Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-04-04
A MAIN STREET sEANCE.
rS sigs sPSs N WAS sG Dome ana said ids


prominent official of this city, a reporter
Of the LEDGER attended a spiritual seance
at the residence of - last night, con-
Quoted by Mrs. F.. Mrs. F., the
medium, is dark brunette, about thirty
years Of age, and slightly inclined to
ebonpoiHt. Nothing spiritual or ethereal
was manifest in her appearance; even
her temperament did not appear to be of
the nervous type-it was rather the bill
ious and phlegmatic. Fifteen gentlemen
and four ladies were present, the majority
of whom belonged to the faithful" or
believers in spiritual manifestations.
Under the directions of the medium
circle, or semi-circle, was formed of men
and women in alternate seats, but the
ladies giving out the greater portion of
the circle was formed by the male sex.
An outer-circle, near the wall, contained
our reporter and a few other unbelieyers.
Mrs. F. occupied seat in the center
of the semi-circle, with a table on her
left, upon which was placed the usual
paraphernalia of seances--
BELLS, GUITARS, TAMBoURINEs AND RINGS.
These instruments were placed on the
table regardless of any regular order.
Mrs. F. announced that the former
seances we're good, and brought forth
strong manifestations of spirits. With
these statements she notified the com
pany that certain conditions were neces-
sary: that each person should hold the
hand of the next on the right and left,
in order to form a circle and complete
the sphere; no person should move from
their seat under any circumstances.
Mrs. F. concluded, and sank back
on her seat near the table. The lights
were put out and all hands were joined.
SPIRIT NO. l.
Music was heard from the instruments
on the table. The instruments were
thrown on the floor, the bells were rung
over the heads Of the persons occupy
ing the skirmish line, and the medium,
it was said by some one, went off into a
trance state. Soon the music ceased,
and voice was heard speaking through
the medium, which voice, the audience
was informed, belonged to the ghost of
Richard. Richard talked freely with
the audience stating that he had come
to see them aud give them some mani
festations, which even the unbelieyers
in the room would have to recognize.
Upon invitation, Richard knocked the
guitar on the heads of several, and
touched nearly every person in the inner
circle. Music and dire noises were heard,
the instruments were dashed on the
floor, while the voice of the tranced
medium could be heard pleading with
the frolicsome spirit Not to hurt any
one and not be so boisterous. A light
was struck. The instruments were on
the floor, and Mrs. F., with closed
eyes, sat in her seat in deep trance.
SPIRITS NOS. 2AND 3.
The hands of the medium were Sc
curely bound and fastened to the table,
the lights went out, Erebus reigned and
the music struck up; bells rung, guitars
played around the room, people were
struck on the head, and the spirits of
Laura and an Indian maiden talked
with the audience, saying they were
glad to see the folks "-(the folks, owing
to the darkness, were unable to return
the polite speech). Nothing of interest
was developed during the conversation,
except that the spirits would have to 60
out, but would come back soon. The
lights were streck, and the medium was
found to be tied to the table The lights
we're again put out, and the spirit of
Richard ripped around the room again
with music and noise, and united Mrs
F., much to the establishment of the
audience, who could not see how it was
done-in the darkness.
THE RING BUSINESS.
Capt. A took seat in front of the
medium, held both of her hands lights
OUT, and large iron ring was placed
on each of his arms by the spirits of
minus the aid of Mrs. F.,
SO the Captain said. Esquire W, a
took Capt. As seat. and
but one ring was put on his arm, he
getting into an animated dispute with
the medium with reference to the style
Of holding hands The spirits refused
10 perform the ring test any more.
During the performance of the "ring
test the medium was said to be in a
state, and spoke for the
spirits. During the next dark sednce
The spirits in very polite manner, but
IN ungramatical English, babe the visi-
tors good night, and cordially invited
hem to return next evening. We have
no comments to make on this exhibition,
with the fair medium, that it is
better to let every person draw his or
her own conclusions.
At a late hour the spell was dissolved,
he seance was closed, and we babe
ldieu to Mrs. F., who certainly is a
,ery interesting lady and thoroughly
understands the spiritual business. Of