Details
MADISON, Dolley, First Lady. Autograph letter signed ("D P Madison") to Richard Smith, Montpelier, 13 March 1843. 2 pages, 4to, even discoloration to right portion of page 1. TENANTS FOR MONTPELIER. Having moved to Washington following the death of her husband, Dolley Madison remained landlady of the Madison's former home, Montpelier. Concerning her tenants, named Roosevelt, she writes to Mr. Smith: "...I hope they will remain in the house as long as it is agreeable to them. I have no prospect of selling it for some months, and no wish to sell it, but an unabated one, to be again your neighbour by residence in it. I have heard no further from Genl. Almonte...Should he change his wishes...I shall continue to rent for its security." At the end she asks Smith to "accept my thanks for affecting the Insurance of my house and furniture."
Following James Madison's death in 1836, Dolley found herself in dire financial straights, largely the result of her lavish entertaining and the bad habits of her spendthrift son, John Todd. She was forced to sell Madison's papers to Congress, and eventually was forced to sell the home, Montpelier.
Following James Madison's death in 1836, Dolley found herself in dire financial straights, largely the result of her lavish entertaining and the bad habits of her spendthrift son, John Todd. She was forced to sell Madison's papers to Congress, and eventually was forced to sell the home, Montpelier.
