Lincoln telegraph. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1836-1846, 1841-10-21


made this remark to my guide, asking at the
game time whittier he was leading me. Without
answering, he signifed by silent gesture, that
we must proceed Accordingly, without ex-
changing word we pursued our course togeth-
er over the dead level of the heath. The last
tinge of the evening red disappeared fog shroud-
ed the face Of heaven, that earth and sky seemed
10 be covered with one uniform lead .coored VEIL
cannot describe TO you the awful and soul-depress-
ing effect of this solicitude. How grateful to my
ear would have been the slightest sound of life
we heard not even own footballs on the soft
ground. From time to time cool breeze blew
over the plain. but it refreshed me not, for it waited
with il an intolerabe smell of mould
Having proceeded in this manner for about half
an hour, perceived house standing quite alone
upon the plain, and the windows OF which were bril-
ianiy lighted up, II was in that sort Of style in
which palaces are built pillars supported the roof,
and the edifce was decorated with magnificent
flights Of steps, rich coats of arms, and gilt statues
NV companion beckoned me TO onter, represent
ted tu him that knew not either the house its
owner.
srbou wilt learn 10 know him. he replied; "but
beware of putting a single question either TO him
10 those about him concerning what thou shalt there
see Silent as thou earnest must thou 60 again, aud
impress upon thy memory what thou seest''
With these words he opened the door of large
magnificent saloon, along The sides of which
by the light of thousand tapers, large company
sitting in full dress. When entered, every eye
turned upon me. The company consisted of
gentlemen of quality, and ladies' O. extraordinary
beauty; but knew none of them. They were IA.
ces which had never seen in all my life. My
companion, who stopped in respectful attitude al
the door, motioned NE TO approach the company
did SO, though felt abashed and they replied to
my sanitation with formal but not unfriendy obe-
sance; for every seemed to he wholly occupied
with himself or his ghbor and to take no further
notice of me Il had time for observation, and
soon remarked that all these beautiful women had
red cords round their necks which were white
alabaster and that the gentlemen wore the same
mark their cravats Finding that | was per-
mitted to walk about where | pleased, went up TO
card.table at the window, about which four grave
gentlemen wereassembled. They looked cold and
indifferent; sleep seemed 10 weigh down their eyes;
their clothes were most spIenddly embroidered with
gold and broad ribbons Of orders crossed their bos-
oms. They, too, had the distinctive red band round
their neck; but what startled me more was, TO
the cards with which they were playing were stained
with blood
turned shuddering away, and went into ad-
joining apartment. 1t was fitted up still more su
perbly than the saloon, and hung 18th red velvet
On a sofa saw man who was taking nap; his
head dropped upon his bosom; but he, too, had
the red band round his neck Casting my eyes up
on the floor Il perceived with horror track blood,
which led to the next room. | followed 1t, and
found a second apartment, but moi creature in it.
The lights burned dimly and number of musical
instruments huddIed together in corner, ndica-
ted that they had been, were TO be ased to play
to dancing. But not musician was TO be seen,
and the profoundesi silence prevailed. A door Of
immense magnitude occupied the further side of this
apartment. 1t was shut and surrounded with cost
ly gliding. The traces Of blood led to this door;
hut, in spite Of all my efforts to it could not stir
the lock. Apprehensve lest the noise which
made might bring The company to me, | desisted
from further attempts Over the door was inscribed
in large black figures "l7s9." This number has
deeply impressed itself upon my mind, as well as
the track of blood which led TO the Mysterious apart
ment,
know that fell into revery about these things,
and kind of s,upor came over me, and made me
sit down in chair in a corner Of the saloon. How
long might have sat there | cannot tell: when |
woke up fom m, musng heard clock strike
one, and at the same time great hustle in the
loon. rose Immediately and FASTENED through the
apartments 10 look for my guide. file still
standing there waiting for me. We quilted the sa
loon and the house forthwith. was again upon the
solitary heath. and my companion walking mutely
by my side. In this manner we arrived at the
skirts the city, where he took leave of me with
silent bow. felt faint and ready TO die, ! had
scarcely strength to reach the city, and lejoiced to
End myself again in the well known streets. When
! once more heard the noise usual in them, and hu-
man voices, my heart seemed to revive. The rec
objection Of the ghostIike company, with lis fearful
mark, gradually became less vivid, but that prophet
&c number constantly before my eyes, and will
continue TO haunt them long live; for it is but
TOO certain that the Lord hath caused me TO see q
wonderful vision.
Need we say that the import of this vision or
whatever it may be called, fully, explained by
she French revolution which broke out just forty
wears afterward' About that time appeared a tract
in German. with this title, "Wonderful and True
History of the lost Senator of Bremen-how by the
special permission of God he foresaw future Times
and their Doings." Upon that publication the
above tradition is founded.
ar