The era in which Mrs. Monroe lived—Her father an ex-officer of the
British Army—Miss Kortright a belle of New York—Her sister—Mr.
Monroe a Senator from Virginia—Falls in love with the pretty
girl—Married during the session in 1789—Reside in Philadelphia,
the second seat of the General Government—Pleasant home-life in
that city—Mr. Monroe appointed Minister to France in 1794—The
first five years of Mrs. Monroe’s married life—A polished and
elegant lady—Proud of her husband and of her country—Fit
representative of her countrywomen at the Court of St. Cloud—Her
daughter at school in Paris—Mr. Monroe an ardent advocate of free
government—Not careful to recognize the opposite feeling in
Imperial France—Unpopular with the Court—His recall asked—Intense
sympathy for Lafayette, then in prison—Agents of the United
States employed in his behalf—Mrs. Monroe warmly interested in
the fate of Madame Lafayette—The private feelings of President
Washington not expressed in his official
communications—Lafayette’s son his guest while in the United
States—Recognizes treaty obligations with France—Mr. Monroe sends
his wife to visit Madame Lafayette—The carriage of the American
Minister at the prison—Mrs. Monroe asks admittance—Is permitted
to see the Marchioness—Emaciated and prostrated from
fright—Anticipating the summons of the executioner—Her last hope
departing when the sentinel stops at her cell—Her visitor is
announced—Thoughts of her husband and America overcome her—Sinks
at the feet of Mrs. Monroe—Presence of sentinels preclude
conversation—Mrs. Monroe assures her friend she would return the
following morning—Speaks so as to be heard by those about her—The
visit saves Madame Lafayette’s life—Was to have been executed
that afternoon—The officials change their mind—Is liberated next
day—Attentions paid her by the American Minister and his wife—The
prestige of the young Republic appreciated—Madame Lafayette’s
eldest son, George Washington, sent to Mount Vernon for
safety—She leaves Paris accompanied by her two
daughters—Disguised and under the protection of American
passports—Seeks the prison of her husband—Signs her consent to
share his captivity—Stays by his side until released—Mr. Monroe
recalled—His course defended in America—Mrs. Monroe proud of his
conduct—A greater honor to have saved Madame Lafayette than to
have remained Ambassador—Friendship between Monroe and
Lafayette—Offer of pecuniary help—Generous conduct on both
sides—Returns to New York—With her family and friends—Mr. Monroe
elected Governor of Virginia—Husband and wife gladdened by this
evidence of affection—The old commonwealth proud of her son—Mrs.
Monroe the mistress of the Governor’s mansion at
Williamsburg—Governor Monroe appointed Envoy Extraordinary to
France to negotiate the purchase of Louisiana—Robert R.
Livingston the other Envoy—The purchase effected—Mrs. Monroe
accompanies her husband—While in Paris is appointed Minister to
England—Sent to Spain on a mission—Mr. Monroe returned home at
the breaking out of the War of 1812—Ten years’ absence in
Europe—Return to Oak Hill, their Virginia estate—Home-life not
destined to last—Mr. Monroe elected to the Legislature—Chosen
Governor a second time—Secretary of State under Madison—Mrs.
Monroe and her daughters retire to Oak Hill before the fall of
Washington—Remains until peace is declared—Anxious about her
husband—Mr. Monroe succeeds President Madison in office—Removal
to the White House in 1817—Personal description of her—Mrs.
Monroe not like Mrs. Madison—Is not fond of general society—Her
health delicate—She received visits but returned none—Her
“drawing-rooms” were largely attended—An English writer’s
comments—Held once a fortnight on Wednesday evenings—The
condition of the White House—The grounds unimproved—Congress
orders a silver service—The furniture of the East Room
purchased—The crown of Louis XVIII. supplanted by the American
Eagle—Mrs. Monroe an invalid during the second term—Marriage of
her daughter at the age of seventeen—Wedding reception—A State
Dinner at the White House—The East Room unfinished—Mr. Cooper’s
letter—Mrs. Monroe weary of public life—Close of President
Monroe’s second term—Retires to Virginia—Assists in establishing
the University of Virginia—Chosen President of the State
Convention to amend the Constitution—Mrs. Monroe heavily taxed
with company—The three ex-Presidents neighbors—People from all
the world their guests—Alone with her husband—Both daughters
married—Anxious for her husband to give up work—His last public
position—Magistrate of Loudon County—Death of Mrs. Monroe—Oak
Hill closed—The ex-President resides in New York—His youngest
daughter his comfort in old age—His death in 1831—Survived his
wife one year, dying on the Fourth of July—Funeral procession the
largest ever seen in New York—Samuel Gouverneur, Postmaster of
New York City, his son-in-law—Remains interred in New
York—Afterwards removed to Richmond—Few descendants living 213