The Rhode Island Republican

FROM THE ALBANY DAILY ADVERTISER.

SINGULAR CASE OF HYSTERICS.

There has been considerable excitement and much conversation in this city, for a few days past, in relation to a strange knocking supposed to be heard on the head board of a bed occupied by a girl about 17 years old, named Beals, (living in Daniels street,) who has been for some time affected with convulsive fits. It is stated that this knocking has been heard a number of times, immediately preceding the coming on of a fit: and it is also stated that when she is laid on a bed on the floor, a knocking is heard on the floor near her head. It has been remarked, however, that when she lies on a cot, there is no knocking. There were generally three distinct and rapid knocks, which were sometimes succeeded after an interval of ten or fifteen minutes by three more. In an hour or two there would be a repeat.- This knocking was repeated every night from Thursday till Sunday.

During this time the curiosity of the neighbors, and indeed of many at a distance, had become much awakened. and a number of persons watched with her in the hope of being able to discover the cause of these knocks, and relieve the fast increasing anxiety. With some people there was no doubt on the subject. They were sure that the unfortunate girl was possessed by an evil spirit, at least bewitched, and it was in vain and indeed presumptuous to endeavor to fathom the mystery. Nothing less than a regular ceremony of exorcism, with "bell, book and candle," could displace the demon from his tenement, stop the knocking, or restore the miserable object of his persecutions to freedom and happiness. Indeed, it could hardly have been believed that there were so many of this class of persons in this city, so far behind the intelligence of the age. But this circumstance has shown the mortifying fact, and thus opened a new field for those patriots who are using their faculties and their means to disseminate the seeds of knowledge. We hope that this field may be plentifully strewed with the seeds, for truly there is need.

There were others who determined if possible to relieve the distresses of the young woman, by trials to discover the cause of this singular matter. Alderman Low, who resides near, caused her to be removed to his house on Monday, and he excluded the crowd who for the last two days had not only been in her room, but had nearly filled the street before the door and windows. In the evening, several gentlemen, most of the medical profession, and one or two philosophers, were admitted to the room, to await the usual time of the knocking.--Ten o'clock arrived; the girl was lying on a bed on the floor, when, "Angels and ministers of grace defend us!" the ominous and dreadful "three knocks" were again heard on the floor under her. It is said that the "firm nerves" of the disciples of Galen, "trembled." and that the philosophers were ready to exclaim-

"Beest thou a spirit of health, or goblin damned?-

Thou com'st in such a questionable shape that I will speak"

No, they could not speak; their tongues clave to their mouths. But after a short breathing spell, and not again hearing that which struck such "terror to their souls," they exclaimed, with Macbeth.

"Being gone, we are men again."

They then began to investigate the matter seriously and with coolness. We understand they arrived at no definite conclusion. Some thought the noise might be caused by the striking together of the teeth with violence, as the fit came on; some believed there was deception practiced; some thought one thing, some thought another, and some thought nothing.

After the fit which followed this knocking, had passed off, the girl became composed, and perfectly sensible, and remained so all yesterday, evidently mending. This may principally be ascribed to the measures pursued by Mr. Low, in excluding all company, and preventing much conversation with her. It is desired that no persons will call to see her, as they cannot be admitted.

We have said thus much on a subject of which we would have said nothing, if it had not been noticed in other papers. It is an affair which has grown into great consequence, when in fact it is not worthy of more than common attention.