Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1850-12-05
WHOLE NO. 1856.


the charmed stand, and, preceded by
the fair hostess and the lairer medium,
entered the room opposite, where, clos
ing the door, we found ourselves envel-
opcd IN Cinmerian darkness. Placing
our hands upon the sinndg again the
mystic circuit was established The
qucrist proceeded -
IL the guardian spirit Of this gen
tleman present2 A decided "rap."
" Is it the spirit of Father 2" No,
answer.
= A Mother 2" No answer.
A Sister 2" The room absolutely
echoed with a "rap," which seemed to
proceed from the centre of the stand.
Do you love him 2" . Rapm
" If it is possible, will you remove,
the stand from the floor .wil you try "a
Scarcely had the last word cmanated
from the lips of Mrs. w, when the
stand, as if operated on by some mag
nctic influence, suddenly moved with u.
lateral motion along The carpet, en-
deavorcd TO resist the motion, but, in the
attempt, the stand was whirled away
and fell heavily upon the floor, The
sound thrilled on my nerves like shock
OF electricity. Reader, imagine my sit
uation. There was in that dar k, cold
room alone. Oh no! not alone. but
in company with three wicrd sisters,
and one Of them "spirit p In mo-
ment, a shudder ran through my frame,
(Which must be attributed, however, to
the cold) and then, did cali for the al
phabet No, was quite satisfied, and
did not care about pursuing the expert
ment further, at present. Did ask for
assistance ? No, there wasenouSh as
SiStance in the room already. But
reader, | will tel! you what 4 aia. ask
for asked that the door might he OPP.
ened, being actuated by feeling WHICH
prcdominated at that critical period, to,
have lille more light on The SUBJECT
And the door was opened and the light
was brought, and it discovered the over
turned stand, and il shone with a sickly
glare OH the pale features and white
dress Of the arch enchantress, and over
the pretty medium" who stood most
provokingIy undismayed, with her small
white hand resting upon the edge of the
Frustrated table,
"Are you satisfied, Mr.. p 2"
Yes, for the present, peytectiy,"--
And we pas scd TO the next room, where
the company, which consisted of some.
eighteen personages, were awaiting the
result of our labors.
" Oh it has succeeded admirably"
said one of trio.
" Yes" replied l. the manifestations.
were uncquivocal, ra2pings painfully
distinct, and - the table was kicked
over"
At this announcement much interest
was manifested, and left the house just
as preparations were being made to ex--
ercise The disembodied spirit of Edgar
A. Poe.
And now, Mr.. Editor, your readers.
of course. will enquire if | believe all
this Wei, let me consider, for hate,
TO commit myself, and hate to get up the.
ories, and hate TO express an opinion
on subject where Doctors disagree"
But the main facts, as stated, can be
vouched for, and such conclusions may
be drawn thereirom as your readers see
fit to dcduce. The fact of "the rappings"
cannot be doubted, for | heard them,--
A table was overturned--l witnessed
the fact These are the facts, but how
to account for them is another question.
But, on the "evidence adduced," | am
quite willing to favor the public with
the following expression Of judgment,
that if the manifestations which | have
related were not the work of the "spir-
it's" nor of the fair enchantress who
evoked them from the vasty deep"
they must. have been elected by the
handicrait of the pretty witch, 'Mary.'