Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1855-01-04
DOESTICKS SEES THE SPIRIT RAP
PERS.
New York, Oct. 25, 1854.

New YoRK, Oct. 95, 1854.
SEVENTY HUNDRED AND ONE, NARROW ST.
Being satiated with the ordinary
commonplace things of every day life
and having heard great deal about the
mysterious COMMUNICATIONS telegraphed
to this, our ignorant sphere, by wise
and benignant spirits of bliss, through
the dignifed medium of old chairs,
washstands and card tables, we three
(who had met again, determined to put
ourselves in communication with the
next world, to find out, if possible, our
chances of favorable reception when
business or pleasure calls us in that di-
rection. Up Broadway till we came to
an Illuminated three cornered transpa-
rency, which made Bull Dogge smack
his lips and say "oysters, which in
formed US that within large assort-
ment of spirits of every description
were constantly in attendance, ready to
answer inquiries, or to run on errands
in the spirit world, and bring the ghosts
of anybody's defunct relations or friends
to that classic spot, for conversational
purposes. all for the moderate charge of
twenty-five cents. (Damphool, who
had been there before, said that these
"delicate Ariels" were the spirits of de-
parted newsboys, who are thrown out of
their legitimate business, and strive to
get an honest living by doing these
eighteen-penny jobs )--Entered the room
with becoming gravity, and overcoming
awe. Two old foozles in white neck
cloths, and no collars, a returned Cali
fornian in an Indian blanket, two peaked
nosed old maids, good looking widow,
with little boy, our own sacred trio,
and the medium" aforesaid, was a
vinegar complexioned woman, very ruby
nose, mouth the exact shape of the
sound hole to violin, who wore green
spectacles, and petticoats of equiyocai
purity.
The furniture consisted of several
chairs, a mirror, no carpet, a small
stand, large DINING table, and in one
corner of the room a bedstead, wash
stand, and bookcase, with writing desk
on top. After some remarks by the
medium, we formed the magic circle, by
sitting close together, and putting our
hands on the table. Bull Dogge took
a big drink before he laid his ponderous
fists by the side of the others. After
short length of time the table began to
shake its rieketty legs, to flap its leaves
after the manner of wings, and to utter
ominous squeaks from its crazy Old
joints. Pretty soon "knock" under
Damphool's hand; he trembled and
turned pale, but on the whole, stood his
ground like man. Knock, knock IN my
immediate vicinity-looked under the
table, but couldn't see anybody-knock,
knock, KNOCK, KNOCK directly under
Bull Dogge's elbow. He, frightened,
jumped from his seat, and prepared to
run, but, sensible to the last, he took a
drink, felt better, reverently took off his
hat, and said, ''d-n it'-and re-
sumed his seat. Knocking became gen.
ersl-medium said the spirits were ready
to answer questions, asked if any spirits
would talk to me-yes. Come along,
l remarked-noisy spirit announced its
advent by series of knocks, which
would have done honor TO dozen pen
ny postmen "rolled into one." Asked
who it was-ghost of my uncle-(never
had an uncle Inquired if he was hap
py-tolerable. What are you about?
Principle occupations are, hunting wild
bees, catching cat fish, chopping pine
lumber, and making hickory whip stocks.
How's your wife?-so6er, Just at pres
ent. Do you have good liquor up there?
yes livery emphatically.) What is
your comparative situation?-am in the
second sphere; hope soon to get pro-
NOTED into the third, where they only
work six hours day. and have apple
dumplings every day for dinner-good
bye-wife wants me to come and spank
the baby. One of the old foozles now
wanted to talk spirit-vas gratifed by
the remains of his maternal grand
mother. who hammered out in series
of forcible raps, the gratifying inteIli-
gence, that she vas very well contented,
and spent the most of her time drinking
green tea and singing Yankee Doodle.
Damphool now took courage, and
sung out for his father to come and talk
Ito him-(when the old gentleman was
alive. he was tone of 'emnl-on de-