394 TRAVELS IN THE CONFEDERATION 



gehet, that is, the penalties of the militia-soldiers who 

 do not appear for their weekly or monthly manoevres. 



During my stay this time at Philadelphia I had the 

 chance opportunity of being present at the marriage- 

 ceremony of a young Quaker couple. The ceremony 

 is very simple, but solemn. Bride and bride-groom sit 

 in the meeting-house, before the whole assembly, which 

 meditative and still, according to their custom, waits 

 for what the holy spirit will let them know on the 

 occasion through one or another member of the society. 

 No one was inspired at this time, and after a long 

 while of speechlessness the marriage-contract was read 

 aloud slowly by one of the oldest persons present- 

 for they have no installed and paid ministers without 

 preface or comment. Thereupon the betrothed silently 

 joined hands, and then signed the contract read them, 

 as was done also by the eldest of the congregation, the 

 relatives, and others present, witnessing the transaction 

 and the ceremony was over. 



In the matter of divorces the Quakers are as ex- 

 peditious ; but these take place among them less often. 

 But married persons of other religions also separate 

 in America with no great formality, either quietly or, 

 after the event, by giving notice in the public prints of 

 the conclusion reached. In the newspapers as well 

 there are to be found not seldom advertisements of 

 deserting and absconding wives, or warnings to the 

 public from husbands not to give credit to their di- 

 vorced or prodigal wives. But to be completely valid 

 and legal, a divorce must be the subject of a special 

 resolution in the Provincial Assembly, and it is not 

 always that the trouble is thought worth the taking. 



I should have been glad also to be a spectator at the 



