The Ohio Democrat. [volume] (Canal Dover, Ohio) 1840-1900, 1863-06-12

in war times l wish the spirits could
tell us how to catch the Alabama.p
The light which had been partially
lowered almost instantaneousIy became
so dim that / could not see sufficiently to
distinguish the features Of any one in
the room, and on the large mirror over
the mantle piece there appeared the most
beautiful though supernatural picture
ever beheld. 1t represented sea view,
the Alabama, with all steam up, flying
from the pursuit of another large steam
er. Two merchantmen in the distance
wereseen partially destroyed by fire.
The picture changed, and the Alabama
was seen at anchor under the shadow of
an English fort, from which an English
flag was waving. The Alabama was
floating idly, not soul on board, and no
signs of life visible about her. The pic
ture vanished. and iu letters of purple
appeared, "The English people demand
ed this of England's aristocracy."
$50 England is to seize the Alabama
finally 7" said the President. at may
be possible, but Mr.. Welles, don't let
one gunboat or monitor less be built"
The spirits again called for the alpha
bet, and again, "That's what's the mat.
ter" was spelt ont.
II see, | see," said the President
"Mother England thinks that what's
sauce for the goose may be sauce for the
gander. 1t may be tit, tat too; hereaf.
ter But it is not very complimentary to
our navy anyhow"
"Weve done our best, Mr.. President"
said Mr.. Welles. "I'm maturing plan
which, when perfected, l think, if it
works well, will be perfect trap for the
Alabama.
"Well, Mr. Shockle," remarked the
President, II have seen strange things
and heard rather odd remarks, but moth
ing which convinced me. except the pic
lures, that there is anything very heaven.
ly about all this. l should like, if pos.
sible, to hear what Judge Douglas says
about this war;"
"Pll try to get his spirit" said Mr..
Shockle; "but it sometimes happens, as
it did tonight in the case of the Indian,
that though FIRST impressed by one spirit
yield to another more powerful. If
perfect silence is maintained l will see if
we can not induce Gen, Knox to send
for Mr. Douglas"
Three raps were given, signifying as.
sent to the proposition. Perfect silence
was maintained, and after an interval of
perhaps three minutes, Mr. Shockle rose
quickly from his chair and stood up be-.
hind it, resting his left arm on the back,
his right thrust into his bosom. In
voice such as no one could mistake who
had ever heard Mr. Douglas, he spoke.
llnot pretend to quote the language.
1t was eloquent and choice. He urged
the President to throw aside all advi-
sers who hesitated about the policy to be
pursued, and to listen to the wishes of
the people, who would sustain him at
all points if bis arm was, as he believed
it was, to restore the Union.
He said there were Burrs and Bleu.
nerhaSsettS living, but that they would
wither before the popular approval which
would follow one or two victories, such
as he thought must take place ere long.
The turning point in this war will be the
proper use of these victories. If victory
is followed up by energetic action all will
be well.
II believe that" said the President
whether it comes from spirit or human"
Mr. Shockle was much prostrated af-
ter this, and at Mr.. Lincoln's request it
was thought best to adjourn the scene,
which, if resumed, I shall give you an
account Of a
Yours, as ever,
MELTON.