“He always appeared to me taller than I had seen him, and even taller than he was when he died. I always saw him in half-length, and naked, bare-headed, with his fine light hair, and a white paper upon his forehead twisted in his hair, on which there was a writing, but I could only read _In_ &c.”[24] These spectral impressions were repeated more than once, with conversations. The accidental death of the young man was ascertained very quickly. This story was published by the celebrated Abbé de St. Pierre, who concluded, very justly, that the whole appearances might be explained from natural causes, though he failed in his mode of deduction. The first impression was evidently occasioned by _Bezuel’s_ fainting. I know, from my own experience, as well as that of others, that the approach of syncope is sometimes attended with a spectral appearance, which I believe is always a recollected image. But the subsequent attacks, in this case, appear to have been delirious; there can be little doubt that Bezuel was deceived in the length of his supposed dialogue with the spectre. We know well, how fallacious, in this respect, the train of thought proves, in dreams, and in delirium. In this case also, we perceive, what I have frequently had occasion to notice, the obstinacy with which a morbid impression is preserved, and defended, long after the restoration of health. I could give most singular, and impressive examples of this nature, if professional delicacy permitted. In one instance, which I heard from a friend on whose veracity I could depend, a gentleman fancied during the delirium of a fever, that a considerable estate had been bequeathed to him; the impression continued long after his recovery, and he was not undeceived without much trouble and difficulty. There is a relation, published by authority, of some apparitions, which were seen at Portnedown bridge, after the Irish massacre, which deserves consideration, as it must be explained on principles somewhat different. I shall give copies of the evidence, produced by Sir John Temple, and shall then endeavour to explain the alarming appearances and sounds, on natural principles. I. _James Shaw_ of _Market-hill_ in the county of _Armagh_, inn-keeper, deposeth, that many of the Irish rebels, in the time of this deponent’s restraint, and staying among them, told him very often, and it was a common report, that all those who lived about the bridge of Portnedown, were so affrighted with the cries and noise made there of some spirits or visions for revenge, as that they durst not stay, but fled away thence, so as they protested, affrighted to Market-hill, saying, they durst not stay nor return thither, for fear of those cries and spirits, but took grounds and made creats, (Creaghs) in or near the parish of _Mullabrac_. _Jurat._ Aug. 14, 1642.