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CONTENTS.
Mexico—His return to the White House—Drank freely of cold water and ate fruit—Violent illness—General Taylor has the cholera—His premonitions regarding the end—The remarks concerning his performance of duty—"His motives misconstrued; his feelings grossly betrayed"—Mrs. Taylor admits the possibility of his death—Bitterly regrets their coming to Washington—Prostrate at her husband's bedside—Her children about her—The death-bed scene—The last good-bye—The grief of the family—Heart-rending cries of agony—The end—The removal of the President's remains—Mrs. Taylor's retirement from the White House—Her dream of happiness ended—Never alluded to her life in Washington—W' ith her friends in Kentucky—Finds personal utterances of sympathy oppressive—Retires to her son's residence—Her home near Pascagoula, Louisiana—Leads a quiet life—Death of Major Bliss—A second marriage—The historical name laid aside—The end of a public career |
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ABIGAIL FILLMORE.
A daughter of Rev. Lemuel Powers—Born in 1798—A descendant of Henry Leland, of Sherbourne—Loses her father in infancy—Her mother her teacher and guide—Removal to Cayuga county, New York—A frontier settlement—Stern lessons of poverty—A studious and ambitious girl—Teaches school during the summer months—A well-educated woman—The omnipotence of energy—Miss Power's blessing of physical health—Personal appearance—Flowing curls of flaxen hair—Her face a mirror of her soul—Much strength of character—Marriage of her mother— The daughter a teacher—Her home with a relative—Meets Mr. Fillmore—A teacher of the village school in winter—The father's unwise selection of work—The son ambitious and studious—Studying law while a clothier's apprentice—A friendly hand extended— The youth assisted—The foundation of usefulness laid—Removes to Erie county—Miss Powers his inspiration and hope—Their engagement—Separated for three years—Too poor to make a journey of 150 miles—Married in 1826—Life in the wilderness—Poor and content—Their first home—The wife teaches school, keeps house, and helps her husband—Relieves him of care—His progress rapid—Practises law—Elected to the Legislature—Mrs. Fillmore a true help-meet—Intellectually her husband's equal—A sunny nature—Two children in her home—Letters to an old friend— Removal to Buffalo—Mr. Fillmore prospering—Domestic happiness—Social pleasures—Mr. Fillmore's tribute to his wife—Greeted his entire married life with smiles—Her supreme devotion to her husband—Mr. Fillmore in Congress—Elected Vice-President—Death of President Taylor—Mr. Fillmore's accession to the Presidency— Mrs. Fillmore in the White House—Her daughter assumes the first position —Mrs. Fillmore in feeble health—Fond of the society of friends—Her love of music—Mrs. Fillmore a great reader—No library in the White House—President Filmore asks an appropriation—Mrs. Fillmore arranges the library—A happy gathering place— The weekly receptions at -the White House—Dinner parties—A large circle of cultured people in Washington—Their welcome to the White House— |
