The National Register.
London, England, 1811-08-04 00:00:00

EGISTER.

491

for that I was convinceed :zone but such as had survivctl •!:e
,flood, could have stood out under the rain of the past
Having thus argued the matter with the fair ones, I resolved, in
my own mind, to 1. ave it no longer in doubt, what kind of ghosts
had lately visited us; and accordingly that very night, when 1_
observed the sprites in full glee, towards midnight, I buttoned
up my coat, to prevent cold front any extra perspiration, and ad-
vanced to the scene of action, accompanied by a favourite cudgel.
In this friend, I had the fullest confidence, for I knew that with
fair play, his reasonings with flesh and blood would be impressive;
and I felt convinced that the large serpent's head, with two
glaring red eyes, which was carved at the top of it, wouhi (pc-
rate as a powerful charm to put a whole army of hop•gublins to
flight !

Turning the corner of the fast house, I came in view of the fatal
spot, and there, as visible as life, the light% appeared ! I still:ven-
tured on until within a few yards of one of them. It had very
much the appearance of the flame of a candle, a few inches front
the ground, and generally moved in an horizontal position, but
frequently, for a moment or two, became stationary. I lo: ked
keenly through the field, but man, or woman, I could diseever
none. Home I speeded, not a little pleased with the safe ii•sue
of the re centre. By some mean or other, a neighbouring lady
became acquainted with my intended visit to the field ; and the
good soul sat at her window for the hour, to witness the conthet;
and not seeing me return that night, she sent the following
morning to enquire after my welfare ; for she verily believed,
that I had been devoured by these lerriblo creatures 1 I soon con-
vinced her I was safe, hut the particulars of my discovery only
spread fresh alarms.—The lights from night to night still exhibited
all their terrors : consultation upon consultation was held ; and
at length, the valorous resolution formed, by a party or two oi
the ladies, (let history perpetuate their fame !) each headed by
a matron of from 50 to 60, to undertake, atone, *a Visit to the
field! It was in vain that I urged they might repent of it:: mkt•
night arrives, and the elves begin their mignight gambols. The
fair warriors advance! " They move on" (I.lte-ttie army of
fallen angels in Milton, Ist Book,) " breathing. united force,'
but not, (1.1:e them) " in Silence I" Fluttering; ind*ubtftil,
they proclaim their' eftinl—to every straler they meet. At
length a little boy clears the parish of the ghosts in the twinkling
of an eye, and re-animates the ladies' fainting spirits, by assuring
them, that these dreadful lights Were 44 Fiaerfneleg
each with a LANTHORN, catching worth s for: Eels !" •
And thus, Sir, after two months fear and perturbation of mind,
the same simple recipe that would kill eleven ontof twelve of all.
the ghosts in the world, suc.Anded 7)y :inn noble intrepidity of
these ladies, to put to iiniecdiate flight a btot)d of hot.gotilins that
had attempted to form a new colony in the parhh.of Lambeth;
and that within a few yards of his Grace the Archbishop! •

As this recipe—" a 9n,mzent's rational enttary and Pfection"-;-•
is a very e•ficacious one in all ghostly at well as bodily Commo-
tions, I trust to your kindness to give it an extensiv_e circulation-
! am, Sir, yours, &c.
A CONSTANT kr,Aluk.
KENSINGTON, July 29, 1811. .

A few days ago, a person of the name of 'Sumer, settein of
13ishopsgate-street Church, hung himself in a paroxysm of dos-
pondency. The deceased had lately united himself in matri-
mony with a young lady, who was the proprietor of a medicine
shop near the Royal Exchange, which was considered a benefl.
cial business; and it is said, consequently hoped to find his wife
tolerably easy in her circumstances; however, be soon found
the fact to be otherwise, and that his new partner vas in debt
at least 15001. From the reproaches which took place on the
occa=ion, and other causes, her mind fell a victim to despair,
and ultimately it was found necessary to confine. her in a private
receptacle for lunatics. In this state-Of things, the creditors
made an arrangement of their affairs, which included an annuity
from the business to the husband and wife, with which.the for-
mer seemed satisfied ; however, the same evening on which the
arrangement was made, the unfortunate sexton :ought P.ll
uir-
timely grave. The verilis;tl ou the sitting of a Coronets
la-
eiticit, Was Lt4;facy.
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