The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1867-08-22
JEFFERSON'S WEDDING.

The following scene is from the Early
Days of jefferson, in the New York
Century;
Belinda, (JcfcrsoD's iirst love9 had
been married many years, and her old
admirer was approaching thirty, when
he met with n young lady of twenty-five,
who produced a strong impression upon
him. She was little above the medi-
um height, slender, but elegantly
formed. A fair complexion, with a del
ieate tint of the rose; large hazel eyes,
full Of liie and feeling; aud luxuriant
hair Of rich, soft auburn, formed CON-
bination OF attractions which were emf.
ucutly calculated to move the heart of
youthful bachelor. In addition to all
this the lady wus admirably graceful I;
she rode, danced and moved with ele.
gnut ease, and sang and played on the
hapsiehord very swectly.
Add still 10 these accomplishments
the possession Of excellent good sense,
very considerable cultivation, a warm,
loving heart, and last, though not least,
notable talents for housekeeping, and
it will not be diiFicult to understand
how the youthful Mr.. Jefferson came to
visit very frequently at the lady's resi-.
dence, in the county Of Charles City,
IL was called The Forest" aud the
name of the lady was Mrs. Martha Skel-
ton. She was daughter of John
Wales, an eminent lawyer, aud had mar
ried IN her seventeenth year, Mr.. Bath
urst Skeiton, who dying in 176S, left
his young wife widow at nincteen.-
As the three years of mourning began
to expire, the beautiful young lady
found herself besieged at The Forest
By numerous visitors. or these three
were iayorites with the fair Mrs. Skel.
ton, of whom Mr., Thomas Jefferson was
one. The tradition runs that the pre-
teutions Of the rivals were decided ei-
ther BY the musical accomplishments Of
the young counsellor, or by the fears of
his opponents. The tale is differently
related. One version is, that the two
unfortunate gentlemen encountered each
otber on Mrs. Skelton's doorstep. but
heSing Mr.. Jefierson'syiol and voice
accompanying the lady in pathetic
song, gave up the contest thenceforth
and retired without entering, convinced
that the affair was beyond their con-
troll.
Tho other story Is, that all three met
at the door, and agreed that they would
take turns. Mr.. Jefferson entered iirst,
and the tones Of the lady in singing
with her companion deprived the listen
ers ofall hope. However this may be,
i is certain that the beautiful widow
consented to become Mrs. Jefferson
and on the first Of January, l772, there
was a great festival at "The Forest. ."--
Friends and kindred assembled from
far and near--there was ffolicking and
dancing after the abundant old fashion
aud We ind from the bridegroom's
notebook that the servants and iiddlers
received fees from his especial pocket
II showed without, but within all was
mirth and enjoyment, in the light and
warmth Of the great log fires, roaring 10
honor Of the occasion. Som after the
performance Of the ceremony, the BRIDE
groom and his bride set out in their
carriage for "Montieello," where Mr..
Jefferson had commenced 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 iucre. scd in
depsh, and finally they were compelled
70 leave the carriage and proceed upca
their way on horseback.
Stopping TO rust at aBlcnheim,' the
seat cf Call Carer where they found.
however, no one but an overscer, they
leit i at sunset, resclutely bent upon
reaching Monticello before night. II
was eight miles distant, and she road,
which was rather mountain bride path
than an honest highway. was eucum-
bered with snow three ieet deep We
may ihncy thc sensations cf ia ucwly-
welded bride II la chin srpesrance 81
tho desolate landscape, - she passed
along tho spov hnt xha was 1 .ob,sn
( of courlge cad good sense, ind did not
care Itr inco,,rcnioncc "A II -. -.