Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-22
A HUNGRY GHOST.

The city of Norwich has been for several
days past thrown into very great alarm, occa-
stoned by strange and most unaccountable nois-
es, proceeding from house on Oxford Hill,
occupied by an iuoHtnsive old gentleman Of the
name of Hartt The circumstances attending
this extraordinary occurrence appear 10 be, that
Mr.. Harlt, who is q nervous sort OF man, pos
sesslng property to considerable amount, has
been annoyed by ghost appearing 10 him for
several nights past, In various shapes, calling
out in horrible and loud voice, " Beware!-
Leave off your wicked life, Hartl Tread your
Bbe'' The old gentleman made his neigh
bors acquainted with the circumstances, and
they all instantly volunteered 10 sit up with
him during his frightlul and sleepless nights.
Night after night passed away, and no appa-
rition appeared; still the noises were repeated,
with unabalng horror, calling out 10 poor
Hart 10 read his bible and to leave off his wick
ed way of life; an unnecessary piece of advice,
for poor Harlt bears an unexceptionable moral
character The nelghbors lmbbed the alarm,
but mustered up sufficient courage to COM
mence vigllant search; into whatever room
they went, however, this odd voice was sure 10
accompany them, calling out for bread and
butter-ham and bread and butter-j am so
hungry Strange and unacC ountabe as it all
appeared, no person present was even able TO
trare out from whence or from whom the voice
proceeded sometimes i assaulted them as if it
proceeded out of the walls, al other times Ell
Their from the ceiling or from the floor. IN eX-
traordinary circumstance like this could not
fail at length TO alarm the whole city, and hun
dreds hocked night after nigh. to hear the hun
cry ghost call out for ham and bread and but
ter On Saturday last, the Mayor despatch
ed several Of the police 20 the spot to examine
the premises, with directions not 10 quit them
without ascerlaining the real fact. They search
ed into every hole and corner, remaining there
during the whole night, but all to no purpose;
the roof of the building was not even omitted
in their search 1t was, according to report, al
length conceived prudentto lay it by Holy Word
A reverend gentleman was found, Who proceed
ed to the spot; but in defiance Of the priest, the
spectre raised lis frighliul noises again, which
ratified horribly through the old chambers, at
the same time telling him to go home, and
not come there praying The reverend gen.
tlenan, unaccustomed TO have moCkery added
to his responses, soon left the house
A stout knight of the thimble living near,
now douby persuaded that the voice came from
some villain concealed in the wall, fearlessly as
serted he would find it out; in he marched, bold
TO outh'u", huSC pohCi,
mined to exhibit himself sole victor in the COM
bat, assuring his neighbors that the spectre
should not long be suffered to go unpublished.
His search was first on the ground floor, and
voices on both sides rose loud on his ear. He
paused-but eager for the conflict, he assembled
the stairs, the voice all the time echoing his
name, and telling him to SO home, for it was Of
no use. On leaving one chamber, large box
was thrown a, him, which, rolling down the
staircase, SO alarmed the affrighted knight, that
he soon FASTENED away, fairly vanquished. The
next knight, who sought to lay this spectre,
was one whose honors were conferred OH him
at the last Coronation. He soon discovered the
author Of the trick 1t proved to be the servant
girl Of the house, who possessed an extraordi-
nary power of ventriloqusm. The girl was
Immediately taken into custody, since which no
noise has been heard by poor Mr.. HART.