The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-10-14

JeffersOn's Wedding.

The following scene is from the early days
of JEFFERSON, in the New York Century:
Belinda" (Jefferson's first Iove) had
been married many years, and her old ad-
mirer was approaching thirty. when he met
with a young lady of twenty-five, who
produced strong impression upon him.
She was little above the medium height,
slender but elegantly formed A fair COM
plexion, with a delecate tint of the rose
large hazel eyes, full of life and feeling, and
luxuriant hair of rich, soft auburn, formed
a combination of attractions which were
eminently calculated to move the heart of
youthful bachelor. In addition to all this
the lady was admirably graceful; she rode,
danced and moved with elegant ease, and
sang and played on the harpsicord very
sweetly. Add still to these accomplish
ments the possession of excellent good sense,
very considerable cultivation, warm, loving
heart, and last, though not least, notable
talent for housekeeping, and it will not be
difficult to understand how the youthful MIR.
Jefferson came to visit very frequently at
the lady's residence in the county Of Charles
City. 1t was called "The Forest" and the
She was the daughter of John Wayes, an
eminent lawyer, and had married ia her
seventeenth year Mr.. Bathurst Shelton, who
dying l76S, lett his young wife widow at
nineteen. AS the three years of mourning
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. Shelton, of
whom Mr.. Thomas Jefferson was one. The
tradition runs that the pretensions 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 gentlemen encountered
each other on Mrs. Skeletons doorstep, but
hearing Mr.. Jefferson's violin and voice
accompanying the lady in 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, and agreed that they would take
their turns. Mr.. Jefferson entered first, and
the tones of the lady in singing with her
companion deprived the listeners of all hope.
However this may be it is certain that the
beautiful widow consented to become Mrs.
Jefferson and on the first day of January,
l772, there was a great festival at "Ihe
Forest" Friends and kindred assembled
far and near--there was frolicking and
dancing after the abundant old fashion--and
we ind from the bridegroom's notebook
that the servants and fidlers received fees
from his especial pocket. 1t showed with
out, but within all was mirth and enjoy
ment in the light and warmth of tie great
long fires, roaring in honor of the occasion.
Soon after the performance of the ceremony,
the bridegroom and the bride set out IN
their carriage for Monticello" where Mr..
Jefferson had commenced building in 1869,
just before the destruction by fire of his
patrimonial house of "Shadweli." They
journey was not to end without adventures
AS they advanced towards the mountains
the snow increased in depth, and finally they
were compelled to leave the carriage and
proceed on their way on horseback. Stop.
ping to rest at "B enheim," the seat of Col
Garter where they found however, no one
but the overseer, they left at sunset, reso-
lutely bent upon reaching Monticello before
night. 1t Was eight mil distant, and the
road, which was rather a mountain bride
path than an honest highway, was encum-
bered with snow three feet deep.
We may tauey the sensations of the newly
welded bride at the chill appearance of the
desolate landscape, as she passed along the
snow; but she Was woman of courage aud
good sense, and d d not care for inconve-
nienc. 1t was late when they arrived, and
a cherries reception awaited them, or rather
no reception at al. The fires were all out,
the servants had gone to bed, and the place
was as dark and silent as the grave. Con-
Quoting his wife TO the little pavilion, which
was the only part OF the house habitable at
the time, MIR. Jeffrson proceeded to do the
hOnors. On shelf behind some books, part
of a bottle of wine was discovered and this
formed the supper of the bridegroom and
bride. Far from being annoyed or discom-
6ted by their reception, however, it only
served for topic of JEST and laughter. The
young lady was as merry and light hearted
as bird and sent her clear voice ringing
through the dreary little pavilion as gaily
as she had ever done in the cheerful draw
ing-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 Incl
dent rather than 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 lit
tie 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 young lady and gentleman,
both used to every comfort and luxury, found
the gloomy little pavilion in the midst of
three feet OF snow, neither dark nor cold on
the Jandary night long ago.