The Whitmans' Wedding

On February 18, 1836 Marcus Whitman married Narcissa Prentiss in the Presbyterian church in Angelica, New York. According to Matilda Sager Delaney Narcissa wore her best dress which was made of black bombazine. Narcissa's whole family wore black.

The service ended with the following hymn written by the Rev. Samuel F. Smith (he also wrote the song "America"). This concluding hymn was an emotional moment for all who attended. They realized that the young newly weds were leaving, possibly never to see family and friends again. As emotion overcame them, members of the congregation stopped singing until finally only Narcissa remained; she sang the last stanza solo.

Yes, my native land! I love thee;
All thy scenes I love them well;
Friends, connections, happy country,
Can I bid you all farewell?
Can I leave thee, can I leave thee,
Far in heathen lands to dwell?

Home! - thy joys are passing lovely -
Joys no stranger-heart can tell;
Happy home! - 'tis sure I love thee!
Can I - can I say - Farewell?
Can I leave thee, can I leave thee,
Far in heathen lands to dwell?

Yes! I hasten gladly,
From the scenes I love so well;
Far away, ye billows! bear me;
Lovely native land! - farewell!
Pleased I leave thee, pleased I leave thee,
Far in heathen lands to dwell.

In the deserts let me labor,
On the mountains let me tell,
How he died - the blessed Saviour -
To redeem a world from hell!
Let me hasten, let me hasten,
Far in heathen lands to dwell.

References

Information from Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and the Opening of Old Oregon by Clifford M. Drury. Northwest Interpretive Association. 1986. Vol. 1 pages 160-163.

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Last modified on: February 8, 2005