2016/04/29 by Billy L. Wayson · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Business, Management and Accounting · Arts and Humanities · Psychology · #American Constitutional Law and Politics #American History and Culture #Historical Studies on Reproduction, Gender, Health, and Societal Changes #Wife #Daughter #Presidential system #Performance art #Affection #Citation #Classics #Politics #History #Art history #Art #Law #Psychology #Political science
paper · doi:10.1002/9781118732250.ch3
openalex publication_date 2016/04/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Martha Jefferson Randolph occupies a unique position in the history of America's first ladies. She was neither wife nor consort nor confidante, but her deep affection for Thomas Jefferson and for his acknowledged need for a sympathetic counterpoise to political life provided critical nourishment for his sustaining twenty turbulent years in public service. The president's “dearest Martha” visited Washington City just briefly, on two occasions, but she symbolized a peaceful, mountain-top refuge as well as a resolute reassurance that the harried president would be cared for in old age. Their letters during the 1801–1809 presidential years reveal just how powerfully emotions can bear on the performance of official duties.