Page:The Ladies of the White House.djvu/32

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CONTENTS
popular in Washington—Is conspicuous in society—An interested spectator of passing events—Studies politics—Her Tennessee home—Summers spent in it—A member of the Presbyterian Church—Mr. Polk elected Governor of Tennessee—Removes to Nashville—Mrs. Polk among old friends—Devotes her time to social duties—The Presidential campaign of 1840—Political rancor and animosity—The bearing of the Governor's wife—Governor Polk the Presidential candidate of 1844—Henry Clay his opponent—Election of Governor Polk—Inaugurated in 1845—disagreeable day—Mrs. Polk mistress of the White House—Has no children to occupy her time—Her weekly receptions—Received her company sitting—Great dignity of Mrs. Polk—A daughter of the old school—A woman of strict decorum—No dancing allowed in the White House—Mrs. Polk's admirers—Her personal appearance—Excellent taste in dress—Poetical tribute from Mrs. Ann S. Stephens — The receptions largely attended—Mrs. Polk's costume—Distinguished people present—A neat compoment—The war with Mexico inaugurated—Its continuance until 1848—President Polk's affable manners—Newspaper compliments to Mrs. Polk—Dangerous illness in the White House—Taylor elected President—Ex-President Polk gives a dinner party to him—The closing levee at the White House—The farewells to the ex-President and Mrs. Polk—Departure from Washington—Demonstrations of respect—Arrival at Nashville A fitting welcome—Purchase of Polk Place—A contemplated tour to Europe—Ill health of Mr. Polk—His death—Buried in the grounds of his late residence—A marble temple—Mrs. Polk resides alone—Every courtesy and sympathetic attention paid her—The ex-President's study kept as he left it Public marks of respect paid Mrs. Polk— The members of the Legislature pay her New Year's calls—During Confederate days—Mrs. Polk a type of a class passing away—A descriptive letter—An old age of comfort and peace — Reticent concerning herself—Surrounded by relatives and friends
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MARGARET TAYLOR.

The wife of an army officer—Little known to the public—Opposed to public notice—General Taylor a frontier officer—The hero of the Black Hawk and the Seminole wars— Mrs. Taylor's army experience—Never willingly separated from her husband—An example of wifely devotion—With her husband at Tampa Bay—A quarter of a century of tent life—Always at the side of her husband—A happy and contented wife—A very domestic woman—Her housekeeping accomplishments—Mrs. Taylor a Maryland lady—Received a practical education—Her one ambition—Married in early life—Her husband a young officer—Removal to the West—Her attentions to her husband— Her children—Sent to her relatives to be reared and educated—Rapid promotion of her husband—His wife the presiding genius of the hospital—The comforts of a home always his— Established at Baton Rouge— The pretty cottage on the river bank—Once a Spanish commondant's house—A delightful home at last—Mrs. Taylor and her two daughters—Busy with household cares — Domestic life complete—War with Mexico—General Taylor ordered to the front—Miss Betty in the perfection of her womanhood—Her happy home