The Virginia Gazette

Edinburg, August 12, 1736.

Saturday last died here Jean Aire, Spouse of Alexander Herdman, Vintner, and on Sunday last was interred: On Monday, Sarah Stark (an old Acquaintance of Mr. Herdman's) came to solace him in Affliction, and was even so kind, as to condescend to put up with him all Night; which taking Air, the Garrison was attack'd in form early next Morning by a vast Mob; the Kirk-Treasurer came also to put in his Claim, and the Creditors to secure their Property. In this sad Case stood poor Herdman for some Time, arguing (from within) to the Crowd, That he was actually married to his beloved Sally, that he who marries does well; that he knew no Law, nor Impediment, why he might not take a Girl with the one Hand, the Moment he dropt his Wife into the Grave with the other, if 'twas not the Whim of Decency; and finally, that neither his Circumstances nor Inclinations could admit of any longer Widowhood. But how far his Rhetorick was reasonable, could not well be discussed there: They were both carried to the Council Chamber, and, after Examination, Madam was sent to the Guard; and the intended Bridegroom ordered to find Bail: But he strenuously insisting, that they were at least virtually and intentionally wedded, and that if there was still any Formality requisite, he and she were most willing, that their Honours (as Justices) should supply what seem'd wanting to make them Spouses: The Magistrates after seriously weighing the Case, and to prevent Inconveniences, thought proper to cause Miss to be again brought before them; and upon hearing them mutually, seriously, and solemnly, emit their Inclinations, declared them married Persons. Making each a Bow, they returned to their Habitation Hand in Hand, accompanied by a vast Retinue, tho' not of the most complaisant Part of Mankind. However, their Humour seems now pretty much subsided: A Wonder lasts but Nine Nights ---- and their Creditors have superceded Diligence, in hopes their Marriage may, after all, become productive of Plenty. A cross Beginning has often prov'd the Mother of Felicity.