Wilmington daily commercial., 1874-10-02
FIRST EDITION.
The Fitch-sherman wedding.

ITS soLEMNIzATIoN AT WASHINGTON, YEsTERDAy-
| BRILLIANT AssEMBLAdE. IMPOSING CEREMONY
AND MoNIrIcENT CHURCH DECORATIONS
The marriage mt Washington, yesterday, OF
William Fitch, U. s. Navy, and Maria Ewing,
daughter of Gen. w. r. Sherman, was one of the
most imposing wedding ceremonies ever solem-
nized in that city. Preparations had been in
progress for several weeks, the newspapers had
even gone 30 far as to name the dress which WAS
was expected to be worn, and everything that
could possibly be done to add to the eoldt Of the
affair WAS not omitted
THE CEREMONY
was performed at II o'clock in the church of St
Aloysins and in accordance with the full Cath
olia aites, occupying thfee-quarters of an hour
In lts performance. As early as 8 80 the avenues
and streets leading to the church were crowded
with carriages filled with elegantly dressed la
dies, Army, Navy and Marine officers and mem
oers OF the Diplomatic Corps in glittering uni
forms, all thinking to avoid the crowd and OBJ
tain good seats. The church was slightly dark
ened The altar was loaded with rare flowers
beautifully arranged, and were lighted with hun
dreds of wax lights.
By a quarter to eleven o'clock there WINS
scarcely standing room, A few moments after
this, the middle aisle was cleared for the en-
trance of the family. The bridal party followed,
the bride leaning on her fathers arm. The Gem
eral was in full uniform. When the
BRIDAL PARTY ENTERED THE SANCTUARY
they divided and went to the right, the others to
the left. AS Miss Lizzie Sherman and Mr. Roe
assembled the steps leading to the sanctuary Mr.
Fitch, who is tall, dark and handsome, ad-
yanced from the saeristy in full uniform accom-.
panied by Gen. Hugh Ewing and received his
bride from her father at the foot of the altar
General Ewing and General Sherman then left
the sanctuary and seated themselves in the front
pew on the left OF the middle aisle
Hha hrih al lad F,r
during which time the Archbishops and attendant
clergy entered. After the clergy had taken their
places, the bridal party advanced to the middle
of the Sanctuary. Archbishop Purcell made a
very short, and exceedingly happy address to the
bride and groom, and then proceeded with the
solemn ceremony, which made them man
and wife. The Archbishop and his as
sistants vested themselves for the mass which
proceeded with the dignity and sol emnty that
attends this service. Archbishop Purcell was
the celebrant, Father Magure the assistant
priest, Father HeaY the deacon. The
MUSIC WAS WONDERFULLY BEAUTIFUL.
As the words "Domine non sun, Dignus" were
pronounced the bride and groom advanced to
the foot of the altar, where they received,
kneeling, "Holy Communion" from the
hands of the Archbishop. They then returned
to their prie Dieus. where they remained absorb
ed in prayer until the Itemissa est when they
again kneeled at the foot of the altar while the
The services were over at II clock, when the
bridal party returned to Gen. Shermans resi-
dence where wedding breakfast was spread,
and reception followed from to T. after which
the newly-marred couple left for their future
home in st. Louis.
THE BRIDES CAKE.
The brides cake was feet high and orna
mented in the most elaborate and artistic man
ner 1t is said to be the largest and handsomest
ever made in this country it was nanked ON
each side by costly silver ornaments.
THE TRossEAu.
The trousseau was ordered from Paris. There
are soft cashmere morning robes, dainty jackets
rich iii embroidery, street dresses fashioned of
costly gros dOreans, with polonaise or curass
of camel's hair or metelasee, dinner costumes of
groa grain Embroidered in eolorn with urupIcai
flowers and birds, and garments with rich velvet
and costly lace, evening dresses OF sheeny,
gllmmerng silk, with lustrous folds half hidden
beneath drapings of daphanous illusion aud
muslin almost concealed by foaming, snowy
lace, coquettish hats and exquisite bonhets, eu-
perb Gets of frosty lace, with designs OF flowers
30 life-like that every breath moved them into
being parasols. covered with thread lace in
rich artistic patterns, the handles curously
wrought from pearl ivory, tortoise shell and
malacca mouchors, edged with costly polnte
de Venice, applique Brussels and Vaenciennes;
every article OF lingerie, with collars and cuffs
in great variety. These, with dozens Of "Jou-
wins best" finished wardrobe exquisite in
quality, abundant in quantity and without pre-
cedeut in designs of costumes.
THE BRIDE.
Miss Sherman is above the medium height
with fair complexion, cold, dark gray eyes,
aqune nose, proud, imperous mouth and light
brown golden-streaked hair. Her independence
of character has always been marked, and her
indifference to what are known as "beaux"
much commented upon. When Prince Arthur vis-
tied Washington n ball was given in his honor,
which was opened by Lady Thornton and the
Prince, where upon Prince Arthur advanced to
Miss Sherman to demand her hand 'pour le
valse." Raiking her cold eyes, and slightly
arching her always haughtily proud head, she
SAID
''Thank you, but the rules Of my church do
not allow me to do the round Dances" pause
aud Arthur, too well bred to urge compliance
against principles, remained quietly chatting I'M
til Les Lanciers was announced, and then, offer
ing his arm to Miss Sherman. they led the dance.
He afterwars sent her from England locket Of
Etruscan gold.
FIRST MEETING OF BRIDE AND GROOM.
In the spring of 1871 Miss Sherman made a
visit to Fort Leayenworth, and while there was
thrown from horse sustaining serious injuries
and producing results go alarming that her ply
sicians ordered n European trip. In sauntering
through the Crystal Palace, London, she was pre-
sented to the gentlemen who yesterday became
her hsuband MIR. Fitch is New Yorker and a
man of fine personnel, with large frame, square
shoulders, brown hair and honest eyes.
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