Presidents Day is celebrated in February. Many biographies have been written about the presidents of the United States of America. Some of them were military heroes; others were university presidents while some came from the business world. As a group, they are quite remarkable.
But equally interesting are the First Ladies of the United States. In recent times some First Ladies have been heavily involved in social justice. All First Ladies have had social responsibilities during the presidential term. Of these none is more beloved than the fourth First Lady, Dolley Madison. Her grace, wit and courage continue to serve as an inspiration.
Don Brown has written a funny, informative biography about this remarkable woman. The name of this attractive book is "Dolley Madison Saves George Washington."
Dolley married the brilliant James Madison, the future fourth president of the United States. Their marriage was long and happy. When the widowed Thomas Jefferson became the third president, James Madison became his Secretary of State. Jefferson occasionally called on Dolley to host parties at the presidential residence. Her charm and generous nature immediately set all visitors at ease. Dolley also helped select the furniture, drapes, silverware and paintings at the presidential home. After Jefferson retired in 1808, Dolley’s own beloved husband was elected the fourth president of the nation. During Madison’s administration, Dolley became famous for her gracious parties, beautiful dresses and cordial nature.
Unfortunately, during the Napoleonic wars, Great Britain began seizing American ships for alleged supplies being sent to the French, (contraband) and kidnapping American sailors (impressment) to become British sailors. This led to the ill-advised war of 1812, and to Dolley Madison’s great acts of courage during the British burning of Washington D.C.
During the war of 1812, the British landed armies and bombarded American cities at will. On August 14, 1814, the British Army routed the American forces at the Battle of Bladensburg and immediately marched on the capital, Washington D.C. So overwhelming was the English power that President Madison and his cabinet fled the city. But Dolley wasn’t about to give up all the priceless items of the presidential mansion. She began collecting copies of famous documents, papers and household items in the residence. As her servants were begging her to leave, she looked at the most famous painting in the home, the portrait of George Washington. Dolley decided that this painting was not going to be burned by the British. She put her plan into effect as Washington D.C. was already on fire.
What did Dolley do? How much courage is required to refuse to let your national heritage be burned by an invading army? Why were her actions in August 1814 seen as heroic by the citizens of the United States? Why is Dolley Madison even today seen as one of the finest women ever to serve the United States as a First Lady? To find out, read this entertaining biography of a graceful, beautiful woman with a heart of a hero, "Dolley Madison Saves George Washington."
Dolley Madison’s name is historically spelled in a number of ways. For many years it was simply spelled "Dolly," but later study indicates that the correct spelling is Dolley. Along with her famous husband, James Madison, Dolley made a great contribution to the establishment of the American presidency. I hope you get a chance to read this charming biography. I found it delightful and think you will as well. Enjoy!
