ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the press coverage of First Lady Dolley Madison as reported in accounts published in three newspapers, the National Intelligencer, the organ of the Madison administration; the Charleston Daily Courier, a non-partisan publication; and the New York Post a Federalist newspaper.

Dolley Madison’s years as First Lady and relationship with the press are outlined first, to facilitate an understanding of coverage found in newspapers. Selected press reports of women in general are also discussed as a context for expected coverage.

Coverage of five events was analyzed in order to address how the First Lady’s role was defined in press content by looking at the images of Dolley Madison that appeared. The selected events included James Madison’s inaugurations on March 4, 1809, and March 4, 1813; the Madison’s first evening party, March 30, 1809; a flag presentation on December 8, 1812, and the February 15, 1815, peace treaty celebration.

The news reports were examined to try to identify what seemed acceptable for the First Lady role during the early 19th century when Dolley Madison was in the position. In the analysis, both the type and tone of coverage were noted, and particular attention was given to which events and activities were selected, excluded and emphasized.

This paper is a portion of a larger study about media coverage of First Ladies.