Years of political life (1825-1849) Sarah Childress Polk



sarah , james


during polk s political career, sarah assisted husband speeches, gave him advice on policy matters , played active role in campaigns. in washington congressman s wife during administrations of john quincy adams, andrew jackson, , martin van buren, mrs. polk enjoyed social duties. in 1830 risked breach jackson, husband s mentor, taking part in social ostracism of peggy eaton, during petticoat affair, although continued greet eaton, unlike vice president john c. calhoun s wife, floride calhoun, , of cabinet members wives.


in 1845, sarah polk became 11th first lady of united states. lively, charming, intelligent, , conversationalist. president polk @ times discussed policy matters her. while enjoyed politics, cautioned husband, health never robust, against overwork. devout presbyterian, first lady banned dancing, card games, , hard liquor @ official receptions , refused attend horse races or theatre. when attended inaugural ball, did not dance. hosted first annual thanksgiving dinner @ white house.


unlike julia tyler s waltzes, polk entertainments sedate , sober affairs earned first lady nickname sahara sarah . although accounts stated polks never served wine, congressman s wife recorded in diary details of four-hour dinner forty @ white house—glasses 6 different wines, pink champagne ruby port , sauterne, formed rainbow around each plate.








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