I was always with Mr. Madison till he died, and shaved him every other day for sixteen years. For six months before his death, he was unable to walk, and spent most of his time reclined on a couch; but his mind was bright, and with his numerous visitors he talked with as much animation and strength of voice as I ever heard him in his best days. I was present when he died. That morning Sukey brought him his breakfast, as usual. He could not swallow. His niece, Mrs. [Nelly Conway Madison] Willis, said, “What is he matter, Uncle Jeames?”
“Nothing more than a change of mind, my dear.
Jon Susé [the Master of Ceremonies for the Madison White House] and Magraw, the President’s gardener, took it down and sent it off on a wagon with some large silver urns and such other valuables as could be hastily got a hold of.