Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Spiritualism, Charlatanry, Skill, Crime

    Points out that the role of Mr Calcraft in the allegedly spiritualistic feats of William H H Davenport and Ira E Davenport has been overlooked. Explains how Calcraft ties the knots in the rope that constrains the Davenports during their performance, and that the brothers are prepared to attempt to undo the knots tied by Calcraft. Adds that Calcraft is willing to tie up the brothers in the Old Bailey to 'prove their pretensions'. Concludes by noting that if any mediums are handcuffed after being arrested, the handcuffs would later be 'found unfastened'. The name of the author of this article is probably inspired by Jesse B Ferguson, the American preacher who acted as the Davenport brothers' secretary.