Overview

A triumphal finish: the Madisons leave Washington -- A perfect match: Dolley and James Madison -- "More agreeable hours": the Secretary of State years -- The merry affair: diplomatic disunity -- "A perfect palace": Dolley creates "the White House" -- "A place to see and be seen": the uses of the drawing room -- The "Queen of Hearts": Dolley's public persona -- "Mrs. Madison's War": Dolley's role in the War of 1812 -- Washington divided: Dolley's work for unity under fire -- "A more perfect union": the Madison legacy.;This book examines the life of Dolley Madison when she was the First Lady of the United States. It discusses how she helped to promote national unity, modeled a political behavior that stressed civility and empathy, and set an example for future presidential wives to follow.