M.M.White undertaker WashingtonDC Matthias M. White undertaker of Washington , DC Fisk and Raymond metallic coffins

 This letter from Almond D. Fisk to First Lady Dolley Madison (found in the Dolley Madison archives) answers lots.

This is exactly as the Capitol looked in 1847, its one of the earliest photographs. This is the original copper dome, the one we know know had not yet been constructed.

Her son has seen the display of the Fisk & Raymond casket in the rotunda of the US Congressional Building and asked Capitol police man , John L. Wirt ( MM White's best friend ) to have Almond Fisk contact Mrs Adams about getting a casket for President Adams remains. This is the letter Mr Fisk wrote Mrs Madison in April 1849

New York April 7, 1849

Honorable Mrs. James Madison

Madam,

Mr. J. L. Wirt, police officer of the capital, informs me that your son, Col. Todd, made some inquiries of him concerning the probable expense of a metallic case similar to the one I am exhibiting in the Rotunda. Also that Col. Todd spoke of the desire for more imperishable article, in which to preserve the

remains of our late, distinguished ex-President Madison.

Feeling the value and importance of the application of my production for such proposals, (as well also in the hearts of our countrymen, as in the comfort desired by immediate relatives), and sensible of the advantage I should derive by introducing my invention through such a channel, I have ventured to address you upon the subject and would say that if you would desire it and the expense, and the necessarily borne by yourself, we would furnish a case of such metal as you might desire and insert the remains of your late distinguished companion at the net cost to us.

A case of bronze metal would undoubtedly be more desirable, as by a combination which we can make more indestructible.

The expense for the metal and casting alone of a suitable one of this material would be about sixty dollars ($60). Of a composition principally iron, and enameled, we believe it would last several hundred years and the expense of the case alone would not probably twenty dollars ($20). With the necessary expense of transportation be added.

Col. Todd having seen the case in the Rotunda,

you would probably no other than his judgment for the certainty of its advantages. Such an undertaking would be a suitable consideration for Congress yet under different conditions.

May I expect your notice and answer on the subject?   

Very Respectfully,

Your Obedient Servant.