The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-06-05

But to resume my narrative. L lind II
impossible at this distance of time t.
recollect all the persons to whom these
operations of mind We're made known
before the letter of Captain Goldman
gave reality to my vision. Among them
were DR.. Swan and two female friends,
who have since passed beyond the scenes
of earth. During his life my kind ply
stefan frequently urged me to publish an
account of these remarkable facts. My
reasons for not doing so are suggested in
letter to Rev. Mr.. Stetson, which. to-
gether with the reply and the testimony
of other eye and ear witnesses, | subjoin
for the satisfaction of those who may
desire additional proof Of the strict accrl-
racy Of this narrative:
"Rer. Culeb Stets0n:
DEAR SIR-lf any apology is necessary
for my addressing you this note, trust
it may be found in the friendly relations
which had long subsisted between your
family and ours, and in our personal re-
lations to the subject of this letter.
You will no doubt recollect the singu-
lar mental phenomenon which occurred
during my severe illness some weeks be-
fore your son Frederick's death, and
which at the time caused considerable
discussion i'll literary and scientific Cir
clcs. By some conversant with the facts
| have been urged to write an account of
them for philosophical inquiry, they be-
in,
remarkable instance ofprescience or fore
sight than any on record; but the fear of
being classed with Missionaries and spir-
itualists has heretofore prevented me.
Now, however, on fresh application
to state the particulars in detail, | have
consented to do so. and would consider
it great personal favor if you will care
fully examine the accompanying state
ment, and so far as memory will enable
you, add in Il note to me, which / may
be at liberty to publish, your corrobora-
tive testimony respecting it.
Mr.. Baker unites with me in very kind
regards to yourself and family.
With great esteem and respect,
HARRIETTE W. BAKER.
Dorchester, Feb. 1G, $780,
Mr.. Stetson, having been sick for sew
eral weeks, requested his wife to answer
for him. She writes:
"Dear Hrs. Baker:
We have read your manuscript with the
deepest interest. You have expressed
clearly and correctly the whole object. as
it has laid hidden in our memories; and
so wildly, too, have you portrayed it,
Il ,fl
to us with the freshness of yesterday.
Mr.. Stetson also wishes me to add that
it might be well for you to procure the
testimony of those who are informed of
your wonderous vision before the event
TRANSFERRED, as so many years have passed
since that fatal storm of March 10, 1916.
With our best wishes for yourself and
husband,
Most affectionately yours,
JULIA NJ. STETsoN.
Lexington, FEB. 10, 1871"
Acting upon the suggestion contained
in the above note. | have received the
following communications from those who
have seen or heard this article in manu-
script. The first is from the daughter of
Rev. David Osgood, d. d., predecessor
of Rev. Mr. Stetson, and for Il long course
of years pastor of the First Church in
Medford.
"Dear Hrs. Baker:
In answer to your inquiries. l could
state that | have a distinct recollection
of hearing from you in your sick cham
Der an account of your vision in regard to
the death of Frederick Stetson. immedi-
ately after the sad events which you have
50 wildly portrayed. The circumstances
made deep impression on my mind, and
| have always considered your mental
state as remarkably analogous to all |
have ever heard of Scotch second-night
Most truly yours,
l.. OsGooD.
Nedtord, Nsrch >, tr90."
From Mrs. Sarah B. Buffers. to whom
l have already referred, have also the
following testimony:
This certifes that | was acquainted
with the remarkable vision narrated by
Mrs. Baker before the knowledge of the
death of Frederick Stetson reached me
" tilS VI IllC snip A'ODHtu VHthtT
in Boston. on the 18th day of March.
1916, and its exact correspondence with
the circumstances of that sad event so
impressed me ut the time as to leave in
my mind distinct recollection both of
the vision and of its fulfillment.
SARAH b. BUFFERS
.Ntdford, .Mtrch =, 1870"
| will intrnIupn Inf ~ l,.r
who was with me on that fearful night.
and was an actor in some of these scenes
He writes:
Il am happy to bear my testimony to
the truthfulness and fidelity of the record
of facts contained in this narrative, and
to assure the reader of its entire trust
worthiness. | thought them at the time
and have ever since considered them,
among the most remarkable mental phe-
nomena of which have any knowledge
and worthy of place in the history of
metaphy science.
A. r. BAKER.
Dorchester, MtrcA s, 1874"
The following extract from the sermon
preached by Rev. Mr.. Walker is an exact
fultillment of the second scene in nv
vision. The text is from the Epistle of
st. James: = For what is your life 1t
is even vapor. that appeareth for II lit
tie time, and then vanishes away" The
fly leaf of the discourse contains this
entry:
"a sermon preached on board the ship
Sophia Walker on her passage from Pa
lermo to Boston. March II, 1916. Occa-
stoned by the death of Frederick Stet-
son. who was knocked overheard in IA
gale, March 10, near the Banks Of New
foundland. BY Rev. Charles Walker, \.
NJ, one of the passengers.
After some explanatory remarks, the
preacher says: 1--WE have a most affecting
illustration of this truth at hand. Where
among us had fairer prospects than he ?
A few days ago, and he was with us in
all his youthful freshness. But imam I'M
expected moment he was called into eter-
nifty. You remember the fatal night of
the 10th. Who of us will ever forget it ?
The hour of midnight arrived. All hands
were called on deck. The wind and the
storm had prevailed for hours: but now
the furious gale began. The foretopsail
must be taken in, and with the rest Fred
erck mounted the fatal yard. The flap
ping sail, clewed up. but not yet handed,