Time for a Historic Update From Ras

[rasputin1952]

I haven't posted one of these in a while...enjoy...


I was looking for something to post about Memorial Day, and I started thinking about many of the unsung heroes and heroines our country has produced and Dolley Madison just popped into my head. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for the good of the country; I find that it goes further than that, and should also be a time to reflect on the bravery of those stood bravely in times of great distress as well. During the War of 1812, Dolley showed great fortitude during the British attack on Washington in 1814. While her husband James, 4th President of the US, took off, ostensibly to meet up w/the Army to defend DC, Dolley stayed behind to take care of things in the White House. Her bravery and dedication to saving important documents of the US, as well as the famous portrait of Washington, showed her to be a woman of incredible integrity. She was an avid advocate for women's rights, and urged her husband to include women in the Bill of Rights, (something he failed to do), and women's suffrage, (not to be known in this nation until 1920). While James Madison is on the now defunct $5000 note, (last printed in 1934), personally, I think Dolley should have had that honor.


This is taken from a letter by First Lady Dolley Madison to her sister, Anna, written the day before Washington, D.C. was burned by British forces during the War of 1812. The letter describes the abandonment of the White House and Mrs. Madison's famous actions saving Gilbert Stuart's priceless portrait of George Washington. As Mrs. Madison fled she rendezvoused with her husband, and together, from a safe distance, they watched Washington burn.

"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 towards 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 inclosure. 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 the 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... At this late hour a wagon has been procured, and I have had it filled with plate and the most valuable portable articles, belonging to the house. Whether it will reach its destination, the "Bank of Maryland," or fall into the hands of British soldiery, events must determine. Our kind friend, Mr. Carroll, has come to hasten my departure, and in a very bad humor with me, because I insist on waiting until the large picture of General Washington is secured, and it requires to be unscrewed from the wall. This process was found too tedious for these perilous moments; I have ordered the frame to be broken, and the canvas taken out. It is done! and the precious portrait placed in the hands of two gentlemen of New York, for safe keeping. And now, dear sister, I must leave this house, or the retreating army will make me a prisoner in it by filling up the road I am directed to take. When I shall again write to you, or where I shall be to-morrow, I cannot tell!"


So, I offer this salute to one of America's great Patriots and one of our Finest daughter's,
Thank you Dolley, with out you and your bravery, we would be a bit less of a nation...:patriot:

[Minnesota Libra]

1. Thank you for the reminder that troubles abound but those before us.......

.....persevered and so will we. Our country will again rise up to it previous greatness. Thank you and a huge thank you the First Lady Dolley Madison.

[rasputin1952]

2. She did more than most people know of....

and talk about a class act First Lady...:D