The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1876-08-26
Washingtoss's Marriage.

| House,, was out one morning. Wneu Nc mog
coming from the northward, young gentleman
of military appearance, excellently mounted,
and accompanied by good old servant, or SER
geant, who rode respectfully few PAGES be-
hind his master. The new conner was Col.
George Washington. on his way from Winches-
ter to williamsburg, and his attendant, Bishop,
formerly Braddock's body servant, but now his
| own. Washington was twenty-five years OF
age at that time, and a young man OF great So
dateness and dignity. He was in chief com
mand on the frontier, and saw and thought lit
tie of the fair sex. But in this spring morning
of 1853 his time had come. Mr.. Custis greeted
him, and invited him to stop at the White
House. His business was pressing; he must
hasten to meet his Excelency 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 await him there; he would con-
tinue b is journey in half an hour. Bishop sa-
luted gravely, with hand raised to his hat; his
master entered the house, and the time passed
the old servant waiting patiently. His mas
ter did not, however, make his appearance
The event was unheard of. Col. Washington
was the soul of punctuality; he was on press
ing public business; what could be the mean
ing of this strange delay An hour passed-two
hours passed. Col. Washington did not reap
pear 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
pass the night with Mr.. Custis Bishop obeyed
the world was clearly coming to an end-and
Col. Washington was the guest of the owner of
the White House. On the next morning, Bish-
op, in obedience to orders to that effect, sad
died 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 afterwards there
was still no sign of him. Then the servant
came again, and directed that the horses be led
back. Col. Washington would remain to din
ner, and then continue on his journey. The
day was far spent when the young soldier made
his appearance, and vaulted into the saddle
Tall, vigorous, graceful, and with certain
loftiness of bearing, even then distinguishable,
he was gallant looking cavalier-one whom
any woman might admire. One was gazing at
him through the Windows 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 refined the high
spirited horse, nearly throwing him on his
launches, made courteous salute with his
hand (it was nearly the attitude of bronze
statue of him afterwards,) and galloped away,
thinking probably of the bright eyes and red
lips. Col. Washington, of Mount Vernon, had
seen for the first time Mrs. Martha Custis, the
beautiful young widow, who, year after, was
to become his wife. Tradition relates that the
ceremony took place in old St. Peters Church,
in New Kent county. The scene was brill
liant one, and may interest the reader. Itwas
son of the parish, attended in full canonicals,
and the pair advanced, followed by bevy of
beauties and groomsmen. Washington was
clad in suit of blue and silver, lined with red
silk his waistcoat was embroidered; his knee
and shoe buckles were of gold his hair was
powdered ana ne wore uress swcru. Ti--
bride was dressed in white satin with rich point
lace rufles; pearl ornaments in her hair;
necklace, ear rings and bracelets; white satin
shoes with high heels and diamond buckles;
and was followed, as has been said, by an ar
ray of beautifully dressed girls leaning upon
the arms of groomsmen, in costume as imposing.
The vice regal Governor of Virginia, in suit
of scarlet, embroidered with gold, with huge
bag wig and dress sword, was seen in the midst
of a number of officers of the English army and
navy, and the great crowd of what were then
called "the gentry"-friends and relations of
the bride and groom-filled the church, all in
tent upon the interesting ceremony. One per-
sonage has been orgottsn-Bishop, the old
body servant. He, too, was present. With
folded arms, and much emotion in his aged
face, he gazed at the ceremony with the rest.
1t soon ended, and the brilliant crowd flowed
forth from the old church. Tradition relates
that the bride and as many of her fair attend
ants as could do SO, entered the great chariot,
which rolled off, drawn by its six spirited
horses while the bridegroom, fonder of riding
on horseback, mounted the splendid English
charger bequeathed to him by Braddock, and
cantered after the coach, attended by a number
of gallant youths. Such was the picturesque
scene in the life of the "Father of his Country"
-CentenniGl Journal