Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1850-11-01
From the Hartford Republican.
THE RAPPING SPIRITS.

The following from communication IN
the Springfield Republican, written by Mr..
Rufus Elmer, is evidence which we hesitate
to call in question. We know Mr.. Elmer
intimately, and know him to be man no.
wise likely to be imposed on by humbugs
and marvels which so often bewilder the
weak and credulous. He is just the man
whom we should have selected to detect
such impositions. Heis giving some ac-
count of second visit to La Roy Sunder-
land, and says:
81 soon heard and felt the rappings I'M
der my feet, and on the wall of the room;
and what seemed to be spirits signified in
the usual way, that we should again sur
round the cradle, in the sitting room.-
After various questions had been answered
by the rappings on the cradle, l asked if
they would rap on it if Itook 1t up, and
was answered that they would. | then
took up the cradle, and was sure no one
could touch it. / first heard and felt a loud
rap on the side of the cradle next to my
person. and then on each end of it, like
wise on the bottom of it and under my feet,
as well as in two different directions on the
walls of the room, all at the same time!--
After becoming entirely satisfied with this
experiment, I set down the cradle, and as
ked the spirits if they would move it.
We all moved to proper distance from j t
and ssaw it move" to our entire satisfac-
ton! | then took hold of it, while moving,
with considerable strength, and found |
could not hold it, or prevent it moving as it
l. L T
other results which will not mention.
If any one doubts the truth of the above,
or thinks was deceived, | will refer them
to Capt. H. H. Watson, who is connected
with the Navy Yard in Charlestown, and
who has seen too much hard service as one
of our officers in the U. S. Army to be Ell
Their frightened, futtered, or facinated.-
Capt. w. was present, and saw what |
have stated, and in aprivate interview, sub
sequently, told me he would testify to these
facts under oath.
have also seen and heard as mysteri-
Gus things in the presence Mr.. Gordon, at
the house of my brother In Worthington
street, in this village since | was at Mr..
Sunderland's. My only objactin publish
ing these, and other facts, is to induce in
telIigent and scientific men to investigate
these phenomena, and give us the result OF
their investigations, and as further induce
ment | hereby pledge myself to pay one
hundred dollors to any person who will
prove by the decision of three candid, dis
interested men, after they shall have wit
messed facts which l will exhibit before
them, that the results were produced by
any human agency this side of the spiritu-
al world. No one, / believe, could have
more contempt for what has been called
the Rochester Knockings" than myself
and even after | read the report of those
distinguished men who witnessed the rap
pings at the house of DIR. Griswold in New
York City, l thought it low, silly affair.
But believing, as do, after having seen
and heard for myself, that there is not, nor
can be any deception, fraud, or imposition.
about this affair, / viii very cheerfully pay
the above sum to any who will solve the
mystery. RUFUS ELMEh. (
Cost of Government Priating.-The cost