_a._ At night, or in the evening.
_b._ In cold or snowy weather.
_c._ In dry weather.
_d._ When in a healthy condition.
9. When in communication with Spirits feels _nervous_, but cannot
describe the feeling.
The Medium had on the table two single slates which could be laid upon
each other. The table was about three and a-half feet square, and
covered with a cloth.
The light was kept rather dim.
(The Medium explained later in the evening that writing is best produced
in the dark, because dark is _negative_, light _positive_, and negative
conditions are most favorable to communication.)
Mr. Furness had brought two folding slates, which could be fastened with
a screw.
Dr. Leidy and Mr. Furness and the Medium each held a double slate under
the table.
Mr. Fullerton asked a question as requested, but received no answer from
the Spirits.
Some scratching was now heard under the table.
The Medium took the slate held by Mr. Furness (one not screwed or
fastened by hinges), and it was held under the table by Mr. Furness, Mr.
Hazard and Mr. Briggs.
The Medium seemed much excited, spoke rapidly, etc., and was so much
overcome that he dropped the slate (one brought by Mr. Furness) which he
was holding under the table with his left hand, and left it lying on the
floor under the table.
At 8 o'clock Dr. Koenig came in. The slate held by the Medium, Mr.
Furness and Mr. Hazard, was held in Mr. Hazard's lap, and some taps were
heard. (Mr. Furness afterwards produced taps precisely similar by
rubbing the side of his finger slowly along the side of the slate.)
No writing having been obtained, the Medium declared that he alone would
hold the slate, as the magnetism of Mr. Furness was injurious.
Again we were invited to ask questions. Dr. Leidy asked: 'When and where
did you die?' No answer.
The Medium asked Mr. Furness if his name were not Furness. (Mr. Hazard
had seen the Medium before, and informed him that the Commission was
coming.)
Mr. Furness now put his hand under the table on the hand of the Medium,
which was pressing the double slate (not the screwed one) up against the
table.
Mr. Furness declared that he heard a certain buzzing noise. The slate
being taken out, there was found written on the inside of the under
slate:
I will help
you all
R. Dale Owen
and something that looked like "Henry Furness is here."
The slate on the floor being examined, there was found on the _outside_
(it was a screw-slate)
I am here with you
I will help you
R. Dale Owen.
Some other illegible marks were found on the slate.
Nothing was obtained on the inside of either screw-slate.
The handwriting on the two slates, purporting to be from R. Dale Owen,
was much alike.
The Medium now took hold of Mr. Hazard's hand, and went into trance,
personating Esther Hazard, a deceased daughter of Mr. Hazard. He (the
Medium) made convulsive motions, trembled, etc., and while in this state
predicted that Mr. Fullerton would receive a very pleasing letter on
Saturday next--said that he should come to the Medium for advice. [No
such letter was received on that date by Mr. Fullerton.]
He also declared that Dr. Koenig had brought with him a Spirit named
August.
He declared Ponto, White-feather, Red Jacket and Thomas Paine to be
present.
(The Medium called "White-feather" _he_, Mr. Hazard objecting that
White-feather was a woman.)
The light was then turned out, and all hands laid upon the table. Mr.
Furness laid one of his hands upon one of the Medium's and upon one of
Mr. Hazard's. (The Medium afterwards asserted that Mr. Furness had held
both his hands. But Mr. Furness was positive that he held only one.) Mr.
Hazard was touched several times about the face. Mr. Furness was touched
on the cheek and on his ear-trumpet and Mr. Fullerton was struck on the
head by a paper thrown from the other side of the table, and touched
once on the back of his left hand by what felt like human fingers.
There were no more manifestations.
The Committee adjourned to Dr. Leidy's house for conference. The above
notes were read and approved.