The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1859-09-29
JEFFERsON's WEDDING,

lUI
"Beli"da," (Jcnerson's first lovc) had
been married many years, ard her old adj
mirer was approaching thirty, when he
met with young lady Of twenty two, who
produced Il strong impression upon him.
She WAS little above the medium height,
slender, but elegantly formed. a fair COM
plection. with 4 delicate tint of the rose:
large haze: eyes, full of life and f.cIinr.
and luxurant hair Of rich, soft auburn,
formed il combination Of attractions which
were cmincntly calculated to move the hear.
Of II youthful bachelor. In addition to all
this, the lady WAS admirably graceful; she
rode, danced and moved with elegant case.
and sang and Played on tn l,arpsicori very
swecIy. .ldI still to these accomplish
men;s the possession Of ofexccIcnt good sense,
very considerable cultivation, warm. lov-
ing heart, and last, though net least, nota-
bic talcnts for house. keeping, and it will
not he difficult to understand how the youth
tul MIR. Jefferson came to visit very fire.
Iucntly at the !ady's residence in the coun-
ty OF Charles City. 1t WAS callcd.'Ihe For
rest and the name of the lady was Mrs.
Ma'tha SkcIton. She was the daughter of
John Nayles, an cminen, lawyer, and had
married in her 17lh year. Mr.. BATHURST
Skelton, who dying in l7Gs, left his young
vile widow ut nineteen. AS the three
years OF mourning began to expire, the
beautiful young lady found herself bcsieycd
at "The Forrest" by numerous visitors. Of
these, three were favoritcs with the fair Mrs.
Shelton, of whom Mr.. Thomas Jefferson
was one. The tradition runs that !he pre-
tcntions Of the rivals were decided either
Ivy the musical accomplishments Of the
young counsellor, or by the fears of his op-
ponents. The tale is differently related.
One version is, that the two unfortunate
gentlemen encountered each other on Mrs.
Skeletons doorstep, but hearing Mr.. Jcfler.
sons violin and voice accompanying the
lady in pathetic song, gave up the contest
lhcncet"rth and retired without entering,
convinced that the affair WAS beyond their
control.
lie 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 ofthe lady in singing with her
companions 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 the first dav
OF january, l772, there was great festi-
val at"Ihc Forrest. Friends and kindred
assembled far aud ncar-therc YVES frolck
ing and dancing after the abundant old
iashlon-anl wefind from the bridegroom's
notebook that the servants and fidIers re-
ce'vcd fees from his especial pocket. It
showed without, but within all was mirth
and enjoyment, i'll 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 in their carriage for "Monti-
cello" where Mr.. Jefferson had commenced
building in 1860, just before the destruc-.
ton by fire Of his patrimonial house OF
"Shadwell." yhe journey was not to end
without adventures.
AS they advanced towards the mountains
The snow increased in depth, and fnaIl,;
they were compelled to leave the carriage
and proceed on tIIcir way on horseback
Stopping 10 rest at 'Dlenl,cim,' the seat of
Col. Carter, where they found, however
no one but the overscer, they left it at sun
set, resolutely bent upon reaching Monti-
cello before night. 1t was eight miles dis.
tant, and the road, which was rather n
mountain bride path than an honest high.
way, was encumbarcd with snow three feet
deep.
We may fancy 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 and good sense, and did moi caro-
for Inconvenience. 1t was late when thoy
arrived, and clccrless reception awaited
thcm-or rather, there was no reception at
all. The fires were all out, the servants
had all gone to bed, and the place was
dark and silent as the grave. Conducting
his wife to the little pavilion, which was tic
only part Of the house habitable at the time.
MIR. Jefferson proceeded to do the honors.
On shelf behind some books, part of a bot
lie 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
a topic of jest and laughter. The youno
lady was as merry and l;ght.hcarted as =
bird, and sent her clear voice ringing
through the dreary little pavilion rs eaily
as she had ever done in the cheerful
drawng.rocm Of "The Forrest"
| Thus the long hours of tho winter ninht
| Hal kunx