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Sketch Of The Life, Personal Appearance, Character And Manners Of Charles S. Stratton, The Man In Miniature, Known As General Tom Thumb, And His Wife, Lavinia Warren Stratton; Including The History Of Their Courtship And Marriage, With Some Account Of Remarkable Dwarfs, Giants, & Other Human Phenomena, Of Ancient And Modern Times, And Songs Given At Their Public Levees

Creator: n/a
Date: 1863
Publisher: Press of Wynkoop & Hallenbeck, New York
Source: Robert Bogdan Collection
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 1  Figure 2  Figure 3  Figure 4  Figure 5  Figure 6  Figure 7  Figure 8  Figure 9  Figure 10  Figure 11  Figure 12

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AT THE HOTEL.

45  

The brilliant assemblage, the delicious music, the merry laughter, the surging sea of laces, tulle, silk, satin, broadcloth, moire antique, muslin, velvet, furs, and fine feathers of every imaginable hue and material, have rarely been surpassed, even in the gorgeous halls of the Metropolitan. All that the Messrs. Lelands could do for their guests was done, and if a hundred or so did accidentally stray into the dining-room, it seemed to be considered in the programme of enjoyment, down to the happy moment when the twain retired.

46  

Upon leaving the hotel, the guests were supplied with wedding cake (2) , over two thousand boxes being thus distributed. In a parlor adjoining that used for the reception, were exhibited the bridal presents, of which the following is a list. The jewelry and silver ware were displayed in glass cases.


(2) The bridal cake, furnished by Barmore, of Broadway, weighed eighty pounds, the base gracefully ornamented with leaves of the forest, surmounted with shells of the ocean, with scrolls neatly entwined, on which tested a magnificent Egyptian Temple of Fame, each column bearing cupids and angels, with scrolls and harps, recording the nuptial vows of the youthful couple standing beneath its splendid arches, while the reverend doctor pronounces the blessing. On the extreme top is seen the Angel of Fame, proclaiming to the world that two beings are made happy. At the base are cupids scattering flowers from horns of plenty, as they glide along life's voyage. In point of beauty and workmanship, it was the nonpariel of bridal cake.

BRIDAL GIFTS.

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The following are a few only of the many bridal gifts presented to the happy pair.

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The gifts of Mr. Stratton to his bride were purchased of Messrs. Ball, Black & Co., and, altogether, present one of the rarest and most magnificent collections of jewels we have ever beheld. The selections were made by the General in propria personne, and we would here take occasion to remark, that he possesses fine taste in these matters, and, a rare discrimination as to qualities.

49  

The necklace is composed of clusters of diamonds of the finest water with tiny and graceful pendants of the same jewels. The chain itself is a superb piece of workmanship. The diamond hair-pins are unique and elegant, being composed of clusters of the costly jewel, set in the most superb style, with pendants. The brooch forms an eight-pointed star, with a little knob between each, the whole piece being ablaze with diamonds. The bracelets are set with large diamonds, in the star-form, to match the brooch and hair-pins, the band being of eighteen carat gold, rich wrought.

50  

The diamond ear-rings, of which there are two pairs, are of elegant design, and heavily set with diamonds.

51  

A coral and gold-set brooch, ear-rings, and studs, of the finest-workmanship, was presented by Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt.

52  

Messrs, Ball, Black & Co., whose Palace of Diamonds in Broadway, is known by all lovers of' rich and beautiful works of art throughout America, presented the bride with a magnificent diamond-studded watch and chatelaine pin, valued at about $500. The watch, of tiny proportions, was inclosed within two enameled grape leaves, which, parting by means of a spring in the stem, disclosed the dial. On each leaf rested a miniature bunch of diamond grapes. The chatelaine pin corresponded with the watch in form and ornamentation.

53  

Pair of silver cups and saucers lined with gold, by Mrs. Wm. Bassett.

54  

Elegant silver miniature tea set, by Mrs. James Gordon Bennett.

55  

A most splendid set of charms was presented to the bride by August Belmont, Esq. The design and workmanship of these golden souvenirs are very chaste: a cupid's bow and quiver, a cap of liberty, a watch-key, seal, &c.; the whole inclosed in a richly ornamented case.

56  

Beautiful necklace of Truscan gold, by Mrs. Belmont.

57  

Coral leaf brooch and ear-rings with diamond centre, by Mrs. Astor.

58  

An elegant chair, about a foot in height, made of rosewood, richly carved, and upholstered with blue velvet; by Mr. G. Herter, No. 547 Broadway.

59  

A basket of splendid fresh fruit, embracing every variety, and bearing a card which read: "Fort Warren, or Fortress Warren -- Presented to General Tom Thumb, in appreciation of his efforts to aid the Union cause," by Mr. J. S. Parmelee, 585 Broadway.

60  

A set of silver goblets and salver; by Mrs. Livingston.

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An elegant diamond ring; by Commodore Nutt.

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A black fan, composed entirely of feathers, the handle of gold; by Mrs. Ashmell.

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Coral and diamond set by Mr. Clark.

64  

A pair of lavender-colored kid slippers, profusely ornamented with point lace; by Mr. E. A. Brooks.

65  

A small billiard table, presented by Phelan & Collender, with balls, cues, and rack to match. The dimensions of the table are 3x6 feet; it is perfect in every particular, being elaborately carved and inlaid with small diamond-shaped pieces of ivory.

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