Lady of the White House in 1838—Daughter of Richard Singleton, of
South Carolina—Her grandfathers Revolutionary heroes—Her kinsmen
notable people—Early advantages—Superior education—High social
rank—In Washington with relatives—Mrs. Madison a cousin—Presents
her to the President—Reception very flattering—A great favorite
of the President’s—Marriage to Major Van Buren—The eldest son and
private secretary—Major Van Buren a graduate of West Point—His
wife’s first appearance as hostess—A New Year’s Day Reception—A
universally admired bride—The only South Carolina lady who has
held the position—A tour in Europe—Presented at the Court of St.
James—Her uncle American Minister—In London during the season—The
Emperor of Russia and other foreign notables—Exceptionally
pleasant visit—A three months’ tour—In Paris—Attentions from
General Cass, the American Minister—Presented to the King and
Queen—The guest of Louis Philippe—The King’s unceremonious
attentions—Shows his visitors over the palace—Knocks at the room
of the Comte de Paris—The Queen’s amusement—Her grandchildren
asleep—The return to America—In Washington when Congress
met—Closing year of the administration—Mrs. Van Buren mistress of
Lindenwald—Her winters spent in South Carolina—Removes to New
York in 1848—Residence in that city—Three years’ sojourn in
Europe—Home-life in New York—A long and happy career—Death of her
husband and son—Her own death 339