for his attacks on Washington’s policies and was afraid that the stress of the presidency would kill her husband.
Hosting the World in Retirement
One of the happiest days in Martha’s life was when George Washington decided to forgo seeking a third term. She was finally able to retire to Virginia in 1797 (see Figure 3-3). However, retirement wasn’t all relaxation. George took care of his massive plantation that had grown to 8,000 acres, and Martha hosted hundreds of visitors yearly. Hosting about 600 strangers each year who just stopped by to see George Washington and say hello was a big undertaking. Martha had to feed them, and often they stayed overnight. To make matters worse, George Washington usually left early, and she had to entertain her guests. But, Martha did this with grace and a continued sense of pride for her husband. She had become the perfect hostess.
Source: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Reproduction number LC-DIG-pga-01370 (digital file from original print)
FIGURE 3-3: Martha Washington in retirement.
George Washington died two years later, and Martha was once again a widow. Martha burned all their correspondence. She didn’t want anyone else to know about her husband’s feelings, fears, and opinions of colleagues. Historians found only two letters hidden in her desk after she died. One was from her husband written after he accepted the offer to become the Commander of the Continental Army. In the letter, George wrote:
Washington then went on to explain his reasons for accepting the offer and why he needed her support.
Martha was devastated by George’s death. The love of her life was gone. All of her children had passed, and she was ready to go, too. She said after George died:
Every day, Martha walked to George’s tomb on Mount Vernon and prayed. She was counting the days until she could be reunited with the love of her life. In 1802, Martha came down with a severe fever, which killed her at the age of 70 on May 22, 1802. Both George and Martha were buried in a tomb at Mount Vernon.
The Washington’s established the tradition of bringing enslaved servants with them. This practice ended with the Taylor administration in 1850.
Chapter 4
Setting Precedents
IN THIS CHAPTER
The role of First Lady was still being shaped by the women who filled it after Martha Washington. All three ladies discussed in this chapter, Abigail Adams, Martha Jefferson, and Dolley Madison, continued to set precedents for future First Ladies. While Martha Washington (see Chapter 3) focused on being a charming hostess for White House affairs, Abigail Adams was politically outspoken, impacting policy making. She was the first First Lady to have more than a ceremonial role. Dolley Madison combined the two traits. She was one of the most gracious White House hostesses who also wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. On a sadder side, Martha Jefferson established the precedent of wives who passed before their husbands became president still being referred to as First Lady.
Abigail Smith Adams (1744–1818)
Abigail Smith Adams (see Figure 4-1) was born on November 22, 1744, in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Her mother was a descendant from one of the oldest and most prominent families in Massachusetts, the Quincy family. Her father was a minister who had graduated from Harvard University. He was responsible for most of Abigail’s schooling, and early on she was an avid reader, familiarizing herself with the great works of the day. She also fell in love with writing, which resulted in almost 1,200 letters to her husband, John Adams, which gave historians a glimpse of not only political life in the late 18th century but also her political influence on the future president.
Source: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Reproduction number LC-DIG-hec-13515 (digital file from original negative)
FIGURE 4-1: Abigail Smith Adams.
Abigail was introduced to John Adams by her sister’s fiancé. John Adams at the time was a Harvard-educated lawyer. He was infatuated with her right away, being impressed with her intelligence, and the two got married in a ceremony presided over by her father on October 25, 1764.
Abigail was the first politically active First Lady. She was well educated, articulate, and intelligent. She often discussed political issues with her husband before he made his decisions. She was very influential in policy making and wasn’t afraid to discuss politics with her husband.
