Richmond Enquirer

[From the Franklin Gazette.

Messrs. Editors—A few weeks ago, I observed in the "Union" an account of the powers and exercise of the divining rod, which you and some of your readers have probably seen. Having been familiar with the subject, I read it merely as confirming what I knew and believed about it. But I have since met with persons who have also seen the article alluded to some of whom doubt and others ridicule the influence ascribed. I will therefore state what I have seen and what I know in the premises.

In the year 1815 shortly after I had settled in the western country, I was at a neighbor's house in Beaver county, the owner of which proposed to build on a new site, but had not yet discovered water sufficient contiguous to it. The beauty of the spot he had chosen made him unwilling to relinquish, and believing in common with hundreds in the Western country, in the efficacy of the divining rod, he took advantage of the visits of two strangers in that neighborhood, one of whom was reputed to possess the power of discovering water in this way to make a last effort. The operator cut himself a small forked twig, which I believe was of hazel took a fork in each hand, and walked in every direction for a few minutes, when suddenly the lower part of the rod which was held vertically, sprung with a lively motion (so much as to make me start with surprise) and became nearly horizontal. The earth being speedily removed, a fine supply of water exhibited itself. But I am now about to relate an incident of the same kind rendered more striking, by some of its circumstances I was at the house of a Mr. B. in Allegheny county not far from Pittsburgh, some time before this last occurrence. In the interval of conversation, he asked me if I believed in the reputed powers of the divining rod I said I had never thought so much on the subject as to make up an opinion. Did he believe in it? Without replying. he called his wife and negro man and with them and myself walked up a hill considerably above his dwelling house. A twig being cut, he gave it to the negro who walked with it backwards and forwards for some little time, when all at once, the twig made a very sudden and evident spring, and the negro with it. I was scarcely less electrified than I had been years ago at Peale's Museum, but suspicious of some deception I made the man begin his circuit again and when he came to the same spot where it exhibited the same effects, kept my eye steadfastly on him, and was amply satisfied there was no imposture in the case. Mr. B his wife and I successively tried the experiment without success. I will only add that the rod does not appear affected by being held over a well or opened spring. The intervention of earth appears essential to the exhibition of this phenomenon

As much testimony could be collected in our western country in favor of the virtues of the divining rod, as forms the ' cloud of witnesses" to the far famed "Solemn League and Covenant."

I am yours, &c.

C.