Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-12-22
George wa.hington's Marriage.

IL was IN lnS spring OF lloS. MT. CuStlS,
planter residing at his estate called the White
House, was riding out one morning, when be
met, coming from the nOrthward, young gen.
tleman of military appearance, excelleuty
mounted, and ACCOMPANIED by q good old ser
want, or sergeant who rode respectfully a few
PAGES behind his master. The new conner was
Col. George Washington, on his way from
Winchester to Williamsburg, and his attendant,
Bishop, formerly Braddock's body servant
now his own.
Washington was twenty-five at that time,
and young man OF great sedateness and dig
nity. He was in chiet command on the iron
tier, and saw or thought little OF the fair sex.
But, on this spring morning OF 1888, his time
had come"
Mr.. Gusts greeted him, and invited him to
stop at the White House. lie would do so
with pleasure, but it would be Tor hall an hour
only. His business was pressing; he must
hasten on to see his excellency at Williams
burg And conversing, they rode back and
reached the White House. Here Washington
dismounted, and delivered his horse to Bishop,
with orders to wait him there; he would con-
tnue bis journey in half an hour. Bishop sa-
luted Rrayely with hand raised TO his hat; his
master entered the house; aud the nan nour
psssed-the Old servant waiting patiently.
His master did not, however, make his ap-
pearance. The event was unheard OF. Col
Washington was the soul OF punctualty he
was on pressing public business; what could
be the meaning Of this strange and unwonted
delay?
An hour passed-two hours passed. Col.
Washington did not reappear. But servant
came out and delivered an order from him to
the motionless old body guard He would
conduct the horses to the stable his master
would dine, and possibly spend the night with
Mr. Gusts. Bishop obeyed-the world was
clearly coming to an end and Colonel Wash
ington was the guest OF the owner OF the White
House.
On the next morning Bishop in obedience
10 orders 10 that effect, saddled the horses and
waited before the door for the colonel, who
designed setting out, he said immediately. An
hour passed; the colonel did not appear. Two
hours afterward, there was still no sign OF him.
Then the servant came again, and directed the
horses to be led back; Colonel Washington
would remain to dinner, and then continue his
journey.
The day was lar spent when the young sol
dier made his appearance, and vaulted into the
saddle. TALL vigorous, graceful, and with
3 certain loftiness OF port, even then distln'
guishabe, he was gallant looking cavalier
one whom any woman might admire.
One was gazing at him through the window
"a Young lady Of about his own age, with rosy
cheeks, bright eyes, hair carried back from the
forehead, and neck, resembling snow, above
the square-cut bodice The young colonel
reined his high spirited horse, nearly throwing
him or his launches, made courteous sa'
lutte with his right hand, lit was nearly the
attitude of bronze statue OF him afterwards, }
and galloped away, thinking probably OF the
bright eyes and lips.
"Colonel George Washington, OF Mount
Vernon" had seen for the first time Mrs. Mar
ths Custis, the beautiful young widow, who,
wear AFTER was to become his wife.
Tradition relates that the ceremony took
nlaoe in old St. Peters Church, In New Kent
county. The scene was brilliant one, and may
interest the reader Ii was in January, 1859.
The Rev. DR.. Mossom, parson of the parish,
attended 10 full cauonicas, and the pair ad,
vanced, followed by bevy OF beauties and
oroomsmep. Washington was clad IN s1it
IS hlno-and silver, lined with red silk; his
wo;stcoat was embroidered; his knee and shoe
hnckles were of gold his hair was powdered
on5 he wore a dresssword. The bride was
dressed in white satin, with rich pointed lace
rnfias. had pearl ornaments in her HAIR; pearl
necklace, ear rings, aud bracelets; wnite sst'il
shoes. with high heels and diamond puehtes ,
and was followed, as has been said, by an array
Of heautifui aud richly dressed girls, leaning
upon the arms of groomsmen, IN oostImS nt v;r as
cinia. in a suit of scarlet. emoroidere9 WIN
sold, with huge bag WIG and dress, SWORD, wa wa
seen in the midst of number OF onioers Vi ,uI
Eussh army and navy and great e'9Wu ~
what were then called the gentry -Iriend1 e,1C5
and relations Of the bride and groom -hl!ed
the church, all intent upon the intereslln1
ceremony. One parsonage has been no 1Ore0., ,oo
ten-Bishop, the old body-servant. He' toe
was present. With folded arms, and muct
emotion on his aged face, he gazed at the cere
mony with the rest ,a;
It soon ended, and the brilliant crowd flowed
forth from the old church. Tradition relates
that the bride and and as many OF her fair at
tendants as could do so entered the grea
chariot, which rolled off, drawn by its sn
Spirited horses; while the bridegroom, fondeI
Of horse back, mounted the splendid Enslist
charger bequeathed to him by Braddock, AM
eantered after the coach, attended by mum
Der Of gallant youths. !,
Such was that picturesque scene IN tue III
OF the Father of his Country.