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.
[page 2]
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
[page 3]
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
[page 4]
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
[page 6]
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
[page 7]
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.
[page 8]
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
