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Franklin County: E. to H. G. McPherson, November 11, 1857

Summary:
E. writes her aunt, Edward McPherson's mother, a detailed description of Lizzie Tyler's wedding and gifts.


November 11th, 1857

Frederick

My Dear Aunt

As soon as possible, after the great occasion, I have seated myself to give you some account of what has passed. You know Mittie Tyler was here about two weeks before the wedding, so that, she and Lizzie Law, became like old friends, indeed they seemed to take to each other directly, though they are so different. Mittie is so unselfish & always like a bird -- she falls asleep with a smile on her countenance. On Friday last, the three bridesmaids from Georgetown came & you may suppose six girls made a merry house. The day before they came Lizzie Tyler's spirits began to give way.

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She did not seem to realize her leaving home until she had most of her things packed. then she gave way to her feelings. After the girls came however, she rallied again, & with Jane & Bettie added to them, there was no chance for low spirits. We gave up the two rooms on the second floor to them, three in each room, & I wish you could have been here to enjoy their merry laughs--On Monday might, the groom & groomsmen, seven in number arrived & after they had made their toilet at the Hotel, they all came up here. But before they came themselves, they sent a basket with the bridal presents from the groomsmen, all silver. These with those from their friends were 33 in number & nearly all silver. I will name them in another place. The girls were all dressed to receive them. Lizzie Law all anxiety to see her "Cousin Ned." And she was greatly pleased with him. They went through the performance once or twice

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for fear of mistakes. The first bridesmaid was to be the tallest--that was Jane [unclear: Burgh] next Miss Harry, then Lizzie Law, then Miss Berry, then Miss Marberry & last Bettie. They sent the beaux all away before ten o'clock, that they might retire early. Next morning, the wedding day, we had to stir ourselves.- Directly after breakfast the girls arranged the presents on the piano & fixed the Bride's cake in one Corner & the Fruit cake in another, both beautifully done. Then we all dispersed to our rooms to arrange ourselves for the great occasion, while Mary Polly & the servants fixed the dinner table which was very nice, but everything was cold, as all had to be done in a hurry to be ready for the cars.-- The girls [deleted: ] themselves greatly at Kitty who was dressed in a black silk with three flounces the height of her ambition. The bride wore a brown merino travelling dress & the bridesmaids, nearly the same. All the connections of the families soon

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invited with all Lizzie's young friends, & no married or older persons but Dr. & Mrs. Dorsey, E. Potts & C. Reynolds, & the parents of the attendants.- Nearly all in town, invited came & the parlors were filled. Our new Minister Mr. Ross, performed the ceremony, which all pronounced very simple & beautiful. The whole bridal party behaved admirably & everybody said it was the most pleasant wedding they ever attended. Everyone was so bright & joyous. Kitty behaved very well too. They all dispersed soon after twelve, that the party might have time to dine. 21 persons dined here besides our own household, & afterwards several of the colored friends. Soon after, the hacks, five in number, were at the door & they all went off in high glee. Several ladies & gentlemen from here went to the junction with them. The groomsmen were the handsomest set of young men I ever saw. Lizzie Law served with French Bowie a cousin of Mary Tyler's & very handsome.

Tonight, Wednesday, they have a grand reception at Miss Williams & I would love to take a peep at them. The Bride's dress is a white striped brocade satin, & the attendants white silk, & they are all rather pretty. All regretted so much Edward was not here & that the Dr. & Kate did not come. I was not able to write to her last week as I wished, but will, soon-- She would have enjoyed it so much. We were truly sorry to hear you had been so unwell & Uncle so feeble. Many persons here are sick with colds. You may imagine how lonely we feel with an almost empty house. Kitty is today feeling the effects of all the excitement & is not well tonight. I will name over the presents but not all the donors as I have not time. A most beautiful

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cake basket from Mrs. Williams, an elegant set of Castors from Jane Bungh & splendid silver salt cellars lined with gold from Bettie, there were three pairs of salt cellars lined with gold & spoons to suit our dozen of silver knives with pearl handles, & half a dozen all silver. A very large & heavy soup ladle & a dozen of teaspoons. Two pairs of butter knives & one single one. Four fluted sugar spoons line with gold, two pair of exquisite fruit spoons about the size of table spoons, one pair all silver & richly figured, the other lined with gold & carved. A large & handsome silver fish knife. A very heavy silver affair for salad & two silver napkin rings, a beautiful silver pie trowel to lift the pie when cut. a gold bracelet from Lizzie Law & a black lace head dress from her Mother E Mchaffey a handsome worked pocket handkerchief

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the shawl I knit her & a pair of fluted salt spoons from John. I ought to have mentioned first, the elegant gold watch & chain from Mr. Williams & a beautiful Chinese fan from one of the bridesmaids, & a pickle knife & fork, silver-- & a Bible from her Aunt Mary covered with green velvet & she is to get a double set of forks from General Coale her father's friend, but this is a secret yet -- she does not know it. I believe I have named all-- The General intended to give her a watch; but as he saw she had one & no forks, he changed his plan.

The bride & groom with Lizzie Law, Jane & Bettie expect to go to Prince George's before the weather becomes very cold. I hope they will, I want Mrs Tyler to know Lizzie so much. All expect such pleasure in showing the lions of Washington to her, as she has never been there before.

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You can see that I have written in a hurry just what came first in my mind as I was writing -- so I hope you will excuse all defects for I am sure it must have many. My effort has been to give you a minute account of everything & I hope this will find you well enough to enjoy it. I wish I could see you to tell all, it could be more easily done. We are too sorry Edward could not come, feeling so sure he would have enjoyed it mightily. Let us hear from you soon. Some of the guests were so greedy, that there was scarcely a bit of cake left, though one weighed 16 pounds & the other heavier. We had not a piece to give to the servants & Kitty & myself did not get a taste even. The cold dinner consisted of Turkey, roast beef, ham, tongues & pickled oysters, olio, slaw & cold tomatoes, bread & butter & all kind of pickles, also celery. They all seemed to enjoy it mightily.-- But I must stop.-- All unite in much love to you uncle & Edward-- Mine to all friends.

Ever yours, affectionately

E



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