The Promise of Payne

Payne Todd had no memory of his natural father who died in a yellow fever epidemic when his toddler son was a year old.

Aside from the fact that his mother remarried a year later to one of the most important men in the brand-new United States…

Aside from the fact that his stepfather came from a wealthy family and Payne grew up on a huge estate…

Aside from the fact that his parents were happy to provide the very best for the youngster…

And aside from the fact that he was destined to be an only child…

Payne had a lot going for him on his own. 

He was a good looking youngster, and grew up to be a six-footer, towering above James Madison, his benevolent stepfather, more grandfatherly than fatherly. He had crystal blue eyes like his mother Dolley, said to be one of the best looking women in Washington. He had fine taste in clothing and accessories and art. Payne was exposed to the cream of society since early childhood. He developed impeccable manners, made graceful bows and genial small-talk. He spoke fluent French. Doors were always open to him. And like his mother, he had charm enough to bottle and sell. Most who knew him, liked him.

Despite his advantages, Payne was a wastrel. An alcoholic. A gambler. A womanizer. A total failure at everything he tried, and usually listed at the bottom of the list of Presidential “children.”

Educating Payne

Like most children growing up at the end of the 18th century, his early education was at home. Partly via his mother, partly via his Aunt Anna, and even briefly by his scholarly stepfather. Payne showed little interest in learning; he was much happier playing with some step-cousins, or the children on the Madison plantation. He liked to ride his pony. He liked to shoot his musket. He did not like books. 

When Payne was eight, Thomas Jefferson became President, and Madison, his closest friend and political advisor, was appointed Secretary of State. The family moved to Washington. Payne needed proper schooling. 

On the recommendation of friends, he was enrolled at St. Mary’s, a Roman Catholic boarding school in Baltimore, close enough to Washington for his mother’s peace of mind. He was an average student, his teachers found no real fault. And the fellows liked him.

His stepfather planned to send him to the College of New Jersey (Princeton), his own alma mater, but it would never happen, partly due to situations that deferred his attendance, but mostly due to Payne’s disinclination. Madison may have been disappointed, but his mother was ambivalent. She loved him. He was a good son. 

Crown Prince Payne

By the time Payne finished at St. Mary’s, James Madison had been elected President and his mother was considered the most popular hostess in Washington. With the social season in full throttle, Payne was invited everywhere.

Now near twenty, he was a prime matrimonial catch, and his mother and aunts and friends of the Madisons wasted no opportunity to introduce him to eligible young ladies. Payne went to all the parties, charmed everyone, but Cupid was unsuccessful.

For a very short while, Payne served as a substitute when his father’s secretary was ill. With no talent for paperwork and administration, he was quickly replaced. But by that time, the Czar of Russia presented an opportunity: he offered to mediate the growing problems between the USA and Great Britain. President Madison was happy for any help he could get, and agreed. He sent a small delegation to St. Petersburg, and Payne Todd, the President’s stepson was assigned as a diplomatic secretary.

Madison insisted on paying Payne’s “salary” privately, and gave him a very generous allowance as well. He would want for nothing. 

Dolley was thrilled, hoping a diplomatic career would inspire her social-minded son to more serious occupation. And traveling is an education too. Some sources indicate that the young maybe-diplomat-to-be was not thrilled about going abroad, preferring to socialize in the capital, where he was well known and liked. Nevertheless, he went. 

Europeans, and particularly Russians, a socially backward country, did not understand democracy or republics. All they had known for centuries was monarchy/royalty of some kind. Young Payne Todd was the US President’s stepson. That made him akin to a Crown Prince in their eyes. 

Payne Succumbs to Vice

Payne was invited everywhere, particularly to parties where drink flowed copiously and cards were played with reckless abandon. Payne developed a thirst, which would never be slaked. And even though he lost more than he won, the thrill of gambling spread from cards to dice to business speculation. Instead of returning to Washington, he went to Paris – till his money ran out.

By his late twenties, his debts were chronic and considerable. Dolley sent money. James Madison sent money plus paid his outstanding hotel bills. Even friends of the Madisons were solicited by Payne to “help him out.” Coercing friends of his parents for financial assistance and embarrassing his parents would become a lifelong habit with Payne Todd. He even spent time in debtor’s prison.

James Madison sold off large tracts to pay his stepson’s debts. Dolley knew about her son’s insolvency and vices – but her husband did not tell her the extent of the money it cost.

He loved her and knew it would hurt her – and he couldn’t bear that. 

Sources:

Anthony, Kahtharine – Dolley Madison: Her Life and Times – Doubleday & Co., Inc. 1949

Ketcham, Ralph – The Madisons at Montpelier: Reflections on the Founding Couple – UVA Press, 2009

Moore, Virginia – The Madisons: A Biography – McGraw Hill, 1979

Wead, Doug – All The President’s Children – Atria, 2003

https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-bad-boy

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/04-03-02-0659