Dolley Madison (1768-1849) revolutionized the role of the First Lady in American politics by hosting an astounding number of social functions during the presidency of her husband, James Madison, from 1809 to 1817. After James’ death in 1836, Dolley moved back to Washington, D.C., from their home at Montpelier, Virginia and continued her social engagements.
On June 8, 1846, Dolley penned a letter from Washington, D.C. to General Zachary Taylor in Matamoros, Mexico, during the Mexican War (1846-1848). Dolley’s stylish handwriting is immediately apparent. She wrote the bottom of each word precisely on a horizontal line flowing from left to right. Moreover, she extended many of the last letters of words in a straight line to the right of the ended word. In the text of the letter, Dolley wished General Taylor well and praised him for his “mercy” and his “Patriot’s glory.” She signed this letter as “D.P. Madison,” a reference to her maiden name “Payne.”
Dolley also noted that Rev. John McElroy, S.J., a Jesuit priest, would bear this letter to General Taylor in Matamoros. She described Fr. McElroy as a “respected and good chaplain” whom she had known for a long time. Today, the letter is preserved with several pieces of Fr. McElroy’s correspondence in box 10, folder 12 of the Maryland Province Archives of the Society of Jesus, which documents the Province and Jesuit activities in Maryland and elsewhere dating back to the 17th century. It is unclear why Dolley’s letter remained with Fr. McElroy or whether the general replied to her missive. (The Library of Congress houses the Dolley Madison papers; the Dolley Madison Digital Edition is an effort of the University of Virginia to present her papers digitally for research.)
Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) served as one of the top American generals in the Mexican War. He established a base at Matamoros early in the war. President James Madison was a second cousin of Taylor. Thus, in the letter in question, Dolley signed off as “Your friend and relation.” Dolley died on July 12, 1849 in Washington, D.C. Taylor, who served as U.S. President from March 4, 1849 to his death in office on July 9, 1850, lined up with his cabinet and Congressmen to honor Dolley at her funeral.
Rev. John McElroy, S.J. (1782-1877) served as an American military chaplain during the Mexican War. He was assigned to the base camp at Matamoros and tended to wounded soldiers. He had been at Georgetown College (later University) for a time prior to the war. Later, Fr. McElroy helped found Boston College in 1863.
--Scott S. Taylor, Manuscripts Archivist
April 6, 2018