Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1863-06-18

abilities should be made useful to hasten
the end. Napoleon says concentrate your
forces upon one point. Lafayette thinks
that the rebellion will die of exhaustion
Franklin sees the end approaching as the
South must give up for want Of mcchan-
ical ability to compete against Northern
mechanics. Wilberfotce sees hope only
in negro army. KNOX"
well, exclaimed the President, 'opin-
ions will differ among the saints as well
as among the sinners. They don't seem
to understand running the machine am ong
the celestials much better than we do
Their talk and advice sound very much
like the talk of my cabnet-don't You
thing SO, MIR. Welles .
We'll, | do not know will think
the matter over and see what conclusion
to arrive at
Heavy raps were heard and the alpha
bet was called for, when That's what S
the matter was spelled out.
There was shout Of laughter, and Mr..
Welles stroked his beard.
That means, Mr.. Welles,' said the
President, that you are apt to be long
winded, and think the nearest way home
is the longest way round. Short chats
in war times. | wish the spirits would
tell us how to catch the Alabama
The light which had been partially
lowered almost instantaneously became
so dim that l could not see sufficiently to
distinguish the features of any one in the
room, and on the large mirror over the
mantlepiece there appeared the most beau
tiful, though supernatural picture ever
beheld. 1t represented sea view, the
Alabama, will all steam up, flying from
the pursuit of another large steamer
Two merchantmen in the distance were
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 picture vanished,
and in letters of purple appeared, Thc
English people demanded this of Eng
lands aristocracy.'
so England is to seize the Alabama
finally p said the President 1T may
be possible, but Mr.. Welles, don't let one
gunboat or monitor less be built
The spirit again called for the alpha.
bet, and again, That's what's the mat
ter was spoiled out.
Il see, sec,' said the President Moth
cr England thinks that what's sauce 70
the goose may be sauce for the gander.-
1t may be tit, tat, too, hereafter. But
is not very complimentary to our navy
anyhow
We've done our best, Mr.. President
said NJ. Welles. I'm maturing plar
which, when perfected, | think, if it work
well, will be a perfect trap for the Ala
bama,'
We'll, Mr.. Shockle,' remarked tht
President, Il have seen strange things anC
heard rather odd remarks, but nothing
which convinces me, except the pictures
that there is anything very heavily abou
all this. | should like, if possible, tt
hear what Judge Douglas has to say abou
this war;
'I'll try to get his spirit said Mr.
Shockle; but it sometime happens as i
did tonight, in the case of the Indian
that thought first impressed by ones spir
it, l yield to another more powerful. l
perfect silence is maintained, | will sec
we cannot induce Gen. Knox to send 70
Mr.. Douglas
Three raps were given, signifying as
sent to the proposition. Perfect silenc
was maintained, and after an interval o
perhaps three minutes, Mr. Shockle ros
quickly from his chair stood up behind it
resting his left arm on the back, his righ
thrust into his bosom In voice such as n
one could mistake who had ever heard
, Mr.. Douglas, he spoke. shall not pre-
tend to quote the language.
He urged the President to throw asid
all advisers who hesitated about the poll
8 cy 20 be pursued, and to listen to the wish
es of the people, who would sustain hir
at all points if his aim was, as he be
lieved it was, to restore the Union.
He said there were Burrs and Blennel
hassetts, living, but that they would will
7 er before the popular approval whic
!, would follow one or two victories, sue
! as he thought must take place ere long
: The turning point in this war will be tn
y. proper use of these victories. If victor
is followed up by energetic action all wi
be well.
Il believe that, said the Prcsidcn
= whether it comes from spirit or human
g Mr.. Shockle was much prostrated afte
a this. and at Mr.. Lincoln's request it wa
thought best to adjourn the scene, which
!, if reeumed, shall, give you an accouT
! Of Yours, as ever.
= MELTON.