Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

134 APOLOGY FOR MY CONVERSION.and intelligence, neither of which proceed from the medium, how is it tobe explained ? You doubt these two, but I am as well assured of themas I can be of any thing.702. If spirits coniuiunicatc, it is certain that some of them deceive.It would appear that there arc all sorts of characters, the same as thereare in this world. If you should become satisfied of the two facts that Imentioned, I should like to have you and other men of science try yourskill at explanation.703. I will relate what took place at the first sitting that I everattended. It was in Boston, and I went as a perfect stranger. Beforethe sitting commenced, and but few had collected, a strolling musiciancame along and commenced playing at the door, and every tune played atthe door was beaten or rapped on the table. The medium was in theroom ; I saw her walk up to the table and lay her hand on it, and thenwalk away, but it made no difference with the raps on the table ; they continued,without any person near it, as long as the tunes were played atthe door. "When it came my turn to question, I asked. Are any of myrelatives present ? Ans. Yes. Will you rap at each letter of your name,if the alphabet is called over. Ans. Yes ! The alphabet was called, andthere was a rap at A, one at L, one at F, oneat R, one at E, and one atD,—Alfred : a son that died at the age of twenty-two years. Among agreat many questions, I asked. How many years since you died. Is ittwelve? Is it eleven? Is it ten? Is it nine? Is it eight? Is itseven ? There was a rap at seven, but I asked. Is it six ? and instantlythere were rapped ; the seventh was fainter. I said, He probablymeans that it is six and a piece, when instantly they were repeated; the last the faintest. The raps were equidistant, like theticking of a clock, and about as loud. I supposed at the time that it wasless than seven. After the sitting was over, and we were preparing toleave, I said, It is possible that we may have mistaken the time since myson's death ? There was instantly a loud rap on the table. I then asked,Did you mean seven ? and there was instantly an affirmative. I inquiredfor the odd months, and the answer was four. When I got home, I foundthe true time was seven years, four months, and two days.These last rapswere when no person was within six feet of the table. I confess myselfunable to explain the foregoing without admitting that it was my son whoresponded.If you could have such an opportunity, and inquire for somedear friend whom you loved in life,interest you.I think you would witness what would704. I mention the foregoing as a specimen. I have received a greatmany communications purporting to be both from my son and a daughter,who died at the age of eighteen, quite as remarkable as the above. Xow,admitting the two facts of physical force and intelligence, I don't knoweven then that spirits are the agents ; but it seems probable, because I