Story of an Ex-ghost at Berwick.
A letter addressed to Mr. Keys, pilot, Limekiln-street, respecting the annoyance that has disturbed himself and family such a length of time; and by which it appears that a similar occurrence took place at Berwick near Lewes, some time since. The writer had not heard that the cause of Mr Keys’ annoyance had been discovered.
“Sir, – On hearing of the extraordinary annoyances that have lately disturbed your premises, I take the liberty of informing you that I was once annoyed in a similar manner, during a period of about three weeks. My windows were often smashed, and loud knockings assailed my doors, the reports of which were heard at a considerable distance. Men, armed with guns, were employed to keep watch in the house, and others at a distance from it: but no visible agency could be discovered.
Various were the conjectures as to the cause of so strange, so mysterious an occurrence. At length, one who had been watching enquired of me if any of the annoyances had ever occurred when my whole family were present and together. He suspected, to my great surprise, that some of my own household must be implicated, and requested that I would keep a close eye on them. I did so; and soon discovered that my female servant had been the only cause of so much alarm.
She confessed the whole, and admitted that she had taken sticks and stones up stairs, and, from the windows, dashed in those below. And yet no one appeared more alarmed, or more anxious to discover the cause. She shewed the stones that had passed through the windows, to those who came in to make enquiries; and expressed her dread and astonishment. Now, Sir, if you keep a close watch over your own household, I have no doubt the mystery will soon be discovered; and you will oblige by sending me the particulars.
I am, Sir, your obedient Servant, &c. HENRY WHITE.
Berwick, near Lewes, Dec. 16th, 1839.”
We yesterday received a long statement from Elizabeth Perry, in which she denies the charge made against her, of which she is ready to take oath. From the implicit reliance we place in the source from which we derived our information last week, we must decline inserting the letter until we have had an opportunity of making further enquiries.
Dover Telegraph and Cinque Ports General Advertiser, 21st December 1839.