Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1932-01-01
George Washington's Wedding
Anniversary.

In the life-story of any great man, the
incident most certain to interest every
human being of every age is the romance
of his courtship and his marriage. Great
ness may remove him from average hu-
manity in every other respect, but in this
element of romance he touches the lives
of all where all understand him.
This day, January 9th, probably old
style, marks the 173rd anniversary of the
wedding of George and Martha Washington,
in so far as historians have been able to
fix the date, says the United States Bicen-
tenLial Commission. While the records do
not state the fact. it is probable that George
and Martha had heard much Of each other
before they met. Washington had already
established his fame as daring soldier
by his movements against the French on
the Ohio and by his courage at the Battle
of Braddock's Field, and the young colonel,
so often in Williamsburg, the social as
well as political capital of Virginia. must
have known of the handsome, socially
prominent. and wealthy young Widow
GUSTS.
Their meeting occurred when Washingt on
then commanding the military defences of
the Virginia frontier against the Indians.
had hurried down to Williamsburg to urge
In person certain needed Improvements in
his command. At William Ferry. over the
Pamunkey River, tradition has it, Wash
ington paused at the house of Major Cham
berlayne, which may have been on May 81,
1888. and was pressed by this friend to
stop and partake of hospitality. Washing
ton. on his way to see the Governor on
important business. at first declined. but
at Major ChamberIayne's insistence agreed
to stay to dinner. The argument that
turned the decision seems to have been
Major Chamberlayne's remark that the
charming Mrs. GUSTS was also guest at
his house.
There is almost humorous note in this
snare which fate seemed to cast about
Washineton's heart. With him was his
faithful servant Bishop. whom General
Braddock had turned over to him. and
whom Washington had instructed to stay
by their horses until dinner was over. The
old orderly well knew his masters punct-
uality and took it for granted that the pause
at the Chamberlayne home would be brief
one. But dinner passed. the sun sank lower
in the West. and still Washington had not
emerged. At last, 50 the story goes, Bishop
was oIdered to stable the horses for the
night. 1t was only too evident that George
Washington had found business that to
him was more important at the moment
than his errand with the Governor.
On the next day the journey to Williams
burg was resumed, but no sooner was the
business with the Governor transacted than
Washington hurried away to the white
House" on the Pamunkey where the Widow
Gusts lived. When he left. on June S. the
deeply smitten young Virginia colonel
must have been in high spirits, for he took
with him the lady's promise to wed him
as soon as his military service on the Ohio
was finished.
To this day there is a dispute as to
whether the wedding of George and Martha
Washington occurred at the brides home
or at St. Peters Church in Williamsburg.
but the rector of St. Peters Church, the
Reverend Mr.. Mossom. is known to have
officiated at the ceremony. and the date of
the marriage is fixed by Jared Sparks as
of January 6, 1883. Wherever the event
occurred. it was a notable and brilliant
affair. with the Governor. the military and
civil authorities. and the socially elite in
attendance.
George Washington was arrayed as the
most brilliant figure in the whole assem-
blage. Naturally so important a matter
as the brides attire was not to be lost in
oblivion. and we know that Martha's we'd
ding gown was satin quilt. over which a
heavy white silk, interviewer with threads
of silver. was looped back with white satin
ribbons, richly brocaded in leaf pattern.
There were close elbow sleeves revealing
puff and frill of lace. Strings of pearls
were woven in and out OF her powered hair.
Her high slippers were of white
satin. with brilliant buckles
Martha Washington had been born Mar
tina cambridge. At the age of seventeen
she married Col. Daniel Parke GUSTS, a
wealthy man who died eight years after
their marriage, leaving her two children
and the mistress of large fortune. After
her wedding to George Washington. months
had still to elapse before the happily
welded pair could settle down at Wash
ingtonis estate of Mount Vernon. Having
been elected to the House of Burgesses.
Washington was Obliged to attend its
sessions. and the couple remained at Will
liamsbure until May. 1883. Then they
went to the beautiful estate on the Potomac
to make it their home for the rest of their
lives. and to leave it shrine forever to
millions of Americans who hold in reverent
memory every incident in their life
together.
Nothing in all history outdoes in beauty
Washington's attachment to his wife. as
she in turn was his best reliance, source
of encouragement in all his trials, dieni-
fed figure in herself, as firmly planted as
her great husband in the affectionate
memory of succeeding generations of
Americans. So, January 6. will linger in
our history as the beginning of one of the
stately and lovely romances of all time.
E0cfS And EaIIaciaG