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CONTENTS.
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life—The "Army of Occupation"—General Taylor made Commander-in-Chief—Mrs. Taylor and other daughters remain in their home—Honors to General Taylor—Mrs. Taylor's success with her garden and dairy—An example to the young officers' wives—Has a chapel prepared and the Episcopal services read—A rector's occasional presence secured—A handsome church erected later—The garrison chapel a popular resort—Many officers' wives at the post—Their anxiety over the war—Battles fought and officers killed—Mrs. Taylor's strength and courage—A runaway match—Miss Sarah Taylor's marriage to Lieutenant Jefferson Davis—General Taylor's opposition to his daughters marrying officers—His displeasure over the elopement—Away from home at the time—His rage at Lieutenant Davis's conduct—No honorable man would so act—Death of Mrs. Davis—No reconciliation with her father—The loss a great trial to him—Mrs. Taylor deeply affected—General Taylor's sense of sorrow—Meets Jefferson Davis at Buena Vista—Reconciliation on the battle-field—An embrace on the battle-field—The end of the campaign—General Taylor a hero—Miss Betty the object of much interest—The Presidential candidacy—Taylor elected—The cottage on the river a Mecca—A year of great excitement—Mrs. Taylor's hospitality—Her indifference to public honors—Her desire for retirement—"A plot to deprive her of her husband's society"—The army life ended—Miss Betty Taylor's marriage—A bride at twenty-two—Her husband, Major Bliss, her father's Adjutant-General—Mistress of the White House—Mrs. Taylor declining responsibility—"Miss Betty" the hostess—An attractive woman—The inauguration—Wildest enthusiasm—Washington's welcome to the nation's idol—A grand ball—Scenes at the ball—General Taylor's appearance—Madame Bodisco's dress—Zachary Taylor's favorite child—Her appearance as she entered the ball-room—Timid and faltering in step—The vast crowd pleased—Overwhelming enthusiasm—The home life at the White House— Mrs. Taylor absent from official entertainments—Her simple habits ridiculed—The summer passed in quietness—A reception to Father Matthew—The public not satisfied—A desire for greater ostentation at the White House—The following winter—Official life begun—Distinguished men in the Cabinet—The admission of California—Fiery eloquence of Clay—Webster and Calhoun members of the Senate—Political excitement—The change in the President's manner—Begins to realize the opposition—Is equal to the emergency—Mrs. Taylor abandons domestic affairs—Devotes herself to social duties—Appreciates the importance of her elevation—More ostentation displayed—A social revolution—The new era inaugurated by the ladies—Reception on the first anniversary of the inauguration—The President's family appear to advantage—General Taylor a surprise to his friends—A new roe played with success—Miss Betty the leader of society—The press expresses admiration—Cabinet changes—The general character of the administration—The spring passes away—Seventy-fourth anniversary of National Independence—Laying the cornerstone of the Washington Monument—General Taylor presides—The day intensely hot—Exposed to the sun—. notable event—The complaints of General Taylor regarding the heal—Never experienced such heat in Florida or |
