Mistress of the White House—Daughter of Captain John Donelson—A
rarely beautiful woman—Wealth and high standing of her
father—Known as the “lovely Emily”—Married at sixteen—The groom
her cousin, and protégé of General Jackson—Major Donelson the
private secretary of the President—A question of precedence—Mrs.
Jackson “mistress of the Hermitage”—Tact and brilliancy of Mrs.
Donelson—Personal description—A face of singular fascination—Her
“inauguration” dress—General Jackson’s love for her—Arbiter in
matters of etiquette—Her attitude during the Eaton
controversy—Refuses to visit her—The mother of four children—All
born in the White House—Their christenings occasions of great
ceremony—General Jackson very fond of them—A lovely family
group—Mrs. Donelson’s ill-health—Compelled to leave Washington—A
victim of consumption—Medical skill unavailing—A speedy
decline—“Don’t forget, mamma”—Death 323