“To James Hoban, architect,
I have included in this letter details for upgraded features for the Executive Mansion. The escape tunnels may become useful should a future president need them.
-James Madison 1815
*I will preserve the original façade! H.S. Truman
**I love the escape tunnels! G.W. Bush”
I’m not seeing any upgrades nor escape tunnels. One of the maps has a small handwritten note on it though. “Use this map in the event of a Fire”. -Veritas
“I am deeply embarrassed to lose our nation’s capital to the British so easily. Fortunately, my wife Dolley was quick-witted enough to save the portrait of George Washington before the British burned down the Executive Mansion. We discovered this cipher on the back of the portrait and have yet to determine its meaning. I only recognize the symbol for the Freemasons of which I know George Washington was a high ranking member. What secrets could have been so important that it was kept on the back of this portrait? I must determine its meaning.
-James Madison 1814″
James Madison
1751-1836
The Fourth President of the United States of America
Presidential Term from March 4, 1809 to March 4, 1817
The U.S. President's Book of Secrets 