and important States; the development of the agricultural and mineral
resources of countries supposed to be almost valueless; of the invention
and construction of machinery adapted to the wants and necessities of
those new and rapidly-increasing States. "This marvellous growth is owing
to their being essentially a mediumistic people--is it not so?" said he,
smiling and turning to the assembled guests. "Yes, yes!" I heard repeated
on all sides. On this commenced a general conversation. I listened as one
in a dream. Around me I beheld the faces and forms of the heroes of past
history, each bearing the shape and semblance of humanity, though removed
from earth millions of miles into space. One and all emitted, like stars,
their own peculiar luminous aura. Collected in motley groups were
Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, William Penn, Old General Jackson, John
Jacob Astor, De Witt Clinton, and many of the old Knickerbocker residents
of New York; with Sir Robert Peel, Lord Brougham, the Duke of Wellington,
Hunt, Keats, Byron, Scott, Cowper, Hume, Goethe, De Stael, Mrs. Hemans,
and many others.

"The people of America have progressed to an astonishing degree," said a
musical voice at my left. "We must initiate Irving into the means by
which we impart knowledge to the mediumistic nation through the Cabinet
at Washington."

"Certainly," responded Henry Clay. "Let all formalities cease. We will
partake of refreshments, and then Franklin will make him acquainted with
the wonderful aids to science and humanity with which he has supplied my
residence."

As he ceased speaking, a shower of sound, like the music from the ringing
of innumerable crystal bells, filled the air. Accompanying this, and
apparently descending from the ceiling, a soft light of aromatic odor