Not Just the President’s Wife: How First Ladies Broke the Barrier In Their Role for Advocacy

Martha Washington hated her time as First Lady. She felt it was a duty to her husband and country. Martha felt as though being First Lady limited her from doing things she loved. She and the president were forbidden from accepting invitations to dine in private homes. She hated that everything she did was being recorded by the press.

"I live a very dull life here... indeed I think I am more like a state prisoner than anything else."

~Martha Washington

"New York October the 23d 1789

My dear Fanny

I have by Mrs Sims sent you a watch it is one of the cargoe that I have so long mentioned to you, that was expected, I hope is such a one as will please you - it is of the newest fashon, if that has any influence on your tast - The chain is of Mr Lears choosing and such as Mrs Adams the vice Presidents Lady and those in the polite circle wares. It will last as long as the fashon - and by that time you can get another of a fashonable kind - I send to dear Maria a piece of Chino to make her a frock - the piece of muslin I hope is long enough for an apron for you, and in exchange for it, 1 beg you will give me the worked muslin apron you have like my gown that I made just before I left home of worked muslin as I wish to make a petticoat of the two aprons - for my gown - Mrs Sims will give you a better account of the fashons than I can - I live a very dull life hear and know nothing that passes in the town - I never goe to the publick place - indeed I think I am more like a state prisoner than anything else, there is certain bounds set for me which I must not depart from - and as I can not doe as I like I am obstinate and stay at home a great deal -

The President set out this day week on a tour to the eastward Mr Lear and Major Jackson attended him - my dear children has had very bad colds but thank god they are getting better My love and good wishes attend you and all with you - remember me to Mr & Mrs L Wn how is the poor child - kiss Maria I send her two little handkerchiefs to wipe her nose

Adieu
I am my dear Fanny yours
most affectionately
M Washington

Mrs F Washington
Mount Vernon
Favored by
Mrs. Sims"

(George Washington's Mount Vernon Letter, Martha Washington to Fanny Bassett Washington, October 23, 1789)

"“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances."

~Martha Washington

              (Library of Congress Martha Washington)