The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-02-21

merchant in Vera Cruz Mr. Dewhurst and the father
Of an American lady, Mr.. Markoe, Also an American
merchant and resident Of this city solicited perms.
sion from Capt. Turner, commanding this ship, to
lemnize their nuptals-tbe marriage of Mr. Dewharst
and MISS Markoe-on national ground under the Anne
fican flag, board the Saratoga.
The captain readily gave his consent and upon commu
nicatng the application Of the parties to his officers they
determined in COMMON ooncer, to make the occasion
handsome onen hort, agAy, brilliant wedding. Nothing
that expense abos could do should be spared to
memOra,e the oveoi taxing place the midst of large
concourse Of foreign vessels Of war; such manner
would give to IT the greatest ecla.
The day was fixed for the 10Th Of January, the only
difficulty being the uncertainty Of the weather, sub
jeo. as we are 20 violent gales from the North
every few days, the intervals between which in
variaby clear unclouded sky accompanied by balmy
| genial breeze from the southeast.
Invitations were issued to the officers Of the foreign
fleets 10 attend the ceremony and they requested in
| the Dctes of invitation to appear in full dress
The day dawned rather unpropltiously, heavy clouds,
with ght mist shroudlng ana shutting out the adjacent
sand hills which encirclc Vera Cruz and its enyirons.
Even the distant mountains times curtaned of by
the dense clouds which rolled down from the northward
but the glorious SUBMITS of Orizaba Perote and
anon shot their snow clad peaks above the eecy vapos
which yelled them from sight, encourages in
| hoping for bright day in the end.
However, matrirnony, like time and tide waits for no
| man; it must como of, though the heavens fall.
The officers and crew set themselves heartily to work
for the altar Of Hymen. Remembering the grave obsa-
Giles which that deity himself possessing him
self of the object Of his affections, redoubed
exertons and deed the elements. Fortunately as the
hour approached, the clouds dispersed, and the
vesed itself without shadow from on high.
So great anxiety that should 60 OF WE'LL that
think at this moment there heartfelt gush JOY
board because you cannot separate such public
occasion on board national ship from the credit and hon
or which every one desires should attach the flag
when the eyes of foreigners are upon u.s. whether the
event be military simply social and civic. Certainly,
| II II is a weakness II Is veuiai
The quarter deck, by the aid Of awnings aud Tags
was formed into pavilion, from the mainmast aft TO the
tai!ral.
The flags Of the different nations to be present were in
ettwned with each other in the most conspicuous places
forward and aft The manmast the mizenmas and the
caps.an were wrapped in J0sephs coat Of brilliant
riegated coors the sides were curtained by flags,
gracefully drapeo, and festooned to the deck whilst
tie polished surfaces of six sixty eight shell guns protruded
Their heavy breeches some few feet upon the deck
lectng almost ike mirror the corruscations of
and tinsel Of uniforms and FURNISHED blades which
paraded on the quarter deck OF shipofwar
An arras ceiling, made of different ensigns and flags
was fitted 10 the under surface CT the awnings above
somewhat arabt sque in its effect that above forward
and aft and on either side display Of pennons
OF brilliant coors soened yet heightened by the rays
of the sun, which descended upon it, and which gave to
the whole mellow twilight shade, most becoming to the
picture at large and not unlike the effect produced by
looking through Stained glass.
Tho cabin the same level with the spar deck its doors
thrown open, and prey carpeted, looked though it
but continuation OF the quarter deck rather the
das of the ordy pavilion of some distinguished oriental
1t was difficult to conceive that you placed and
The decks spoess and almost white marble,
contrasting strangely and srkingly with the OF
black polished cannon balls around the hatches which,
like the planted both sides threw Off their
diations OF bright reflected coors
On the starboard side of the poop deck placed
large chair of reception.
table upon which tastefuy displayed the we'd
Dig cakes and wne occupied the other side of the poop
to entertain this large company and collation. in the
cabin for the bridal party especially.
give you this most imperfect sketch Of the space it
hp
The hour fixed was four precisely The boat had been
despatched for the bridal party and was in sight its
return as it approached the ship Our officers assembled
deck to receive the bride, and she the
side American enstgns flown from the fore and main
mass and large white flag, embematc of the occasion,
from the mizen.
She appeared dressed in white, with the utmost |
simplicity, accompanied by her father, the bridegroom
several friends and sisters wreath of white flowers
encirclng her head without jewel any description
but bracelets She looked rather pretty woman but
more remarkable for her gentle, lady like high bred
air. of slight figure with very graceful carriage and
most pleasing, winning manners.
They invited " the cabin, and retired once to
the adjoining staterooms.
The offices Of the chaplain of the English frgate Tartar
had been secured for the OCCASION and Capt Dunlop com
maDding) had kindly volunteered his band of music.
At half past three the boats Of the whole hee-Engish
French and Saush-bgan TO arrive with large parties OF
officers.
AS the commanding officers came over the side they were
received with full guard the band the same time play
ing their respective national airs all the guests being
Quoted Immediately to the poop as they passed over the
side, constituting should think, group of at least fifty
Everything being ready and the hour band the crew.
neatly dressed for the OCCASION called muster they
took up the entire port side Of the quarter deck
The marine guard was drawn up Just abaft the main
mast, entirely across the deck, from side to side.
The foreign officers were invited 10 descend from the
POOP the quarter deck and the plain repaired the
cabin to TO the bride and groom that their pre-
was only necessary to proceed with the ceremony.
wide passage made through the thr0ng Of officers
permit them to pass, through which they advanced
companed only by the captain who had been requested
by her father to give her away As they reached the
Of the company and abaft of the marine guard the guard
presented arms and remained at present during the
tire service which most touchngly and impressvey
read by the English chaplain |
As as it over the captain requested the Eng
sh commanding officer to escort the bride to her chair of
reception ON the poop and then turning TO the crew he
said Gve her three hearty cheers, my b0ys and such
welkn ring again., and every felt that came from
their very hearts AT the same moment the First Lieu
tenant fired salvo of cannon by divisions, and the band
The crowd Of officers again repaired to the poop to offer
their congratulations and then to the festive board, TO
qua in numbcfs full TO the long and happy life OF the
groom and bride.
The afternoon passed away continued scene of |
revelry and mcrriment champagne and wine flowing like
water, whilst the spced the main brace at the bull
(grog tub.
The evident delight qualification of every at the
novelty and beauty OF the conspicuous and
what gratiaed most the constant remark " in
what beautiful order you have the ship, above
r rra TO Cart turner Vino reped "Yc is the
work OF the First Lieutenant and is the great secret OF
making good First Lieutenant to let him alone when he
doing we'll is the best encouragement you can give
bn and that sir is the secret of the fine order OF this
ship" Perhaps no ship was ever more fortunate in her
officers than the Saratoga. But am DEPRESSING
At sunset the flags removed and the awnings ur
ed and once felt ourselves the decks of an
armed ship.
boat was manned TO convey the bridal
party to the city about dusk the crowd OF Off
GERS, feastng and drinking below were request
ed to reassembe on the poop the men were ordered
to lay aoft; brilliant full moon shining in the rma
ment above and as the boat showed off from the ships
side three deafeDng cheers given by every soul
board whilst at the moment blue lights flashed from
the forccaste gapgways and poop enveopng the ship Ia
one brilliant spectral blaze which made her look for the
moment thing less Of earth than heaven" Thus passed
this gala day-for gala day it was
AS the Englh commanding officer passed over the side
nc observed to Captain Turner, THIS has been of the
most beautiful spectaces saw, and most success
fully managed without single failure fault Of any
sort.n
large number Of officers stad I'LL late at night enjoy