Details
MADISON, DOLLEY PAYNE, First Lady. Autograph letter signed ("D P Madison") to a cousin, [Montpelier,], 25 July 1834. 250 x 198 mm. (9¾ x 7¾ in.), silked, two tears repaired from verso.
A chatty letter to a family member: "...I was very thankful for your letter...I hope you will continue to write me whenever your lessons will permit. I cannot expect letters now, from our dear Madison, because all his attention is justly due, to his fair Bride...I am very proud at being remembered by the amiable friends you mention, & beg to be presented to them when you see them again. You are so good as to wish I had been with you at the Theater, as well as at Mrs. Taylor's party. I am sure I should have been delighted at both...I have been so unlucky as to cut my finger which makes it difficult to hold my pen & which will explain to you, my bad & short letter..."
Although James and Dolley Madison had no children of their own, they had an extended family that included more than thirty nieces and nephews. In fact, General Zachary Taylor, the twelfth President of the United States, was a second cousin of Madison's.
A chatty letter to a family member: "...I was very thankful for your letter...I hope you will continue to write me whenever your lessons will permit. I cannot expect letters now, from our dear Madison, because all his attention is justly due, to his fair Bride...I am very proud at being remembered by the amiable friends you mention, & beg to be presented to them when you see them again. You are so good as to wish I had been with you at the Theater, as well as at Mrs. Taylor's party. I am sure I should have been delighted at both...I have been so unlucky as to cut my finger which makes it difficult to hold my pen & which will explain to you, my bad & short letter..."
Although James and Dolley Madison had no children of their own, they had an extended family that included more than thirty nieces and nephews. In fact, General Zachary Taylor, the twelfth President of the United States, was a second cousin of Madison's.