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In the War of 1812, the United States found an unlikely beacon in Dolley Madison. Although her husband's administration was tinged with controversy, Dolley inspired a strange sense of respect from most members of government and public. In December 1812, the American navy honoured its victory over the British frigate Macedonian by laying the flag of the defeated ship at the First Lady's feet. Dolley succeeded at "destroy[ing] rancorous feelings, then so bitter between Federalists and Republicans" and encouraging compromise within a deeply divided Congress. As one of the most popular and public women of the period, Dolley Madison transformed her relationship with the President into an office and a semipublic position. The First Lady became a de facto part of the President's administration.

Dolley Madison's most famous moment came two years after the war's start as British forces marched toward Washington. Although urged by her friends and allies to flee, Dolley refused to leave her husband and instead showed her confidence in his administration by throwing a dinner party. As people abandoned the city in droves and her servants started preparing public documents for evacuation, she refused to leave until receiving word from her husband. Only Major Charles Carroll, acting on President Madison's orders, was able to convince her to evacuate. The British arrived at the Presidential Mansion several hours later and Dolley's story was dramatically retold by press in the United States and England.

So, what if Major Charles Carroll is somehow incapacitated and Dolley Madison cannot evacuate before the British arrive to burn the Presidential Mansion? What will the reaction be within the Madison administration and general public if the First Lady, one of the most popular figures in the country, is captured or killed?
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