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
The twofold duties of life pressed constantly upon her, nor did she
shirk any claim. Yet the compressed lip, and the oftentimes quivering
eyelid betrayed the restless moanings of her aching heart.
It has been remarked that she resembled Washington in manners and
person; she was like him as every weaker nature is like a stronger one
living in close relationship. She received from his stronger will his
influences, and he impressed her with his views so thoroughly that she
could not distinguish her own. Relying on his guidance in every thing,
she studied his features until her softer lineaments imperceptibly grew
like his, and the tones of her voice sounded wonderfully similar.
Imbibing the sentiments and teachings of such a nature, her own life was
ennobled and his rendered happy.
She had lived through the five grand acts of the drama of American
Independence, had witnessed its prelude and its closing tableaux, and
stood waiting to hear the swell of the pëan she was yet to sing in
heaven. Her life was passed in seasons of darkness, as of glorious,
refulgent happiness, and was contemporaneous with some of the greatest
minds that will ever shine out from any century. Her sphere was limited
entirely to social occupations, and possessing wealth and position she
gratified her taste. Had her character been a decided one, it would have
stamped the age in which she flourished, for, as there never was but one
Washington, so there will never come a time when there will be the same
opportunities as Mrs. Washington had for winning a name and an
individuality. But she did not aspire to any nobler ambition than merely
to perform the duties of her home, and she lives in the memories of her
descendants, and in the hearts of the people of the United States, as
the wife of the illustrious Father of his Country, and the first in
position of the women of the Revolution.
In the engraving we have before us, taken while in the Executive
Mansion, we trace the gradual development of her life. All the way
through it has counted more of bliss than of sorrow, and the calm
contentment of the face in repose speaks of a heart full of peace and
pleasantness. How expressive of sympathy and kindness of heart is that
serene face, and how instinctively we would trust it! Sustained as she
was by her deep devotional piety, and shielded by the protecting arm of
her husband, she grew in spiritual development and fondly believed
herself strong and self-reliant. But when she was tested, when the
earthly support was removed, the inward strength was insufficient, and
she pined under the loss until she died.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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