I am going to give you a synopsis of this remarkable true ghost story at the beginning of this post and for those who wish to follow it even closer(verbatim transcripts along with accurate, first-hand, meticulous accounts), simply continue reading In Depth Maine Haunting below.
One of America's first documented, authentic ghost stories is the Nelly (Hooper) Butler haunting. She was born in 1774 to David and Joanna Hooper, one of seven children. The Immortality Proved by the Testimony of Sense, a pamphlet printed in 1826, has an account from the Reverend Abraham Cummings, an eye witness to the haunting in Sullivan, Maine, although there were hundreds of witnesses. some of the transcripts are shown below in In Depth Haunting.
Nelly died within a year of marriage as she was giving birth to her first child, who also died. Although the deaths were considered natural, there was wide speculation as the the true cause of death, even fingers pointing to foul play on behalf of her husband, George Butler. Even after a trial in which he was found not guilty, suspicion still lingered. George wanted to marry a certain Lydia Blaisdell, born on March 2, 1772 at New Hampshire and the daughter of Captain Abner Blaisdell. But because of these suspicions, both George's father(Moses) and Lydia's father ferociously opposed this marriage so it was put on hold indefinitely. But oddly enough, one person actually condoned this union!
It is said that George promised never to remarry if anything were ever to happen to Nelly. He was unable to keep that promise and shortly after Nelly's death, Lydia's father and others reported strange noises coming from their basement, starting on August 9, 1799. Other witnesses purported seeing a white figure floating over their crop field during this time. It is also said that Nelly appeared "around town", in other properties and fields. courtesy of nikbaum.com
Thinking these disturbances peculiar, yet not troublesome, on January 2 of the following year, a female voice from cellar was heard stating that it was Nelly and that she desired her father(David), her former husband(George) and Lydia's father(Capt. Abner) to gather to confirm that she was indeed speaking to them from beyond.
The three requested people met, as I am sure many others, and confirmed that Nelly had transcended the spirit realm to communicate with them. No physical sign of Nelly was observed until may of 1800, then her ghost materialized wearing a shining white garment in front of about 20 people at the home. How that many people were gathered(and why) to witness this is unclear.
According to eyewitnesses, "At first the apparition was a mere mass of light, then it grew into a personal form, about as tall as myself...the glow of the apparition had a constant, tremulous motion. At last, the personal form became shapeless, expanded every way and then vanished in a moment." Other witnesses said that the ghost had "a shining halo around her head" and her voice was "shrill but milk and pleasant."
On another occasion, Nelly showed herself in front of 200 eye-witnesses to foretell the deaths of Capt. Blaisdell's wife and father, as well as the date of her earthly husband George and Lydia.
The Rev. Abraham Cummings, mentioned at the beginning, was so upset that so many of his flock were constantly visiting the Blaisdell home and taking the ghosts words as gospel, he decided to, once and for all, debunk this widespread "hoax" himself. He took a trip to the home to listen and see for himself what the commotion was and prove to everyone that Nelly was anywhere but in Sullivan, Maine. In the book Unbidden Guests: A Book of Real Ghosts(1945), William Oliver Stevens goes on to describe this meeting of preacher and spirit:
"White rocks floated up from the ground, joined together and took the shape of a rose-tinged orb, which suddenly flashed and manifested into the form of a child-sized woman. When the Reverend spoke to it, the figure expanded to normal size with rays of light shining from her head all about and reaching to the ground."
It was upon the belief in the adage "seeing is believing" that the Rev. Cummings published his book, excerpts which can be viewed in my continuing post In Depth Maine Haunting below.
George and Lydia did marry after all but sadly, Lydia died soon after(May 13, 1802) while giving birth to her first child, as did Nelly. Even after Lydia died, Nelly hung around for a bit longer, requesting the re-internment of her baby's remains in a different area. It is said by almost one hundred people attending this solemn re-internment, that Nelly appeared before all and sang hymns, quoted scripture and prayed.
There were many who believed that Lydia, herself, was playing parlor tricks on everyone so that her and her betrothed could marry peacefully. However, these 'nay-sayers' soon had their voices squelched when "Nelly" appeared many more times after Lydia's death.
George remarried a Mary(or Polly as some records indicate) Goggins on September 12, 1805 and together, they had seven children, with all surviving.
This phenomena seems to have slowly died out as the years continued on, with no more accounts of Nelly after a couple of years after Lydia' death. But the legacy lives on in many stories and will always be remembered as the most recognized haunting in all of America, certainly the most documented.
In Depth Maine Haunting
It is reported that Nelly was often seen walking alongside the future Mrs. Lydia Butler oftentimes, even during broad daylight. Nelly is recorded as visiting neighbors and various residences throughout Sullivan, walking from room to room in spectral fluidity. When anyone became alarmed, she would graciously assert that she would not intrude upon their presence, but meet with them whenever they wished to see or converse with her in the cellars of their dwellings.
In the cellar of Capt. Abner Blaisdell's home, "she conversed for several hours on different occasions with the crowds who flocked thither to witness the manifestations. Sometimes she appeared to a number of persons at a time, occasionally in the likeness of her former self, but still oftener in a fleecy mass of white shadowy light."
Finally, after the intimate families involved, they were becoming the 'subject of the most cruel calumnies, bitter persecutions, and finally...a trial, during the course of which upwards of forty affidavits were given by some of the most respectable persons in the community, confirmatory of the statements above alleged, and descriptive of the various modes in which the "spectre" had manifested herself.'
As the Rev. Abraham Cummings has given several very interesting and minute details of the modes in which the ghostly visitant's presence was regarded, besides having published in full the affidavits of the whole forty witnesses examined on the trial, here are quotations from this pamphlet, for the better understanding of the marvelous circumstances.
The times, places, and modes of her appearing were various. Sometimes she appeared to one alone, sometimes to two or three, then to five, six, ten, or twelve, again to twenty, and once to more than forty witnesses. She appeared in several apartments of Mr. Blaisdell's house, and several times in the cellar. She also appeared at other houses, and in the open fields. There, white as the light, she moved like a cloud above the ground in personal form and magnitude, and in the presence of more than forty people. She tarried with them till after daylight, and vanished; not because she was afraid of the sun, for she had then several times appeared when the sun was shining. Once in particular, when she appeared in the room where the family were, about eleven o'clock in the day, they all left the house; but convinced of the impropriety of their conduct, they returned. At another time, when several neighbours were at the house, and were conversing on these remarkable events, a young lady in the company declared that, though she had heard the discourse of the spectre, she would never believe that there had been a spectre among us, unless she could see her.
In a few minutes after, the spectre appeared to several persons, and said she must come into the room where the company was. One of those who saw her, pleaded that she would not.
The spectre then asked, ' Is there a person here who desires to see me ? '
The young lady was then called, who, with several others, saw the spectre. ' Here I am,' said she, ' satisfy yourselves.'
The lady owned that she was satisfied. It was now about two o'clock in the day. In short, the ghost appeared or conversed almost as frequently in the day as in the night. In all the appearances of the spectre she was as white as the light, and this white- ness was as clear and visible in a dark cellar and dark night, as when she appeared in the open field and in the open day. At a certain time, August 9th, she informed a number of people that she meant to appear before them (for she frequently conversed without appearing at all), that they must stand in order, and behave in a solemn manner :' For the Lord,' said she, ' is a God of order.'
Accordingly she appeared and vanished before them several times. At first they saw a small body of light, which continually increased till it formed the shape and magnitude of a person. This personal shape approached so near to Mr. Butler, that he put his hand upon it, and it passed down through the apparition as through a body of light, in the view of thirteen persons, who all saw the apparition, which rose into personal form, face and features, in a moment; returned to a shapeless mass, resumed her personality, and vanished again directly. They saw that which was not afraid to be handled by them, for she passed slowly by them, near enough for that purpose. As to the witnesses, not one of them has ever been accused or even suspected of being concerned in an artifice. Some of them are aged, others young. They had, and still have, professions, employments, and interests widely different, and belong to different families
She mentioned several incidents of her past life, known only to her husband, as he declared, and asked him if he remembered them. He said yes. She asked him if he had told them. He answered no; and of such a nature were those incidents as to render it utterly improbable that he ever should have mentioned them before. This was at the time when he attempted to handle the apparition. Once, when she conversed with about fourteen persons, Mr. Blaisdell, having heard that his father was sick, asked the spectre whether she knew anything, or not, concerning him.
'Your father,' she replied, 'is in heaven, praising God with the angels.'
He afterwards found that his father, two hundred miles distant, died three days before this answer of the ghost, and his friends at York, where his father lived, utterly deny that they sent the news in the course of these days.
At the time when fifty people heard her discourse, while more than forty saw her, to some of them \ who no more believed these extraordinary events than mankind now do in general \ she mentioned several occurrences of her past life, known to them and her, in order to satisfy them that she was the very person she professed to be. Almost all this company had been acquainted with her in her life-time, and a considerable number of them very intimately. She desired that any of them would ask what questions they pleased, for the removal of any doubts respecting her. Accordingly certain persons did propose several questions respecting a number of events in her past life. To all these inquiries, she gave completely satisfactory answers. She foretold what the opinion and conduct of mankind would be with regard to her, and the ill-treatment which Mr. Blaisdell's family would receive on her account. She not only declared the necessity, but foretold the certainty of the marriage at an hour when both the parties and both the families opposed it.
Within thirty hours after Mrs. Butler's marriage, the spectre predicted that she would become the parent of but one child, and then die. Ten mouths after this her child was born, and she died the next day. The safe return of one bound to the West Indies was also foretold and accomplished. These predictions are all fulfilled, and were previously and sufficiently known in this vicinity for evidence that they were such. She uttered several other predictions now accomplished.
Some time in July, 1806, in the evening, I was informed by two persons that they had just seen the spectre in the field. About ten minutes after, I went out, not to see a miracle, for I believed that they had been mistaken. Looking towards an eminence twelve rods distant from the house, I saw there, as I supposed, one of the white rocks. This confirmed my opinion of their spectre, and I paid no more attention to it. Three minutes after, I accidentally looked in the same direction, and the white rock was in the air; its form a complete globe, white, with a tincture of red, like the damask rose, and its diameter about two feet. Fully satisfied that this was nothing ordinary, I went toward it for more accurate examination. While my eye was constantly upon it, I went on four or five steps, when it came to me from the distance of eleven rods, as quick as lightning, and instantly assumed a personal form with a female dress, but did not appear taller than a girl seven years old.
While I looked upon her, I said in my mind, 'You are not tall enough for the woman who has so frequently appeared among us.'
Immediately she grew up as large and as tall as I considered that woman to be. Now she appeared glorious. On her head was the representation of the sun diffusing the luminous rectilinear rays everywhere to the ground. Through the rays I saw the personal form, and the woman's dress. Then I recollected the objection of the Encyclopedia, that ghosts always appear to one alone. Now, said my mind, I see you as plainly as ever I saw a person on earth; but were I to converse with you an hour, what proof could I produce that I ever conversed with you at all? This, with my fear, was the reason why I did not speak to her. But my fear was connected with ineffable pleasure. Life, simplicity, purity, glory, all harmonizing in this celestial form, had the most delightful effect on my mind. And there appeared such a dullness afterwards upon all corporeal objects as I never perceived before. I went into the house and gave the in- formation, not doubting that she had come to spend some time with us, as she had before. We went out to see her again ; but to my great disappointment, she had vanished. Then I saw one of the great errors of my life. That I had not spoken to her, has been the matter of my regret from that hour to this.
Some time in March, 1806, she talked a few minutes without appearing, at eight o'clock in the morning, and promised to come again that day; at two o'clock she performed her promise, and talked with four people two hours.
It was then she uttered these words : 'Though my body is consumed, and all turned to dust, my soul is as much alive as before I left the body.'
This conversation was indeed in the cellar, but the place was enlightened with her radiance.
May 21st. At ten o'clock, she appeared to two persons, and sent a message to another.
May 25th. Ten o'clock. Appeared and conversed with two witnesses, while a third person heard the conversation; and revealed that by which the same was proved to others.
May 26th. She appeared at eight o'clock in the morning, and talked with four persons an hour and a half. In half an hour after, she appeared and talked with the same four persons, while two others heard a voice, without knowing what was said.
May 27th. Talked with two persons, and promised to be present at a meeting of about twenty people, which was to be held the next day in the evening. Accordingly she appeared at this meeting to persons who were ignorant of the promise. The assembly was immediately interrupted by the declaration that 'the spirit is come.' The next evening after, she conversed with a couple of persons, and told them by her inimitable voice to whom she had appeared. . . . Her conversation was always with grace, seasoned with salt, very affecting and delightful.
August 13th. At ten o'clock, she talked with three persons invisibly. At two o'clock the same day, she appeared and talked to three people in the hearing of five other persons.
Of forty depositions and affidavits given by as many different persons in reference to this remarkable affair, we insert the following as specimens. The first is from one who appears to have been constitutionally sceptical, and whose very circumstantial testimony is on that account all the more valuable.
TESTIMONY OF MISS HANNAH BATCOMB. August 9th, 10th.
I was at the house of Mr. Blaisdell by the persuasion of others; for as to myself, I made very light of the matter, supposing that the whole was the contrivance of certain persons. We heard rappings, and these sounds were spoken to, but no answer obtained. After much altercation (which is needless to rehearse), we all came out of the cellar, and all went off, except a few persons, of whom I was one. Some of Mr. Blaisdell's family uttered severe expressions against those who went off and did not believe. ' What do you want they should believe,' said I ; ' for my part, I see nothing to believe.'
Immediately Mrs. Butler came in from the entry, very much afirighted. ' If any one desires to be convinced,' said she, ' let him look there in the entry.'
I looked there and saw nothing. Soon after this, while Mrs. Butler was sitting on the foot of a bed, we heard a sound right against her on the outside of the house. Mr. Butler told her to speak to it. At first she refused. They told her she must.
Then she said to it, ' If I am guilty, stay away ; if I am clear, in the name of the Lord, clear me.'
The spirit then rapped very hard, so as to shake the house. Some of the company said she must go into the cellar. ' So I must,' said she ; ' if I do not, she will come into the room ; and if she does, I shall die. Who will go with me ?'
D A said she would go. They went, and soon after we all went down. Then I plainly heard the voice say to Mrs. Butler, ' Go up, that the people may not think it is you who speak.'
I saw her go up into the room, and heard at the same time the voice in the cellar. Mr. Blaisdell asked the spirit whence she came.
She answered, ' I am from heaven. I am with God and Christ, angels and seraphim, praising God. Glory, glory, glory ! '
Mr. Blaisdell asked why she did not manifest herself in the forepart of that night to all the people. She answered, " I was not permitted to come where there was so much sin.' The spirit then said to Mr. Blaisdell, ' Ask the people if they are convinced.' ''
He did so; and I among the rest answered that I was. Then the spirit said, ' I must appear ; ' and by her direction we placed ourselves in order. Then I saw a white appearance, at first not more than a foot in height, but it appeared larger and larger, and more plainly; and when it came nearer to me, I was struck with fear, and left the cellar; but others told me that afterwards they saw the spirit plainly.
August 13th, 14th. I again went to Mr. Blaisdell's with forty-seven persons. The spirit now told us again that she was from heaven, and that she was once Nelly Hooper. After much conversation, the spirit said that some of the people were faint, and could not hear all that was to be said, and that we must go up and refresh ourselves.
'You must go with me to two places this night,' said she, ' and you must be ready at one o'clock.' ' What o'clock is it now? ' said Mr. Blaisdell. She said, ' Twelve, twelve, twelve ! '
We went up immediately and looked on the watch, and it was exactly twelve. In a short time, hearing the usual sign, we returned. Among many other words which I do not remember, Mr. Downing asked the spirit if she knew him; she answered, ' Yes,' and called him by name. He asked her if she was ever at his house. She answered that she had been once there with her mother.
At length she told us that we must go up, and she would walk with us behind, with Mrs. Butler. ' But you must walk in order, two and two,' said she, ' singing a psalm ; for God is a God of order.'
Some person asked when she would be ready. She said, ' I will let you know.' Some person again asked what o'clock it was. She answered one. We went up and again looked on the watch, and it was one. We attended prayer, and immediately after she knocked. A psalm was chosen, which the greatest number of us could best remember, and it was sung as we walked. I was now far forward, and did not see the spirit. When we came to Captain Millar's the spirit rapped there, and Captain Millar, with Captain Paul Blaisdell, and some others, went into the cellar, and I heard them talk, but could not understand what was said to them. Then word came to us that we must stand out in the field before the househ that she would appear before us, and walk with Mrs. Butler, that the people might be convinced that Mrs. Butler had told the truth in relating that she had walked with her before. Then we all stood before the house. Mrs. Butler put on a black cloak, and when she had walked a little distance from us, as before directed by the spirit, I heard her groan bitterly, and soon after I saw the appearance of a woman in white walking with her. Suddenly Mrs. Butler sung a part of that hymn called ' New Jerusalem.' Then she came to us, and we all went back in order to Mr. Blaisdell's. I then looked back and saw a person in white, walking with Mrs. Butler. After we returned to the house, Mrs. Butler appeared very weary and exhausted. I asked her at what time the spirit came to her.
She told me it was after she had walked a little distance from the people. ' When you heard me groan,' said she, ' then I saw it coming towards me ; I am always more afraid when I only see it than I am after it has spoken to me ; and she then told me not to be scared, that she was not come to hurt me, and that if I would sing a hymn it would expel my fears.'
The following is the testimony of Captain James Millar, whose house was the scene of the remarkable visitation above mentioned :
August 7th. Mr. Blaisdell came to my house, and desired me to go to his own, where I might hear and see for myself. He also went to Capt. Samuel Simson's with the same request. Capt. Simson and his wife, S B , and N G , who were there, came with him to my house, and we all went to Mr. Blaisdell's. When we had been there some minutes, Capt. Simson, by desire, prayed. His prayer was immediately followed by a knocking, and we all went into the cellar. Mr. Blaisdell asked what was wanted, and who it was.
It answered, ' I was once Nelly Hooper.' I asked, ' How was man made ?' ' Out of the dust,' said the voice; ' dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. You have the Bible, and that is God's truth, and do you abide by it. Love God, and keep His commandments.' After some conversation with Mrs. Simson and others, she said, ' I must go,' and we heard no more.
It was now broad daylight, the outer cellar door being open, and utterly impossible that any living person should be there but those whom we could see and know. The voice was about six feet from me.
August 9th. I went to that house with many people, among whom I observed much disorderly behaviour. The spirit spoke but little, and I returned with a resolution to go no more to that house on such an errand.
August 14th. Just before daylight, I heard singing as I lay in bed, approaching to my house. Presently, by my leave, my house was filled with people, and I heard knockings on the floor. By the desire of certain persons, I went into the cellar with Capt. Paul Blaisdell. After some discourse of the voice with him, which I understood not, I heard sounds of knocking near me.
I asked, ' What do you want of me ?' It answered, 'I have come to let you know that I can speak in this cellar as well as in the other. Are you convinced ?'
I answered, ' I am.' ' Now,' said the voice, ' the company must be solemn, and stand in order before your door ; I am going to appear. Now, do you remember that I was once Nelly Hooper ?'
We went up, and complied with her direction, and I saw a personal shape coming towards us, white as the light. By the spectre's order, as I was informed, Mrs. Butler went towards her, ' Lydia,' said the spectre, ' you are scared, you must sing.' Then she sung a hymn.
The spirit came almost to us, then turned, and Mrs. Butler with her, and went several rods towards Capt. Simson's, and appeared to take her by the hand, to urge her on further, and disappeared in our sight. Mrs. Butler returned, and informed the company, as I was told, that if they would walk to Mr. Blaisdell's solemnly, as to a funeral, the spirit would walk with Mrs. Butler, behind them. The company did so. But I, being far forward, saw nothing.
"James Millar." testimony of Mrs. Mart Jordan.
On the 4th of August, 1800, about two hours before daylight, while I slept at Mr. Blaisdell's house, I was awaked by the sound of knocking. I got up, and with about twenty others went into the cellar. There I heard a voice speaking to us, as I never heard before nor since. It was shrill, but very mild and pleasant. Mr. Blaisdell, addressing the voice, said that several persons (of whom I was one) had come from a distance to obtain satisfaction, and desired that she would tell us who she was, and the design of her coming. She answered that she was once Nelly Hooper, and after she was married became Nelly Butler. After much conversation of a religious nature, she appeared to us. At first the apparition was a mere mass of light; then it grew into a personal form, about as tall as myself. We stood in two ranks, about four feet apart. Between these ranks she slowly passed and repassed, so that any of us could have handled her. When she passed by me, she was so near that if she liad been a substance I should certainly have felt it. The apparition had a constant tremulous motion. At last the personal form became shapeless, expanded every way, and vanished in a moment. Nothing more being now seen or heard, we were moving to go up, when the voice desired us to tarry longer. We did so, and the spirit talked with us another hour, even till broad daylight. She mentioned to us the ill-treatment which Mr. Blaisdell's family had suffered by reproach and false accusation, and told us they Would on her account be yet more despised and ridiculed. Her discourse concluded by a solemn exhortation. After speaking much more that I cannot remember, she sang praises, and left us. Her notes were very pleasant. Her words were no higher than common, yet they were exceedingly impressive.
Mary Jordan. testimony of Mrs. Wentworth (sister of the apparition).
On the 2nd of January, 1800, Hannah Blaisdell came to Mr. Butler's house, and informed me that the extraordinary voice which they had heard, had declared itself to be that of my sister, and that I must go to her father's house. I replied to her face that I did not believe it. The next day I received the same message from three other persons of other families, to whom I returned the same answer. Nevertheless, I was at last persuaded, and accompanied Capt. Butler and my husband to Mr. Blaisdell's house. Capt. Butler and I examined the cellar with a candle. Capt. Simson and some others went with us. I held Lydia (Mrs. Butler) by the arm, when we heard a loud knocking, and the sound of a voice which brought fresh to my mind my sister's voice. This voice spoke several sentences, which were such as my sister used to utter, and from this time I cleared Lydia of the voice, and accused the devil.
August 8th. Was there again with about thirty others, and heard much conversation. The voice was still hoarse and thick, like that of my sister on her deathbed, but more hollow. Sometimes it was clear and pleasant.
August 14th. I heard the same voice in the same place, and did then believe it was my sister. She talked much with Capt. Simson, and exhorted the people. I heard a private conversation which I had with my sister in her life-time, and which I had never repeated to any one. We were alone together; but may it not have been overheard by some evil spirit who now personates my sister? I know of no reason for her coming.
Sally Wentworth
TESTIMONY OF MR. JAMES SPRINGER.
August 13th, 1800. After much conversation with the spectre, she told us that she must talk and appear at the house of Capt. Millar, because he had reported that she could not be anywhere but at Mr. Blaisdell's house. ' And Lydia must walk with me,' she said, ' that you may all see that she is one person, and I another.'
We walked in order, two and two, to the house, and I saw the spirit appear and dis- appear several times. Whilst we were at Capt. Millar's house, we stood in the field, whilst Mrs. Butler, in great fear, walked with the spirit, before our eyes, a few rods towards Mr. Simson's. Then Mrs. Butler came to us and said we must return to her father's house, two and two, singing a hymn, and she and the spectre would walk with us. We did so. Mr. Paul Simson and I walked behind, if possible to see the apparition. When we had walked about fifteen rods, I saw a white appearance to the left hand. As we passed it, it fell into rank, and walked with Mrs. Butler. Mr. Downing and I turned and looked upon them, and heard them talk. We kept walking on, then stopping to look at them, all the way. We heard them speaking all the time, but in a low voice. The spirit appeared in a personal form, with arms locked, as white as snow, and about as tall as Mrs. Butler. Soon after daybreak I saw it plainly vanish.
James Springer-- Most of the affidavits are to the same effect as the above. Many of them state that the spirit often appeared, bearing a very small child in her arms. That the particles of luminous matter that seemed to compose her were tremulous, in constant motion, presented no resistance to the touch, and were always white and shining.
All the witnesses saw her with more or less distinctness, and all heard her voice, and bore testimony to its remarkable shrillness, and inimitable peculiarity.
At first, the terror of the persons who beheld her was excited by the idea of beholding a ghost, yet after a little discourse with her, their fears were entirely dissipated, and succeeded by a singular pleasure, so delightful was the mode of her address and conversation The spirit was always extremely disposed to piety; sang hymns, uttered prayers, exhorted, quoted Scripture, and joined with her wonderfully sweet but indescribable voice in the singing of hymns with others. This same voice, though inimitable, most nearly resembled her own as she was remembered when she lay dying. This apparition impressed all witnesses with feelings of pleasure and reverence, except in rare instances, one of which occurred at that assembly held in the cellar on the night of
August 9th, when, as I have said, there were gathered some of the best of people, who conducted themselves with order and reverence ; but others there were, who uttered such profanity and derision as rendered them unworthy to obtain conviction; and thereby, as the spirit afterwards declared, she could not manifest herself amongst them, so that save some knockings and a few sentences spoken, no tokens of her presence could be given. The spectre gave a number of extraordinary messages, of which the marriage was but one, and that a subordinate one to other ends of far superior magnitude and importance. These superior ends you will know hereafter, but they cannot, they must not be written.
No doubt can exist that if the parties interested in these strange phenomena could have considered and investigated them with the same practised coolness that characterizes the visitors of our modern spirit circles, most valuable and important views of spirit life, its laws and conditions, might have been gathered from such unusual opportunities for the enquiry; but amidst the fear, ignorance, and superstition which have for centuries obscured man's views of spiritual existence, it was next to impossible that even one risen from the dead should be able to bring conclusive evidence of her presence, or inform the prejudiced and bigoted concerning the true conditions of spirit life.
Still, the details of this remarkable case are too circumstantial and well attested to leave room for doubt concerning its main facts, and they unquestionably form one of the most singular and authentic evidences of direct spirit communion that the annals of history can furnish in America, prior to the great outpouring from which the modern movement of Spiritualism dates in 1848."
One of America's first documented, authentic ghost stories is the Nelly (Hooper) Butler haunting. She was born in 1774 to David and Joanna Hooper, one of seven children. The Immortality Proved by the Testimony of Sense, a pamphlet printed in 1826, has an account from the Reverend Abraham Cummings, an eye witness to the haunting in Sullivan, Maine, although there were hundreds of witnesses. some of the transcripts are shown below in In Depth Haunting.
Nelly died within a year of marriage as she was giving birth to her first child, who also died. Although the deaths were considered natural, there was wide speculation as the the true cause of death, even fingers pointing to foul play on behalf of her husband, George Butler. Even after a trial in which he was found not guilty, suspicion still lingered. George wanted to marry a certain Lydia Blaisdell, born on March 2, 1772 at New Hampshire and the daughter of Captain Abner Blaisdell. But because of these suspicions, both George's father(Moses) and Lydia's father ferociously opposed this marriage so it was put on hold indefinitely. But oddly enough, one person actually condoned this union!
It is said that George promised never to remarry if anything were ever to happen to Nelly. He was unable to keep that promise and shortly after Nelly's death, Lydia's father and others reported strange noises coming from their basement, starting on August 9, 1799. Other witnesses purported seeing a white figure floating over their crop field during this time. It is also said that Nelly appeared "around town", in other properties and fields. courtesy of nikbaum.com
The three requested people met, as I am sure many others, and confirmed that Nelly had transcended the spirit realm to communicate with them. No physical sign of Nelly was observed until may of 1800, then her ghost materialized wearing a shining white garment in front of about 20 people at the home. How that many people were gathered(and why) to witness this is unclear.
According to eyewitnesses, "At first the apparition was a mere mass of light, then it grew into a personal form, about as tall as myself...the glow of the apparition had a constant, tremulous motion. At last, the personal form became shapeless, expanded every way and then vanished in a moment." Other witnesses said that the ghost had "a shining halo around her head" and her voice was "shrill but milk and pleasant."
On another occasion, Nelly showed herself in front of 200 eye-witnesses to foretell the deaths of Capt. Blaisdell's wife and father, as well as the date of her earthly husband George and Lydia.
The Rev. Abraham Cummings, mentioned at the beginning, was so upset that so many of his flock were constantly visiting the Blaisdell home and taking the ghosts words as gospel, he decided to, once and for all, debunk this widespread "hoax" himself. He took a trip to the home to listen and see for himself what the commotion was and prove to everyone that Nelly was anywhere but in Sullivan, Maine. In the book Unbidden Guests: A Book of Real Ghosts(1945), William Oliver Stevens goes on to describe this meeting of preacher and spirit:
"White rocks floated up from the ground, joined together and took the shape of a rose-tinged orb, which suddenly flashed and manifested into the form of a child-sized woman. When the Reverend spoke to it, the figure expanded to normal size with rays of light shining from her head all about and reaching to the ground."
It was upon the belief in the adage "seeing is believing" that the Rev. Cummings published his book, excerpts which can be viewed in my continuing post In Depth Maine Haunting below.
George and Lydia did marry after all but sadly, Lydia died soon after(May 13, 1802) while giving birth to her first child, as did Nelly. Even after Lydia died, Nelly hung around for a bit longer, requesting the re-internment of her baby's remains in a different area. It is said by almost one hundred people attending this solemn re-internment, that Nelly appeared before all and sang hymns, quoted scripture and prayed.
There were many who believed that Lydia, herself, was playing parlor tricks on everyone so that her and her betrothed could marry peacefully. However, these 'nay-sayers' soon had their voices squelched when "Nelly" appeared many more times after Lydia's death.
George remarried a Mary(or Polly as some records indicate) Goggins on September 12, 1805 and together, they had seven children, with all surviving.
This phenomena seems to have slowly died out as the years continued on, with no more accounts of Nelly after a couple of years after Lydia' death. But the legacy lives on in many stories and will always be remembered as the most recognized haunting in all of America, certainly the most documented.
In Depth Maine Haunting
It is reported that Nelly was often seen walking alongside the future Mrs. Lydia Butler oftentimes, even during broad daylight. Nelly is recorded as visiting neighbors and various residences throughout Sullivan, walking from room to room in spectral fluidity. When anyone became alarmed, she would graciously assert that she would not intrude upon their presence, but meet with them whenever they wished to see or converse with her in the cellars of their dwellings.
In the cellar of Capt. Abner Blaisdell's home, "she conversed for several hours on different occasions with the crowds who flocked thither to witness the manifestations. Sometimes she appeared to a number of persons at a time, occasionally in the likeness of her former self, but still oftener in a fleecy mass of white shadowy light."
Finally, after the intimate families involved, they were becoming the 'subject of the most cruel calumnies, bitter persecutions, and finally...a trial, during the course of which upwards of forty affidavits were given by some of the most respectable persons in the community, confirmatory of the statements above alleged, and descriptive of the various modes in which the "spectre" had manifested herself.'
As the Rev. Abraham Cummings has given several very interesting and minute details of the modes in which the ghostly visitant's presence was regarded, besides having published in full the affidavits of the whole forty witnesses examined on the trial, here are quotations from this pamphlet, for the better understanding of the marvelous circumstances.
The times, places, and modes of her appearing were various. Sometimes she appeared to one alone, sometimes to two or three, then to five, six, ten, or twelve, again to twenty, and once to more than forty witnesses. She appeared in several apartments of Mr. Blaisdell's house, and several times in the cellar. She also appeared at other houses, and in the open fields. There, white as the light, she moved like a cloud above the ground in personal form and magnitude, and in the presence of more than forty people. She tarried with them till after daylight, and vanished; not because she was afraid of the sun, for she had then several times appeared when the sun was shining. Once in particular, when she appeared in the room where the family were, about eleven o'clock in the day, they all left the house; but convinced of the impropriety of their conduct, they returned. At another time, when several neighbours were at the house, and were conversing on these remarkable events, a young lady in the company declared that, though she had heard the discourse of the spectre, she would never believe that there had been a spectre among us, unless she could see her.
In a few minutes after, the spectre appeared to several persons, and said she must come into the room where the company was. One of those who saw her, pleaded that she would not.
The spectre then asked, ' Is there a person here who desires to see me ? '
The young lady was then called, who, with several others, saw the spectre. ' Here I am,' said she, ' satisfy yourselves.'
The lady owned that she was satisfied. It was now about two o'clock in the day. In short, the ghost appeared or conversed almost as frequently in the day as in the night. In all the appearances of the spectre she was as white as the light, and this white- ness was as clear and visible in a dark cellar and dark night, as when she appeared in the open field and in the open day. At a certain time, August 9th, she informed a number of people that she meant to appear before them (for she frequently conversed without appearing at all), that they must stand in order, and behave in a solemn manner :' For the Lord,' said she, ' is a God of order.'
Accordingly she appeared and vanished before them several times. At first they saw a small body of light, which continually increased till it formed the shape and magnitude of a person. This personal shape approached so near to Mr. Butler, that he put his hand upon it, and it passed down through the apparition as through a body of light, in the view of thirteen persons, who all saw the apparition, which rose into personal form, face and features, in a moment; returned to a shapeless mass, resumed her personality, and vanished again directly. They saw that which was not afraid to be handled by them, for she passed slowly by them, near enough for that purpose. As to the witnesses, not one of them has ever been accused or even suspected of being concerned in an artifice. Some of them are aged, others young. They had, and still have, professions, employments, and interests widely different, and belong to different families
She mentioned several incidents of her past life, known only to her husband, as he declared, and asked him if he remembered them. He said yes. She asked him if he had told them. He answered no; and of such a nature were those incidents as to render it utterly improbable that he ever should have mentioned them before. This was at the time when he attempted to handle the apparition. Once, when she conversed with about fourteen persons, Mr. Blaisdell, having heard that his father was sick, asked the spectre whether she knew anything, or not, concerning him.
'Your father,' she replied, 'is in heaven, praising God with the angels.'
He afterwards found that his father, two hundred miles distant, died three days before this answer of the ghost, and his friends at York, where his father lived, utterly deny that they sent the news in the course of these days.
At the time when fifty people heard her discourse, while more than forty saw her, to some of them \ who no more believed these extraordinary events than mankind now do in general \ she mentioned several occurrences of her past life, known to them and her, in order to satisfy them that she was the very person she professed to be. Almost all this company had been acquainted with her in her life-time, and a considerable number of them very intimately. She desired that any of them would ask what questions they pleased, for the removal of any doubts respecting her. Accordingly certain persons did propose several questions respecting a number of events in her past life. To all these inquiries, she gave completely satisfactory answers. She foretold what the opinion and conduct of mankind would be with regard to her, and the ill-treatment which Mr. Blaisdell's family would receive on her account. She not only declared the necessity, but foretold the certainty of the marriage at an hour when both the parties and both the families opposed it.
Within thirty hours after Mrs. Butler's marriage, the spectre predicted that she would become the parent of but one child, and then die. Ten mouths after this her child was born, and she died the next day. The safe return of one bound to the West Indies was also foretold and accomplished. These predictions are all fulfilled, and were previously and sufficiently known in this vicinity for evidence that they were such. She uttered several other predictions now accomplished.
Some time in July, 1806, in the evening, I was informed by two persons that they had just seen the spectre in the field. About ten minutes after, I went out, not to see a miracle, for I believed that they had been mistaken. Looking towards an eminence twelve rods distant from the house, I saw there, as I supposed, one of the white rocks. This confirmed my opinion of their spectre, and I paid no more attention to it. Three minutes after, I accidentally looked in the same direction, and the white rock was in the air; its form a complete globe, white, with a tincture of red, like the damask rose, and its diameter about two feet. Fully satisfied that this was nothing ordinary, I went toward it for more accurate examination. While my eye was constantly upon it, I went on four or five steps, when it came to me from the distance of eleven rods, as quick as lightning, and instantly assumed a personal form with a female dress, but did not appear taller than a girl seven years old.
While I looked upon her, I said in my mind, 'You are not tall enough for the woman who has so frequently appeared among us.'
Immediately she grew up as large and as tall as I considered that woman to be. Now she appeared glorious. On her head was the representation of the sun diffusing the luminous rectilinear rays everywhere to the ground. Through the rays I saw the personal form, and the woman's dress. Then I recollected the objection of the Encyclopedia, that ghosts always appear to one alone. Now, said my mind, I see you as plainly as ever I saw a person on earth; but were I to converse with you an hour, what proof could I produce that I ever conversed with you at all? This, with my fear, was the reason why I did not speak to her. But my fear was connected with ineffable pleasure. Life, simplicity, purity, glory, all harmonizing in this celestial form, had the most delightful effect on my mind. And there appeared such a dullness afterwards upon all corporeal objects as I never perceived before. I went into the house and gave the in- formation, not doubting that she had come to spend some time with us, as she had before. We went out to see her again ; but to my great disappointment, she had vanished. Then I saw one of the great errors of my life. That I had not spoken to her, has been the matter of my regret from that hour to this.
Some time in March, 1806, she talked a few minutes without appearing, at eight o'clock in the morning, and promised to come again that day; at two o'clock she performed her promise, and talked with four people two hours.
It was then she uttered these words : 'Though my body is consumed, and all turned to dust, my soul is as much alive as before I left the body.'
This conversation was indeed in the cellar, but the place was enlightened with her radiance.
May 21st. At ten o'clock, she appeared to two persons, and sent a message to another.
May 25th. Ten o'clock. Appeared and conversed with two witnesses, while a third person heard the conversation; and revealed that by which the same was proved to others.
May 26th. She appeared at eight o'clock in the morning, and talked with four persons an hour and a half. In half an hour after, she appeared and talked with the same four persons, while two others heard a voice, without knowing what was said.
May 27th. Talked with two persons, and promised to be present at a meeting of about twenty people, which was to be held the next day in the evening. Accordingly she appeared at this meeting to persons who were ignorant of the promise. The assembly was immediately interrupted by the declaration that 'the spirit is come.' The next evening after, she conversed with a couple of persons, and told them by her inimitable voice to whom she had appeared. . . . Her conversation was always with grace, seasoned with salt, very affecting and delightful.
August 13th. At ten o'clock, she talked with three persons invisibly. At two o'clock the same day, she appeared and talked to three people in the hearing of five other persons.
Of forty depositions and affidavits given by as many different persons in reference to this remarkable affair, we insert the following as specimens. The first is from one who appears to have been constitutionally sceptical, and whose very circumstantial testimony is on that account all the more valuable.
TESTIMONY OF MISS HANNAH BATCOMB. August 9th, 10th.
I was at the house of Mr. Blaisdell by the persuasion of others; for as to myself, I made very light of the matter, supposing that the whole was the contrivance of certain persons. We heard rappings, and these sounds were spoken to, but no answer obtained. After much altercation (which is needless to rehearse), we all came out of the cellar, and all went off, except a few persons, of whom I was one. Some of Mr. Blaisdell's family uttered severe expressions against those who went off and did not believe. ' What do you want they should believe,' said I ; ' for my part, I see nothing to believe.'
Immediately Mrs. Butler came in from the entry, very much afirighted. ' If any one desires to be convinced,' said she, ' let him look there in the entry.'
I looked there and saw nothing. Soon after this, while Mrs. Butler was sitting on the foot of a bed, we heard a sound right against her on the outside of the house. Mr. Butler told her to speak to it. At first she refused. They told her she must.
Then she said to it, ' If I am guilty, stay away ; if I am clear, in the name of the Lord, clear me.'
The spirit then rapped very hard, so as to shake the house. Some of the company said she must go into the cellar. ' So I must,' said she ; ' if I do not, she will come into the room ; and if she does, I shall die. Who will go with me ?'
D A said she would go. They went, and soon after we all went down. Then I plainly heard the voice say to Mrs. Butler, ' Go up, that the people may not think it is you who speak.'
I saw her go up into the room, and heard at the same time the voice in the cellar. Mr. Blaisdell asked the spirit whence she came.
She answered, ' I am from heaven. I am with God and Christ, angels and seraphim, praising God. Glory, glory, glory ! '
Mr. Blaisdell asked why she did not manifest herself in the forepart of that night to all the people. She answered, " I was not permitted to come where there was so much sin.' The spirit then said to Mr. Blaisdell, ' Ask the people if they are convinced.' ''
He did so; and I among the rest answered that I was. Then the spirit said, ' I must appear ; ' and by her direction we placed ourselves in order. Then I saw a white appearance, at first not more than a foot in height, but it appeared larger and larger, and more plainly; and when it came nearer to me, I was struck with fear, and left the cellar; but others told me that afterwards they saw the spirit plainly.
August 13th, 14th. I again went to Mr. Blaisdell's with forty-seven persons. The spirit now told us again that she was from heaven, and that she was once Nelly Hooper. After much conversation, the spirit said that some of the people were faint, and could not hear all that was to be said, and that we must go up and refresh ourselves.
'You must go with me to two places this night,' said she, ' and you must be ready at one o'clock.' ' What o'clock is it now? ' said Mr. Blaisdell. She said, ' Twelve, twelve, twelve ! '
We went up immediately and looked on the watch, and it was exactly twelve. In a short time, hearing the usual sign, we returned. Among many other words which I do not remember, Mr. Downing asked the spirit if she knew him; she answered, ' Yes,' and called him by name. He asked her if she was ever at his house. She answered that she had been once there with her mother.
At length she told us that we must go up, and she would walk with us behind, with Mrs. Butler. ' But you must walk in order, two and two,' said she, ' singing a psalm ; for God is a God of order.'
Some person asked when she would be ready. She said, ' I will let you know.' Some person again asked what o'clock it was. She answered one. We went up and again looked on the watch, and it was one. We attended prayer, and immediately after she knocked. A psalm was chosen, which the greatest number of us could best remember, and it was sung as we walked. I was now far forward, and did not see the spirit. When we came to Captain Millar's the spirit rapped there, and Captain Millar, with Captain Paul Blaisdell, and some others, went into the cellar, and I heard them talk, but could not understand what was said to them. Then word came to us that we must stand out in the field before the househ that she would appear before us, and walk with Mrs. Butler, that the people might be convinced that Mrs. Butler had told the truth in relating that she had walked with her before. Then we all stood before the house. Mrs. Butler put on a black cloak, and when she had walked a little distance from us, as before directed by the spirit, I heard her groan bitterly, and soon after I saw the appearance of a woman in white walking with her. Suddenly Mrs. Butler sung a part of that hymn called ' New Jerusalem.' Then she came to us, and we all went back in order to Mr. Blaisdell's. I then looked back and saw a person in white, walking with Mrs. Butler. After we returned to the house, Mrs. Butler appeared very weary and exhausted. I asked her at what time the spirit came to her.
She told me it was after she had walked a little distance from the people. ' When you heard me groan,' said she, ' then I saw it coming towards me ; I am always more afraid when I only see it than I am after it has spoken to me ; and she then told me not to be scared, that she was not come to hurt me, and that if I would sing a hymn it would expel my fears.'
The following is the testimony of Captain James Millar, whose house was the scene of the remarkable visitation above mentioned :
August 7th. Mr. Blaisdell came to my house, and desired me to go to his own, where I might hear and see for myself. He also went to Capt. Samuel Simson's with the same request. Capt. Simson and his wife, S B , and N G , who were there, came with him to my house, and we all went to Mr. Blaisdell's. When we had been there some minutes, Capt. Simson, by desire, prayed. His prayer was immediately followed by a knocking, and we all went into the cellar. Mr. Blaisdell asked what was wanted, and who it was.
It answered, ' I was once Nelly Hooper.' I asked, ' How was man made ?' ' Out of the dust,' said the voice; ' dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. You have the Bible, and that is God's truth, and do you abide by it. Love God, and keep His commandments.' After some conversation with Mrs. Simson and others, she said, ' I must go,' and we heard no more.
It was now broad daylight, the outer cellar door being open, and utterly impossible that any living person should be there but those whom we could see and know. The voice was about six feet from me.
August 9th. I went to that house with many people, among whom I observed much disorderly behaviour. The spirit spoke but little, and I returned with a resolution to go no more to that house on such an errand.
August 14th. Just before daylight, I heard singing as I lay in bed, approaching to my house. Presently, by my leave, my house was filled with people, and I heard knockings on the floor. By the desire of certain persons, I went into the cellar with Capt. Paul Blaisdell. After some discourse of the voice with him, which I understood not, I heard sounds of knocking near me.
I asked, ' What do you want of me ?' It answered, 'I have come to let you know that I can speak in this cellar as well as in the other. Are you convinced ?'
I answered, ' I am.' ' Now,' said the voice, ' the company must be solemn, and stand in order before your door ; I am going to appear. Now, do you remember that I was once Nelly Hooper ?'
We went up, and complied with her direction, and I saw a personal shape coming towards us, white as the light. By the spectre's order, as I was informed, Mrs. Butler went towards her, ' Lydia,' said the spectre, ' you are scared, you must sing.' Then she sung a hymn.
The spirit came almost to us, then turned, and Mrs. Butler with her, and went several rods towards Capt. Simson's, and appeared to take her by the hand, to urge her on further, and disappeared in our sight. Mrs. Butler returned, and informed the company, as I was told, that if they would walk to Mr. Blaisdell's solemnly, as to a funeral, the spirit would walk with Mrs. Butler, behind them. The company did so. But I, being far forward, saw nothing.
"James Millar." testimony of Mrs. Mart Jordan.
On the 4th of August, 1800, about two hours before daylight, while I slept at Mr. Blaisdell's house, I was awaked by the sound of knocking. I got up, and with about twenty others went into the cellar. There I heard a voice speaking to us, as I never heard before nor since. It was shrill, but very mild and pleasant. Mr. Blaisdell, addressing the voice, said that several persons (of whom I was one) had come from a distance to obtain satisfaction, and desired that she would tell us who she was, and the design of her coming. She answered that she was once Nelly Hooper, and after she was married became Nelly Butler. After much conversation of a religious nature, she appeared to us. At first the apparition was a mere mass of light; then it grew into a personal form, about as tall as myself. We stood in two ranks, about four feet apart. Between these ranks she slowly passed and repassed, so that any of us could have handled her. When she passed by me, she was so near that if she liad been a substance I should certainly have felt it. The apparition had a constant tremulous motion. At last the personal form became shapeless, expanded every way, and vanished in a moment. Nothing more being now seen or heard, we were moving to go up, when the voice desired us to tarry longer. We did so, and the spirit talked with us another hour, even till broad daylight. She mentioned to us the ill-treatment which Mr. Blaisdell's family had suffered by reproach and false accusation, and told us they Would on her account be yet more despised and ridiculed. Her discourse concluded by a solemn exhortation. After speaking much more that I cannot remember, she sang praises, and left us. Her notes were very pleasant. Her words were no higher than common, yet they were exceedingly impressive.
Mary Jordan. testimony of Mrs. Wentworth (sister of the apparition).
On the 2nd of January, 1800, Hannah Blaisdell came to Mr. Butler's house, and informed me that the extraordinary voice which they had heard, had declared itself to be that of my sister, and that I must go to her father's house. I replied to her face that I did not believe it. The next day I received the same message from three other persons of other families, to whom I returned the same answer. Nevertheless, I was at last persuaded, and accompanied Capt. Butler and my husband to Mr. Blaisdell's house. Capt. Butler and I examined the cellar with a candle. Capt. Simson and some others went with us. I held Lydia (Mrs. Butler) by the arm, when we heard a loud knocking, and the sound of a voice which brought fresh to my mind my sister's voice. This voice spoke several sentences, which were such as my sister used to utter, and from this time I cleared Lydia of the voice, and accused the devil.
August 8th. Was there again with about thirty others, and heard much conversation. The voice was still hoarse and thick, like that of my sister on her deathbed, but more hollow. Sometimes it was clear and pleasant.
August 14th. I heard the same voice in the same place, and did then believe it was my sister. She talked much with Capt. Simson, and exhorted the people. I heard a private conversation which I had with my sister in her life-time, and which I had never repeated to any one. We were alone together; but may it not have been overheard by some evil spirit who now personates my sister? I know of no reason for her coming.
Sally Wentworth
TESTIMONY OF MR. JAMES SPRINGER.
August 13th, 1800. After much conversation with the spectre, she told us that she must talk and appear at the house of Capt. Millar, because he had reported that she could not be anywhere but at Mr. Blaisdell's house. ' And Lydia must walk with me,' she said, ' that you may all see that she is one person, and I another.'
We walked in order, two and two, to the house, and I saw the spirit appear and dis- appear several times. Whilst we were at Capt. Millar's house, we stood in the field, whilst Mrs. Butler, in great fear, walked with the spirit, before our eyes, a few rods towards Mr. Simson's. Then Mrs. Butler came to us and said we must return to her father's house, two and two, singing a hymn, and she and the spectre would walk with us. We did so. Mr. Paul Simson and I walked behind, if possible to see the apparition. When we had walked about fifteen rods, I saw a white appearance to the left hand. As we passed it, it fell into rank, and walked with Mrs. Butler. Mr. Downing and I turned and looked upon them, and heard them talk. We kept walking on, then stopping to look at them, all the way. We heard them speaking all the time, but in a low voice. The spirit appeared in a personal form, with arms locked, as white as snow, and about as tall as Mrs. Butler. Soon after daybreak I saw it plainly vanish.
James Springer-- Most of the affidavits are to the same effect as the above. Many of them state that the spirit often appeared, bearing a very small child in her arms. That the particles of luminous matter that seemed to compose her were tremulous, in constant motion, presented no resistance to the touch, and were always white and shining.
All the witnesses saw her with more or less distinctness, and all heard her voice, and bore testimony to its remarkable shrillness, and inimitable peculiarity.
At first, the terror of the persons who beheld her was excited by the idea of beholding a ghost, yet after a little discourse with her, their fears were entirely dissipated, and succeeded by a singular pleasure, so delightful was the mode of her address and conversation The spirit was always extremely disposed to piety; sang hymns, uttered prayers, exhorted, quoted Scripture, and joined with her wonderfully sweet but indescribable voice in the singing of hymns with others. This same voice, though inimitable, most nearly resembled her own as she was remembered when she lay dying. This apparition impressed all witnesses with feelings of pleasure and reverence, except in rare instances, one of which occurred at that assembly held in the cellar on the night of
August 9th, when, as I have said, there were gathered some of the best of people, who conducted themselves with order and reverence ; but others there were, who uttered such profanity and derision as rendered them unworthy to obtain conviction; and thereby, as the spirit afterwards declared, she could not manifest herself amongst them, so that save some knockings and a few sentences spoken, no tokens of her presence could be given. The spectre gave a number of extraordinary messages, of which the marriage was but one, and that a subordinate one to other ends of far superior magnitude and importance. These superior ends you will know hereafter, but they cannot, they must not be written.
No doubt can exist that if the parties interested in these strange phenomena could have considered and investigated them with the same practised coolness that characterizes the visitors of our modern spirit circles, most valuable and important views of spirit life, its laws and conditions, might have been gathered from such unusual opportunities for the enquiry; but amidst the fear, ignorance, and superstition which have for centuries obscured man's views of spiritual existence, it was next to impossible that even one risen from the dead should be able to bring conclusive evidence of her presence, or inform the prejudiced and bigoted concerning the true conditions of spirit life.
Still, the details of this remarkable case are too circumstantial and well attested to leave room for doubt concerning its main facts, and they unquestionably form one of the most singular and authentic evidences of direct spirit communion that the annals of history can furnish in America, prior to the great outpouring from which the modern movement of Spiritualism dates in 1848."
