Rhode Island Republican

RALEIGH, (N. C.) October 7.

At a camp-meeting lately held at Bank's Chapel, in Granville county, we are told that there were not less than 40 tents erected, to accommodate those who remained on the ground night and day: That there were at times as many as 2,500 people; very many converts, supposed to be upwards of 20; some of whom underwent what is called bodily exercises---such as the jerking exercise: the dancing exercise, the barking exercise, &c. However extraordinary this account may appear to those who have never witnessed any thing of the kind, it is a fact to be relied on, as the Editor has it from many respectable and pious men who were eye-witnesses. The jerking convert, after exhorting and singing, is seized with violent fits of jerking, which generally bring him to the ground, "where he lies as if laboring under a night convulsive fit; and when the pain seems to abate, the person immediately begins shouting and praising of God for effecting his conversion, &c.--The dancing or jumping convert generally commences his exercise after very fervent exhorting: At this time it is very common for a dozen persons to be dancing together, with their hands extended over their heads, and their fingers playing loosely--the exerciser exhibited a ghastly countenance---without speaking a single word--with the eyes closed, resembling more the appearance of a living spectre than any thing else. After dancing some time, they fall with all the appearance of death, and lie apparently lifeless for near an hour.-Of the barking convert, we have not received a particular description of the exercise; but that some are seized with fits of barking, or howling like dogs, cannot be doubted.