WCP2584

[1]¹

Jan[uary]: 28-1880

My dear Mr.Wallace²

Just a word on my last sitting with Haxby.³ As soon as he medium became enhanced in the Cabinet we were told that all wasn't right. It appeared that there was smoke in it from a half extinguished fire; & we had to open a window and make him up and extempore sofa with 2 chains, a pillow & wraps. Then we were told to extinguish our only candle. This put us under the greatest disadvantage — for nothing could be seen but the faintest phosphorus light which each of the 3 forms (seen separately & seriatim) carried. 'Abdullah' only shewed his turban & upper parts through ^{the gap in} the curtain: 'Toby' came into the room & put his hands on mine, & allowed himself to be felt by my friend W. Allen: but we agreed that in size & voice he closely resembled [2] Haxby: and I scarcely doubt he was the medium. 'John King' shewed a light at the curtain, but said he could not⁴ "come out". A more unsatisfactory experiment could hardly have been made we have not advanced matters a bit. On entering the cabinet we found H. as we left him: but that proves nothing; as any of the 3 forms might have been dressed in a black suit, for aught we could see. Allen felt a sort of gauzy wrap around T.'s chin, & breast: but that proved nothing.

Haxby is unwell: so we are trying for Eglinton:⁵ but at present we have not received any answer from him. If he [3] fails us we shall try for Mrs. Corner[?]. I will write again when I have more to say.

I am | yours very truly | C M Ingleby [signature]

A. R. Wallace Esq.