The Litchfield County post., 1828-07-31
FOR THE COUNTY POST.


 In the town of -. County of L., and state of Connecticut days long gone by, there resi- ded tle good parson R'*"*"", godIy man, whose naturally credulous mind, influenced by the opinions of those days jed him believe much in the influence of the Evil One upon the minds of his fellow beings Indeed in those days, the anecdotes of Doctor Faus eas of witches, and of those bewtched, were read, recited and believed by the Parson and his ock and not few were the instances of those said be red by these malicious spirits
 There lived in the same parish, tall, overgrown, loose jointed, Informed young man, whose name was John Culver. John possessed disposition much like his outward man, and was much wanting for intellect for just symmetry ofform. He was poor boy put out to deacon L***" with whom he lived and by indenture bound live, till 21 years of age.- His master was one of the real of the purtans who adhered to the rigid practice of all those moral duties taught by worthy forefathers. John pos sessed none of those attractions which renders young man favorte of the fair of his age; but on the contrary, his uncouth appearance and awkward man rendered him, among the girls, object of rdi- small degree his temper and to make him rath- or careless of his fate.
 John asserted that during one bright moonlight night while sitting alone in orchard there to him man having the appearance of gentleman, who talked very sociable and kindly to him; telling him that he would help him out of all of his troubles, on condition that he would sign certain writing which he produced. John informed him that he could write his name. The gentleman replied that it made difference, he could guide his hand; and told him to prick his arm, which he did, and from which he took blood: and then, with the of the ger, signed h's name to the fatal writing. The stran- ger then told him that he should call for him on cer- tain day, precisely at o'clock P. M., and should then carry him of; and he turned to leave him, John looking down upon his feet to his astonishmen discovered that one cloven.
 This the story of John, related by him to the good deacon, his master, and to all others who suited him upon the subject. The whole parish were at once alarmed-somethng must be done John Cul- yer had made league with the devi & the time drew nigh at which this wicked adversary was 10 for him. Parson R., after deliberate consultation with his deacons, and other good of the parish, concluded that the most effectua method would be to appoint the day of fasting and prayer; and accor- dingy on the day appointed, the whole parish assem- bled at the meeting house, perhaps many thinking it more safe to be there with their good minister, than at their own houses, at such awful crisis It was on cold day in the month ofDecember, 1756, at ten o'clock in the morning, when the good parsoa. fol- lowed by John with the two deacons at his right and the other his left hand, marched into the meet ing house. The parson took hls seat in the pitt the deacons took their the gallery direct y in front of the pulpit, one each side of John, each having bible in his hands, To guard the stairs at the foot, stood Mir. M-- and Mir. A., two giant like men, full six feet in height armed with hickory clubswhile at the door stood J. and A. SS"*"" two brothers, the of the whole, and armed as the others who were selected as the best guard the only entrance into this ancient dom- icil of worship. The congregation gathered tLe pulpit possible having confidence in their good parson than in the strength ofany of the of Anak. Thus they sat with breathess anxiety, while the devout man in the pulpit alternately read appropri ate passages from the good book, and engaged in prayer, until the near setting in he vest when he told his congregation that he verify believed theieage was broke. and that almght now safely re- tire to their respective homes
 However, not long after this, John Culver mis- sing, and never has been heard of since. The we'll meaning supposed the devil had carried him of; but the less serious declared it their opinion that he had joined the army to fight the French and Indians.
 The truth of the foregoing story may be relied up- on, as the writer of this is we'll acquainted with eye witness of the transaction, who is now living, and from whose lips he has heard the recital many time.
 FOR THE COUNTY POST.
 4 Re:of Ra.su... ( D.oA K:E