The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Cambridge, Sept. 16. At the Assize held for the Town and County of Cambridge; before the Hon. Baron Perrot and Mr. Serjeant Whitaker (who sat for the Lord Chief Baron) a remarkable Trial came on, when a very amiable young Milliner of the Town of Whittlefea was Plaintiff, and a wealthy Farmer's Son Defendant. The Action was brought for a Breach of Marriage Contract. It appeared by Evidence, of which her own Maid was the most sensible and material, that the young Lady would not accept of his Addresses till she knew they had the Sanction and Approbation of his Father; that, at his particular Desire she gave up and discontinued a genteel and advantageous Business; that a Day was fixed for the Wedding, and a Bride-Cake bespoken by the Defendant upon the Occasion, a Part of which, though rather Stale, was produced, and thought a very material Proof to found the Plaintiff's Action upon, and was in the Opinion of the Court, with other corroborating Circumstances, equal to any written Promise whatsoever; so it appears that Bride-Cake is binding, and the Jury (which was special) gave her a Verdict for five Hundred Pounds and Costs, to the Satisfaction of the Court, except that the female Part of the Audience were of Opinion that a Thousand would have been more adequate to the Injury done to deserving and modest Merit.