MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS (_Continued_).
E. F. NORTON--JOHN E. ROBINSON--GOVERNOR N. P. TALLMADGE--PAULINE
M. DAVIS--SAME--JOHN E. ROBINSON--PROF. I. JAY WATSON.
"CINCINNATI, June 14, 1852.
"MISS CATHERINE FOX AND SISTERS:
"Permit me to offer a few thoughts in reference to your late visit to
the Queen City. Having spent the day in calling on a number of the
friends who visited you while here, I find but one opinion, and that of
regret at the necessity of your having to leave so soon. I have just
left the Walnut Street House. The captain informs me that no less than
fifty persons had called to see you during the day. He said, 'They came
by carriage loads.' Your friend Sweeney, the proprietor, is on the
anxious-seat. The Spirit told him that a sister of his, residing in
Texas, was dead. He received a letter this morning, after you left,
conveying the sad intelligence of the death of that sister. I think he
may be classed as a convert to the cause. I can but think that, had you
remained another week, the receipts would have doubled. The friends feel
that to wait till September is out of the question. Do prevail on one of
your sisters, Mrs. Fish, Margaretta, or Mrs. Smith, to return with you
immediately. Will not the good Spirits approve of it? It does seem to
me that Cincinnati is the best point in the West, both in a pecuniary
point of view and for the advancement of the cause. Miss Cronk, of
Painesville, and her father, are expected here soon, the circle having
written and received an answer that they would come. Should they come,
it will be for the benefit of the circle, and cannot interfere with your
visit. My Spiritual friends are all telegraphing me while writing, in
approbation, perhaps, of what I am saying. I forgot to give you the book
containing the list of the names of the visitors. I will copy it and
enclose it to you. Please advise your sisters, and believe me
"Yours truly,
"E. F. NORTON."
"CLIPPER SHIP SEA SERPENT,
PACIFIC OCEAN, June 21, 1852. Lat. 22 N., Long. 118 W.
"MY DEAR FRIEND:
"My association with your family, during the past summer and winter, I
trust is a sufficient apology for the liberty I take in addressing you.
The past three months have offered a good time for reflection, and I
acknowledge to a feeling of solicitude for you all. I know you have
friends in all parts of the world, but, I am sorry to say, even some of
your best friends sometimes fail to appreciate the severe tests through
which you are compelled to pass, in order to prove the genuineness of
Spirit manifestations. You will oblige me very much if you will write me
particulars in regard to your success in your new home, surrounded by
new friends, etc., etc.
"Mr. Greeley expressed a hope that you would stop at his home until your
house is settled and ready for occupation. He also expects that Katy
will accept his invitation to come immediately to attend school, and
remain with them until you are settled in New York. It is only since my
sea-life that I have fully realized the situation. You are exposed to
the scoffs and ridicule of the masses, at all times and in all places.
This great and important truth is destined to revolutionize the world,
and will render your names a part of the history of the age. It has
already done so. I shall claim as a right from you, occasionally, a full
account of the progress of the cause. The subject has been a very dear
one to me. In fact, I feel that I am living in a different sphere since
I have been acquainted with the object of my own existence, and have a
clearer perception of a life beyond. I can realize the truth of that
saying, so common with the good old Methodists, viz., 'I enjoy a peace
that the world cannot give nor take away.'
"We are now almost one thousand miles from San Francisco, being only
four or five days' sail, with a fair wind. Unfortunately, however, the
wind is turned unfavorable, and we may be as many weeks. This is our one
hundred and fourth day at sea, without landing, having travelled some
fifteen thousand miles.
"Our voyage, on the whole, has been very pleasant. The weather has been
remarkably fine. We have not experienced one day of what the sailors
term rough weather. Our passage round Cape Horn, the place so much
dreaded by all voyagers, was unusually favorable. We were only three
days in getting round, while it is common for ships to be from fifteen
to thirty. The greatest treat of the voyage is the sunsets on this side.
Their wondrous beauties baffle every attempt at description. Will you
have the kindness to send by mail the piece of music, 'Haunted Ground'?
"With kind regards to all, I remain yours truly,
"E. F. NORTON."
JOHN E. ROBINSON.
"ROCHESTER, N. Y., October 20, 1853.
"DEAR FRIEND LEAH:
"I have received your note of a recent date, and am obliged to you for
it, as I always am for a letter from you. But, what is the matter with
you? your letter is deeply tinged with sadness, and reads very much as I
feel sometimes, though from a different cause from any which appeared in
yours.
"You have, or had just then, a November mood on, and here it is October,
and a clear and bright sky; and although it be autumn, it is one of no
common beauty. What has crossed your path? Are you not blessed with
friends good and true? such as you used to tell me of? and if your
health is passingly good, what is there standing between you and your
share of happiness? I suppose I might give answers to these questions by
looking in upon my own life record: for a human is a human, and we
are all of a piece in most things. But your letter leads me to these
questions, and so my pen has asked them. You do not say a word about
Spirits, or what _they_ and _you_ are doing, leaving me to guess
everything which I would know about those things.
"You recollect Frederica Bremer paid you a visit on Troup Street when
she was in this country. Her manner and remarks, as you related them to
me, I remember in a general way, particularly as she was, on account of
her eminent literary character, a marked personage; and I was somewhat
surprised this evening, when I read an extract from her recent book of
travels in America, in which she gives an account of her interview with
yourself and sisters. It is evident that she was false to you, or else
she is _false to the public_ who now read her work. I mention this as a
passing matter of but little consequence in itself, disconnected with
other considerations, but which are inseparable therefrom.
"She is, through her writings, the familiar and admired companion in
countless homes here and elsewhere; and her opinions pass as of more
value than those of most persons. I regret exceedingly that, for some
cause, she has said either more or less than what seems to her the
truth. In the long run it will make no difference to truth itself, but I
do so hate to see one, whom I consider a noble spirit, swerve a hair's
breadth from the path of honor, merely to minister to the current
opinions of a world that it should be too proud to bow to. It is but
another instance, another illustration of the truth of what I have often
said to you and our friend George Willets, that there never has been
anything which so severely tried the integrity of men and women as does
this Spiritualism.
"_The Rochester Union_ tells us you have quietly settled down in a place
called Harmony, Chautauqua Co. No other paper has the news.
"Yours,
"J. E. R."
GOVERNOR N. P. TALLMADGE.
"FOND DU LAC, WIS., March 27, 1857.
"DEAR MRS. BROWN:
"I received yesterday from Judge Smith the communication through you
from my wife deceased. It was remarkable and significant in every point
of view. Judge Smith writes that her name was not known to him nor to
you, and he did not know whether it be right or wrong. I wish to say to
you, it is exactly right--both the Christian name and the middle letter;
and it is remarkable that whilst Judge Smith spells my name, as almost
all persons spell it, with only one 'l,' to wit _Tal_madge, the name as
rapped out, letter by letter, is _correctly_ spelled with two 'l's,' to
wit, Tallmadge.
"I was much gratified with your note of condolence appended to the
communication. I know your sincerity, and I appreciate your sympathy.
You know the pain of separation, and the severance of such earthly ties.
But how my views have changed from what they were when my son William
died! I had no peace for years till I began to communicate with him
through you. Death now has no terrors for me. I feel that the separation
from beloved friends and relatives is but temporary--and that, by a pure
life here, we shall soon be again united in 'another and a better
world,' where there will be no more separation forever.
"With kindest regards to your mother and sisters, I remain, very truly,
"Your friend,
"N. P. TALLMADGE.
"MRS. ANN LEAH BROWN,
No. 1 Ludlow Place, New York."
PAULINE W. DAVIS.
"PROVIDENCE, August 8, 1857.
"MY DEAR MRS. B.:
"A writer, whom I have been recently reading, says: 'I count life not by
years but by the acquaintances I form and value, hence if I make a love
I double or even treble that year.'
"In that sense I would like to be old, for I would like to have many
real loves.
"I am glad of my visit to New York, for I learned that my heart was not
cold when any one came near me with the power to rouse me.
"Deeply as I am interested in the new philosophy you are a chosen
teacher of, still I am more interested in you as a woman; a woman whose
heart is alive to all that is good and great, and that has been purified
by a high love.
"It is not often, as I told you, that I make any demonstrations of
affection (and I have been so long called cold that I begin to think I
am rather so). Nor do I often express admiration; but toward you I was
impelled to offer much; and now, in writing you, were I to utter all the
warm feelings that awaken in my heart toward you, I fear you might think
me weak and enthusiastic--or worse, insincere; which God forbid I should
ever be.
"You are my opposite in almost everything. This may account for my
admiration, but not for my love; for it is not every one that I can
love. I have looked about to see what I could do among my friends, and
what inducement I could offer you to come; which is very little indeed
beyond a warm welcome to our little cottage and hearts. Our friends are
nearly all absent, but some half-dozen gentlemen wish much to have you
come. So your expenses would be insured, and you should have rest,
quiet, and the perfect protection of our house; and I think you would
enjoy the freshness of the country. It is so green and lovely now that
it seems like June. I have been in Boston and saw my dear boy, who will
come down to see you if you come. I also obtained for you a beautiful
thimble, so do not bring one for yourself. Please let me hear from you
at once, and if you will come--what day. We will then meet you with our
carriage and take care of you. My husband is greatly interested in my
story, but can't realize the truth in the least. [This refers to a
remarkable cure of Mrs. Davis by Mrs. B. which will be found in the
chapter on Spirit Cures, page 364.--ED.]
"God bless you, my dear friend.
"PAULINE W. DAVIS.
"Mrs. J. is not well, but is out with my husband driving."
SAME.
"PROVIDENCE, June 12, 1859.
"MY DEAR MRS. UNDERHILL:
"I have been waiting a long time, hoping to hear from you and to have
that visit appointed. Now the country is so beautiful I must urge you to
come and enjoy it with me. Last evening I met Mr. Bartlett, who inquired
for you and hoped you would come very soon. He gives a strawberry party
on Saturday evening of this week. You shall see just whom you would like
to see, and no others. You shall ride, walk, or rest, just as you like,
and have a good time, that shall make you forget all the disagreeables
of the past. How fortunate it is that we have the ability to forget some
things, and that the heart prefers to retain the beautiful and cast
aside the evil. Come next week, as then I shall have strawberries in
abundance and cherries too. Mr. Underhill must come _for_ you. If he
comes _with_ you, he will hurry you away too soon, I know, and there are
a thousand things for us to talk about. My little Maybell is in splendid
health and spirits. Give my kind regards to Mr. Underhill, and tell him
to give you leave of absence now. Let me hear from you soon. If you come
by the Fall River boat you have a beautiful sail up the river, and be
here to breakfast about half-past ten o'clock.
"I will meet you with a carriage at the wharf.
"Yours with much affection,
(Signed) "PAULINE W. DAVIS."
JOHN E. ROBINSON.
"NEW YORK, October 1, 1884.
"MY KIND FRIEND, MRS. UNDERHILL:
"Learning that you are about having published a new book on the general
subject of Modern Spiritualism, and that, in connection therewith, you
propose to avail yourself of such writings of mine as were suggested by
a careful study of its phenomenal facts during the early days of their
occurrence; I write now to say that, so far from having any objections
to such a design, I acquiesce promptly and thoroughly in your request.
"Furthermore, if any letters of mine, either of a public or private
character, can be of service to you, you need not, as a suggestion of
delicacy, withhold my name. What is truth to me, I utter, if the
occasion seems to call for its expression.
"It has occurred to me, in this connection, that some thoughts of my
maturer years, which have quite recently passed through my mind, may be
pertinent to the general subject.
"Without being censorious, and desiring to keep strictly within the
bounds of propriety, allow me to say that I have noted a marked
tendency, especially in these latter years, of a more general atheistic
quality in public thought upon the general subjects which lie at the
base of all human religious belief.
"I might, perhaps, italicize what I refer to, as a near approach to a
positive unbelief, in most grades of modern intellects; from the most
gifted to those lower strata which take their initial thoughts from
their superiors.
"Now it seems to me on reflection, during a long season when my thoughts
have been almost my only companions, that the cause of all this general
declension or 'eclipse of faith' is, that Science has taught too much,
_unless it teaches more_!
"I would rather phrase it, however (for the emendation is a better
solution), that the true teachings of science have not been followed out
to their ultimates.
"Now, to my apprehension, this is a most grievous error, and was well
expressed by the poet who penned the lines,
'Oh, star-eyed Science! hast thou wandered there
To bring us back the tidings of Despair?'
"Science has, as I apprehend it--and I would not be erroneous in my
judgment, nor willingly harsh--generally impressed the intellects of
its votaries in such a manner as to lead them intellectually to find
_nothing beyond the elemental matter of the Universe as their eyes
behold it_. Exceptions there have been, and are, to this general charge;
but they are rare. To refer in especial to the fact stated (without
being ungenerously personal), I may add that the acknowledged highest
and most accomplished medical authority in New York to-day (so I am
informed) hesitates not to aver, as his best and highest conviction,
that when a human body is thoroughly dissected upon his table, he has
shown to his class of students all _that was or is_ of the specimen of
humanity, save the extinct principle of animal existence.
"This is simply bald, blank atheism!
"It is an undoubted fact that such an opinion _may be held_ by many a
man of sincerity; but such products have been initiated by the gross
sensuousness of the religious thought, that has given _form and
substance_ to what should never have been considered as coming within
the range of things designated by and possessing those attributes.
"Let me explain, if I can, to the comprehension of such as may,
perchance, read this, the nature of the Faith that is in me.
"I am willing in my elder days to live by it, and to be judged of it
by the enlightened convictions of my fellow-men while I live upon this
earth, and by that Deity in whom I verily believe.
"I know--we all know--of the imperious forces of nature which rock a
continent or roll back an ocean from its shores.
"We also know something of gigantic and of microscopic life; of the
intelligence of animated nature, through all its varied and wonderful
forms; we know and study the wonders of the human intellect, even from
(I might almost say) the first dawn of life.
"We are all, more or less, conversant with the action of principles
which inhere in many species of vegetable life, in which we note a rare
and exquisite faculty of sensation, which mirrors in its perfection the
faculty of human consciousness, and human ingenuity.
"We look, not upward nor downward--for those terms are inadmissible in
this connection--but outward from our standpoint; and what do we see?
The heavens, as the ancients called what their limited vision revealed
to them. Under Galileo's lead we look again, aided by the telescope of
moderate power, and, beyond that gathered in our first field of sight,
we find another countless host of stars. Tired with the result we think
and rest. Recuperating our wearied eyes, we substitute an instrument of
higher power, and again peer into the realm of Infinitude. And again
another congeries of stars is opened to our human vision. Repeat the
process as we may, and as often as we choose, increase the penetrating
power of our instrument, the same fact remains. There is no end, no
limitation. But in all these results of our inquisitorial efforts we
discover one preponderating law--that of undeviating order. This is the
one omnipresent principle by which their movements are governed.
"Law, in this sense at least, must be and is the result of dictation by
the highest wisdom, and necessitates the existence of Deity. I use the
term because it is the only one which is pertinent to the subject and
idea to be expressed. The word God is the outcome of the earlier ages of
comparative intellectual darkness. The highest mental status of mankind
at that time could not apprehend a Ruler of the Universe except as
clothed with a form somewhat analogous to that of a human being, and
hence the rather presumptuous declaration that 'God created man in His
own image.'
"We can readily apprehend this.
"If, on contemplation, we look the _august question_ squarely in the
face, we can most certainly reach the conclusion that this Ideal is
the highest possible one, and centres within itself _all things else_
requisite to an intelligent apprehension of what we are striving to
reach. To illustrate--if we have not already covered the basic ground of
the thought--all the most potent and irresistible forces of Nature are
strictly impalpable; and yet we know somewhat of their lurkings; and
such star-eyed minds as that of a Morse can reverently and gently lead
them in the direction of human pathways.
"This conviction may be considered as the final result of the eager
inquiry of honest and intelligent human minds. I think it the reflex
of the conviction of England's Newton, and I accept and retain it as
a finality of the question. It ennobles instead of dwarfing one's
conception of a Ruler of all things, and gives us a stable as well as a
rational and intellectual standpoint of observation, of faith, and of
love. Higher than the God of earlier worship, because entirely removed
from the sensuous perceptions; not fashioned after the crude and
dimly visioned ideals of elder time, it is sufficient for the highest
yearnings of all Humanity, and must necessarily ennoble the faith of all
with whom it shall live as the great exponent of Power, Truth, and Love.
"I remain, sincerely, as ever,
"Your friend,
"J. E. ROBINSON."[21]
[21] "The writer is quite aware that if this letter, or its
substance, should be used as a part of the text of your book,
it may be perused by some who will pronounce its final and
legitimate conclusions as but a reflex or embodiment of ancient
Pantheism. I think, however, that the more critical of its
observers--if such it may and I hope will have--will discover a
wide divergence from that form of belief; which is really, if
rightly apprehended, totally at variance with the central idea
which I intend reverently to express.
"J. E. R."
The following letter will explain itself. Professor J. Jay Watson needs
no description. He was an intimate friend of Olé Bull, who bequeathed to
him his favorite violin, on which instrument he is himself a consummate
performer, while his little son, Emmons Watson, bids fair some day to
rival Olé Bull himself. His direction of the music at the Centennial of
1876, and his popular "dime concerts" in New York, attended by some
hundreds of thousands, have made Professor Watson not less widely known
than he is everywhere highly respected, for his philanthropy as well as
musical genius and powers.
A. L. U.
"MRS. A. LEAH UNDERHILL:
"HIGHLY ESTEEMED FRIEND--It is with unfeigned pleasure that I comply
with your request to furnish you with an account of my strange
experience while visiting San Francisco, Cal., in company with Olé Bull,
the violinist, in 1870.
"I cheerfully give the facts as they occurred, and it seems eminently
proper that the incident which I am about to relate should occupy a
place in your forthcoming book, when we recollect that the problem
involved was solved through your marvellous mediumistic powers.
"My father-in-law, Mr. Samuel Parsons, formerly an old and revered
citizen of Gloucester, Mass., and who passed to the life beyond in 1865,
had for many years been noted for his remarkable prophecies as to the
coming of future events, as well as a strict regard for honesty and
truth. We frequently talked of the change called death, and as we
were both somewhat materialistic in our views as to a future state of
existence, we mutually agreed that the one who should be first called
to pay the debt of nature, would, if there was a possibility of Spirit
return, with sufficient power to tangibly manifest his presence, surely
do so; and in order that there could be no mistaking the individual
identity, he would seize the one still in earth-life by the hair of his
head and forcibly pull him from his bed to the floor.
"Laughable, and even ridiculous, as it may seem, this promise was at
various times renewed, and frequently in the presence of mutual friends,
who are still living. This agreement was made as a sort of harmless
joke, neither Mr. Parsons nor myself having, up to this time,
investigated the philosophy of Modern Spiritualism in any form.
"During my visit to San Francisco, Cal., while managing the 'Olé Bull
Concert Combination,' I had occasion to employ a number of persons, one
of whom, having been proved glaringly dishonest, I was obliged to
discharge.
"This individual, not being satisfied with my leniency in letting him
off without legal punishment, vowed vengeance upon me, saying to several
persons that I should '_never leave California alive_.' As 'barking dogs
seldom bite,' I paid little attention to his threats. One evening, after
the conclusion of our concert, I was accompanied to my hotel by J.
Heneage Carter, Esq., an old-time friend, and the originator of the once
famous 'Carter Zouave Troupe.' After depositing the receipts of the
evening with Mr. Ridgeway, clerk of the 'Lick House,' where our company
were stopping, I retired to my room with my friend Carter. A brief
chat ensued, no allusion whatever being made as to the threats of the
discharged employee. Mr. Carter bade me a cheerful good-night and took
his departure. I had no special anxiety upon my mind, had eaten no
hearty supper, taken no beverage in the shape of wine or liquor of any
description; in fact, I have scrupulously avoided dissipation in any
form up to the present moment of my life; consequently there was nothing
in my stomach calculated to induce nightmare or unpleasant dreams.
"Upon retiring I immediately fell into a tranquil sleep, from which I
was unceremoniously awakened, without the slightest warning, by being
suddenly and vigorously grasped, apparently by a strong hand, by the
hair of my head and jerked with tremendous force from my bed, landing
sprawling upon the floor. Immediately gaining my feet, I prepared to
face a demon in the flesh of some sort, and groped about the room to
find a friendly chair with which to defend myself, if need be. No
further demonstration being made, however, I proceeded to strike a
light, nor for a moment did I lose my self-control, although constantly
expecting to be attacked by some unseen foe. Upon carefully examining my
room there was not the slightest sign of any being, human or otherwise,
with the exception of myself. Everything was still and as usual. I
looked at my watch and found the time to be 5.40 A.M. My scalp smarted
intensely, as it naturally would after such harsh treatment, and had I
been near an Indian camp I could readily have believed that I had lost
that important appendage, and without any great stretch of the
imagination either.
"As there is no effect without a cause, and _vice versa_, I soon seated
myself and endeavored to solve the meaning of the remarkable phenomenon
just experienced. In a moment a terrible thought flashed upon my mind.
Perhaps some member of my family or near relative had died suddenly.
Hastily making my toilet I proceeded to the nearest telegraph station
and impatiently awaited the arrival of the operator. My despatch was
directed to my sister in New York, with whom my family were stopping at
the time, and simply read, '_How are you all? Answer._' The reply,
'_All well_,' caused me to breathe more freely, but the mystery was
yet unexplained. I told the story to my friend Olé Bull, who became
intensely interested, and often during our stay in California expressed
a great deal of solicitude in the matter.
"I would here state _en passant_, that the agreement made by my wife's
father and myself did not recur to my mind. To be sure, Mr. Parsons had
been dead more than five years, yet it seems to me quite remarkable that
our old compact had not at once presented itself; but I felt convinced
that this singular demonstration _meant_ something. Upon my return to
New York I visited you in company with Olé Bull, and you kindly gave
us a private sitting. The alphabet being called for, the following was
rapped out: '_John, the man whom you discharged in San Francisco, was on
the veranda of the hotel, and determined to execute his terrible threat.
I thought it a good time to redeem my promise, and pulled you out of
bed by your hair. I was obliged to do this roughly in order to
thoroughly awaken you._--SAMUEL PARSONS.'
"With great respect I am
"Your sincere friend,
"J. JAY WATSON.
"BEVERLY, ESSEX COUNTY, MASS."