The Ghost.
We have on more than one occasion given an account of a “knocking” ghost, not unlike our own Cocklane sprite, which has puzzled and continues to puzzle the good people of Rochester, New York state. We give the following from the last number of the Boston Chronotype received:
“It appears this supernatural personage still walks the earth, the sepulchre having opened its ponderous and marble jaws to knock him up again. So, at least, think the good people of Rochester, whose town he honours with his woodpecker presence.
During the past week a Mr Somebody, from Somewhere, called together the inhabitants, at 25 cents each, to hear the mysterious rappings made by old Truepenny in the cellarage. A few of all sorts of people went and heard, sure enough, a knock-knock-knocking, which seemed somehow connected with two young ladies, to whom his ghostship is in the habit of manifesting himself. A committee was appointed to investigate what the knocking meant, and why the spirit was always knocking. Notwithstanding all their ingenuity, the ghost continued to knock like an insane postman, until the wonder of the audience grew absolutely too huge for human endurance.
The pent-up steam of astonishment, therefore, broke loose in the most discordant uproar at two or three meetings, and knocks were interchanged among the loafing portion of the company, quite as loud as those of the ghost, and having the advantage of being performed on live skulls instead of dead ones.
The affair has ended as might have been expected – in the public hearing a great deal but seeing ’nuffin’. Truly, as the Rochester Magnet says, this is a curious world, – curious people inhabit it, and curious sounds issue from it.
Knock-knock – but there’s no use knocking any longer at the door, with such humbug, in the nineteenth century.”
Douglas Jerrold’s Weekly Newspaper, 22nd December, 1849.
It is very curious to witness the swayings of the American mind under local and other influences. While one small body of men would confine revelation and its benefits to traditional technicalities, and imprison the soul of the Christian in an octagonal font, there is another who would send it abroad on the wings of uncertainty to find some other resting place than the ark of the covenant. Thus, the supernatural knockings at Rochester have given some persons great hope that we are about to have a new revelation.
True, the revelations so far have not been of the Sinaic character, nor even tolerably dignified. They have consisted of chair-tumbling, table-moving, hair-combing, and cheek-pinching exhibitions; of very tedious replies by the process of spelling, usual to children when they are learning their A, B, C, and of exceedingly bad grammar and a surprising ignorance of the dictionary compiled for the use of schools.
Notwithstanding all this, such men as the editor of the Tribune listen to the knockings, and ask, if they be a fraud, for an explanation of the manner in which they are produced.
Express (London), 22nd May 1850.
The Supernatural Knocking.
A young man called, a day or two since, upon the ladies in whose keeping are the Rochester spirits. His bearing was sad, and his voice was tremulous with emotion. Sorrow was in his countenance, and a weed was on his hat. He sighed as he took a seat; and the bystanders pitied him as they saw him draw forth a spotless handkerchief and wipe away a tear that gathered in his eye. After a few moments of silence he took one of the ladies aside, and requested, if consistent, to be put in communication with the spiritual essence of his mother; and here he wiped his eyes rapidly and sobbed.
A period of quiet elapsed ad a knock was heard, signifying that the desired correspondence could be had; and with a hesitating voice the young man commenced questioning the invisible one: – “How log had I gone before you died?” A length of time was stated. “Where are you now, mother? Are you happy?” The knocking indicated that the spirit was at rest. “Are those of your friends who have gone before with you?” “They are, ” said the knocking. “Then you can recognise them perfectly?” The noise certified the affirmative. “Can you see me at all times when you wish?” The raps proclaimed the perpetual clearness of the deceased’s vision in that respect.
The gentleman seemed relieved, and the spectators stood overwhelmed with wonder. Taking his hat, the mourner arose; thanked the ladies; and, as he stood in the door, quietly remarked: – “I have been very much entertained, as no doubt my mother herself will be; for I left her at home not half an hour since, basting a turkey for dinner!” – Buffalo Courier.
Nottingham Journal, 24th May 1850.