The second marriage of John Tyler—His bride Miss Julia Gardiner—The
first and only marriage of a President—The event much
discussed—Miss Gardiner a beautiful young lady—Educated in New
York—A resident of Gardiner’s Island, New York Bay—Travels in
Europe—Her father her escort—Visits Washington with him, and
meets the President—Invited to take an excursion—Captain Stockton
in charge of the party—The trip to Alexandria—Guests invited on
deck to witness the firing of cannon—The President and ladies in
the cabin—Gentlemen on deck—A terrible catastrophe—Piercing cries
of the wounded—Mr. Gardiner among the victims—The bodies conveyed
to the White House—Funeral services in the East Room—Miss
Gardiner prostrated with grief—An only child—The President’s
interest in her—Six months later they were married—The ceremony
performed in New York—Grand reception at the White House—A
beautiful bride—Mistress of the White House eight months—Close of
the administration—Ex-President a Virginia farmer—Resides at his
estate on the James river—Mrs. Tyler the mother of many
children—Death of the ex-President in 1862—Mrs. Tyler returns to
New York—Resides at Carleton Hill, Staten Island—Losses of
property—Asks Congress for a pension—Subsequent residence in
Georgetown, Maryland 397