Democratic banner., 1845-08-16
COURTSiIiP AND MARRIAGE
OF WASHINGTON.

''@ ~ L!.ul Gll bIllCtis 81
tired in a military undre<S. and at
tended by a body servant, tail and
'miI.;aIIe' rs his chief, crossed the
ferry called Niiman's, over the Po-
munky, a branch of the York river.
GA the boat touching the southern or
New Kent side, the soldiers prog.
ress was arrested by n of those
personages who give the beau ideal
OF lhe NIrcfn'a gentleman Of the req.
me, the very soul of kindness and
hospitality. 1t was in vain the sold
Ter urged his business at Williams
burg, important communications to
the governor. &c. Mr.. Chamber.
layne, on whose domain the militairc
had just landed. would hear Of 10 ex-
Cuse. Col. Washington was a name
and character 50 dear to all Virginia.
that hi, passing by one of the castles
OF Virginia. without calling and par
taking Of the ho~spilalitles of the host.
was entirely out of the question:
The Colonel, however, did not sur
render at discretion, but stoutlv
maintained his ground till Chamber
lavn". bringing up his reserve. IN the
mt!mation that he would Introduce
hIm - a Young and charming widow,
beneath his ROOF. the soldier capitula-
ted. on condition that he should dine
only dIne-and then, bv pressing
his charger and borrowing of the
ni-ht. he would reach Williamsburg
before his Evcellencv could shake off
his mornings S'umher. Orders were
accordingly issued TO Bishop. the
CoIOnei'S body servant and faithful
follower, who. together with the fine
English charger. had been b~equealh-
ed by the DIVING Braddock to Major
Washington. on the famed and fatal
field of Mononcahc!a. Bishop, bred
in the school Of European discipline,
raised his hand to his cap, as much as
10 saw. your orders shall be obeyed.
The Colonel now proceeded TO the
mansion, and was introduced - yari.
ON, -.c,.s, lfOr when was 4 Nrrginian
domlcrI OF the oIden time without
gueStl and, above all, to the charm
ing widow. Tradition relates that
they were Of an ace when impress
are the strongest. The lady
was laIrto behold, of fascinating man.
and spIendilIy endowed with
worldly benefits The hero WIS
from ms early fields, redoient
o.; fame, and "a form on which every
god did seem to set his seal, 10 give
the world assurance of n man.
The morning passed spiendiIlv a.
way; evening came. with Bishop true
TO his orders and firm at his post.
holding his favorite charger IN one
hand. while the other was waiting to
'iier the ready sIirrup. The sun
sank IN the horizon. and vet the Col. .
appeared not. Twas strange. twas
o'>sIng strange; surely he was not
wont To e a single moment behind
MS appointments; Tor he was the
most punctuai of all men.
Meantime. the host enioved the
Gene oil the veteran at the gate.
while the Colonel was 50 agrecablv
'mpIoyed in the parlorr & proclaim,
ne that no visitor ever left his home
II sunset. his military guest was with
title difficulty persuaded to order
'ishoP to put up the horses Tor the
IIght. The sun rode high in the heav-
ms the ensuing day. when the enam
solder pressed with his spur
rs chargers SIDE, and speedrd on'his
TO the seat of government. he :
ctraccd his steps; and at the White
louise the engagement took place, :
With preparations for marriage /
And much hath the biographer I
card Of that marriage, from the grew
aired domeSt,cs who waited at the !
oard where love made the feast. and l
! %ashlngton the guest. A rare and d
lgh was the reverIy at the balmv !
eriod Of Nirginia's ies,al age; for !
lany were gathered TO that marriage '
I the good, the great. the gifted. and 5
with joyous vaccinations, hail
d IN Nrglnla's youthful hero, a hap
Y bridegroom.
and 50 You remember when Col.
' ashmgton came Il counting vour Il
Dung mistress? SAID the blographer Il
} Old Gully. in his hundredth year. II
Aye, master, that ! do replied the +,
ncient family servant, who had liv- e
! to see five generations; .'great W
mes, sir. great times; shall neverh
the like again!" o
And Washington looked like 4 W
a proper man; hey. Cully?" II
Never SEED he like sir; never seed J,
e like Of him, though | have seen
aDy IN NV time: So tall. So STRAIGHT "a