She spent much of her early married life in various capitals in @Europe, where her husband served as United States representative.
The @Monroes were very popular in @France, where the graceful, blue-eyed Mrs. Monroe was known as la belle @AmΘricaine ("the beautiful American"). She played a dramatic part in saving @Madame @Lafayette, the wife of America's great friend, the @Marquis de Lafayette, from the guillotine during the @French @Revolution. Riding in the official carriage of the United States legation, she went to the Paris prison in which Madame Lafayette was awaiting execution. Mrs. Monroe demanded to see the prisoner. This action demonstrated the interest of the United States in the case. Madame Lafayette was released soon after.
Although she was a good hostess, Mrs. Monroe's years as first lady were not completely successful. A combination of poor health and a desire for privacy caused her to limit her social activities. And Washington society, accustomed to Dolley Madison's lavish hospitality, was critical of Madison's successor. In time the unpleasantness passed, but the Monroes were pleased to return to their lovely home in Virginia after 8 years in the White House.
Their younger child, Maria, was the first president's daughter to be married in the White House.
