"C. D. says 'the wary and eagle-eyed are kept out, and excluded from opportunity of investigation.' Now, to be perfectly plain, this remark borders very much upon misrepresentation. _It is not so._ And if the gentleman would have 'the good people' understand that he is thus denied, I would undeceive them. Mr. Dewey has on more than one occasion been urged by those who would have afforded him every opportunity for investigation, to test the reality of the said phenomena. He could have had, and may have, associated with him in such investigation, men whom he or others may select, as his equals in every respect, to aid him; and before he has the temerity to repeat his uttered cry of humbug, and brand again, with most unchristian readiness, as deceivers, individuals whom he does not know, I call upon him to avail himself of the senses which God has given him for that purpose. He need feel no repugnance to visiting so obscure a locality as Troup Street. His equals (to say the least) have been there before him, and he would not have to tarry long in that region to meet with visitors who possess more intelligence, a wider charity, greater modesty, and a better purpose than he has manifested in his communications. "A man's practice is the touchstone of his faith, and I want no better evidence of the practical infidelity of any one, than to know that while he preaches for so much the square yard the doctrine of an after-life, he scouts anything which comes to us in the shape of tangible evidence of the soul's immortality. "Mr. Dewey says he will be 'glad to see the truth advanced, lead where it may.' In this I join him, and such motive must be my apology for trespassing upon your columns and patience. "Respectfully yours, "JOHN E. ROBINSON. "ROCHESTER, February, 25, 1850." CHAPTER IX. ALBANY AND TROY. 1850. EXCURSION TO ALBANY--DELAVAN HOUSE AND VAN VECHTEN HALL--REV. DR. STAATS AND THE JUDGES--HIGH CLASS OF MINDS INTERESTED--PRESIDENT ELIPHALET NOTT--PECUNIARY ARRANGEMENTS--EXCURSION TO TROY--TROJAN LADIES--MOB ATTEMPTS ON LIFE OF MARGARETTA. EXCURSION TO ALBANY. We were directed (by the spirits) to "go forth and let the truth be known." We had already passed through a terrible experience, and feared to make another such hazardous attempt; but the fiat had gone forth. We had debated the question a long time before we could consent to subject ourselves to another public contest. However, there was no alternative. We were compelled to "do our duty," regardless of consequences, so far as it was in our power.