NEW YORK CITY, FROM JANUARY, 1852.
COMPETING CLAIMS UPON US--DECISION IN FAVOR OF NEW YORK AS
RESIDENCE--DEATH OF CALVIN R. BROWN--REMAINS REMOVED TO ROCHESTER
FOR BURIAL--PERSONAL FRIENDSHIPS--ALICE AND PHOEBE CARY--COURSE
OF TEST EXPERIMENTS AT DR. GRAY'S--THE MONDAY EVENING CIRCLE--RULES
OF SÉANCES.
I have sketched our experiences thus far at Rochester, Albany, Troy, New
York, Buffalo, and Ohio generally; after which I returned to Albany and
Troy, a second time, by the earnest entreaty of friends--taking Glens
Falls on the way, where I remained with my uncle John and Calvin; my
mother and the girls being at that time in Cincinnati for the second
time.
A fortnight after this I returned to my pleasant home in Rochester
(corner of Troup and Sophia Streets). I now considered that we were
fairly entitled to repose; and thought that, after the publicity given
to the Spirit manifestations, through the press, and the thousands of
our visitors, including persons from all parts of the Union, the _duty_
imposed on us had been reasonably and, as I deemed, sufficiently
discharged.
But it soon became evident that isolation had now become impossible.
Invitations and appeals of the most urgent character rained upon me from
important individuals, and from collective bodies of prominent men in
the respective cities and towns.
The Spirits, who had sent us forth, had well understood that, after
our hands had thus been "put to the plough," it would be beyond our
possibility to "look back." Many friends to the new cause urged their
advice that we should establish ourselves in one of the great centres of
population and movement, where the thousands and tens of thousands of
our locomotive people could conveniently come and hear for themselves.
New York was naturally indicated for this purpose, but Cleveland and
Cincinnati disputed her claim; while our friends in Rochester insisted
that their city was the most appropriate and natural home and centre for
the "Rochester Knockings."
At last our Ohio friends, and indeed all others, concurred in the
selection of New York, as a duty and for the good of humanity; while
still hoping for occasional excursions for the benefit of other places.
At Rochester, by way of keeping up a continued hold upon us, they
offered to provide for the payment of the rent of my house, in the hope
that I would eventually return to it. But this I could not accept.
Shall I ever forget that day of our departure from Rochester? Our
friends crowded the depot, and the parting embraces and hand-grasps
continued even after the train had started in its first slow movements.
No small number of our friends made their adieux in tears and blessings:
while, for my part, I remember that I did nothing but cry all the way to
Syracuse. This was in the early days of January, 1852.
After a few days of stay with friends and relations--(for we were an old
Knickerbocker family, and it was in my early childhood that grandfather
had transplanted us to Wayne County, which was to us then almost the
far West, with its deserted wigwams and wandering Indian hunters)--we
settled for a short time in a house temporarily taken, till the one
found for me by a good friend, Mr. Sweet, should be ready. I established
myself in West 26th Street, in a large and handsome brown stone front,
in a neighborhood then of first-rate excellence, in which I resided for
two years. From that house I removed to 15th Street, next door to Irving
Place; from which, after a residence of a year, I removed, by advice
of my friends, to No. 1 Ludlow Place, which I left only to go to my
husband's home in West 37th Street, on my marriage, in 1858, which epoch
was also the close of my career of public mediumship. Twenty-six years
have now elapsed from that most blessed of days to this. Our home has
been indeed a happy one. Though I have lost children, it has never been
that which Victor Hugo had not the heart to wish for his worst enemy, a
house without a child. Indeed, it has usually been full of them. I am
still "mother," and my husband "father," to a well-beloved little
crowd who are the same to us as our very own, and by whom I am
indiscriminately called "Aunt Leah" and "Ma." And what with relatives,
and friends on visits, and nephews and nieces of whose education we have
taken charge, for the better advantages of New York, it has been one
pretty full of visible inmates, as well as those who are not the less
real because invisible. And these latter are ever ready to respond, with
the dear familiar raps and alphabet, to our desire to communicate with
them; to say nothing of occasional manifestations in other ways, of
their presence with us. An earnest thought or request rarely fails to
bring our unseen ones.
During two years from the date of my marriage with Calvin R. Brown (see
page 230), he had been slowly declining. He breathed the last breath of
his blameless life on the 4th of May, 1853, while I was still residing
in 26th Street. He had attained the age of nearly twenty-nine years.
Professor S. B. Brittan preached the funeral sermon in New York on the
6th day of May, at 8 o'clock P.M. A large concourse of personal friends
and friends of the cause of Spiritualism attended. After Professor
Brittan had concluded his discourse, Judge Edmonds delivered a short
eulogy which purported to come from the Spirit world. Dr. Gray came in
rather late, as he had been detained by professional duties, and begged
the indulgence of the audience, as he felt it alike a pleasure and a
duty he owed to the departed, to pay a small tribute to his memory,
and of condolence to the bereft family. He then said, "I have been
his attendant physician, and conversed with him daily during his slow
decline. He suffered much at times, but never complained. He always met
me with a smile. He had no fear of death, still he wanted to live. He
was firm, truthful, and honorable in every sense. He was a husband, a
son, and a brother--and a linch-pin in the cause of Spiritualism. Honor
to whom honor is due."
During the delivery of the speeches, rappings were heard all over the
room, in response.
I regret that the paper, giving a minute account of the funeral, has
been lost. Arrangements were made by the friends, Judge Edmonds, Dr.
Gray, and Mr. Partridge, to procure a church in Rochester, and announce
through the papers that the funeral would be held on the 8th of May.
These parties telegraphed a message to Isaac Post, of that city, to the
above effect, who immediately returned the answer, "Bring on your dead.
My house is at your service." We started on the following morning with
his remains. Our party consisted of mother, Maggie, Cathy, Lizzie (my
daughter), and myself. They engaged the undertaker to go with us to
attend to the burying of our dead. We arrived in Rochester at seven
o'clock P.M., and found the hearse and carriages at the depot waiting to
take us to Mr. Post's house, where already had assembled a large company
of friends who deeply sympathized with us.
The funeral was appointed at ten o'clock A.M. of the 8th. Rev. Chas.
Hammond delivered the funeral sermon. The remains were taken to Mount
Hope Cemetery; from whence we returned to Isaac Post's, where we tarried
over night. We engaged a travelling coach early the next morning, and
started for Newark, thirty miles east of Rochester. We arrived at my
brother David's about three o'clock P.M. The children all met us at the
turn of the lane: all were delighted to see us. We took them in the
carriage with us; little Georgie, who was about seven years of age, was
wonderfully struck with the appearance of our deep mourning, and said,
"Grandma, what makes you all dress so black? Did anybody die?" Mother
replied, "Yes, dear, your uncle Calvin died." He replied, "Oh dear,
that's too bad." After dinner we all went to sister Maria's, a distance
of one mile, taking the children with us. When David and his family went
home, little Georgie wanted to stay with us, which he did, and played
with little Charlie Smith until bed-time--when they retired and
apparently slept well all night. The next morning Georgie felt sick. My
brother Stephen harnessed up his horses, and we took him home. They went
for the doctor immediately, but he died before twelve o'clock that day.
His funeral was on the 12th day of the month. Two Methodist ministers
officiated.
It was a singular coincidence that two Universalist and two Methodist
ministers selected the same Bible text, the same funeral hymns, and the
same tunes, at the services in New York, Rochester, and Newark. In my
affliction I had not noticed this until mother spoke of it, and said it
was evident that the same guardian influences had controlled on all
these three occasions, distinct as they were in time, place, and
circumstances. It was probably meant that we should recognize and feel
the presence of the unseen friends, who thus signified their sympathy
with us in our grief.
Lizzie, Katie, and myself started for New York on the morning of the
13th, leaving mother and Maggie with David and Elizabeth, who had
suffered such a sudden bereavement.
I abstain from speaking of the private friendships which grew out of so
much opportunity for acquaintance and intercourse with so many out of
the best classes of New York society (in the true sense of the word). I
am proud as well as happy to have enjoyed such high and precious and
ennobling friendships, many of which are not wholly severed even by that
death which only makes our friends invisible for a time to our mortal
eyes, since a thought, a wish can still bring to me those signal sounds
which are as their voices. I will indulge myself here only with a page
or two about two semi-angelic women, Alice and Phoebe Cary, who have now
risen into the completeness of their angelhood.
ALICE and PHOEBE CARY were among my truest, best, and dearest friends.
I was introduced to them by Mr. Greeley when we first came to New York,
and our friendship continued during their life. We passed many pleasant
evenings with the sisters and a few select friends.
The last time I saw Phoebe, we met in Arnold's store, the day before we
sailed for Europe. She came and sat down beside me, and laid her hand
gently on mine before I saw her. I was delighted to see her, but was
startled by her changed appearance. I rallied her a little, and tried to
cheer her. She smiled faintly, but not as she was wont to do. Phoebe
had made a confidante of me some time before. She called on me late one
afternoon, and sent up word to me to come at once, as she could remain
but a short time.
It was an unexpected call, at that hour, and I hastened to see her as
soon as possible. She said, "I could not rest without seeing you. Sit
down. I want to talk with you." I inquired about Alice's health, as
usual, and she said, "Alice will never be any better. What shall I do
when she leaves me? I cannot live without her."
Her dark expressive eyes spoke more than her words. I tried to console
her, but I did not know the nature of the incurable disease that was
slowly but surely wearing Alice's life away. She remained some time, and
when leaving me at the door her eyes filled with tears.
Mr. Robert Cary (their father), and his elder daughter, from Cincinnati,
always visited us when they were in New York, and they both related many
interesting occurrences which they had witnessed in their own family. I
will here relate their "Ghost Story," as they told it to me.
"There had been a thunder-storm, and the pouring rain had driven all
into the house. Our new house was finished, but we had not yet moved
into it. This new house stood opposite the old one. The rain was over,
and the sun was shining brightly when our mother called out, and asked,
'How it came that Rhoda and Lucy were in the new house?'
"The door of the new house was open, and there stood Rhoda, in plain
sight, holding Lucy in her arms. The whole family came to the door, and
all saw the same. They called 'Rhoda!' but received no answer. They
supposed Rhoda had gone with Lucy into the house to escape the rain;
when at this moment Rhoda came down-stairs where she had left Lucy
asleep. She, too, saw what we had seen--the apparition of her own
'wraith' with that of Lucy in her arms.
"All felt solemnly impressed, and believed it to be a warning of
something sorrowful. They went over immediately, and examined every part
of the house, but not a trace of any human being was discernible. Rhoda
died within a year, and Lucy a month later. They frequently saw Spirits
distinctly."
(For further particulars of these events see a "Memorial of Alice and
Phoebe Cary," by Mary Clemmer.)
Phoebe possessed ready wit. She attended our first reception (soon after
my marriage to Mr. Underhill), after we had moved into our new house.
When she met me at the parlor door, she whispered in my ear, "My feet
are quite wet; I forgot my india rubbers." It had rained hard that
afternoon. I told her she could find a change up-stairs in my room; and
sent one of my girls to wait upon her. When she came down into the
parlor, she said to me, aside, "I little thought I should stand in your
shoes so soon."
These sisters were devoted Spiritualists, but knowing how often I was
importuned by believers and curious people, they would sometimes
specify, in their notes of invitation, that they wanted me "socially,
not Spiritually." I subjoin to this chapter facsimiles of two of Alice's
precious little missives, which I preserve among my treasures of
the heart. I add to them also facsimiles of the writing of Horace
Greeley and Judge Edmonds, which can never lose their interest for
Spiritualists. I leave Mr. Greeley's letter as a puzzle to the reader to
decipher it. It is well known that a special apprenticeship had to be
served in the _Tribune_ office to train a few compositors into the
possibility of reading his writing.
When Mrs. Greeley died in October, 1872, Mr. Greeley in his great sorrow
sought for consolation through the Spirits. At his request Mr. Oliver
Johnson came and asked me to get a communication from Spirit friends of
Mr. Greeley. Mr. Underhill, his mother, Mr. Johnson, and myself took
seats at the table, and waited in silence for some Spirit to manifest.
Very soon the alphabet was signalled for, and this was spelled (it was
taken down by Mr. Underhill), "Bear my message to my dear friend Horace.
Tell him many kindred Spirits are hovering around him in this day of
trial; and though he may not be susceptible to our heart-whisperings
now, when quiet and rested he will feel the truthfulness of this
message. Truth will meet a response in his honest heart.
"ALICE CARY."
COURSES OF TEST EXPERIMENTATION.
One of the courses of test experimentation made within this period in
New York was as follows:
I met a party of gentlemen at the house of Dr. John F. Gray, in
Lafayette Place, New York City, for about two years. The meetings were
held once a week. The circle was composed of Dr. John F. Gray, Hon. John
W. Edmonds, Dr. Robert T. Hallock, Dr. Hull, Charles Partridge, and
George Washington Rains. The latter gentleman was an officer in the
U. S. Army, and stationed at that time on Governor's Island.
This party carefully, honestly, and scientifically investigated
the rappings and all phenomena connected therewith. They sought to
ascertain, if possible, the peculiar temperament of both mind and body,
or the predominant qualities of either, or both, to become instrumental,
or to interpose an agency, between the visible and invisible worlds.
They were disgusted with the silly pretended exposé of the conceited
"Buffalo doctors," and the equally silly and infamous C. C. Burr.
Major Rains was an educated chemist and fine electrician. He arranged a
swing, which was fastened to iron or steel chains, sustained by tackles
and pulleys attached to the ceiling. I sat in the swing, and over my
head was a large glass of circular form, about two and a half feet in
diameter, and beneath my feet (which were about four feet from the
floor) was a steel circular disk about three feet in diameter. The
whole arrangement was suspended by the tackles. Major Rains brought his
electrometer, and made every experiment that their ingenuity could
invent or suggest. They suspended the table; each person in the room
standing on horse-shoe magnets provided for that occasion.
The physicians were provided with stethoscopes, and placed them on
different parts of my person. They all declared "that the sounds had
nothing whatever to do with the physical body;" and, "So far as we can
discover, the mediums have no more power over the sounds than the
investigators have."
Such has been the character of the verdict, whenever an honest attempt
has been made to discover the source of the rappings.
PRIVATE CIRCLE FOR MEETINGS ON MONDAY EVENINGS.
This circle was composed of Professor Mapes, Dr. A. D. Wilson, Dr.
Kirby, Dr. John F. Gray, W. P. Sanger and wife, Dr. Robert Hallock,
George Willets, Hon. John W. Edmonds, John T. Daley, and several others.
This party was known as Professor Mapes's party.
This party agreed to sit for development, and waive all personal
questions, as they wanted to learn all they could of a general
character.
It was also agreed, by the heads of the committee, that no fanatic in
Spiritualism, nor dictatorial or selfish individual, should be admitted
to their party. If, by chance, any one conflicting with the harmony of
the circle was admitted, he was forthwith expelled. I could mention
several who were thus dismissed, or gotten rid of, after having been
admitted. I must pass over many very interesting and important facts
that were made known to and through that intellectual and honorable
party. One circumstance, as a visible and tangible phenomenon, was
beyond all cavil.
Professor Mapes was requested, by Spirit direction, to place a number of
three-cent pieces on the floor, under the table between his feet, and
they would let him see what the Spirits would do with them. All the
gentlemen present searched their pockets, but could not find enough to
gratify the demand of the Spirits; so one of the gentlemen of the party
went out and succeeded in getting a large handful of them. They were
then more plentiful in circulation than they are now. The professor then
placed them as directed. He scattered the coin on the floor, and placed
his feet in front of the money, protecting it from any interference;
they strictly prohibited all women save myself and the wife of one of
the company, from the circle--for my sisters were at that time holding
sittings at their own home. The party was then directed to examine the
situation of the professor and the money. The gas was burning brightly.
I never turned down the lights, and knew nothing of cabinets or
curtains, and had never, at that time, heard of them. The professor sat
at one end of the table, and I sat, facing him, at the other end. We
were at further distance apart than any other two of the circle. The
Spirits directed us to sing. We sang a few minutes, and they spelled out
"look." The professor moved back, and there, in five piles lying neatly
piled one upon the other, to the extent of four inches each in height,
were the three-cent pieces. The company were all directed to leave their
seats and look at them. Professor Mapes made a draft of the positions
of the money before and after the experiment.
One of the party, a gentleman of veracity, had his gaiter unbuttoned
while sitting in the circle. He was greatly excited, but, according to
the rules under which he entered the association, he did not speak until
the manifestations ceased. He was then called upon to explain to the
circle; which he did by holding up his feet and showing to the circle
that a playful Spirit had meddled with one of his gaiters. (He wore
cloth gaiters and low shoes.) And the strangest part of the thing was
that it could not be found in the room. He was asked to explain what the
sensation was. He said, "The hand that held my _foot_ was icy cold, and
the nimble fingers that unbuttoned the gaiter were burning hot." He
added, "My gaiter was new, and buttoned tightly." They were sometimes
directed to get on the table; and, without hands touching it, it would
run all over the floor--sometimes with one, and often with two or three
persons, upon it.
RULES OF SÉANCES.
At our public hours, none were admitted but investigators. An
intelligent waiter at the door received the fee on their entrance,
though the number was not inconsiderable who were welcome without fee,
nor of those to whom, when I had reason to know them to be poor and
deserving, I afterward returned it.
The following were my private rules, made known to all visitors,
compliance with which was enforced by the general public feeling, and by
the respectful and polite tone which characterized my receptions, and
the personal consideration of which all the family were the objects,
from our noble mother, who was usually present, to our youngest sister,
Katie (now Mrs. Jencken, in London).
"RULES OF ORDER.
"Each individual in the Circle is entitled to a just proportion
of the time, and that it may be secured to each in turn, without
interruption or annoyance, System and Order are essential, to secure
which, the following Rules of Order are expected to be observed.
"_First._--Each person may use the time which properly belongs
to him as he sees fit, but, having so used it, cannot again ask
questions, or in any way appropriate the time, except he is again
reached in rotation.
"_Second._--Any aid that new investigators may require will be
cheerfully rendered by Mrs. Brown, but no other person in the Circle
should, by prompting, suggesting, loud conversation, or otherwise,
interfere with the person in communication. _Particular attention
is called to this Rule, and an exact and rigid observance of it
requested, as its violation results in great loss of time and
disturbs the Harmony, which is essential to reliable
communications._
"_Third._--Conversation in the Circle, except by those in
communication with the Spirit, should be as little as possible, and
that aside and in an undertone.
"_Fourth._--All persons should follow, without delay or discussion,
all directions with reference to conduct, position, etc., as
compliance with directions generally insures satisfactory
manifestations, while neglect or refusal usually results in their
partial or complete cessation.
"_Fifth._--The ladies, in whose presence the manifestations are
made, will use their best exertions to satisfy all inquiries; but
since the manifestations, alike in their commencement, character and
duration, are _above their personal control_, they cannot promise
that all persons, or all inquiries, will obtain answers, no
manifestations being made except as the Spirits will.
EXPLANATIONS.
The subject should be approached in good faith and with entire
truthfulness and honesty, by all who seek correct responses. This
remark is suggested by the law which in Spiritual intercourse is
believed to be of universal application, viz., '_Like attracts
Like._'
"The communications are mainly conversational in their nature, and
in answer to questions such as can be responded to by the Spirits in
the monosyllables, _Yes_ and _No_.
"Inquirers should direct their questions to the Spirits, as if they
were conversing with them in the body, stating their questions
plainly, either in writing or orally.
The answers by the Spirits are given by signals as follows:
Three raps signifying _Yes_.
One rap " _No_.
Two raps " _neither Yes nor No_, but variously, according
to the nature of the question, as: _not now, not yet, not quite, don't
know_, and the like.
Five raps signifying _Alphabet_--The Alphabet is never responded to,
except when the signal for it has been given by the Spirit. Hence,
to save time, it is never called, unless the signal has been heard.
Continuous light raps indicate _an error_ in the answer just given.
They annul the signal previously made, and the question should be
repeated.
Continuous loud raps indicate _want of Harmony_ in the Circle, and
may generally be taken as a reproof in consequence of some violation
of the Rules of Order.
_Admission One Dollar._
Hours: From 3 to 5 P.M., and 8 to 10 in the evening; except
Wednesday and Saturday evenings, and Saturday afternoons, which are
reserved for private parties.
The mornings of each day are also appropriated to private parties,
the terms for which are five dollars for each hour, and for which
arrangements can be made by application to Mrs. Brown.
[Hand Symbol] No visitors will be received on Sundays.
* * * * *
We received a great deal of money. There were occasional days when my
maid, the good and faithful Susie, would make returns of a hundred
dollars as the day's receipts; but it was as freely spent as given. We,
none of us, have ever been accused of the spirit of hoarding; nor had
Mammon any temple in the home or in the hearts of any of us, though
Charity had; and that, I think, is one of the frequent though not
invariable fruits of Spiritualism and intercourse with Spirits,
observable in human character and life. Money, and selfishness in all
its forms, are apt to shrink into small dimensions of value in the minds
of persons who communicate much with those of the next life, and who
thus come to know and realize, as a certainty, the truth of _that next
life_.
[Illustration:
My dear Mr. & Mrs. Underhill--
Can you come
and take tea with us
to-morrow evening? I do
hope so. I want you socially--not
=spiritually=. Mr. Oliver Johnson
and Mr. Owen will be here,
and both of them hope to
meet you. Tea at six
o'clock. Our number is
52 East 20th St. near the
Fourth Ave.
Hoping to see you.
I am most truly yours.
Alice Cary.
Sunday.]
[Illustration:
My dear Mrs. Underhill--
Can you and Mr.
Underhill drink tea with
us tomorrow evening?
Half past six is our hour.
You will meet Mr. Davis
of Washington, and probably
Mr. Greeley
Hoping to see you.
I am very truly yours,
Alice Cary.
52 East 20th St.
Saturday.]
[Illustration: March 30. '58
Dear Leah
I have a gathering
of spiritualists at my house
on the first Monday evening
of every month. The first
one will be next Monday
April 5=th= Will you come?
You will meet many old
friends
Yrs =J W Edmonds=
159 Lexington Avenue
between 31st & 32d Street]
[Illustration: New York Tribune
New York, Dec. 4, 1876
My Friend:
I thank you for
your note just opened.
I will try to call on
you soon, but I am
=very= busy.
I have a letter
from my folks to-day.
They are at Arcachon
near Bordeaux on
the south-west coast
of France. Mrs. Greeley
cannot walk a step being
a fearful sufferer
from rheumatism, but
her hives are better.
The girls are both with
her and well. I may try
to find you next sunday.
Yours, Horace Greeley.
Mrs. Leah Underhill]