The Virginia Gazette

Paris, Nov. 12. The 8th Instant, being the Eve of the Day fixed for the Marriage of the 600 young Women, portion'd by the City on Occasion of the Birth of the Duke of Burgundy, the Ceremony of betrothing them was performed in their respective Parishes, the Bells ringing all the while. The next Morning was usher'd in by a general Discharge of the Cannon of the City and Bastile; and at Nine o'Clock the Bridegrooms and Brides repaired to their several Parish Churches, which were hung with Tapestry, and decorated with all the Magnificence usually displayed on the greatest Festivals, and the Marriage Ceremony was performed in Presence of an Alderman and two Church-wardens. The City not content with portioning the Maidens, and giving Clothes to them and the Bridegrooms, also provided them a Wedding Dinner in their respective Parishes, to which they were carried in the same Coaches that brought them to Church, some of which belonged to Noblemen and Gentlemen, and others were found by the City. In the Parishes of St. Sulpitius and St. Roch, the married Couples were waited on at Table by Princes and other Persons of the highest Rank, who at parting made them handsome Presents; and at Six in the Evening they were carried in the same Coaches to their respective Habitations. The Concourse of Spectators was prodigious, and never did the Publick appear so well pleased with any Spectacle; joy was seen in every Countenance, and every Mouth opened in Praise of the King, the Dauphine and our worthy Magistrates. The whole was conducted with the greatest Order and Decency; and to prevent any Tumults, Detachments of the Guards were posted at the Church Doors.