The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1853-04-21

The RAPPERs.-We extract the fol-
lowing scene with the rappers from the
Charleston Mercury's Washington cor
respondence
Yesterday was a very bad day, and
instead Of going to the capitol, we
went to see the spiritual rappers, Mrs.
Fox and her two daughters, who have
filled the Federal city with amazement
by calling from the regions above, all
the spirits of all the departed friends
of those who visit them. General
Thompson. Mr. F. Burt and myself
went at three o'clock. and remained
with them an hour and half. The
mother was a plain looking woman,
with a good head and good counte-
nance. The daughters were also plain
girls and appeared to be sensible and
we'll behaved. When we went into
their room they were all seated round
a centre table, with gentleman who
was conversing with the spirit of his
deceased wife. He asked great many
questions, some of which were answered
correctly, and others not. The poor
man seemed to be in great distress, at
the thought of being put in communi-
cation with his wife. He asked her if
she would communicate with him
alone, and she promised to do SO. He
asked Ter if she had any message to
send her mother, and received no an
swer.
Gen. Thompson then seated himself
at the table, and asked if the spirit of
his uncle, DR.. Williams, was present
and would communicate with him.
There was instantly loud and impe-
tuous rapping.
He inquired if there were any per-
sons in the room who saw him die
The response was in the affirmative.
How many?
Two.
Who were they?
Perry and Thompson.
Who wrote his will2
Perry.
Had any portion of his property been
sold?
Yes.
Who bought his fine horse Steele?
His wife.
Was he happy?
Yes.
Had he seen Judge Thompson, Mrs.
Thompson, &c?
Yes.
Were they all perfectly happy?
Yes.
Did he find his religious notions cor
rect?
Partially.
The spirit of Gen. Glassock was then
called for, and answered variety of
questions, all correctly, as did the spirit
OF DR.. Williams.
Mr.. Burt then took his seat, and
called for the spirit of his father, which
responded very promptly and told where
he died, was buried, &c. The spirit of
Mr.. Burt's son was called, and res
ponded.
This is all very wonderful, to be sure,
and still am incredulous, and cannot
but think the whole matter is an arrant
imposture. Three raps is yes-one rap
is no. The old women runs over the
alphabet till she pronounces the letter
necessary to spell word or name, and
there is rap. Names are written down
and the spirit is asked to rap when the
right name is written or pointed to- In
this way the communications are made,
and after all it may be lucky guessing.
My mind is naturally skeptical, and |
always require strong proof before |
believe anything strange and unnatu-
raj. intend TO go some day and call
for the spirit of my departed friend, DR..
Crook, and | have no doubt there will
be loud and prompt rapping, and that
! shall learn from it great deal about
the world of spirits, and the world of
living men, too.
But really, the most extraordinary
stories are told in regard of rapping,
and the dancing of tables in private
families. tits said Gen. Bailey's daugh-
tiers, of Virginia, are performing all
these tricks as successfully as the Miss
Fox's. We were told, too, by Mrs.
Burt, of the same feats being performed
in her parlor, by Mr.Burt and herself
and Mr.. and Mrs. Bell. They likewise
succeeded in calling up a spirit, or,
rather, the rapping of a spirit. Gen.
Hamilton was put in communication
with his two sons, who are dead, and
he believes in the truth and reality of
the rappers.