The Ladies of the White House; Or, in the Home of the Presidents: Being a Complete History of the Social and Domestic Lives of the Presidents from Washington to the Present Time—1789–1881Holloway, Laura C. (Laura Carter)
History
The Ladies of the White House; Or, in the Home of the Presidents: Being a Complete History of the Social and Domestic Lives of the Presidents from Washington to the Present Time—1789–1881
Holloway, Laura C. (Laura Carter)
Presidents -- United States -- Biography; Presidents' spouses -- United States -- Biography
“Penetrated with grief at this distressing event of my life, mourning
the loss of one who has been at once my example and my support through
the trials of half a century, permit me nevertheless to express through
you my deepest gratitude for the signal manner in which the public
regard has been voluntarily manifested by your honorable body, and the
consolation derived to me and mine from the reflection that the
unwearied efforts of an old public servant have not even in this world
proved without their reward in the generous appreciation of them by his
country.
“With great respect, I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,
“LOUISA CATHERINE ADAMS.”
On the following week, the remains of the deceased ex-President were
conveyed to Quincy, accompanied by a committee of one from each State
and Territory in the Union.
After this sad event in Mrs. Adams’ life, she lived uninterruptedly at
her home in Quincy, enjoying the society of her children and relations.
Mr. Charles Francis Adams thus closes a letter regarding his mother:
“I should be very glad to be of service to you if I were possessed of
the material which you desire in connection with the life of my mother.
But I fear they are not to be found among the papers left by her. She
wrote much and read a great deal, both of French and English literature,
and translated from the former for the amusement of her friends. She
also wrote verses frequently in the same way. But all these
accomplishments of hers, including a nice taste in music and a
well-cultivated voice, are matters of little moment in a publication,
however much they may contribute to the refinement of the social circle
at home. Although she lived to quite an advanced age, her health was
always delicate and variable, so as to interrupt the even tenor of her
life and disincline her to the efforts required for general society,
especially during her twelve years spent at different courts in Europe.”
Mrs. Adams died the 14th of May, 1852, and was buried by the side of her
husband, in the family burying-ground at Quincy, Massachusetts.
VII.
RACHEL JACKSON.
The cruel misrepresentations of political opponents had crushed the
heart of Rachel Jackson, and ended her days before her husband took
possession of the Home of the Presidents. She was denied the
gratification of accompanying him to Washington, and of gracing the
White House, but she was even in death the President’s wife, and as such
is ranked. In his heart she lived there, the object of the most
deathless and exalted affection, the spiritual comforter and companion
of his lonely hours. The friends and visitors of the new President saw
her not, nor was she mentioned by the throng; but to him she was ever
present in the form of memory and eternal, undying love.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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