Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-07-11

!. Is it true that ct times the mighty un
known of the future vaguely lmpresses
itself upon the present ? think 80. IF
not, how do we get that preciseness of
good or evil that SO strangely elevates US
with hope Or depresses US 18th fear? that
throws over our spirits the serenety
of placid lake, or the wild agitation Of
stormy Sea. ,if.f.
From my earliest recollection I had
always been afraid of being buried alive.
I do not remember that the fear OF death
had ever troubled mc--only the fear of
entering the grave while yet living
man, and becoming conscious of it when
too late. Of Ill the horfers which the
mind can conjure up, this to me always
seemed the most dreadful. and the fear Of
it fastened itself upon me with all the
power ola hauntins spectre, and it be-
came one of the deep concerns Of my life
TO guard against it, At twenty-five
years of age ordered my coffin and pur-
otasodeny tomb. The coffin was con-
struoted that living person, closed up
in it. could touch certain springs and
throY it all apart; and the tomb was con-
,riiyeed " It'll proper Ventilation. and pro
vided with blankets and key inside, SO
that, In. case OF life returning after burr
e.. vUu1u suovxuo rty r5II HE at-'Dv ss0t-ss-
ly chill and speedily find my way oot.
Why had this fear TO lead me 70
these precautions, unless the coming re-
atty had cast its shadow upon me? Ny
monomania, as many termed twas known
to all my friends. every one of whom had
been separately charged to see me posi-
lively dead before burial. But what are
precautions taken against fate7 l was
doomed to be buried alivc after ell.
At the time speak of was twenty-
seven years of age, and living IN my IA
tive place, aud inland city. Urgent bus
mess called me to Boston, where L had
only one acquaintance, very dear friend
who had often invited NE to come and
make a long visit. Unfortunately, he
YVES at the time out of town, and expect
ed 80 be absent several days but his
family insisted upon nay making their
housc my home during my stay in the
city, aud would not, in fact, permit me
to 60 elsewhere. On the third day I had
finished my business, and. us it was
the last week, I decided to remain some
two or three days longer and perhaps
get sight Of my friend before leaving.
On the following morning I was found
dead in my bed--at least 1t was so re-
ported--and the strongest evidence | have
against it is the fact that am living now.
The people of the house, of course, were
very excited and alarmed-their physi-
clan was called in, and afterward the
coroner. It vas at length dssided to
put NE ia coffin, end~place. me in q
church vault uatil the return Of my friend,
who would Of course, have my body con-
veyed to my native place for final inter
ment. ....t
Thus it is seen thai ell my precautions
awaited me nothing-foF. abroad, almost
among strangers, had taken the semb-
lance of death, and had been confned
and eniombed in the ordinary way.
I returned to consciousness in the night
in the vault Of the church. Ofoourse I
know not then where I was. Ny FIRST
sensation was one of strange pressure and
confinement. | faucied rs in dream, |
that | had been seized for a man lac, al
straight jacket put upon me, and then
forced into a narrow cell This idea did
not long hold its place, AS my mind
grew clearer I began to recall what had
happened during the past weok-my
leaving home, going to Boston, transact
ing my business, and so on. | remen-
bered being at my friends house, and
Of deciding to remain longer than I first
intended, hoping for his return before
my departure. All this gradually be-
came clear, along with the last pleasant.
yening had spent with his family .
But Len came blank. What had hap
pened since, and where was [ now? /
attempted to rise, and found myself shut
up in d narrow place, that scarcely al
lowed ofany movement whatever. How
did I get there ?-what did it mean.
Suddenly my eli life long fear return
ed upon me, With terror that no Ian
guaga can expressga Perhaps the dread
horror Of years lad lcome,autl 1 had leon
buried alive 1T Last! The thought was
SO appalllbgthat for eoirefmoments re-
manned raralyzed. Then Laeemed gathi
cred into one great agopys which sent
forth tie most wild and p.ercing s!ireiks
ofdospair that ever issued from mortal
lips, Yes, it was 6 truth My fore
boding had ended in reality, and was
now the tenant Of coffin. II not o grave.
With another shrek turned in ny mar.
row house, gathering IL my strength as
it were, and threw it from me with what