A Virginian—Her father a friend of Washington’s—A gentleman of
fortune and position—A member of the Legislature for many
years—Letitia Christian a most refined and modest girl—One of the
belles of West Virginia—Her suitors—John Tyler her lover—A rising
young lawyer and son of Governor John Tyler—Marriage in 1813—The
union approved by both families—The wedding festivities at Cedar
Grove—The young couple in their home in Charles City county—A
happy marriage—A husband whose affections are satisfied and his
pride gratified—A love-letter of the olden time—Mr. Tyler for
several years a member of the Legislature—His wife in Richmond
but rarely—Kept at home by her young children—Two died in
infancy—Mr. Tyler elected Governor—Mrs. Tyler mistress of the
Executive mansion—Dispensing its honors with ease and grace—Her
young children about her—Her husband elected to Congress—She
returns to her country home—One winter in Washington—A notable
housewife—Her home the abode of comfort and beauty—Maintained the
pecuniary independence of her husband—A matron of the old
school—A letter from her daughter-in-law—Description of Mrs.
Tyler and her home—Mrs. Tyler’s health fails—Her husband becomes
President—Removal to Washington—Her regrets at leaving her
home—Becomes the mistress of the White House—Her great fondness
for flowers—Mrs. Robert Tyler her representative in society—Her
letter to her sister—Rarely seen at the receptions or state
dinners—Her daughter Elizabeth married in the East Room—Mr.
Webster and Mrs. Madison at the wedding—Mrs. Tyler present—Mrs.
Semple’s letter—The bride returns to Virginia to live—The
youngest daughter still a child—The President gives private balls
with dancing—Washington Irving appointed Minister to
Spain—Letters from Major Tyler—A levee at the White House—Mrs.
Tyler’s health fails—Her death—Her funeral in the White House—The
remains conveyed to Virginia—A committee of the citizens of
Washington escort the body—The President and all his family
attend it to its resting-place—Her loss mourned by her old
friends—The President retires to his home—Remains in seclusion
until Congress meets—A sad return to Washington 366