Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-11-12
From the; Alexandria Gazette. I
A Strange Phenomenon -4

Leaving Inc nlthy political ceSspoO, and the
labor troubles OF our farmers, for the time,
call your attention to one Of the most remark
able curloSities that has ever fallen under my
observation. Viewed psychologicaily, ietigiouS-
~, or physlologcaliy, 1t Is ofthe deepestinterest
and Is We'll worthy careful investigation
Thirty three years ago, 'Oid Aunt Jennie
a servant of Capt. Fleming B. of Caro-
line county, Va, had spell of sickness, which
resulted IN paralysis OF one side, including the
upper and lower extremity; since which time,
until last week, she has never walked stem or
opened her paralyzed hand. a 3 5o, glfan5
Though called paralysis of the hand. il
seems rather to have been rigid contraction of
the 1exor muscles; tor the ends Of the fngers
were drawn forcibiy into the palm, making there
In deep lndentatlOns. For all purposes of loco
motion or labor, she was as helpless as an infant.
During these dreary years she has been kindly
nursed and cared for by her old master and his
family. teT -
Last week, without premonition, or any eyi-
dence OF improvement or change Ia her physical
condition, she leaped from her bed, stood erect
on both feet, walked without assistance, extend
ed and licked the fingers of the paralyzed hand
at will, and has continued to do so up to this
time. Hearing OF these facts [ rode over to-
day to see her, and obtained from, her the fol-
lowing o1 s " 5isv
g90a STATEMENT.
'Ihirty-three years ago. was taken with a
violent pain In my right hand, while spinning.
Applying for its relief, some nilnent, the PAIN
removed to my hip. My sufierings We're SO In
tense, L begged my Old master to bleed me-
lie objected tor day or two, but finally con-
sented. SO soon as 1 was bled, the pain SUBJ
sided, and my right leg lost all sense of feeling
and power OF motion, the fingers of my right
hand at the same time were paralyZed and began
to contract. In short time they we're firmly
drawn In the palm Of the hand, and could not
be raised sufficiently to cut the nails, without
much force and pain. In this condition | re-
malned until two weeks ago, when God told me
that should have the use of my limbs. | told
great number that God had promised to restore
Tue on the full Ofthe moon. On the night of the
full moon, L was engaged with others In singing
and praying, and God told me take up my bed
and walk. He then told me to sing. Jerusalem,
my happy home,' and while singing, God again
told me to arise Immediately, and leaped out
of the bed and walked, opened my hand, and
was immediately restored as God had promised.
Since then have been using my foot and hand
as well as the others. God told me that there
would be great separation next Friday-that
Michael should blow his trumpet to the hearts
OF men, and the great separation should take
place, &C., &c. "aIl0iem $50 .esenaaa aAqm9l
The following facts are apparent: ao5
1. That Aunt Jennie" IS laboring under q
STcdt reiiSlOuS QeluSlOD.
2. That under the powerful influences of this
deluslon, she has acquired voluntary control over
muscles which had been paralyzed and rigidIy
contracted Tor thirty three years. La E1sre
3. That muscles and joints which had remain
ed entirely passive tor thirty three years, were
restored to use In an instant, and have remain
ed ever since (seyeral days. entirely under the
control OF the will. 10 the physlologist and
ply yslclan these are facts of welghty Import
The influence OF the Imagination over the high
est powers and faculties of the soul appeal with
especial force to the psychologist. And from
these facts the man OF scleuce inay read an i'm
portant lesson, as to the influence Of the mind
over the functions of the physical man. Aud
another, and still more numerous, aud lust now,
potent class OF mankind, may learn u lesson OF
startling importance from TINS additional fact
4. Oid Aunt Jeunie' Is still having visions
and revelations, both as TO the stale of tne
weather, the condition of the county, ana the
viii OF God to men. The book with seven seals
has been opened to her, aud she reads It's start
ing revelations with astonishing facility. Al
ready the time for ''the great separation is at
hand. But she will disclose, at least to no white
person, what that separation porteuds. But
eager crowds OF contdlng blacks throug her
humble cot, and drink III the widest exuberances
of her fertile imagination, with the eagerless
and faith OF confding children. Already they
uttnadte, that he who reposes more confidence
III the Bible than In her word, or doubts her
revelation, Is III Imminent danger of hell fire
Twice to day, at different times, by TWO persons,
has this judgment been solemnly and confident
ly pronounced on your correspondent. i..lk
-ftf- HANOVER.