Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1850-05-02
VOLUME VII. NO. 18.
MARRIGE IN HIGH LIFE I'M
CALIFORNIA,

The Pacific .Nees, of February 10Th. pives
tne following particulars of marriage which
took place at the seat of Government. sam Tose
the week before:
1t seems that Miss Virginia Reed, and a
Mr.. John Murphy were two of the celebrated
Donor party. This party it will be remembered.
lost their way while endeavoring to reach Cali.
iornla in the year 1876.
Their snferngs were too severe for recital -
Murphy was bold, noble hearted mouptaineer
ana Miss Reed has subsequently become the
oelle OF San jose An attachment sprang up
between the parti while on their journey This
I@Uachment was at first encouraged on the mart
OF the parents; but subsequently was diso
ed OF, and Murphy was prohibited the house
AS - very natural this procedure only increased
the attachment, which has been going on
strengthening Ior the last three years.
AS the months passed on, the impatencc of
the parties to have the marriage consummated
increased. Finally, on Friday of last week.
Murphy met Reed in the street, and as gen,le.
nan should, informed Reed of the determine.
tloh OF Miss Reed and himself to become mar
red, and asked his consent. Reed responded
that he should not give his consent, and moreo.
yer, that he would shoot Murphy if he dared at.
tempt marriage. Murphy responded" Sir,
you may shoot me; shall not shoot uou, but I
shall marry ysur daughter-I give YOU fair
warming" OF course, the Reeds were on the
alert.
On the next evening, Miss Reed got up to 20
out OF the house. telling her mother on INQUIRY
that she was only going across the street to call
on Mrs. j, who was at thrt moment SLIGHTLY
unwell. Her mother requested her not to be
gone long, and she promised 10 return in few
moments.
On arriving at Mrs. J--'s she informed that
lady OF her desire TO be married at that time
Murphy was Immediately sent for But unfor-
tunately no clergyman could be found who
would perform the ceremony. Time was rapid.
flying. The mother was awaiting Miss Reeds
return, and any delay would arouse suspicious.
Should Reed appear, what would ensue The
bride was like an aspen leaf, for fear that the
affair would be stopped. Murphy stood armed
cool and courageous. A few of his friends,
also armed, were watching around the house,
lest Reed should gain admission before the GER
emony could be performed. The whole affair."
at this critical juncture, is described TO US as
having been most intensely exciting. Finding
no other alternative, it was at last agreed upon
that in the absence of the proper authorities, tile
parties should soemnizo The marriage them.
selves formally before witnesses, by declaring,
each to the other, their fixed determination to
to become at that time, and to remain forever
..... sod. ,.ifs.
The interest became thrilling. The point of
time had at last arrived. The advent of Reed
would have snatcIl"d the prize they were both
Just ready and SO eager 10 grasp. There was n
dead silence. The bridegroom commenced The
cerenoney, promising "to love, honor and keep
Still Reed delayed his coming. The beautv
and anxiety of the brde-the calmness and
noble bearing Of the brdegroom--thc pam Of
suspense, all contributed to heighten the intense
interest of the scene. The witnesses were
breathless. The bridegrooms low, determined,
slowly aud carefully spoken words ccasod.-
Still Reed delayed his coming.
There was a slight pause The bride was
agtated. At last she commenced Her
words were tremb'ingly and hurredly enun-
ciated, and she stopped in the middle OF her
part. 1t was as silent as delth outside the
house. Still ReJl delayed bis coming. Tire
bride was promoted, resumed, and, at last the
ceremon9 was completed. That which they
had looked forward to with scarce hope of
success, was now consumated. They were man
wife.
Horses were reliy at the door. They stop
ped for few hurried congratulations, mounted
and were off
Not three minutes from that time, Reed heard
that the thing was done. Horses were plocur-
ed and they pushed off in full chase; not the
victors, but the vanquished. Fhey headed fol
Murphy's ranch about eighteen miles Distant
But they found they were out generated from
beginning to end The bird was not there
Murphy instead of going to his ranch, drove
only three miles out of the city in an opposite
direction, and there rested in security"