, 1863-02-14
Lefferson,s Weddinp.

rer was approaching thirty, when he met
with a young lady of twenty-five, who pro-
duced a strong impression upon him. She
was little above the medium height, slen-
der, but elegantly formed. A fair COM
plexion, with a delicate tint of the rose;
large hazel eyes, full of life and feeling;
and luxuriant hair of a rich, soft auburn,
formed combination of attractions which
we're calculated to move the heart of a
youthful bachelor. In addition to this the
lady was admirably graceful she rode,
danced and moved with elegant ease, and
sang and played on the harpsichord very
sweetly. Add still to these accomplish
ments the possession Of excellent good
sense, very considera bic cultivation, a warm,
loving heart, and last, though not least,
notable talents for housekeeping, and it
will not be difficult to understand how the
youthful Mr.. Jefferson came to visit very
frequently at the lady's residence, in the
country of Cherries City. 1t was called
"The Forest, and the name of the lady
was Mrs Martha Shelton. She was
daughter of John Wayles, an eminent law
yer, and had married in her seventeenth
year Mr.. Bathurst Shelton, who, dying in
1868, left his young wife widow at nine
teen.
Three years of mourning began to ex-
pire, and the beautiful young lady found
herself beseiged at The Forest" by nu-
merous visitors Of these, three were ia
vorites with the fair Mrs Shelton, of whom
Mr.. Thomas Jefferson was one. The ira
dition runs that the pretensions of the rivals
we're decided, either by the musical accom-
plishments Of the young counsellor, or by
the fears of bis opponents. The tale is
differently related. One version is, that
the two unfortunate gentlemen encountered
each other on Mrs. Skeletons door step,
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 be-
come Mrs. Jefferson : and on the first day
of January, 1872, there was a great festival
at "The Forest" Friends and kindred
assembled from far and near-here was
frolicking and dancing after the abundant
old fashion-and we find from the bride
groom's note book, that the servants and
fddlers received fees from his especial
pocket.
1t showed without, but within all vas
mirth and enjoyment, in the light and
warmth of the great log fires, roaring in
honor Of the occasion. Soon after the per-
formance of the ceremony, the bridegroom
and the bride set out in their carriage for
"Monticello" where Mr. jefferson COM
menced building in 1863, just before the
destruction by fire of his patrimonial house
Of "Shadwell. The journey was not to
end without adventures. AS they advanced
toward the mountains the snow increased
in depth, and finally they were compelled
to leave the carriage and proceed on their
way on horseback, stopping to rest at
"Blenheim," the seat of Col Carter, where
he found, However, no one but an overseer.
They left at sunset, resolutely bent on
reaching Monticello before night 1t was
eight miles distant, and the road, which
was rather mountain bride path than an
honest highway, was encumbered with
snow three feet deep. We may fancy the
sensations of the newly welded bride at
the chill appearance of the desolate land
scape, as she passed along through the
snow; but she was a woman Of courage
and good sense, and did not care for incon-
venence.
1t was late when they arrived, and
cheerless reception awaited them-or rath-
er, 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 ct the time, Mr. Jefferson
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 discounted by their
reception, how ever, it only served for
topic of jest and laughter. The young la
dy was as merry and light-hearted as a 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 fed away like minutes,
winged with laughter. merriment and song.l
The vigil was a mirthful incident rather
than a trial of their equanimity They
were young-and they had just been mar
ried. 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
explains 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
lOr cold on that January night long ago.
AVOID THEM.-Profane language is abominable.
Loud laughing is impolite. Inquisitiveness is Of
ensive. Tattling is mean. Telling lies is con-,
emptible Sanderng is deyilish Ignorance is.
iisgracefu and laziness is shameful. Avoid all
he above vices, and aim at usefulness. Never
'e ashamed of honest labor Pride is CURSE
Keep good company
A LITTLE boy asked his mother what blood
elatiOns' meant. She explained to him that it
ignifed near relatives, etc. After thinking a
moment, he said. Then, you are the bloodiest
elaton I've got!
IMPROVED METHoD-"O, papa Doctor March
ad such hard work to pull mas tooth out.n-
Had he, my sona" "Yes.I see him try first with