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A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison
Originally published in 1865. 22 pages. This volume is produced from digital images from the Cornell University Library Samuel J. May Anti-Slavery Collection.
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First published January 1, 1865
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About the author
Paul Jennings
3 books2 followersPaul Jennings (1799–1874) was a personal servant, as a young slave, to President James Madison during and after his White House years. After buying his freedom in 1845 from Daniel Webster, Jennings is noted for publishing in 1865 the first White House memoir. His book was A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison, described as "a singular document in the history of slavery and the early American republic."
Living in Washington, DC from 1837 on, Jennings made many useful connections and was aided by the northern Senator Daniel Webster in gaining freedom. In the 1850s, Jennings traveled to Virginia, where he tracked down his children, who had grown up on a neighboring plantation with his late wife Fanny, also a slave. His relatives on his mother's side were sold by the widow Dolley Madison with Montpelier in 1844. His three sons joined the Union cause during the American Civil War. In 2009 his descendants were honored at Montpelier following a lecture on Jennings. They were also invited to a private viewing at the White House of the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, which Jennings helped save during the War of 1812 and the British burning of the Capitol.
Living in Washington, DC from 1837 on, Jennings made many useful connections and was aided by the northern Senator Daniel Webster in gaining freedom. In the 1850s, Jennings traveled to Virginia, where he tracked down his children, who had grown up on a neighboring plantation with his late wife Fanny, also a slave. His relatives on his mother's side were sold by the widow Dolley Madison with Montpelier in 1844. His three sons joined the Union cause during the American Civil War. In 2009 his descendants were honored at Montpelier following a lecture on Jennings. They were also invited to a private viewing at the White House of the Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington, which Jennings helped save during the War of 1812 and the British burning of the Capitol.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 15, 2021
A pamphlet written by Paul Jennings about his time as a slave owned by President James Madison. He worked in the White House and was surrounded by men who everyday preached freedom and individual liberty while being enslaved with absolutely no liberty.
If you "enjoy"(?) Slave Narratives then this would make for interesting reading.
If you "enjoy"(?) Slave Narratives then this would make for interesting reading.
May 27, 2021
Hegel famously observed that no man is a hero to his valet. But what if a man really were a hero to his valet? What would it tell us about that man? What would it tell us about that valet?
I have long admired James Madison for his brilliant design of the American Constitution, rightly called "a machine that would go of itself." It would not have troubled me overly much had I learned that, on a personal level, Madison had been a reprobate. The work stands independent of its author. By comparison, I can hold Richard Wagner in contempt for his anti-Semitism, but still admire the majesty of his operas.
Still, it was a pleasant discovery to learn that Madison's slave, who served him for many years as a personal attendant, recorded his reminiscences of the great man, and had nothing but praise for his character.
"Mr. Madison, I think, was one of the best men that ever lived. I never saw him in a passion, and never knew him to strike a slave, although we [sic!] had over one hundred; neither would he allow an overseer to do it. Whenever any slaves were reported to him as stealing or 'cutting up' badly, he would send for them and admonish them privately, and never mortify them by doing it before others."
Paul Jennings wrote "A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison" in 1865, almost 30 years after the 4th President died. It is a slim volume. It doesn't purport to be a biography, but rather, as the title says, a collection of anecdotes concerning Madison. It is the first of a now common genre, a White House memoir. Jennings relates stories from his years of serving Madison at the White House and also at Montpelier, Madison's estate in Virginia. The British Invasion of Washington figures large in Jennings' account.
Jennings himself was purchased by Daniel Webster after Madison's death, with the understanding that Jennings would work to reimburse Webster that cost, and thereby gain his freedom. Shortly after that, Jennings helped to organize the largest escape of slaves in U.S. history. Unfortunately, the attempt proved unsuccessful, and many of the slaves were sold into the Deep South. The two white ship captains who had plotted with Jennings served four years in prison for their crime.
It seems that there was heroism aplenty at Montpelier.
I have long admired James Madison for his brilliant design of the American Constitution, rightly called "a machine that would go of itself." It would not have troubled me overly much had I learned that, on a personal level, Madison had been a reprobate. The work stands independent of its author. By comparison, I can hold Richard Wagner in contempt for his anti-Semitism, but still admire the majesty of his operas.
Still, it was a pleasant discovery to learn that Madison's slave, who served him for many years as a personal attendant, recorded his reminiscences of the great man, and had nothing but praise for his character.
"Mr. Madison, I think, was one of the best men that ever lived. I never saw him in a passion, and never knew him to strike a slave, although we [sic!] had over one hundred; neither would he allow an overseer to do it. Whenever any slaves were reported to him as stealing or 'cutting up' badly, he would send for them and admonish them privately, and never mortify them by doing it before others."
Paul Jennings wrote "A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison" in 1865, almost 30 years after the 4th President died. It is a slim volume. It doesn't purport to be a biography, but rather, as the title says, a collection of anecdotes concerning Madison. It is the first of a now common genre, a White House memoir. Jennings relates stories from his years of serving Madison at the White House and also at Montpelier, Madison's estate in Virginia. The British Invasion of Washington figures large in Jennings' account.
Jennings himself was purchased by Daniel Webster after Madison's death, with the understanding that Jennings would work to reimburse Webster that cost, and thereby gain his freedom. Shortly after that, Jennings helped to organize the largest escape of slaves in U.S. history. Unfortunately, the attempt proved unsuccessful, and many of the slaves were sold into the Deep South. The two white ship captains who had plotted with Jennings served four years in prison for their crime.
It seems that there was heroism aplenty at Montpelier.
July 26, 2017
Excellent
A short read - James Madison's slave - An interesting account of incidents related to JAMES and Dolly Madison. It certainly leaves you wishing it was much longer. Loved it.
A short read - James Madison's slave - An interesting account of incidents related to JAMES and Dolly Madison. It certainly leaves you wishing it was much longer. Loved it.
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January 27, 2025I really wish this book was longer, and that we’d gotten a better insight into Paul Jennings life, especially after gaining his freedom. The part where he praises Madison is so wild to me, he enslaved him but he still referred to him as “one of the best men who ever lived.” Agree to disagree I guess. Goes to show how you can be conditioned into appreciating someone based on the good things they did, while ignoring the bad. Although from this book it does sound like he treated his slaves better than most owners did. Paul is way better than me though I would’ve resented him so hard.
August 2, 2023
historical treat
Interesting collection of stories told by a slave about his experiences as President James Madison’s valet. Paul Jennings was born a slave but died a free man.
Interesting collection of stories told by a slave about his experiences as President James Madison’s valet. Paul Jennings was born a slave but died a free man.
December 4, 2022
Well, this is a book worth reading. And you can do it in half an hour.
It's a remarkable document but I can't help but wish it was 10 times longer.
The book is a collection of reminiscenses of Paul Jennings, an enslaved person who was born on the farm of James Madison and who served him for the rest of Madison's life.
The book was made possible by John Brooks Russell. In a brief preface he explained that he wanted to write down Jennings' memories in "almost his own language." That obviously implies that some of the language was changed. What a shame.
But the bigger shame is that no one was able to see the value in letting this man write a lengthy, detailed history of his experiences both before and after emancipation.
After Madison died, his wife Dolly fell on hard financial times. She eventually sold Jennings for $200. Six months later Daniel Webster bought him, immediately emancipated him, and retained him as a paid servant. Webster felt bad for Dolly and would sometimes send Jennings to her house with a basket of food.
Sometimes when Jennings visited Mrs. Madison, he gave her money out of his own pocket.
Damn I wish we had more of this man's recollections in print.
It's a remarkable document but I can't help but wish it was 10 times longer.
The book is a collection of reminiscenses of Paul Jennings, an enslaved person who was born on the farm of James Madison and who served him for the rest of Madison's life.
The book was made possible by John Brooks Russell. In a brief preface he explained that he wanted to write down Jennings' memories in "almost his own language." That obviously implies that some of the language was changed. What a shame.
But the bigger shame is that no one was able to see the value in letting this man write a lengthy, detailed history of his experiences both before and after emancipation.
After Madison died, his wife Dolly fell on hard financial times. She eventually sold Jennings for $200. Six months later Daniel Webster bought him, immediately emancipated him, and retained him as a paid servant. Webster felt bad for Dolly and would sometimes send Jennings to her house with a basket of food.
Sometimes when Jennings visited Mrs. Madison, he gave her money out of his own pocket.
Damn I wish we had more of this man's recollections in print.
March 25, 2022
The first White House memoir was published in 1865. A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison describes President Madison and his family through the perspective of his slave, Paul Jennings.
Early in the work, Jennings writes about a curious incident in relation to the War of 1812; namely, the evacuation of the President and the burning of Washington. He denies that Mrs. Madison cut out the picture of George Washington in order to save it. Unexpectedly, he seems to have loved his master and mistress, describing Dolley as being one of the best of women (beloved by both colored and white folk), and James as a 'good' master--never beating his slaves, never allowing overseers to harm them, and "admonishing" them in private when they did wrong so as not to embarrass them publicly.
He describes Dolley as falling into something akin to extreme poverty after the death of her husband. When Jennings was in the employ of Daniel Webster*, he would often be told to bring her supplies, and to bring her things that he thought she might need in addition to these. Jennings himself gave Mrs. Madison money, despite having gained his freedom from her.
Interestingly, Jennings has an odd nostalgia for the past, considering past Madeira to be better, and the past to be more liberal in it's excesses. This is contrasted with Jennings' description of Madison, who he states always wore black, owned only one suit at a time, and drank minimally; indeed, the last 15-years of his life were taken without alcohol at all. This contrast is seen between Madison and his wife, too, for when she and the rest of the Madison household are ecstatic over peace with the British, the elation shown by Madison is subdued. This does not mean that Madison was cold, however, and we see him gain great intimacy with Thomas Jefferson, an intimacy that continued until the passing of Jefferson.
Overall, the only thing I dislike about this book is that it is so short. One gains an admiration for Paul Jennings when reading this book, because, although he is afflicted with serious oppression, even by the people he loves, he is still kind to them--and, indeed, truly seems to love them. This is even despite the fact that he would help free slaves after gaining his freedom, suggesting that he had a marked dislike for the institution.
*Daniel Webster bought Jennings from Mrs. Madison as a slave but gave him his freedom in exchange for work, thereby allowing me to use the word "employ".
Early in the work, Jennings writes about a curious incident in relation to the War of 1812; namely, the evacuation of the President and the burning of Washington. He denies that Mrs. Madison cut out the picture of George Washington in order to save it. Unexpectedly, he seems to have loved his master and mistress, describing Dolley as being one of the best of women (beloved by both colored and white folk), and James as a 'good' master--never beating his slaves, never allowing overseers to harm them, and "admonishing" them in private when they did wrong so as not to embarrass them publicly.
He describes Dolley as falling into something akin to extreme poverty after the death of her husband. When Jennings was in the employ of Daniel Webster*, he would often be told to bring her supplies, and to bring her things that he thought she might need in addition to these. Jennings himself gave Mrs. Madison money, despite having gained his freedom from her.
Interestingly, Jennings has an odd nostalgia for the past, considering past Madeira to be better, and the past to be more liberal in it's excesses. This is contrasted with Jennings' description of Madison, who he states always wore black, owned only one suit at a time, and drank minimally; indeed, the last 15-years of his life were taken without alcohol at all. This contrast is seen between Madison and his wife, too, for when she and the rest of the Madison household are ecstatic over peace with the British, the elation shown by Madison is subdued. This does not mean that Madison was cold, however, and we see him gain great intimacy with Thomas Jefferson, an intimacy that continued until the passing of Jefferson.
Overall, the only thing I dislike about this book is that it is so short. One gains an admiration for Paul Jennings when reading this book, because, although he is afflicted with serious oppression, even by the people he loves, he is still kind to them--and, indeed, truly seems to love them. This is even despite the fact that he would help free slaves after gaining his freedom, suggesting that he had a marked dislike for the institution.
*Daniel Webster bought Jennings from Mrs. Madison as a slave but gave him his freedom in exchange for work, thereby allowing me to use the word "employ".
August 17, 2025
Today I visited Montpelier, the lifetime home of President James Madison and heard the story of his body servant, Paul Jennings. I purchased the small short volume that Mr. Jennings wrote (Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison) that is often hailed as the first memoir about life in the White House written by someone who was enslaved there. I found that some of the story of James Madison told at Montpelier is taken from this volume. Mr. Jennings also sets right some details of other stories, notably how Dolley Madison saved George Washington's portrait during the Water of 1812. This small booklet is a historical gem, an authentic voice of history. Everyone should read it as it is easy down to Earth reading. I give it 5 stars.
May 3, 2019
The first ever White House memoir. Paul Jennings was a slave of James and Dolley Madison, and after purchasing his freedom wrote a short (26 page) memoir of the the Madison’s in the White House. Apparently Dolley Madison did not personally rescue the portrait of George Washington from the White House in 1814: slaves saved that potrait. Despite becoming an abolitionist later in life Jennings had only good things to say about the Madisons. When Dolley Madison became poverty striken late in life, Paul Jennings gave her money from his own pocket. A former slave gave money freely to his former master. What a powerful image. Cool, short read.
October 29, 2019
So I read this after reading the Wikipedia article about Montpelier in preparation for a visit this week. A very short but interesting account from the slave that waited on Madison during his presidency until his death. He wrote this as a freeman by working off his freedom from Daniel Webster. Fascinating short account.
May 2, 2025
I recently read a biography of James Madison before visiting Montpelier. Both the biography and the visit inspired me to read this. Both a brief biography of Paul Jennings and this "book" (more of a pamphlet) are on the Montpelier website, as well as an afterward which includes more information (which was included in Madison's biography).
January 27, 2019
A wonderful piece of history.
As a Virginian with family who lived at this time near Montpelier this is a treasured brief account of a special gentleman's reminiscences. Appreciate it being made available for Kindle.
As a Virginian with family who lived at this time near Montpelier this is a treasured brief account of a special gentleman's reminiscences. Appreciate it being made available for Kindle.
February 24, 2021
The audio book was interesting to hear a slave's point of view of the president he served. James Madison per Paul Jennings point of view was a decent slave owner. It was a very short story and if you are a history buff you would like it.
January 16, 2024
Any dive into James Madison brings up this incredible memoir from his valet. This memoir is short but very insightful. I honestly wish it were longer and that we had more information from Jennings. I loved reading every page of this.
March 11, 2019
very happy i read this
very important part of history. I am reviewing the life of Paul Jennings for a school project and found this very interesting.
very important part of history. I am reviewing the life of Paul Jennings for a school project and found this very interesting.
May 28, 2019
Simple basic read
This was a very short book that reflected the signs of the times written by a black enslave of James Madison. Very nice read!
This was a very short book that reflected the signs of the times written by a black enslave of James Madison. Very nice read!
December 23, 2019
Interesting to me because it is source material, written at the time by the person who actually lived the events. Love it and wish it was longer (it’s only 22 pages)
July 3, 2020
Interesting-- wish it was longer.
July 23, 2024
This is a very quick read. 4 stars instead of 5 because I want more! A great personal recollection of President Madison and First Lady Madison.
February 26, 2025
Great quick read
A fabulous little insight into James Madison from the perspective of a former enslaved. 15 minute read and would definitely recommend.
A fabulous little insight into James Madison from the perspective of a former enslaved. 15 minute read and would definitely recommend.
March 28, 2025
An incredible primary source from Paul Jennings. Nobody should be teaching the War of 1812 without it.
April 12, 2025
Very short but interesting stories by this enslaved man that worked in the Madison White House.
October 6, 2025
Worth it for the refutation of Dolley Madison saving the painting of George Washington.
November 5, 2025
An extremely interesting read from the point of view of a slave and later freed man.
October 10, 2024
This is the first White House Memoir ever written, and it was written by a slave who served James Madison for about 30 years, then his wife for another eight. Here he be:
This is quite short, and you can read it for yourself here.
I read this mostly to get a first-hand account of how George Washington's picture was saved from the White House before the British could burn it down in the War of 1812. The popular story is that Dolley Madison rolled it up and ran off with it over hill and dale so that we could preserve that bit of history. However, it didn't happen that way. There are a few versions, one including Paul cutting it out with help from the doorman and gardener. However, in this he takes almost no credit yet makes it clear that Dolley didn't do the work herself. (And why would she? She was busy directing the staff, though it's pretty clear she gave the order for the picture to be saved if it could and destroyed if it couldn't so the British couldn't get it as a morale booster for them and a slap in the face for us.)
The rest of this is anecdotes of Jennings' time with the Madisons. He was their slave, but had been sold around 1846 to an insurance agent because Dolley needed the money to pay off some debts. A few months later Daniel Webster bought him for $120 and freed him, allowing him to work it off at $8/month. He became an ardent abolitionist after that, and even helped plan an escape of 77 slaves in DC, although the attempt failed. (This isn't in the memoir; I picked it up elsewhere.) In spite of all that, Jennings has nothing but praise for both of the Madisons and even did what he could to help Dolley both in service and financially after he was freed.
I like this because it shows the complex relationship between master and slave that existed during slavery. I reckon it's impossible for some people to understand in today's world where one fault, even a minor one, is grounds for wholesale damnation of the offender, but life isn't that simple. Jennings hated slavery but loved his owners. This will always be a mystery to some. (I'm not saying that every master/slave had this kind of relationship, or that it was even common; I really don't know about the percentages. However, every relationship is different. Think of all the people you know. Do you get along with all of them? Do you hate all of them? Are the relationships varied? Do some of them drive you bonkers sometimes, yet you still spend time with them because you like them when they're not being obnoxious? The list of possibilities could go on ad infinitum.)
I'm not sure if this deserves the title of memoir since so little of it is about Jennings himself. It was actually put together by John Brooks Russell for a historical magazine in 1863 and then published in book form in 1865. However, it was the first of the White House Memoirs and gives a unique glimpse into James Madison's life from a different perspective. Check it out if it's your cup of tea.
This is quite short, and you can read it for yourself here.
I read this mostly to get a first-hand account of how George Washington's picture was saved from the White House before the British could burn it down in the War of 1812. The popular story is that Dolley Madison rolled it up and ran off with it over hill and dale so that we could preserve that bit of history. However, it didn't happen that way. There are a few versions, one including Paul cutting it out with help from the doorman and gardener. However, in this he takes almost no credit yet makes it clear that Dolley didn't do the work herself. (And why would she? She was busy directing the staff, though it's pretty clear she gave the order for the picture to be saved if it could and destroyed if it couldn't so the British couldn't get it as a morale booster for them and a slap in the face for us.)
The rest of this is anecdotes of Jennings' time with the Madisons. He was their slave, but had been sold around 1846 to an insurance agent because Dolley needed the money to pay off some debts. A few months later Daniel Webster bought him for $120 and freed him, allowing him to work it off at $8/month. He became an ardent abolitionist after that, and even helped plan an escape of 77 slaves in DC, although the attempt failed. (This isn't in the memoir; I picked it up elsewhere.) In spite of all that, Jennings has nothing but praise for both of the Madisons and even did what he could to help Dolley both in service and financially after he was freed.
I like this because it shows the complex relationship between master and slave that existed during slavery. I reckon it's impossible for some people to understand in today's world where one fault, even a minor one, is grounds for wholesale damnation of the offender, but life isn't that simple. Jennings hated slavery but loved his owners. This will always be a mystery to some. (I'm not saying that every master/slave had this kind of relationship, or that it was even common; I really don't know about the percentages. However, every relationship is different. Think of all the people you know. Do you get along with all of them? Do you hate all of them? Are the relationships varied? Do some of them drive you bonkers sometimes, yet you still spend time with them because you like them when they're not being obnoxious? The list of possibilities could go on ad infinitum.)
I'm not sure if this deserves the title of memoir since so little of it is about Jennings himself. It was actually put together by John Brooks Russell for a historical magazine in 1863 and then published in book form in 1865. However, it was the first of the White House Memoirs and gives a unique glimpse into James Madison's life from a different perspective. Check it out if it's your cup of tea.
February 20, 2017
This is account of James Madison written by his former slave Paul Jennings who bought his freedom from Dolly Madison.
June 11, 2014
A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison by Paul Jennings
Published in 1865, A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison was the first White House memoir to be published. The tone of the writing is neutral and It's seems he admired president Madison. It shows possible incompetence in the cabinet and advisers to the president, but offers no criticism.
In addition to this, there are historical details of Paul Jennings own life. He was born a slave and at age 10 he was working as body servant for President Madison. When Madison died his wife inherited Paul and he was not allowed to stay with his family. Mrs. Madison tried to sell him but Daniel Webster purchased his freedom and let him work of the diet. After gaining his freedom he reunited with his children.
The memoir is still studied by American historians today, and is considered an important source speaking to social history, American politics and the nature of slavery in the nineteenth century.
Published in 1865, A Colored Man's Reminiscences of James Madison was the first White House memoir to be published. The tone of the writing is neutral and It's seems he admired president Madison. It shows possible incompetence in the cabinet and advisers to the president, but offers no criticism.
In addition to this, there are historical details of Paul Jennings own life. He was born a slave and at age 10 he was working as body servant for President Madison. When Madison died his wife inherited Paul and he was not allowed to stay with his family. Mrs. Madison tried to sell him but Daniel Webster purchased his freedom and let him work of the diet. After gaining his freedom he reunited with his children.
The memoir is still studied by American historians today, and is considered an important source speaking to social history, American politics and the nature of slavery in the nineteenth century.
January 12, 2013
Author Paul Jennings was the enslaved butler (and right arm) to James Madison at Montpelier and when Madison became president of the USA, he took Jennings to Washington with him.
Jennings was obviously an admirer of his owner and had mostly kind words for both Mr Madison and Dolly.
This is a very short book that leaves the reader wishing for much more as it is so rare to read accounts from the slaves themselves.
Jennings was obviously an admirer of his owner and had mostly kind words for both Mr Madison and Dolly.
This is a very short book that leaves the reader wishing for much more as it is so rare to read accounts from the slaves themselves.
July 25, 2016
You can read this in one sitting, and I highly recommend an annotated version, such as the one you can find in the "ConText" section on montpelier.org. Jennings chose not to speak ill of either James or Dolley Madison, and that's very interesting, considering his eventual freedom had to be bought very indirectly from Dolley.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews