The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-09-30
JEFFERsON's WEDDING.

was approaching thirty, when be met
with 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.
plection, with a delicate tint of the rose
large hazel eyes, full of life and feeling, and
luxurant hair Of rich, soft auburn formed
a combination of attractions which were
eminenty calculated to move tho heart of
youthful Scholar 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 accomplishments
the possession Of excellent good sense, very
considerable cultivation warm loving heart
and last, though not least, notable talents
for housekeeping, and it will no! he diff
cult to understand how the youthful Mr.
Jefferson came to visit very frequently at
the lady's residence, in the county of Charles
City. 1t was called sFhe Forest" and
the name Of the lady was Mrs. Martha Skel.
ton. She was the daughter of John
Wayles an eminent lawyer, and had mar.
rid in her 17.h year, Mr.. Ba.hhurs, Shelton
who dying in 1900, left his young wife a
widow at nineteen. AS the three years Of
mourning began to expire, the beautiful
young lady found herself besieg-d at "rhe
Forrest" by numerous visitors. OF these
three were favortcs with the fair Mrs.
Shelton, Of whom Mr.. Thomas Jefferson
was one. The tradition runs that the pre-
tensions Of thu rivals were decided either hy
the musical accomplishments of the young
consellor, or by the fears of his opponents.
The tale is differently related. Oae versi on
is. that the two unfortunate gentleman en-
countered each other on Mrs, Skelton' 3
doorstep, but hearing Mr.. Jefferson's violin
and voice accompanying the lady in a
pathetic song, gave up the contest thence.
forth and retired without entering, convinced
that the affair was byond their control.
The other story is, the 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 be-
come Mrs. Jefferson; and on tile first day
of January, l772, there was great festival
at 1.-The Forest" Friends and kindred
assembled far and near-thcre was frolickine
and dancing after the abundant oil fashion
and we find from the bridegroom's note
book that the servants and fidlers received
fees from his especial pocket. 1t showed
without, but within all was mirth and enjoy
ment, in the light and warmth of the great
log fires, roaring in honor Of the occasion.
Soon after the performance Of the ceremony
the bridegroom and the bride set out r
their carriage for "Monticello." where Nj
Jefferson had Commenced building in ! 1853
just before the destruction by fire Of his
patrimonial house of"Sbadwell. The journey
was not to end without adventures.
AS they adganced towards the mountains
the snow INCREASED int depth, and finah,
they were compelled to leave the carriag
and proceed on their way on horseback
Stopping to rest at 'Blenbeiur,' The seat Q
Col. Garter, where they found, however, nc
one but theoverscer, they left it at sunset,
reolutely bent upon reaching Monticell
before night 1t was eight miles distant
and the road, which was rather mountai
bride path than an honest highway, wa
encumbered with snow three feet deep.
We may fancy the sensations of tu
t newly welded bride at the chill appearance
Q of the desolate landscape, as she passe
y along the snow; but she was woman {
: courage and good sense, and did not car
I for Inconvenience. It was late when tho
q arrived. and cherries reception awaite
!, them--or rather, there was no reception a
!, all. The fires were all out, the servants ba
y gone to bed, and the place was as. dar
8 and silent as the grave. Conducting hi
n wife to the little pavilion, which was th
only part Of ,the,house habitable at the tim
Mr. Jeferson proceeded 'to, do the honorl
On shelf behind some books, part of
bottle Of wine was discovered and tb
Q formed the supper Of the bridegroom AM
, the bride. Far from being annoyed (
. discounted by their reception, however,
only served for atopic Of jest and laugh
tsr.& The young lady was 90 merry an
b lighthsarted as 3 bird, aud sent her cies
o ssoies ringing through Ae ;dreary little p,
'viIion rs gal sas SIZE hsd ever done 10 th
cheerful drawing, g,room ofsTbs Forest.n :.
=" Thus the long boura ofsbe winter nigl
J. fed awaylike minutes, winged with Taught.
J. merrinent,2 and song. The vigil was
!. mirthfnl incident rather than a tf al Of thei
nil Fequanimity They were young, and they ha
jrst been nmarEjed- When haadsare clasps
Z lsnd hearts best dose together there is xsf
Elitle le gloom in datkpeas, and tho wihti
y Bights aslSstse cold, This little nor,
r q 4 -