Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-08-09
Rom the NassriRe Tenn. Herald of July %.

WITcHCRAFr. -NOta outstanding we live In a
most enlightened age, the superstiuons OF earlier
and ruder times are not entirely eradicated, as
appears from the following facts communicated
10 US by correspondent who says they are un-
questionable.
1t appears that during last autumn several
Young ladies residing in Fentress county. in this
State, were strangely affected with jerks and
tremblings, and various other " ills that flesh is
heir to-" which were attributed to the influence OF
witchcraft. After several months Of suffering,
all recovered except one, Mss Rebecca French,
maiden of forty. She was much affected that
frequent consultations were held amongst the
witch.doctors of the neighborhood, VINO found all
their skill unayaiIing. Amongst these doctors,
were Isaac Taylor and Pleasant Taylor, both
celebrated foe their skill in putting witches to
flight; many one had they sent sweeping thro'
the air on broomsticks. They were unremitting
in their attentions, but the unfortunate lady still
suffered under the g malign influence" of witch
craft. About the first Of January last, man by
the name of Stout went to the house Of Esquire
French, the father Of the lady, having with him a
rope made Of Buckeye splits AS soon as he ap-
peared, the jerks and tremblings of the unfortu-
nate Rebecca returned with great violence; she
called for the buckeye rope, which Stout at first
declined parting with, but being apprehensive of
some personal injury if he longer refused, at
length yielded to her request. The rope was
tied around the waist of Rebecca, when, won-
derfu to tell! she obtained immediate relief
Here was proof positive that StOut,w a witch,
aud upon consultation among the friends of the
bewidered datnsel. it as determined that il Stout
could be prevailed upon to take the patient BY
the hand, and pronounce certain mysterious
words, cure would be effected for ninety mine
years. O.
Stout, however, had left the house, and in Or
iei to procure his attendance, one Charles Staun-
ton filed an aecoun. before Esquire French; bail
warrant was issued aud placed in the hands of
constable, who, With a posse Of five armed ,uen,
arrested Stout and took him before Squire French
for trial, where many Of the neigtbors were as
scmbled to wait the issue. The pains of the pa
tent increasing on the appearance OF Stout, each
individual IN the house was requested to- take Re-
becca by the hand and pronounce the words
{" May the Great God of Heaven, in the name of
the Father Son, and Holy Ghost bless you"
They did NO, but without the desired eaect, Stout
standing near the door, absorbed in the contem-
platien Of his own situation. Rebecca at length
exclaimed, I" Oh, Mr.. Stout, bless me, l know
you canrelieve me.'' Stout stood unmoved; the
father united his eutreaties with those Of his
daughter, but all to no purpose, until several RI
fles were presented and his life threatened; he
then advanced, took Rebecca by the hand. and
no sooner were the mystic words pronounced than
the patient was herself again, TO the establishment
OF all present, whowere firmly convinced that
Stout had dealings with the " evil one."
From this circumstance, several suits at law
oSiginated-Rebecca procureda warrant against
Stout ON the charge Of witchcraft, and Stout took
out warrant against Isaac Taylor, Pleasant
TAYLOR, Charles Staunton,, and others. All par
ties prepared for trial. They travelled twenty
five miles TO the house Of magistrate, through
deep snow; the magistrate, after two days patti
sat investigation, decided that Stout, being
wizard, could be in no danger from mortal
hand, but held him to bail. at the suit OF Re6ecca,
in the sum of $4,000. Stout appeared at Febru-
airy Term of Fentress County Court, but Rebecca
not appearing to prosecute, he was discharged,
and at the following term it was decreed thst
Rebecca should pay the costs, from which an aP-
peal was taken in the nature of writ of error to
the Circuit Court
At the Nav Term of the County Court, Isaac
Taylor appeared and filed his plea of not guilty
to the complaint OF Stout. The case was sub
misted to jury, to whom all the facts connected
with the transaction were detailed by Stout on
the part Of the State. ]. French, Esq being in
troduced on the part Of the defendant, deposed
that no further violence was used towards Stout
AT his house than an attempt to knock him down
with chair; that be had never believed in witch
craft until his daushtsehad been so 6qdly 6eaciteh-