The Missing Link in Modern Spiritualism

ontinued), N

toward Public Investigation-"Hire Corinthian Hall"-First Committee of Investigation-Seco

eading to a state of feeling and opinion which made it impossible to keep the matter confined to the limited number of persons who,

her consented to let Cathie go home with Mr. and Mrs. Capron, imagining by that means to put a stop to further disturbances. For a few days there seemed to be a change for the better, and again mother thought she had accomplished her object; but all this while the Spirits had been actively employed, as the

could move them. It became a common saying in our house that "the Spirits are holding them down," when we would have occasion to lift any light article from one place to another. It was constantly repeated to us that we had "a mission to perform," and we were directed to "make ready for the work." My mother declared that we would never yield to any such directions ag

t they came four times in all. They were handsomely and artistically drawn in black and white, the lids being thrown back to show how beautifully they had done the work of pinking the white linings. Each coffin had the drawing of its plate, and on them were perfectly and correctly written our respective names and ages, while beneath them was also written in large plain letters: "If y

realize the scenes we passed through. Crowds of inquire

home; but the Spirits said, "No, you cannot go; you must remain here and do your duty." After a few brief messages to friends, the Spirits, in a most impressive and solemn manner, bade us all good-by, and closed their manifestations. They made the occasio

, our good servant, were alone, and the absence of all manifestations or Spiritual communications caused many a pang of remorse. Often we wished it were possible for us to enjoy the society of our dear Spir

d not rap for us any more. They came into the hall, saying, "Perhaps they will rap for us, if not for you." And so they did. They came with the well-known joyous sounds, all over the hall, as if they were glad to meet us all again. We could not repress our great sati

roached the subject of a public investigation. Direct

ommunication. They told us what was required of us

direction. We felt powerless to act on our own judgment. We met at the house of Mr. Isaac Post to talk over the matter, and learn all we could in regard to this great step forced upon us in a way so contrary to our own wishes. We had not been long in the parlor before the alphabet was called and spelled, "Amy, thee must invite sixteen persons to come here on Saturday evening, to hear the Spirit rappings." Amy (Mrs. Post) replied, "Why, I don't know whom to invite to such an entertainment. How can I do so?" The rapping answered, "I will tell thee: 'Mr. or Mrs. --: You are invited By the Spirits to call at the house of Mr. Isaac Post next Thursday evening, at eight o'clock, to hear the Spirits rap.'" Amy said she did not know whom to invite, and asked the Spirits if they would give her the names. This they consented to do, and proceeded to spell out the names of persons, many of whom neither Mrs. Post nor any one present knew. They were all lawyers, editors, and doctors. It is to be regretted that the book containing these names is lost. Dr. Moore was th

was to convince us that they could rap suf

s to deliver the lecture, in which he was to relate the commencement at Hydesville, and the progress of it up to the present time. Mr. Willets was to act as friend and busine

rah D. Fish (a member of the Society of Friends), and Mrs. Pierpont. When these names were first spelled out by the Spirits some of the persons objected to thus going forward in so unpopular a work, when the Rev. Mr. Jervis spoke up and said, "I know it is true, and I'll face a frowning world." His emphatic earnestness awoke the others who had been named, and they all cons

spapers of the meeting to be held in Corinthi

red at Corinthian Hall, where a large audience had already assembled to

knowledge of the facts, as they had then occurred, than on a

hem report to the public the result of their investigations. Mr. Capron stated empha

ifestations. At this lecture the audience listened with very respectful attention. The editor of a Second Advent paper also delivered his little speech, telling the audience that the sounds were spiritual,

mmittee of Investigation, and requested to report the next evening, viz.

as this would have been, had it consisted of simulation on our part, must certainly have met with swift exposure, and been stripped of all power or opportunity for further mischief. In fact, could it be rationally apprehended

that the supposed fraud would now be probed to the bottom. So sure seemed the editors of the Rochester Democrat that this was "the

thing else in place of the anticipated detection and exposure, as the result of their examination did not verify the t

ere heard as distinctly as at the other places; and that part of the Committee heard the rapping on the wall behind them; that a number of questions were asked, which were answered not altogether right nor altogether wrong; that, in the afternoon, they went to

le rap, as of a stroke and a rebound, was distinguishable. When the sisters were separated at a distance from each other, no sound was heard; but when a third person was interposed between them, the sounds were heard. The sisters seemed to give every opp

agreed as to the facts stated. Their report was received with surprise by such of the audience as

ee was appointed consisting of the following gentlemen: Dr. H. H. Langworthy, Hon. Frederick Whittlesey, General

e placed in different positions, and, like the other Committee, they were unable to tell from what the sounds proceeded, or how they were made; that Dr. Langworthy made observations with a stethoscope to ascertain whether there was any movemen

. Many persons, among the large number congregated there, were disappointed and indignant at the discovery that it was not a cheat. A very large number of people were present on this occasion, and a portion of them see

's Revelations,' and I believe fully that Spirits can communicate. You shall have a fair investigation." This was after very insulting and even violent behavior by Dr. H. H. Langworthy; and it did me a great deal of good to be so assu

itualism. He, W. L. Burtis, was at once placed on the Committee; and after being so appointed, he remarked with much importance, if he "could not find it out he would forfeit a new hat." Mr. Kenyon said, "If I cannot fathom the fraud, I will throw myself over Genesee Falls." He too was immediately placed on the Committee. All the others chosen as members were equally opposed to us. The Committee consisted of Dr. E. P. Langworthy, Dr. J. Gates, William Fitzhugh, W. L. Burtis, and L. Kenyon. Mr. Packard, a well-known cabinet-maker,

c had heretofore chosen persons of a more religious character; and men representing the scientific portion of the inhabi

blic. This Committee appointed three ladies, who took us into a private room, disrobed and clothed us with garments of their own selection, after which we seated ourselves ar

gation shall expire; which will be at six o'clock P.M." Some of the Committee exclaimed, "Good for the Rappers! That looks like business. Ladies and gentlemen, let us have dinner in this room. We will give the girls fair play." A sumptuous dinner was prepared and brought in to us, and all took seats at the table. They taunted us in every way. Sometimes we felt ourselves forsaken, and disposed to give up in despair. Our friends were locked out, and not permitted to come into the room; but we could hear their faithful foo

waiters fled in every direction. Instantly the scene was changed. The ladie

rry we are for you; after all, it is true!" The gentlemen with one accord

s, and advised the ladies how to conduct the investigation. They then closed the doors, and (the gentlemen of the Committee having retired) left us and the lady members of the Committee alone. By this time the Committee had become kindly disposed toward us. They suggested to us that we should stand upon t

gestion, signed the f

ound the bottom of their dresses, tight to their ankles, we all

. St

J. G

. P. La

Our friends, who anticipated a riot and feared for our safety, as soon as we got to the house after this terrible day's work and anxiety, urged us not to go to th

ttle Quaker lady), who stood firm as a rock, said, "We will go and sit down by ourselves, and see how we shall feel about it." I soon said, "Amy, if you will go, I will go with you, if I go to my death." Margaretta did not change her mind until we were preparing to go, when she said, "I cannot have you go without me. I must go, although I expect we will be killed." So we all went. We found the faithful friends, who were appointed to sit on the platform

had it concealed in a closet at the head of the stairway adjacent to the door of the Hall. Some of our friends, knowing this, took the precaution of calling on the police. Our Committee was informed of the proceedings of the mob, and when we separa

lawful; but that the committees chosen by the audience should be co

eavy stick, which he carried as a cane, give a signal for the onslaught. The other leaders in this mob were Lawrence R. and Leonard W. Jerome, Alderman Lewis Seelye, Major Packard, and others, awaiting the signal. But no sooner was it given them than a fine, large, respectable-looking gentleman sprang upon the

rpedoes were heard in every part of the Hall. The Chief of Police quietly inf

an investigator at our house, raised his hand and said in a loud voice: "Girls, you hav

ork, as planned by the Spirits, for that time was done. Our triumph was complete. The promises of our Spirit friends and directors were all fulfilled. However they may have allowed suspicio