Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-02-16
A Wedding in the Blair Family.

From the Intelligencer. 4th.l
The Church of the Ascension, on H
street, was last evening the scene of q
brilliant wedding in high life, the nup-
tials of General Comstock, of General
Grants staff, and Miss Bessie, daughter
of Hon. Montgomery Blair, being there
celebrated with more than ordinary eclat
Cards of invitation were issued several
weeks since, and the event has been
looked forward to with great interest in
fashionable circles. NotN Outstanding the
drizzing rain that prevailed, the church
was crowded in every part with the elite
of Washington. A broad band Of white
ribbon separated the pews reserved for
the immediate friends of the family from
those open to the other invited guests,
and long before the ceremony took place
q most fashionable audience was in wait
ing. The font was filed with beautiful
flowers, and inside the chancel was
erected an unique arch of evergreens,
from the center of which hung sus-
pended handsomely designed mono
gram of the bride and groom. The en-
trance of General Grant created quite a
sensation, and, as usual on such occa-
sions, there was great impatience for the
arrival of the bridal party. At pre-
cisely quarter to nine, aud just
when expectation was on tip-toe, the
doors were thrown open, the organ pealed
forth the wedding march, and the brilliant
procession passed slowly down the broad
aisle to the altar, where the rector, Rev
DR.. Pinckney, stood ready to perform the
ceremony. First came the Eve beautiful
attendants of the bride, equisitely dressed,
escorted by the groomsmen in glittering
uniforms Leaning upon the arm Of her
grandfather, Frank P. Blair, sr., next
came the lovely bride, dressed in a mag
nifceut white satin, with court train,
over which the soft folds Of her veil fell
gracefully TO the floor. A superb wreath
Of orange flowers ornamented her hair,
and her jewelry was of the most elegant
and tasteful character. The groom, in
the brilliant uniform Of General, came
last, escortiug the brides grandmother
At the chancel the groomsmen and
bridesmaids separated in two lines, the
bride and groom passing through to the
altar, the whole arrangement forming u
striking tableau, the effect of which was
frightened by the beautiful blending Of
the natural colors formed by the dresses
Of the bridesmaids and the illumination
of many candles burning on the commu-
nion table. The bridesmaids were Miss
Minnie Blair, Miss Beck, Miss Violet
Blair, Miss Sands and Miss Christina
Blair, daughter of Gen. Frank p. Blair,
jr. Gen. Badeau (of Gen. Grants staff
Gen. Terry, Gen. Turner, Capt. Graves
and Mr.. Lee, nephew Of Commander Lee,
acted as groomsmen. The impressive
ceremony Of the Episcopal Church was
solemnly read by the minister, the vows
of matrimony were exchanged, aud in Q
few moments the wedding party passed
out of the church, and from theRce to
the residence of Commodore S. P. Lee,
where a reception was held from half.
mast nine until two o'clock AN. The
rooms were crowded during the evehing
with distinguished guests, and bsunti-
full repast was provided for all. There
were present in the church General and
Mrs. Grant, Secretary Seward, Senator
and Mrs Patterson, Hon. J. v. Il. Pruyn,
of New York, and ladies'; Senator Doo-
little and lady, Senator Cameron and
daughter, General Woodruff and daugh-
ter, General Dela6eld and daughters,
Paymaster General Brice, General Schri-
YER, General Parker, General Miller,
General Eaton, Colonel Leet (of General
Grants staff }. Msjor King and lady,
General J. G Kelton and lady, General
Dent, General Babcock, General Hum
phries, General Ramsey and lady, Mrs.
Dennis Mccarthy and daughters, ex-
Mayor Wallach and lady, Edgar Welles
(Chief Clerk Of the Navy Department.