A case of identity.

One of our correspondents from Maine-et-Loire conveys to us the following fact, which took place before his eyes, as a proof of identity.

For some time Mr. X… had been gravely ill in C…, in the Touraine, and his death was expected at any moment. On the 23rd of last April, we had for a few days in our group a lady medium, to whom we owe very interesting communications. It came into the mind of one of those present, who knew Mr. X…, to ask a Spirit familiar to our group, a flippant Spirit, but not an evil one, whether that gentleman had died. – Yes, he was answered. – But is it quite true, since you sometimes speak so flippantly? – The Spirit again answered affirmatively. The next day, Mr. A. C…, who until then had been a man of little belief, and who likewise knew Mr. X… personally, wished himself to attempt to evoke him, if indeed he had died. The Spirit came immediately at his call and said: “Please, do not forget me. Pray for me.” – Since how long have you been dead? asked Mr. A. C. – One day. – When will you be buried? This afternoon, at four o’clock. – Are you suffering? – All that a soul can suffer. – Do you hold a grudge against me? – Yes. – Why? I was always very strict with you. The relations of these two gentlemen had always been cold, though perfectly polite. Being asked to sign, the Spirit gave the three initials of his first name and his surname. On that same day Mr. A. C. received a letter announcing to him the death of Mr. X… In the evening, after dinner, raps were heard. Mr. A. C. took up the pen and wrote the dictation under the rapping of the Spirit:

I was ambitious; doubtless every man is so;

But never did king, pontiff, chief or citizen Conceive a project as great as mine.