The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1850-05-14
Wedding in California.

III
Last week there occurred at our seat Of
government one ofthosc interesting instances
OF romance in real life, the recital of which
always meets with ready attention. If we
are informed rightly the following are the
particulars
1t secMs that Miss Virginia Reed and a
Mr.. John Murphy were two OF the cclebrat-
ed Donner party. This party it will be re-.
ruembered lost their way while cndeayoring
to reach California in the year 1916. Their
sufIerngs were too severe for recital Muir
ply was bold, noble hearted moun,anccr,
and Miss Reed has subsequently become the
belle Of San Jose. An attachment sprane
up between the parties while on their jour
ncy. This attachment was at first encour-
ragged on the part of the parents; but wa.
subsequently dsapproved of, and Murphy
was prohibited the house. As is very nat
ural this procedure only increased the attach
mcnt, which has been going Oh strengthening
for the last three years.
As the months passed on, the impa,encc
of the parties 10 have the marriage consum
mated increased. Finally, on Friday, of last
week, Murphy met Reed in the street. and
as a gentleman should informed Reed of the
determination of Miss Reed and himself tc
get married, and requested his full consent
Reed responded that he should not give hi,
consent, and, moreover, that he would shoo
Murphy if he dared attempt marriage
Murphy responded" Sir, you may shoot
me shall not shoot you. but I shall marry
Your daughrer-I give you fair warning
Of course the Reeds were on the alert.
On the next evening, Miss Reed got up 10
90 out of the house, telling her mother. Oh
inquiry, that she was only going across tine
street to call on Mrs. j. who was at that
moment slightly unwell. Her mother re-
quested her not to be gone long, and she
promised to return in few moments.
On arriving at Mrs. j., she informed
that lady of her desire to be married at thai
time. Murphy was immediately sent for
But unfortunately no clergyman could be
found who would perform the ceremony
Time was rapidly flying. The mother was
awailiag Miss Reeds return, and any delay
would arouse suspicious. Should Reed ap-
pear, what would ensue? The bride wa:
like an aspen leaf, for fear the affair would
be stopped. Murphy stood armcd-cool and
courageous. a few of his friends, also, arm
ed were watching around the house lest Reed
should gain admission before the ceremony
could be performed. The whole affair al
this critical juncture is described to MS as
having been most intensely exciting, Find
ing no other alternative ii was at last agreed
upon that in the absence Of the proper au-
thorites, the parties should solemnize the
marriage themselves formally before witness
es, by declaring, each to the other, their fix
ed determination to become at that time, and
to remain forever man and wife.
The interest became thrilling. The point
of time had at last arrived The advent OF
Reed would have snatched the prize they
were both just ready and so eager 20 grasp.
There was dead silence. The bridegroom
commenced the ceremony, promising " to
love, honor, and keep Still Reed delayed
his coming. The beauty and anxiety of the
bride--ihe calmness and noble bearing of
the bridegroom The pain of suspense, all
contributed to heighten the intense interest Of
the scene. The witnesses were breathless.
The bridegroom's low, determined, slowly
and carefully spoken words ceased. Still
Reed delayed his coming
There was slight pause. The bride was
agitated. At last she commenced. Her
words were tremblingly and hurriedly enun-
ciated, and she stopped in the middle of her
part, 1t was as silent as death outside the
house, Still Reed delayed his coming. The
bride as prompt ed resumed, and at last, the
ceremony was completed That which they
had long and ardently desired d--that which
they had looked forward to with scarce n
hope of success, was now consummated. They
were man and wife
Horses were ready at the door. They
stopped for few hurried congratulations,
mounted and were of,