Description:

Dolley Madison
n.p., n.d.
Dolley Madison ALS On James Madison, Disputes Comments "calculated to raise doubts, of Mr. Madison's political consistency"
3rd person ALS

A 2pp autograph letter signed in the third person by former First Lady Dolley Madison (1768-1849), when writing out her husband's name as "Mr Madison's" within the text on line 6. N.d., n.p. Inscribed on either side of a single blue-lined sheet, with the letter writer's name, "Mrs. Madison," found on the integral address half-leaf. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and a few chipped edges. A former collector's pencil-inscribed notes, and a few isolated stains. Else near fine. 7.875" x 10.125."

Dolley Madison wrote this letter to an unidentified correspondent - possibly female - as she at one point rhetorically asks: "What would you have a sister do, in such a strait?" The letter examines a delicate issue: whether Dolley Madison should help clear the name of Massachusetts-born historian George Bancroft (1800-1891), accused of complicating her husband's historical legacy.

In the past and present, Bancroft was denunciated for intimating that Madison was a political flip-flopper. Dolley Madison did not dispute that Bancroft presented James Madison's views over time in a complicated or confusing way, but nor did she relish Bancroft's character assassination at the hands of the press. Evidently, Bancroft was lobbying Dolley Madison to help him defend himself against such accusations, and Dolley is clearly uncomfortable with this request. Ultimately, Dolley's alliance is to James Madison, her "Husband, and friend, who was without a fault."

Dolley Madison wrote in full, with original usage:

"Confidential.

Mr Bancroft has made me very uneasy on a subject which brought upon him much animadversion some years ago - You will perhaps remember, that in his Oration before the Democrasy of Springfield, Massachusetts - he represents conversations held at Montpelier, calculated to raise doubts, of Mr. Madison's political consistency as contained in his writings, and his words on the floor of Congress. I heard of these disclosures at the time, and tho' deeply absorbed in other thoughts, I lamented the unsparing abuse showered upon the man who could speak and write so beautifully - so feelingly - but 'twas an omen to ask for moderation - the Gazette contained darkened with harshest language towards him. He now wishes me to contradict the unjust motion of treachery and breach of confidence ascribed to him by stating my recollections of what was said in my presence. What would you have a sister do, in such a strait? One who would not for the world offend his or her friends even in their enthusiasm nor would it become her to say one word for the relief of this powerful complainant.

I pray you not to infer that my bold opinion is to influence yours - it is merely given to exonerate myself from Mr B-s idea that the right and the wrong would not be the same in my adherence to a Husband, and friend, who was without a fault."

Dolley Madison mentioned Bancroft's 1836 address in her letter; this was "An Oration Delivered Before the Democracy of Springfield and Neighboring Towns, July 4, 1836" (Springfield: George and Charles Merriam, Main Street, 1836). In this speech, Bancroft recalled several meetings with Madison at Montpelier in March and April 1836, just a few months before the great statesman's death on June 28th. Nothing in Bancroft's universal praise of Madison suggests that the historian does not revere the former Founding Father. But in the "Note" section following the address, on p. 40, Bancroft ventures into murkier waters of historical interpretation by suggesting that the Federalist Madison disapproved of some National Republicans and approved of some Democrats. Bancroft was arguing that Madison was essentially apolitical - that he prioritized principles over political parties - but it seemed a dubious point when one considered that Bancroft, a Democratic politician, might have also had an ulterior motive.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.875" x 10.125"
  • Medium: 3rd person ALS

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