Washington telegraph., 1852-09-08
Am Hour with the Spirits.

A friend of ours on the levee Yesterday inform
ed us that some very mysterious revelations for
several days past, had taken place u his store,
and excited surprise much, by what we
thought supernatural agency, that went down
with him. In order to satisfy ourselves. Slowly
walked to the back part of his store; by the by.
dark as dungeon when he suddenly stopped and
exclaimed
"Hark did you hear that scratch"
We made three Jumps for the front door. With
a ne rvous grasp he caug int us by the arm. and al
layed our fears with the assurance that it was no.
thing but the cat. Arrived at the extreme end. by
the feeble light Of the vault window we were able
to discern around us huge piles of coffee, salt bags
and barrels. We didn't feel at all comfortable, tor
the enormous rats would sometimes put us in
tremor as they dashed by, rubbing their sleek
sides against our legs.
Our friend laid his hands on our shoulders. and
in very sepulchral voice, inquired if we were
willing to go, at the same time adnoniShng us to
be calm and put our trust III Providence Shall
| raise the devil!" said he
We begged him to try. Slowly he approached
the wall and took from there glass VIAL append
ed to string.
This" said he, lis an important agent in the
phenomena am about to exhibit to you-in fact
will prove what you want to see.H
He stepped off one side and took from salt
bag wooden mallet with long handle.
This" said he, rs an indispensable article for
the successful accomplishment of the startling
mystery. | call it the spirit elucidator," vulgar
professors however, term it by the more common
name of "bung starter
Suddenly roaring sound almost deadened our
senses We thought mist came over our eyes
and faint blue blaze was burning around US
We were about to in, when our friend again
came to the rescue and somewhat camed u.s. by
telling us that the noise which we heard was of
earth-that twas the rafting of the drays upon
the stony street above, while a Lucifer match
which he held in his hand explained the blue blaze
which we had begun to think issued from the in
ferno. He took US by the hand and we approach
ed veteran barrel.
"This bung starter,' said ne, holding it out in
his hand, ''of itself can do nothing, vet IN my
hand is the involuntary slave of a power you'll
see manifested. Shut your eyes,
We closed our peppers very tight, not knowing
what was going to come next, when rap! rap! rap!
was distinctly heard the side of the barrel
Wonderful man? thought we. Our friend now
took the vial with the string, and bidding us not
to be afraid, at the same time telling to lay
hand upon the barrel, in solemn and measured
tones thus spoke:
Question-'Spirit are you there? Who are
you!D
Answer-"OId Rye-I am that!'
Q-"Do yoU feel good!'
A--Very.n
Q-"How long since you passed from earths'
A-"Some time
Q-"Where did it happen?n
Ain Pike county; was cut off at quite a
green age and fingered in the barn."
Q-"Was your demise natural!"
A-"Oh very-I was smashed in a distiery"
Q-"What sphere are you in?'
A-"Fourth proof.'
Q-"What is the highest state OF spiritual ex-
istencee"
A-"Rectifed state
Q-"Any body there you knows'
Ayes, John Barley Corn, and old rot gut"
Here sudden splash was heard in the barrel
We sorter swooned when our friend applied the
glass vial to our mouth, and taking it away, said
"that the spirit icos gone We rubbed our stom-
ach, and appeared perfectly satisfied that he had
not deceived us. St. Louis Times.