This image depicts the Rev. Richard Dodge, Parson of Talland in Cornwall, doing what he was famous for. He was parson of Talland from 1713 until he died aged 93 in 1747, and was widely reputed to be able to raise the dead, lay ghosts to rest and he was also believed to be able to exorcise devils from places and used a horsewhip in carrying out these tasks.

People were often fearful of meeting him in the dead of night, as no doubt, a spirit or demon would also be in close range, but it is also believed that he courted these attitudes as he could have been involved with smuggling and wanted to keep the way free to assist the smugglers.