American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-01-14
THE BaRBERs GHOST--a FACT.


gentleman travelling some years since in one
Of the southern States called inn, and reques
ted entertainment for the night. The host INFORM
ed him, that it was out Of his power to accommodate
him. as his house was already full. He entreatedl
him 10 lodge him. as he was almost exhausted with
travelling as well as his beast. After much solicit
aton the host consented to entertain him. proridedl
he would sleep in certain chamber that had long
remained unoc cupied in consequence oil BELIEF
that it haunted by the ghost OF a barber whol
was repuied to have been murdered in that room al
number oil years since. avery WE'LL" said the
guest, 81 am not afraid Of the ghost take care OIL
my horse, and prepare me some supper" Alter
taking some refre shment, he inquired OF the host
how and in what manner the chamber IN which he
was to lodge was haunted. The host replied, that
those who had lodged in the room, stated, that
shortly after they retired to rest an unknown voice
was heard, in trembling and protracted accent.
saying, +" do yon icnnt to De sha-rea " Wei''
replied the guest, if he comes will let him shave
me'' I[e then requested that he might be shown
to the apartment: in going to which he was con.
Quoted through long room, where were seated a
great number of persona at the gaming table. Feel
ing curiosity which almost every one possesses,
after having heard "ghos stories,' he carefully
searched every closet in his apartment, but could
discover nothing but large basin. He then went
to bed but feeling much fagued, he did not close
case when one is excessively tired) and in few
moments he imagined he heard the voice repre-
scented to him by the host. He arose from his bed,
and searched every part OF his chamber, but could
discover nothing. He then went to bed-but no
sooner had he began TO compose himself to sleep,
than the question was repeated lie then arose and
vent 10 his window the sound appeared to proceed
from that quarter-he stood awhile SILENT After
few moments OF suspense, he again heard The sound
he,
opened his window, when it was repeated full to bis
ear.-On a closer examination he observed that the
limb of g a venerable oak which stood under his
window, projected so to the house, every
breath Of wind to CRATE against the shingles, creating
q sound resembling the interrogation, " DO you
cant to be sha-red' Having satisfied himself
that this ghost was nothing more or less than the
limb of tree, coming in contact with the house,
he again went to bed, and attempted to 20 to sleep
but was now interrupted by peals OF laughter in the
room below, where the gamblers we're assembled.
Thinking he could turn this discovery TO his own
advantage, he took the sheet from The bed, and
wrapped it around him, and taking The basin in his
hand descended TO the room OF The gamblers, and
suddenly opening the door, rushed in, exclamIng in
a tremulous voice, " Do you -want--to-be-sha-
ped!' Terrified at this sudden interruption, they
left the room in the greatest confusion some tumb.
hing down stairs over others. He then deliberately
put his basin under the table, and gathered an i'm
nense sum OF money into it, which had been et,
lhereupon, secured it, and retired peaceably rest
The next morning on going below, he found the
house in the utmost confusion. They Immediately
asked him if he had enjoyed good nights rest
lie replied in the affirmative. SWELL no wonder,''
said the host, for the ghost, instead Of going to his
usual place, made mistake, came into our room
end carried of every cent of our money" The
guest without being in the least suspected quietly
cat his breakfast, and departed with his valuable
treasure, Sssss*.
The above may be relied on as a yfact-the author
had it from the mouth Of very respectable aged
gentleman in Massachusetts, to whom it was repor-
ted by The person himself-Porttand Wreath.