasticity
and vigor of her mind were wonderful. Even to the
last she read and enjoyed all the best publications as
they came out, with the same keen zest and appreciative
judgment for which she had ever been distinguished,
taking the greatest delight in the fine passages and noble
sentiments of her favorite authors, and often devoting
many hours after she retired to her chamber in perusing
them." Truly was she called " good, gentle, and true ;
possessed of all that gives loveliness to female character."
MRS. JOHN C. STEVENS. 307
"The simplest souvenirs from her hand were accom-
panied by a tenderness, a tact, and a grace, that made
trifles precious by her manner of bestowing them."
Washington Irving was an intimate friend of Mrs.
Renwick, and spent hours in conversation with her
whenever he visited New Tork. She gave him a root
from her ivy, which had grown from a root brought
from Melrose Abbey,* and covered the wall in her gar-
den. Irving called her house his " Ark," as his favorite
resort. Professor Charles Anthon called her " The
Queen," in his epistolary and poetic compliments.
Henry Brevoort and Mr. John Greig, of Canandaigua,
were her devoted friends.
Maria Livingston, who married John C. Stevens, was
for some years a leader in the fashionable society of
New York. She lived in a splendid stone mansion,
with pretty grounds, in College Place, and gave brilliant
parties and masquerade balls, with select dinners, and
general receptions once a week. She was remarkably
clever, had an excellent memory, and was witty in
repartee. The following description, from a letter, of
one of her entertainments may illustrate them :
" The great feature of the week in the fashionable world has
been the ball en masque of Mrs. John C. Stevens. From ten till
eleven o'clock long lines of carriages were delivering, at her mag-
nificent portal, into the hands of that indispensable adjunct to all
* A root from the same beautiful ivy, given me by Mrs. Renwick, I
planted in front of our house in the college grounds, Columbia, South
Carolina. It lias since covered the front of that and the adjoining house,
and survived the devastation of Columbia in the late war.
308 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
parties, Mr. Brown, the fair denizens of New York from the tow-
ering battlements of Murray Hill to the Italian villas of Fifteenth
Street; from the Tuscan and Doric mansions of the Fifth Avenue
and Union Square, to the sylvan shades of Chelsea. No one in
New York entertains more elegantly than Mrs. Stevens ; her tables
groan with the choicest productions of the season ; and on the score
of wines, John 0. Stevens yields the palm to none, and, like his
famous yacht America, carries all before him. Among the ladies
were Mrs. Parish, in a rich pink brocade, trimmed with antique
lace and diamonds; Mrs. Hickson W. Field, in a sea-green velvet,
trimmed with three flounces of very rich guipure lace, with head-
dress to match, and a fine display of diamonds. Young Mrs. Pen-
dleton wore a scarlet satin dress covered with point lace, her fair
neck encircled with a chain of very large diamonds ; a white wreath
in her hair completed the beautiful toilet.
"Mrs. "William Jones appeared in white lace trimmed with gold
fringe, with cap and plume to match. Mrs. John Costar was in
lemon-colored silk trimmed with rich lace, her brow encircled with
a tiara of diamonds. Mrs. Haight wore a rich white lace dress,
powdered hair, and long waving plumes. Mrs. William Schermer-
horn wore a profusion of antique lace and diamonds."
The Mrs. Parish referred to was Miss Susan Dela-
field. She married Henry Parish, a prominent mer-
chant, and was a party in the famous " Parish will case."
She lived in Union Square, and gave splendid entertain-
ments. Sixteen hundred invitations would be sent out
for a morning reception. She is said to have been the
first to introduce the ancient custom of birds dressed in
their plumage at suppers. A peacock roasted, and
adorned with its feathers and spread plumes, was a
favorite ornament on her table. She was celebrated also
for superior literary attainments and general culture.
The elder Mrs. Hickson Field was Katharine A.
Bradhurst, and married first John McKesson, a notod
MBS. IUCCSOU" FIELD. MRS. REDFIELD. 309
lawyer. Her second husband was Hickson Field, who
was also a widower. Mrs. John Jay is his daughter by
his first marriage. His son, Hickson, married Mary
Bradhurst, the niece of his second wife. Both these
ladies have been abroad some years.
We have not space for the merest mention of leading
ladies in different sections of the country of the present
time. To do them justice would require another volume.
A friend sends account of a lady residing in Syracuse,
New York, whose social influence has been salutary and
widely acknowledged. Mrs. Kedfield Ann Maria
Tredwell is not only noted for position, but known as
the author of a popular work " Zoological Science, or
Nature in Living Forms " a book commended by Pro-
fessor Agassiz as one that would " do great credit to a
majority of college professors in this department." She
came of a distinguished family. Her grandfather
devoted his entire fortune and best energies to the
support of American independence in the great struggle
for nationality, and served his country in Congress
during its first sessions ; while her father obtained dis-
tinction by his military services in the war of 1812.
Aim Maria was born at the beginning of the century, at
St. Crignal, Canada West, and passed the earliest part
of her life on the banks of the beautiful Ottawa ; after-
wards residing at Plattsburg, a place named for her
mother's family. She was educated in the school of
Mrs. Willard, at Troy. Her intellectual culture was
softened by native refinement and a sympathy that went
310 QUEENS OP AMERICAN SOCIETY.
forth spontaneously towards all who needed it or claimed
her tenderness. The mother of a numerous family, she
took pains with the education of children who, like her,
are prominent in society.
Mrs. Leaven worth is identified in a measure with the
prosperity of Syracuse, which town was founded by her
father, Hon. Joshua Forman. Mary, his daughter, was
born in the romantic valley of Onondaga, being descend-
ed from leading families on both sides. Her maternal
grandfather was Hon. Boyd Alexander, member of
Parliament for Glasgow, Scotland. As a young lady
she was noted for beauty of person, elegance and refine-
ment of manners, and mental powers that gave her
extensive influence, and directed the judicious employ-
ment of an ample fortune. She married a professional
gentleman who had been much in public life, and with
the cares of a family and of liberal hospitality found
time for the exercise of systematic charity. She was
one of the first to establish a Home for orphan children ;
and while presiding over such an institution, she is
manager of one for indigent women. During the war,
she was president of the Christian and Sanitary Commis-
sion, and was indefatigable in her benevolent labors.
Her attractive home is still the resort of the most intel-
ligent and distinguished of the townspeople and visitors.
MRS. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 311
XV.
OTIS is an old Revolutionary name, and " has the
true patriotic ring." In that great charter of freedom,
the Declaration of American Independence, it occupies
an honored place, and has always been cherished as a
household name in the United States. Mrs. Harrison
Gray Otis is the daughter of a Boston merchant, William
H. Bordman, who was largely engaged in the Northwest
Coast, China, and India trade. He married Elizabeth
Henderson, the daughter of Joseph Henderson, who was
the first high sheriff of the county of Suffolk, in Massa-
chusetts. The sword he once wore is now hanging in
the City Hall of Boston, as a historical relic. It was his
duty to read the proclamation of Congress, announcing
" A Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and Ame-
rica," from the State House balcony, on the 23d of April,
1783.
The parents of Miss Elizabeth Bordman were devoted
to their children, and gave personal care to their educa-
tion, which was not only thorough in all branches, but
elevated by all the salutary and beneficent influences felt
only in a happy and religious home. The subject of our
sketch at an early age married the eldest son of the Hon.
Harrison Gray Otis, who bore the same name with his
312 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
father. They were said to be the handsomest bridal
pair in Boston. Her term of married life was short, and
she was left a widow with young sons dependent on her
care. Anxious to secure them the best advantages of
education, and to improve her own mind by study and
observation, Mrs. Otis took her sons to Europe, remain-
ing abroad seven years. During that time she visited
many friends of rank and distinction, and was received
with marked favor among literary circles and the aris-
tocracy of diiferent countries, being presented at several
courts. Thus her time passed agreeably ; but the attain-
ment of social distinction was never an object with her.
As soon as she had accomplished her design in forward-
ing the studies of her boys, Mrs. Otis returned to
America, and took up her permanent residence in
Boston. Here she employed all her time that could be
spared from domestic and educational duties in works of
benevolence, lending ever ready aid to institutions of
charity and temporary efforts to benefit those in need.
She gave efficient aid to "The Blind Asylum Fair,"
" The Sailors' Snug Harbor," " The Washington Eques-
trian Statue," and other fairs, and devoted much time
and labor to the enterprise of purchasing Mount Yer-
non. After the work was stopped by Miss Cunning-
ham's departure for the South, Mrs. Otis persevered in
her exertions, and had the pleasure of giving to the
cause its crowning contribution the last sum which
secured the purchase of Washington's tomb. Thus the
record of her life, almost from early youth, has been a
MRS. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 313
chronicle of noble deeds for the benefit of the public and
the country.
This last gift to the Treasury was from the proceeds
of the Mount Yernon Ball, got up by Mrs. Otis at the
Boston Theatre, March 4th, 1859. It was said to be
" more splendid in its arrangement, more brilliant in its
array of fair women and brave men, and nobler in its
purpose, than any thing which had ever preceded it."
The Boston Theatre presented a scene of unsurpassed
beauty and magnificence. In the vestibule the flags of
all nations covered the heads of the children of America,
and hung in graceful folds at their sides, while the scene
beyond was one more gorgeous than is often offered to
the eye. An angel of mercy sounded forth upon his
trumpet the new offering which those who had assem-
bled were about to make to a noble object. The deco-
rations were admirable. The sum realized towards the
purchase of Mount Yernon was about ten thousand
dollars.
It was due to the untiring exertions of Mrs. Otis,
commenced about 1850, that the birthday of Washington
was made by law a holiday in Massachusetts. It had
been her custom to open her house for a public reception
on that day, and the guests were coming and departing
all day. The house was usually dressed with American
flags. The rooms were fragrant with large bouquets and
flowers of the choicest variety, sent by friends. The mili-
tary bodies celebrating the day passed by the house, and
the band paid the customary salute to this patriotic lady.
14
314: QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
On the return of Mrs. Otis from Europe she opened
her house for Saturday morning receptions and Thurs-
day evening soirees, conducted on the foreign plan of tea
and cakes. She did not vary this simple style of enter-
tainment, even when strangers of distinction were her
guests. On one occasion, at the opening of the railway
between Boston and Montreal, the President of the
United States, Mr. Fillmore, the Governor General of
Canada, Lord Elgin and suite, an Indian chief, and
many strangers of note were present at the same time.
Her house was then kept open a week for the reception
of visitors, but the same plain style of refreshments was
preserved. The house standing at the corner of Mount
Yernon and Joy Streets was the well-known resort of all
the fashion and gayety of Boston, and of all distinguished
strangers who came to the city. Many brought letters
from the European friends of Mrs. Otis, and some were
commended by sovereigns in the old world to her hos-
pitable attentions.
Mrs. Otis's 'connection, by blood and by marriage,
with the oldest and most distinguished families in the
country, her command of wealth, her literary accom-
plishments, her sprightly humor, and her attainments as
a linguist speaking fluently four or five languages
with a personal power acknowledged by all who became
acquainted with her as irresistibly charming, gave her
an influence in society unrivaled in her own city or
State. It was her delight to use this power in doing
good, and especially by her example to lead others to
MRS. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 315
seek opportunities of aiding worthy charities. Few left
her after a long interview without enlarged views and
more earnest aspirations in some good work ; and many
who were friendless and destitute had reason to be
grateful for efficient aid. Mrs. Otis visited other parts
of the United States, and spent much time in Norfolk,
gathering information she was afterwards to make
useful.
The time came when she resolved to relinquish her
social honors, to give up visiting and receiving guests, to
pack up and put away her books and her works of art,
and to devote her whole time, her house, and her means
to a needed public service. This was immediately after
the commencement of the late civil war. The city
government of Boston at that time was offered the use
of a hotel, called the Evans House, as a place of deposit
for goods and money for American soldiers and sailors
and their families. The high position of Mrs. Otis, her
administrative energy and untiring zeal, and her habit
of leading projects of improvement, rendered her very
name a tower of strength, and the authorities invited
her to take charge of the new enterprise, and to carry
out her own plans. One of these was the establishment
of a Bank of Faith ; and most successful did she make
it. The following extract from her first report will
give the best idea of her work :
"Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis presents her compliments to Hi?
Honor the Mayor and the gentlemen of the Donation Committee
of the City Government of Boston ; and having entered the Evan?
316 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
House, which was lent to the city by the liberality of William
Evans, Esq., on the 29th of April, 1861, now begs leave to submit
for their consideration a recapitulation of the work which has been
done in that establishment. The plan of placing a woman in com-
munication with the soldiery, outside of hospitals, having been
entirely original as far as her knowledge extends, and being a nov-
elty, it was naturally by many persons considered wholly impracti-
cable, and various were the prognostications issued of its lack of
duration, and even security from insubordination and rudeness.
Mrs. Otis commences by stating that nothing can surpass the
exceeding respect, deference, and boundless gratitude with which
she has been treated to such an extent that she feels warranted
in asserting that, religiously, morally, and physically, she firmly
believes the Evans House to have been most beneficial to the Mas-
sachusetts troops. It has been, in some sort, a home to friendless
soldiers, sick, suffering, discharged and paroled. Soldiers of other
States and from the South passing through Boston have derived
benefit from this house. The names of fifty regiments and batteries
are on its books, from which large numbers of men have partici-
pated in its stores, and are now daily sending, individually, froni
the army and hospitals, for comforts which they know will be
instantly forwarded to them. Thousands of letters have been
received from them, stating in glowing terms their gratitude on
their reception. A few sailors have made their appearance at the
house, and have been well satisfied with their visits. It has been
believed to be a most important part of this novel plan, that the
donations of wearing apparel, books, &c., should be personally
made. It is proved that all articles so presented have acquired a
far greater intrinsic value from the acquaintance made with the
house, conferring a local habitation and a name on the source of
the bounty.
"Now, gentlemen, it may well be asked: 'From whence pro-
ceeded the money and effects to answer these enormous demands
on the Evans House, not one cent or one shred having been begged
for the great cause not even from yourselves, by the writer?'
The answer is this : A Bank of Faith was established, and, under
Divine Providence, it has grandly prospered. Noble men, women,
young girls, and even little children of all classes and conditions
rich and poor have contributed liberally after their means and
fashion," &c.
MRS. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 317
The Committee on Military Donations, December
22, 1862, passed the following resolution :
"That this institution, under the management of this most
excellent and patriotic lady, has been of incalculable benefit to the
soldiers of our army. By her untiring perseverance and benevo-
lence, our volunteers have been supplied not only with substantial,
well-made clothing, necessary for a campaign, but with many of
those smaller articles calculated to render their camp life more
comfortable, and which could only have been provided by womanly
kindness and forethought.
" Without entering into details, some idea of her labors, and the
generous donations which have been received and distributed by
Mrs. Otis, may be derived from the fact that five thousand four
hundred dollars have been received in cash, and two hundred and
fifty thousand six hundred and seventeen articles have been dis-
tributed. Many donors presenting well-filled boxes and barrels,
ready for hospital use, with the assurance that they were properly
packed for transportation ; the package, with its contents, having
been considered but a single article in the enumeration."
Such labors, as may well be imagined, entailed on
Mrs. Otis the severest self-denial and unremitting exer-
tions. She gave her personal superintendence to every
thing, and assisted in all that was done ; never leaving
the house for a single day, nor relaxing her labors long
enough to visit a single place of private or public amuse-
ment. Her life had been a summer of joy, her youth
renewed continually by the ever-gushing fountain of
cheerfulness ; the sympathy and love that filled her
heart made her Eeligion's willing handmaid and almo-
ner. But she was prepared to be still more disinterested,
and to undertake tasks that might have repelled one less
anxious to alleviate suffering and minister to the wants
318 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
of the deserving poor. ~No small degree of heroic forti-
tude and firmness was required to carry out the great
and beneficent objects of the organization. Mrs. Otis
did so with an entire disregard of her own personal com-
forts, and a self-abandonment rarely found among the
greatest philanthropists.
Another report says :
"Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis presents her compliments to His
Honor the Mayor and the gentlemen of the Donation Committee
of the City Government of Boston, and informs them that on the
29th of April, 1864, she completed the third year of her most inter-
esting work in Boston for the soldiery, having commenced it in the
Evans House in 1861, and therein remained two years, and one
year at 126 Tremont Street, opposite Park Street Church. During
this period she has not left her post for one day, excepting on
Sundays and religious festivals, and has found abundant occupation
in the distribution of all manner of useful articles conducing to the
comfort and welfare of the troops, as well as sick, suffering, and
dying soldiers, in their tents and hospitals; and others in their own
homes.
" Thousands of soldiers and their families have blessed the
willing givers; for not one cent has been begged, Mrs. Otis's whole
system having been based on voluntary donations; and you well
know, gentlemen, she has not received any pecuniary assistance
from yourselves. The original plan, a sort of Bank of Faith, has
been thoroughly tested, with perfect success, and no deviation has
been made from the opening of the house.
" During the seventeen months this report covers, there have
been distributed four thousand dollars in money, and two hundred
thousand substantial articles, comprising shirts, drawers, socks,
mittens, soldiers' bags, containing implements' for mending clothes,
pocket handkerchiefs, towels, comforters, blankets, pillows, night-
gowns, dressing-gowns, and all kinds of hospital garments and
stores, of wines, liquors, spices, tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, &c.
Testaments, prayer-books, tracts, and reading matter have been
abundantly supplied."
MES. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 319
As an instance of the appreciation of foreigners, the
following account of a Swedish compliment paid to Mrs.
Otis may be mentioned :
"By invitation of Captain Adlerspawe, Mrs. Otis visited the
Swedish man-of-war Norrkoping yesterday afternoon. Her recep-
tion on board was most flattering. The marines were in line at
present arms, the sailors then formed in line around the deck of the
vessel, so that every face could be seen, and a good idea of the
Swedish physiognomy obtained. The gun-deck and officers' apart-
ments were next viewed. After that an entertainment was given
in the Captain's saloon, when the Captain proposed a toast in honor
of Mrs. Otis, stating that her patriotic life was a model for ladies
of every nation, especially when harassed by war.
"Before Mrs. Otis left the ship, the sailors gave an exhibition
of their national dances. One the Weaver's Dance is suggestive
of the spinning of thread and weaving of cloth, and is very compli-
cated and beautiful. The music is as weird, dolorous, and charm-
ing as the ancient lore of the country.
"On her departure the yards were manned, and three hearty
cheers were given for Mrs. Otis, and a salute from all the guns of
the vessel was fired in her honor."
As this will be, perhaps, the only connected memoir,
in enduring form, of this wonderful charity, I offer no
apology for occupying space in the history of 'it. An-
other report, dated April 29, 1865, says :
" Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis presents her compliments to His
Honor the Mayor and the gentlemen of the Donation Committee
of the City Government of Boston, and informs them that on the
20th of April, 1865, she completed the fourth year of her interest-
ing work for the soldiers.
" The furloughs which have been bestowed upon the men for
bravery and good conduct, have resulted in pleasant visits to their
well-remembered resting-place, from which their families have also
derived support. Mrs. Otis can never forget the last touching
request of a young and brave officer Colonel Griswold. ' I have
320 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
a favor to ask,' he said; 'two of my men have been promoted for
bravery to lieutenancies, and, as I firmly believe in the beneficial
efficacy of the gifts of Testaments and useful articles from thi?
house, personally presented as they are by yourself, I beg I may
give them introductions to yon.'
" With regard to the outfits, it is undoubtedly true that the
greatest care has been taken of them, and a certain degree of pride
exhibited in their preservation. Many of the Testaments and
prayer-books, with the signet of the House attached, and even
garments, have been brought home drenched with the blood of
their possessors, after a three years' service.
" The supplies of the House have not been confined to Massa-
chusetts alone ; no soldier with fitting testimonials has ever left it
empty-handed.
" A corporal with six soldiers, accompanied by a drummer boy,
went to bathe in a river near Boston, and, observing the little
fellow carefully concealing under a pile of leaves something very
precious, at least to him, their curiosity was aroused, and they
questioned him. The boy replied it was an article he very much
prized, and always carried with him wherever he went; they
laughed, and teasingly suggested various childish things; where-
upon he knelt, and, removing the leaves, exhibited a Testament,
saying that Mrs. Otis had given it to him and begged him to pre-
serve it. The next week the corporal and his six men all came to
the house, asked for, and received Testaments.
"During the twelve months this report covers, there have been
distributed three thousand dollars in money, and fifty thousand
substantial articles. Testaments, Bibles, prayer-books, and tracts
have been abundantly supplied, and newspapers of all sorts."
. At a council meeting, Alderman Clapp offered the
following preamble and resolutions, which were passed :
" Whereas, During the war recently brought to a close, Mrs.
Harrison Gray Otis, acting in behalf of the citizens, and with the
approval of the City Council, has devoted her time for four years
to the charge of the City Donation Room, laboring incessantly to
provide comforts for the sick and wounded soldiers, and clothing
to those in need ; therefore
MRS. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 321
" Resolved, That the thanks of the City Council are hereby ten-
dered to Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis for her labor of love, which has
been productive of great good to the heroes of the war, and has
reflected credit upon the city of Boston.
" Resolved, That a copy of this vote be sent to Mrs. Otis by the
City Clerk."
" This remarkable lady," said a prominent journal,
" has done more to alleviate the sufferings of the soldiers
than is generally known. At the beginning of the war
she expended largely of her own ample fortune. During
four years she was never absent a single day from her
post not even on the Fourth of July (except Sundays)
from ten A. M. to three P. M. Her noble deeds have
attracted even the notice of foreign countries. The
Stockholm Daily, of Sweden, contained her portrait
and three columns on the subject of her labors. She is
a friend to all the hospitals. Soldiers in service, soldiers
disabled and discharged, all go to see hor, and come
away happy. Her name will be prominent in history,
and will be honored by future generations.
" We can call to mind no other instance of such ex-
clusive, prolonged, uninterrupted devotion to the soldiers,
carried on from day to day with undiminished enthusi-
asm and activity. Mrs. Otis's position in society helped
her position as head of the Donation Room ; for it drew
to her large amounts of contributions in money and
goods. But she not merely gave to sick, wounded, or
destitute soldiers the comforts or clothing they needed,
she also gave them counsel, sympathy, and encourage-
ment, and delighted them with the genial kindness of
14*
322 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETT.
her manner. She received the humblest private soldier
as she would have received the Lieutenant-General, and
cheered his heart as much by the courtesy of her address
as by the warmth of her benevolence."
The flag of the Union Club was displayed in front of
Mrs. Otis's house, and patriotic airs were played in com-
pliment to her. She was named queen of the army
and navy, and her house became a centre of attraction
for military men. The New England Guard Eegiment
presented her with implements of war from Newbern.
When Mrs. Otis received her friends, as usual, on the
Washington anniversary, all Boston seemed delighted to
pay its respects to her public spirit and loyal devotion.
Merchants, legislators, lawyers, artists, literary men,
civil and military dignitaries, and strangers, came to
acknowledge the credit due to her. At about three
o'clock the Second Battalion halted in front of her resi-
dence, and paid her the compliment of a military salute.
Major Rogers and his officers were invited into the
house, and Mrs. Otis presented him with a beautiful
bouquet, while the band played national airs. The
Mayor and his wife were present, with Governor and
Mrs. Banks, and many other persons of distinction. In
the morning, Mrs. Otis was surprised by the gift of a
richly framed cabinet copy of Stuart's Washington, from
several gentlemen, who had caused it to be painted for
the purpose.
Among the fine oil paintings for Count Schwabe's
Gallery of Fallen Heroes, is a full-length portrait of
MRS. HARRISON GRAY OTIS. 323
Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis. It is the only living person's
having a place in the gallery. It was procured by the
Volunteer Soldiers' Army and Navy Association, and
presented to the owner of the gallery ; Mrs. Otis's con
nection with the army and navy, during the late war,
having created a desire to perpetuate her memory among
those brave fallen ones, for whom she devoted so much
labor and money.
The value and importance of Mrs. Otis's work was
thus recognized. She won a place in the grateful re-
membrance of the whole country. It is not saying too
much to assert, that she did more than any other woman
in the land for the amelioration of the condition of
American soldiers in the field. Nor were her kind min-
istrations confined to Northerners ; she had ever as warm
a welcome for the humblest of her Southern countrymen.
How entirely she disregarded what usually is a woman's
chief consideration, may be seen from the fact that she
did not purchase a new dress, nor have any made up of
those presented to her, nor any repaired, during the four
years that her labors were in requisition. In all, it is
thought not less than a million of dollars was received
and expended in money and goods. So glorious a work
will only be fully appreciated in after times. Mrs. Otis
will have a place in our history, not only as "in her
youth the most celebrated belle of her day, but in the
ripeness of her mature years a true philanthropist, and a
perfect model of American womanhood."
This patriotic and self-sacrificing woman, who hag
324 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
also divided, it is said, tens of thousands from her own
fortune among the soldiers and their families, does not
find her mission ended. "My life's work," she says,
" will not be finished so long as I breathe." Since she
resigned her post in the city, she has been solicited, in
various places, to give her energies and labors for all
kinds of projects and plans. In testimony of gratitude
she has received, from the generals down to the private
soldiers, an immense variety of relics of the war. She
resides still in Boston.
The brother of Mrs. Otis married Miss Emily Mar-
shal, who has been called the most beautiful woman ever
seen in the United States. She was accompanied by her
father on her first visit to Saratoga. The people crowd-
ed to see her as she alighted from the coach ; and when-
ever she passed from the hotel to her carriage or to the
steamboat, they would stand in a line on either side, to
gaze on the vision of surpassing loveliness, to the effect
of which her gentle and graceful manner added.
Mrs. Eichard Derby, the daughter of a physician in
Maine, and the wife of a wealthy gentleman of Boston,
is mentioned as a beautiful and accomplished woman.
She spent much time in Paris, and was a favorite with
the last king of France.
Lydia, the accomplished wife of Hon. E. F. "Wallace,
American consul at Santiago de Cuba, was born and
educated in Boston. Her responsible position was
MRS. PEESCOTT. 325
adorned by the attractions that brighten and elevate
society, and strengthen the influence of a husband dis
tinguished for ability and classical scholarship. Her
correspondence would fill a volume, most interesting to
readers for its picturesque delineations of novel scenes.
William H. Prescott, the historian, once pointed out
to me, in his library, two swords crossed ; one belonging
to his grandfather, Colonel Prescott, who defended the
works cannonaded by Captain Linzee, of His Majesty's
ship-of-war Falcon the other sword to Captain Linzee.
Prescott married that officer's grand-daughter. He
wrote to Miss Preble, in 1845, of his wife: "She is a
niece of Mr. Nathan Amory, and I do not think your
sister did her any injustice. At all events, we have
passed our quarter of a century together, and reached
our ' silver wedding,' as they say in Germany, without
as yet finding the truth of La Bruyere's maxim ' that
the happiest couple find reason to repent, at least once
in twenty-four hours, of their condition.' "
Miss Harriet Preble died in Manchester, near Pitts-
burgh, in 1854. She was deemed an ornament to so-
ciety, and was in no ordinary degree esteemed and
beloved. She was a niece of Commodore Preble, the
first commodore of the Revolution. Born in England,
and passing her childhood and youth in Paris, she
received her education in the famous institution of
Madame Campan. Her genius and literary acquire-
ments were sublimed by ardent piety. In early life she
became acquainted and associated with most of the lead
"326 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ing and most brilliant scholars, and the most distin-
guished statesmen and writers of France, with whom she
corresponded after her return to America. In this
country she was on terms of intimate friendship with
Ticknor, Prescott, and the most distinguished scholars
and authors. Her varied mental stores made her con-
versation delightful to old and young ; and all her gifts,
with her property and her labors, were consecrated to
her Eedeemer.
Ml (Hi S Jo JJ
MRS. J. J. CRITTENDEtf. 827
XVI.
THE ancestors of Mrs. Crittenden resided in Albe-
marle and Goochland counties, Yirgiiiia. Her great-
grandfather, Colonel John Woodson, inherited from his
father a large landed estate called Dover, on James
River, in Goochland. He married Dorothea Randolph,
of Dnngeness. One of her sisters was the mother of
Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United
States ; another was Mrs. Pleasants, the mother of Gov-
ernor Pleasants, of Yirginia. Her only brother, Thomas
Mann Randolph, was the heir to the large estate of
Dungeness. A son of Mr. and Mrs. Woodson, Josiah,
married his cousin, Elizabeth Woodson ; and their
daughter, Mary, in 1801, married Dr. James W. Moss,
of Albemarle County, Yirginia. These latter were the
parents of Elizabeth Moss, the subject of this brief
notice.
After a few years' residence in Goochland, Dr. and
Mrs. Moss removed to Mason County, Kentucky. There
Elizabeth was born. Great pains were taken with her
education, which in her years of childhood and early
youth was superintended by Miss Eliza Spencer, a lady
of English birth. Before the young girl had arrived at
womanhood, Dr. Moss removed from Kentucky to Mis-
328 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
souri, then just admitted as a State into the Union. His
home was at first in St. Louis, but, after a temporary
sojourn there, he was attracted to the beautiful and fer-
tile portion of the State in which the town of Columbia
is situated. There, in the midst of a small settlement
of families from Virginia and Kentucky, which at that
time gave tone and character to the greater part of Cen-
tral Missouri, Dr. Moss devoted himself to farming
upon a large scale. Elizabeth, whose accomplishments
in mind were heightened by the charm of youthful
beauty, was soon after married to a young physician of
great promise, Dr. Daniel P. Wileox. He was a mem-
ber of the State Legislature, but did not live long to
serve his State, or to enjoy the happiness promised by
his union with so lovely a wife. He died, leaving his
widow with two daughters ; the eldest of whom, Mary,
married Mr. Andrew McKinley, the only son of Justice
McKinley, of the Supreme Court of the United States.
He was then practicing law in St. Louis with eminent
ability.
The youngest, Anna, became the wife of the Hon. E.
Carrington Cabell, a representative in Congress from
Florida, the son of the Hon. William Cabell, late Chief
Justice of Yirginia.
In the autumn of 1832, Mrs. Wilcox was married to
General William H. Ashley, then the sole representative
in Congress from Missouri. His residence was in St.
Louis, where "he owned a large estate, and was distin-
guished for noble integrity of character, and for the be-
MRS. J. J. CRITTENDEN. 329
nevolence of an amiable nature. Mrs. Ashley accom-
panied him to Washington immediately after her mar-
riage, and at once became the star of general admiration,
and the centre of a large circle of devoted friends. She
led the fashion both there and in the summer resorts
visited by her, without making the least sacrifice to the
frivolity of a worldly life. Her natural grace and affa-
bility, the union of dignity and frank cordiality which
formed the charm of her manner, the intellectual culti-
vation that enriched and elevated the most unstudied
flow of conversation, and, above all, the genuine kind-
ness of her heart, drew around her all who appreciated
the true sweetness of woman's character, and made her
truly " a queen " wherever she moved. " The allegiance
of hearts" was hers by right divine. Many remember
her at Saratoga ; and the universal praise accorded to
this charming woman was never mingled with the least
breath of envy or disparagement. She was one whom
all " delighted to honor."
General Ashley died, regretted and lamented, in
1838. Widowed, with only the solace of her children's
society, Mrs. Ashley returned to her peaceful home in
St. Louis. It was then a suburban residence, built on
one of the Indian mounds, formerly used as burial-places,
or forts of defence. The grounds were terraced, and
ornamented with a variety of shrubbery and flowers,
while majestic forest-trees here and there gave pleasant
shade, and improved the beauty of the extensive view.
Here the little family passed the days in seclusion ; but
330 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
for the sake of those in whom her affections were bound
up, and of her circle of attached friends, Mrs. Ashley did
not refuse all society. Her house was the seat of unos-
tentatious hospitality, and reunions the more agreeable,
that they were limited to friends who were .interested in
each other, and had not the ceremony and state belong-
ing of necessity to the assemblies of the Capital. Mrs.
Ashley had an object in life that absorbed her cares ; the
education of her lovely young daughters. To this she
devoted herself; and when she deemed it necessary to
give them advantages of instruction, then difficult to
command in a Western city, she accompanied them to
Philadelphia. She remained in that city till their
studies were completed.
After this was accomplished, and the young ladies
were able to join Mrs. Ashley, several of her winters
were passed in Washington. It was with even improved
beauty, and with matured intellect, and the refinement
growing out of habitual association with what tends to
elevate character, that she again appeared in society.
Her former friends and admirers flocked eagerly about
her, and her grace and loveliness were the theme of gen-
eral comment. The resident society of the Capital was
marked by elegance and refinement, and she was more
than ever a favorite. Few of her sex could have with-
stood the allurements of the homage lavished upon her ;
yet she was unspoiled. Her greatest pleasure always
consisted in promoting the enjoyment of others. It was
her delight to dispense happiness; and many were 'her
MRS. J. J. CRITTENDEN. 331
opportunities of bringing out merit from obscurity, and
of placing in the best light qualities that needed but to
be recognized to win popularity. With a tact rarely
equaled, Mrs. Ashley was ever performing kind offices
in a way that secured the best results without wounding
the self-love of those she obliged. It would fill a vol-
ume to detail the instances in which her liberal aid and
her cordial kindness forwarded the views and contribu-
ted to the pleasures of those whom her delicacy caused
to feel their obligation but lightly.
She always entered with interest and sympathy into
the affairs of her young friends ; and it may be conjec-
tured that they often solicited her counsel and co-opera-
tion. In every part of the American Union one may
hear person's of the highest social position speak of her
with ardent gratitude and affection, and of the many
kind acts and attentions by which she contributed to
their benefit or enjoyment while at the seat of Govern-
ment. It has been remarked, that she was never known
to speak harshly or censoriously of any one ; nor did she
ever forget an acquaintance, or wound by any capricious
change of manner. She was perfectly familiar with all
the political issues of the day ; but never advocated, as a
partisan, either side of the question. Always intelligent
and fluent in conversation, whatever the subject might
be, she never assumed the slightest superiority by her
manner, or seemed conscious that her own opinion or
judgment was better than that of others. This modest
reticence, notwithstanding the real superiority which
332 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
those who knew her could not fail to acknowledge, was
manifest in what might be called " a gracious way of
listening." Many ladies who converse well do not listen
with attention to persons less gifted than themselves;
Mrs. Ashley had the faculty of doing so most charming-
ly. It was a part of the delicate tact springing from a
disinterested regard for the feelings and the pride of
others, which, scarcely less than her noble beauty and
grace, rendered her the ornament of every social circle,
showing the true dignity, blended with an indulgence for
the claims of all classes, that won grateful regard while
it commanded respect.
The Hon. John J. Crittenden, then Attorney-Gen-
eral of the United States under Mr. Fillmore's adminis-
tration, in 1853 won this lady to be bis wife. After the
retirement of Mr. Crittenden from the Cabinet he was
returned to the Senate, and continued in Congress till
his death, in 1863. His history belongs to the country's
annals.
Mrs. Crittenden always accompanied him to Wash-
ington, and remained there while his duties detained
him. Admiration always followed her. A lady wrote,
describing a party at Governor Aiken's, in 1857, and
Mrs. Crittenden 's appearance : " Nothing can harmonize
better than the magnificent dress, ostrich feathers, and
superb scarf of lace that falls over it with such a gor-
geous levity. Between the dress and the light folds of
the scarf, relieved by the one, and half hidden by the
other, plays a diamond cross of rare beauty. This lady
MRS. J. J. CRITTENDEN. 833
possesses more kind feeling than would serve a whole
clique of the ordinary stamp of fashionables." She is
again described as wearing " a superb moire antique, of
the most delicate pea-green tint, with point-lace bertha."
And again : " Here was the lady of the distinguished
Senator from Kentucky, Mrs. Crittenden, with her per-
fect coiffure and air of society; all the political and
diplomatic world flocking to compliment and congratu-
late her on the very able speech of her husband, made in
the Senate during the day."
Mrs. Crittenden has more of the unconscious grace
of repose, which invests one like a spiritual atmosphere,
than any woman I ever saw. No intelligent person can
fail to recognize it ; no language can define or describe
it. It differs from the grace of motion, or of mere form ;
it is felt as an emanation from the pure and benignant
soul, whose expression gives beauty its chief and most
lasting charm. Its influence is magnetic; always as a
beneficent spell.
Mrs. Crittenden was in "Washington during the
stormy debates that preceded the outbreak of the Kebel-
lion; and deeply did she sympathize with her husband
in his anxious desire to preserve the Union without the
devastation of war. She wrote, in one of her letters to
her daughter, in a spirit with which all Northern people
ought to sympathize : " Our Southern friends have made
a great mistake God bless them ! I long to shake
hands with them and welcome them back."
It is not often that a lady receives such a tribute as
33 -i QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
was offered Mrs. Crittenden, in March, at a reception
given to her in the parlor of the National Hotel. On
that occasion the following address was presented by Mr
Lovejoy :
"MRS. CRITTENDEN:
" "While the whole nation is paying its tribute of willing and
abundant honors to the venerable senator whose name you adorn
and whose home you bless, we, the guests of the National, and
some of your other numerous friends in Washington, come to pay
our respects to your many excellencies.
"We bring no gifts of gold or silver taken from the cold earth,
but we offer you the more precious treasures of our hearts our
affection, respect, esteem, and admiration.
" For many years you have held a conspicuous place in the best
circle of Washington. Your exalted place in society has been
adorned by grace, dignity, courtesy, and kindness universally mani-
fested. These constantly flowing streams could have no other
fountain than a heart full of goodness.
"It is the testimony of those who have been longest your
friends, that they have never heard from you a word that could
wound, nor seen a look that could give pain. Detraction you have
always scorned ; kindness and genial feelings you have cherished.
You have thus been a nation's benefactress.
"The names of Cornelia, Portia, Madame Roland, and Lady
Holland have become classic in history for their patriotism, high
social qualities, and domestic virtues. Uniting the patriotism of
the Koman matrons to the conjugal devotion of Madame Roland
and the polished refinement of Lady Holland, your presence has
diffused a charm wherever known. You have shown us that if
political life is an ocean with its dark waves and angry storms,
social life may be a calm, serene lake, reflecting bright images of
purity and love.
" The names of Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Madison, and Mrs. Critten-
den will always shine in the annals of social life in Washington.
" We pay you the homage of our sincere respect and esteem.
We take your daguerreotype upon our hearts, and will keep it
fresh while memory lasts.
MRS. J. J. CRITTENDEN. 335
"The hand of time has dealt so kindly with you thus far, that
while you have the health and vigor of middle age, you still retain
the freshness and vivacity of youth. May that hand still lead you
gently on, till we all meet you in that better land, where youth is
perpetual and beauty unfading!"
After the death of Mr. Crittenden, his widow re-
mained for a time at Frankfort, Kentucky. She is now
a resident of the City of New York, where her pleasant
home is shared by the family of her eldest daughter, and
where she still dispenses the elegant hospitality of one
who delights in making others happy.
The graces of Miss Harriet Lane, the niece of Presi-
dent Buchanan, were mentioned in many journals
during her domestic presidency at the White House.
She entertained as a guest the heir to the British throne.
She was with her uncle in London, in 1855, when he
was the American Minister. She was described as " a
stately, high-bred woman, composed and elegant in her
manners, courtly and graceful in receiving ; in conver-
sation self-possessed and very cordial. She is rather
above the middle height, with finely moulded person,
complexion fair, with delicate color, blue gray eyes, and
fine brown hair." She was married to Mr. Henry
Elliott Johnston, and resides in Baltimore.
An entertainment given at the house of Governor
Aiken, of South Carolina, in February, 1857, was pro-
nounced the most brilliant of the season in "Washington.
"The daughter of one of the leading members of the
336 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Washington Bar, Mr. Fendall, was there; a brilliant
and versatile belle, who is a privileged wit in society
here, expected to say what nobody else can say. Her
face is full of a hundred laughing fancies, and a certain
careless ease of expression denotes that she is not afraid
of her own voice, and never hesitates to laugh or retort
when the impulse is upon her."
At another party, at Secretary Guthrie's, Miss "Windle
says :
" Conspicuous among the belles upon the floor was
Miss Eliza Morgan, of Kentucky, a queenly looking girl,
in black velvet and pearls, who walked through the
figures like an empress at the Cobourg. This lady is
chaperoned by the wife of the distinguished Senator from
Kentucky Mrs. Crittenden."
" The elegant looking wife of Judge McLean, of the
Supreme Court, was there, in a gorgeous crimson dress,
and one of those labyrinths of blonde, feathers, and vel-
v.et, which Madame Delaran. says she is obliged to invent
to appease the ravenous appetite for head-dresses of our
Washington ladies."
Mrs. Slidell, the wife of the Senator from Louisiana,
afterwards conspicuous abroad among ladies devoted to
the Confederate cause, was described as wearing " a flow-
ing dress of black velvet, with a superb bandeau of
pearls, binding down her raven hair like a queen."
At Greenbriar Springs she was thus noticed :
" Mrs. Slidell, of Washington, is here. Every one
seems anxious to receive the law from her lips on all
MES. SLIDELL. 337
points of fashionable etiquette. Her influence in society
is remarkable. Were she to appear attired in a tunic
and zone, the ranks of fashion would swarm with Corde-
lias and Agrippiiias. Were she to discover an eighth
deadly sin in the vulgarity of robust health, chicken
broth would suffice pour tout potage. Should she favor
tbe fine arts, throngs of upper-tendom would bid for pic-
tures they did not want, and statues they did not appre-
ciate."
Mrs. Slidell was Miss Dalond, of Louisiana. Her
home was on the Mississippi coast. She appeared at
an entertainment given in January, 1857, at Secretary
McClelland's :
" We recognized the brilliant teeth and radiant
smile of the lady of the Senator from Louisiana. Encir-
cling her plainly parted hair shone a circlet of diamonds
which might have been the ransom of a Great Mogul.
The charm of this lady's conversation seems irresistible.
There is an animation, a fascination in it, which we
have rarely known equaled. The peculiarity of her
phraseology, the ' abandon ' with which she speaks, the
grace of her gestures, excite a perpetual interest, and
leave such a delightful impression, that all seem perfectly
ready to do every thing reasonable and unreasonable
that she may -request."
At Governor Brown's ball given in January, 1858
" Mrs. Slidell appeared in a Eussian court-dress. It
consisted of a coquettish crimson velvet cap, trimmed
with rich lace and ostrich feathers, and black velvet
338 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
dress, the little jacket of which was trimmed with gray
fur of the most light and aerial description." This lady
has met with much attention in Paris.
The wife of Senator A. G. Brown, of Mississippi,
" was in a superb crimson moire antique, with point-lace
trimmings. This lady's high-bred air gives great dignity
to her appearance, while her hands and arms are those
of a statue. She is universally beloved in our city."
Miss Windle wrote :
"One of the most brilliant entertainments ever given in our
city came off at the residence of the Postmaster-General, Hon.
A. VI Brown, of Tennessee. He married a sister of General Pil-
low. The company composed the elite of Washington. The
almost regal ball-room, a spacious and lofty apartment to the left
of the entrance-hall, was lined with superb mirrors, extending from
floor to ceiling, and divested of furniture to make room for the
dancers. In the drawing-rooms opposite those who declined
dancing might retire, and find cushioned lounges, chairs of any
angle of inclination suggested by the fancy of elegance and ease,
and jardinieres bright with flowers from the hot-house of the
Executive mansion. In the center of these rooms stand the host,
hostess, and daughter, receiving the guests.
"Mrs. Brown, an elegant-looking woman, is dressed in rose-
colored brocade, with an exquisite resemblance of lace stamped in
white velvet on either side; a point-lace cape, a head-dress of
fleecy whiteness, with a few ornaments tastefully arranged, com-
pleted her attire. But it is the lovely girl bv her side we wish to
draw your attention to, as she receives the salutations of her moth-
er's guests. A white tissue embroidered in moss rosebuds, a circlet
of pearls on her hair, and natural flowers on her bosom, present an
appropriate and beautiful contrast to her mother's more elaborate
and gorgeous toilet.
" The charm of Miss Sanders is her simplicity of character of
all qualities the most acceptable in the highly artificial society of
Washington. This sweet girl performs on the harp beautifully
BELLES IN WASHINGTON. 339
with arms as white as those Venus might have lifted above the
sea-foam, and little pink-tipped fingers, so delicate and taper that
one feels that it is marvelous how they can pinch the cords so as
to produce such full-sounding, pleasant notes as they do. Young,
lovely, and an heiress, like Elizabeth of old, whichever way ^h^
turns, people will -assume an attitude- of devotion. Her fortune
will insure her suitors of various countries.
"At about nine o'clock, the guests passed from the heated ball-
room into the cool interior of the supper-room. In the center of
the table stood a monster bouquet, composed entirely of japonicas
and the rarest hot-house flowers, and reaching half way to the
ceiling. Among the ornaments of the table was one which elicited
general admiration. It was the exact imitation of a mammoth
'nest,' containing two harnessed swans, driven by a man. This
ornament was made of the finest sugar, and spotlessly white.
" But here comes a lady with a regal look more remarkable in
her than beauty. Kubies would well become her priac^r, ^^ u
and stately head, crowned with a braid of profuse black hair. This
is a daughter of Duff" Green. She was Margaret Green, who mar-
ried Andrew Oalhoun.
" Again we see Mrs. A. Y. Brown, in a rich blue satin dress,
superb flowers of point- lace lace which a Pope, in his highest
day of festival, might have coveted. But it is not on her richness
of dress or her personal beauty that our pen delights to dwell when
referring to this inestimable woman. We would like to speak of
the personal qualities of one of the noblest and best of her- sex
one who, as a mother, wife, and friend, stands, we thiuk, without
a rival. The women of Tennessee may well feel proud of her, for
she reflects credit upon that noble State, and is rich in qualities of
heart that truly place her above the majority of her sex."
At a party at Lord Napier's, April, 1858
" One guest was strikingly conspicuous a daughter of Captain
Dahlgren, of the Navy. She was a slender girl, exquisitely grace-
ful, with a lovely coral mouth, eyes of the softest, meekest violet,
and a face shaded with long golden ringlets, like floating rays of
sunshine. It was her first appearance in society, and she was sim-
ply dressed in white, with natural flowers on her bosom, so purely,
840 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
freshly beautiful, that they were tit emblems of the one they
adorned. By general acclamation, she was pronounced the loveliest
of that brilliant crowd, and as such was selected by Lady Napier
to open the festivities of the evening.
" Mrs. Pringle, of Charleston, appeared in a robe of very elegant
material, the flounces edged with lemon-colored, velvet." I remem-
ber the results of Mrs. Julius Pringle's fine taste and historical
knowledge, in some splendid tableaux at a fancy ball given at Mrs.
Eoper's, in Charleston, South Carolina. In accuracy of costume
and striking effect those tableaux could not be surpassed. She was
noted for artistic skill in such matters.
One of the most brilliant and intellectual women in
the South was the wife of Mr. Duval, a planter from
Louisiana, and son of the former Chief Justice of Mary-
land. Her sister, a beautiful girl from Natchez, was the
belle of the White Sulphur Springs in the summer of
1857.
Among the " social queens " of the late Confederate
Court in Kichmond, Virginia, Mrs. James Chestnut, of
Camden, South Carolina, Mrs. Davis, and Mrs. Clement
Clay have been mentioned as eminent for culture, wit,
and colloquial powers. They won the admiration of
foreign visitors, as well as the Southern people who had
long known them.
In Baltimore, Mrs. Keverdy Johnson has long been
prominent as a leader in society. She was very beauti-
ful and queenly, and helped to advance the fortunes of
her husband, as well as to train her daughters in every
accomplishment.
Mrs. Douglas, the widow of the senator a cele-
brated beauty was long the pride of Washington
PROMINENT LADIES. 34:1
society. She has a second time entered the matrimonial
state the wife of Colonel Williams.
Mrs. Myra Clark Gaines h.as been at different times
prominent in society at Washington ; but her life has
been filled with too much of struggle and suffering to
leave her much leisure. Her name is familiar to every
one, and her romantic history is generally known. A
full memoir of her life, occupying a large volume, is, we
understand, in preparation. The history of her claim to
her father's estates, prosecuted under various discou-
ragements for thirty -five years, and of the judicial pro-
ceedings in regard to the claim, will hereafter be
considered one of the most extraordinary, as well as the
most interesting, in the annals of American jurispru-
dence.
Miss Lucy Crittenden, the sister of the great senator,
possessed superior intellect, and had extensive social
influence. Her husband, Judge Thornton, was member
of Congress from Alabama, and the first land commis-
sioner in California. Her residence is in San Francisco.
34:2 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
XYII.
AMONG the daughters of our country who have been
distinguished in social life, a few have aimed at some-
thing above the mere triumphs of fashion, devoting their
energies to make their homes a paradise and diffuse a
happy influence on all around them. Of these, each has
created for herself a distinct sphere of usefulness and
benevolence. Mrs. White's peculiar charitable enterprise
deserves special mention. Her method of realizing large
benefits was almost a novelty in America, when her
splendid success called forth on every side a spirit of
generous emulation. Yet much as she has achieved for
charity in these public undertakings, as well as in the
thousand unknown instances in which she has been
Mercy's angel to the poor and afflicted, what she has
accomplished beneath her own roof, in the education of
her children and the management of her household,
ought to be still more widely known. At the risk of
invading the privacy of domestic life while describing
the woman of the world, we may hold up to admiration
the wife, the mother, and the friend, justified by the ob-
ject in view, to show the beneficent and extending effects
of home education.
The grandfather of Khoda Elizabeth Waterman was
MRS. JAMES W. WHITE. 343
one of three brothers, two of whom served as officers in
the Re volution ary army. General Waterman, her father,
one of the earliest settlers of Binghamton, New York,
was a prominent lawyer, and, as such, was among the
legislators who revised the laws and statutes of 2sTew
York, in 1829. Her mother was the daughter of Gen-
eral Whitney, a wealthy landowner, distinguished as well
for his sterling principles and high character as for his
patriotism, hospitality, and public spirit.
Many venerable and respected persons of the olden
time speak with heartfelt praise of General Waterman
and his admirable wife, and describe their spacious and
comfortable mansion at Binghamton as the abode of
elegance and hospitality. Mrs. Waterman elevated all
who came habitually within her reach, while training
her children with jealous care for lives of exemplary
usefulness. Hers was a rare and exceptional excellence.
Brought up by such a mother, and gifted by nature with
uncommon qualities of mind and heart, and graces of
person, Ehoda Waterman, at a very early age, was ad-
mired alike by the old and the young.
The following letter from Daniel S. Dickinson speaks
of one accomplishment of her girlhood, which has been a
great charm in her home and in company :
" BINGHAMTON, December 1, 1859.
"My DEAR MRS. WHITE:
"Twenty-eight years since, this month, I came to reside in
Binghamton, and the first Sabbath of my residence was deeply
impressed with the funeral service and ceremonies of the Episcopal
Church upon the death of Mrs. James McKinny.
344 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
"My attention was turned to the gallery by the rich, plaintive
tones of a sweet female voice, rising above the choir and the organ
in the 'Dying Christian ' '0 Grave, where is thy victory? O
Death, where is thy sting?'
" I inquired, and learned that the singer was a daughter of
General Waterman, yet in her early and happy girlhood.
" Since then, I have passed from early manhood to age ; have
reared children and committed them to the dust; have stood
amongst the honored of the land, and mingled in all the conflicts of
life : but the notes of that heavenly song yet dwell upon my ear.
" That you may live long to cheer and bless those who love
you, and to adorn society ; and when it shall please a beneficent
Providence to call you home, that you may experience the tri-
umphs you sang so beautifully, is the prayer of one who is
"Sincerely yours,
"DANIEL S. DICKINSON."
At the date of the above letter, the lady to Tvhom it
was written had become the mother of children who
adorned her home with the virtues and accomplishments
that reward the fondest parent's most devoted love and
unremitting labor. Mr. Dickinson, while visiting that
home, could hear in the exquisite voices of the oldest
daughters the echo of that which had " dwelt upon his
ear" so many years.
At a very early age Miss Waterman became the wife
of James W. White, a young lawyer of Irish birth and
parentage, born in the County Limerick, and a nephew
of Gerald Griffin, author of " The Collegians." He was
of an excellent family, noted for the virtues as well as
the talents of its members, and must have been distin-
guished by uncommon qualities to have won a prize
coveted by many suitors of wealth and distinction.
MRS. JAMES W. WHITE. 345
The young couple took up their residence in the city
of New York in 1834; and from that time Mrs. White
made her home so bright and so attractive, that it has
ever been the favorite resort of the refined and the
youthful, as well as of the afflicted. We owe it to the
mothers and daughters of our land to reveal some of the
hidden causes which have made " Castle Comfort " (so
the family and their friends delight to call her house) an
enchanted abode, as well to its inmates as to all who are
brought, even for the space of an hour, within Mrs.
White's charmed circle. The good we mean to do by
this revelation must plead our excuse for it with this
estimable, lady. From her own accomplished mother
she early learned the science, not only of the most admi-
rable domestic economy, but of increasing, day after day,
the happiness of her husband, her children, and her ser-
vants. Possessing the unbounded confidence of her
husband, and devoted heart and mind to the purpose
of affording him, beneath his own roof, all elevating
pleasures, and that repose of every faculty needed by
a lawyer after his hard mental toil, his wife never,
from her bridal day, relaxed her efforts to render his
evenings delightful, and with the ever varying devices
of womanly affection to keep his soul young and his
heart fresh and full of its early happiness. Mrs. White,
from the first, considered it her most sacred duty to God
and to her husband to deepen, purify, and increase, in
her own heart and in his, the conjugal affection which
bound them together, and which she prized as Heaven's
15*
846 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
best gift. And God blessed the effort. Through storm
and through sunshine, amid the severe and protracted
trials with which Providence visits His best beloved ser-
vants, when sickness came and death snatched rudely
> iwaj some one of the lovely children that bloomed
around the doting parents, no bereavement, no in-
jury of fortune or injustice of men, ever could dim the
sunny brightness of that home, nor stop the How of that
warm tide of love. To the stranger or the friend it was
a touching and instructive spectacle to see these happy
parents, so youthful in spirit, surrounded by their chil-
dren and grandchildren, as keen for the enjoyment of
song, and dance, and tale, and joke, as the youngest and
blithest in the circle. One was reminded of those beau-
tiful trees growing amid the eternal spring-tide of the
valley of Mexico, and covered the whole year round with
unfading verdure, and the opening blossom side by side
with the ripe mellow fruit.
In this blissful home, created by superior virtue and
talent, the mistress delighted to dispense the courtesies
and kind offices of true hospitality, her own sunny and
genial temper lending them, a new charm, while her
finished education and varied attainments rendered her
conversation delightful, and enabled her to afford con-
tinual enjoyment to visitors of the most refined taste and
intellect. It may be said of her, as of another of her
sex, " to know her well was itself a liberal education."
She alone was the teacher of her children. Certain
hours of the day were set apart for study and instruction,
MRS. JAMES W. WHITE. 347
with which she permitted no engagement to interfere.
In the higher branches, and in music for which they
had extraordinary talent she gave them lessons and
carefully superintended their practice, allowing them the
assistance of masters in foreign languages. Idolizing
their mother as they did, they needed no stimulus but
her love and their own keen appetite for knowledge.
Thus her devotedness and their own loving zeal for
study were rewarded by uncommon proficiency on their
part, every one of them laying the foundation of a solid
education, to which were added all the accomplishments
that embellish social life. " To what school do you send
your children ?" was frequently asked by those who
wondered at their progress.
With the careful training of their minds Mrs. White
combined a diligent and happy tutoring of the heart;
and not rarely were their domestic pleasures made to
develope the affections as well as the mental powers.
Home festivals on birth-nights, or on the return of ab-
sent members of the family, were frequently given, with
private operatic or dramatic performances by the chil-
dren, dressed in appropriate costume the drawing-room
decorated with garlands and floral mottoes. Short moral
plays, written by the mother, were frequently acted by
the little ones ; and their musical parts were sustained to
the admiration of the friends who listened. Three of
the daughters possessed voices of extraordinary purity
and power, and, with the excellent instruction they had
received were capable of the highest vocal perform-
348 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
ances. Nor, while thus mingling with graceful and
natural ease with the gifted and eminent in society, who
came to their mother's receptions, were these children
permitted to neglect the culture of any useful art or
acquirement.
A friend who happened to visit the family, after a
long absence and severe mental trials, could not help
repeating to himself the sweet lines of Jean Ingelow :
" There was once a nest' in a hollow:
Down in the mosses aud knot-grass pressed,
Soft and warm, and full to the brim
Vetches leaned o'er it purple and dim,
With butter-cup buds to follow.
I pray you hear my song of a nest,
For it is not long:
You shall never light, in a summer quest,
The bushes among
Shall never light on a prouder sitter,
A fairer nestful, nor ever know
A softer sound than their tender twitter,
That wind-like did come and go."
Never indeed was " a prouder sitter " than she whose
heart had made that nest so warm, and had reared into
the maturity of all moral and intellectual excellence
such a numerous brood. She sought on earth no other
reward, and that was not denied her.
Mrs. White's untiring activity was not confined to
the education of her children, the management of her
household, and the entertainment of her numerous rela-
tives and friends. Even when burdened with the care
of a large young family, her thirst for doing good con-
stantly led her to seek out among the poorest classes of
MRS. JAMES W. WHITE. 34:9
the New York population, and in the most wretched
haunts, the objects of her sympathy. And many an
anecdote is still related of the personal risks she ran
while thus endeavoring to reclaim the fallen or to succor
the needy.
A soul like hers, gifted with an enlightened and
tender piety, and not unacquainted with the bitterest
pangs of suffering, could not but attract the afflicted
and feel attracted towards them. She knew them to be
dearest to the Saviour's heart, and such they ever were
to herself and her children. Her daughters, partaking
of their mother's piety, shared also her every good work
undertaken for the poor.
In 1853, in conjunction with the writer of this
volume, she arranged a private concert at Niblo's Saloon
in aid of a charitable institution, at which Madame
Sontag sang, and which proved " the great fashionable
event of the season," and the most successful entertain-
ment of the kind ever given in the city. In 1856, Mrs.
White was solicited by the Sisters of Charity to use her
influence in obtaining aid for the rebuilding of their
hospital. A great idea occurred to her, and Archbishop
Hughes approved her design. A meeting of the ladies
representing the different Catholic Churches was called;
but they were appalled at the daring plan, and were
sure no possible success could repay the outlay necessary
for a fair held in the Crystal Palace. Almost a storm
of opposition greeted the proposal ; but Mrs. White was
350 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
determined to carry through her scheme, and alone
assumed the direction of matters.
Four hundred ladies, representing thirty-one churches,
were engaged, and their work was assigned to them.
Their disapproval was manifest, even to the day of the
opening; the tide, however, soon turned. The vast
edifice was lighted from the dome, and the flags of many
nations draped its alcoves. An immense variety of
foreign goods were exhibited. The ladies in attendance
were in full dress, and each department was picturesquely
decorated, presenting a scene of unrivaled magnificence.
The whole area was dazzling in its gorgeous beauty.
As the crowd poured in the first evening, and friends
thronged to congratulate the queen of the occasion, she
was aifected even to tears. The amount cleared by this
" Great Charity Fair " was thirty-four thousand dollars,
a splendid memorial of the indomitable energy, practical
wisdom, and noble zeal of her who had been the soul of
the enterprise. This was, moreover, the first Ladies'
Fair that had obtained a brilliant success, and the
largest except the subsequent Union Sanitary Fair (in
1864) ever given in the United States. Visitors flocked
from different cities, curious to see it; and plans for
similar enterprises, inferior in extent, were discussed in
other communities.
At the close of the Fair, the sisters begged Mrs.
White's acceptance of a massive silver epergne, as a mark
of their gratitude. But she declined the gift, persuading
them to dispose of it for the benefit of the hospital.
MRS. JAMES W. WHITE. 351
It was not surprising that one who had achieved
such a triumph, should be beset on all sides with entrea-
ties to give her influence and energies in support of
other undertakings. Inventors, teachers, managers of
charitable institutions, &c., sought to enrol her among
their patrons ; and more private applications were inces-
sant. One evening, a starving woman came to beg for
needle-work, stating that she was the widow of a British
officer, whose death had left her destitute, with a son ten
months old ; a deafness resulting from illness preventing
her from making use of her education as a means of
support. To help this poor woman, Mrs. White gave
the first private charity soiree ever given in New York,
and realized enough to take and furnish a room, and
provide the widow with a sewing-machine, by which she
afterwards gained a comfortable living.
In 1859, Mrs. White was president of an association
for getting up a large fair in aid of the Sisters of Mercy.
This was held in the Academy of Music. One of Mrs.
White's contributions was a massive volume bound in
velvet and gold, valued at twenty-five hundred dollars,
of the rarest and most precious autographs ever collected.
The book was drawn in a lottery, after a goodly sum had
been raised by the sale of tickets; and the fortunate
drawer presented it to the original donor. The Pope
had been solicited for his autograph; but, replying
through his secretary, he preferred to contribute a
splendid stone cameo set in gold.
Of the amount of labor required to fill this book
352 QUEEN'S OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
with its valuable array of autographs, no one who has
not tried the experiment can form any conception. The
following letter from Archbishop Hughes is suggestive
in more than one way :
"Nirw TOBK, April 9, 1859.
"Y DEAR MRS. WHITE:
..." I must congratulate you on this one thing, that in your
projects for aiding the charity you imitate nobody. Your plan,
may be successful ; but, after a first successful experiment, it can
never be repeated with success. I know your idea would be to
have autographs of the few great living men, such as kings, empe-
rors, prime ministers, &c., &c. These, I fear, it will be difficult, if
not impossible, to obtain.
" Our ministers plenipotentiary are respected at the different
courts of Europe on account of the prepotency of the United States
which they represent. But, to my own knowledge, they are, aa a
general rule, held in personal contempt. They would not, there-
fore, be able to obtain the signatures of the European courts to
which they are accredited. And, knowing the state of the case as
I know it, I should be afraid to solicit from them any autograph,
except it might be of distinguished individuals apart from court
circles I know the fastidious etiquette of European
courts ; and if there be any chance for such autographs, it must
be in consequence of a letter from yourself, written as you will
know how to write it, to our ministers and representatives. Yon
may succeed as a lady, but I could not as an archbishop, except by
the merest chance.
. . . "Besides, I will ransack further all Bishop Brute's papers,
and furnish you with such autographs as you may judge of interest
for your book.
" I remain,
" Very sincerely, your friend and servant in Christ,
"-I- JOHN, Archbishop of New York."
One would be led to judge that these repeated labors
for public or private charities, and the temptation to
* Rfl E W W BO T E
MRS. JAMES W. WHITE. 353
external activity begotten by public triumphs, must have
interfered sadly with the duties of domestic life, or ren-
dered the repose of home a little irksome. It was not
so, however, in this case. Mrs. White all the while con-
tinued to superintend with unrelaxed assiduity the ad-
vanced education of her children ; studying with them,
and making herself their companion as well as instruct-
ress. She was continually in their midst, perfecting
herself in some already familiar branch of knowledge,
or pursuing some new one with all the ardor of youth
hearing the lessons of her youngest girl, encouraging, by
her presence and advice, the higher studies of her mar-
ried daughters, and then giving herself up to her own
appointed hours for self-improvement. All these studies
were sanctified by the spirit of prayer, and made delight-
ful by the sunny smile and loving words of the mother,
as well as by the cheerful eagerness of those whom she
thus trained by word and example. An hour every day
was set apart for religious reading and devotional exer-
cises. The spirit of generosity derived from the lofty
views inculcated by their mother, not only led the chil-
dren to apply with alacrity to their advancement in
knowledge, but to seize and seek every opportunity of
performing acts of self-denial for the benefit of others.
This was made a governing principle of their conduct
towards each other, and hence the continual and touch-
ing forgetfulness of self in the endeavors of each one to
make all the others happy. Hence, too, their readiness
ever to disregard present suifering or personal discom-
354 QUEEN'S OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
fort, where an effort on their part may be required, or
may help to enliven the company in which they find
themselves, or to advance any public or private good.
No opportunity was lost of impressing these golden
rules of life on their minds. Few mothers, indeed, un-
derstand as she 'did the importance of detail and illustra-
tion in recommending Christian duties. It is one thing
to inculcate them by theory, and another to point out
the way to practice them. With the mother's self-sacri-
ficing devotion and earnest perseverance in duty, she
showed the habitual cheerfulness and serenity of soul
and temper on whose ever equal surface no interior
trouble or external tempest could produce a single
ripple. This perpetual calm in her manner, and the
bright smile she ever wore in the most trying circum-
stances, had a better effect on the young spirits around
her than a thousand homilies. Besides, the house was
always neat, and resounding with pleasant voices ; the
household (as we have said) managed to perfection ;
the indefatigable spirit and strictly disciplined energies
always pressed into the service of duty ; the warm
atmosphere of affection filling the home thus made the
happiest spot on earth. Could it then be wondered, not
that husband and children should " rise up and call her
blessed," but that to them, one and all, a single night
spent outside of such a home should appear a privation
hard to bear?
Home parties and amusements of all kinds were en-
couraged. On several occasions concerts, and an entire
MBS. JAMES W. WHITE." 355
opera, were performed without professional assistance ;
many of the spectators possessing high musical culture,
and all charmed with the wonderful artistic skill of the
sons and daughters, who owed to the mother their rare
attainments. I do not know of another instance of such
an operatic performance in a private drawing-room as
was arranged and prepared by Mrs. John Mack, one of
the daughters, and in which she and other members of
the family took the parts. It was universally voted a
perfect success.
How, with this unwearied and all-absorbing activity,
has Mrs. White found leisure to write books, or to keep
up an immense correspondence by letters ? Yet she has
done both. She is the author of two popular works
of fiction : " Portraits of my Married Friends " and
" Mary Staunton ;" both successful, but not to be here
discussed.
A romantic instance of the ingenious benevolence of
this lady's daughters was the experience of Kate De ,
a beautiful young Irish girl who lived in their family,
and who, being wedded above her station, returned,
after her husband's death, to his family abroad. She
was only able to read and sign her name, and too mu
ashamed of her ignorance to be willing to betray it tt
her proud connections. She sought aid from the three
eldest daughters of Mrs. White. Though separated by
the Atlantic from her, they educated her entirely by
letter, instructing her thoroughly in the common English
branches, and writing out an entire grammar, geogra-
356 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
phy, and arithmetic adapted to lier comprehension and
use. These she could understand, but not the simplest
school-books ; and under this training she became a well-
educated woman.
Mrs. White has had an extensive correspondence
with the learned, the gifted, and the distinguished in
this country and in Europe. She may well be called
" the Semgne of the United States." Archbishop Ken-
rick of Baltimore and Archbishop Hughes were her cor-
. respondents and intimate friends ; so also were many of
our statesmen, and not a few generals prominent in the
late war. President Lincoln corresponded with her.
Her influence is extensive as the Union, and over the
finest minds in the country. Her eldest son, General
Frank White, had a military career, and won a renown
the bravest could envy. At the tine when the Tenth
Eegiment, New York Zouaves, took their departure for
Fortress Monroe, they marched to the residence of Mrs.
White, in Fifth Avenue, where they were presented with
a regimental flag by Miss Nettie White, with a charm-
ing address to the soldiers.
The eldest daughter married, in 186?, Senor Don
Bernardino del Bal, and in June, 1863, left New York
for their distant home in Santiago de Verajjuas, in the
State of Panama. On returning from the steamer which
bore away her idolized child, the heroic mother, with
her heart yet agonized with the parting, and her eyec
Btill streaming with tears, accompanied her second
daughter, Ellen, to the Convent of the Sacred Heart,
MRS. JAMES W. WHITE. 357
and gave her up that very hour to the home she had
chosen for herself among the Brides of the Lamb.
On her arrival at Santiago, Seiiora del Bal set to
work to enlighten, elevate, and refine the numerous and
long-neglected population, which unceasing civil strife
and all its demoralizing influences had reduced to a sad
state of spiritual destitution. In Santiago, besides find-
ing every place of worship closed by the tyrannical
decrees of that odious usurper and despot, Mosquera, she
saw the Indian and colored people deprived of every
chance of religious or mental culture. She put into exe-
cution every means which her experience, ingenuity, and
zeal could suggest to remedy these evils, and obtain for
her labors the sympathy and co-operation of the wealthy
and educated. It would be hard to say by whom the
young and delicate stranger is most looked up to and
most revered, the native Indian and colored people in
town and country, or the proud, sensitive, and quick-
witted Spaniards. She has equally benefited both : the
latter by her superior and enlightened piety, by the
graces and virtues with which she adorns her home and
her conduct ; the former by making her blessed influence
felt far and wide, in Sunday-schools established by her,
in hospitals, at the sick-bed of the plague-stricken, as
well as in the remotest and most wretched hovel where
extreme want or extreme suffering called for her pre-
sence. Everywhere she is hailed as a ministering angel,
and bishop and priests and people, the high and the
lowly alike, sound the praises and bless the name of the
358 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
sweet American lady, " La Nina Jenny," as they delight
to call her in their heartfelt gratitude.
Mrs. White performed an important part in the
great Fair for the Orphans' Protectorate of New York,
in 1867. Presents from General Grant, Colonel P. G.
Washington, Colonel James A. Hamilton, Chief Justice
Chase, and many other personal friends, adorned her
table. One splendid set of Magelica ware was the gift
of the Marchioness of Londonderry, who has been for
years the friend and correspondent of Mrs. White.
Thus does the current of that life of devotedness gain
depth and width and strength as it approaches the ocean,
diffusing, as it goes onward, a still wider beneficence.
None of life's painful experiences and the saddest of all,
in the death of her husband, has fallen upon her as these
lines are printed have chilled the warm heart where
Christian faith and love are ruling principles. Her noble
deeds are a bright example for her countrywomen ; the
sweet poem of her life illustrating the truth of the lines :
" We need not go abroad for stones to build
Our monumental glory ; every soul
Has in it the material for its temple."
On the 5th of February, 1854, two charitable ladies
who were conspicuous in the best society of New York
were conversing together of the great suffering among
the poor. One of them, Mrs. Thomas Addis Emmet,
who had long been a manager of the Marion Street
MRS. DUBOIS. 359
Lying-in Asylum, spoke feelingly of the miseries of
neglected infants, and of mothers compelled by poverty
to give the children of the rich the nourishment intended
by nature for their own. She mentioned an instance of
a nurse weeping over her charge, to think what comforts
she was enjoying in a good home, while her own child,
to whom she could not attend, was exposed to unknown
sufferings. One who pitied her distress, going to see
after her child, stood at night in a small, dirty basement
room, by the bed of a sick woman, who replied to her
questioning : " My baby died yesterday of small-pox."
" And where is the nurse-baby ?" asked the visitor.
" Oh, if it's that you want, here it is," said the woman,
leaning over and drawing from under her bed a basket
of soiled clothes, among which lay the forlorn infant.
The visitor took off its rags, wrapped it in her shawl,
took it home, bathed and dressed it, sent for a physician,
and, by the Divine blessing, saved it from death. This
incident, related with the eloquence of Christian feeling,
gave rise to the first conception of an institution which
soon became an honor to New York. In a few weeks
ten thousand dollars were subscribed, and in less than a
month from the first inception of the idea, the " Nursery
for the Children of Poor Women" was organized and
chartered. Before this refuge was provided, Mrs. Dn-
bois, the lady to whose energetic efforts it owed its
existence, had been in the habit of looking up the poor
children of wet nurses among her circle of friends, and,
until rooms could be provided for them, of giving them
360 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
shelter in her own beautiful house on Gramercy Park.
The building soon became so full that more extensive
accommodations were required. This was the first at-
tempt made in New York, or the country, to provide an
asylum for the shelter and care of infants. The first
idea was to form an asylum for the children of wet
nurses, or those otherwise deprived of a mother's care ;
and for the daily charge of those little ones whose
mothers were obliged to labor away from their own
Jiomes to gain a subsistence. When it was found that
the institution had been commenced on too small a scale,
applications were made both to the State Legislature
and to the city authorities for assistance ; and the result
was a grant from the city of a perpetual lease of a plot
of ground one hundred and forty feet wide, and one
hundred feet deep; while the State gave ten thousand
dollars towards the erection of a suitable building.
The necessity of a " Child's Hospital" became appa-
rent; and on application to the Legislature in March,
1857, an act was passed changing the name of the Insti
tution to " The Nursery and Child's Hospital." A new
building was erected in 1858, and the funds necessary for
the support of the charity which voluntary contributions
did not supply were raised year after year by public
entertainments given by the lady managers at the Aca-
demy of Music. Thus the Institution was linked with
associations of fashionable amusement. Not long after-
wards another noble charity was added to this a Found-
ling Hospital for the admission of illegitimate children
MRS. DUBOIS. 361
whose mothers were previously of good character. In
December, 1865, it was leased to the "Nursery" as a
Lying-in Asylum a place for the reception of young
women who had borne irreproachable characters till
overtaken by one fault, and who had no other refuge.
The three institutions are now blended, and under the
care of the same directress, Mrs. Cornelius Dubois, who
had given up the triumphs of fashionable life to have her
time and her heart engrossed by the claims of this cha-
rity. She has made it so popular among the leading
ladies of the metropolis that the Institution is generally
regarded as a favorite with them. The most gorgeous
public balls given at the Academy of Music under their
patronage have been for its benefit; and at many con-
certs for the same object, year after year, those ladies
have contributed by their amateur singing and instru-
mental music.
Mrs. Dubois was Miss Delafield. She has also been
distinguished for her skill in sculpture and cameo-cut-
ting. Her works in this line have been mentioned with
high praise.*
Another noble charity to which the most distin-
guished ladies of New York gave their co-operation, and
in aid of which many brilliant entertainments were
given, was that for the benefit of the soldiers' orphans.
A later one, which has enlisted the warmest feelings of
sympathy, is the " Southern Relief Association," appeal-
* See " "Women Artists in all Ages and Countries "
10
362 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ing for aid to the suffering women and children of the
South. No public charity has ever been so popular.
The winter of 1866-67 was crowded with amusements
for it, and it is believed that none have been so unfeel-
ing as to oppose its triumphs.
Mrs. Emmet is the widow of Thomas Addis Emmet,
the son of the distinguished Irish patriot, and a lawyer
of hip-b standing in New York. She is the daughter of
John Tom, one of the firm of Hoyt and Tom, noted East
India merchants. Mrs. Emmet was an admired leader
in the best social circles of the metropolis, as a youthful
matron, and her influence was most useful in promoting
public and private charities. She was the devoted bene-
factress of the poor, to whom she gave the time that
could be spared from the cares of a large family. Their
residence was a beautiful estate on Fifty-ninth Street,
between the old Boston Post-road and Third Avenue.
There was an elegant mansion, with extensive grounds
and gardens, and a private cricket-ground. A fete waa
given there in 1844, which created a great sensation.
For seventeen years Mr. Emmet's family lived at this
beautiful country-seat, till the advancing city encroached
upon it. Then they removed to New York.
MRS. RUSH. 363
XVIII.
IT is not often that a celebrity which may be culled
historical is gained by leadership in the fashionable
circles of a large city without beauty or attractive per-
sonal qualities, and without association with any great
social event or institution. Such was the celebrity of
Mrs. Bush in Philadelphia. Her attainment of pre-
eminence in spite of many disadvantages argues rare
powers of intellect. She was Ann Ridgway, the daugh-
ter of Jacob Ridgway, who rivaled Girard in the acquisi-
tion of great wealth by commercial pursuits. Ann was
born in Philadelphia, and inherited a goodly share of
her father's fortune. Her income was a large one for
that day ; her husband having also an independent prop-
erty. Her education was completed in Europe, where
she spent several years, and acquired more than the
usual share of accomplishments then deemed essential to
a lady. In those days mental culture was more thorough
than at present, if the facilities were less. Miss Ridg-
way mingled in the best society, and acquired that taste
for the elegancies of life which was afterwards shown in
her days of sovereignty over the society of Philadelphia.
She was married to Dr. James Rush, the son of the
celebrated Dr. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the
364 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Declaration of Independence, the fame of whose genius
and scientific attainments spread throughout Europe ;
whose works were quoted by Lord Byron, and rewarded
by the first Alexander of Russia. Having his origin in
such noble intellectual stock, the son maintained the
celebrity of the name by his original and profound work
on " The Philosophy of the Human Voice," which has
furnished material and guidance to so many treatises on
elocution.
Though abroad a long time, Mrs. Rush passed most
of her life in Philadelphia, and did not take the lead in
social life till her return from Europe. Her latest resi-
dence was in "West Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. The
building was erected about 1849, and was magnificent
in its proportions, and the splendor of its internal plan
and decorations. Here the mistress of the mansion was
accustomed to dispense those enlarged hospitalities which
" have given her an unsurpassed eminence in American
society." She had a genuine love for the arts, and was
invariably a liberal and impartial friend to artists of
every grade. At her weekly receptions it was her de-
light to assemble them around her, to introduce them to
persons who might appreciate their talents and promote
their success ; and not unfrequently to assist them in a
more direct manner. Her annual balls were magnifi-
cent ; the drawing-rooms of her house were more spa-
cious and more sumptuously furnished than those of
almost any other private residence in Philadelphia, and
there was unstinted outlay in both the decorations and
MRS. RUSH. 365
the entertainment. A gentleman who was her guest,
described, on one occasion, " her superb dress of Genoa
velvet and lace, and the exquisite gems that adorned her
person. Feathers drooped from her hair, and she car-
ried in her hand a fan made of plumes of the richest dye,
ornamented with a bird-of-paradise with diamond eyes
and claws set with rubies." Mrs. Rush always gave her
visitors a cordial greeting, with unaffected kindliness of
manner. She was pleased to show her plants and the
choice flowers in her conservatories. These, as well as
the halls, dancing saloons, and corridors, were always
thrown open and the light, alternately brilliant and
subdued, the clear, pealing music at intervals, from the
band playing on the staircase, the company of splendidly
dressed women, the dancing and promenading through
the different rooms, the lavish and gorgeous supper, with
the charming manner and lively conversation of the
hostess, put the most timid at their ease, and made her
parties ever agreeable. While she presided thus ovei
the festive scene, her husband, it was said, often sat
alone in his library, absorbed in study, or enjoying the
contrast of perfect quiet with the bewildering gayety of
the rest of the house.
Mrs. Rush was, by universal consent, acknowledged
to be the queen of Philadelphia fashionable society.
" This community," said a resident, " requires despotism
to move it from its frigidity. There must be one sove-
reign the appointed of fashion, the layer down of law.
Partly from charity, partly from ambition, this large-
366 QUEENS OF AMEKICAU SOCIETY.
hearted and energetic woman took into her own hands
the reins of government, and has shown herself a second
Semiramis." It was well for those over whom she
reigned, that none could say she did not use her power
with generosity. At the parties given hy Mrs. Rush,
the most prodigal splendor was exhibited in the services
of china, glass, and gold and silver plate, and in the pro-
fusion of flowers. Yet in the more strictly artistic
adornments such as pictures there was rather a defi-
ciency of the best works ; and there were comparatively
few antiques or articles of vertu.
A lady who had been entertained in the aristocratic
circles of Europe, described one of Mrs. Eush's parties as
excelling any she had seen in sumptuous appointments.
The tables were set the entire length of the supper-room,
with cushioned seats of blue damask, and a service of
the costliest china, for the accommodation of two hun-
dred and fifty out of the eight hundred guests invited.
The servants at the foot of the tables, wearing broad
blue ribbons, interdicted the entrance of more guests at
a time. The hostess walked through her rooms, wear-
ing a robe of pompadour velvet, with an under dress of
white satin covered with lace; the robe looped with
marabout feathers and diamonds ; with low corsage.
Mrs. Rush seemed to consider her parties as a neces-
sary duty to society, yielding her, however, little gratifi-
cation. The attractions of intellectual cultiration had
no play in such crowded reunions. It was a yearly
sacrifice to fashion. She rarely gave small parties,
MRS. RUSH. 367
except to gentlemen. Besides these annual balls, Mrs.
Rush had morning receptions every Saturday, when she
always had something attractive or curious to amuse her
guests. Sometimes it would be a fashionable tenor;
sometimes children who recited verses ; and on one occa-
sion the Aztecs were shown, before they became common
in public exhibitions. Of course many persons desired
to attend these parties who were not acquainted with the
lady, and she was frequently annoyed with applications
for cards of invitation. An invitation was once taken
through mistake to a Miss Patterson, a stranger, who
was advised to accept it. Fancying a degree of coldness
in the manner of her hostess, Miss Patterson requested a
friend to inquire if the card had been meant for her, and
ascertained that it had been intended for a vocalist.
She insisted on leaving the house, notwithstanding Mrs.
Eush's request that she would remain. The next day
an article appeared in the papers stating that Mrs. Rush
had sent a lady out of her house who had received an
invitation by mistake.
These receptions had decidedly a musical character.
Grisi and Mario were at one, and many celebrated
artistes who were visiting Philadelphia had here an
opportunity of being introduced to those who might
become friends and patrons. Actors of merit were
welcome as well as vocalists, and those who excelled in
painting; yet the assemblages were generally select.
Attractive ladies were sure of invitations, perhaps that
they might render the house agreeable to gentlemen ;
368 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
for Mrs. Rush was well known to have no partiality foi
her own sex. Sometimes she pressed an invitation with
great kindness ; once ordering a pretty dress sent to a
South Carolinian lady who had not come prepared with
a costume suitable for her ball. Yet she would perhaps
turn coldly in the street from a woman who presumed,
on an invitation to one of her receptions, to join her in a
walk. A Philadelphia lady asked for a card for a
female friend ; it was refused, but permission was ver-
bally given to bring her. Mrs. Rush was said to be
tyrannical in social ethics, though indulgent to her
gentlemen friends. A New York paper called her " one
of the few relics of the old school." She had steadfast
ideas of democracy, and was independent enough to carry
them into her drawing-room. Above all things she had
a hatred of " snobs." It was a pleasure to her to break
down conventional distinctions which had no ground in
reason. Inviting whom she chose to her parties always
persons of good character the son or daughter of the
tradesman or retailer found a warm welcome to her
reunions, if known to possess personal worth. This was
a noble trait of character; and when her inviolable
fidelity to the few friends she trusted, and her liberal
charities and many kind acts are placed in the account,
it must be conceded that hers was a generous nature,
true, strong, and earnest in its aversion to all meanness
or falsehood. She always manifested a deep respect for
intellect ; and it was her reverence for mental gifts and
culture, and sternly disciplined character, that caused
MRS. RUSH. 369
her preference for men. Notwithstanding the endless
gossip about her with the stronger sex, those who knew
;my thing of her were constrained to admit that Her
intimacy never bordered in the least on flirtation. She
had no personal attractions, and never desired admira-
tion. Her taste for the ornamental seemed to expend
itself in a passionate love of flowers. Her conservatories
were something royal. " You ought to be a happy man,"
said a Philadelphia lady to Dr. Rush, when she was
admiring this floral magnificence. "I have always been
a happy man," was his reply.
It was Mrs. Rush's custom to go to Saratoga almost
every summer. Her example there might well be fol
lowed by fashion's votaries, so far as moderation in dress
was concerned. She took but few dresses ; usually one
of black silk, one of grenadine, and a poplin for morning
wear ; and one trunk sufficed her. She always appeared
in black, reserving her rich colored dresses for home wear
and always gave away on her return those she had
worn at Saratoga.
The following letter mentions a fancy ball at the
Springs in August, 1849 :
" All around the different wings of the hotel was in a blaze of
light, and the company might be seen gathering in costumes before
the dancing commenced. Turks, flower-girls, Quakers, goddesses,
nuns, and court ladies, all gracefully and gayly threading their way
among the crowd, were seen in the porticos of the windows, and
along the illuminated walks. In the full blaze of the ball-room,
some of the costumes could not be surpassed for costliness of
material and exquisite design. Laces delicate as gossamer, and of
rare value, seemed to take new delicacy from the jewels. Mm
16*
370 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Rush, of Philadelphia, wore a scarf of rich lace worth its weight
in gold will not answer here its weight in diamonds. The jet
and jewels upon her bosom seemed absolutely sparkling through a
wreath of mist."
On either side of Mrs. Rush .at table were always
Beats for gentlemen chosen by herself. When onf
chanced to be vacated by the departure of the friend,
she selected another occupant, and signified her pleasure
to the fortunate individual; always making two condi-
tions, to which the gentleman was obliged to assent
before she would name them. Of course he promised
compliance, sure that the lady would stipulate for noth-
ing unreasonable. The first promise he was required to
make, and keep absolutely inviolate, was, that whenever
he thought proper to order any special delicacy from the
restaurant, he would never invite Mrs. Rush to partake
of it. The second was, that whenever she chose to ordei
any such dainty, and to offer it to him, he would not
refuse to accept. These conditions were always insisted
on, and always observed. At the next meal, the new
occupant would be formally installed in his place. Mrs.
Rush often drove to Saratoga Lake and took dinner,
inviting one or two favored friends to accompany her.?
The banks of the lake were a favorite walk with her.
While at the watering-place she did not remit her
studies, taking a lesson in German and one in music
nearly every day. When asked why she continued her
musical practice in this way, while she was never known
to play in company, she replied that she took the lessons
MBS. RUSH. 371
in that and German in fulfilment of a promise to a.
deceased friend. She was fond of reading, and a great
linguist ; and was always exact in properly filling up the
hours of her day. Much of it was devoted to out-door
exercise. She walked a great deal ; not only in summer,
but in winter, without heeding inclemencies of weather.
Her last ball was given in January, 1857, and was
of great splendor. It was about six in the morning
when the last guest had departed, and Dr. and Mrs.
Rush retired to their rooms, which communicated by a
door. Mrs. Rush removed her diamonds and left them
in their caskets on her table, the outer doors of both
apartments being fastened. It was afternoon when she
arose and took breakfast. Being still overcome with
fatigue, both she and her husband went to bed very
early, and she did not put away her jewels. In the
night she fancied she heard the door leading from her
room to Dr. Rush's open or shut ; but, supposing that he
was passing through, paid no attention to the circum-
stance. He too heard the noise, and " wondered what
Ann was up for," but took no heed of it. At daylight
the next morning it was Saturday Mrs. Rush recol-
lected that she had not left on the ledge or table outside
some money for an article she was always accustomed to
send for to market on that day, and which must be
purchased very early. She rose and went to her bureau,
in a drawer of which she had put a thousand dollars in
gold to pay tradesmen's bills. The money was gone !
She opened the jewel caskets; they were empty ! She
372 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
instantly aroused Dr. Rush, who bade her keep still,
while he examined the doors of the house. All were
locked ; and the outer hall door was dul y fastened. The
new-fallen snow showed no trace of footsteps. He went
out and called a detective. By this time the servants
had risen ; they were called together, informed of the
robbery, and told they must submit to examination.
Not a trace of the thief or the booty could be found ; not
a single fact was elicited whereon to hang suspicion.
The jewels were valued, it is said, at twenty-one thou-
sand dollars. The police of Philadelphia did their best,
but discovered nothing. The matter created a great
sensation, and was the subject of newspaper comment
in other cities. The public insisted on suspecting a
young man who had been a guest at the ball, and soon
afterwards had gone to New York, and sailed for Eu-
rope. The impression on the minds of those who remem-
ber the occurrence still is that this young man was
guilty ; but Dr. and Mrs. Rush thought otherwise. The
detective had fancied something suspicious in the man-
ner of the cook, who was engaged to a jeweler in New
Orleans, whom she afterwards married. Nothing could
be proved to justify her arrest; but Mrs. Rush always
thought it likely that the woman had stolen both the
money and jewels, entering the chamber at night or
during her temporary absence the day after the party.
The summer following this occurrence Mrs. Rush
was at Saratoga, at the United States Hotel, unaccom-
panied by her husband. She was detained by indispo-
MBS. BUSH. 373
sition after the departure of other guests. A friend
whose society she had much enjoyed Mrs. Macgregor,
of New York was about to leave Saratoga ; but when
Mrs. Rush expressed regret at her going, she offered to
stay with her. Mrs. Rush would not, however, permit
her to remain on her account. She was not accustomed
to receive visitors in her chamber, and did not usually
like being called on when suffering from illness. She
spoke with her friend as she stood outside the door, and
begged that she would not stay at the hotel. Her maid,
she said, was trusty and efficient ; she had no need of
further care ; she would be well in a day or two. The
hotel was then nearly empty. Mrs. Macgregor returned
to her home in New York in some anxiety about Mrs.
Rush, though not anticipating any danger. Her com-
plaint was supposed to be erysipelas, followed by a gen-
eral breaking up of the system. When she did not
regain strength, Dr. Rush was sent for, and it was still
hoped that his wife would soon be able to travel home-
ward. Mrs. Macgregor wrote from New York, inviting
them to stop and rest a day or two at her house in pass-
ing through the city. Dr. Rush answered that they
intended postponing their departure from Sa/atoga for
a few days, to allow Mrs. Rush time to recruit her
strength ; but that, when able to set out, she would pre-
fer making the whole journey in one day. It was but a
few days later that news came of the death of Mrs. Rush,
at Saratoga, on the 23d October, 1857.
Her remains were placed in a coffin and conveyed to
374 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Philadelphia. She was buried according to instructions
contained in her last will. Her death produced a wide
sensation in her native city; saddening the hearts of
many who remembered how ready her sympathies had
. always been with true merit, and how liberally she had
dispensed her means for its advancement. She had not
yet reached a very advanced age, and appeared uninter-
ruptedly in society till the beginning of Tier last illness.
Mrs. Macgregor was Miss Ely, of Connecticut. She
has been conspicuous for many years in New York
society. Her receptions at her pleasant home in Wash-
ington Square, are attended by numerous friends of the
really choice and elevated spirits, who would not mingle
with such as had no claim but wealth to their associa-
tion. She is noted for wit and humor in impromptu
effusions. Some of her light sketches have been pub-
lished by stealth.
The wife of the great statesman, Daniel "Webster,
was Caroline Le Eoy. She was born in New York, and
married in 1829 to Mr. Webster, who was a widower
with children. In May, 1839, she went abroad with her
husband, and was well received at the courts where they
were presented ; but remained only nine months. They
passed their winters usually in Washington, and the
summers in Marshfield, their country-seat on the Massa-
chusetts coast that beautiful Marshfield on the ocean
shore with Webster's "herds of noble cattle, his broad
productive fields, his yachts, his fishing, his rambles in
MRS. DANIEL WEBSTER. 375
the forests planted by his own hands, his homely chats
with neighbors and beloved dependents." He was wont
to say, " If I could have my own will, never, never
would I leave Marshfield !" But he was led away, by
the advice of friends, to the protracted stay in "Washing-
ton that undermined his health. Mrs. Webster shared
his wanderings, and was always a helpmeet to her dis-
tinguished husband, both in domestic and public affairs.
She read to him and for him, saving him time and labor
by culling and arranging such facts and ideas as might
be useful or available ; she assisted him in his extensive
correspondence, and was relied on by him in all matters
where sound judgment and discretion were required.
During his Secretaryship, which began in President
Tyler's and continued in Fillmore's term, she was his
efficient aid. At the same time she made his house the
center of a brilliant society, drawing around them the
finest spirits of the century, and those of high repute in
the country's history. In Boston, Mr. Webster's house
was in Summer Street ; a noble residence, and the resort
of the most cultivated society.
Mrs. Webster accompanied her husband on his cele-
brated Southern tour ; visiting the principal cities and
towns, where both were welcomed with distinguished
honors.
Since her widowhood, Mrs. Webster has for the most
part resided in the city of New York, though a home
was offered her in Boston, suited to the style in which.
she had always lived.
376 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Mrs. HENRY D. GILPIN is the widow of an eminent
man, and has a ruling influence in the society of Phila-
delphia. This is due nqt more to her intellectual supe-
riority, and her culture in the arts that refine social life,
than to her noble qualities of heart and true Christian
benevolence. She is the daughter of Doctor John Sibley,
a distinguished surgeon, who resided until the close of
his life in Louisiana, exercising a wide-spread influence
in that State. She was born in North Carolina, and
received her education at the well-known school of Mr.
Mordecai, in Warrenton. Leaving school at an early
age, she joined her father in Louisiana, and was married
to the Hon. Josiah S. Johnston, then Judge of the West-
ern District Court of the State. He was elected to the
House of Representatives, and afterwards, for three
terms, to the Senate of the United States. As an able
judge, a distinguished statesman, and leading legislator,
his fame belongs to his country's history.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnston resided in Washington, and
their house was celebrated for its hospitality. It was
the resort of the most distinguished persons in the Capi-
tal, many of whom continued their friendship with Mrs.
Gilpin through life. The celebrated Edward Livingston
was not only an associate of Senator Johnston in their
public career, but a close and intimate friend ; and their
friendship was never interrupted. Mrs. Livingston, one
of the most distinguished ladies of society in Washing-
ton, survived her husband many years. Mrs. Gilpin
MRS. HEXRY D. GILPIN. 377
commemorated her talents and virtues in an eloquent
tribute, full of truth and feeling.
After some years of widowhood, Mrs. Johnston
became the wife of Hon. Henry D. Gilpin, at that time
United States Attorney for the District of Pennsylvania.
When Mr. Yan Buren was elected President of the
United States, he induced his friend, Mr. Gilpin, to
accompany him to Washington as Solicitor of the Trea-
sury. Subsequently, the office of the Attorney-General
of the United States becoming vacant, it was offered to
and accepted by him. A close and confidential friend-
ship existed between these gentlemen, which continued
without interruption through life.
Some years after the return of Mr. and Mrs. Gilpin
to Philadelphia, they accompanied Mr. Yan Buren and
his son to Europe.* In London they were received with
marked attention. , Mr. Gilpin soon became associated
with the most distinguished literary men, his own repu-
tation having preceded him. Numerous " breakfasts "
were given to him, where he met persons of congenial
tastes, and largely extended his acquaintance. Mr.
Joseph R. Ingersoll, so well known and honored in
Philadelphia, was at that time Minister to England.
By him, a personal friend, they were received with
great kindness, and through him were presented at
Court.
Among their earliest visitors in London was Mr.
* A journal kept by Mrs. Gilpin while abroad, to which the writer has
had access, furnishes the facts mentioned here.
378 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
George Peabody, who extended to them every courtesy
as friends, and as visitors to the great metropolis. Mr.
Peabody was then as well known for his hospitalities
to his countrymen as he has since become to the whole
world by his noble acts of munificence.
The first entertainment given to Mr. Yan Buren and
Mr. and Mrs. Gilpin was a brilliant assembly at the
American Minister's ; the second, a dinner by Mr. Pea-
body. Among the distinguished guests assembled on this
occasion, were Mr. Gurney, brother of the celebrated
Mrs. Fry, and his accomplished daughter, Lady Buxton,
and Lady John Somerset, whom they afterwards met in
society in London. Subsequently they received nume-
rous invitations to dine with persons of distinction ;
among others, from Lord and Lady Ashburton, at Bath
House, a noble mansion, celebrated for its fine collection
of pictures and statuary. Here they had the gratifica-
tion of meeting many of the distinguished literary men
and nobility of England; Mr. and Mrs. Monkton
Milnes, Mr. Carlyle, Mr. Kinglake, author of Eothen,
Mr. Thackeray, and others. From a large dinner-party
at Mr. Hume's (member of Parliament), Mr. and Mrs.
, Gilpin, with other guests, attended a ball at Bucking-
ham Palace, to which, by command of the Queen, they
had had the honor of being invited. Among the hos-
pitalities extended to them were those of Mr. and Mrs.
Cobden, Mr. and Mrs. Bright, Mr. and Mrs. Grote, Sir
Charles and Lady Fellows, and Miss Burdett Coutts, the
latter receiving them at her beautiful villa, Holly Lodge,
MRS. HENRY D. GILPIN. 379
near London. One of the greatest gratifications they
experienced while in England was their visit to the an-
cestral homes of Mr. Gilpin's family, to Kentmere, where
Barnard Gilpin, called " the Apostle of the North," was
born (three hundred years ago), and to Scaleby Castle, a
few miles from the Scottish border, now occupied by one
of the family. After visiting the most interesting places
in England and Scotland, Mr. and Mrs. Gilpin made an
extensive tour on the Continent, visiting the principal
capitals, and seeing every thing of interest to strangers.
They passed Holy Week in Rome, and had two inter-
views with the Pope ; the second by his own appoint-
ment, when he received them in his library.
Among numerous hospitalities offered to them in
Rome, were those by the Prince and Princess Doria
Pamphili, through a letter of introduction given to them
in London by Lady John Somerset, a relative of Prin-
cess Doria. In the magnificent Doria Palace they had
ample opportunity for examining the galleries, celebra-
ted as containing one of the richest collections of Art in
Europe.
From Naples Mr. and Mrs. Gilpin embarked for the
East ; ascending the Nile as far as Thebes, and spending
three months among the great monuments of antiquity.
From the top of the great pyramid of Cheops they be-
held the valley of the Nile, with its picturesque groups
of camels with their Arab drivers, and groves of waving
palm-trees. Afterwards they visited Asia Minor, Tur-
key, and Greece, with some of the Grecian isles. At
380 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Athens they remained several weeks, where they were
much interested in the Mission Schools of Mr. and Mrs.
Hill and Dr. King. They there formed the particular
acquaintance of the late Earl of Carlisle, with whom Mr.
Gilpin made frequent excursions into the interior of
Greece. Their friendly relations were interrupted only
by death. On their return to England Mr. and Mrs.
Gilpin were invited by Lord Carlisle to visit him at
Castle Howard, where they found assembled many of
the distinguished members of his family ; among them
his aged mother, whose death, some years after, was
communicated to Mrs. Gilpin by Lord Carlisle, in a let-
ter touchingly evincing his reverence and filial love.
Mrs. Gilpin's residence in Philadelphia is the resort
of all distinguished strangers. Artists and connoisseurs
are especially welcomed, and find material for the grati-
fication of their taste in the works of art collected with
BO much care in Europe, which occupy one floor of the
dwelling. The library of Mr. Gilpin is, perhaps, the
largest private collection in America. It includes the
best selection of books in the English and foreign lan-
guages, the classical portion being particularly rich.
This library was left by Mr. Gilpin for the use of his
wife during her life, and bequeathed to the Historical
Society of Pennsylvania at her death ; the works of art
were left to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
in Philadelphia, to which collection Mrs. Gilpin has
desired that the portraits of Mr. Gilpin and herself shall
be added.
MES. HENEY D. GILPLN". 381
Mr. Gilpin died in 1860. His accomplished widow
prepared and printed for circulation among her friends
a memorial volume of his useful life and public services,
including various tributes to his memory from eminent
statesmen and scholars at home and abroad, with letters
of condolence and friendship to herself. The monument
which Mrs. Gilpin has erected to the memory of her
husband is a noble work of art.
Her sympathy in the misfortunes of others induced
Mrs. Gilpin to take a prominent part in the great Sani-
tary Fair of Philadelphia. She was appointed chairman
of the Ladies' Art Committee, by which department alone
was realized thirty-five thousand dollars.
Mrs. Gilpin, in resuming the hospitalities of her
house, has been liberal in her welcome to the lovers of
art and literature. Accustomed herself to these high
and pure enjoyments, she has sought to give the same
pleasure to others. Music by the best amateur perform-
ers is always a marked feature of her entertainments (as
dancing is never introduced). Her receptions have a
more elevated character than those of mere fashion.
Her private charities are active and incessant, and she
gives her personal attention to many whose sufferings
require the solace and friendship of sympathy.
382 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY
XIX.
CHARLOTTE AUGUSTA SOUTHWICK was the daughter of
Jonathan Southwick, a successful merchant of New
York, who accumulated a large fortune in business,
though he died at the age of thirty-five. The ancestors
of the family the Worthingtons and Elys were promi-
nent at an early period of Colonial history. A curious
relic preserved is a heavy gold seal-ring, antique in
pattern, and engraved with three fleurs-de-lis ; said to
have been presented by Charles IX. to one of the ances-
tors of the Ely family, with instructions that it should
always be worn by one of the descendants of the name
of Eobert. It is still so held. Kichard Ely came first
to America about 1660, and settled at Lyme in Connec-
ticut. John Ely was a colonel in the Revolutionary
army and a surgeon of great celebrity. His military
career was detailed in the statement of the Committee
on Revolutionary Claims to the House of Representa-
tives, in 1853. In 1777, he was commandant of Fort
Trumbull, his regiment having been raised by his own
exertions and at his own expense entirely fitted out. His
wife was Sarah Worthington, a great beauty, and the
daughter of Rev. William Worthington, brother to
another colonel of the American army. Mary, her
MRS. COVENTRY WADDELL. 383
sister, also a distinguished beauty, married the father of
John Cotton Smith, Governor of Connecticut, the ances-
tor of the eloquent Hector of Ascension Church in ~New
York. Samuel Goodrich (" Peter Parley ") was a grand-
son of Sarah Worthington. These sisters were descended
from Hugh Worthington, who held the Lordship of
Worthington under Edward IY., in 1474. Some of the
family afterwards intermarried with the descendants of
Awley OTarrell, remembered as the last king of Com-
merene, in 1207. The eldest son of John and Sarah
Worthington was Worthington Ely, the grandfather of
the subject of this sketch. He was also a surgeon and a
colonel in the Revolutionary army, having graduated at
Yale College in 1780. It is said that at the age of
twenty he captured two British officers, and retained
them as hostages till he obtained the release of his father,
then in the enemy's hands. At the end of the war,
finding his resources crippled, he resumed the medical
practice, and settled on the Hudson, near Albany. His
wife was Miss Bushnell, of Connecticut. Their young-
est daughter, Lucretia, was the mother of Mrs. Waddell.
At a very early age, Miss Southwick was sent to
Mrs. Willard's school at Troy, where she went through a
thorough course of education. Soon after leaving school
she was married to Mr. McMurray, who lived but a few
months, leaving her a widow at the age of eighteen. She
afterwards married Mr. William Coventry Waddell.
He is connected with noble English families, being
directly descended from Lord Daubeney, of the time of
384 QUEEN? OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
Henry VII., 1485,* and from the earls of Coventry. He
has kept up an interesting correspondence with the
representatives of these families in England. Possessing
high literary attainments, Mr. Waddell had held many
important trusts under government, and was at that
time in an official position, and possessed of wealth.
Their residence was fixed in New York. Mr. Waddell
built a splendid mansion at the corner of Fifth Avenue
and Thirty-seventh street. "Murray Hill," with its
grounds, occupied an entire block. It was a Gothic villa,
with tower, and large conservatory ; the grounds were
laid out in walks and divided by hedges, and vines were
trained along the walls. From the broad marble hall a
winding staircase ascended to the tower, whence a view
of the city, the river, and distant hills could be obtained.
The picture-gallery, well stored with valuable paintings,
always attracted the attention of visitors. In the wintei
of 1845, several lots had been put into a wheat-field by
the gardener, so remote was the place from the city.
For twelve years Mr. and Mrs. Waddell lived in this
delightful villa, while the city gradually approached
nearer to their home. The winters were passed here,
while the summers were spent at Saratoga, where the
remarkable beauty of Mrs. Waddell, her graceful man-
ners, her good-humor and winning kindness of heart,
and the intellectual charms of her brilliant conversation,
* See Burke's Dormant Peerage. That Lord Daubeney was in tho
direct line from William de Alhini(1168), eldest grandson of the standard-
bearer of William the Conqueror.
MRS. COVENTRY WADPELL. 385
gave her indisputable supremacy in social circles. It
was in her power to give happiness to those around her
by her ample means for promoting enjoyment, and she
took pleasure in doing so. Her parties in the winter, at
u Murray Hill," were the admiration of the New York
fashionables ; and one might be always sure of meeting
there any really worthy celebrity. When the frigate
"Prince of Orange" came to the United States, Mrs.
Waddell gave the Dutch officers a ball ; and the decora-
tions of her rooms and conservatory were magnificent.
The lights in the tower, seen through stained windows,
had a very fine effect. Sir William Boyd, in his work
on America, wrote :
" One esteemed friend I can neither omit nor fail to praise ;
charming in person, elegant and amiable in manner, considerate
and kind in disposition, she honors the Fifth Avenue by her resi-
dence. So perfectly did her style of beauty resemble that of a
lovely English woman, that, in the well-bred though liberal hospi-
tality of her house, an Englishman could forget that three thousand
miles separated him from his own dear country."
At Saratoga, in August, 1849, she was thus described
in papers of the day :
"Mrs. Waddell, of New York, was generally admired. A com-
plexion pure and brilliant as the roses and lilies of childhood, large
blue eyes, sparkling with vivacity, and lips always rosy with smiles,
well became the superb dress of ' a bride.' A veil of exquisite lace
fell from a tiara of pearls that confined her bright brown ringlets;
a string of large pearls on the neck, a cross of brilliants on the
bosom, diamonds twinkling on her arms and amid the folds of a
superb lace dress, completed a costume distinguished for its costli-
ness, its cloud-like purity, and that exquisite adaptation to the per-
son which so few understand."
17
S86 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
One morning, at Saratoga, she came late to the
breakfast-table, where Washington Irving and J. F
Kennedy were seated. "Here comes Aurora!" said
Mr. Irving, gayly. Mrs. Waddell asked him if he
spelled it with an " A," or an "E." He laughed hearti-
ly ; and said her question was the best joke he had heard
iu a long time.
A visitor wrote :
" On Thursday, the ball of the season took place at Mrs. Wad-
dell's Gothic villa on Murray Hill, Fifth Avenue. The beauty of
the house, its corridors and halls, its towers and oriels, gave an
attraction with which other establishments cannot vie ; while the
affability of the fair hostess, and the occasion the debut in society
of a daughter of Mr. Waddell added to the interest. We noted
a greater array of city fashionables than we have seen gathered
together this season ; and, as is usual at this lady's parties, every
one appeared to enjoy it. The beautiful conservatory was thrown
open, and the flowers, the bay-windows, the winding stair-way
through the towers, the oriels, the corbels, the tapestries, the music,
the ball, the supper, the fair hostess, and the concourse of gallant
knights, could not well be surpassed. There were about five hun-
dred present. Mr. Brown the guard's arrangements were excellent,
especially the fine large tent he erected to keep off the night air
between the carriage- drive and the hall-door."
At a masquerade ball, given in College Place, by
Mrs. John C. Stevens
"Mrs. Waddell wore, in the early part of the evening, a black
mask p.nd domino; afterwards, white satin trimmed with rich black
lace, with corsage of diamonds, and flowers in her hair. This lady,
from her agreeable and affable manners, commanded much atten-
tion, and received the flattering encomiums of a large circle of ad-
mirers. Mrs. Waddell, at her villa, 'took up' the ~bal poudre of
Mrs. Stevens, when that lady was compelled to relinquish it at. her
residence, in consequence of a death in her family. At Mrs. Scher-
MRS. COVENTRY WADDELL. 387
merhorn's ~bal costume de rigueur of the reign of Louis XV., a jour-
nal reported Mrs. Waddell's dress as Marie Antoinette, 'crimson
moire antique, jupe flowered with point-lace. The Louis Quinze
brocade trimmed with point-lace ; the corsage ornamented wit!
diamonds, and rose de Chine ribbon, fluted ; powdered head,
wreathed with diamonds.' "
Tributes of a higher kind were not wanting to this
accomplished lady, as the following letter will show. It
was elicited by Mrs. Waddell' sending a basket of fruit
from her conservatories to the distinguished author :
"UNITED STATES HOTEL, SARATOGA, August 2, 1853.
"My DEAR MRS WADDELL:
"Had it pleased the gods to make me poetical, what a choice
copy of verses your most dainty present would have inspired ! I
should have wrought out some capital similitudes to yourself in
the choice fruits of which it consisted. I should have made some-
thing of the peach with its damask cheek and nectared sweetness ;
of the grape, with its potent power to lead the senses captive, and
'make glad the heart of man.' But having no gift of weaving
immortal verse, I can only make my acknowledgments of your
kindness in humbler prose, which is the more sincere for not being
labored into rhyme or turned into couplets.
" Believe me, very truly,
"Your obliged and admiring friend,
""WASHINGTON IBVING.
"MRS. COVENTRY WADDELL."
Here is a fragment from one of many tributary
poems :
" Let Dryden sing divine Cecilia's days,
And Alexander's Feast in verse be sounded;
Be mine a greater glory still to praise
The queen whose conquests yet no world hath bounded.
He wept for worlds to conquer ; thou beguilest
Realms which he never knew, thy sway to greet;
He wept for other conquests ; thou but smilest,
And all the world lies vanquished at thy feet."
388 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
The following is another specimen :
"CLAEENDON, Friday, January 28th.
" DEAR MADAM :
"My friend, Mr. , who has just returned from London
(where he was your Secretary of Legation, and danced in a most
distinguished manner at our court and other balls), ought surely to
see a beautiful ball at New York, and I shall be very thankful if
you will favor me with a card for him. I am so glad that I shall
be in New York on the night of your party, and that you kindly
remembered that I wanted to see it.
" Believe me very faithfully yours,
"W. M. THACKEKAY."
Mr. Thackeray first saw Mrs. Waddell at a party,
and as she came into the room exclaimed, " Who is that
lady !" expressing astonishment at her beauty. After
his introduction, while looking at some paintings, he
remarked to Mrs. Waddell : " You should have sat to
Sir Peter." She replied that she did not admire Sir
Peter Lely's pictures. Thackeray pretended, laughingly,
that he had meant Rubens. A few days afterwards,
while walking with Mrs. Waddell through her gallery,
he remarked : " I still think, Mrs, Waddell, you should
have sat to Sir Peter. None of these do you justice."
Thackeray, during his stay in the United States, became
a frequent visitor and a warm friend of Mrs. Waddell.
Her playful wit was sometimes exercised in reprov-
ing ill-breeding, but in a kindly way. A bigoted Eng-
lish nobleman, well known in fashionable circles (as
something of a bore), who detested every thing Ameri-
can, and ridiculed the celebration of the Fourth of July,
MRS. COVENTRY WADDELL. 389
was kept firing off rockets on that anniversary till he
was tired out, by his fair hostess.
In the monetary crisis of 1857, Mr. "Waddell lost a
splendid fortune. His reverses compelled him to sacri-
fice his home on Murray Hill ; the house, grounds, and
furniture were sold, and the march of "improvement"
has now effaced every trace of the once beautiful villa ;
covering the site with stately brown stone houses. Mrs.
Waddell submitted cheerfully to this change, and smiled
as she read the notes of sympathy and regret sent by her
neighbors. In Charles O'Conor's words: "In bending
so gracefully and cheerfully to adverse circumstances,
she won more laurels than were gained in prosperity."
When, after removing from the house, she took posses-
sion of her rooms at the St. Denis Hotel, she found them
filled with bouquets and baskets of flowers; welcome
offerings, as delicate expressions of kindly feeling from
those who had known her in the sunshine of affluence.
After a few months, she retired to a country home upon
the Hudson, two miles north of Newburgh. A tourist
thus describes it :
"A large stone mansion, wreathed with ivy, stands on an ele-
vation overlooking the majestic landscape. It is the residence of
Mr. and Mrs. Waddell. Her exquisite taste has already beautified
the place, supplied by nature with every requisite for adornment;
and her cheerful spirit makes it a paradise indeed. Those who
visit her in her rural home will find her as charming as in her
princely suburban residence. The pearly freshness and delicate
rose-tint of her complexion, and the luxuriance of her rich brown
curls, have not been impaired by the air of the Highlands; while
the ease and grace imparted by perfect culture, mental accomplish-
390 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ments, and familiarity with the best society, are hlended with the
most winning frankness and elastic gayety of spirits, and with a
genuine cordiality which, emanating from true kindness of heart,
cannot fail of the response of heartfelt admiration and regard."
After living a few years among the mountains, Mr.
and Mrs. Waddell returned to the city of New York ;
but her taste for flowers and fresh rural scenery could
not be satisfied without a suburban residence. A neat
ornamental one has been built, under her directions, at
" West End," on the (proposed) grand Boulevard drive
in course of being laid out by the Central Park Commis-
sioners upon the northern part of Manhattan Island, a
short distance above the unrivaled " Central Park."
Mary Wharton was born in Philadelphia, and .be-
came a celebrated belle in that city, being one of the
most beautiful women in America. She was married
when very young to James S. Wadsworth, who became
a distinguished general in the Union army, and lost his
life in the service of his country. He was the son of
James Wadsworth, and the nephew of the bachelor,
General Wadsworth, who was conspicuous in the war of
1812. Mrs. Wadsworth went with her husband to Eu-
rope for a bridal trip, and remained abroad nearly a
year. Their home was then in Geneseo, New York,
where the summers were spent ; the winters being
passed in different cities. During a few years they
retained a house in New York ; afterwards in Philadel-
phia. Mrs. Wadsworth had six children. Her daugh-
ter Cornelia married Montgomery Bitchie, a grandson
MISS EMILIE SCHAUMBURG. 391
of the elder Harrison Gray Otis. She was noted as a
belle in New York, of a brilliant and stylish beauty;
with dark hair and large, full dark eyes. She lived in
Geneseo with her parents during Mr. Ritchie's life ; in
the widowhood of her mother passing most of her time
with her. After her husband's death, Mrs. Eitchie went
to England, and resides in London. Mrs. Wadsworth
lives in Philadelphia, but spends her summers at her
favorite country home. Her sister-in-law was Miss Eliza-
beth Wadsworth, who married Hon. Charles Augustus
Murray, and died in Egypt.
Miss Emilie Schaumburg is a Philadelphia celebrity
in society, who has added the fascinations of rare skill in
vocal music, and still rarer powers of dramatic expres-
sion as an amateur comedienne, to the attraction of
great beauty. Her grandfather, Colonel Bartholomew
Schaumburg, of New Orleans, was a ward of the Land-
grave of Hesse Cassel, and closely connected with him.
Educated under the auspices of Frederick the Great, at
the German Military School, he was commissioned an
officer in the Grenadier Guards, and at the time of the
American Revolution was sent to this country as adju-
tant and aid-de-camp to General Count Donop, who, in
conjunction with General Kniphausen, commanded the
German forces subsidized to England. Colonel Schaum-
burg never joined Count Donop, however ; for the trans-
port ship upon which he and other officers and soldiers
392 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
had embarked, became separated from the fleet in a
storm, off the American coast, and came up the Dela-
ware, anchoring at Newcastle, where they learned from
the people the nature of their struggle for independence,
and that General Washington was at no great distance,
on the Brandywine, daily expecting an attack from the
British forces under Cornwallis. Preferring to fight for
an oppressed people rather than for England, with whom
they had no sympathy, they determined to join him,
which they did, and were incorporated into General
Sullivan's German Legion, serving under General Wash-
ington throughout the Revolutionary War. Colonel
Schaumburg also served with great gallantry through
all the early Indian wars, under Generals Wayne and
Sinclair, and afterwards held the rank of Deputy
Quartermaster-General during the war of 1812. The
site of Cincinnati was chosen under his direction ; and,
as an accomplished artillerist, he superintended the cast
ing of the first cannon ever made in the United States.
Colonel Schaumburg had sacrificed his title and much
of his property by espousing the American cause, but
some years later he was earnestly solicited by his rela-
tives to return to Germany, which he unhesitatingly
refused to do. He married a lady who was a lineal
descendant of the principal Indian chief or king Secane,
of the Leanape tribe, who signed the treaty of 1685 with
William Penn, selling him the large tract of land in
which Philadelphia is situated. Su-sa-he-na, his daugh-
ter, had been married to Dr. Thomas Holme McFarlane,
MISS EMILIE SCHAUMBURG. 393
a nephew of Thomas Holme, the first Surveyor-General
of Pennsylvania. Miss Schamnburg is the eighth re-
move, in a direct line, from this aboriginal princess, and
was born in New Orleans, although she has always re-
sided in Philadelphia. From childhood, her great
musical talent was evident, united to a voice of uncom-
mon power, purity, and sweetness. Its natural ad van
tages have been fully developed by the late Signor
Perelli, who considered her his most brilliant scholar ;
and she combines the finest dramatic appreciation with
the most remarkable compass and execution. The
"soirees" musicales at her residence gather together all
that Philadelphia society affords of most elegant and
most accomplished. The earlier portion of her educa-
tion was chiefly directed by the late Hon. II. D. Gilpin,
one of the most elegant scholars of America ; and she
has had all the advantages in cultivation which his mag-
nificent library can afford. She has added the accom-
plishment of speaking several modern languages. She
has also a graceful gift of versification, frequently,
though unpretendingly, exercised for the entertainment
of her immediate circle.
Miss Schaumburg's appearance in the first social
circles was followed by general admiration. "When the
Prince of Wales with his suite visited Philadelphia, he
spent the only evening of his stay at the Academy of
Music. He saw Miss Schaumburg in another box, and
his attention was at once attracted by her beauty. She
was dressed with simplicity, in white, with gold orna-
17*
394 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ments in her hair. The lorgnettes of the royal party
were turned in her direction long enough to show the
whole house the object of their admiration. The Prince
declared her " the most beautiful woman he had seen in
America."
Her great dramatic talent was first developed during
the patriotic exertions made for the Sanitary Fair. A
number of gifted and energetic ladies and gentlemen fit-
ted up a little private theater, to hold about three hundred
persons, the performers to be all amateurs, selected from
among the elite of Philadelphia society, and the proceeds
to be devoted exclusively to the wounded soldiers. The
enterprise was eminently successful in a financial view ;
and it also proved Philadelphia unsurpassed in the pos-
session of amateur talent. Many plays were brought
out, but " The Ladies' Ba'ttle," in which Miss Schaum-
burg sustained the principal role of the " Countess," took
society by storm. Those who witnessed that exquisite
rendition, combining the most perfect grace and high-
bred elegance with the most delicate shades of emotion,
remember it as a piece of acting unrivaled on the Ameri-
can stage. A year or two later, the comedy of " Masks
and Faces" was produced by the same association, for
the benefit of the Chicago Fair, under the immediate
supervision of Mrs. Aubrey H. Smith, a daughter of
Judge G-rier, of the Supreme Court, and a lady noted for
her vivacity, energy, and spirit. Miss Schaurnburg sus-
tained in this the great role of " Peg Woffington," and
again created a furore. It seemed difficult, indeed, to
MISS. EMILIE SCHAUMBUKG. 395
decide in which she most excelled the dash and bril
liancy, or the pathos and emotion of the impulsive,
warm-hearted, and fascinating Peg ; whilst her Irish
"jig" was inimitable in its spirit, lightness, and grace.
The play altogether was so superbly put upon the stage
of the little theater, or " Amateur Drawing-room," as it
is called, and so admirably rendered in each of its parts,
by gentlemen and ladies of cultivation, that to those
who witnessed it, all professional performances of it since
have suffered by comparison. A melodrama, called
"The Wife's Secret" in which Miss Schaumburg sus-
tained the role of "Lady Evelyn" was afterwards pro-
duced, with great eclat, at the " Drawing-room," for
charitable purposes. In this probably the most trying
role ever attempted by any lady amateur Miss Schaum-
burg achieved fresh laurels. Madame Eistori, who was
then in Philadelphia, and who witnessed one of the per-
formances, expressed herself surprised and delighted at
the genius of the brilliant amateur. So remarkable a
talent should be frequently exerted in the noble cause
of charity ; and as it is becoming more and more the
fashion for ladies in private life to exercise their gifts for
the benefit of the poor, it is to be hoped that Miss
Schaumburg may be induced to contribute her aid to
them in other cities than her own.
896 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
XX.
" THE most charming woman in the world."
The phrase has often been carelessly used, under a
fleeting impression. But when deliberately and uni-
versally applied to one person by all who know her, it
acquires a significance deeper than common. Madame
Le Vert is perhaps the only woman who has reigned as
a belle in both hemispheres, has received the homage of
chivalrous admiration, alike in the Northern and South-
ern sections of the United States, as well as in the courtly
circles of Great Britain and Continental Europe, and
who, at the same time, has never been assailed by the
shafts of envy or calumny. She has had a remarkable
experience in wearing the crown of beauty and genius,
that it has been without a thorn. Such an anomaly
argues an uncommon character. To receive tributes
from the lowly and the exalted, the humble and the
gifted, the obscure and the brilliant, all breathing the
same heart-incense, is something remarkable. Calhoun
called her "the gifted daughter of the South." Irving
said of her : " She is such a woman as occurs but once in
the course of an empire." Another eminent author said :
"There is but one such in America." Miss Bremer
MADAME LE VERT. 397
named her "her Magnolia Flower of the South," and
" Sweet Rose of Florida." A distinguished writer said :
" I defy any one to spend an hour in her company with-
out rising up a wiser and better man, having a sense of
musical joyance in his heart, because of her words." La-
martine said to her : " You can fill with pleasure the
hearts of your nation by describing what you have seen
to them, as you are now delighting me." She is more
widely known as a "social genius" than any American
woman ; for her fame has spread from the Atlantic to
the Pacific, and in various countries beyond the seas.
A key to this extraordinary popularity may be found in
the observation of a little child, who whispered, after
sitting by her, " She isn't a fine lady at all ; she is just
like me / and I love her." This is her specific charm ;
the spirit of love that goes out from a great and good
heart, and meets everywhere response and recognition.
The adulation received from every quarter could not
mar a nature so gifted with good sense, simplicity, and
earnestness. Living in the sunshine of fashionable life,
and distinguished by the smiles of the fickle goddess, she
never lost her tender humanity ; always proving herself
as genial as gay, as sweet and courteous as brilliant; as
true and appreciative as fascinating. She was always
" a social harmonizer." Her sunny spirit was like a
stream
" In whose calm depths the beautiful and pure
Alone are mirrored.' 1
"She was made without antipathies," says one of her
398 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
friends. " She receives, as it were by intuition, the idea
of the ancient Greeks, that the whole universe is a
'Kosmos' of beauty and order." The world has smiled
on her, because she was gracious to the world, and she
has faith in the goodness of human nature. She has
never, it is said, uttered or admitted an ill-natured sug-
gestion, and never tolerated uncharitableness or scandal.
Once, when the beauty of her feet was mentioned, Henry
Clay remarked, with feeling, " She has a tongue that
never spoke an evil word of any one." Her womanly
sympathies, too, have remained keen and warm amid all
the splendors of worldly distinction. " The belle of the
Union," never weary of doing good, could preside at the
bedside of suffering, as well as in the fashionable draw-
ing-room. Her feelings were never deadened by associa-
tion with the gay. The blessings of the poor and grief-
laden followed her. Shortly after her return from
Europe, when her society was in great demand, hearing
that a neighbor was ill, she came and spent the after-
noon with her, while her own house was crowded with
company; afterwards sending her carriage and taking
the patient to her own house. "When the pestilence
raged in Savannah, and nurses were sent for to Mobile,
she was the first to volunteer her services.
General George Walton, her grandfather, a signer
of the Declaration of Independence, in early life resided
in Prince Edward County, Virginia. He removed to
Georgia before the war of the Revolution, in which he
took part, being wounded in leading a regiment at the
MADAME LE VERT. 399
siege of Savannah. He was a member of the first Con-
gress, and was afterwards Governor of Georgia and
Judge of the Supreme Court. His wife was Miss Cam-
ber, the daughter of an English nobleman, to whom the
crown had granted large estates in the colony. This
lady chose to remain with her husband in the conflict,
and suffered for her devotion, being taken prisoner and
sent for a time to the West Indies. Letters of Wash-
ington, La Fayette, Adams, and Jefferson to General
Walton are still preserved, and testify to their high
appreciation of his character. He died in 1808, at his
country-seat near Augusta. In the principal street of
that town is a granite monument, erected by the State
in memory of him. He left two children. One of them,
the father of the subject of this sketch, was a millionaire
when he married Miss Walker, the daughter of an emi-
nent lawyer of Georgia, and a woman of brilliant accom-
plishments and large fortune. In 1821, Colonel Walton
was appointed Secretary of State under General Jack-
son, the governor of Florida, whom he succeeded in
office. Afterwards he was chosen to the legislature, and
in 1835 he removed to Mobile, Alabama, where he was
mayor, and filled other important offices. His fortune
was lost by becoming security for friends; and large
manufactories and houses, in Augusta, now occupy his
lands.
Octavia was born at "Belle Vue," near Augusta,
but when very young was taken to Pensacola, where her
first recollections " were of the orange and live oak trees
400 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
shading the broad veranda ; of the fragrant acacia,
oleander, and cape jessamines which filled the parterre
sloping down to the sea-beach ; of merry races with her
brother along the white sands, while the creamy waves
broke over her feet, and the delicious breeze from the
Gulf played in her hair ; of the pet mocking-birds in the
giant oak by her window, whose songs called her each
morning from dream-land."*
Pensacola, on its bay, was the rendezvous of United
States vessels of the Gulf station. When they returned
from their cruises, balls and parties were given in honor
of the officers at the Governor's house, and entertain-
ments on board the ships ; there were moonlight excur-
sions on the bay, and picnics in the magnolia groves.
Thus the little Octavia became early familiar with so-
ciety. Her father took great pains with her education.
Before she was twelve years old she could write and
converse in three languages, and often the Colonel took
her into his office, to translate from the French or Spa-
nish, letters connected with important affairs of State.
Perched on a high stool, the little girl interpreted her
foreign dispatches with great exactness. The Governor,
who had located the seat of government in Florida, per-
mitted his daughter to give it a name ; which she did in
kindness to the Seminole king, who struck his tent-pole
there. She called the place " Tallahassee," signifying
" beautiful land." The Indians were often indebted to
* See Miss Forrest's " Women of the South."
MADAME LE VERT. 401
the young girl's intercession, and named her " The white
dove of peace."
When La Fayette visited the Southern States, he
wrote to Octavia's grandmother, requesting her to meet
him in Mobile ; but on account of infirm health she sent
the little girl in her stead, to welcome the illustrious
Frenchman. She was presented, with her mother, and
handed her grandfather's miniature to La Fayette.
Gazing upon it, the veteran shed tears, snatched the
child to his breast, and exclaimed : " The living image
of my brave and noble friend 1" Octavia sat on his knee
during a long interview, and talked in French. La
Fayette solemnly blessed her at their parting. " A truly
wonderful child !" he said. " I predict for her a brilliant
career !"
Octavia never went to school ; being taught by pri-
vate tutors in all branches in which she did not receive
instruction from her mother and grandmother. She and
her brother were for years the pupils of an old Scotch-
man, a fine classic scholar and linguist, who had lived in
the family since their birth. This careful instruction,
with her indefatigable industry, gave the young girl that
extraordinary proficiency in classical and scientific
studies, as well as music, and in the modern languages,
which so distinguished her. " She can speak five lan-
guages well," exclaimed a French gentleman, in rap-
ture ; " I have heard her converse at the same time with
a Spaniard, a German, and a Frenchman, holding lively
conversation with each in his own tongue, with remark-
402 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
able precision of pronunciation and elegance of phraseol-
ogy." In Italian she was equally fluent. In all, said
Dr. Nichols, " Full of spirit and vivacity, she was simple
as a child and charming as a fairy ; she seemed like a
choice goblet of sparkling champagne wine, surrounded
by roses."
Soon after the removal of the family to Mobile,
Octavia, with her mother and brother, made the tour of
the United States. This was the commencement of her
bright career. The name of Miss Octavia Walton be-
came familiar to the fashionable world as " the belle of
Saratoga." Her wonderful colloquial powers, her tact
in bringing out the best qualities of all within her influ-
ence, and the light and warmth diffused by her sunny
temper, joined to an indescribable faculty of captivating
hearts, won her a popularity shown by innumerable
tributes from poets and from grave critics. In one of
her journeys by stage, her party formed the acquaint-
ance of a middle-aged gentleman who had traveled
much, and possessed a large fund of humor and anec-
dote. Elegant in manners, cultivated in taste, gifted in
conversation who could the distinguished stranger be ?
When Octavia was talking to her brother in Spanish he
joined in the discourse, and described a bull-fight, dwell-
ing particularly on a singular incident. This Octavia
had heard before, and it was a clue to discovery. " You
are Washington Irving !" she exclaimed. The gentle-
man who had related the incident to her had said Wash-
ington Irving stood by him when it happened. Thus
MADAME LE VERT. 403
commenced a friendship which continued till Irving's
death. A correspondence was kept up, and Madame
Le Yert was a cherished guest at Sunnyside. When
they parted, the last time she saw Irving, he said to her,
" I feel as if the sunshine were all going away with you,
my child." She kept a journal, at his advice, and
chronicled therein her impressions of Washington,
which she visited during Jackson's administration ; es-
pecially reports of the speeches of Calhoun, Webster,
and her warm friend Mr. Clay.
Miss Walton's marriage with Dr. Henry Le Yert, of
Mobile, took place in 1836. He was the son of Dr.
Claude Le Yert, who came with La Fayette to the
United States, as fleet-surgeon under Eochambeau, and
after peace settled in Yirginia. It is a curious fact that
it was in honor of his wife's uncle, Admiral Yernon, that
Lawrence Washington, who had served under him in
South America, named his country-seat "Mount Yer-
non."
Dr. Le Yert was a leading physician in Mobile, and
was not averse to as much society as pleased his accom-
plished wife. When he proposed building a house, she
stipulated only for a library. This she filled with choice
books and works of art. The house was in Government
Street the most pleasant in Mobile and had beautiful
grounds in the heart of the city.
It was in 1849 that her first sorrow clouded Madame
Le Yert's life, in the death of her only brother and two
lovelv children. These misfortunes were the more keen-
404 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
ly felt for her previous unbroken happiness. It was
shortly after these afflictions that Lady Emmeline Stuart
Wortley, the daughter of the Duke of Rutland, came to
Mobile. She, too, was a mourner for her noble husband
and child ; and at the very commencement of her ac-
quaintance with Madame Le Yert, a tender and holy
sympathy bound together the hearts of the two stricken
mothers. Lady Emmeline remained some weeks the
guest of Madame Le Yert; and the friendship thus
formed continued unchanged till Lady Emmeline's
death. She was the faithful correspondent and devoted
friend of Madame Le Yert, who at their parting secured
her, through the Spanish consul, a passage home in a
Government steamer. Lady Emmeline addressed to her
the following stanzas on leaving America :
" I seek mine own fair land, but, ere I part,
Some farewell words I fain afar would send ;
To whom but thee ? thou friend of my true heart,
My ever lovely and beloved friend 1
"Thou chosen sister of my soull methinks
Our friendship had a high, immortal birth ;
Beyond the stars were twined its deathless links,
'Twas born in heaven, to bloom awhile on earth.
"Yet strange ! 'twas born of death. Our joy, our pride, .
We both had seen snatched from us at a blow ;
Our morning stars of life, our darlings died,
And both have drained the self-same cup of woe.
'Ah! how alike both felt that deadly wound,
"With what congenial pangs, what kindred smart;
What semblance in our sorrow's vein we found,
E'en ha the wildest storm-bursts of the heart.
MADAME LE VERT. 405
" Say, sweetest friend, if, wandering by the wave
That breaks like dawn on Alabama's shore,
Thou still dost dwell, with thoughts serene, though grave.
On all that we together felt before?
" Friend, whom my changeless heart most dearly loves,
. In all this radiant Western World, so wide,
Fair are thy Southern home' s magnolia groves,
Whose stately shades are glassed along the tide.
"But fairer, lovelier, dearer, heavenlier far,
One little spot to memory's gaze appears;
A grave ! yet gleamed it like a distant star
Through the interposing medium of our tears.
"Locked were thy jewels in that treasure-cave,
Where angels leaned, and watched the sleeping flowers;
My pearl slept far beyond the Atlantic's wave,
New planted for the glad Elysian bowers.
" We stood beside that grave, in silence stood
'Twere vain to speak where human speech must fail;
We gazed not then on the emerald-tinted wood,
Nor marked the varied pride of hill or dale.
" Then memory did to England's shore revert,
Where keeps its precious charge another grave ;
Ay, but with feelings glowing at my heart
Which seemed death's darkness and its dust to brave.
"Now let me turn once more to theel to thee!
Sweet Rose of Florida 'twas there thine eyes
First opened to the light, the earth, the sea,
And all the sparkling beauty of the skies.
" Most dear to thee are Alabama's shores,
Though still thou own'st, while life's dark seasons roll,
And time thins fast the heart's own treasure-stores,
'Tis no true Alabama* of the souL
* "Alabama" signifies, in the Indian language, "Here we rest"
There is a legend of a tribe of Indians who fled from a relentless foe to
the forests of the Southwest. Weary and travel-worn, they reached a
406 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
" Bold was the proud red warrior, vainly bold,
Whose lips pronounced the daring "Here we rest!"
Though bright as Hesperian groves of old
Spread the fair land its calm and beauteous breast.
" But who can rest on earth, until no more
Tossed on life's sea-like surface? 'Tis in vain.
They rested not, that race which passed before;
Ye rest not, dwellers on this flower-lit plain.
" But they, our children, o'er whose graves we mourned,
Sleep well. Rest, folded flower and buried gem I
By angels summoned, they to God returned,
And all is "Alabama" now to them.
"Oh I lost and loved ones, lead us in the way,
And be our sorrowings o'er your joys forgiven;
"Warn us, ye tender teachers, not to say
That " here we rest " in any home but heaven.
"Farewell! Yet surely friendship such as ours
Dreads no farewell ! It sprang from out the tomb,
To know no death. It flings off earthly hours
As rocks the spray. Eternity 's its home."
In the summer of 1853, Madame Le Vert, with her
father and daughter, visited England. The family of
the Duke of Rutland showed her the greatest attention.
She visited Belvoir Castle, the splendid home of the
Duke, and was called upon and entertained by all the
relatives of Lady Emmeline, who had delighted in
describing the charming hospitalities of Madame Le
Vert's house in Mobile. Never, perhaps, had an Ameri-
can a more brilliant success in the way of access to the
noble river, flowing through a beautiful country. The chief of the band
struck his tent-pole in the ground, and exclaimed : "Alabama ! Alabama !"
("Here we rest! Here we rest!") From this exclamation comes the
aame of the State and the river.
MADAME LE VERT. 407
highest class of society, and notice from royalty. But if
her first reception and welcome were due to Lady Em-
meline's friendship, her own social gifts and accomplish-
ments opened the way to further triumphs. The Queen
herself honored the American belle in a remarkable
manner, by sending her a card to a State ball without a
previous presentation. This was an exception to the
rule of court etiquette, and made quite a stir in aristo-
cratic circles. Madame Le Yert was at dinner when a
package bearing the royal arms was handed to her, con-
taining an invitation never before extended even to a
crowned head without the preliminary of an introduc-
tion. She procured a dress in all haste, sent for Mr.
Ingersoll, then ambassador, and was escorted by him to
the ball. The royal circle was composed of the Queen
and Prince Albert, the Duchess of Kent, the King and
Queen of Prussia, Prince Frederick William, the King
and Queen of Hanover, and other royal personages.
The Lord Chamberlain presented her, and bade her
welcome in the Queen's name. Madame Le Yert made
her obeisance, which was returned by the Queen and
Prince Albert. The Queen then asked her how she
liked England, and if she had been pleased with her
new friends. This special distinction, of course, ren-
dered Madame Le Yert a star in the court circles. Her
fascinating qualities, frank gayety, and wonderful tact,
went far to satisfy curiosity as to how this brilliant and
fortunate lady could win such honors. She received the
homage paid to her with the same simple grace as in her
i08 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
own hotae. A London critic speaks of the surprise and
admiration of the foreign ministers at hearing her fluent
utterance of their different languages. Even the Turk-
ish Ambassador, being told she was a Georgian, ex-
claimed : " Ah, Madame, I can well imagine you are a
Georgian for no other women possess such beauty."
Frederika Bremer, an attached friend of Madame Le
Vert, did all she could to contribute to the pleasure of
her European visit. At a party at Lord John Manners's
she met D'Israeli, and other celebrities. She also visited
Stafford House, the residence of the Duchess of Suther-
land, was at a conversazione given at the Lord Mayor's,
and met the German poet Freiligrath, Mr. and Mrs. S.
C. Hall, Mrs. Mary Howitt, and Mrs. Crosland. Ke-
turning to America in 1854, in the following year she
went again to Europe, with her husband and lovely
daughter Octavia. Some weeks were spent in Havana,
whence she went to Cadiz, and traveled through Spain
and France to Italy, arriving at Borne in time for the
ceremonies of the Holy Week. The summer of the
" Great Exposition" was spent in Paris, where she wit-
nessed the pageants in honor of Queen Yictoria's visit.
She described particularly a ball at the palace of the
Count de Walewski, Minister of Foreign Affairs, where
twelve rooms were opened. At a ball given by the
Prince Napoleon, she was presented to the Countess
Montijo, the mother of the Empress Eugenie. This
noble lady proved a kind and attentive friend to her ;
accompanying her to the palace, where she was present'
MADAME LE VERT. 409
ed to the Emperor and Empress. Lamartine, Dumas,
Ristori, and others, figured in her record. On her re-
turn home, her house on the broad, imperial avenue
became more than ever the abode of splendid hospitality.
A genial welcome was extended to every worthy stran-
ger, and a place of reunion was offered for all distin-
guished visitors. Her receptions were " the boast and
pride of the citizens." A genuine republican in her
feelings, Madame Le Yert respected and cherished
genius and merit, however humble Vheir condition.
Whoever had talent and moral worth, with minds ex-
panded by education, had a claim upon her; but she
could not enjoy the society of commonplace money-
grubbing people, unable to appreciate art or the best
tone of conversation. Artists, poets, and actors she wel-
comed. After her first visit to Europe, she had recep-
tions every Monday, from eleven in the morning to
eleven at night ; and the house was crowded all day.
One day a plain old country planter called, and pointing
to a picture, requested her to read to him from her book
the description of a celebrated grotto on the coast
of Naples. She readily complied. Lover visited her,
and sang for the pleasure of her circle. When Kossuth
visited Mobile, Madame Le Yert met and conducted him
to her house to lunch ; walking, while the carriage drove
alongside, through the people who came to see the illus-
trious stranger.
Miss Bremer thus wrote of Madame Le Yert :
" It is so .strange that that little worldly lady, whom I had
18
410 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
heard spoken of as a belle, and as the most splendid ornament of
society wherever she went, has yet become almost as dear to me as
a young sister. But she has become so from being so very excel-
lent ; because she has suffered much ; and because under a worldly
exterior there is an unusually sound and pure intellect and a heart
full of affection, which can cast aside all the vanities of the world
for the power of gratifying those whom she loves. This fair
daughter of Florida is surrounded by a circle of relatives who seem
to regard her as the apple of their eye ; and if you would see the
ideal of the relationship between a lady and her female slave, you
should see Octavia Le Vert and her clever, handsome mulatto
attendant, Betsey. Betsey seems really not to live for any thing
else than for her mistress Octavia."
Another friend writes :
"North, south, east, west, goes Betsey with her mistress;
through bristling ranks of Abolitionists, up the Ehine, over the
Alps, everywhere goes Betsey defying prejudice, and scorning
fanaticism. On one occasion, Betsey was thrown out of a railway
carriage, and her mistress gave her the tenderest care."
A writer in the " New Orleans Delta " described an
entertainment given at Madame Le Yert's house in
Mobile:
" From early starlight till the roses of morning began to lighten
the eastern waters, the elegant mansion was a blaze of light in its
drawing-rooms and halls; the surrounding parterres, with their
thick foliage of orange-trees, oleanders, and magnolias, were illu-
minated with multitudes of many-colored lamps in tbe form of
fruits and flowers, shining as though an emerald vail had entangled
swarms of fire-flies, or flowers of flame and fruits of gold from fairy
orchards were imprisoned within the clustering branches. About
ten the ' goodly companie ' began to fill the spacious rooms, which
were decorated with works of art and fine paintings brought from
foreign lands. The walls of the principal drawing-room, adorned
by portraits of distinguished persons, were wreathed with garlands
of the rich flowers then in luxuriant blossom ; and in the midst of
MADAME LE VERT. 411
the roses stood the accomplished lady, receiving her gnests."
"What sculptured beauty in that rounded form! She is not tall,
but such perfect symmetry, such undulating grace, such decorous
dignity, such cordial courtesy, such infinite adaptiveness of manner,
you have never seen before. Her face is Madonna-like, brown
waves of hair parting from a high, broad forehead ; her eyes are
blue, and seem to melt with thought, and her chiseled lips are
tinted like the delicate sea-shell." "She has made you think, just
by her manner and her few felicitous words, that you are the very-
being she is most delighted to see. Such is the mysterious spell of
her grace and courtesy." "Look how yon stairway is crowded!
You may see the loveliness of Mobile gliding through the dance.
The stars crowd upon each other. Close by her mother's side is a
fair young creature just entering on her teens it is the eldest
daughter of our hostess ; and near her is the noblest specimen of a
Southern matron, elegant, amiable, and intelligent Mrs. Walton,
the mother of Madame Le Vert. That splendid-looking man in the
door- way is Dr. Le Vert, who always enjoys the social success of
his wife. All the elite of our city were present, many from the
interior of Alabama, and some from New Orleans. Two thousand
invitations had been issued, and the preparations for the entertain-
ment were extensive. In our Queen City of the Gulf there has
never been a fete so magnificent."
The author of " Life in Washington," describing
Madame Le Yert, said :
"Lively and brilliant, she appears the favorite of every society
she enters."
Another fair writer :
" She was surrounded by visitors, of course ; but she greeted
us with great warmth, and we had not been five minutes in her
presence before she found the direct road to our heart. She wore
a light blue silk, covered with clusters of white roses, and her
jewels were a set of turquoises. We listened to her delightful
conversation in silence. In a short time, some of her visitors
retired. Then she drew a chair close beside us, opened the book
she held, and read us a few pages from her unpublished journal."
412 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Another wrote of her at Newport, Rhode Island :
"No queen could have met with a more enthusiastic reception.
She has enchanted alike the grave and the gay, the old and young,
by her exquisite grace of manner and kindness of heart. She may
justly be called a female Crichton, for she excels in every thing she
attempts. At the fancy ball given at the Ocean House, she
appeared as Nourmahal, the Light of the Harem. Her costume
was perfect in its oriental magnificence, absolutely blazing with
jewels. She wore a closely-fitting bodice of silver lama, over which
fell a net-work of pearls; around her waist was a girdle of glitter-
ing gems the topaz, amethyst, emerald, and diamond mingled
their splendors. Her dark glossy hair, simply parted upon her
white forehead, was gathered beneath a turban of white and silver
lama, adorned with a diamond crescent of rare value. The short
dress was of satin, embroidered with pearls, and the Turkish
trousers, of the same material, were fastened by silver anklets.
Her -feet were cased in gold and crimson slippers, and long oriental
sleeves shaded her beautiful arms, which were decorated with
armlets, her wrists being encircled by costly bracelets ; while on
her neck gleamed a superb diamond necklace. A gorgeous fan
completed the dress, which might have been that of Lalla Rookh,
when Moore v rote the lines :
" ' Illumed by a wit that would fascinate sages,
Yet playful as Peris just loosed from their cages.' "
At Saratoga, where she had been so admired as a
girl, Madame Le Yert was again a reigning belle by
acclamation, " still wearing the chaplet of beauty, with
many a fresh flower ; even more lovely, more brilliant,
more graceful than ever."
" Amid the charming representatives of the various States she
stands the most distinguished, having no rival. Her colloquial
talents, her tact, emanating from a kind heart, captivate all who
approach her. She floats through the rooms, with a radiant smile .
for her acquaintances; now the object of admiration to a group of
Americans, now with silver-toned voice and perfect Castilian
MADAME LE VEET. 413
accent describing the gay scene to a Spaniard, now in conversation
with a Frenchman, an Italian, and a German, speaking in his own
language to each, and changing one for another with lightning
rapidity. Then we find her in earnest conversation with some
distinguished scholar, and note the stores of erudition, the vigorous
grasp of intellect, and the rich mental culture which are among
her resources. "We do involuntary homage to those matchless
powers, such as in other lands made the undying fame of a De
Stael, a De Genlis, or a Maintenon. At the same time, the grace
and high-bred manner with which she receives homage remove her
as far from the hackneyed every-day belle as the stars are above
the earth. It is easy to see that a pure and noble heart, with a
highly cultivated mind, brightens that soul-lighted face. Last
night, at the fancy ball, she was brilliant in the costume of Haide'e,
in ' The Oriental Dream.' "
Society being the natural element of this gifted lady,
she has always manifested, an interest in benevolent
undertakings which her influence could aid. She gave
an eloquent address on the laying of the corner-stone of
the monument to Henry Clay in New Orleans. Few
had better opportunities of studying Mr. Clay's char-
acter, for he was to her a dear and honored friend. She
was the Yice-Regent of the Mount Yernon Association
for Alabama, and addressed an appeal in its behalf to
her State, which met with a hearty response. On the
4th of July, at her own house, she received seven hun-
dred dollars in small contributions to the fund.
Madame Le Vert was in New York in the autumn
of 1860, during the visit of the Prince of Wales, and was
one of the select and brilliant party at the superb break-
fast given to the Prince by Mayor Wood at his villa
" Woodlawn." She and her daughter were treated with
414 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
special attention by the royal guest, who expressed great
pleasure in meeting with a lady known to his august
mother, and who had been so kind to his countrymen.
The summer of this year had been a happy one to
Madame Le Vert, and full of joy and hope she returned
to her Southern home. There sorrow was hovering, as
clouds were gathering over her country. Her idolized
mother was in failing health. This lady has been men-
tioned as a woman of brilliant gifts. She lived near her
daughter, and usually spent her evenings with her.
" Frequently," says one of her friends, " the mother,
daughter, and grand-daughter attend the same party,
dance in the same quadrille, and attract their own
separate coteries." After an illness of two months this
estimable woman breathed her last in the arms of her
daughter, who was so crushed by affliction that for
many weeks she lingered in the shadow of the grave.
God willed her continuance in life, and she slowly
returned to health. The health of Dr. Le Vert had been
failing, and his wife devoted herself to him day and
night. In the midst of this distress Colonel Walton
died. The accumulation of sorrow was overwhelming,
but for her stricken husband's sake, the bereaved daugh-
ter struggled for strength to do all that his condition
required, while she also gave relief in many cases of suf-
fering brought to her knowledge. Dr. Le Yert died a
year before the close of the war, having been an invalid
four years, tenderly nursed by the wife whom he blessed
with dying breath.
MADAME LE VERT. 415
Thus was Madame Le Yert left alone in the world
with her two young daughters. In 1865, her numerous
slaves were emancipated with all others. They were in
consternation on hearing that they were to be separated
from their mistress. Gathering around her in a body,
they implored her to keep them. " Let us stay with
you," they entreated ; " we will work for you as we
have always done. We do not want freedom, if it takes
us from you !" With tears of gratitude for their devo-
tion, their mistress explained to them that they were
now free ; but she promised always to be their friend.
Her maid, Betsey, positively refused to leave her.
Five years of trial and grief had left their impress
upon Madame Le Yert's health, and her friends in
Mobile urged her to revisit the North. She came to
New York in the summer of 1865, with her daughters.
They were received by their former friends with such
cordiality and delight, that they found it necessary to
have reception- days every week at the Fifth Avenue
Hotel, where they stayed. The autumn and early por-
tion of the winter were spent in the enjoyment of the
fashionable gayeties of New York; in January they
went to Washington. Here they were most warmly
welcomed, and received flattering attentions from the
President and his family, the members of the Cabinet,
and the Foreign Ministers. Madame Le Yert's recep-
tion was, indeed, no less brilliant than in the days of
her happy youth. Many of the friends of her girlhood
416 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
came to greet her. Among these was Rev. John Pier-
pont, who exclaimed, on seeing her:
" Octavia what the Eight I If gracious Heaven
Hath made eight such where are the other seven?"
The summer of 1866 was spent at Saratoga and other
places of rural resort the party returning to New York
in September, to prepare for the journey southward in
November. On the way to Mobile, they lingered some
weeks near Nashville, the guests of Mrs. Acklen. She
gave them a brilliant reception, at which Madame Le
Yert wore lilac-colored moire antique, with a Grecian
head-dress ; her daughters, rose-colored satin trimmed
with Brussels lace and silver cord. The next stopping-
place of Madame Le Yert was at " Bellevue " the place
of her birth, "the sweetest cottage in the world" near
Augusta, now the residence of her aunt. Its groves of
oak, and bowers of jessamine, clematis, and Cherokee
roses, its parterres of flowers, exhibit the luxuriance of
nature in that sunny region. The lady of the place was
in her youth called " the beauty of the South ;" and en-
joys a distinction few Americans can boast, in living, in
advanced age, on the spot where she was born.
In 1867 Madame Le Yert and her daughters spent
some time in New Orleans. Two of her former slaves,
who were established in that city, left all other employ-
ment, and insisted on being permitted to wait upon their
idolized mistress, refusing all payment for their services.
Madame Le Yert was obliged to promise all her house-
servants to take them back whenever she should return
, A < ME AIT MAM
MES. ACKLEN. 417
to her old home in Mobile. Their attachment to her
amounts to adoration. Even the little children, brought
by their mothers to see her, would kneel before her, cry-
ing : " Oh, pray, Miss 'Tavie, come back, and live with
us !" Such touching incidents prove that negroes have
grateful hearts. Some Southerners, reduced to penury,
have been supported by the free and loving offerings of
their former slaves.
MES. ACKLEN, distinguished for graces and accom-
plishments in the society of Nashville, Tennessee, is the
daughter of Oliver B. Hayes, a native of South Hadley,
Massachusetts. He was among the pioneers of the mid-
dle division of Tennessee, and at twenty-eight married
Sarah C. Hightower, the daughter of Richard High-
tower, a wealthy farmer of Williamson County. Mr.
Hayes was for many years one of the most eminent law-
yers in the State, acquiring a considerable fortune by his
professional success. Thus he gained time and opportu-
nity to devote himself to study in other branches. In
after years he became a clergyman, distinguished for
ability and eloquence. Mrs. Hayes was noted for per-
sonal beauty, grace of manner, and sweetness of disposi-
tion. She was never forgetful of the poor, and made
her home a paradise. Reared by such parents, their
lovely daughter, Adelicia, grew up surrounded by all the
advantages of fortune and of judicious culture. She was
educated at the Nashville Female College, the best semi-
is*'
418 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
nary in the State. Possessing great beauty and every
charming accomplishment, she graced an elevated circle
of society. In the bloom of early youth she was mar-
ried to Mr. Isaac Franklin, one of the most opulent
planters of Louisiana. He lived but a few years
adoring his wife, to whom he bequeathed his immense
fortune.
When the youthful widow reappeared in society, it
was with even more brilliant loveliness, softened by a
gentle grace and dignity that won more admiration than
ever. Her hand was a prize coveted by many distin-
guished admirers ; it was won by Colonel Joseph Act
len, of Huntsville, Alabama, an eminent member of the
legal profession. Possessing refined taste and cultiva-
tion, he made improvements in their large estate near
Nashville, building a magnificent house, Italian in its
style of architecture. It stands on the summit of a hill ;
the grounds surrounding it are highly ornamental, and
the spacious greenhouse and conservatories are filled
with choice flowers. This villa called " Belle m on te "
is one of the centre spots of attraction in the State, and
is said to be the most beautiful in the Southwest. Mrs.
Acklen was the light of this abode the pride and joy
of her husband ; but he lived only a few years to enjoy
the happiness that crowned his union with so charming
a wife, in a home full of the sanctities of love.
Shortly after his death, Mrs. Acklen, with her chil-
dren, spent two years in a European tour. She was
invited to the Imperial ball given at the opening of the
MRS. ACKLEN. 419
.National Assembly, and was received with marked con-
sideration by the French Emperor and Empress. Her
beauty, grace, and courtly manners, with her rich and
tasteful dress at all times, and the superb style in which
she lived, created a sensation in Paris, and in social
circles she was universally admired. Returning to her
princely home, she brought with her some of the finest
works of art in statuary, painting, and engraving, with rare
articles of vertu a variety such as few American homes
can boast as contributions to her splendid galleries. No
expense was spared in the adornment of this beautiful
place. The drawing-rooms, halls, and lofty corridors
contain specimens of the great sculptors of the old and the
new world. In the centre of the grand, hall lighted by
windows of stained glass, stands the matchless "Peri"
of Mosier, pronounced quite equal to the " Greek Slave ;"
" combining angelic attributes with the charms of the
human face." The sculptor has chosen the moment
when the Peri, standing before the opening gates of
Paradise, exclaims :
"Joy, joy forever 1 my task is donel" &c.
In the front hall is the " Huth" of Rogers; and in
the large drawing-room, the exquisite " /Sans Souci" of
Ives, expressing, in its perfect beauty, the abandon and
grace of a child. " Rebecca at the Well" by the same
artist, is there ; and the group of " The Twins" by Rein-
hardt, with a number of choice paintings from the old
masters. At the close of 1866 Mrs. Acklen gave the
420 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
reception "complimentary to Madame Le Vert," prepa-
rations for which caused no small excitement in the
business streets of Nashville. It was called " the fore-
runner of a new regime of entertainments, combining
intellectual and artistic enjoyment with perfect taste."
The observatory, groves, and parterres were illuminated,
and the effect of the light among the statues, shrubbery,
and flowers, with music from the portico, was fairy -like.
The beautiful hostess wore the dress of pearl-colored
satin, trimmed with richest point d'Alengon, in which
she had been presented at the French court, with a
coronet of diamonds, and diamond necklace and brace-
lets. Ladies were there from Memphis and from Ken-
tucky; and the sister and nieces of the hostess were
greatly admired.
Mrs. Acklen has lately married Dr. "W. A. Cheat-
ham. She is no less distinguished for her generous
charities than for her brilliant social graces. Hers is the
home of cordial hospitality, to which resort all the celeb-
rities who visit Nashville ; and the poor partake of the
profuse liberality that marks her entertainments. She
has four beautiful children. Three of her brothers are
living.; they are gentlemen of high respectability and
ample fortune. Her two sisters Mrs. Shields and Mrs.
Lawrence have a share of the same personal loveli-
ness, and are like her in all engaging feminine virtues.
Mrs. Robert Stanard Miss Martha Pierce was a
celebrated leader in fashionable society in Richmond,
MRS. STANARD. 421
Virginia, where she lived thirty years. She was educa-
ted in Baltimore, and married at a very early age. Her
house was the last burned when Richmond was in part
destroyed, and at the close of the war she went to Eu-
ro'pe. There she received the most devoted attention
from Sir Henry and Lady Bulwer, whom she had enter
tained at her 'own house, and had taken to visit "Shir-
ley," a noted plantation on the James River, belonging
to Dr. Carter, and regarded by foreigners as " a show
place." She was treated with great attention by other
noble friends in England ; was invited by the Duke of
Wellington to Apsley House, and introduced to his
friends. This charming woman illustrates the best
social phase in the city where she resided where wealth
was no passport to distinction, and the golden-calf wor-
ship, which too often disgusts sensible people in our
great metropolis, was unknown. With a simplicity an'd
grace that bespeak high mental culture, an elevated
nature, and familiar acquaintance with the most refined
society, she unites a spontaneous cordiality that can only
flow from a warm and generous heart. In the midst of
trials and misfortunes, her sympathy with suffering
friends has been deep and constant. The attachment of
her servants to so kind a mistress, their sorrow at the
parting which their freedom rendered inevitable, and
particularly the devotion of her maid Patty, who put off
her own marriage because she would not leave her lady
alone and sad, are worthy of being chronicled. Mrs.
Stannard has been for some time a resident of Baltimore,
422 QUEEN'S OP AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
and expects to make her home with her son, in Fred-
ericksburgh, Virginia.
Mrs. "Wickham, who was Miss McClurg, and was
born in Richmond, is well known through a portion of
Virginia as prominent in society. Her daughter Ella
was celebrated for beauty; another Betsey for intel-
lectual attainments.
A daughter of Mrs. Wickham became the wife of
Benjamin Watkins Lee, of Virginia.
Another distinguished lady, prominent in all noble
works, as she has been in society by right of intellectual
gifts and charming manners, is Miss Emily Mason, of
Kentucky. Her parents were Virginians descended
from the best stock in the "Old Dominion." Her
mother was of the Marshall and Nicholson families : her
paternal grandfather and uncle were both United States
senators from that State. Her father, General Mason,
removed to Kentucky some years after his marriage, and
Emily was born in Lexington. Her only brother being
elected Governor of the Territory of Michigan, the
family followed him to Detroit, and the young girl was
thence sent to Mrs. Willard's school. The pressure of
affliction, separating the members of the family, short-
ened her time at school ; her parents went to Mexico,
and at the age of seventeen Emily presided in the Gov-
ernor's mansion at Detroit, where she entertained a
great deal of company, and exercised unlimited sway in
the world of fashion. Her sprightly wit and remarka-
ble powers of conversation, even at that early age, gave
MISS EMILY MASOtf. 423
her a social ascendency unrivaled by any in that fair
western city, and her brilliant style of beauty attracted
general admiration. After the death of her brother she
rejoined her parents in Yirginia, spending some time in
different cities of the Southwest. In New Orleans and
elsewhere she became a celebrity in society. Too ear-
nest in purposes of usefulness, and too intent on the culti-
vation of her mental powers for the frivolous career of
an ordinary belle, she had a far more elevating influence,
and commanded attention much more enviable. It was
the sway not merely of beauty, but of varied accom-
plishments, rare perception and adaptation, and a " so-
cial genius" few women have possessed in this country,
combined with the magnetic power of a generous and
sympathetic nature. In her impulsive, fresh, cordial
manner, and what may be called heart-speaking, she
illustrated a peculiar charm of Southern character ;
having always an object in her pursuits beyond the
amusement of the hour. Her mother died in 1839. The
death of her father was followed by utter loss of fortune.
Many of her friends wrote to entreat the orphaned girl
to reside with them; at one time no less than seven
homes were offered, where she could still have had the
enjoyment of affluence. But she preferred independ-
ence at the cost of privation and labor. She purchased
a small market farm in Fairfax County, Virginia, to
which she removed a widowed sister and her family.
This little home was soon beautified by her own hands.
With the children's help she papered and painted the
424 QUEENS OP AMERICAN SOCIETY.
house; and together they worked in the garden, dig-
ging and planting as if they had been accustomed to
toil, while the boys went to market and mill after work-
ing hours. Often did Miss Mason labor in the hot sun
for seven hours at a time, getting in her hay and fodder.
On one occasion a carriage full of elegantly dressed
ladies, from Washington only ten miles distant came
to the house. The visitors found Miss Emily in the
stable-loft, putting away and salting down the fodder;
but she came in blooming from her work with a pleasant
greeting for her friends, and, like true Southerners, they
did not admire her the less for doing what was needed
with her own hands. At another time, a fashionable
lady, approaching the house at a distance, saw her occu-
pied in sowing grass-seed, as she walked to and fro
across her lawn. Mistaking her action, the affrighted
lady exclaimed : " I have often heard it said Emily
Mason would go crazy working about this place ! and
do look at the frantic way in which she walks up and
down swinging her arm !" A young gentleman of her
acquaintance was wont to declare that the hatchet and
nails were handed round whenever he went to pay a
visit, as cake and wine would be handed at another
house ! Thus was the energetic girl determined to carry
on her enterprise, to the astonishment of her aristocratic
friends ; and, with the co-operation of her young rela-
tives, their happy home became a little paradise, content
and abundance smiling on their exertions. But war
came ; their home was taken from them for " military
MISS EMILY MASON. 425
purposes," and the innocent inmates were driven out
shelterless, being forced to leave behind them clothing,
stores, and all the cherished tokens of days of prosperity.
At the breaking out of hostilities Miss Mason was on a
visit to a sick relative in the North. She became sus-
pected, and was denounced as a Southern spy; was
hunted by the authorities, hidden by her friends and
finally compelled to fly from pursuit. She fled home-
ward, and had a dreadful journey alone through West
Virginia ; finding no place of refuge where her home
had been. Her property was entirely destroyed. She
then went to the hospitals, and particularly devoted her
energies to active usefulness in the Winder Hospital, near
Richmond. Here, and in the prisons, she took care of
the sick, wounded, and dying, wherever her ministrations
were necessary ; and many a Union soldier had .cause for
grateful remembrance of her good offices. Her spirit of
benevolent enterprise survived the war. Since its close
she has worked even more indefatigably than ever in the
cause of humanity. She has been the benefactress of
Southern orphans, solicitous to provide for them the
means of education, that they may be enabled, in time,
to earn their own living. Her widely extended influ-
ence, and the confidence of all who know her in her
excellent judgment, faithful care, and generous charity,
have enabled her to find temporary homes for twenty-
five destitute little creatures, while she gives herself a
respite of a few months, taking a tour in Europe with an
agreeable party.
i26 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Miss Sallie Carneal, the daughter of Davis Carneal,
of Kentucky, was the most celebrated belle of Cincin-
nati, not only for beauty, but for her rare musical attain-
ments, her powers of song, and her accomplishments
as a linguist, with marked and noble traits of character.
Pier fame spread widely through the Southwest, and in
Cincinnati she was identified with all that was elegant
and fashionable ; being truly the pride and queen of the
Queen City. She married Mr. Gleiidy Burke, a noted
merchant of New Orleans, and did not long survive her
marriage.
A prominent belle in Kentucky, and called "the
belle of the Southwest," was Miss Louisa Bullitt. She
married Mr. De Kantzou, a Swede, and went with him
to Sweden, but returned to live in this country, with
vivacity and social attractions undiminished. A won
derful charm of her manner was the faculty of putting
those at their ease who conversed with her.
MRS. ROSA YERTNER JEFFREY has a distinguished
position in society and a reputation as one of its leaders,
in many Southern States and at the North, as well as an
enviable literary fame. The influences surrounding her
in early childhood were such as to foster her genius and
refine her poetical tastes. Her father, Mr. Grifiith,
possessed literary culture, and was much admired as a
writer. His gifted daughter, born in Natchez, Miss.,
passed her early years at a lovely country-home near
Port Gibson, Miss,, where she was tenderly trained by
her maternal aunt, who supplied the place of her lost
MRS. ROSA YERTNER JEFFREY. 427
mother, and gave Rosa the instruction best fitted to
develop her talents. At the age of ten, she was taken
to Kentucky, her father superintending her education at
a celebrated seminary in Lexington. At seventeen she
was married to Mr. Claude M. Johnson, a gentleman of
fortune and elevated character. Their residence was in
Lexington and on Mr. Johnson's plantation in Louisiana.
Mrs. Johnson's first volume of poems was published in
Boston in 1857, and at once secured her the very high-
est rank as a poet in American literature.
Her second marriage was with Mr. Alexander Jeffrey,
a gentleman descended of a noble Scottish family, and
celebrated for scientific and literary attainments.
This is not the place to speak of Mrs. Jeffrey's merits
as an author: but we may mention the fact that many
of her exquisitely beautiful poems, become " household
words " by their popularity, have so endeared her to
Southern readers, that her social influence has been
greatly extended thereby. Her charming qualities of
character, her brilliant powers, her fascinating conversa-
tion, and the evidences of a pure, noble, and generous
nature, united to her remarkable beauty, have made her
a queen in every circle where she has moved. A brief
residence at the North gained her " troops of friends ;"
but the South claims her with peculiar pride, as one of
its most accomplished and loveliest daughters, more
widely appreciated than any other, because of her double
title to admiration and esteem.
428 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
XXI.
THE influence of Mrs. Fremont has been very pecu-
liar. Without entering personally into the arena of
politics, or using any machinery of partisanship, she has
sent forth an animating spirit, acting on eminent minds.
Living in the whirl of social excitement, she has found
time to maintain relations with leading statesmen in
every part of the country. Her influence seems to have
been exercised, not in the furtherance of schemes, but
simply by the force of a powerful nature and a singular
clearness of mental vision. In France she might have
ruled openly in the councils of the nation ; in America
she merely gave suggestions and advice to those who
controlled the people's destiny. Her father was the dis-
tinguished Colonel Thomas H. Benton, of Missouri, who
sat thirty-one years in the United States Senate. She
was born in Virginia, on the family estate of her maternal
grandfather, Colonel James McDowell, to whose father,
a lieutenant-colonel in the British service, the crown
grant for military services was originally made, and who
was killed there by Indians in 1742. The domain was
in Rockbridge County, and extended " from the valley
to the tops of all the hills 'in view ;" the point of view
a lakelet formed by the meeting of two streams
MRS. FREMONT. 429
that crossed the valley. There was another grant often
thousand acres of pasture land in Greenbriar County,
adjoining; with yet another, called "the military," of
some thousands of acres in Kentucky; and another on
the Ohio side of the river, on which a part of Cincinnati
was built. These grants of " wild lands " were made by
the English government, instead of payments in money,
to their young officers. The inheritor of this magnifi-
cent estate was distinguished not only by noble aspect
and dignity of manner, but by uprightness, justice, and
liberality, with a temperance rare in those days. He
divided his patrimony with his mother and sisters, who,
like him, bestowed on the lands the most careful cultiva-
tion, such as only those born on the soil they expect to
transmit to their children are willing to give. It was a
section where the chief crops were tobacco and wheat,
and where the Scotch settlers had introduced a thorough
system of farming. The best imported stock and horses
always belonged to the property ; and thrift, order, and
abundance reigned. Colonel McDowell married into the
Preston family, and held a commanding position during
life. He was a private court of appeal on questions of
property and honor among the neighbors. It has been
recorded that but ten cases on which he had pronounced
an opinion had afterwards been taken into court.
In this region stands the " Washington College,"
endowed by Washington, of which General Lee is now
president. On the same " College Hill" is the Military
Institute, of which Stonewall Jackson was for eight years
430 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
the head. There stood also the " Ann Smith Academy,'
where the daughters of prominent families were sent,
attended, in their own carriages and on horseback ; their
brothers at the adjoining school having their special
servants, dogs, guns, and horses. Besides the ordinary
branches, the girls were taught fine embroidery and the
care of their complexions. No high-born Virginia maid-
en would " spread her hand " by turning a door-knob, or
touching the tongs, or handling a heavy object. Long
gloves and deep sun-bonnets were constantly worn, and
they ate little meat or butter. It is now more rationally
believed that sunshine and a nourishing diet are essential
to health. Every girl was taught her duties as head of
a house. The homely, hearty English middle-class
country-life formed the model, to which greater breadth
was given by the larger extent of the estates and num-
ber of laborers to be managed. The Scotch elements of
'diligence and conscientiousness, modified by a more
liberal scale of living, created a form of rural life almost
peculiar to the true Virginia home. It was the pleasure
and pride of other proprietors besides Colonel McDowell
that they lived on land w T hich had never been bought or
sold, and that in sixty years no negro had been trans-
ferred to another owner. Each plantation was a little
kingdom, producing within its own limits every thing
needed except groceries and fine cloths, which were
brought from Richmond in the wagons that carried the
harvest of flour and tobacco.
The central portion of Virginia, cradled among her
MRS. FREMONT. 431
glorious mountains, where lie the Sulphur Springs, the
Hawk's Nest, the Natural Bridge, and other wonders of
scenery not far south enough for the operation of plant-
ing interests, was the region where the old ancestral
pride and contempt of mere moneyed aristocracy sub-
sisted in sternest purity. Its farming, rather than trad-
ing or planting interest was first broken in upon after
the invention of the cotton-gin, which revolutionized
Southern interests. Among the leading families, such
as the Randolphs, "Wythes, McDowells, and others, a
logical head and clear conscience led them to one result
on the question they had to meet hourly in their lives
that of slavery. Most of them did not believe in its
continuance ; some went further, and emancipated their
slaves by will ; while others did so during their lives,
giving them also a start in life, while they could lend
them a helping hand. Of this latter class was the
mother of Mrs. Fremont.
In those days there was a classified, sifted, and solidly
established order of society. Everybody and everybody's
family was known ; and " pedigree " was a prized quali-
fication. It has been lately the fashion to laugh at the
phrase, " a Virginia gentleman," for the title has been
usurped. Then simplicity of character, good faith,
honesty of purpose, loyalty to a conviction, a liberal
hospitality, and a life spent in the honorable discharge
of duties, were indispensable traits. Thackeray has
given us George and Henry Esmond as types of the
best class in Virginia society. Could he have painted a
432 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
loveable woman, he might have given the feminine side
of the character. But Madame Esmond is but the colo-
nial English woman, losing the calmness that marked the
caste, through the wear and tear of managing ignorant
servants and tenantry. The hospitality so often men-
tioned as one of the traditions, was never ostentatious ;
there was no imposing by false appearances, and no sud-
den increase of wealth ; the capital of the residents
being in land and crops. Thus there was a solid foun-
dation for prosperity and homely abundance, with a
frank truthfulness in the mode of life, in beautiful con-
trast to the often deceptive display in commercial com-
munities. A temporary show of splendor, at the cost of
real inconvenience, would have been regarded by the
staid, honest inhabitants as a kind of forgery, for the
purposes of an adventurer. Travelers who came even
from the South, in their old-fashioned massive carriages,
drawn by two or four horses, and attended by mounted
servants, would stop at any plantation in perfect assu-
rance of a welcome, with no other introduction than the
name of a mutual friend. Northern travelers usually
took the mail-coaches by the day, with relays of horses
every ten miles, stopping where they pleased. This
posting was called " taking the accommodation line.' 1
Eichmond was the little London of that provincial
world, and pleasant circles were there formed to meet
with accession of gayeties at their Saratoga, the White
Sulphur Springs.
Colonel Benton's family was also of English extrac
MRS. FREMONT. 433
tion and Virginian birth. His maternal grandfather
was the younger brother of the Sir William Gooch who
was deputy governor of Yirginia under Lord Dunrnore.
This younger brother died a few months before the elder,
missing the inheritance of the title and estate in Nor-
thumberland. His daughter, Anne Gooch, was married
to Jesse Benton, at the house of her maternal uncle,
Colonel Hart the father-in-law of Henry Clay. Her
son was named for that uncle, who had been her guar-
dian during her long orphanage. In the early records
of Kentucky, her husband's name occurs as one of a
surveying party of sixteen who explored that State. He
had the tastes and education of a scholar, but the break-
ing up of the colonial governorship in North Carolina
changed his plan of life. He was private secretary to
Governor Tryon, whose chaplain was his intimate friend,
and his widow's, when she was left at thirty-one with a
family of eight children, the eldest, Thomas, only eight
years of age. The great Senator often spoke of this
friend's taking him by the hand when coming out of the
church, leading him home through the grove, and read-
ing aloud from the Greek Testament translating as he
read and telling the boy he must be a classical scholar,
as his father had been. The boy's course of study was
planned by him and the mother, who was a woman of
rare mental endowments and force of character.
It should be mentioned that the Harts had married
into the Preston family, one of the largest and wealthiest
in the State, and so enlarged by marriages into other
19
434 QUEENS OF AMEEICAN SOCIETY.
distinguished families, that the subject of our sketch
finds herself somehow related to half Yirginia. In neai
connection by birth and marriage were the families of
the Campbells and Patrick Henry; of the Marshalls
the Randolphs, the Madisons, the Daniels, the Peytons,
the Floyds, the Breckenridges, the Hamptons, the Car
ringtons, Harts, &c. These were all people of large
property and kindred tastes. It was a custom with
them to send the eldest son on a four years' tour in
Europe, accompanied by a clergyman as tutor.
Henrietta Preston, the sister of William Preston of
Kentucky, was a favorite cousin of Mrs. Ben ton's. She
became the wife of General Albert Sidney Johnston.
Mrs. Benton's aunt married one of the Madisons. The
sisters of William C. Preston of South Carolina were
beautiful women, much admired in society. Margaret,
the youngest, was the wife of General Wade Hampton.
Their son, Frank Preston Hampton, was killed in the
late war.
Such were the ancestors and relations of Miss Jessie
Benton, who, passing her early years in the settlement
described, and familiar with the beautiful, scenery sur-
rounding her birth-place, where four generations of culti-
vation had spared the time-honored oaks of the primeval
forest, remembers no rural picture with greater delight.
At that period, the intermarriages of the Richmond
families with those of the southern portion of the State,
had softened the rigid sternness of manners formerly
prevalent, leaving undistorted the clean lines of right
MRS. FREMONT. 435
and wrong, with which no effacing of boundaries was
allowed. Mr. Benton kept his family in Washington
every winter. The journey to St. Louis requiring three
or four weeks, it was only taken at the close of the short
sessions, when they could spend the time from March to
November in their Western home. From March to
May they were sometimes in New Orleans, where Mr.
Benton had many clients among the old French and
Spanish landholders. That city was a provincial Paris,
far removed from the social laws that governed the
Virginians. Its French language, usages, and cdstumes,
its Eoman Catholic churches, its Sunday theatres and
places of amusement, were themes of serious discussion
and apprehension, on the score of danger to the children,
among the old-fashioned relatives in Yirginia. The
changes of moral atmosphere, with the travel to and fro
through the liberal and growing West, the polished and
luxurious life of the Crescent City, with the varied
experiences of Washington, where Europe as well as the
United States was represented, no doubt contributed to
enlarge the ideas of the young people, and teach them a
more liberal judgment than usually belongs to a puritan-
ical and secluded community. Mrs. Benton's winter
circles in Washington were composed of the most distin-
guished persons in the Capital. Chief Justice Marshall,
Mr. Kandolph, Chief Justice Taney, Mr. Mason of North
Carolina, Mr. Archer, Mr. Yan Biiren, all, in fact, who
were worth knowing, with her own relatives, formed her
brilliant coteries, which were really as historical as the
436 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
most famous ones of French princesses. The youthful
Jessie was often a listener to social and political discus-
sions, by which unconsciously her opinions were shaped.
The time-stained journal of her cousin, William C. Pres-
ton, kept during his tour abroad, and describing his stay
as a guest at Abbottsford, &c., was eagerly read by her,
and gave her the first actual impression of Scott's human
existence. " Ivanhoe " was her first novel. Her studies
were planned and superintended by her father, and
aided by the splendid library which had been collected
by her grandfather Ben ton. It was well selected, and
rich not only in Latin, Greek, and English authors, but
French. Jessie read her Shakspeare and Sevigne from
the volumes read in the family in the days of the colo-
nies. She learned to speak French in infancy from a
French nurse, Mrs. Benton employing whites after giving
freedom to her slaves. Her society experiences may be
said to have commenced in early childhood. She was at
a ball, with fire-works, given at the Russian Embassy,
when she was ten years old, having been invited par-
ticularly because she could speak French and Spanish.
English was not then generally understood by foreigners
in Washington. Her first State dinner party was at the
Presidential mansion, when she was not quite thirteen ;
Mr. Yan Buren having collected a number of young
girls and boys to introduce to his son, Smith Yan Buren.
At fifteen, Miss Benton was first bridesmaid to Madame
Bodisco, a bride only a year her senior, while the bride-
groom was over sixty. The partners were distributed on
MES. FREMONT. 437
the same plan ; Mr. Buchanan, then Secretary of State,
being assigned to Miss Benton. This wedding was fol-
lowed by dinners and balls at all the principal houses in
Washington, from the White House through the diplo-
matic corps. The marriage caused a wide sensation.
Madame Bodiseo became a great favorite with the Em-
peror Nicholas.
Miss Benton was married to Mr. John C. Fremont,
then Second Lieutenant of Engineers, in October, 1841.
She did not, however, quit the delightful home of her
family till eight years afterwards, her husband being
often absent on long and dangerous expeditions. The
record of Fremont's life and services is part of the
country's history, and even the share in his labors taken
by his wife, who was his private secretary and amanuen-
sis, cannot be here adequately described. She would go
to meet him at the frontier, in the country of the Dela-
ware Indians, at the times appointed for his return,
joining him sometimes in a tent, or a log cabin, and in
various scenes of Western adventure. Familiar with
almost every shade and grade of society, she has said
that she found "as much grace of hospitality, though
necessarily not of outward show, in a log cabin of the
prairies, or a farrn-house on a California ranche, as in the
Faubourg Saint Germain, or at a prince's of the Bona-
parte blood, or in the refined home of an English gentle-
man." At her dinner-table Delaware chiefs, in courtesy
and deference to others, have rivaled the high-bred ease
of men accustomed to the elegant culture of the best
438 QUEENS OF AMERICAN" SOCIETY.
society. " A Mormon elder of much power and many
wives " has been her guest, and she has entertained, and
been entertained, as a friend remarked, " through not
only the gamut but the chromatic scale of society."
General Fremont's first expedition to the Eocky
Mountains terminated in October, 1842. His second,
beyond that barrier, was accomplished in July, 1843.
He arrived in the Yalley of the Sacramento in May,
1846. There was imminent danger of the subjection of.
California to British protection, for during two centuries
England had had her eye on that rich province, and now
expected to seize it in the Mexican war then approach-
ing. At the critical moment, General Fremont snatched
the possession from the hands of Admiral Seymour,
already stretched out to clutch it, and conquered the
country, securing it forever to the United States. The
result of this service was Mrs. Fremont's first experience
in the agreeable flatteries of society. The Government
was pleased at the acquisition of a new territory without
the cost of a war, and pleased with the man who had
taken it on his own responsibility. In Washington Mrs.
. Fremont received the tokens of this satisfaction com-
plimentary letters, the honored seat at dinners, from the
President's house through the circle, &c. Then followed
the quarrel between the land and water forces in Califor-
nia, which turned the class feeling of the army against
Fremont, causing animosities and duels; till he came
home to be subjected to a trial by court-martial. Ee-
signing his place, he went overland in the winter to
MRS. FEMONT. 439
California, where lie had invested money in lands that
now formed a magnificent estate. Mrs. Fremont fol-
lowed him in March, but was detained seven weeks on
the Isthmus of Panama by the want of a connecting
steamer, and suffered severely from her experience of
the tropics. She was hospitably received and attended
by the family of General Herran, the minister from New
Grenada, whom she had known in Washington ; and on
her return in the following year, when detained a month
by illness, she was again received by them with the
same large hospitality.
The fourth expedition to California was commenced
in October, 1848. General Fremont wished to prepare
for the reception of his family. Mrs. Fremont accompa-
nied him as far as a Government post in Kansas, just
out of Missouri. She remained here five or six weeks,
and spent the days at her husband's encampment, her
lodging being at the house of the Indian agent. A vast
wilderness thence stretched westward, beyond the ad-
vancing march of civilization.
In California, in the rough days of 1849, when there
was gold and nothing else in the land, Mrs. Fremont
found a new experience. Society had no existence, and
men were released from all forms and obligations except
such as individual conscience might impose. Her expe-
rience confirmed her father's judgment, that there was
more good than evil in human nature. Especially had
she reason to be corvinced of that native refinement and
goodness of American men, which is so continually the
44:0 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
subject of astonishment to foreigners traveling in this
country.
The residence of Mrs. Fremont in California was at
Monterey. Gold was not yet abundant, and the fullest
tide of emigration had not set in. Provisions were
usually obtained from the Sandwich Islands. Her only
assistant in domestic labors was an English woman who
had emigrated from Sidney. The liberal hospitality
exercised in her house with such limited help excited
the wonder of the residents. The convention for making
a constitution for the State of California sat at Monterey,
and many interests favored the introduction of slavery.
No servants could be had where labor was so highly
paid in other branches. The mines could not be worked
at the tremendous price and uncertainty of labor ; and
to the owners it was the difference between vast fortunes
and slow and precarious returns for certain and great
expenditures. There was hesitation in the decision of
the convention. Mrs. Fremont had the pleasure of being
assured that the practical evidence of her example con-
vinced many that home comfort and a liberal and cheer
ful hospitality were possible without servants. Her
experience was within the sight and knowledge of those
voting on the question, and largely aided in the decision
for freedom in California.
Mrs. Fremont had her full share in the adventure of
Western life. At one time, for six weeks she was not
once in a house sleeping in a traveling carriage, and
moving about during the day. When lumps of gold and
-i^MYo
MRS. FREMONT. 441
bags of gold-dust were brought down from the moun-
tains, there was no place for their deposit but under the
carriage-seat, or in her trunks at Monterey. Some
Spaniards from Sonora, who were working for General
Fremont, received half the gold for their labors. Twenty
of them wished to return to Souora, and wrote to ask for
their proportion. Mr. Fremont was at San Francisco,
and could not conveniently go to Monterey ; but sent an
Indian with the key of the trunk three days' journey
by land directing the Spaniards to open it, weigh out
their part of the gold, and send back the key. This was
done with perfect accuracy, not an ounce of the gold
being taken beyond their share.
The name of General Fremont is enrolled among the
most eminent explorers and geographers. When he
returned to the east, it was with his share of the wealth
of the new State he had first explored, and with political
power, he having been chosen its first Senator. Of his
years of trial and triumph, Mrs. Fremont could say, "All
which I saw, and part of which I was." The negotia-
tions to which his proprietorship of the Mariposas prop
erty gave rise, took him to Europe in the spring of 1852.
His fame preceded him, and both he and Mrs. Fremont
had a most flattering reception from men eminent in
science and letters. They spent a year of unbroken
content in Paris. At the English Court they were in
the privileged list, including the diplomatic corps, on
account of General Fremont's position at home, and his
being one of the medalists of the Eoyal Geographical
19*
442 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Society. The medals are not given for services to gov
ernment, but for expeditions conducted- at private cost,
involving sacrifices. For subsequent expeditions, Fre-
mont received Austrian and Prussian medals and di-
plomas.
The death of Mrs. Fremont's only brother shortened
their stay in London. Among other gratifications, they
lost that of being present at the last dinner given in
honor of the birthday of the Duke of Wellington, to
which they were invited by Miss Coutts. The Duke
always dined with her that day, selecting his own com-
pany. His death soon followed this celebration, at
which some of the royal family were present.
In Paris, Mrs. Fremont saw the eagles of the Empire
restored to the flags of the troops at the great review in
the Champ de Mars, on the 10th of May, 1853. This
was the era of the Republic headed by a President, and
few anticipated the restoration of the Empire. She
witnessed its proclamation, however, on the 2d of Decem-
ber of the same year ; and admired the brave daring
with which the new Emperor performed his part. A
solitary figure passing on horseback through the crowded
streets no one within at least forty paces holding his
chapeau in his right hand, his breast and throat exposed
to any deadly ball, his head bared and bending in
acknowledgment of the popular greeting his confidence
in the people could not fail to inspire respect. Mrs.
Fremont saw the Imperial nuptials, and had tickets for
reserved places in all the fetes succeeding. The pictu-
MRS. FREMONT. 443
^esque aspect of the new court interested her, but she
preferred the genuine royalty of " that dingy St. James."
During the two hours she stood in the throne-room of
that palace, a gallery of striking portraits was photo-
graphed on her mind. Nowhere is the beauty of noble
English women excelled. Its expression of wholesome
truth and unaffected goodness, with simplicity and. dig-
nity of manner, was most impressive to one who had
been nurtured in the midst of English ideas, literature,
and home ways, and saw all at the fountain-head. Near
Mrs. Fremont stood the Duke of Wellington, with Mr.
Gladstone, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, and on
the wall above them hung a large picture of the battle
of Waterloo ; while at the head of the line of ladies
belonging to the diplomatic corps stood the Countess
Walewski, representing France as ambassadress of the
empire of another Napoleon. The pearls she wore were
the famous Cis-alpine pearls, which cost poor Josephine
so dear ; this association, with the wonderful resemblance
of Count Walewski to his imperial father, added to the
effect of the historical grouping.
After their return to America, Mrs. Fremont re-
mained in Washington while her husband made an
overland winter journey to California. Then came the
political campaign of 1856, when General Fremont
accepted the republican nomination for the Presidency ;
and his wife became severed from her past life, and asso-
ciations linked to her by birth and education. It was a
painful sacrifice to feel the alienation of valued friends ;
444 QUEEN'S OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
but she accepted the trial with regret, sympathizing
cordially in the plans of her husband, acting as his
secretary, and aiding him by counsel as well as co-opera-
tion.
She was again in Paris in 1857, having had the large
experiences of a political revolution, which made her
even a more appreciative listener than before to one of
her friends the Count de la Garde, who had lived from
childhood within court circles the courts which made
the history of Europe from the French Revolution to the
present empire. He was naturally pleased to talk over
such a life with a listener so deeply interested. He left
her a collection of souvenirs of the Bonaparte family ;
the central figure Queen Hortense, whom he had known
longest, their musical taste bringing them into constant
correspondence. The album is a curious and valuable
historical relic. It opens with a rare and exquisite min-
iature on ivory, by Isabey, of the first Napoleon, taken
in 1804, in the uniform of the Old Guard. It was his
love-gift to Josephine. The book contains other por-
traits in water-color, engravings, and lithographs, of
Josephine, Hortense, the Marquis de Beauharnais, Prince
Eugene, &c., with autograph letters from these and
others related to the Bonapartes, original drawings and
water-color sketches by Hortense, and music composed
and written out by her. Among her letters is one to the
Count, illustrating her heart as well as her mind, written
as it was after such a tremendous reverse of fortune. It
shows no bitterness or repining only a certain gentle
MRS. FREMONT. 445
philosophy in recognizing society's estimate of a woman
in power and out of power. I give an extract, printed
as the original is written :
" en arrivant chez raoi, je trouve votre nouvelle romance monsieur
le Compte, elle est bien jolie, et si je suis deja habituee aux choses
aimables de votre part, je n'en suis pas moins etonne"e de la promp-
titude avec laquelle vous faites de si jolis vers. On a un peu changfc
ma devise en vous la donnant, moins connue moins troublee, est
celle que j'avais prise depuis bien longtems, elle convient tant a
une femme ! dans des temps plus brillants des amis y avoient
ajoute mieux connue mieux aimee c'est qu'ils connoissaient tonte
mon ambition et voulaient me persuader que je possedais ce que
j'envias le plus, ils ne le pensent peut-etre plus a present? c'est
done la premiere devise qui seule pent me convenir.
********
"Augsbourg ce 8 juin 1819. (signed) hortense."*
General Fremont had made arrangements in Paris
to reside there with his family for some years ; but the
scheme was given up when impending war demanded
his services at home. His California property was sold.
* TRANSLATION. " On returning home, I find your new song, Mon-
sieur le Comte. It is very beautiful, and although I am accustomed to
these graceful acts of yours, I am not the less astonished by the rapidity
with which you make such lovely verses. My device has been somewhat
altered by those who gave it to you. ' Less known, less troubled^ is the one
I had chosen very long ago it suits a woman so well I In more brilliant
times, friends had added, ' Better known, letter loved? this they did, know-
ing my chief ambition, and wishing to convince me that I possessed w nat
I most desired. Perhaps now they no longer think so ; only the first
therefore can be suitable to me.
********
" (Signed) HOBTENSE.
"Dated Augsbourg, the 8th of June, 1819. Addressed to Monsieur
le Comte de la Garde Messeull, at Munich."
446 'QUEENS OF AMEKICAN SOCIETY.
During the war, the city of St. Louis was for a time thu
home of his family. They now reside in New York. In
her beautiful country-seat on the Hudson "Po-ca-ho"
(the old Indian name), near Tarrytown, Mrs. Fremont
has found congenial rest. The neighborhood has been
described in the sketch of Mrs. Beekman. The region
is associated with recollections of the manorial lords of
colonial days, of wild adventures during the Revolution-
ary struggle, of quaint Dutch customs and curious tra-
ditions, some immortalized by the pen of Washington
Irving.
Political life has never been the choice or the ainbi-
tion of Mrs. Fremont; her preference has always been
to live apart from it. The care and education of her
children, who received all their instruction at home,
more agreeably absorbed her attention. The cultivation
of music was a part of her domestic life ; all her children
possessing musical talent. Flowers have always been
her especial delight. A thorough system of reading has
been pursued by the younger members of the household
under her direction, and a splendid collection of rare
books facilitated their studies. The library contains the
greater part of Humboldt's among its treasures ; with
his diplomas, the signatures to which comprise the auto-
graphs of the distinguished literary and scientific men,
and most of the sovereigns, in the civilized world, who
have lived within sixty years.- All the standard works,
with others rare and valuable, some filled with annota-
tions, are included. Mrs. Fremont has been the teacher
MRS. FREMONT. 447
of her daughter, who is accomplished in several modern
languages, as well as in the other branches of a finished
education. All these home employments have not been
incompatible with energetic labors in the cause of
charity. Mrs. Fremont is one of the active managers of
the " Nursery and Child's Hospital," and of " The Sol-
diers' Orphan Home," of which association Mrs. Grant
is President. She has been an efficient co-worker in the
management of the " Ladies' Southern Belief Associa-
tion." At her request to Congress, a ship was granted
to convey the supplies to Charleston and other South-
ern ports. In her benevolent efforts, Mrs. Fremont
obtains sympathy and aid from many with whom she
has been associated in past years; for even political
opponents remember her with respect and esteem. If in
a railway station she has a moment of recognition and
greeting from some statesman who has influenced the
country's destiny, she is in no way surprised to receive
afterwards a long letter from him referring to past
events and the actors therein. She might go, with cer-
tainty of welcome, to homes in every State of the Union,
and nearly every country in Europe.
The anxieties and trials transcending woman's
strength to bear-^-endured by Mrs. Fremont in the early
part of the war, left their record on her luxuriant hair,
which in a few days changed from glossy brown to
silvery whiteness. The curious change was so sudden,
her acquaintances thought she had covered her head
with powder, and some did not recognize her. The
448 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
blanched locks do not match her fresh and blooming
face ; but Mrs. Fremont prefers to wear her gray hair,
regarding its hue as the sacred scars of a veteran.
Yery few women in the United States have equaled
Mrs. Fremont in brilliancy of conversation. Almost at
all times her talk is sparkling flashing, it may be said
with lively wit and picturesque illustration ; ornament
as unstudied, withal, as the play of a sunlit fountain.
Her witticisms are continually repeated in society. It
is the great charm of her humor and repartee, that they
are perfectly spontaneous. In this kind of splendor she
resembles William C. Preston, only her sarcasm is ever
playful and good-humored. Had she been an. orator, she
would have beguiled "attent ears" with rich eloquence,
and carried captive the judgment by the vivid force of
her word-painting. New ideas start up as she speaks
upon the most ordinary topic, and her fancy gives a fresh
coloring to all things. She brings the stores of rare
culture to enrich the lightest social gossip ; but does it
without effort or even consciousness. Her appearance
and manner are those usually thought distinctive of an
English woman, and strikingly like those of her father.
Her form is rather above the ordinary height, splendidly
proportioned, and her face is very handsome and full of
intellectual expression ; always lighted up with the glow
of a bright spirit and the benevolence of a generous
heart.
MRS. HILLS. 449
XXII.
MRS. HENRY "W. HILLS has long been celebrated in
the society of New Tork for her rare musical attain-
ments. She was Margaret Shellman; her mother, a
Virginian of Huguenot descent. The daughter was
born in Savannah, Georgia, where she continued to
reside for twelve years after her early marriage. Her
uncommon musical talents were displayed from child-
hood ; at twelve she began to improvise, and composed
waltzes, which were printed by her master; and from
that time it has been her habit to express in music not
only the emotions of her own heart, but current events
of public or national interest. The poetess, Lydia Maria
Child, when a young lady, was invited to hear Mrs.
Hills play. She had never been able to appreciate
or enjoy music, and fancied herself deficient in the
faculty. But the brilliant touch and expression of Mrs.
Hills awakened in her the sense of melody. In grati-
tude for the new-born joy, she addressed to the en-
chantress some impromptu verses, beginning, " Thanks,
Orpheus, thanks ;" expressive of her feelings. Mrs.
Osgood wrote these impromptu lines on hearing Mrs.
Hills' exquisite performance on the piano, in 1841 :
450 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
"Of old the enchanted lyre,
'Neath Orpheus' touch of fire,
Could charm, 'tis said, the very hills to joy;
Could Orpheus come again,
The Hilte in magic strain
"Would now in turn bewitch and well reward the boy."
Mrs. Hills has lived many years in the city of New
York, where her morning receptions were noted several
years ago. This mode of entertainment was said to have
been introduced, among the earliest, by Mrs. Girard, the
eldest daughter of Governor Sumner, of Boston. The
letters of Mrs. Hills, published in the Home Journal,
contained excellent strictures on fashion and dress, and
were extensively quoted. She described facetiously the
competition of display among ladies who dressed for each
other, in rivalry or emulation. But her great " mission"
was the cultivation of music, and the promotion of a
taste for the best and highest in the art. K P. Willis
wrote to her, in 1864: "I envy Gottschalk his being
within reach of your ears and finger ends ; you think
aloud so deliciously." " What happiness your harmony
of soul and fingers might give !"
Unvisited in early years by affliction, and endowed
with a gift in art which beautified all around her, Mrs.
Hills' life passed joyously as a bird's. The fount was
always flowing; every emotion gushed out in music.
Her improvisation especially breathed airs that expressed
her feelings. Her Lament for the loss of the Arctic ut-
tered the very soul of tender sympathy and dolor. Mel-
ody is, in truth, the voice of her heart. This intense
MES. HILLS. 451
love of the art has had its beneficial effect among her
acquaintances, and its influence can hardly be measured.
It pervades Mrs. Hills' life so thoroughly that the ordi-
nary pleasures of society have scarcely a charm for her,
separated from the progress of music. She often super-
intends and directs concerts given in aid of charities.
Several have been given under her auspices at Dr.
Ward's private theatre, in New York, which he opene
for charities every Easter week.
The daughter of Mrs. Hills, Mrs. John Schermer-
horn, inherited her talent in music. Gottschalk was
delighted with her playing of his compositions. Mrs.
Hills' grand-daughter, Miss Minnie Parker, has not
only the family gift in instrumental music, but a voice
of rare sweetness and power. She has achieved brilliant
triumphs in her singing for charities, and has been
praised in the highest terms by connoisseurs.
Miss Hetty Carey, of Baltimore, was said to be the
most beautiful girl in Virginia or Maryland. For ten
years she was a reigning belle, especially noted in Kich-
mond society. She married Major-General Pegram, of
Richmond.
Miss Lillie Hitchcock was celebrated in San Fran-
cisco for brilliant accomplishments and personal graces.
She would entertain at one time a circle of twenty gen-
tlemen. She now resides in Paris, having married Mr.
Thornton.
452 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
Mrs. Harvey, the wife of the Governor of Wisconsin,
labored in hospitals and in aid of soldiers on the field, in
the Southwest. She afterwards took some " orphans of
the war" from Yicksburg, and established a Home for
them in Wisconsin, which is under her superintend-
ence.
Another, as benevolent, Margaret Breckenridge, the
daughter of " the Ajax of orthodox Christianity in the
Southwest," was educated by her grandfather at Prince
ton, and made her home with her brother-in-law, Colonel
Porter, of Niagara. Her zeal and devotion in the cause
of humanity took her to the West in 1862, where she
gave her services to the soldiers in the hospitals.
Mrs. William Schermerhorn has given entertain-
ments to the delight of the fashionables of New York.
She was Miss Cotinet, and was remarkable for beauty
and grace, and for the elegance of her reunions. She
gave three of the most splendid receptions in the city in
the winter of 1867. Her famous " lal costume de rigueur"
illustrating the reign of Louis XV., was not, as was said,
the first fancy ball given ; the first, or one of the first,
was given about 1820, by Mrs. Brugiere, in her house
near the Bowling Green. To that of Mrs. Schermer-
horn six hundred guests were invited ; all of whom came
dressed in the prescribed costume. The dresses, exclu-
sive of jewelry, were said to have cost between forty and
fifty thousand dollars ; the jewelry over half a million.
The servants were dressed in the uniform of the period.
Mrs. Hamilton Fish, the wife of Governor Fish, who
THE NEW YORK MANAGER. 453
was Miss Kane, has also been prominent in New York
society.
In New York, Mrs. Auguste Belmont has obtained a
celebrity for magnificent parties, attended by fashion-
ables noted for gayety ; and the same may be said of
many ladies who have as yet no history.
Every aristocratic fete, every occasion for a fashion-
able assemblage in New York, has been for some years
under the management of a person who may now be
called historical, on that account. It is Brown the
portly sexton of Grace Church. Happy, fat, and sleek,
with easy mien he salutes the belles as they alight,
amiably conscious that
" Where Brown is found,
To Fashion's eye is hallowed ground."
The poet chronicler of a midsummer fete given at
" "Woodland Hall," pn Manhattan Island, thus apostro-
phized this manager of entertainments :
" Oh, glorious Brown 1 thou medley strange
Of churchyard, ball-room, saint and sinner ;
Flying hy morn through Fashion's range,
And burying mortals after dinner !
Walking one day with invitations-
Passing the next at consecrations ;
Tossing the sod at eve on coffins ;
With one hand drying tears of orphans,
And one unclasping ball-room carriage,
Or cutting plum-cake up for marriage :
Dusting by day the pew and missal ;
Sounding by night the ball-room whistle ,
Admitted free through Fashion's wicket,
And skilled at psalms, at punch, and cricket"
454 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETT.
The daughter of Hon. Josiah Quincy remarked:
u Society is now almost entirely engrossed by very young
people, who are often beautiful, accomplished, and pleas-
ing ; but there are no queens among them." It would
scarcely interest the reader to have a mere list of the
names of the present leaders of fashionable society in
Boston. "Now and then they appear in newspapers as
patronesses of some State military ball or charity fes-
tival ; for in Boston, as in ISTew York, public entertain-
ments are greatly in favor for such purposes. The same
in other cities.
It may be seen from the brief history given in the
foregoing pages, that the ladies most prominent in fash-
ionable life from the Republic's early days to the pres-
ent time have been noticeable for more than merely
frivolous distinctions. They have been women of supe-
rior mind and culture. This intellectual element, with
the benevolent activity and moral worth of our leaders,
has given an elevated tone to the best society in New
York, of which the country may be justly proud. This
should be remembered when Europeans, or critics among
ourselves, are disposed to sneer at American fashionable
life and manners, confounding the really superior class
with vulgar pretenders unworthy to be named with them.
At a ball given in Fifth Avenue, in the winter of
186T, "the German" was danced in the costumes in
vogue from the twelfth to the eighteenth century. Fif-
teen hundred invitations were issued. In Washington,
the same season, many receptions were given at which
WASHINGTON GAYETIES. 455
there were a thousand guests. At the White House,
two separate entrances opened on a double roadway.
The light from great globes over the portals fell on a
mass of carriages, among which might be seen the
" rattletrap" of the Virginia farmer, drawn by one horse
and driven by an ancient "freedman." The brilliant
though motley crowd emerging from the dressing-rooms
met in the open sea of the " East Room." The Presi-
dent, in black, clean shaven, stood in his place, the pic-
ture of the severe respectability of the olden time. Mrs.
Patterson and Mrs. Storr, who received the guests, were
simply dressed ; the cost of other dresses might be esti-
mated by thousands. A prominent belle was the wife
of the Chilian Minister ; and in artistic array Mrs,
Sprague bore away the palm. She is slender to fragility,
with abundant brown hair and beautiful eyes, shadowed
by long dark lashes. She is the daughter of Secretary
Salmon P. Chase, and the wife of Senator Sprague, of
Ehode Island. The wife of Senator Morgan wore the
most valuable diamonds.
In the winter of 1867 was introduced in N"ew York
the fashion of giving balls at Delmonico's rooms, which
had long been used by gentlemen for their dinner-parties.
Balls for the "coming out" of young ladies were given
there ; the proprietor furnishing attendants, music, flow-
ers, and supper, at a certain price per guest. There was
a separate entrance to the rooms thus appropriated, and
strict seclusion could be had ; but one can hardly give
the name of hospitality to such entertainments.
456 QUEENS OP AMERICAN SOCIETY.
It is undeniable that changes, and changes not for
the better, have taken place during the last few years in
American social life in every quarter of the Union.
They have been most perceptible in New York and at
the most popular watering-places ; chiefly Saratoga and
Newport. There, to be "fast" has been to lead the ton.
In 1864: the great feature of the season at' Newport,
among the lively folk thus designated by the grave and
dignified, was the driving of " four-in-hands." One
young lady drove a three-in-hand of tiny ponies, that
looked like playthings. Another "took the wind out of
all the female sails," by appearing in a " turn-out " with
four black ponies ; a groom riding a fifth in the rear.
The Brazilian dames, said to have worn head-dresses
composed of small gauze balls, each imprisoning a fire-
fly, were outdone by a New York lady at a fancy ball
given by her. She personated " Lyrus," wearing on her
head a wreath of flowers, while over the forehead rose a
lyre composed of tiny gas-lights, fed from a small reser-
voir concealed in the dress, and flashing as she moved
her head.
Since the condition of things during the war enabled
men to amass fortunes in an incredibly short time, and
the discovery of oil in almost worthless lands .gave them
suddenly immense value, the "shoddy" and "petro-
leum" element has been prominent in circles composed
of wealthy persons inclined to scatter their money
profusely for the purpose of display. These leaders of
gayety flutter in the admiring gaze of the stupid and
FAST PEOPLE. 457
ignorant masses, but they are not worthy to be named in
the same category with those who can boast better claims
to distinction than merely the possession of money. It
is not worth our while to treasure the names of ladies of
this order, who have made themselves conspicuous en-
tirely by the extravagance of their entertainments, the
excessive costliness of their dress, or their disregard of
all feminine discretion. It is very easy to create a sen-
sation in New York, or any large city. Where there is
a display of unbounded wealth, such old-fashioned arti-
cles as morality and good taste are often despised.
During the season of 1865-66, six hundred balls, more
or less public, were given in that city, and it was esti-
mated that seven millions of dollars were spent by the
ball-goers ; the average cost of a suitable dress being a
thousand dollars, without jewelry. Frequently ten
thousand dollars might be seen glittering on one fine
form ; the cost having increased since diamond dust be-
came a necessity in a lady's toilet. Of course these
public balls are not attended generally by fashionable
people ; but their extravagance shows the tendency in
popular taste. The wildest stories are extant in current
gossip about those dames of the gay world. One, who
is building a splendid house near Central Park, is said
to get herself up with hasheesh for dissipation. Another,
overturned in a pony drive, and almost swooning, faintly
exclaimed, " Take me to my children !" " She'll have to
be introduced to them," observed a cynical by-stander.
To rise and reign among the money-worshiping idiots of
20
4:58 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
this kind of fashion in New York to hold the metropo-
lis in admiration it is only necessary to possess millions
and scatter money lavishly for show. No matter how
the riches are obtained ; dishonesty, cruelty, repudiation
of debts, even fraud, provided it comes not under the
ban of law, are lost in the brightness with which wealth
covers its possessor. But such worse than vulgar par-
venues dare not aspire even to admission to the society
ruled by ladies such as are illustrated in this volume.
The really excellent will never mingle with them. Their
day to shine must be short, even among the golden-calf
idolaters of New Tork. That city, as well as others,
may boast her pure-blooded, pure-mannered aristocracy,
deserving respect as well as admiration, and exercising a
healthy influence over all grades.
A few American ladies have become known in Paris
for great powers of song, and as amateur actresses and
vocalists have received attention at court and from con-
noisseurs. Mrs. Hills is pre-eminent in this country in
instrumental music. Her talent and gift of improvisa-
tion were inherited from her father, who was highly
cultivated in the classic school. He directed her musical
t studies in the works of the great ' German masters, ac-
companying her on the violin, when playing the sonatas
of Haydn, Mozart, and other eminent composers.
J.OJOnnrEKIFIllEQ.in).
MRS. BUTTEEFIELD. 459
MES. HENEY J. BUTTEEFIELD, an American lady whose
beauty, grace and accomplishments not only gave her a
prominent position in New York as a youthful belle, but
as a celebrity in the court circles and with the noblesse
of Paris, Should be noticed among those who have added
lustre to the society of this country.
She was Miss Mary Koosevelt Burke, daughter of the
Hon. M. Burke, and niece of Judge Eoosevelt, of New
York. As a young lady, she passed much of her time in
the family of her uncle, from whose house she was married
to Mr. Henry J. Butterfield, an English gentleman of
wealth and position. Soon after her marriage she went
to Europe, and, finding the society of Paris much to her
taste, made that city her home. Her personal beauty ?
her natural grace, her many accomplishments (being a
fine linguist), and her exquisite taste in dress, added to
her husband's wealth and liberality, soon gave her a
prominent position in the court circles of that brilliant
capital. She was much noticed by the Emperor and
Empress, and was always a welcome guest at the private
parties given at the Tuileries, where her faultless toilette
was much admired by the Empress Eugenie, herself the
queen of taste and fashion. Her house was the resort
of distinguished foreigners and diplomats, who delighted
in her society, while her own countrypeople, who had a
claim to be received, were particularly welcome.
It was not alone in Paris that Mrs. Butterfield was
admired. She was presented at the Court of Queen Vic-
toria, and, amid the galaxy of beauty found at an English
460 QUEENS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY.
court drawing-room, attracted much attention. During
one of her visits to London, she attended a ball given "by
a fashionable duchess, where her magnificent toilette and
distingue appearance elicited universal admiration. A
royal lady who was present was so much charmed with
her exquisite taste that she sent one of her attendants to
find out who the beautiful stranger was. On being told
she was an American lady, she expressed surprise that
any one but a Parisian could exhibit such a toilette or so
much grace.
Mrs. Butterfield was presented to the late Empress of
.Russia at Nice, where she passed a winter; and that
illustrious lady was so charmed with the young Ameri-
can, that she treated her in the most affectionate man-
ner. She presented her to the other members of the
Imperial family, who always manifested the greatest
interest in Mrs. Butterfield.
Mrs. Butterfield was not spoiled by all this adulation,
but retained the purity, sincerity, and charming sim-
plicity of her early life. Elegant, cultivated, and re-
fined, she was a true-hearted woman, loving her country
and its institutions, loyal to her flag at all times and
under all circumstances, and doing all in her power to
make the name of America honored and respected abroad.
She was a faithful and affectionate wife and mother,
a devoted daughter, a true Christian, loving and kind to
all connected with her. Her death was* mourned by
many friends in the brilliant circle she adorned, while
to her husband and relatives her loss was irreparable.
UTOEX OF NAMES.
Adams, Abigail 103
Adams, Mrs. John Quincy 109
Adams, Miss (Mrs. Smith) 106
Letters, 63, 75, 138, &c.
Acklen, Mrs 417
Alexander, Lady Catherine 44
Allen, Mrs 211
Allen, Miss 93
Ambler Family 19
Bal, Senora del 356
Barney, Miss 273
Barton, Mrs. Thomas 275
Beekman,Mrs 171
Belmont, Mrs. Augusts 453
Benton, Miss Jessie 434
Benton, Mrs. Thomas H 435
Bingham.Mrs 137
Bingham, the Misses 147
Bledsoe, Sarah 195
Bodisco, Madame 436
Bonaparte, Madame 165
Bradford, Mrs 34
Breckenridge, Mrs. Robert 297
Brecke nridge, Margaret 452
Brehau, Marchioness de 2S, 106
Brewton, Mrs 184
Brown, Mrs. A. G. 838
Brown, Mrs. A. V 339
Brown, Mrs. Jacob 226
Brugiere, Mrs 452
Bruyn, Blandina 160
Bullitt, Miss Louisa 426
Burns, Marcia (Mrs. Van Ness) 264
Butt, Miss, of Norfolk 273
Butterfield, Mrs, H. J 459
Cabell,Mrs.
Caldwell, Miss (Mr& Qillam)
Calhonn, Mrs. Andrew
Calhoun, Mrs. John C.
Calhoun, Mrs.
Carey, Miss Hetty
Carneal, Miss Sallie
Carrington, Mrs. Edward
Carroll Family
Carroll, Mrs. Charles
Cass,Miss
Caton, Mrs.
Caton, the Misses
Chestnut, Mrs. James
Chew, the Misses
Clay, Mrs. Clement
Clay, Mrs. Henry
Clinton, Mrs
Clinton, the Misses
Clinton, Cornelia
Combs, Mrs
Costar, Mrs. John
Cranch,Mrs
Crittenden, Mrs. J. J.
Crlttenden, Miss
Gushing, Mrs
Custis, Eleanor Parke
Cnstis Familv ....
Custis, Mrs. Mary
Cults, Mrs.
Dahlgren, Miss 889
Davis, Mrs 840
De Lancey Family 198
De Peyster Family 175
162
INDEX OF NAMES.
Derby, Mrs. Richard 324
Douglas, Mrs 340
Dubois, Mrs. Cornelias 359
Duer, Lady Catherine 103
Duval, Mrs. 840
Ellery,Miss 91
Elliott, Anne 190
Elliott, Mrs. Barnard 1ST
Elliott, Mrs. William 188
Elinendorf, Mrs 160
Emmet, Mrs. Thomas Addis 353, 862
Fairfax Family 19
Fangeres, Margaretta 39
Fendall, Miss 336
Field, Mrs. Benjamin H 175
Field, Mrs. Hickson 309
Field, Mrs. Hickson W. 308
Fish, Mrs. Hamilton 452
Fisher, Mrs. J. F. 227
Fitzhugh Family 17
Floyd, Mrs 297
Foster, Miss Sally (Mrs. Otis) 38
Frankland, Lady Agnes 15
Franklin, Sarah (Mrs. Bache) 153
Franks, Rebecca (Lady Johnston).... 156
Fr6mont,Mrs 428
Gaines, Mrs. Myra Clark 841
Gaston, Mrs. 192
Gates, Mrs 174
Genet, Madame 91
Gibbes, Mrs 136
Gilpin, Mrs. Henry D 876
Girard, Mrs 450
Graeme, Elizabeth (Mrs. Ferguson) .. 152
Graydon, Mrs 88
Greene, Mrs. Nathanael 131
Haight,Mrs 808
Haley,Mrs 89
Hamilton, Mrs. Alexander 163
Hampton, Miss 296
Hampton, Mrs. Wade 484
Hancock, Mrs. Johu 114
Hart, Miss Susan 195
Harvey, Mrs. 452
Harvey, the Misses 182
Hayes, Mrs. 417
PACK
Keald, Mrs 209
Helm, Mrs 210
Hills, Mrs. Henry W 449
Hitchcock, Miss Lillie 451
Hunt, Mrs. Sallie Ward 285,
Huntington, Mrs. 223 .
Innis, Mrs. Henry.
Izard, Mrs. Ralph .
192
Jackson, Mrs. Andrew 276
Jay Family 85
Jay, Mrs. John 44
Jefferson, Martha 88
Jefferson, Mrs. Thomas 37
Jeykell, Mrs. 14
Johnson, Mrs. Reverdy 340
Johnston, Mrs. 231
Johnston, Mrs. Albert Sidney 434
Jones, Mrs. Wilie 192
Jones, Mrs. William 808
Kenton, Mrs 204
King, Mrs. Rufus 159
Kinzie, Mrs. 210
Knox, Mrs 96
La Fayette, Madame de 61, &c.
Lane, Miss Harriet 835
Leavenworth, Mrs 810
Le Vert, Madame Octavia Walton. . . . 396
Le Vert, Miss Octavia 408
Livingston, Miss Cora 274
Livingston, Mrs. Edward 273
Livingston Family 41
Livingston, Governor, Daughters of . . 43
Livingston, Miss Kitty Letters. . .50, &c.
Livingston, Miss Susan 43
Long, Mrs. Nicholas 192
Low, Mrs. 93
Macgregor, Mrs 873
Mack, Mrs. John 855
Macubbin, Mrs. James 22
Madison, Mrs 238
Marbois, Madame de 109
Marshall, Emily 324
Marshall, Mrs 266
Mason, Miss Emily 422
McDowell, Mrs. Barnes 296
INDEX OP NAMES.
463
MeEvers. Eliza (Mrs. John fc. Living-
ston) 274
McEvers, Mary 31, 274
McKinley, Mrs 32S
McLane, Mrs. Louis 272
McLean, Mrs 336
Merrick, Mrs. 293
Montgomery, Mrs 24
Morgan, Mrs 455
Morgan, Eliza 336
Morris, Mrs. Lewis 189
Morris, Mrs. Robert ....26, 81, 52, 147, &c.
Motto, Mrs 186
Nelson, Mrs. 20
Ogden, Miss 108
Otis,Mrs. 33
Otis. Mrs. Harrison Gray 311
Ouseley, Lady 292
Pa-re, Mrs. 20
Parish, Mrs. Henry 308
Parker, Miss Minnie 451
Patterson, Mrs. Robert 36
Payne, the Misses 239, 240
Peabody, Mrs 105
Pendleton, Mrs. SOS
Peters, Mrs 1 60
Phclps, Paulina 182, 185
Philipse, Mary 14
Pleasants, Mrs 226
Polk, Mrs. James K 213
Preble, Miss Harriet 325
Prescott, Mrs. "William II 325
Preston Family 296
Preston, Mrs. William 207
Preston, Mrs. William C 298
Pringle,Mrs 340
Quincy Family 113
Quincy, Miss (Mrs. Asa Clapp) 272
Randolph, Edmonia
Randolph, Mrs
Reed, Mrs.
Redfleld, Mrs.
Renwick, Mrs
Ritchie, Mrs. Montgomery...
Rosa Vertner Jeffrey
PAOF,
Rivington, Mrs 182
Robertson, Mrs 204
Robinson, Mrs. 14
Roosevelt, Mrs. J. J 281
Roosevelt, Miss 292
Ross, Miss 84
Roupell, Mary 182, 186
Rush, Mrs. James 863
Sauders, Miss 838
Schaumburg, Miss Emilie 892
Schermerhorn, Mrs. John 451
Schermerhorn, Mrs. William 452
Schuyler, Catalina 15
Schnyler, Mrs. Philip 162
Scott, Miss Helen 427
Scott, Mrs. Winfield 295
Sears, Miss 108
Sedgwick, Mrs, Theodore 98
Sevier. Mrs. 197
Sevier, Ruth 202
Seymour, Julia 85
Shaw, Mrs 105
Sheaffe, the Misses 107
Shippen, Margaret (Mrs. Arnold) 154
Sibley, Mrs. 209
Sinsleton, Mrs. 183
Sitgreaves, Mrs 261
Slidell, Mrs. 886
Smith, the Misses 107
Sprague, Mrs. 455
Staiinard, Mrs. Robert 420
St. Clair,Miss 206
Stevens, Mrs. John C. 807
Stewart, Mrs 83
Stirling, Lady 44
Stockton, Mrs. Richard 159
Strangford, Lady 55
Talbot,Mrs. 206
Temple, Elizabeth 87
Temple, Lady 88
Thompson, Sarah (Countess Rumford) 138
Trask, Miss 212
Tryon,Lady 191
Van Cortlandt Family 171
Van Home Ladies 155
Van Ness, Mrs. 264
Van Ness, Ann Elbertina (Mrs. Arthur
Middleton) 267,268
464
INDEX OF NAMES.
PAGE
Van Ness, Miss Cornelia 282
VanNess,Mrs. 0. P 281
Van Kensselaer, Mrs 174
Vining,Miss '. 253
VonBerckel, Miss 108
Waddell, Mrs. Coventry SS2
Wadsworth, Mrs. James S 890
Wadsworth, Miss Elizabeth 391
Wake, Esther 191
Wallace, Mrs. E. P 324
Wallace, Mrs. John Bradford 263
Wallace Mrs. Mary Binney 263
Wallace, Mrs. Susan 263
Walworth,Mrs 208
Ward, Miss Lillie 236
Ward, Mrs. Robert J 223
Ward, Miss Sallie 228
Washington, Mrs IT, 21, 28, 81, &c.
Washington, Mrs. (Jane Elliott) 189
PAGH
Webster, Mrs. Daniel 874
Wheate, Lady 108
White, the Misses 89
White, Mrs. Florida 225
White, Mrs. James W 342
Wickham, Mrs 422
Wickham, the Misses 422
Wickliffe, Margaret 297
Willing Family 136
Wilson, Mrs 167
Winthrop, Mrs 88
Winthrop, Hannah 95
Wolcott, Mrs 35
Wolcott, Miss Mary Ann 85
Woodbury, Mrs. Levi 272
Wooley, Mrs 297
Wooster, Mrs. 132
Wortley, Lady Emmeline Stuart 404
Yrujo, de Casa, Marchioness.. .37, 283, 983
-,
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY
Los Angeles
WIVE RSrrV OF CALIFORNIA UBRARV
Los Angeles
Form L9-S
315
E
176
1873