Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-12-10
JEFFEnsoN,s WEDDING.


The following scene is from the "EarlY
Days of Jefferson" in the New York Cen
tuIy.
"'Bellinda, (Jeferson's first love) had
been married many years, and her old ad-
mirers was approaching thirty, when he
met young lady Of twenty-five, who had
produced a strong impression upon him.
She was little above the medium height,
slender, but elegantly formed. fair COM
plexion, with a delicate tint Of the rose;
large hazel eyes, full Of life and feeling, and
luxuriant hair of rich, soft auburn, formed |
q combination of attractions which were
eminently calculated to move the heart of a
youthful bachelor. In addition to all this,
the lady was admirably graceful; she rode,
danced and moved with elegant ease, and
sang and played upon the harpsichord very
sweetly.
"Add still to those accomplishments the
possession of excellent good sense, very con-
siderable cultivation, warm. loving heart,
and last, though not least, notable talent for
house keeping, and 1t 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 Charles City.
II was called 1.-THE Forest" and the name
Of the lady was Mrs. Martha Skelton. She
was the daughter of John Wales, an eminent
lawyer, and had married in her seventeenth
year, Mr. Skelton, who dying in 176S, left
his young wife q widow Of nineteen. AS
the three years of mourning began 10 expire,
the beautiful young lady found herself be-
sieged at THE Forest, by numerous visitors
OF these three were favorites with the fair
Mrs. Skelton, of whom Mr.. Thomas Jeffer'
son was one. The tradition runs that the
pretensions of the rivals were decided eithel
by the musical accomplishments of tht
young counselor, or by the fears OF his op
ponents. The tale is differently related
One version is, the two unfortunate gentle
men encounteredleach other on Mrs. Skel
toms door step, but hearing Mr.. Jefferson
violin and voice accompanying the lady IL
pathetic song, gave up the contest thence
forth, and retired without entering, con
WINGED that the affair was beyond their con
troll.
1.-THE other is that all three met at tn
: door, and agreed that they would take turni
Mr.. Jefferson entered first; and the tones {
the lady in singing with her companion d'
, priyed the listeners of all hope. HowevC
- this may be, 1t IS certain that the beautili
widow consented to become Mrs. Jefferson
and on the first Of January, 1777, there WI
l.. a grand festival at the Forest Frient
No. and kindred assembled from far and nea
.Ss 81 there was frolicking and dancing after Il
abundant old fashion, and We find from Il
bridegroom's notebook that the servants al
'An fiddlers received fees from his especi
J, pocket"
It showed without, but within all W
mrth and enjoyment, in the hight and warm
win Of the great log fires, roaring in honor OF
t.s bsst occasion. Soon after the performance
=. the ceremony the bridegroom and his bri
set out in their carriage for Monticello, witt
Mr.. Jefferson had commenced building
1860, Just before the destruction by fire
MN his matrimonial house Of "Shadwell." I
y. tourney was not TO end without adventur
rally As they advanced toward The mounta
eoe the snow increased In depth, and finally Il
,r were compelled to leave the carriage {
M proceed upon their way on horseback.
We Stopping to rest at Belnheim, the seat
Col. Carter, where they found, however,
N, one but an overseer. They left it at sun
~ resolutely bent upon reaching Monte
before night. twas eight miles distant,
the road, which was rather mountain br
path than an honest highway, was inc
sraly bered with snow three feet deep. We
"'''s fancy the sensations of the newly mar
b. bride at tho chill appearance of the Ii
scape as she passed along the snow; but
y was woman of courage and good Sc
and did not care for Inconvenience. 1t
late when they arrived, and cheerlesH
-. ception awaited them-or rather there
ins 10 no reception at all. The fires were out
~i'' servants had gone to bed, and the place
nd 70, as dark and silent as the grave. Com
nit ing his wife to the little pavilion, W
was the emily part of the house habitat
the time, Mr.. Jefferson proceeded to d.
hoAors On a shelf behind some b'
Y M part Of bottle of wine was discovered
/, this formed the supper of the brideg
and bride. Far from being annoyed Of
DEL. contsnted by the reception, however, 1t
eAps- ,....od for , tonic of taat and LAUGHTER