28 LIVES OF THE PRESIDENTS Abraham s wife, ANGELICA, born in Sumter District, S. C., about 1820; died in New York city, December 29, 1878, was a daughter of Rich ard Singleton, a planter, and a cousin of William C. Preston and of Mrs. James Madison, who, while her kinswoman was completing her education in Philadelphia, presented her to President Van Buren. A year later she married Maj. Van Buren, in November, 1838, and on the following New- Year s-day she made her first appearance as mis tress of the White House. With her husband she visited England (where her uncle, Andrew Steven son, was U. S. minister) and other countries of Europe, in the spring of 1839, returning in the autumn to resume her place as hostess of the presi dential mansion. and literary partner, James K. Paulding. Halleck on several occa sions introduced the name of Van Buren in his poems, and in "Fanny," which first appeared in 1819, he remarks: "What, Egypt, was thy magic, to the tricks Of Mr. Charles, Judge Spencer, or Van Buren? The first with cards, the last in politics, A conjurer s fame for years has been securing." EDITOR.
