The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-05-24
AN ARMY WEDDING.

There are very few soldiers who have been in
the Western army who will not recognize in the
following picture, drawn for the Montgomery
Mail, great similarity to many army weddings
which he has seen. The marriage .ook place nc
Bulls Gap, Tenn:
An Alabama soldier, whom to name would be
too personal, but who is uglier than the renowned
Suggs-in fact, SO far diseased with chronic big
ugly as to have failed procuring a flrlough' from
Brig Gen. Law solely On that ground-wooed and
won buxom Tennessee maid of doubtful ape.
Whilst "Specia" was out that day with bis gun
on porcine scout, for the purpose of reinforcing
his haversack, he was interrupted in bis recon-
noissance by husky voice emitting from ten
by-fIteen pen, inviting him to halt Entering
the low door, he found wedding was on the tapis,
and en- route to happy termination. A mirthful
TeAan-not necessary to name-had.a a copy of tho
Army Regulations ir his hand, and his throat was
decorated with q piece of white bandage, such as
is u-eo Oy our army doctors-all ready 10 tie the
hymenal knot 10 tight that il could not be undone
by the teeth. The bridegroom stood largely over
six honest feet in his socks was as hairy as Esau
and pale, SLIM and lank. His jacket and pants
represented each of the contendine parties at war
His shoes were much the worse for wear, aud his
toes sticking out OF the gaping rents reminded one
of the many little heads of pelicans you observe
protrudng from the nest which forms a part of
the coat-of-arms of Louisiana. The exact color Of
his suit could not be given. Where the buttons
had been lost off in the wear and tear OF war, an
unique substitute, liz the shape of persimmou
seed, was used. The bride had essayed TO wash
"Alabam's" clothes, while modesty concealed his
nudity behind brush hedge, awaiting there un-
til they were dried.
The bride was enrobed in clean but faded
dress. Her necklade was composed Of string of
chinquepins, her brow was environed by wreath
of faded bonnet flowers, and her wavy red hair
was tucked up behind in the old fashioned way.
She wore q stout pair Of No. 8 brogans, and her
stockings and gloves were made of rabbit skins
furside next to. the flesh. On her fingers We dis
cerned several gutta percha and bone rings, pre-
sents at various times from her lover. She wore
no hoops, for nature had given her such form az
to make crinoline of no use to her.
All being ready, the "Texas Parson" proceeded
to his duty, with becoming gravity. Special
acted the part for both bride and groom. Open
ing the book aforementioned, the quondam parson
commenced, ,~close upp' and the twain closed up.
"Hand to your partnerp and the couple handed.
"Atention to orders" and we all attentioned.
Then the following was read aloud: "By order Of
our directive General, Braxton. Bragg, hereby
solemnly pronounce you man and wife, for, and
during the war, and you shall cleave unto each
other until the war is over, and then apply to Gov
ernor Watts for family right Of public land In
Pike the former residence of the bridegroom, aud
you aad each of you will assist to multiply and
replenish the earth" The ceremony wound up
with regular bear hug betwecen the happy NOR
tails, and resumed our hog hunt, all the while
'guawing at the stolid indifference manifested by
the married parties the picket line Bulls Gap.
On our falling back from the Gap we observed
the happy couple perambulatiDg with the column
through the mud and snow, wearing an air Of per-
feet indifference to- observation remark from ths
soldiery. Should this soldier, who captured "tbe
maid Of the Cap" obtain furlough for the pur-
pose of locating in Pike will not our friends Of
the Mail oblige them with an introduction 10 our
gallant Governor Watts