New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-04-05


an almost infinite multitude Of
flowers rioting in color and perfum,
Nor was there ovclier day in all that years springde
than this. with a cloudlcss sky and gentle breeze
that lust dimplcd the blue waters OF the river down
which Tohn Role was coming from Narina, near CoXen-
lalc. to claim his bride 1t holiday in James
,yn and all along the river, and all the folk were in
hir bravcst attire to the nuptias OF one Of the
cn1o,t citizens Of Virginia and the daughter OF the
most powerful OF all Indian Kings.
The little church was richly adorned for the ccre-
,aonv Sir Thomas Dale, the Marshal and acting Gov
rnor Of the colony, insisted that every day 1t should
T., decorated with flowers; but this day the pro-
fusion Of blossoms greater than ever before The
cedar pews. the black walnut pulpit, and communion
able that served as an altar and the font hewed IN
anoc fashion from cedar log, were all enbowered IN
laurel and magnolia blooms and the bride and her at
-cndants bore great clusters Of the same.
The bride wore gown OF fine white linen, over which
was mantle of richly embroidered silk the gift OF her
adopted father, Sir Thomas Dale She was supported
10 the altar and given away by her uncle OpechSco
who had been commissioned for that service by her
father the Werowance Powhaan, and wore the mantle
Of a roval Prince Of acknowledgements. The bride
Groom wore the picturesque costume Of British cav
lcr and was accompanied by two brothers OF the BRIDE
The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Thomas
Alexander Whitaker Of Coxendae, who had been the
brides religious instructor and had scarcely year be-
fore baptized her and received her into the church at
Jamestown and he was assisted by the rector OF the
church. the Rev. James Buck
Among the guests were Sir Thomas Dale, who was
attended bv his staff, all in dress uniform; Ralph
Hamor ESQ., secretary Of the colony Mrs Easton and
child; Mrs Horton and grandchd; Miss Elizabeth
Parsons; Henry Spclman, Esq. whose life had been
saved some years before by the bride; George Percy
Esq. brother Of the Duke Of Northumb ranl; and
George Sparkcs Esq. the brdegrooms conrale and
partner.
Following the ceremony banquet was served by
Sir Thomas Dale. after which the happy couple pro-
,.lcd ND the river to the bricgrooms plantation Of
Narna, whence they altcrward departed Tor England,
where the bride was welcomed by her husbands family
q, Hcacham Hail. Norfolk, and was presented at Court
THUS far the social chronicle is as it might have been
written three hundred years ago But that April
wedding in the little Jamestown church was mach
more than fashionable function of the day. II was
a1 event Of surprising moment 10 the Young colony,
and Of enduring historical interest not only 70 Virginia
but to the whole nation in whose fairs the offspring
Of that union have played conspicuous part
The story Of Pocahonas is invested with some nven-
tons and with some details Of disputed authenticity:
but lis essential facts are Among the disputed
features is the incident perhaps most familiar If all,
h.r alleged saving Of Captain John Smith, or copi.l
by him from similar story in the Portuguese narrative
II De Soto's expedition in which John Ortiz said
20 have been saved in Just such fashion by the daughter
Of Chief Ucta. Yet all that we know Of Smiths char
actcr and record forbds such aspcrsion upon him.
while the fact that in his time and for two cen
turcs and more aterward his story was never qucs-
toncd-though he had countless enemies and critics
tends strongly 10 confirm its truth The against
il is artificial and spccous: while that in support Of It
clear, and should probably be regarded as convincing