1935
Nov 26 - Dec 18
(Editors note).
[Dr. Hamilton died in 1935 and when Mr. King heard of it he was recuperating from an illness at "The Cloister, in Georgia," recalls Mrs. Hamilton. He wrote the following typewritten letter, the first after the 1935 election. There are several interlineal corrections in his own hand.
The Cloister.
Sea island, Georgia.
November 26, 1935.
[Letter from McKenzie King to Mrs. Hamilton:]
Mentions Mrs. Stewart of Ninette Sanatorium as the bearer of the news of Dr. Hamilton's death.
"... You will not be surprised to known that I experience a very real sense of personal loss in the Doctor's passing. Though we had met but once, and had shared but little in the way of correspondence, I felt a very close attachment to him; and was, as you know, profoundly interested in his work of psychical research. I have looked upon him as one of the great pioneers in that field of thought and discovery. I now feel that, not only our country, but science, and even civilization itself, has lost one of its great servants. No doubt compensation will come in unforeseen and unexpected ways. His work will go on with even greater effect, though it may take time to disclose this fact.
"... If you ever have a free moment, I should deeply appreciate your sending me some word which will let me know a little more of the circumstances of the Doctor's death. I shall be interested, too, in knowing something of your own experiences at and since that time.
"...When I was speaking in Winnipeg, during the campaign, you were all very much in my thoughts. Strangely enough, I had tried to arrange the time of my arrival and departures so as to afford enough in the way of opportunity to call upon you. That, however, proved to be impossible; and, as perhaps you know, I was in the city only from eight until a little after eleven.
"... If it is not placing too great a strain upon you, do please send me a line or two, and tell me of the things which you know I shall wish to hear.
"... I have many times wondered how your daughter was getting on with the writing she had in hand at the time I saw you when in Winnipeg. Do tell her also to send me a line, if she has a moment to spare.
"... Above all, I hope you will both feel my sympathy is yours in greater measure than it is possible for me to express - my sympathy for you both, and also for the boys. Happily, we have that faith which enables us to see the stars beyond the cypress trees. I can only hope that for you, who has been so very near the Doctor through many years, - the darkness of your sorrow may, ere this, have been dissipated by the light of a wider knowledge and a profounder ..."
[Mrs. Hamilton said that for years, the existence of these letters was known among her own family and intimate friends.
"We kept it quiet knowing that Mr. King would have announced it had he wanted the information public at the time."]
November 27, 1935.
All group but Mercedes, whom Bruce takes home; she is unwell.
8:45 p.m. Circle in.
Dawn: "Some one brought a letter in for you, Mrs. Hamilton. Put it on the file. It is a long envelope from across the sea.
9:05 p.m. "Walter is here. I haven't seen him for a long time."
9:25 p.m. Ewan in trance.
9:35 p.m. Dawn in trance: "How long will it be before Mercedes comes back? There must be two sittings in succession. John and Katie are both here; they are disappointed. Your friends are all gathered here. Come quietly into your places at the next sitting. Bessie should sit closer to the cabinet. She can change places with the stout lady. Come as soon as you can. I will try to ring the bell ... at your next sitting. Take the others from the room. Leave Ewan behind. So long. Take Dawn's cloak out of the cabinet when she takes it off."
T. G. H./Ewan: "Yes, I could come through quite easily, Bruce. You should take care of Mercedes."
Bruce Chown: "Glen is going to see her."
T. G. H./Ewan: "Don't let sittings come too quickly, in case she can't come. Don't come here unless they are all in good condition. Everything is shaping up very well, as far as I can see. This will be astounding if they can manage it. I wish I could give you some assistance. I'm going to continue these talks with Schrenck if I can manage. How would you like a conversation taken down between us? You must get a good note-taker for accuracy. I have long felt, Bruce, that we have established the existence of the ectoplasmic materialization ... Bessie has quite a lot of power - the same as Mrs. Poole had. It will be developed. Walter once gave us instructions about Mrs. Poole coming, because she had a peculiar quality. Lou is good, but does not contribute much. Tell Lillian not to get too tense. She's too keyed up and cannot relax."
Bruce Chown: "What about de-materialization of what we call material here?"
T. G. H./Ewan: "It's a transformation of energy. A great deal of energy is required."
Bruce Chown: "We have gone as far as we can in this way. What about de-materialization?"
T. G. H./Ewan: "I am going to ask you to make a new circle and get MacDonald to come. We must exclude somebody."
Bruce Chown: "Should we have several mediums?"
T. G. H./Ewan: "No. Get someone to contribute energy, Bruce, after we get this picture. Let's have a series of conversations. You get information and the mediums can recuperate. A smaller circle - L. H., Ewan, the Chowns, and Jack MacDonald approved."
T. G. H./Ewan: "Let others have a good rest."
N: "What about Ewan? Doesn't he deserve a rest, too?"
T. G. H./Ewan: "Ewan has lots to spare. Get Jack. He will have greater influence with Ewan."
Bruce Chown: "Remind Walter, time is short."
T. G. H./Ewan: "Two good sittings together, but don't rush it, Bruce. Walter can hold the picture for a while yet. Goodnight. I'm glad you're taking care of these things. There was confusion, tonight."
Bruce Chown: "We've got to let this boy go, T.G."
T. G. H./Ewan: "Tell Ewan Dr. Blackwood came to me. He will get the meaning of that."
Bruce Chown: "Sure. Goodnight, T. G."
November 28, 1935
[From the London Evening (Star?) - Western Ontario's paper]
Mr. King's Letters on Spiritualism:
The cloister.
Sea island, Georgia.
November 28, 1935
Mrs. Lillian Hamilton,
It was only yesterday, in a letter received from Mrs. Stewart, of Ninette Sanatorium, and today, in a letter from Miss Kathryn Ross, that I learned for the first time of your great bereavement. I just cannot begin to say how deeply I feel for you, for your children and for the other members of your family.
I feel very badly to think that I should have missed the notice of Dr. Hamilton's passing, but no doubt (some lines missing) ... saw you when in Winnipeg. Do tell her also to send me a line, if she has a moment to spare.
Above all, I hope you will both feel my sympathy is yours in greater measure than it is possible for me to express - my sympathy for you both, and also for the boys. Happily, we have that faith which enables us to see the stars beyond the cypress trees. I can only hope that for you, who has been very near the doctor through many years, the darkness of your sorrow, ere this, has been dissipated by the light of a wider knowledge and your profound assurance of his continued presence at your side than could be possible to any save those who have shared the great experiences which you and he have shared assurance of his continued presence at your side than could be possible to any save those who have shared the great experiences you and he have shared ..."
[The note has the heading "MacKenzie King Letters Released in City Reveal Interest in Spiritualism]
Undated:
[Note from Mrs. Hamilton to someone addressed as (Dear Three?)]
[This is almost certainly a wrong reading - but the handwriting is not great]
"... The story of how the Daily Sketch, (notorious for its sensational reporting) came to get these articles at all may interest you.
"... We had been spending the day with Lady Conan Doyle at her summer home in New Forest, not far from Southampton. When we left she telephoned the editor of the D.S. advising him to secure an interview with Dr. Hamilton whose work she considered both authentic and genuine. He telegraphed our hotel requesting an interview. A fine intelligent young reporter appeared and T. G. talked to him for nearly two hours but refused material for an article. The next day the editor himself took us to lunch at the famous (Frochecti?) restaurant (recently torn down) and after a long interview and request, T.G. finally gave way, provided he promised to report in as dignified and scientific/factual a manner as possible. This the editor cordially promised.
"The results follow: - clear reporting and very little sensationalism. We received letters later, from all over the world, most of them commendatory - and grateful."
[Note at bottom margin: - These articles mislaid for years - please forgive their musty odor.]
December 8, 1935.
8:50 p.m. Circle in.
Dawn describes white-haired gentleman, with beard, bushy eyebrows, and genial expression.
Mercedes?: "I would appeal to you to give all your attention to this great work; be sympathetic, etc. ... Elizabeth (Poole) has come to see ... I'm just Robert Louis. The little woman says "Hello" to you all - two hellos to Bessie. Stead is with you tonight."
Ewan helps Dawn up; seats her again; and Black Hawk comes for a moment.
Ewan: "Have you got the camera is ready?"
Bruce Chown: "Yes."
Dawn carries on, mumbling. Ewan explains she is not in right chair. Bruce Chown goes to help her and can't find his chair in the darkness; Ewan takes Bruce's hand and locates missing chair in back of cabinet, where it had been pushed by Dawn's accidentally stumbling.
Mercedes: "Good evening. Everything is good. Things are going smoothly."
Bell rings - as promised - the circle members are pleased.
Mercedes: "Everyone is enthusiastic. We are going to get a good picture. Dawn is in very good condition. My father and I have taken more from her than in a very long time. Lucy is very busy. She has bandages to use in case some of the crew have an accident. I wish my father had had some of your patience when he was here. He made his own decisions."
Dawn: "Patience and gruel are good for the gout."
Ewan: "Gruel isn't bad when it has a good bit of rum in it."
[Comment: Mercedes' control suggested that L. H. spend an hour a day in the séance room to connect directly with T. G. H.]
Mercedes: "Odds Bodkins! Whither away? - To the hunt! I see the scarlet coats of the gentlemen off to the hunt ...!"
Ewan: "You're a driveling old conundrum!"
Mercedes: "Darest thou speak?"
Ewan: "Gazooks!"
Mercedes: "Such ruffled breaches as thou hast on! Thou'rt not a gallant knight! I go now to attend a feast."
Ewan: "That's all they do!"
Mercedes: "I have been requested to attend this place. I am to sit for a picture, they tell me."
Ewan: "When goest thou for this picture, good scurvy knave?"
Mercedes: "The night after would be too late. I do not understand this gathering ... the torn breeches."
Ewan: "Come thou tomorrow night."
Mercedes: "I will have speech with the keeper of the gate at Huntley Manor; whether I return or not tomorrow night. A pleasant good night!"
Ewan: "Anon at the Manor. Gadzooks!"
Light turned on, nothing visible to sitters.
Ewan: "You will come back tomorrow night as early as you can, and we will have a long sitting. Tell Dawn to take things quietly. She's still a valuable instrument. We must take the opportunity while Dawn is in such good form. So long!"
December 9, 1935.
8:25 p.m. Group in.
Dawn: "This room is full of friends. Every particle of space is covered from floor to ceiling. Mr. Green's eyes were luminous."
Ewan in trance, Mercedes and Dawn normal. Small talk.
8:50 p.m. Mercedes: "I see '11' in the middle of the room. A gentleman is holding a card. It says '11'."
Dawn: "This is the ninth."
Mercedes: "A new piece of work. I congratulate you. (Perhaps referring to Ewan's manipulations of Dawn, who is not in deep trance.) They are all here."
L. H.: "Dawn's muscles are in spasms. Ewan's exertions are heard.
Ewan: "Good evening. Is everything ready?"
Bruce Chown: "Yes, the same as last night, and the week before that."
Ewan: "I'm going to give you a ring and then you'll get the signal."
Dawn asks for the light; it is kept on for a second. Ewan says he could feel it.
Mercedes: "Give us a good song to raise the vibrations ... about 15 controls working with the mediums. Some want power and some want to talk. It's a continual struggle."
Bell rings three times.
Ewan: "You have everything ready? ... I can't keep this up much longer. It is cruel." (sobbing)
Mercedes: "We are taking from this little lady, also. (Bessie Shand.)"
Dawn: "Everything is all set. It's rather risky to take a flash without the form being visible. We will try a materialization at the next sitting."
(L. H. to go opposite the cabinet at next sitting; Bessie in L. H.'s place.)
Dawn: "Take a flash as soon as you can see it."
She stamps her feet and says "one, two, three, no fire."
Perhaps the signal won't come through Dawn. "If you can't see it, take the chance. Ready first, then the sound of the foot. Have the door fastened and the key removed ... Take the mediums out and close your circle ..."
Katie/Mercedes: "It is a peculiar thing that dull sittings delight us. We have accomplished so much. My father has used Ewan, Walter his medium, and about six, the little woman. Unless something unforeseen happens, you will get something next time you meet. It is not strong enough or bright enough to photograph. You will receive something worthwhile. Goodnight, my father. Give me your hand. The flash will not destroy, but will damage it a little."
December 11, 1935.
8:50 p.m. Circle in.
9:10 p.m. Ewan in trance arguing with Dawn about the cold.
9:15 p.m. Katie/Mercedes: "Conditions are harmonious, etc".
Ewan: "We'll play a good old game of walking the plank."
Katie/Mercedes: "We want them all on deck. Try to keep these mediums from shuffling around too much. They may interfere with the signal."
9:25 p.m. Nonsense talk from Ewan.
L. H.: "I can see Katie's light. I've seen it three times."
Bessie: "I saw one by Bruce."
9:40 p.m. Ewan: "We want a glass of rum." Argument between the three mediums as to who is captain. Ewan breathes convulsively. Ewan and Mercedes called for the red ceiling light. This is repeated three times - no one can say definitely that they saw anything. Mr. Reed says he saw nothing.
Katie/Mercedes: "Be ready for the signal."
10:10 p.m. Signal - three stamps.
Katie/Mercedes: "Ewan will speak later. Can you take another if he gives the signal?"
Bruce Chown: "Yes." He makes necessary adjustments. Three lighter stamps.
Katie/Mercedes: "Fire!"
[Photograph of medium with some disorganized looking ectoplasm behind her.]
December 11, 1935.
[This photograph spoiled by light reflections during copying]
[Caption below the photograph: amorphous teleplasm, on cabinet wall, behind the medium, Dawn. Ewan (to Dawn's right, and Mercedes to her left, both deeply entranced.)
Signal for flash given by Ewan.
This was the first objective mass to be recorded in the Hamilton experimental room after Dr. Hamilton's death in April, 1935.
Photograph taken by Dr. Bruce Chown in December, 1935.
(December 11, 1935.)
A second exposure, maybe a few moments later, showed tiny residual masses over Dawn's closed eyelids.]
Ewan: "I think you got something. The first time we didn't get it low enough."
Lou Campbell: "I thought I could see it at the top of the cabinet, but didn't like to say anything."
Dawn: "Just a preliminary."
Lucy/Mercedes: "This is Lucy. Katie is very busy beside Ewan. There was a strain between Mercedes and Dawn at the first of the sitting; they were too far apart."
Ewan: "She didn't keep contact tonight. She let go when I went to relieve the strain. She didn't go into trance till I let them go."
Mercedes: "Sing a Christmas song and then go out ... We are very, very disappointed. ... Dawn will be back next time you meet. Ewan's not coming back. He's disgusted with the company."
Bruce Chown closing cameras: "All disgustipated?"
Mercedes: "Yes - disgustipated - Oh, smell coffee - give me coffee and doughnuts and stacks of hamburgers!"
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
December 18, 1935.
8:55 p.m. Circle in.
Dawn: "A gentleman with an Imperial beard holds out his hand to Mr. Green." (H. Green can't place him). "See lights near L. H., and Lucy standing behind Bessie."
9:25 p.m. Bell rings.
Mercedes: "Good evening. I want to take the hand of the little lady, the medium's daughter. You don't know me. I am Selina Forrest. You have a bud in your home. Be careful how you tend it. Do not water it too much. I would see it open slowly. I have permission from the doctor to come and speak to you. I am amongst those flowers of which I have made poems. It's better than I ever anticipated!"
[Dawn says Mrs. Forrest passed on about six weeks previously; was a medium; and used to make poetry.]
Mercedes: "I was under control a moment ago; but I've come back. I saw Dr. Hamilton standing beside Mr. Green and Dawn. He's now standing beside his seat as if directing. He had something in his hand that might have been a camera."
Katie's light seen to Dawn's right.
Katie/Mercedes: "Good evening. My father has brought me to see you again. Although Dawn informs you no one is here, it is because she is not under control. Many friends are here."
Ewan: "It's taken a lot to get Dawn under control tonight. Have you everything ready?"
Bruce Chown: "Sure!"
Ewan: "Just regard this as the beginning of your sitting. Katie controls Mercedes; Walter, Dawn; Lucy, the Little Woman. Put Mercedes in cabinet at next sitting, Dawn where Mercedes sits ... after all the hard work put in tonight, and then you tell me it's the last sitting!"
Lucy/Mercedes: "I cannot let you keep my mediums under control any longer. Katie must step aside. Goodnight, my friends."
Ewan (storming): "We've got to find out the reasons for Dawn's goings on tonight. Why didn't you go under control tonight?"
Walter/Dawn: "I couldn't get the medium under - she has a great deal on her mind."
Ewan: "Why should I go on with a creature such as that?"
Argument along this line until the circle breaks.
1934 (1935?) Monday
(Mention of Hamilton coming through?)
[The year must be wrong here, Dr. Hamilton still not 'passed on' in 1934.]
[Letter from Mrs. Hamilton to Margaret - handwritten:]
"... Last night we had a little sitting (we meet Wednesday nights regularly and on Sundays when something special turns up), Mercedes and Dawn ... English people. Doyle, Myers and Lucy spoke to them. Mrs. Poole came through and was her real jolly self. I must tell you that Daddy purported to speak through Jack a few days after the Sunday you spoke of, and spontaneously said he had been to see you and you were all right. He made no direct reference to communicating however. That will come in turn - tell Jim he must be patient - you are both as yet undeveloped psychics and crosses like that are very very difficult to establish. They come eventually, like a thief in the night - when you least expect them. Too much desire for them inhibits the very thing you are after. Passivity alone lets these things through. I will try to get you some of the Jack sitting records. So far he has not been as good as he used to be - too tired, I think. So keep up your (...) darling - let nothing interfere with your progress in this direction."
