Z3401

James Madison

Madison and His Home, Montpelier

Cover Announcement 

James Madison

This year marked the 250th anniversary of the birth of James Madison — the fourth president of the United States. To achieve a different look, I placed the stamp at the upper left of the cover so that James and his lovely wife Dolley could fill the envelope from the center all the way to the right. Done in beautiful watercolors, it presents an excellent look at one of our young nation's first couples.

Born March 16, 1751 in Virginia, James Madison graduated from The College of New Jersey, which was to become Princeton. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1779. Madison was very instrumental in drafting our Constitution. While serving in the House of Representatives, he played a leading role in ratifying the Bill of Rights. After serving as Thomas Jefferson's secretary of state for eight years, James Madison was elected president in 1808.

Introduced by Aaron Burr in May of 1794, James and Dolley were married in September of that same year. When she passed away in 1849, the phrase "first lady" was used for the very first tie during her eulogy. During her time in Washington, she played an important role in entertaining official guests and refurbishing the White House. She was present when the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid and was the first one to send a personal telegraph message. On the lighter side, she was the first to serve ice cream in the White House and started the famous Easter egg roll on the Capitol lawn.

As James made important contributions as one of our founders, the lovely Dolley was ever present by his side, and their partnership helped our nation to establish the democratic traditions and freedoms that we all cherish today. I am honored to present our fourth President and his First Lady — James and Dolley Madison. Collins #Z3401 - $12.25.