Читать книгу First Ladies For Dummies - Marcus A. Stadelmann, Marcus A. Stadelmann PhD - Страница 50

In 1790, the capital was moved to Philadelphia. Martha was happier there, making more friends, but she still missed Mount Vernon.

Early presidential wives not only served as hostesses but were also a link to Congress, foreign diplomats, and the American people. Custom directed that a lady had to return all the calling cards left by other ladies. Therefore, if the wife of a new member of Congress left her card at the presidential mansion, the First Lady had to return the call, meaning she had to visit the Congressman’s wife. Martha returned each visit usually within three days. This function was important because it was not only expected but could be used to establish good will with members of Congress.

Other functions were to represent the president at public events when the president wasn’t available or to accept gifts on his behalf. For example, on several occasions when President Washington was ill, Martha attended church on his behalf, and when the City of New York wanted to give him a fancy carriage as a gift, he didn’t accept it but Martha did.

Martha soon realized that in the role of First Lady, she could participate in the president’s role as Head of State. In this function, she could represent the United States both domestically and also internationally, by hosting foreign diplomats in the White House.