with the harsh creaking of the masts and rigging of a ship laboring
in a sea. Concussions also occur, resembling distant thunder,
producing oscillatory movements of surrounding objects, and a
tremulous motion of the premises upon which these phenomena occur.
Harmonious sounds, as those of human voices, and other sounds
resembling those of the fife, drum, trumpet, etc., have been produced
without any visible agency. Fourthly, all the functions of the human
body and mind are influenced in what appear to be certain abnormal
states of the system, by causes not yet adequately understood or
accounted for. The occult force, or invisible power, frequently
interrupts the normal operations of the faculties, suspending
sensation and voluntary motion of the body to a death-like coldness
and rigidity, and diseases hitherto considered incurable, have been
entirely eradicated by this mysterious agency. The petitioners
proceed to state that two opinions prevail with respect to the origin
of these phenomena. One ascribes them to the power and intelligence
of departed spirits operating upon the elements which pervade all
natural forms. The other rejects this conclusion, and contends that
all these results may be accounted for in a rational and satisfactory
manner.

The memorialists, while thus disagreeing as to the cause, concur in
the opinion as to the occurrence of the alleged phenomena; and in
view of their origin, nature and bearing upon the interests of
mankind, demand for them a patient, rigid, scientific investigation,
and request the appointment of a scientific commission for that
purpose.

I have now given a faithful synopsis of this petition, which, however
unprecedented in itself, has been prepared with singular ability,
presenting the subject with great delicacy and moderation. I make it
a rule to present any petition to the Senate, which is respectful in
its terms; but having discharged this duty, I may be permitted to say
that the prevalence of this delusion at this age of the world, among
any considerable portion of our citizens, must originate, in my
opinion, in a defective system of education, or in a partial
derangement of the mental faculties, produced by a diseased condition
of the physical organization. I cannot, therefore, believe that it