Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1877-07-11
A'l&falloriia 6az&tte
WEDNESDAY EVENING, JULY II.
Satan In New Hampshire.

S6tAn III ne" n6U1pSuAEce
The Watervillc (Me.) Mail is publishing ex-
tracts from the diary of the late Asa Redington,
of Waterville, who was Revolutionary soldier
The strange incident recorded below happened
in New Salisbury, N. H., iu 1874, while ho was
working for Mr.. Greeley:
An elderly lady by the name OF Bailey, and
of whom it was said she was lover OF toddy,
happened to be at the barn one day, when
there came on heavy shower Of rain and thur
der, during which period the prince Of darkness
appeared unto her. Ia consequence Of some
valuable promises made to her she entered into
contract with him, agreeing to give herself up,
both soul and body. to his internal majesty at
certain hour on certain day, and IN about SIX
days after this interview. When the storm was
over the good lady returned to the house and
gave there history of what had taken place,
adding that she had signed and sealed the oon-
tract with her own blood, showing the wound
co her finger from whence the liquid was drawn.
Her friends were exceedingly alarmed at the
dreadful story, aud the news spread like Wild
fire both far and near, and oh. what could be
done to save her ? Notice was Immediately given
10 Mr.. Scarf, the then settled minister OF tue
town, and, like good shepherd. he at once de-
termined to defeat the Evil One, if possible.
Accordingly Cd the Sabbath following he men
TONED the appalling circumstances to the con-
gregaton, aud with tears ia his eyes, told them
Ct being one Of the hearers that the Prince Of
Darkness had appeared 10 bodily shape to one
Of bis parishioners, and, on certain day, was
again to make his appearance, according TO the
contract, and take off with him member Of
his church to the regions OF despair, and on the
day named for the exhibition he should, ny con,
sent OF the church then present. appoint meet
ing, and wished that it any one present had any
objection he would make it knowu. A pause
then ensued and not even whisper was heard.
The minister then said he should, and accord
ingly did, appoint the meeting. On that im.
portant day multitude of persons Of all ages
and sexes assembled 10 Mr. Pettingelrs orchard
on an elevated piece Of ground, measures hav
lninistersfrom the neg hboriDg towns to attend at
the meeting. and they accordingly appeared on
the ground in due season for the exercises.
The good old lady was then introduced and
placed 10 the centre OF the multitude, the min.
listers forming in circle around her, then an.
other circle composed Of deacoDs, elders and
members of churches present, aud then 10 the
rear OF those the multitude formed 10 close
column Everything then being prepared for
action, and at least one hour before the time
appointed for his Satanto Majesty to make bis
appearance, the exercises began by singing,
praying and supplications, all in favor Of the
good old lady and against the temper, which
continued until p. NJ, it being several hours
after tho time appointed for the explosion, and
no smell Of birthstone or appearance OF danger,
the multitude began to dispense, and the lady
vas delivered over to her friends, and by sun
set the ground was cleared.
MIR. Greeley early in the day geared up his
old steed with saddle aud pillion, went mum
Der Of times. taking the females Of his family,
90 to tho ground in season, and returning
home n the same way, which was not accom-.
pshed till nearly dark. did not attend at
this scene Of folly, but the meeting took place
10 sight Of where was hoeing corn 10 Mr..
Greeley's field. and | could plainly see the
gathering multitude at the place Of action. The
particulars of what took place at the meeting
had from several persons present. My brother,
Thomas RedingtoD, then resided near MIR.
Grecley's, and had knowledge Of the transao.
ton and now rccoects it.