Dolley Payne Todd Madison is the topic for the third episode in the C-SPAN series First Ladies which airs today, March 11, at 9pm ET. Dolley Payne, a Quaker, was married to lawyer John Todd, Jr. in 1790. Sadly she lost her husband and baby William in the yellow fever epidemic that struck Philadelphia in 1793. Left with a son, John Payne Todd, Dolley, age 26, was courted by James Madison, age 43. Her aunt Catharine T. Coles assured her that Madison

thinks so much of you in the day that he has Lost his Tongue, at Night he Dreames of you & Starts in his Sleep a Calling on you to relieve his Flame for he Burns to such an excess that he will be shortly consumed … he has consented to every thing that I have wrote about him with Sparkling Eyes.

On September 16, 1794, Dolley told her friend Elizabeth Collins Lee in Virginia of her impending marriage.

As a proof my dearest Eliza of that confidence & friendship which has never been interrupted between us I have stolen from the family to commune with you—to tell you in short, that in the cource of this day I give my Hand to the Man who of all other’s I most admire—You will not be at a loss to know who this is as I have been long ago gratify’d In haveing your approbation—In this Union I have everything that is soothing and greatful in prospect—& my little Payne will have a generous & tender protector.
A Settlement of all my real property with a considerable Adition of Money is made upon him with Mr. M—’s approbation. …
But how shall I express the anxiety I feel to see you? That friend whose goodness, at many interresting periods I have greatfully experienced would now rejoice us by the sight of her. …
Adeiu! Adeiu.
Dolley Payne ToddEvening.
Dolley Madisson! Alass!

Quoted material appears on page 190 of In the Words of Women. The portrait is by Gilbert Stuart (1804) and is part of The White House Historical Association (White House Collection).

March is Women’s History month. Time for this blog to renew its commitment to focus on women during the nation’s founding and early years by providing readers with glimpses into their lives reported in their own words culled from the book In the Words of Women and other sources.

C-SPAN is expanding this focus by launching a two-year series on First Ladies, exploring their private lives as well as the public roles they played. Each episode of ninety minutes features one of the First Ladies, proceeding in chronological order. Season One debuted on Presidents Day 2013 (Feb. 18) and will continue on C-SPAN every Monday at 9pm ET until June 2013—fifteen programs in all covering Martha Washington through Ida McKinley. Season 2 will follow in the fall with the remaining first ladies.

Although the first two episodes—on Martha Washington and Abigail Adams—have aired already they can be viewed on the C-SPAN website. The format includes moderator Susan Swain with a panel of two experts, who answer questions and Pokies exchange views, interspersed with visuals, timelines, and maps, with commentary by other narrators. For Martha Washington, guests were presidential historian Richard Norton Smith and Patricia Brady author of Martha: An American Life. The program on Abigail Adams featured C. James Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of the Adams Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society, as well as Edith Gelles, author of three wonderful books on the Adamses, and a particular favorite of mine. The producers have tried very hard to make these programs appealing as well as informative, providing context for viewers with a sketchy knowledge of the period represented. Personally, I feel the episodes are too long; an hour would be sufficient. Call-ins and tweets are included in the programs, token gestures to interactivity; I admit I have very little tolerance for this sort of voxpop. Nevertheless, I urge those with an interest in history, and women’s history in particular, to view this illuminating series.

The images are by Jone Johnson Lewis, adapted from those at the Library of Congress.

I have just finished reading a new children’s book called Snowball The Dancing Cockatoo by Sy Montgomery, with illustrations by Judith Oksner, who happens to be a friend. It may be that you have seen a video that went viral: Snowball dancing to the Back Street Boys or Snowball in the commercial for Geico with the gecko. Seems that Snowball dances in sync to the beat in whatever music he hears: rock, polkas, you name it. Scientists have tested the bird and confirmed its ability to do this, an ability previously thought to be unique to humans. Snowball lives at Bird Lovers Only Rescue Service, Inc., a not-for-profit bird rescue and sanctuary in Indiana.

Snowball reminded me of a letter from Cornelia Clinton, the daughter of New York Governor George Clinton, to the man she was in love with, French diplomat Edmond Genêt. Known as Citizen Genêt, he was busy trying to stir up private support for the French in spite of the official American policy of neutrality. During their courtship, Cornelia thanked Genêt for a gift he had sent: “The Parrot is beautiful and as a gift of yours will claim a share in my affections … I shall take great pleasure in hearing it say I love you Genêt.”

New York Government House Decr 18 1793Let my Prompt answer to your letter express to you the pleasure the reciept of it gave me, tho I assure you I did not want that to recall you to my memory—you have never since your departure been absent from my thoughts. … those Democratic principles [you value] serve but to endear you to me, for notwithstanding your worth I do not think I could have been attached to you had you been any thing but a Republican—support that Character to the end as you have begun, and let what may happen you, your friends in New York will never forsake you.

My Father does not forget you for we drink to your health every Day. … I regard your happiness too much to wish to see you at the risk of your honor or that of your Country, but at the same time I will promise you a kind reception from your Cornelia when you do come … my Brother [George Washington Clinton] is your Friend and wishes success to your Country, he Declares if France should not be succesfull he will go crazy—his heart is rapt up in the cause of Liberty. Cornelia

Cornelia married Genêt on November 6, 1794 with her father’s blessing, as well as £2,000.

Cornelia’s letter appears on page 188-89 of In the Words of Women. The illustration of Cornelia Clinton can be found in The Republican Court, or, American Society in the Days of Washington, new and rev. ed. (New York, 1856), plate opposite 295. You can buy the Snowball book HERE. All of the proceeds go to the rescue service.