Strength and Honor: The Life of Dolley Madison

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Summary: The life of the most beloved First Lady in American History
Review: After reading "Strength and Honor: The Life of Dolley Madison," I am convinced more than ever that Dolley Madison was the most beloved First Lady in American History. In my lifetime the women who have been married to the President have often been figures of admiration more than affection. Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacqueline Kennedy were both greatly admired, for quite different reasons. Betty Ford and Barbara Bush have probably engendered the most affection along with that admiration, but it did not reach the sort of transcendent heights that exists long after their time in the White House. The greatest common denominator for First Ladies the last several decades has been the recurring idea that these women have been smarter than their husbands, a bipartisan belief that applies as much to Nancy Reagan as it does to Hilary Clinton. Being smart than her husband is one thing that could not be said about Dolley Madison, who second husband, "the great little Madison," was the only person on the American continent who had a mind on the same level of Thomas Jefferson.

The idea that Dolley Madison was beloved is ingrained in many of the examples related about her "Days of Grace and Honor" after Madison's death. In 1844 she was present when Samuel Morse made the first public demonstration of his electric recording telegraph. After the initial transmission of Numbers 23:23, "What hath God wrought?", Morse asked Dolley if she wished to send a message. With a Baltimore cousin at the other end, the wife of a U.S. Representative, she asked Morse to send: "Message from Mrs. Madison. She sends her love to Mrs. Wethered." This made her the first person to senc a personal message by telegraph. The following year, when American troops marched off to Mexico they marched past Dolley's home on Lafayette Square to cheer and salute their heroine.

Of course, Dolley Madison has been assured a footnote in American History because as she fled the Executive Mansion at the last minute while British troops were marching on Washington, D.C. on August 24, 1814 during the War of 1812 she made a point of saving the nation's treasures, including the celebrated 1797 Lansdowne portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart along with cabinet papers, at the expense of her personal belongings, including a miniature of Dolley. Richard N. Côté relates that defining event as part of a chapter entitled "From Hostess to Heroine," but the book begins in media res with Dolley "In Harm's Way" on the day that would make her an American immortal. Yet what this book really underscores is how for half a century Dolley Madison was the most important woman in the social circles of America.

Born a Quaker firm girl in the North Carolina wilderness, Dolley Payne grew up in Philadelphia following the strict discipline of the Society of Friends, but was always considered to have a happy personality and warm heart. In 1790 she married John Todd, Jr., a lawyer, but three years later a yellow-fever epidemic too the life of her son, her husband, and both of his parents, leaving her a widow with one son. With her charm, black curls, fair skin, and laughing blue eyes, the young widow of property attracted many suitors. But then she was introduced by family friend, Aaron Burr, to Representative James Madison, Jr., of Virginia and the rest, as Côté amply demonstrates, was not only a love story but a key part of American history as well.

Acknowledged as the Father of the Constitution, Madison was 17 years older than Dolley and an Episcopalian. In September 1794 they were married, and although Dolley was disowned by the Quakers for marrying a non-Quaker, they were happily married for 42 years ("Our hearts understand each other," she wrote to him in 1805). When Madison served as Jefferson's Secretary of State it was Dolley who assumed the role of official hostess at the President's House, and continued in that position for sixteen years when her husband succeeded Jefferson as president. No wonder she defined the role of First Lady with her immense warmth, effervescence, tact, and popularity and became one of the most-acclaimed women in America. Working on more 2,000 of her letters, Côté provides an intimate portrait that tells the story of vivacious woman who triumphed over adversity, poverty, and tragedy while helping to build the new American republic. There are points at which the historical record is sketchy at best, and Côté does a nice job of not going out of the way to fill in the gaps despite the absence of evidence. For the most part he tells her story and lets Dolley speak on her own behalf when possible through her letters.

This handsome book is illustrated with reproductions of paintings and photographs of historical artifacts. There is also a Puck cartoon on "The Reign of Dolley Madison" lampooning her role as "The Presidentress," but by then Côté has already made the compelling case for her title as the queen of Washington society and her attempt to create a climate that reflected the Republican simplicity of American social values while also projecting a sense of refined elegance and high fashion. You will also find a trio of daguerreotypes of Dolley Madison taken in the last years of her life and what I find so compelling of them is that even given the strictures of the time for taking such pictures, you can see the smile on her lips and in her eyes, such as you can see them in the Gilbert Stuart painting on the front cover. In the end the simple lesson of the life of Dolley Payne Todd Madison was that to know her was to love her. "Strength and Honor: The Life of Dolley Madison" will easily win a new generation of hearts for her as well.

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Summary: The fascinating true story of an American heroine
Review: Having read both of Richard Cote's previous biographies, as well as his novel, I was delighted to find his new book prominently displayed in my local bookstore, and I promptly brought it home. I was not disappointed. Once again, Mr. Cote has chosen a strong, unique woman to profile. Dolley Madison was no shrinking violet. After her first marriage ended in tragedy, she attracted the attention of one of the most intelligent, influential politicians America has ever produced-James Madison. When she became his adored wife and helpmate, she successfully transformed herself from a simply dressed, farm-raised, Quaker girl into a fashionable plantation owner's wife and later into a memorable First Lady. As in his other two biographies, Mr. Cote's extensive use of quotes from personal letters allows his readers to see his subject as a human being instead of a one-dimensional historical figure. There are also numerous illustrations, which are delightful because I enjoy comparing a face with a name to see how my preconceptions match up. Mr. Cote always finds the "small treasures" in his subjects' lives that other biographers often miss. One of these is a photograph of Dolley's engagement ring, which is astonishing and totally unlike anything you would expect. In addition to telling an engrossing story about a true American heroine, Mr. Cote manages to leave the impression that you could invite First Lady Dolley Madison to dinner-and she would come and be the most entertaining guest you ever had.

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Summary: An engaging account of a truly remarkable woman's life
Review: Strength And Honor: The Life Of Dolley Madison is the true story of First Lady Dolley Madison, wife to President James Madison. She was First Lady during the early 19th century, an era when renewed war with the British threatened American independence and invaders burned the White House to the ground. Author Richard Cote's background in journalism and service on the staff of the South Carolina Historical Society serve him well, and his experience is reflected in the extensive research and adept narration of Strength and Honor. An engaging account of a staunch, sincere, and truly remarkable woman's life from early childhood to her influence on the Presidency to old age.