Ten Years in Washington or, Inside Life and Scenes in Our National Capital as a Woman Sees Them ... to Which Is Added a Full Account of the Life and Death of President James A. Garfield

CHAPTER XX.

Chapter 20121 wordsPublic domain

LADIES OF THE WHITE HOUSE.

A Morning Dream—Wives and Daughters of the Presidents—An Average Matron of the 18th Century—Educational Disadvantages—A Well-Regulated Lady—Useful Wife—Advantages of Having a Distinguished Husband—A Modern Lucretia—Washington’s Inauguration Suit—An Awkward Position for a Lady—Festivities in Franklin Square!—Transporting the Household Gods—Keeping Early Hours—Primitive Customs—Much-Shaken Hands—Remembrances of a Past Age—Very Questionable Humility—The Room in which Washington Died—Days of Widowhood—A Wife’s Congratulations—A True Woman—Domestic Affairs at the White House—An Unfinished Mansion—Interesting Details—A Woman’s Influence—A Monument Wanted—Devotion of a Husband—The “Single Life”—Disappointed Belles—An Extraordinary Reception—Blacked His Own Boots—A Daughter’s Affection, 177