Rhode Island American, Statesman And Providence Gazette

MOST SINGULAR OCCURRENCE.

Miss Charlotte Zouch is a native of Ireland. She represents herself as the descendant of the most ancient family in the sister isle, and daughter of the late Zouch, Esq. who filled a high official situation in Ireland at his demise. The fair one in question was born in Ireland some time in the year 1793, and after the death of her parent came over to this country, to reside with a noble family under whose care she was educated with their daughters; and when she arrived at woman's estate, an ample sum was settled upon her sufficient to maintain her with ease and comfort during her life. She, however, commenced a life of gaiety and extravagance, and contracted a number of debts. Her creditors at length became clamorous for the amount of their bills, which she was unable to pay, and she subsequently came under the custody of the warden of the Fleet in due course of law, and remained under his surveillance till within these four months, when she was discharged, the warden, upon inquiry, finding she was, as is termed in law, supersedeable. After her incarceration, she addressed herself particularly to the nobility and gentry, representing her situation in life with her then condition and soliciting their aid. She advertised in several of the London newspapers, addressing her case one of the extremest distress, on account of her apparent distress, the last of which appeared on the 5th of April last. Besides these advertisements, she had a number of circulars printed, which she caused to be distributed to the nobility and gentry, contrasting her former situation in life with her then condition and soliciting their aid. After Miss Zouch's discharge from the Fleet-prison, she took obscure lodgings in a place called White Alley, Chancery-Lane, and here it was that Miss Zouch's prospects began to brighten.

It so happened, that Thomas Woodin, Esq. an opulent East India merchant, residing in the Regent's-park, and lately arrived from India, saw one of the advertisements calling upon those anxious to act the noble part of the good Samaritan to aid and assist her; and from feelings of humanity he waited upon her for the purpose of contributing to her relief, in her confidence, and that gentleman, with the greatest liberality and this led to further interviews, when she made Mr. Woodin her confidant, and from the representations made her paid off the whole of her debts. An acquaintance of a more tender nature soon took place, and Mr. Woodin made her an offer of his hand, which was accepted, and Saturday last fixed to celebrate the nuptials. The bride and bridegroom were to have breakfast at Mr. Woodin's brother's, Tulsehill, Norwood, ceremony. It was arranged that immediately after the wedding they were to proceed to Windsor, and from thence to Portsmouth, where they were to embark on board a vessel bound to India, passage having been previously engaged. Miss Zouch, though by no means handsome, has well-formed features, an considered a fine figure, and her manners peculiarly fascinating. To such an extent had Mr. Woodin carried his attachment, that a most expensive outfit for India had been provided for the lady, and every comfort possible for a voyage to India had been arranged her accommodation for her. At length the day arrived which was to consummate their happiness; and the carriages, five in number, the servant and horses' heads decorated with white favours, halted at the door of the intended bride, No. 235 Regent-street, opposite the Lyceum-rooms. The lady went through the matrimonial ceremony firmly up to that part which required her response, when suddenly hesitated. The clergyman repeated the words, but Miss Zouch did not answer, although urged to it by the friends around her. The bridegroom thunderstruck unexpected circumstance and returned home in his brother's carriage in company with his sister. Miss Zouch also returned to her lodgings, at No. 235 Regent street. In the course of the day Mr. Woodin wrote to the different tradesmen who had furnished the dresses, refreshments, &c. to forward their bills to him, which be done forthwith discharged reported. Mr. Woodin had settled on Miss Zouch £5000 before her going to church. The bridal dresses were most costly description, and Miss Zouch's dress alone cost 130 guineas.

London Times.