The National Intelligencer began in 1800 under the editorship of Samuel Harrison Smith. Although Smith sold the paper in 1810 to Joseph Gales and William Winston Seaton, the paper reigned in the nation's capital until the Civil War, when it ceased publication. Samuel Harrison Smith's wife, Margaret Bayard Smith, was one of Mrs. Madison's closest friends and first biographer. The paper's pages were filled with columns of the proceedings of Congress and official proclamations. The newspaper's copy on the death and funeral of Dolley Payne Madison reflects this view of journalism.

July 14, 1849. Announcement of Mrs. Madison's death.

July 16, 1849. Announcement of Mrs. Madison's funeral.

July 17, 1849. Description of Mrs. Madison's funeral.

July 19, 1849. Proposal for mourning.

Paul Jennings was Mr. Madison's slave and valet. Mrs. Madison sold him to Daniel Webster who in turn freed him. During the Civil War, Paul Jennings wrote this account.

Title page of the Jennings text.

Preface of the Jennings text.

Page vi of the Jennings text.