New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-04-06
Marriage in High Life.


Last week there occurred at our seat OF Govern
ment one Of those interesting instances OF romance
in real lite the recital Of which always meets with
ready attention. II we were informed nightly the
following are the particulars:
It seems that Miss Virginia Reed and n Mr.
John Murphy were two Of the celebrated Bonner
party. Tbs party it will be remembered lost their
way while endeavoring 10 reach California IN the
year 1916.
Their sufferings were too severe for recital
Murphy was a bold noble-hearted mOuntalneer,
and Miss Reed has subsequently become the belle
of San Jose. An attachment sprang up between
the parties while on their journey. This attach
mcnt at first encouraged on the part Of the pa
rents, but subsequently was disapproved Of and
Murphy was prohibited the house. As is very nat
ura this procedure only increased the attachment
which has been going on Strengthening for the last
three years.
As the months passed Oh the impotence Of the
parties 10 have the marriage consummated IN
creased. Finally, on Friday of last week Murphy
met Reed in the street, end gentleman should,
informed Reed Of the determination OF Mss Reed
and himself 20 become married and requested bis
fall consent. Reed responded that he should not
give his cons mt, and, moreover, that be would
shoot Murphy if he dared attempt a marriage
Murphy responded F." Sir. you may shoot mo /
shall not shoot you. hui. J shall marry your daugh
teri give you fair warning OF conrse the Reeds
On the next evening Miss Reed got up to 90
out of the house, telling her mother on inquiry.
that she ives only going across the street TO call
on lrs i, who was at that moment slightly
unwen Her mother requested her not TO be gone
long, aud she promised to return in few moments
On arriving at Mrs is she Informed that
lady of her desire 10 be married at that time
Murphy was Immediately sent for. But uu'ortu-
nately no clergyman could he found who would
perform the ceremony. Time was rapidly lying.
The mother awaiting Miss Reeds return,
and any delay would arouse suspicious Should
Reed appear, what would ensuc. The bride was
like an aspen leaf for fear that the affair would
be stopped. Murphy stood armcd-cool and cour-
agcoUs. 4 few Of his friends, also armed, were
watching around the house lest Reed should gam
admission before the ceremony could be per
formed The whole affair at this critical iuncture,
is described to US as having been most Intensely
exciting. Finding 40 other alternative. 1t was at
last agreed upon that in the absence OF the proper
authorities the parties should solemnlze the mar
rage themselves formally before witnesses, by de
clariug. each to the other their fixed determine
ton 10 become at that time and 10 remain for
ever, man and wife.
The intores, became thrilling. The point OF time
had at last arrived. The adv ent Of Reed would
have snatchod the prize they were both just ready
and So eager "a grasp. There was dead silence
The bridegroom commenced the ceremony promls-
ing to love, honor and keep Still Reed delayed
his coming. The beauty aud anxiety OF the BRIDE
the calmness and noble bearing Of the bridegroom
the pam of suspense all contributed TO hlghtcn
the intcnse interest of the scene. The witnesses
were breathless The bridegroom's low, deter
mined, slowly and carefully spoken words ceased.
Still Heed delay ed ms coming.
There was slight pause The bride was agl
tated. At last she commenced. Her words were
tremblingly and hurriedly enunciated, and she
stopped IN the middle OF her part. Il WAS as silent
death, outside the house Still Reed delayed
his coming. The bride was prompted, resumed
and. at last the ceremony was completed. That
which they had long and ardentiy desired -tlss
v hich they had looked forward u with scarce a
hope Of success, was now consummaied. They
were man aid wife.
Horses were ready at the door. They stopped
for few hurried congratulations mounted and
were Oft
Not three minutes from that time, Reed heard
that the thing was done Horses were procured.
and they pushed off in iun chase not the victors,
but the vanqashed They headed for Murphy s
ranch about eighteen miles distant hat they
found they were out generated from beginning TO
end. The bird was not there. Murphy, instead
OF going 10 his ranch drove only three miles out OF
the city in an opposite direction and there rested
IN security.