The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-12-30
THE SPECTRAL BOAT.
Account Of q Strange Thing Seen on the
Tennessee River.

Account Of Strange Thing Seen on tho
Tennessee River.
As a small party Of ladies and gentlemen
were returning home from attending social
near this locality, they witnessed a very
strange spectacle. On arriving az the Ten
nesseo river, and just before crossing there
was heard a loud scream, accompanied by
splash, as IL some heavy object had beer
thrown into the water Each ono Of tbt
party noticed the strange occurrence ano
watched carefully.
In a few moments more mysterious sklF
was observed 90 put out from the shore, con
tanning four persons, "a woman and three
men One OF the strangers proved 20 be
silent oarsman, and, though the oars were
seen 20 dip regularly, yet not single sound
could be detected rs coming from them
But the figure of lady sitting upright ID
the bow Of the boat and dressed like a bride
was quite conspicuous One Of the party
appeared r. hold a lantern, which shone
dimly. All OF a sudden the rays Of mag
nihceut light, considerably brighter than the
moonlight aud very similar in intensity "
that produced by electric currents, appeared
and shot its rays directly around the skih 50
that the water and objects became remark
ably distinct
To the spectators the lady's face was dis
covered to be Of the Grecian type and verS
pretty and ner bair was wreathed with orange
blossoms The troussoau was 50 extremely
elegant that this modern Cleopatra seemed
almost entirely envel0ped in a lovely soft
haze. On this little vessel hoated silently,
like a pilgrim bark, until the spectators began
to quite believe IL could be none other than
a reality Never did a boat glide more
smoothly, and the sightseers declare that they
heard the beautiful tones Of well known
inspiring song coming from the occupants Of
the skiR
The ladies and their companions on shore
watched 10 little craft most eagerly, expect.
Ing that they would soon have an opportu
tunity TO solve the wonderful spiritual enigma
that has long been a great puzzle 10 many
individuals 80 this vicinity. But they were
doomed 10 disappointment, as just before the
spiritual skh and passengers had reached q
position opposite 20 where they stood on the
bank the light, boat and all OF its occupants
vanished in a twinklng and, though the
party Of ladies and gentlemen made dihgent
search. yet not another trace Of the fairy skill
and It's occupants was visible.
This is not the first time that this wonder
ful boat and It's human cargo have been seen
ON their voyage down the Tennessee. An old
fisherman. VINO lives further up the river,
declares that he hes many a time witnessed
the same phantoms stealthily gliding over the
surface of tho water, and on ono occasion be
was accosted from the boat by d sweet voice,
which spoke in an unknown tongue, and ap
parently beckoned for assistance
There are many theories advanced regard.
ing these strange sights Some Of the Oldest
settlers contend tlst the occupants Of the
slaR represent Indians, and that the bride,
while Oh the way TO meet her intended hus-
band, chief, was drowned, as well as the
balance Of the party. In revenge the chief
cursed the river for its trea. hery and bid It's
waters 20 never again do an injury 70 the
rcd man, and from that da 10 this not an
other Indian was ever kn Wn TO die in It's
waters.
Another story Is that during the early
pioneer days Of Kentucky a prominent Ken.
tuckian became greatly enamored Of a GER
tain beautiful young lalyi ana inc pace anu
time were arranged Tor their marriage nuP
tiaA Her parents, however objected, and
did everything IN their power 70 prevent the
wedding. BUT the lover sent three young
men 70 bring his bride, and the young lady
stole from home by night and was being
taken down the river in boat 70 meet her
afiianced, when suddenly the craft capsized
and all were drowned. The lover, greatly
aggrieved over his loss, Immediately left that
section OF the country and was never after
ward heard Of.
To see this strange phantom is regarded as
an in omen, aud there aro many persons who
cannot DO induced 10 60 near this river after
night for fear that they may unw1linglpbe
compelled 20 witness the bridal boat specter.
London TENN Cor. ST. Louis 6lobe-Dem-
ocrat