Wilson, John (1777-1848) to Aaron Hobart
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06313.04.031 Author/Creator: Wilson, John (1777-1848) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1814 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
On the political matters of the day he describes Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin, who later that year was appointed one of the commissioners to negotiate the Treaty of Ghent, "as the Political index to guide us in the path to be pursued." Discusses fashion in Washington, D.C., describing Dolley Madison and what she wore. Mentions that she resembled Madame Johnson. Also gives a description of James Madison.
John Wilson was a Massachusetts congressman, elected as a federalist to the Thirteenth Congress (March 4, 1813-March 3, 1815)and the Fifteenth Congress (March 4, 1817-March 3, 1819).
[Draft Excerpt]
Mrs. Madison is a large, well formed woman, but not handsome... wore a pink colored satin robe, white satin - jockey bonnet, & white lace ruff, with a very handsome golden chain suspending a small golden watch, being a tall figure, & having, what I omitted, a white Ostrich feather directly in front of her bonnet, which was quite elevated, gave her a commanding appearance & she was probably the first, & Mr Madison the last, person who would strike the eye of any one who should enter the room, where were probably two hundred Ladies & Gentlemen. The famous Mrs, [rather] Madame, Buonaparte is about as beautiful as Rebekeh Hathaway. The ladies generally not so handsome as you will see in a ...county meeting house on Sunday...Mr Madison...is a small spare man, wears dark [text loss from seal] hair powdered...
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