University of Virginia Library

June ye 14.

Yesterday the Wedding took place. It was an exceeding
brave one; most of the old and honored
Families being at it, soe that the great House wherein
my Uncle lives was much crowded. Among them
were Gov. Broadstreet, and manie of the honorable
Magistrates, with Mr. Saltonstall and his worthy Lady;
Mr. Richardson, the Newbury Minister, joining the
twain in marriage in a verie solemn and feeling manner.
Sir Thomas was richly apparelled, as became
one of his rank, and Rebecca, in her white Silk, looked
comelie as an Angel. She wore the lace Collar I
wrought for her last Winter, for my sake, although I
fear me she had prettier ones of her own working.
The day was wet and dark, with an easterly wind
blowing in great gusts from the Bay, exceeding cold
for the season.

Rebecca, or Lady Hale, as she is now called, had
invited Robert Pike to her wedding, but he sent her an
excuse for not coming, to the effect that urgent business
did call him into the Eastern Countrie as far as
Monhegan and Pemaquid. His letter, which was full
of good wishes for her happiness and prosperitie, I
noted saddened Rebecca a good deal; and she was,
moreover, somewhat disturbed by certain things that
did happen yesterday; the great Mirror in the Hall

being badly broken, and the Family Arms hanging
over the fire-place thrown down, soe that it was burned
by the coals kindled on the Hearth, on account of the
dampness; which were looked upon as ill signs by
most People. Grindall, a thoughtless youth, told his
Sister of the burning of the Arms, and that nothing
was left save the head of the Raven in the crest, at
which she grew very pale, and said it was strange,
indeed, and, turning to me, asked me if I did put faith
in what was said of signs and prognostics. Soe, seeing
her troubled, I laughed at the Matter, although I
secretlie did look upon it as an ill Omen, especiallie as
I could never greatlie admire Sir Thomas. My Brother's
Wife, who seems fully persuaded that he is an
unworthy person, sent by me a Message to Rebecca, to
that effect; but I had not courage to speak of it, as
matters had gone so far, and Uncle and Aunt did seem
soe fully bent upon making a great lady of their
Daughter.

The Vessel in which we are to take our Passage is
near upon ready for the Sea. The Bark is a London
one, called “The Three Brothers,” and is commanded
by an old acquaintance of Uncle Rawson. I am
happy with the thought of going Home, yet, as the
time of Departure draws nigh, I do confess some
regrets at leaving this Countrie, where I have been so

kindlie cared for and entertained, and where I have
seen soe manie new and strange things. The great,
solemn Woods, as wild and natural as they were
thousands of Years ago, the fierce suns of the Summer
season, and the great snows of the Winter, and the
wild Beasts, and the heathen Indians — these be things
the Memory whereof will ever abide with me. To-day
the Weather is again clear and warm, the Sky wonderfullie
bright, the green leaves flutter in the Wind, and
the Birds are singing sweetlie. The waters of the
Bay, which be yet troubled by the Storm of last night,
are breaking in white foam on the rocks of the main
Land, and on the small Islands, covered with trees and
vines; and manie Boats and Sloops going out, with the
West wind, to their fishing, doe show their white sails
in the Offing. How I wish I had skill to paint the
Picture of all this for my English friends! My Heart
is pained, as I look upon it, with the thought that after
a few days I shall never see it more.