A SERPENT IN THE SKY

in a crooked position, except the tail, which was straight, and the head toward the east. It turned to a lively bright red, deep and awful, and remained stationary among the stars. Mr. Frances watched it for two or three minutes, when the part disappeared nearly to the middle, and the remainder, in a gradual manner, formed into a distinct Roman GLDT 67.8

“Mr. F. had time now to mind the channel of the river and deliberate upon the grandeur of the letter in the sky! It was remarkably interesting to him, as may well be supposed from the accuracy of its formation. And, in about one minute and a half, he watched it and the boat alternately, when it changed, turning into a distinct letter O as perfect as was ever seen, in which position it remained as before. Mr. F. stated that he was surprised greatly at this, but not scared or frightened in the least, and immediately tapped the bell for the captain to witness the scene. The captain did not come immediately, but after a moment or two appeared, but ere this the figure in the heavens had changed to a plain, distinct letter DLDT 68.1

“The captain said to Mr. F., ‘What’s wanting?’LDT 68.2

“‘Come here, quick,’ said Mr. F., ‘and look up yonder. Did you ever see the like?’LDT 68.3

“The captain answered, ‘I see it,’ and looked at it till it disappeared.LDT 68.4

“Mr. F. states that when the O turned to a D,LDT 68.5

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PICTURE-TWO WONDERS, A SWORD AND A CROWN, 1843.

it formed a kind of oblong shape, and then came straight on one side, as a D should be. When it disappeared it turned into the same oblong shape as before, and gradually the sky returned to its original appearance.LDT 71.1

“Mr. F. states that he did not leave the wheel of the boat, but steered it straight to this city. He declares that, let others think or say what they will, what he has related is strictly true. He is no Millerite, neither is he crazy or frightened; and if gentlemen or ladies will call upon him, he will convince them that what he has told is true.”LDT 71.2