Henry More Smith: The Mysterious StrangerBates, Walter
History
Henry More Smith: The Mysterious Stranger
Bates, Walter
Criminals -- Canada -- Biography; Smith, Henry More, active 1812-1836
The first operation is from the tamborine player, or master, who gives
two or three single strokes on his tamborine, that may be heard in any
part of the house, without moving his body. He then dances gracefully
a few steps, without touching his tamborine; the lady is then swung
two or three times by the steward; then the gallant takes a few steps;
then the two below tilt a few times in the most easy, pleasant manner;
then the two children dance a little, holding each other by the hand;
after this, Smith begins to sing or whistle a tune, to which they are
to dance, at which the tamborine strikes, and every one dances to the
tune, with motion, ease, and exactness not to be described. Many have
been the observations of spectators; amongst them, an old German
observed that, “when he was starving the seven days, he was making a
league with the devil and that he helped him.” All acknowledged with
me, that it exceeds anything they ever saw or imagined. His whole
conduct from the first has been, and is, one continued scene of
mystery.
He has never shown any idea or knowledge of his trial or present
situation; he seems happy; his irons and chains are no apparent
inconvenience; contented like a dog or monkey broke to his chain;
shows no more idea of anything past, than if he had no recollection.
He, in short, is a mysterious character, possessing the art of
invention beyond common capacity. I am almost ashamed to forward you
so long a letter on the subject, and so unintelligible; I think, if I
could have done justice in describing the exhibition, it would have
been worthy a place in the “Royal Gazette,” and better worth the
attention of the public than all the wax-work ever exhibited in this
Province.
I am with all respect, Dear Sir,
Your Humble Servant,
WALTER BATES.
To THOMAS WETMORE, Esquire, Attorney General.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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