MARRIAGE AND WIDOWHOOD.
Three years after their removal to Philadelphia a certificate is issued
transferring the membership of "John Payne and Mary, his wife, and their
children, William Temple, Dorothy, Isaac, Lucy, Anne, Mary, John and
Philadelphia to Pine Street Monthly Meeting." The Paynes settled in what
was then the northern part of Philadelphia, and at first John Payne
believed his means ample to live in the same hospitable way that had
been his wont on the old Virginia plantation, but he soon found his
expenses were increased much beyond his expectations, and decided, with
the assistance of his sons, to start in business in Philadelphia. For
this kind of life, however, his early training had not fitted him, and
the business venture was a complete failure. It was followed by his
disownment from Pine Street meeting "for failure to pay his debts"
(1789), and from this crushing blow the proud spirit of John Payne never
recovered, and he died soon after.
It is interesting to know that the store of "John Payne, merchant," was
on Fifth Street between Market and Arch, and his residence was 52 Arch
Street.
Dolly in the meantime had developed into a charming woman, who entered
into all the modest gaieties of the little town, where during the day
the daughters of the family, simply dressed, did much of the household
work, although even then "some" were so remiss as to "read novels and
walk without business abroad."
When the daily tasks were finished the families gathered on the front
porch, the girls dressed in plain stuff or chintz frocks with white
aprons, and here the passing neighbors stopped to chat awhile or tarry
longer. Everybody had a speaking acquaintance, at least, in this little
Quaker town.[18]
It was probably in the fall of 1787 that two of Dolly's Virginia friends
came to pass the winter in Philadelphia,--Deborah Pleasants,[19] the
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Pleasants of Beaver Dam, who had been a
friend and schoolmate at the old Cedar Creek School; and her cousin
Elizabeth Brook,[20] then from Leesburg, Virginia, a Quaker settlement
where the smaller plantations of from one hundred to three hundred acres
were cultivated entirely by free labor.
The journey from Beaver Dam had been made on horseback, in easy stages,
as there were many Friendly homes to stop at on the way, and the days
spent in riding through the almost unbroken forests of Virginia pines
and the fording of the rivers had been a delightful experience to the
two girls, who, with their entire outfit on their saddle pommels,
finally drew rein in the quiet neighborhood of Brook Court, where the
arrival of their little cavalcade caused an unwonted stir.
A happy winter followed, in which the three girls were much together,
but when summer came "Deborah" and "Elizabeth" returned to their
southern homes.
The following girlish letter[21] from Dolly Payne to Elizabeth Brook is
undated, but must have been written about December, 1788, or later:
Philadelphia.
How much am I indebted to thee dearest Eliza For throwing off that
formality so stifling To the growth of friendship! and addressing
First her who feels herself attached to thee by Every sentement of
her heart and she often In her "hours of visinary indulgence" calls
to Recollection the two lov'd girls who rendered Her so happy
during their too short stay in Philadelphia.
I should most gladly have offered you the Tribute of my tender
remembrances long before This by the performance of my promise of
Wrighting, but my ignorance of a single conveyance[22] was the only
preventative.
Let this however, my D^r Betsy obliterate the Idea of my neglect
occasion'd by my prospects Of happiness[23] for be assur'd that no
sublunary Bliss whatever should have a tendency to make Me
forgetful of friends I so highly value.
This place is almost void of anything novell, Such however as is in
circulation I will endeavor To Recollect in order to
communicate.--Susan Ward and thy old Admirer W. S. have pass'd
Their last meeting & are on the point of Marriage. Sally Pleasants
and Sam Fox[24] according to the Common saying are made one--Their
wedding Was small on account of the death of a cousin, M. Roads.
The Bride is now seting up in form For company. I have not been to
visit her but Was informed by Joshua Gilpin[25] that he met 40
Their paying their respects, etc., etc.
A general exclamation among the old Friends Against such Parade--a
number of other matches
Talked off but their unsertainty must apologize For my not nameing
the partys----
A charming little girl of my acquaintance & A Quaker too ran off &
was married to a Roman Catholic the other evening--thee may have
seen Her, Sally Bartram was her name.
Betsy Wister[26] & Kitty Morris too plain girls Have eloped to
effect a union with the choice of Their hearts so thee sees Love is
no respecter Of persons----
The very respectful Compliments of Frazier Await the 2
Marylanders--Frazier that unfortunate youth whose heart followed
thee captive to Thy home--do call to mind this said conquest
Betsy--I see him every day & thee is often the Subject of our
Tete-a-tetes--he says the darn in Thy apron first struck him &
declares that he Would give any _mony_ for that captivating badge
Of thy industry.
After bloting my paper all ore with nonsense I must conclude with
particular Love to Debby Pleasants when thee should see her &
respects
To her brother James--write often & much to Thy affectionate
Correspondent
[Illustration: Signature of D Payne]
Addressed to--
Eliza Brooke Jun^r:
Montgomery County
Maryland
P^r Favour of }
_Cap^t Lynn_ }
A later letter to Elizabeth Brooke[27] (from Sarah Parker) gives further
news of Dolly Payne. After referring to rumors current regarding the
approaching marriage of her friend she continues:
"It may be an encouragement, probably, should I inform thee of
some old acquaintances jogging on in this antiquated Custom. Dolly
Payne is likely to unite herself to a young man named J. Todd, who
has been so solicitous to gain her favor many years, but
disappointment for some time seem'd to assail his most sanguine
expectations, however things have terminated agreeable to his
desires & she now offers her hand to a person whose heart she had
long been near and dear to--he has proved a constant Lover indeed &
deserves the highest commendation for his generous behavior, as he
plainly shows to the world no mercenary motives bias'd his judgment
(on the contrary) a sincere attachment to her person was his first
consideration else her Father's misfortunes might have been an
excuse for his leaving her--they pass'd meeting[28] fourth day, was
the same day George Fox[29] & Molly C. Pemberton were united, rather
an uncommon instance, but their marriage was postponed on account of
a relation's death.
"Pine Street meeting house was amazingly crowded, a number of gay
folks--I heard a young man say he was surprised on viewing the
galleries, as they had more the appearance of a play house than of
Friends' meeting. There were great affronts given, I am told, when
Dolly retired in the other room to pass by Nicholas Waln, rising
and saying 'it was not customary for those that do not belong,
unless near connections, to go into meetings of business'--but some
were so rude as to press in without any kind of ceremony, very
indecent behavior was too obvious to be unobserved, even by
children."[30]
[Illustration: Pine Street Meeting-House.
Built 1751.]
The "passing of meeting" was then a formidable proceeding. The intended
groom, with a friend from the men's meeting, entered the women's side
after the closing of the partitions, and taking the intended bride on
his arm announced, first in one meeting and then in the other, that "we
propose taking each other in marriage."
Many anecdotes are related of Nicholas Waln, who was a leading member of
Pine Street meeting, and had been one of the shrewdest and wittiest
lawyers of the Philadelphia bar. His words were very apt to hit the
mark.
A month later, on Dolly's wedding day, at the head of the meeting (at
Pine street) sat James Pemberton[31], "erect and immovable, with his
crossed hands resting on his gold-headed cane"; beside him "Nicholas
Waln with his smile of sunshine," "Arthur Howell[32], with hat drawn low
over his face," and "William Savery of the solemn silvery voice," and
other ministers and elders of the meeting. The body of the meeting was
composed of the solid Quaker element of the city, and the "gay folks"
again crowded the galleries to their utmost capacity. After a short
silence Dolly Payne and John Todd arose, and each repeated the solemn
marriage ceremony of the Friends, each signed the marriage certificate,
and "John Todd of the city of Philadelphia, attorney-at-law, son of John
Todd, of this city, and Mary his wife, and Dolly Payne, daughter of John
Payne of the city aforesaid, and Mary his wife," were married, 1st mo.
7th, 1790.
MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF JOHN TODD AND DOLLY PAYNE.
Whereas John Todd of the city of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania,
attorney at law, son of John Todd of said city and Mary his wife,
and Dolly Payne daughter of John Payne of the city aforesaid and
Mary his wife having declared their intentions of marriage with
each other before several Monthly Meetings of the people called
Quakers held in Philadelphia aforesaid for the Southern District
according to the good order used among them, and having consent of
parents, their said proposals were allowed of by the said meeting.
Now these are to certify whom it may concern that for the full
accomplishing their said intentions this seventh day of the first
month in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and
ninety, they the said John Todd and Dolly Payne appeared in a
public meeting of the said people held at their meeting house in
Philadelphia aforesaid and the said John Todd taking the said Dolly
Payne by the hand did in a solemn manner openly declare that he
took her the said Dolly Payne to be his wife, promising with Divine
assistance to be unto her a loving and faithful husband until death
should separate them. And then in the same assembly the said Dolly
Payne did in like manner declare that she took him the said John
Todd to be her husband, promising with Divine assistance to be unto
him a loving and faithful wife until death should separate them.
And moreover they the said John Todd and Dolly Payne (she according
to the custom of marriage assuming the name of her husband) did as
a further confirmation thereof then and there to these presents set
their hands. And we whose names are hereunto also subscribed being
present at the solemnization of the said marriage and subscription
have as witnesses thereof, set our hands the day and year above
written.
John Todd.
Dolly Todd.
NAMES OF THOSE SIGNING THE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE OF DOROTHY PAYNE & JOHN
TODD
Edward Tilghman,
James Ash,
Owen Jones,
John Pemberton,
Thomas Clifford,
James Pemberton,
Samuel Pleasants,
Caleb Foulke,
William Savery,
James Cresson,
James Logan,
Benedt. Dorsey,
Samuel Clark,
John Parrish,
Thos. Harrison,
John Payne,
Mary Payne,
John Todd,
Mary Todd,
James Todd,
Alice Todd,
Lucy Payne,
Anna Payne,
Mary Payne,
Betsy Blau,
Thos. Poultney,
Stephen Burrows,
Mary Burrowes,
Sarah Waln,
Esther Fisher,
Saml. Coates,
Arthur Howell,
John Elliott, Jr.,
Thos. Follet,
Caleb Atmore,
John Poultney,
Caspar W. Morris,
Zaccheus Collins,
Henry S. Drinker,
Chas. West, Jr.,
John Biddle,
Elijah Conrad,
Ebenezer Breed,
John E. Cresson,
Richard Johnson,
Geo. Roberts,
Benj. Chamberlain,
Abigail Drinker,
Maria Hodgdon,
Kitty Doughten,
Benjamin Morgan, Jr.,
Caleb Carmalt,
James Bringhurst,
Anthony Morris,
Griffith Evans,
Isaac Bartram,
Anna P. Pleasants,
Israel Pleasants,
Samuel Emlen, Jr.,
Nicholas Waln,
Samuel Emlen,
Owen Biddle,
Samuel Shaw,
Eliza Collins,
Anna Drinker,
Mary S. Pemberton,
Sarah Biddle,
Mary Shaw,
Abigail Parrish,
Susanna Jones,
Phebe Pemberton,
Sarah Parrish,
Mary Pleasants,
Elizabeth Dawson,
Mary Eddy,
Ann Marshall,
Sarah Ann Marshall,
Mary Drinker, Jr.,
Eliz. P. Dilworth
The short but happy married life of Dorothy Payne Todd was spent at 51
South Fourth street,[33] now Fourth and Walnut streets, and here her
sons, John Payne and William Temple Todd, were born.[34]
In 1793 that dread disease, the yellow fever,[35] raged in Philadelphia,
and John Todd hastened to send his wife to a place of safety. She and
her infant son, William Temple, three weeks old, were carried in a
litter to Gray's Ferry, then well beyond the city's limits. John Todd
himself returned to the city. His parents were first taken, and he,
feeling himself stricken, hastened to Gray's Ferry for one last glance
at his beloved wife. Dolly, in spite of his remonstrances, threw herself
into his arms and pressed her lips to his. After days of unconsciousness
she slowly recovered to find her husband and her infant son no more.
John Todd, Sr., left a will. To his son John he willed L500 and his
watch; and to each of his grandsons, Payne and William Temple, he left
L50.
John Todd, Jr.,[36] died October 24, 1793. To his wife he left the
settlement of his "very small estate." His will had been made some time
before his death, and said:
I give and devise all my estate, real and personal, to the Dear
Wife of my Bosom, and first and only Woman upon whom my all and
only affections were placed, Dolly Payne Todd, her heirs and
assigns forever, trusting that as she proved an amiable and
affectionate wife to her John she may prove an affectionate mother
to my little Payne, and the sweet Babe with which she is now
enceinte. My last prayer is may she educate him in the ways of
Honesty, tho' he may be obliged to beg his Bread, remembering that
will be better to him than a name and riches.--I appoint my dear
wife executrix of this my will.
John Todd, Jr.
Inventory and Appraisement of the Goods & Chattels &c late the property
of John Todd, Jr.[37]
Viz:-- L s d
One large Side Board 9 00 00
One Settee 10 00 00
Eleven Mahogany & Pine tables 17 17 06
Three Looking Glasses 14 00 00
Thirty-six Mahogany and Windsor chairs 27 12 06
One Case of knives & forks 5 00 00
And-Irons, Shovel & Tongs 9 02 06
Window curtains & Window blinds 12 00 00
Carpets & Floor Cloaths 11 15 00
Bed, Bedstead & Bed Cloaths 30 00 00
Sundry Setts of China &c 9 00 00
Articles of Glass Ware & Waiters etc 9 07 06
Glass lamp, pr Scones & six pictures 3 17 06
Sundry Articles of Plate & Plated ware--also Sett of Castors 14 07 06
Sundry Kitchen furniture 12 10 00
Desk & Book case 5 00 00
An open stove 2 05 00
Two Watches 9 15 00
One fowling piece 3 00 00
One Horse & Chair 40 00 00
Library 187 15 00
--- -- --
434 05 00
Appraised Seventh day of Dec. 1793.
The estate of John Todd was more ample than his modest statements would
indicate. He left his wife that commodious dwelling of English red and
black brick still standing at the corner of Fourth and Walnut streets,
with stable on the grounds. The inventory of his effects shows that the
house was well furnished. His library, too, was a good one, and with her
"horse and chair" Dolly found herself more than comfortably provided
for.
The moving of the national capital to Philadelphia had crowded the city
to its utmost capacity, and homes were hard to find. Mary Payne had
opened her doors,[38] and Aaron Burr, then Congressman, was fortunate to
find boarding there.
Dolly was soon drawn into society, and her brilliant beauty and charming
manners drew many admirers. James Madison requested to be introduced,
and Dolly wrote her friend, Elizabeth Lee: "Thou must come to me, for
Aaron Burr[39] is going to bring the great little Madison to see me
this evening." Dolly wore her mulberry-colored satin, and appeared a
vision of beauty to him; and it was not his only visit. But it was the
"first lady of the land" who finally brought things to a crisis. She
sent for Dolly and asked, "What is this I hear about Madison and
Mistress Todd?" and, when Dolly hid her blushing face, took her into her
arms, and told her that she and "the President" approved, and wished to
see her again happily married; "and Madison will make thee a good
husband," she said.
In the summer of 1793 Lucy Payne had become the girlish bride of George
Steptoe Washington,[40] the nephew and ward of the President. She was
but fifteen and he seventeen years old at the time, and they were now
living at Harewood[41], near Harper's Ferry. "Harewood of pleasant
memory and patriotic association," as an old writer has lovingly said.
It was built on part of the Washington tract of land in 1756, by Colonel
Samuel Washington, under the supervision of his brother George, and an
old record states that for the hauling of the gray limestone of which it
is built, from a nearby quarry, they paid one Shirley Smith "an acre of
ground per team per day". The finer part of the woodwork, the pilasters,
wainscoting and cornice, were all brought from "Old England" to
Alexandria, and thence carted to Harewood, a long and toilsome
journey.
[Illustration: Harewood from the garden.]
Now the fair young mistress of Harewood begged that her sister should be
married there, and so it was decided. Thomas Jefferson offered his coach
for the journey, and taking her sister Anna, the little Payne and a
maid, Dolly journeyed to that historic home, accompanied by Madison and
mutual friends, riding and driving.
A week of the early fall time had been whiled away when they reached
their journey's end, where great preparations were already being made
for the festive occasion, for this was to be a "gay" wedding. Guests
came from far and near. Francis Madison was there, and Harriet[42]
Washington, and at the last moment "Light-Horse Harry Lee" came dashing
up on "the very finest horse in all Virginia."
And then in the handsome wainscoted parlor, James Madison and the
winsome "Widow Todd" were married, September 15, 1794, by Dr. Balmaine,
of Winchester, Va., a relative of James Madison.
Madison's present to his bride was a wondrous necklace of Byzantine
mosaic[43] work, of temples and tombs and bridges, eleven pictures in
all joined by delicate chains.
After much feasting and merry-making, in which the groom lost his
ruffles of Mechlin lace, which were parted amongst the girlish guests as
souvenirs, the bride and groom made their escape and drove away for the
honeymoon.
Little record of the wedding is left, and there is no list of the guests
present, as at that earlier and more stately, though unpretentious,
wedding in the old Pine street meeting-house.
[Illustration: The Parlor, Harewood.
(In which James and Dolly Madison were married.)]
The following letter from Madison to his father describes the wedding
journey:
Harewood, Oct 5, 1794.
Dear & Honor^d Sir:
I have detained Sam, by whom I send this, so much longer than I
intended & you expected, that many apologies are due for the
liberty. I hope it will be a sufficient one that I found him
indispensable for a variety of little services, which I did not
particularly take into view before I left Orange. These he can
himself explain, & I therefore leave the task to him, proceeding to
the history of what relates to myself. On my arrival here I was
able to urge so many conveniences in hastening the event, which I
solicited, that it took place on the 15^th ult. On the Friday
following we set out, accompanied by Miss A. Payne & Miss Harriot
Washington, on a visit to my sister Hite, where we arrived the next
day, having stopped a night in Winchester with M^r Balmain. We had
been a day or two only at Mr. Hite's before a slight indisposition,
which my wife had felt for several days, ended in a regular ague &
fever. The fits, tho succeeded by compleat intermission, were so
severe that I thought it prudent to call in a physician from
Winchester. Doc^r. Mackay not being in the way, Doc^r. Baldwin
attended, and by a [-----] administration of the Bark soon expelled
the complaint. She has since recovered very fast, & I hope,
notwithstanding a slight indisposition this morning which may be
the effect of fatigue & change of weather, that its return is not
in the least to be apprehended. We left Mr. Hite's the day before
yesterday. Our time was passed there with great pleasure on our
side & I hope with not less on the other. Our departure however was
embittered by the loss sustained the night preceding by my sister,
which you will have an account of from Mr. H. by this opportunity.
In about 8 or 10 days we expect to set out for Philadelphia, & your
daughter-in-law begs you & my mother to accept her best & most
respectful affections, which she means to express herself by an
early opportunity. She wishes Fanny also to be sensible of the
pleasure with which a correspondence with her would be carried on.
I was Friday at Mr. Hite's. He promises steadfastly to be with you
in about a fortnight at farthest, & to do anything on his part
requisite for a vigorous prosecution of the undertaking at
Bernard's Ford.
I must ask the favor of my mother to make me a memorandum of the
clothing to be obtained at M^r Dunbar's for the negroes, & of
yourself to have it transmitted along with a list of other articles
such as salt, iron, etc., which may [be] wanted for the winter's
use. I heard with great satisfaction by Mr. Howard that her
complaint, which appeared in so doubtful a character when I left
her, had taken a turn that promised an early & I hope entire
recovery. With my sincere prayers that perfect health & every other
good may attend you both I
remain y^r affec^t son
J. Madison, Jr.
I called soon after I came into the neighborhood on Mrs. F. Hite, &
found her & family well. I intend to repeat my visit if possible &
to introduce her new relative to her[44].
The grave "elders" of the Friends' meeting had hesitated ere they drew
up the letter of disownment against Lucy Payne,[45] now the wife of the
nephew, namesake and ward of Washington. And now again, as was their
custom, "Dolly" Madison[46] was "disowned because of her marriage" to
one not a member of the Society. The many strangers drawn to
Philadelphia by the establishment of the government there were causing
sad havoc in their midst.
Returning to Philadelphia, Dolly threw herself into the gay life of the
capital, of which she at once became one of the chief ornaments. John
Adams wrote to his wife from Philadelphia: "I dined yesterday with
Madison. Mrs Madison is a fine woman, her sisters equally so. One of
them is married to George Washington. The ladies, whose name is Payne,
are of a Quaker family, one of North Carolina."
Her marriage to Madison opened up to her a larger and broader life, one
for which, by nature, she was well fitted. In the past she had felt that
her membership in the Society of Friends ofttimes debarred her from many
innocent pleasures and advantages as well, and "her undue fondness for
the things of this world," for which she had once been chided, added
zest to her new surroundings.
Her father had died the year before her marriage, and other changes
followed in quick succession. January 5, 1795, Elizabeth Drinker writes:
"I heard this evening of the death of two of Molly Payne's sons, Temple
and Isaac. The latter offended a man in Virginia, who some time
afterward shot him with a pistol."
[Illustration: James Madison Dolly Madison
Portraits by Gilbert Stuart.
Reproduced by permission of The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts,
the owner of the paintings.]
Her father's will was not proved until 1796. He left his wife, Mary
Payne, sole executrix. His property consisted chiefly of lands in West
Virginia and Kentucky, and it probably had little value. (De Chastellux
tells of meeting a young emigrant who had bought one thousand acres in
Kentucky for fifty guineas.) George Walker, John Todd and Dolly Todd
were witnesses. The two former were no longer living, and the record
reads:
"This day appeared Dolly P. Maddison, of the State of Virginia,
Gentlewoman, late Dolley P. Todd, who being one of the People
called Quakers, and conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath,
Doth Solemnly affirm and declare," etc.
Lucy Washington and Anna Payne likewise made affirmation to their belief
in their father's signature to the will.
[Illustration: Signatures of the three daughters who proved the will of
John Payne in 1796.]
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 18: Population of Philadelphia in 1770 about 31,000.--Proud's
History.]
[Footnote 19: Deborah Pleasants, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
Pleasants, was born 25th of Eleventh month, 1763, at Beaver Dam,
Goochland County, Va.; married William Stabler in 1789, and settled at
Leesburg, Va., but soon after removed to Sandy Spring, Montgomery
County, Md. William Stabler died in 1806. Deborah Stabler died Sixth
month 26th, 1845.]
[Footnote 20: Elizabeth Brook, daughter of James Brook, Jr., born 1762;
married 1790, at age of 28 years, to George Ellicott, of Ellicott's
Mills, Howard County, Md. James Brook, father of Elizabeth, was the
Friend who had freed the first slave freed in the State of Maryland.]
[Footnote 21: In possession of Lucy Tyson Fitzhugh, Westminster, Md.]
[Footnote 22: Post-offices were often at a great distance from the
person addressed, and it was often better to wait for some one traveling
that way. Then, too, postage was high.
The "Historical Register" gives the following postage rates, 1810-1814.
Every letter consisting of one sheet to go a distance less than 40
miles, 8 cents; 40 to 90 miles, 10 cents; 90 to 150 miles, 12-1/2 cents;
150 to 300 miles, 17 cents; 300 to 500 miles, 20 cents; over 500 miles,
25 cents. The rate was doubled, trebled and quadrupled as the number of
sheets increased.]
[Footnote 23: Her approaching marriage to John Todd.]
[Footnote 24: Samuel Mickle Fox, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Fox, and
Sarah Pleasants, born Eleventh month 8d, 1767, daughter of Samuel and
Mary Pleasants, were married Eleventh month 27th, 1788.]
[Footnote 25: Joshua Gilpin (born Eleventh month 8th, 1765; died Eighth
month 22d, 1841), son of Thomas and Lydia Fisher Gilpin, married Mary
Dilworth and had eight children. Marriage entertainments at this time
were very expensive, and harassing to the wedded. For two days afterward
punch was dealt out in profusion, and, with cakes and other sweetmeats,
were set out on the lower floor, and were also sent generally through
the neighborhood, even to those with whom the family did not visit. On
the second floor the bride received the visitors, and was kissed by all
comers, often as many as a hundred a day. The richer families also had
as many as one hundred and twenty to dine and stay to supper the day of
the marriage. All who signed the marriage certificate also were invited
to tea (or supper). At the time of the "passing of meeting" for two days
all the male friends of the bride were privileged to call, drink punch,
eat cake and kiss the bride! Even the plain Friends submitted to these
things.--"Watson's Annals."]
[Footnote 26: Younger sister of Sally Wister.]
[Footnote 27: Owned by Lucy Tyson Fitzhugh.]
[Footnote 28: The Friends' form of marriage required that the parties
proposing marriage shall first inform their monthly meeting of their
"intentions." This form is now handed in in writing. The meeting then
takes the matter into consideration, and if there is no reason to
object, the permission is given at the next monthly meeting to
"accomplish their marriage." When this permission is obtained, the
parties are said to have "passed meeting."]
[Footnote 29: George Fox, son of Joseph Fox, carpenter, and Elizabeth,
his wife, and Mary Pemberton, daughter of Charles and Esther Pemberton,
were married Eleventh month 25th, 1789.
Joseph Fox was one of the committee of citizens appointed to prepare an
answer for Paul Revere to carry back to Boston at the time of the
closing of the port, he having been sent with a message to Philadelphia
asking the support of her people.]
[Footnote 30: This letter was dated 12 mo. 7, 1789, and is marked
"Received Nov 26th 90 & forwarded by Jno Janney."]
[Footnote 31: James Pemberton, born 26th of Sixth month (August), 1723,
in Philadelphia, was the son of Israel and Rachel Pemberton. He was one
of the "overseers" of the public schools founded by charter in the town
and county of Philadelphia. Was one of the managers of the Pennsylvania
Hospital and a prominent merchant of the city. He was a member of the
Society of Friends. He was married, first, to Hannah, daughter of
Mordecai and Hannah Lloyd, in 1751, and had six children. In 1768 he
married Sarah, daughter of David and Mary Smith, of Burlington, N. J.
Their daughter became the wife of Anthony Morris. In 1775 he married
Phebe, widow of Samuel Morton. James Pemberton died Second month 9th,
1809.
John Adams in his diary says: "Israel Pemberton is at the head of Quaker
interests in Philadelphia." Israel, the father, and the sons, Israel and
James, were all members of the Assembly. James Pemberton, with six
others, resigned from the Assembly 1756-7, because of not being able
conscientiously to vote for the tax for military purposes for the Indian
wars. Sixteen other Friends also withdrew at this time. The Quaker party
kept the ascendency until 1776, then fell to pieces and forever
disappeared.
John and James Pemberton, Henry Drinker and Samuel Pleasants were among
the Friends banished to Virginia in 1777 because of supposed sympathy
with the British.]
[Footnote 32: The following anecdote is told of Nicholas Waln. His
brother minister, Arthur Howell, always put off his communications until
time to break meeting. So one day Nicholas accosted him as follows:--
"Arthur Howell, what's the reason
Thou art always out of season?
When 'tis time to go away
Thou wilt always preach and pray.
"NICHOLAS WALN."]
[Footnote 33: From Philadelphia Directory: John Todd, Esq.,
attorney-at-law, 85 Chestnut St. (1790) John Todd, jun., Esq.,
attorney-at-law, 51 South Fourth Street.]
[Footnote 34: John Payne Todd, born February 29th, 1792; William Temple
Todd, born 1793.]
[Footnote 35: The yellow fever was brought from the West Indies to
Philadelphia. The first case appeared in July. By August 22d it had
become epidemic. August 24th a general exodus from the city took place.
Almost half its inhabitants (17,000) left the city. By November 4th,
when the disease abated, it was estimated that 5,000 had died. September
11th, 1793, Mr. Jefferson wrote to Mr. Morris: "An infectious and deadly
disease has broken out. The deaths week before last were 40; last week,
50; this week, 200. Hamilton is ill, and the President has left for Mt.
Vernon yesterday." Seventeen thousand left the city; 20,000 remained;
5,000 died--yellow fever, 1793.]
[Footnote 36: John Todd, Jr., was the son of John and Mary Todd. His
father was from New London, Chester County, Pa., and was a teacher in
Philadelphia. The son, "John Todd jun. Esq. Attorney-at-law," was a
rising young lawyer, and supposed to be a wealthy one, and a strict
Friend. He was greatly beloved by John Payne.]
[Footnote 37: From Records of Wills, Philadelphia.]
[Footnote 38: Living at 96 North Third Street in 1793.]
[Footnote 39: It was through Dolly's influence that Aaron Burr was
finally allowed to return to this country from his exile abroad. It was
the result of a heartrending letter from his daughter Theodosia,
beginning:
"Madam: You may be surprised at receiving a letter from one with whom
you have had so little intercourse in the last few years. But your
surprise will cease when you recollect that my father, once your friend,
is now in exile, and that only the President can restore him to me and
his country." ...]
[Footnote 40: George Steptoe Washington was the son of Washington's
brother Samuel, after whose death he became the guardian of his two
younger boys. His education was finished at the Philadelphia College. He
was a member of Washington's staff, was one of the executors of
Washington, and inherited one of his swords.
"To each of my nephews, William Augustine Washington, George Lewis,
George Steptoe Washington, Bushrod Washington and Samuel
Washington, I give one of the swords or conteaux of which I may die
possessed; and they are to choose in the order they are named.
These swords are accompanied with an injunction not to unsheath
them for the purpose of shedding blood, except it be for
self-defence or in defence of their country, and its rights; and in
the latter case, to keep them unsheathed, and prefer falling with
them in their hands to the relinquishment thereof."--From an old
print of the Will of George Washington.
George Steptoe Washington chose the sword sent to Washington by
Theophilus Alte, of Sollinger, near Duesseldorf. Its history is partly
given in the following letter from Washington to John Quincy Adams, then
United States Minister to The Hague:
"To John Quincy Adams.
"Phila, 12 September, 1796.
"Dear Sir:
"To open a correspondence with you on so trifling a subject as that
which gives birth to this letter would hardly be justifiable, were
it not for the singularity of the case. This singularity will, I
hope, apologize for the act.
"Some time ago, perhaps two or three months, I read in some
gazette, but was so little impressed with it at the time
(conceiving it to be one of those things that get into newspapers,
nobody knows how or why), that I cannot now recollect whether this
gazette was of American or foreign production, announcing that a
celebrated artist had presented, or was about to present to the
President of the United States a sword of masterly workmanship, as
an evidence of his veneration, etc.
"I thought no more of the matter afterwards until a gentleman with
whom I have no acquaintance, coming from and going to I know not
where at a tavern I never could get information of, came across
this sword (for it is presumed to be the same), pawned for $30,
which he paid, left it in Alexandria, nine miles from my home in
Virginia, with a person who refunded him the money and sent me the
sword.
"This is all I have been able to learn of this curious affair.
"The blade is highly wrought and decorated with many military
emblems. It has my name engraved thereon, and the following
inscription, translated from the Dutch:
"'Condemnor of despotism, Preserver of Liberty, glorious Man, take
from my son's hand this Sword, I beg you. A Sollinger." The hilt is
either gold or richly plated with that metal, and the whole carries
with it the form of a horseman's sword or long sabre.
"The matter, as far as it appears at present, is a perfect enigma.
How it should have come into this country without a letter, or an
accompanying message, how afterwards it should have got into such
loose hands and whither the person having it in possession was
steering his course remains as yet to be explained. Some of these
points, probably, can only be explained by the maker, and the maker
is no otherwise to be discovered than by the inscription and name
'A. Sollinger,' who from the impression that dwells in my mind, is
of Amsterdam.
"If, Sir, with this clew you can develope the history of this
sword, the value of it, the character of the maker, & his probable
object in sending it, you would oblige me, and by relating these
facts to him might obviate doubts which otherwise might be
entertained by him of its fate and reception.
"With great esteem and regard, I am, dear Sir, etc."--From Sparks'
"History of Washington."
Alte had sent his son with the sword to America in 1795 to present to
the President as "the only man whom he knew that had acted in a
disinterested manner for the happiness of his country." The son knew
little of the language, and from bashfulness or other cause failed to
present the sword to Washington. More than a year later a letter came
from the father making inquiry about his son.
The above sword was sold by the son of George Steptoe Washington to a
Chicago collector for $1,600, and soon after changed hands again for a
much higher sum.
The news of George Washington's death was taken to his nephew and
executor, George Steptoe Washington, at Harewood by a special messenger,
Charles, the servant of Tobias Lear (Washington's private secretary).
George Steptoe inherited Harewood from his older brother. He died in
North Carolina, and was buried there. The following letter is from
Washington:
"Philadelphia, 5, December, 1790
"To George Steptoe Washington.
"Dear George:
"Agreeably to the promise, which I gave you in Virginia, I have
made the necessary inquiries respecting the course of studies and
expenses (?) which would enable you and your brother Lawrence to
finish your education at the college in this place, provided you
are master of those books and studies which you informed me you had
passed through.
"The enclosed account of studies and expenses, which I wish you to
return to me, you will see is made under the hand of the Reverend
Dr. Smith, provost of the college, and may therefore be relied on
for accuracy. After you and Lawrence have carefully perused and
well considered the enclosed statement, I wish you to determine
whether you will come or not. If your determination should be in
favor of coming on, I must impress this upon you in the strongest
manner, namely, that you come with good dispositions and full
resolution to pursue your studies closely, to conform to the
established rules and customs of the college and to conduct
yourselves on all occasions with decency and propriety.
"To you, George, I more particularly address myself at this time,
as from your advanced age it may be presumed that such advice, as I
am about to give will make a deeper impression upon you, than upon
your brother, and your conduct may very probably mark the line of
his, but at the same time Lawrence must remember that this is
equally applicable to him.
"Should you enter upon the course of studies here marked out, you
must consider it as the finishing of your education, and therefore
as the time is limited, that every hour misspent is lost forever,
and that future years cannot compensate for lost days at this
period of your life. This reflection must show the necessity of an
unremitting application to your studies. To point out the
importance of circumspection in your conduct, it may be proper to
observe, that a good moral character is the first essential in a
man, and that the habits contracted at your age are generally
indelible, and your conduct here may stamp your character through
life. It is therefore highly important that you should endeavor not
only to be learned, but virtuous. Much more might be said to show
the necessity of application and regularity, but since you must
know that without them you can never be qualified to render service
to your country, assistance to your friends or enjoy consolation in
your retired moments, nothing further need be said to prove their
utility.
"As to your clothes, it will, I presume, cost much the same here as
in 'Alexandria.' I shall always wish to see you clothed decently
and becoming your station; but I shall ever discountenance
extravagance or foppishness in your dress. At all times and upon
all occasions I shall be happy to give you both such marks of my
approbation as your progress and good conduct merit.
"If you determine to come on, you had better do it immediately, and
Major Washington will furnish you with such money as may be
necessary for the stage and expenses from Alexandria to this place.
But I must repeat what I have before enjoined, that you come with
good dispositions and determined resolution to conform to
establishments and pursue your studies.
"Your aunt joins me in love to your brother, and best wishes to Dr.
Craik and family. I am, dear George, your sincere friend and
affectionate uncle.
[Illustration: Signature of G Washington]]
[Footnote 41: In some respects Harewood House is the most notable of the
Washington mansions. It is three miles northwest of Charlestown, and was
built in 1756-8. Its fame rests on the dual facts that it was built by
General Washington himself and that here James and Dolly Madison were
married. It was used by Washington as a summer home, and here Lafayette
and Louis Philippe visited him. It is now owned by John Augustine
Washington. Address Charlestown, Jefferson County, Va.
The home proper consisted of but two large rooms on a floor (three on
second floor). It formerly had outside kitchens and guest-rooms. Two
fine porches have disappeared. Portraits of Samuel Washington and his
first wife are here, and also those of Lucy Payne Washington and her
husband, George Steptoe.]
[Footnote 42: Harriet Washington was the sister of George S.
Washington.]
[Footnote 43: The mosaics of the necklace represent Temple of Minerva,
Tomb of Caecelia Nutallis, Bridge of Colla, Pontius Luganus, Colosseum of
Flavius Vespasianus, Pontius Salasius, Temple of Vesta, Temple of Venus,
Tomb of Caius Coeustus, Temple of Jupiter Tonans, and the Temple of
Jupiter Stattor.]
[Footnote 44: From the Ferdinand J. Dreer collection at Pennsylvania
Historical Society.]
[Footnote 45: Minutes of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, Northern
District.--Adjourned meeting, 13th of 8 mo, 1793.--Friends are appointed
to assist women Friends in preparing a testimony against the misconduct
of Lucy Washington, late Paine, who has accomplished her marriage by the
assistance of a hireling priest contrary to the discipline established
amongst us.
27th of 8 mo, 1793.--Testimony against Lucy Washington, late Payne, who
had by birth a right of membership among us, having disregarded the
wholesome order of our Discipline in the accomplishment of her marriage
with a person not in membership with us, before an hireling priest, and
without the consent of her Mother, after being precautioned against such
outgoing. We therefore testify that the said Lucy Washington is no
longer a member of our religious Society. Nevertheless desiring she may
be favored with a due sense of her deviation and seek to be rightly
restored.]
[Footnote 46: Dorothy Madison was disowned Twelfth month 20th, 1794, by
the monthly meeting of Friends of Philadelphia, on account of her
marriage.]
[Decoration]