An 1840 Arlington Wedding and A Most Dignified Judge

During a visit to the parish, in 1840, there was a wedding at 'Arlington' which is worthy of mention.
The Carroll Democrat, January 24, 1892.
"At that time and for some time previous, there had been a feud between the family of Arlington (the Pattons) and Judge B. (Bosworth) of Tensas, the influence of which was felt through all the ramifications of Carroll Parish society. At the time of the wedding there was but few members of the gospel in the country and the spiritual welfare of the people was not as clsoely looked after as the temporal, and it was occasionally that a man of God put in an appearance, either in town or country. But the contracting parties had so timed the event as to make it strike on his visits, but they made no allowance for bad weather, high water or impassable roads. So when the time came there was no minister to be had, and it became necessary to call in Judge Bosworth, who was regarded by man as Ishmal-ite against whom all arms was raised, and whose arm was against all others. So he was requested to perform the ceremony, which he consented to do.
"When the oars of his skiff was heard on the lake, I was asked by Mr. Patten of Arlington to go with him to receive Judge B., which I did. On his approach to the door, Mr. P. said to him, "Walk in, Judge, we are friends for tonight." The only response was, "Show me the parties to be married".
"Judge Bosworth was a small man, but I thought then, and still think, on that occasion was the most dignified one I ever saw. He was at once invited into the house, the parties to be married were on the floor, when much to the surprise of some, and the alarm of many, and witout any effort of concealment, under each breast of the Judge's coat was a formidable weapon--on one side a pistol, on the other a Bowie Knife. After the ceremony which I think was the most impressive I have ever witnessed, he raised a glass of wine to his lips, saluted the bride and groom, and with a look of defiance, gracefully retired, much to the relief of many.
"The next time I saw Judge Bosworth was on the lake near his home. He had just one hand; the right, I think, shot off in an attempt to take forceable possession of his father-in-law's property. An attempt was made to impeach him as Judge, but like all such it failed, though if half of what was said of him was true, he richly deserved it. But he was a dignified, courageous, and competent judge. He died, I think, a paymaster in the army with the rank of Major to which he was appointed by President Polk. I saw him in Louisville in company with the new President on their way to Washington. The attention he received was marked; indeed there was something about Judge Bosworth that inspired respect to a greater degree than almost any man I know." By Jacob Owen.