SD2252. Hiram Powers to Joseph P. Hazard
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 354–355 (in part).
Florence
March 27th 1859–
Dear Mr Hazard
I received your kind letter with one for Mr Browning who is still in Rome. He is expected back soon, I learn, when I shall deliver it to him–
The gentleman you mention is quite in error as regards my opinion of the manifestations by Hume–
I have always been careful when speaking of them, to distinguish what I deemed tricks, from the facts. That Hume was addicted to some trivial tricks (when his powers were feeble) to help out the show I always believed– Indeed I detected some of them—but that all were tricks—or indeed any considerable part of them, I never believed, nor have I ever said so—on the contrary I have always declared in the most decided terms to the reverse. I saw and heard things quite beyond the power of Hume or any other man—individually—and I know there was no collusion. I have often expressed (as I did to you) strong doubts as to the moral tendency of these manifestations. Indeed I am quite sure that the doctrines promulgated by many of the mediums—Andrew Jackson Davis and others of his school are most pervasive. They scoff at the scriptures—at matrimonial restraints or bonds &c &c– And if they could, would uproot the very foundations of society–
Perhaps the gentleman you mention has heard something of this—and thus concluded that I have denounced the whole thing as an imposture– I should not like to have my name mentioned in any Journal—as a believer in spiritual manifestations—for unless that belief is qualified as above stated, it might be supposed that I adopt the infernal doctrines of some, who claim to be inspired from Heaven–
The Perkins are in Rome I believe. I am not sure that I saw the Montforts. If I did I do not now remember it–
My family are well, and all join in kindest regards–
I ought to have answered your letter before, but had got far in arrears in my correspondence. I have more than a dozen unanswered letters now before me–
I pray you to believe me ever most sincerely yours,
Hiram Powers.
Publication: None traced.
Source: Author’s copy in Smithsonian Institution.
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