The penny press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1859-1860, 1859-09-15
JeffersOn's Wedding.


Days of Jefferson, in the New York
Century
Belinda" (Jefersons first lovc) had
been married many years, and her old
aimirer was approaching thirty, when he
met with Il young lady Of twenty-five, who
produced a strong impression upon him.
She was a little above medium hight,
slender, but elegantly formed. A fair
complexion, with delicate tint of the
rose; large hazel eyes, full of life and
feeling; and luxuriant hair Of rich, soft
auburn, formed o combination Of attrac-
tons which were eminently calculated to
move the heart of Il youthful bachelor.
In addition to all this the lady was ad-
mirably graceful she rode, danced and
moved with elegant ease, and sang and
played on the harpsichord very sweetly
Add still to these accomplishments the
possession of excellent good sense, very
considerable cultivation, a warm, loving
heart, and last, though not least, notable
talents for housekeeping, and it will not
bc difficult to understand how the youth
ful Mr.. Jefferson came to visit very fre-
qucntly at tho lady's residence, in tho
county of Charles City 1t was called
"Thc Forest" and the name of the lady
was Mrs. Martha Shelton. She was a
daughter of John Wayles an eminent
lawyer, and had married in her seven
teenth year, Mr.. Bathurst Skelton, who,
dying in 1868, left his young wife widow
at atnineteen. AS the three years of mourn
ing began to expire, the beautiful young
lady found herself besieged at "The
Forest" by numerous visitors OF these
three were favorites with the fair Mrs.
Skelton, of whom Mr.. Thomas Jefferson
was one. The tradition runs that the
prcten tions of the rivals were decided
either by the musical accomplishments
of the young counsellor, or by the fears
Of his opponents The tale is differently
related. One version is, that the two
unfortunate gentleman encountered each
other on Mrs. Skeltons doorstep, but
hearing Mr.. Jetferson's violin and voice
accompanying the lady in a pathetic
song, gave up the contest thenceforth and
retired without entering, convinced that
the affair was beyond their control
The other story is that all three met
at the door, agreed that they would take
their turns. MIR. jefferson entered first,
and tho tones of the lady in singing with
her Wmpanion deprived the listeners of
all hope. However this may be, it is
certain that the beautiful lady consented d
to become Mrs. jefferson; and on the first
day Of January, l772, there was great
festival at the "Thc Forest Friends
and kindred assembled from far and near
there was frolicking and dancing after
the abundant old fashion--and we find
from the bridegroom 5 notebook that the
servants and fiddlcrs received fees from
his especial pocket 1t showed without,
but within all was mirth and enjoyment,
in the light and warmth of the great log
fires, roaring in honor Of the occasion,
Soon after the performance of the cere-
mony, the bridegroom and his bride set
ont in their carriage for Monticello, "
where MIR. Jefferson had commenced build
ing in l169, just before the destruct ton by
fire Of hispatrimonialhou of "Shadwell. u
The journey was not to end without ad-
ventures AS they advanced toward the
mountains, the snow increased in depth,
and finally they were compelled to leave
the carriage and proceed upon their way
on horseback. Stopping to rest at "Blen-
hcim," the seat Of Col Carter, whore they
found, however, no one but an Overseer,
they left it at sunset, resolutely bent upon
reaching Monticello before night. 1t
Was eight miles distant, and the road
was encountered with snow three
feet deep. We may fancy the sensations
Of the ncwly-wcdded bride at the chill
appearance Of the desolate landscape, as
she passed along the snow; but she was
a woman of courage and good sense, and
did not care for inconvenience 1t was
late when they arrived, and cheerless
reception awaited them-or rather, there
was no reception at ALL The fires were
all out, the servants had gone to bed, and
the place was as dark and silent as the
grave. Conducting his wife to the little
pavilion, which was the only part of the
house habitable at the time, Mr.. Jefferson
proceeded to do the honors. On q shell
behind some books, part of bottle OF
wine was discovered, and this formed the
supper Of the bridegroom and the bride.
Far from being annoyed or discounted
by their reception, however, it only served
for topic Of jest and laughter. The
young lady was as merry and lighthearted
as bird, and sent her clear voice ringing
through the dreary little pavilion as gaily
as she had ever done in the cheerful
drawing-room of "The Forest" Thus
the long hours of the winter night fled
away like minutes, winged with laughter
merriment and song. The vigil was
mirthful incident rather than a trial Of
their equanimity. They were young,
and they had just been married. When
hands are clasped, and hearts beat close
together, there is very little gloom in
darkness, and winter nights are not cold.
This little moral sentiment will not,
hope, be criticised as too romantic for the
dignity Of history" 1t doubtless ex.
plains how q young lady and gentleman
both used to every comfort and luxury
found tho gloomy little pavilion, in t6t
midst Of three feet Of snow, neither uarl
nor cold, on that January night long ago