Jenks's Portland Gazette

IN the northern parts of Scotland the people still believe the doctrine of wizards, spectres and magic spells. An English gentleman of fortune, had purchased and removed to a large estate in those parts: He took with him an old and industrious tenant, who by prudence & economy; was able to live beyond the reach of real want: The gentleman had an only daughter, and his tenant a son of the same age: They were in love with each other, and vowed eternal constancy: The father of the lady discovered their intimacy, dismissed his tenant, and confined his daughter; he went farther; he insisted on her marrying the son of a neighboring lord, and fixed the wedding day: a few days previous to which, clothes of the tenant's son were found by the side of a large river, with a letter in one of his pockets, indicating that as his life had become a burden, he had concluded to resign it by throwing himself in that river. When the wedding day arrived, the guests assembled, and just before the marriage was to be blest by the priest, a single chaise drove up to the door with a black covering, on which was painted the most terrifying and hideous figures, the horse being of the same complexion, and out hopped a black and horrible spectre, with a long tail, large hooking horns and cloven foot, and rushing into the apartment with dismal yells seizing the intended bride, exclaiming in an awful voice, "by the death of the tenant's son, thou art mine": and hurrying her to the chaise, drove off with great speed. In vain were the Shrieks and struggles of the lady; in vain did the afflicted father call on his guests and servants to prevent the spectre's forcing her away: the superstition of the people operated violently, they all took to their heels, and left the disconsolate gentleman inconsolable. Six months elapsed when he received the following letter by mail.

SIR,

"Your daughter shall be restored to you in three weeks, provided you will permit her to marry the man of her choice: if not, you will never hear of her more--Send your answer immediately to the post office, directed to the Burning Spirit."

Yours, &c.

DEVIL."

The gentleman returned this answer:

My daughter shall marry the man she chooses, provided she is returned in three weeks.

GENTLEMAN."

To the Burning Spirit.

The last day of the three weeks arrived, but no tidings of his daughter; his hopes were sinking into despair when behold at evening, his daughter and the tenant's son suddenly appearing kneeling before him. They acknowledged they had concerted the plan which was transacted at the intended wedding; the spectre was the tenant's son, and the lady aided in the deception. The joy of the family was excessive; they were forgiven, the old tenant was sent for and restored; the young couple were married and happiness crowned the proceeding prospects.