American Spirits: Chapters 7–12

The “howling mob” would investigate these two brazen women as roughly as they wished.

Still, slavery continued unabated in the South.

He amused himself watching one stately older man examine the underside of the table, find nothing, and leave that night sure “that these rappings were veritable messages from beyond the grave.”

Nineteenth-century news media perpetuated the belief that young women were passive, incapable of deep thought or deep deception.

Skeptics railed against treating spirit communication as a reality.

All persons present at interviews are expected to observe the order and decorum which should characterize meetings of religious solemnity and importance.

Though it was off-hours, Calvin was savvy enough to usher this celebrated man and his friend in to meet the ladies.

Yet Maggie, Kate, and Leah’s “whole deportment exhibited … frankness and sincerity …” Greeley found himself trusting these sisters.

The next day’s Tribune featured Ripley’s article, “An Evening with the Spirits,” which described the events for its readers, “with regard to their [the spirits] origin or their nature, we are as much in the dark as any of our readers. The manner and bearing of the ladies … create a prepossession in their favor.”

A favorite Broadway actress sang “The Rochester Knockings at Barnum’s Hotel,” and Mysterious Knockings, “a new farce full of glorious fun and frolic,” played at a popular theater.

Greeley suggested to Leah that she raise séance prices to five dollars a person to “keep the rabble away.”

Each detractor had a theory: Machinery! Magnets! Vibrations!

Skeptics were incensed at believers’ lack of logic.

He was labeled a common huckster, his facts called obvious fictions.

Horace doted on the sweet-natured little boy; Mary grew obsessed.