Dolley Madison Signed Letter.

MADISON, Dolley & James.

Item Number: 4610

One page signed letter from Dolley Madison dated May 1, 1835, concerning her husband James Madison’s illness. Also appears to be signed by James Madison on the top right address label. The letter reads, “Long After its date, dear Mrs. Thomas, I had the pleasure to receive your charming note, containing an emblem of constancy which I have carefully put away with other valuables. I must tell you, however, that this magic flower was not necessary to remind us of one, whom we so truly admired, and whose visit with her son, to Montpelier, is a bright gleam in our retrospections. I regret that Mrs. Grymes did not send it before she left our neighborhood, or inform me she had met you in Baltimore., in order that I might have made inquiries after you, your estimable Mother and your Sister, and have learnt from her whether you had left that place or where I should address you, being now at a loses, I shall commit this to our friend, Doctor Dunglison. My dear Husband is better, after several spells of illness during the Winter and Spring. He is not yet well enough to ride out, but my hopes of his recovery revive, even with this small amendment in the state of his health. Will you accept from him and from me, our inited and affectionate salutations? D.P. Madison May 1, 1835.” “Orange C.H. June 5 VA. To the care of Mr. Skinner, P.M. Mrs. Thomas, Baltimore.”

Dorothea "Dolley" Dandridge Payne Todd Madison was the wife of James Madison, President of the United States from 1809 to 1817. She was noted for her social graces, which boosted her husband’s popularity as President. In this way, she did much to define the role of the President’s spouse, known only much later by the title First Lady—a function she had sometimes performed earlier for the widowed Thomas Jefferson. Dolley Madison also helped to furnish the newly constructed White House. When the British set fire to it in 1814, she was credited with saving the classic portrait of George Washington. In widowhood, she often lived in poverty, partially relieved by the sale of her late husband’s papers.