The U.S. President's Book of Secrets

“Several years ago, I encountered the famed Bell Witch of Tennessee.  Frankly, I found her company to be better than any member of the Whig party.  I was on my way back to Nashville, so I wanted to see the legends for myself.  As we approached the Bell farmstead the wagons stopped with no apparent reason.  We tried everything to loosen them, but they would not budge.  I knew it was the witch’s doing and I called out to her.  A disembodied voice replied, “All right General, let the wagon move on, I will see you tonight.”  We made camp and as night fell, we began telling stories.  The witch hunter accompanying us began bragging about previous encounters with witches and showing off his Flintlock with a silver ball.  I became irritated and called out again for the witch to show herself and prove this man a coward.  To my surprise she obliged.  She appeared in full this time, dressed in ragged clothing although she looked young.  She challenged the fool witch hunter who then tried to fire on her.  The pistol would not light, and she disappeared into shadow.  The man was then struck by some unseen force.  I swear the coward wept as he gathered his belongings faster than I have ever seen a man.  I was so amused that I wished to stay and call upon the witch further, however my men being cowards convinced me to move on.  I wonder if she would be willing to join my Cabinet.

-Andrew Jackson 1835

*Adding this art from the book An Authenticated History of the Bell Witch.  The book confirms Andrew Jackson’s story. 

-Grover Cleveland 1894″