ustice to say that,
on comparison, it proved as he had suspected; the pills were genuine,
and although he had advertised that no druggist should sell them, they
were so popular that druggists found it necessary to get them "by hook
or by crook;" and the consequence was, I had the pleasure of a glorious
laugh, and Doctor Brandreth experienced "a great scare."

The doctor "made his pile" long ago, although he still devotes his
personal attention to the "entirely vegetable and innocent pills, whose
life-giving power no pen can describe."

In 1849, the doctor was elected President of the Village of Sing Sing,
N. Y. (where he still resides,) and was re-elected to the same office
for seven consecutive years. In the same year, he was elected to the New
York State Senate, and in 1859 was again elected.

Dr. Brandreth is a liberal man and a pleasant, entertaining, and
edifying companion. He deserves all the success he has ever received.
"Long may he wave!"

II. THE SPIRITUALISTS.

CHAPTER IX.

THE DAVENPORT BROTHERS, THEIR RISE AND PROGRESS.--SPIRITUAL
ROPE-TYING.--MUSIC PLAYING.--CABINET SECRETS.--"THEY CHOOSE DARKNESS
RATHER THAN LIGHT," ETC.--THE SPIRITUAL HAND.--HOW THE THING IS
DONE.--DR. W. F. VAN VLECK.

The Davenport Brothers are natives of Buffalo, N. Y., and in that city
commenced their career as "mediums" about twelve years ago. They were
then mere lads. For some time, their operations were confined to their
own place, where, having obtained considerable notoriety through the
press, they were visited by people from all parts of the country. But,
in 1855, they were induced by John F. Coles, a very worthy spiritualist
of New York City, to visit that metropolis, and there exhibit their
powers. Under the management of Mr. Coles, they held "circles" afternoon
and evening, for several days, in a small hall at 195 Bowery. The
audience were seated next the walls, the principal space being required
for the use of "the spirits." The "manifestations" mostly consisted in
the thrumming and seemingly rapid movement about the hall of several
stringed instruments, the room having been made entirely dark, while the
boys were supposed or asserted to be quietly seated at the table in the
centre. Two guitars, with sometimes a banjo, were the instruments used,
and the noise made by "the spirits" was about equal to the united
honking of a large flock of wild geese. The manifestations were stunning
as well as astonish