Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-02-16
MISCELLANEOUS.
tFrom the Washington Express.l
A Fashionable Wedding in Washington


For several weeks past the elite of Wash
ington society have been in fever of excite
ment over the announcement of the approach
ing nuptials of Brigadier General Comstock,
of General Grants STAFF, with Miss Bessie
Blair, daughter of Hon. Montgomery Blair
The wedding last night was the most brilliant
that has taken place this season in Washing-
ton, and tue Church of the Ascension, on H
street. where the marriage ceremony was per-
formed, at an early hour was thronged with
the wealth, beauty, and intellect Of the me-
tropUlis.
The church was dazziingly illuminated, and
broad band IF white satin separated the pews
reserved for the imm, date friends of the
family from those open to other invited guests.
The front was filed with beautiful and fragrant
exOtics, aud inside the chancel was erected
tasteful arch Of ever2reens, from the centre of
which was suspended handsomely designed
monogram OF the initials Of the names of the
bride and groom.
Before the arrival of the bridal party Gen.
Grant entered the church.
At quarter to o the doors were thrown
open, and every eye was turned thither US the
brilliant procession entered, passing slowly
down the aisle to the altar, where Rev. DIR.
Pinckney, the rector, stood ready to perform
the ceremony, the organ meanwhile pealing
forth the joyous tones Uf the wedding march.
In the order OF procession first came the five
beautiful attendants of the bride, richly and
tastefully attired, escorted by US many grooms
men in glitreIing uniform. Leaning upon the
arm of her grandfather, Hon. Frank Z. BIa r,
Sr., by whom she had been adopted and reared
as a daughter, next came the lovely bride,
dressed in magnificent white satin, with
court train, over which the feecy folds of
flowing veil fell gracefully to the floor. En-
circling her brow was superb wreath of
orange flowers, and her jewelry was of the
most expensive aud elegant character. Last
came the groom, in the brilliant uniform of
general, escorting the GRANDMOTHER Of the
bride.
At the chancel the bridesmaids aud grooms-
men separated, forming two lines, between
which the bride aud groom advanced to the
altar, the arrangement presenting tabeau Of
striking beauty, To which the soft blending of
the coors of the attire Of the bridal party,
variegated by the glitter of jewels, lent
heightened effect.
The bridesmaids we're Miss Minnie Blair
Miss Beck, Miss Violet Blair, Miss Sands,
and Miss Christina Blair. daughter of General
Frank p. Blair, Jr. General Badeau, of
General Grants staff, General Terry, General
OF Commander Lee acted as groomsmen.
During the most profound silence the
minister read, in solemn voice, the impressive
marriage service of the Episcopal church
When vows had been interehamged, and the
golden circlet placed upon the finger of the
bride, the happy couple passed from the church
with their attendants, to the residence OF
Admiral s. p, Lee. where reception was
held from haif.past until A. NJ.
Hon REvERDY JOHNSON UPON WoMEN
AND BoNNETs. Reverdy johnson. i'll
speech which he made at Corn Exchange
banquet, in England. short time ago, spoke
as follows in regard to women and their head
coverings:
II have seen the men ofthis town. have
also seen the women, and If may be permit
ted to express preference for either-I don't
mean to say anything personally offensive to
the gentlemen-I rather prefer the ladies'
1t is pleasant sight 10 see, as have seen to-
day, hundreds of that sex nicely dressed, ev-
identity in perfect health, all manitestly intel
lis,ent and happy, close at work supporting
themselves and those who may be depende Mt
on them, and ministering to the comforts nd
eDjOyments of those around them. l only
wish for their sakes that the old style o. bon
net was reyived-the bonnet worn when there
was nothing on the female head upon which
the Imagination could dwell. and when it was
not dressed like that of au Indian squaw. What
those French artists call bonnets are not bon
nets at all; they are not even caps; do not
know that nightcap would be more beautiful,
but certainly it would be more useful What
can be more admirable. however. even in the
case of those small bonnets. than the skill and
taste with which these lady workmen OF yours
turn out their productions? Why, these artl-
cles are gems of beauty. and they make the fe-
male face more lovely. ifthat be possible, tnan
it has been made by nature You see tna1
though far advanced la life, l have not yeI
fory,tten the tastes of my earlier days, and
onIv nrsv that whenever do 50 in this par
tic1Iar. Heaven may be pleased to take me to
anolher world"
aIa. what is revenge . It is when your