Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1889-01-09
CH!CHES iER'S SNALiSh
PENNYROYAl PILLS
TIE SPECTRAL BOAT.
Account of Strange Thing Seen on the
Tennessee River,

Account of a Strange Thing Seen on the
Tennessee River.
AS a small party of ladies and gentlemen
vere returning home from attending a social
near this locality, they witnessed a very
strange spectacle. On arriving at the Ten
nessee river, and just before crossing, there
was heard loud scream, accompanied by
splash, as if some heavy object had been
thrown into the water. Each one of the
party noticed the strange occurrence and
watched carefully.
In a few moments more a mysterious skif
was observed to put out from the shore, con-
tanning four persons, woman and three
men. One of the strangers proved to be a
silent oarsman, and, though the oars were
seen to dip regularly, yet not single sound
could be detected coming from them
But the figure of lady sitting upright in
the bow of the boat and dressed like a bride
was quite conspicuous. One OF the party
appeared to hold lantern, which shone
dimly. All Of a sudden the rays Of a mag
nificent light, considerably brighter than the
moonlight and very similar in intensity to
that produced by electric currents, appeared
and shot its rays directly around the skiR SO
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 very
pretty and her hair was wreathed with orange
blossoms The trousseau was so extremely
elegant that this modern Cleopatra seemed
almost entirely enveioped in lovely soft
haze. On this little vessel floated silently,
like a pilgrim bark. until the spectators began
to quite believe it could be none other than
a reality Never did 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 skif.
The ladies and tneir companions on shore
watched the little craft most eagerly, expect
ing that they would soon have an opportu-
tunity to solve the wonderful spiritual enigma
that has long been great puzzle to many
individuals in this vicinity. But they were
doomed to disappointment, as just before the
spiritual skiff and passengers had reached q
position opposite to where they stood on the
bank the light, boat and all of its occupants
vanished in a twinkling, and, though the
party of ladies and gentlemen made diligent
search, yet not another trace of the fairy skif
and its occupants was visible.
This is not the frst time that this wonder
ful boat and its human cargo have been seen
on their voyage down the Tennessee. An cid
fisherman, vino lives further up the river,
declares that be has many time witnessed
the same phantoms stealthily gliding over the
surface Of the water, and on one occasion he
was accosted from the boat by q sweet voice,
which spoke in an unknown tongue, and ap-
parentlv beckoned for assistance
There are many theories advanced regard
ing these strange sights Some of the oldest
settlers contend that the occupants Of the
skif represent Indians, and that the bride,
while ON 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 It's treachery and bid its
waters TO never again do an injury 70 the
red man, and from that day TO this not an
other Indian was ever known to die in its
waters
Another story Is that during the early
pioneer days Of Kentucky prominent Ken
tuckian became greatly enamored Of GER
tain beautiful Young lady. and the place and
tine were arranged for their marriage nup-
tials Fer parents, however, objected, and
did everything in their power TO prevent the
wedding But the lover sent three young
men 10 bring bis bride. and tie young lady
stole from home by night and was being
taken down the river in & boat to meet her
afianced, when suddenly the craft capsized
and all were drowned The lover, greatly
aggrieved over bis loss, Immediately left that
section Of the country and was never after
ward heard Of
To see this strange phantom is regarded as
an Ill omen, and there are many persons vino
cannot be induced 70 so near this river after
night for fear that they NAV unwIIlingiy be
compelled 10 witness tie bridal boat specser
london Tenn! Cor. St Louis Globe Dem
Ocrar