The Mammoth Book of Heroes by Jon E. Lewis

Author:Jon E. Lewis
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781780337258
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

DOLLEY MADISON RESCUES THE

NATIONAL TREASURE

Dolley Madison

It is now all but forgotten, but between 1812 and 1815 Britain and America were at war. Towards the end of the campaign, the British marched on Washington DC which caused government officials to pack up and pack off historic documents and national treasures. Unfortunately, the portrait of George Washington in the dining room of the White House refused to leave the wall as the redcoats approached. It would have been a bruising humiliation for it to fall into British hands. Dolley Madison, wife of the fourth president, saved the day. And even managed to pen a letter about the episode as gun and cannon sounded around her.

Tuesday, August 23, 1814

Dear Sister:

My husband left me yesterday morning to join General Winder. He inquired anxiously whether I had courage or firmness to remain in the President’s house until his return on the morrow, or succeeding day, and on my assurance that I had no fear but for him, and the success of our army, he left, beseeching me to take care of myself, and of the Cabinet papers, public and private. I have since received two dispatches from him, written with a pencil. The last is alarming, because he desires I should be ready at a moment’s warning to enter my carriage, and leave the city; that the enemy seemed stronger than had at first been reported, and it might happen that they would reach the city with the intention of destroying it. I am accordingly ready; I have pressed as many Cabinet papers into trunks as to fill one carriage; our private property must be sacrificed, as it is impossible to procure wagons for its transportation.

I am determined not to go myself until I see Mr Madison safe, so that he can accompany me, as I hear of much hostility toward him. Disaffection stalks around us. My friends and acquaintances are all gone, even Colonel C. with his hundred, who were stationed as a guard in this enclosure. French John [a faithful servant], with his usual activity and resolution, offers to spike the cannon at the gate, and lay a train of powder, which would blow up the British, should they enter the house. To this last proposition I positively object, without being able to make him understand why all advantages in war may not be taken.

Wednesday morning, twelve o’clock. Since sunrise I have been turning my spy-glass in every direction, and watching with unwearied anxiety, hoping to discover the approach of my dear husband and his friends; but, alas! I can descry only groups of military, wandering in all directions, as if there was a lack of arms, or of spirit to fight for their own fireside.

Three o’clock. Will you believe it, my sister? we have had a battle, or skirmish, near Bladensburg, and here I am still, within sound of the cannon! Mr Madison comes not. May God protect us! Two messengers, covered with dust, come to bid me fly; but here I mean to wait for him .

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