1925
May 10 - July 3
Upon being asked if it appeared to be day or night, she stated she was not sure but it seemed to be quite clear. Medium then stated she saw something on the other side of the table, and gave these letters - N-O-W- J-U-S-T-A-W-O-R-D-J-E-S-U-S- apparently meant for the first line of a hymn.
Mrs. Hamilton stated that this was the 25th hymn or psalm that had been given in this way. When the medium sees letters it appears to take a great deal of strength from her. A small red light is then turned on in order to give the medium a rest.
A gown with luminous buttons was then put on the medium, the doctor having a luminous band on his arm. Medium sits on the chair next to Dr. Hamilton, and is strapped to the chair, having one strap around her waist and the back of the chair. Medium is sitting between the side of the cabinet and the doctor's chair.
All in this circle are sitting hand in hand. Mr. Reed, Mrs. Poole, and Doctor put both hands on the table. Mrs. Hamilton puts one hand on. Table is square in front of the medium.
Second trance script:
"I read dear friend in your face, a tale of perfect grace."
Second trance vision:
"... I was away ... there was nothing but hills, but oh! it was so beautiful! And I saw my friend but he just had something like white gauze on. It was bright like day - brighter. The light was bluish. I saw no sunlight. He spoke to me; I don't know what he said. I could not say his age, but he looked good and fresh. I don't know how I got there, I just looked up there."
Verification of Script:
"I read, dear friend, in your dear face, a tale of perfect grace." (From poem to F. J. S. (Mrs.Sitwell) ("Underwoods", XXVII)
Comment: There is not the correspondence between the memory enclosed in the script, and the vision-image. Is this latter a representation of the non-material R. L. Stevenson as he exists in the second state?
Hymn: - "There's A Land That Is Fairer Than Day."
Medium's chair was lifted and twisted around. Medium almost lifted up.
Hymn - "I Am Thine O Lord."
Medium was then lifted up. Dr. Hamilton takes the luminous crown off and puts it around his arm.
Dr. Hamilton is now holding one of the medium's hands, while Mr. Reed holds the other.
Medium goes into trance again at 10:10pm and writes.
Third trance vision:
When she comes out of the trance states she does not know where she was. She saw nothing but hills, with lots of flowers and leaves.
She saw R. L. Stevenson with a kind of gauze hanging around his neck. It appeared to be brighter than day there; a bright bluish colored light. It did not appear to be sunlight. She did not see anyone else.
The hills were beautiful. There was no grass, just blue and white flowers. R. L. Stevenson was standing when he spoke to the medium. Medium couldn't say how old he looked. He had no books with him. Medium did not know what he was doing. He looked pleased. On being questioned she stated that she did not know how she got there.
Raps were then asked for and it was suggested that the names of communicators written out by the medium when in trance should be asked for.
Hymn - "Pass me not, O gentle Savior."
The medium stated she got the name of this hymn before the singing started.
The table started to move and was turned on its side. Medium was tilted forward, then her chair went back to the cabinet.
Hymn - "Jesus, keep me near the fountain." Mr. Reed takes medium's one hand and Doctor Hamilton the other.
Medium's chair is pulled again.
Hymn - "O God of Bethel".
Medium states she sees someone. She says there are two entities behind the doctor and herself. She states the back of her belt is being pulled. There were two faint raps about this time. Again the medium's belt was pulled.
Hymn - "Shall we gather at the river."
Medium states there is someone behind her chair. Medium's chair is then tilted. Doctor then takes the straps off the medium, and she was again lifted up.
The medium toppled over against Dr. Hamilton as her chair was pulled from under her. This appears to be quite an effort for the medium, as she perspires freely.
Hymn - "By Cool Siloam's Shady Rill."
Luminous letters. Medium's chair lifted and turned. (She wore luminous buttons, and was strapped to her chair.) Light turned on to give E.M. a brief respite, as these phenomena were found to be very tiring.
Lights off. E.M. touched, her belt pulled. Her chair pulled from under her. She perspires freely. Medium, chair and table moved around the circle.
She appears to be going into trance.
Note: when E.M. sees the luminous letters, this appears to take a great deal of her energy.
Medium's chair is then carried right around the circle; it seems to follow the table around the circle, the medium having her hands on it. Medium was moved right across the room.
Medium at this time appeared to be partly in trance. She is then put in the cabinet.
Singing.
Medium is moved out of cabinet, until she is only about 4 or 5 inches inside. She is then taken across the room again,
The table was turned over. Medium appeared to be going into trance again at this time. There was violent movement of her chair.
Hymn - "Nearer, My God to Thee."
Medium goes right around the circle in front of Mr. Leslie and Mrs. Cummings.
"Can you prevent a person from doing wrong?" (3 raps)( Yes )
Singing; medium in trance again.
Medium writes
Singing:
In a few minutes medium comes out of trance and states she has been in a pretty garden again. Does not know where.
Trance III - reference to Balfour cousins playing at the Manse. .
Verification:
See essay "The Manse": Leo Balfour, page 45; Masson page 36. Steuart page 53.
Medium:
"Who pulled out my beads?". I saw lots of flowers, some were not out. She saw a little boy with the gardener. The boy was R. L. Stevenson, and she says she never saw him that size before.
Q. Dr. Hamilton asks "What makes you think it is him?"
A. "He has a kind of a look like him."
Q. "Was anyone talking to you?"
A. "No one"
Q. "What kind of clothes did he have on?"
A. "Had got on a long kilt or pleated skirt and jacket."
Q. "What color were the flowers?"
A. "All colors"
Q. "Did you see the house?"
A. "The trees shaded it; I could not see the house. "The flowers drew my attention, there was a gardener there.
What was he like; how tall was he?"
A. "About Dr. Hamilton's height; he had a hat on. He was going among the flowers - seemed to be transplanting them. There were nice walks between the flower beds."
Q. "What was in his hand?"
A. "He had some kind of garden tool in his hand. There were all kinds of garden tools on the ground." From the description it was evidently a trowel. Medium stated the flowers were all in beds.
Q. "Did anyone speak to you this time?"
A. "No, not this time. I was in the train before I came to the garden."
Q. "Do you remember how you got in the garden? Or getting off the train?"
A. "No, I just found myself in the garden."
Medium then states she sees a light in the room,
and the members of the circle sing "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross."
Light faded.
Medium sees lots of lights but cannot make anything out of them.
The power seems to fade.
Dr. Hamilton sees lots of light.
Medium sees a face which fades quickly. She stated it was a man's face. She says, "Wait now, his hair is long, he has a long face, and whiskers, kind of dark, maybe brown. His forehead is large."
She saw him between Mrs. Hamilton and Mr. McLaughlin.
Hymn: "There's a land that is fairer than day." The table tips and keeps time to the music, then settles down as if the power were gone.
Séance ended: 10:55pm
On May 13, 1926,
Dr. Hamilton gave a letter of introduction to Dr. Allison to introduce him to Dr. Crandon.
"Some years ago he visited St. Louis and on two occasions was present at Mrs. Curran's and was greatly impressed by what he saw and heard. It was through him largely that we became interested and he has, on numerous occasions, been present at our investigations. Dr. Allison is very popular locally, and has a large circle of University friends to whom his house is a rendezvous in the evenings ..."
"I am sending with Dr. Allison several stereoscopic pictures taken by flash light, which I trust will prove interesting. I am mailing lantern slides from those and numerous other pictures and photographs including your own, and these will be used as illustrating my paper to be presented at the Winnipeg Medical on the evening of the 21st, for which I have chosen the title, "Experiments and Experiences in Psychic Research." (Illustrated ). I have quite a number of interesting plates from which copies will be made and forwarded to you as soon as I get the spasm of this lecture over."
At the sitting of May 17, 1925,
the sitters were Dr. and Lillian Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. Cummings, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Dr. J. A. Hamilton, Mr. H. A. Reed, D. R. P. Coates, Miss Lawrence, Mrs. Creighton, Mrs. Leggatt, Miss MacDonald and Mrs. Poole. Medium - Mrs. Poole.
Two trances; first, reference to Balfour clergyman grandfather: "Wondered what he had inherited from the old minister." See essay "The Manse" for thoughts on this inheritance.
Hymn: "Unto the Hills" and "The Lord is my Shepherd."
Medium in front of cabinet, facing the table.
Hymn: "Nearer my God to Thee."
Medium in trance at 9:45 p.m.
"Lead, kindly light".
Medium writes.
Balfour grandfather, a clergyman. "The Manse" (Trance 1).
Vision shows children playing on lawn. (See essay on "The Manse.")
Upon inquiry by Dr. Hamilton, the medium stated she was in a new place. Says she saw a very old gentleman sitting in a wicker chair; also quite a number of children who were playing around. The old gentleman, medium height, looked like a minister of the gospel.
R. L. Stevenson was there, just a young lad with an Eton suit on. He would likely be in his teens. Medium did not remember ever having seen him like that before.
The house before which the medium saw these people appeared to be a two-storey building, not far from the sea. The children were little tots of all sizes. They just looked at the medium but did not speak. She did not hear what they were talking about.
Medium stated she did not know how she got there. She was not in the house; and, it appeared to be daytime.
After a recital of the vision, the medium saw these letters; O-N-L-Y-T-R-U-S-T-I-A-G-I-N -(Y), think the last letter was "Y". These letters seemed to be printed and were as long as a clothes pin. Table then moved. Medium goes into trance, and writes again. Very small writing. Medium perspires freely. She stated something took her hand and impelled her to write.
Hymn: - "Take my Hand(Life?) and Let it be."
The medium now has luminous bands on her head and wrists, also her jacket with luminous buttons. The medium's feet were resting on a wooden platform attached to the chair in front of medium.
Medium has both hands on the table; likewise Mr. Reed's hands are both on the table. Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton each have one hand on. They all have luminous bands on the wrists of the hands on the table.
The power at this time seems to be developing.
Hymn:- "Pass me not, O gentle Savior." Table moves.
"Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross."
Table went up in front of the medium and across her lap, as if trying to get into the cabinet. Raps were then heard and the table started tilting.
Hymn:- "Shall we Gather at the River."
Some small raps were then heard.
Dr. Hamilton then addressed the table, asking,
Q. "Will you speak through the alphabet?" (2 raps, pause, then a third)
Dr. Hamilton spelled out the alphabet again, but no raps were received. Power seemed to have waned.
Hymn: - "Shall we Gather at the River."
Medium goes into trance again at 10:20 p.m.
Medium writes.
Medium comes out of trance at 10:25 p.m.
She stated she was back at the same place as before. Did not see R. L. Stevenson this time. The old gentleman and an old lady in a chair beside him, and the children playing around. No one spoke to the medium. The old people were talking and the children playing round.
The medium sits on the right side of the cabinet by Dr. Hamilton, with right hand on the cabinet. Mr. Reed has his left hand on the cabinet; also, the doctor has one hand on the table. Mrs. Poole has both hands on the table and Mrs. Hamilton one.
Hymn:- "Come to the Savior."
The table keeps time to the music, tilting noisily. Medium sees something by Miss MacDonald; can't tell what it is.
The medium's chair is about an inch beyond the line of the cabinet. One rap is heard. Table moves; then raps are heard. Dr. Hamilton addressed the table, saying:
Q. "Will you respond to the alphabet?" (1 rap)
Q. "Do you prefer questions asked?" (3 raps)
Q. "Let us have another rap so we will know everything is ready for the questions." (1 rap)
Q. "Is the board attached to the chair making it difficult to handle the chair?" (3 raps)
Q. "Will you be able to overcome that difficulty?" (2 raps)
Q. "Would you prefer the chair without the board?" (3 raps)
Q. "Have you been trying to lift the medium in her chair?" (3 raps)
Q. "Can you accomplish this if we take this off the chair?" (3 raps)
Q. "Does the fact that we have her in this chair make it more difficult than if she were in another chair?" (2 raps)
Q. "Does the board absorb the phenomena?" (3 raps)
Q. "Does this board being new make a difference?" (No answer)
Q. "Is the new board as easy to work with as the old board?" (1 rap)
Q. "Is the old board best?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is it that the party communicating with us does not understand?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is dry wood better than wet wood?" (3 raps)
Q. "Can you handle iron or metal?" (1 rap)
Q. "Is it more difficult to handle metal?" (3 raps)
This question was asked the second time as it was thought that it was not understood.
Q. "How many are there in your circle on the other side assisting this work tonight?" (8 raps)
Q. "Do you require the effort of all eight sitters in order to produce phenomena?" (1 rap)
Q. "Is only one functioning at a time?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is there only one now producing phenomena?" (1 rap)
Q. "Do you take turns?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is it trying on the person officiating?" (3 raps)
Q. "Does it take much effort to do this?" (3 raps)
Q. Is the substance that you do this with externalized over the medium?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is that a substance a vaporous substance?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is it sometimes liquid?" (No answer)
Q. "Is it sometimes a solid?" (No answer)
Here the medium stated someone dropped water on her hand.
Tried for more raps, but did not receive any answer.
Medium changed chairs with Mrs. Creighton, but did not change her position in the circle.
Hymn:- "I am Thine, O Lord"
Medium's chair pulled back.
Medium's chair went around the circle and stopped in front of Mr. Coates, who was sitting opposite Dr. Hamilton. The table was in front of the medium, who had her hands on it. She was pulled back into place by Dr. Hamilton.
Hands were then put on the table so as to charge it to see if it would go into the cabinet, non-contact, and out again, but the power appeared to have waned.
Hymn:- "Onward Christian Soldiers."
From "A Child's Garden of Verse" - Verse I
The gardener does not love to talk
He makes me keep the garden walk.
And when he puts his tools away,
He locks the door and takes the key.
"The gardener does not talk - he lets me on the gravel."
"... walk ... he ... puts his ... tools away"
"... lock ... the ... door and ... puts the ... key away"
[The last two words badly overlapped - writer very excited]
Adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
At the seance of May 19, 1925.
From "A Note on Spelling Scots." (Trance 1).
Memories of the Lothians and the Gardens.
First trance script:
"They call my speech of the Lothians; if it is pure, what matters. The day will come when that tongue will be forgotten." (See "A Notes on Spelling Scots".)
First trance vision:
R. L. Stevenson on the hills. "I was drawn to the hills."
Comment: In trance I, we find a paraphrase of a brief section of "A Note on Spelling Scots." The vision emphasizes the idea of the hilly Lothian countryside.
In Trance II, R. L. Stevenson is the little child of the poem "The Gardener". In the poem he cannot go on the walks; in the new version, he can. (He lets me on the gravel, walk.)
"The Gardener (from "A Child's Garden o Verse".) (Trance. 2).
Second trance script:
"The gardener does not talk. He let me on the gravel walk; He puts his tools away and locks the door. Put the key away."
Verification.
"The gardener does not love to talk;
He makes me keep the garden walk,
and when he puts his tools away,
He locks the door and takes the key."
("A Child's Garden of Verse", page 60.)
Second trance vision:
The gardener had been transplanting by what he had in his hand. He had a trowel. There were real nice walks all down between, and all kinds of garden tools on the path. I just found myself in the garden."
In the vision E.M. sees the walks, while tools lie on the path, not put away as in the poem. The wee Louis' dress is a Highland kilt. For once he is a wee Highlander.
"There was quite a lots of flowers and a little boy along with the gardener. I think it was R. L. Stevenson He had on a kilt.
This is surely a whimsical bit of play acting, with its source found in two places: R. L. Stevenson's own childhood, and the scene in the garden.
R. L. Stevenson sees what he will, and by recall builds his new imaginative adventures. Further, note that trance the sleep is developing greater sustaining power.
At the sitting of May 23, 1925,
the sitters were Dr. and Lillian Hamilton, Dr. J. A. Hamilton, Mr. Leslie, Mr. Court, Dr. and Mrs. Creighton, Miss Lawrence, Reverend McLaughlin, Mrs. Leggatt, Miss MacDonald, Miss Hazel Thomas and Mrs. Poole. Medium: Mrs. Poole.
Hymns: "Unto the Hills"
"The Lord is my Shepherd"
"Jesus, Lover of My Soul" (As medium going into trance)
"Lead, Kindly Light"
9:45 p.m. - medium writes while in trance.
Very short trance, about 10 minutes.
First trance vision:
Upon inquiry stated she was away in the mountains, where there was nothing but sheep. Saw R. L. Stevenson while on her way. Medium traveled by train to get to the mountains. She also saw another man.
There were two dogs who came over to the medium, one was a collie with brown marks on it. They appeared to be small sheep dogs.
After she left the train she came to a glen and up the hill to the left-hand side. She met R. L. Stevenson at the foot of the hill. She states he spoke to her although she could not hear what he said. He was quite alone. He would be about 20 years or over. Had on a tweed suit, but no hat.
Medium seemed to be more drawn to the Hills, as their beauty seemed to make a great impression on her.
She stated it was daylight, where she saw this vision. There was only one man with sheep, but she saw several shepherds. Medium stated someone touched her.
After this vision, medium saw these letters, which appear to be a hymn. E-M-Y-L-I-F-E-L-E-T-B-E- (Take My Life and Let It Be.)
Medium then has a strong impulse to write, although not in trance.
The medium has a luminous band on the wrist next to the cabinet, and a luminous jacket on. Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton both have luminous bands on their wrists.
All the circle are now holding hands, while Mrs. Poole and Mr. McLaughlin have both hands on the table, while Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton have one hand each on the table. Table moves.
Hymn:
"Rescue the Perishing".
Medium's chair placed slightly inside the cabinet. Her chair was pushed forward out of the cabinet.
Medium now placed between Dr. Hamilton's chair and the cabinet. Mrs. Hamilton has both hands on the table, while the medium and Dr. Hamilton have one hand each on it, also Mr. McLaughlin has one hand on the table.
Hymn:
"Shall We Gather At the River."
Mr. McLaughlin has one hand of the medium while Dr. Hamilton has the other.
Hands on table again to get raps. Table moves. The luminous plaque on the middle of the table was shoved up.
One rap was then heard.
10:20 p.m. Dr. Hamilton addressed the table, asking for three raps if ready to talk. (Three raps.)
Q. "Will you respond to the alphabet?" (No answer)
Q. "Will you answer questions? (3 raps)
Q. "Is the chair, as we have altered it, a detriment to the phenomena of trying to levitate the medium?" (3 raps)
Q. "Can you not lift the chair?" (1 rap)
Q. "Do you think the platform should be taken off? (3 raps)
Q. "Can you lift the medium if platform is taken off?" (3 raps)
Q. "Can we have a little light if the power is built up?" (1 rap)
Q. "Is the power too weak for the tolerance of the light?" (2 raps)
Q. "Does that mean you do not know?" (No Answer)
Q. "Will you rap once for each member in the circle on the other side?" (7 raps)
Q. "Is seven that complete circle?" (3 raps)
Q. "Are you acquainted with what happened at another sitting held at a friend's house a few evenings ago?" (1 rap)
Q. "You were not present?" (1 rap)
Q. "Are there any others here besides the seven, that is, any others from your side here?" (1 rap)
Q. "Is there any other company of people on your side looking at your work?" (3 raps)
Q. "Are there groups of others looking on?" (3 raps)
Q. "Do they look on because it helps them?" (3 raps)
Q. "Do any of them look on for curiosity?" (1 rap)
Q. "The hymns that we get, should they be sung immediately?" (1 rap)
Q. "Should we just make use of those hymns when singing:" (3 raps)
Q. "Do you prefer these hymns beyond others?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is it the idea that they produce more phenomena?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is it the rhythm of the hymn that helps the phenomena?" (3 raps)
Q. "Should we choose hymns of that type?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is it because these hymns speak of the other side?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is it your idea that the people on this side do not think enough of the other side?" (3 raps)
Q. "Would it be better to sing hymns of this kind?" (3 raps)
Q. "You state there were seven there, is M. McCone of these?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is W. T. Stead one of these?" (3 raps)
Q. "Is he the one indicating by raps, and is he responsible for the answers to these questions?" (3 raps)
Q. "If this is W. T. Stead you are acquainted with the various elements. Are there other elements in the air?" (No answer)
Q. "Are you acquainted with the Flammarion theory?" (1 rap)
A question is put by Mr. McLaughlin:
Q. "Has Margaret visited her mother recently?" (3 raps)
Q. "Does she visit other members of the family?" (3 raps)
Q. "Does she spend some time with her brother?" (3 raps)
Back to questions from Dr. Hamilton:
Q. "Is it possible for those on your side to give mental impressions to those on this side?" (1rap)
Q. "Can you enthuse a person, that is, give them extra energy to do certain things, and extra desire to do them?" (3 raps)
Medium then goes into trance once more, at 10:50 p.m.
Medium writes while in trance.
Upon inquiry, the medium states she remembers starting around the circle.
After coming out of trance, the medium states she has been at a lighthouse. She stated there were about 40 or 50 kiddies around. Did not know whether it were a picnic or not. The little girls had long dresses on with frills right to their ankles. Her friend was only a little boy about seven or eight years old. Had on a little skirt and coat. He appeared to be having a good time with the rest.
The lights were turned on to let the medium rest.
Adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
May 24, 1925.
[Automatic writing.]
"Christ the Lord shall come again ... Wait? For him in faith."
[ Photo ]
"I will then his glory see."
[ Photo ]
"Christ will come"
[ Photo ]
"and call on me"
[ Photo ]
At the May 31, 1925, sitting the sitters were Mr. Hugh Reed, Lillian Hamilton, Mr. D. B. MacDonald, Dr. J. A. Hamilton, Mrs. H. Stacpoole (Cardston, Alberta), Dr. Glen Hamilton, Medium ( Mrs. Poole), Mrs. Featherstone was the stenographer.
First trance script. Re "Arabian Nights" and the Grandfather.
"Once the older gentleman stood up behind me. I grew dread with fear ... He did not take the book away; he only envied ... Arabian Nights."
R. L. S., the child, reading "Arabian Nights". His grandfather, Reverend Balfour enters the room; the child is afraid - the old gentleman, however, is kind. (See R. L. Stevenson, essay "A Penny Plain."
First trance vision:
"I was away in a big house the night and I saw an old gentleman. I think it was the grandfather. And I seen R. L. Stevenson. But oh, he had an awful little pair of pants and a short coat and no collar and a funny little round hat ... something like a sailor hat ... He was reading a book and this old gentleman was beside him. He stood behind the boy and looked over his shoulders. They paid no attention to me."
There was mohair furniture in the room - I saw pictures on the wall, but I was not drawn to see them.
R. L. Stevenson was about twelve or thirteen. He was reading or writing in a book - I am not sure which. The old gentleman had a round face and side-whiskers ... he stood behind the boy."
Verification:
"Of all of the years of my life I can recall but one home-coming to compare with this ... and that was the night when I brought back with me the Arabian Entertainments in the fat, old, double-columned volume with the prints. I was just well into the story of the hunchback, I remember, when my clergyman grandfather came in behind me. I grew blind with terror. But instead of ordering the book away he said he envied me." (From "A Penny Plain, Memoirs and Portraits", Page 202).
Comment:
Both script and vision carry well this bit of after-death reminiscing.
Note "I grew blind with terror" has been modified to read "I grew dread with fear." Arabian Entertainments is changed to "Arabian Nights."
R. L. Stevenson uses the new phraseology at will.
R. L. Stevenson uses the new phraseology at will.
The correspondence of ideas is well carried out. One marvels at the perfection of the imagery paralleled; and E.M.'s ability to "see" and describe, as always, is a most natural and interesting experience.
Somehow, the great R. L. Stevenson creative mind has found a great, unsullied sensitive. The phenomena give indisputable evidence that a mind stored with the most intimate details of R. L. Stevenson's past is transmitting.
Lights out: hymns sung; medium passes into deep trance, falling against Dr. Hamilton who supports her with his right arm.
Medium remains in relaxed, passive condition for about 10 minutes, then rouses (still deeply entranced), and writes.
Hymn sung. Medium says she sees letters coming - calls out the following:
"NOWJUSTFRH"
Says she did not get them all. She is found to be perspiring after seeing the letters. Dr. Hamilton asks that more letters be given - another verse sung - medium passes into second trance.
Medium in deep sleep writes rapidly - we notice that it is different handwriting, being very small - usual control is large, vigorous, and given in very decided movements.
Second trance script:
"What of the night! Christ is coming! He is not far away!"
(Signed) W. O. H. (William Oliver Hamilton,
T. G. H.'s brother, died 1922.)
Strange predictions of "Night" coming.
W. T. Stead, (drowned in sinking of the Titanic, 1912)
[This message was not then understood. Doubtless it refers to the gathering shadows of war, which erupted in 1939.]
Second trance script laid out to be examined after the sitting.
Medium comes back to normal consciousness and tells of "experiences".
Second trance vision:
"I saw just an old man ... he took me a way someplace ... he was here ... I saw him, he was here ... between myself and Mr. Reed ... I must have walked with him ... I never saw him before ... he had a nice face, but old ... he had white, white hair ... he was not very big ... I saw no clothes ... I only saw his face ... I think it was on the "other side" ... it was in a bluish light ... it seemed all in a cloud or veil to me ..."
Medium's two hands, Mr. Reed's two, Dr. Hamilton's right and Mrs. Hamilton's left placed in contact with the table top.
Medium's hands guarded by Mr. Reed and Dr. Hamilton.
Medium on her chair is pitched violently about - legs of chair under great stress - can be heard scraping across the floor, then being lifted and thrown back again violently with great force. Medium is pushed into the center of the circle, then back again in sudden jerks.
Several of the sitters grasp the chair and try to stop the movements - find it seems as if lifted by a giant. All the time, the medium's hands are resting on top of the table - the table moves along in the same violent manner.
This lasts for about five minutes. Phenomena ceases suddenly and the medium is found to be perspiring and breathing heavily and in a semi-dazed condition. She complains weakly of being "down and out". We rest quietly; A hymn is sung.
Medium says she sees a lady standing behind Mr. Reed's chair - cannot see her very clearly - says she "is no coming through properly". She has seen this lady before near Mr. Reed. She suddenly exclaims: "Oh, look, she is giving me flowers ... they are white and some bluebells ... now they are gone."
Two small boys show themselves to the medium - one is chubby with curly hair - the other is thinner with hair combed down flat - this one "grins" at her as if he knew her. She says that these are the boys that often come to Mrs. Cummings. (One of the sitters not present). They would be about seven or eight.
Same hands in contact with the table, same control. Raps begin. The following dialogue takes place between Dr. Hamilton and the "raps".
Q. "Will you spell to the alphabet?" (3 raps) (Yes)
Dr. Hamilton calls over letters - no answer.
Q. "Shall we ask questions?" (3 raps)
Q. "Are you trying to levitate the medium, the chair as well?" (3 raps)
Q. "Do you expect to succeed?" (2 raps) (don't know)
Q. "Do you like the smaller group tonight?" (3 raps) (very loud and emphatic)
Q. "Is the large group a waste of power?" (1 rap) (No)
Q. "Is it too hard on the medium?" (1 rap)
Q. "Will you spell back to us one or two words that will tell us why there should not be too many?" (Dr. Hamilton calls over the alphabet)
Raps: "TO MANT" ...(raps give signal that there is a mistake)
Raps: "Y NOT OF SAME MIND."
Raps: "Y NOT OF SAME MIND."
Q. "Too many not of the same mind', is that right?" (3 raps)
Powerful movements of the medium and the table. E.M. exhausted. Raps spell: "Not the same mind."
Sitting closes:
[Automatic writing.]
"once the old gentle-man - stole up - behind me."
"I grew dread - with fear - he did not - take the"
"he only book - envied - (undecipherable)"
"What of the night: Christ is coming - he is not far ..."
[ Photo ]
"a very mighty king" (?)
"will reign"
"Christ is coming"
Second trance script deciphered:
[Handwritten note: The small handwriting in the second trance is signed by W. T. Stead and W. O. H. to the effect that though all nations would go through a night of darkness - Christ would soon reign. - L.H.]
June 5, 1925.
R. L. S. devotion to Samoa and the Samoans.
Script: "He strove from the first to render his presence ... to the natives on the island he loved."
Vision: "I was away on islands I never was there before. I don't know how I got there ... I saw my friend but also a few kind of red men, some dark skinned, very black hair, a cap on their heads, or may be the way their hair was done and not much clothing on them ... He seemed to be friendly with them. None of them came to me. He was talking to you. I don't know what a part of this island is ... R. L. Stevenson headstone ... but the stone was not there. R. L. Stevenson looked a bit older ... he had on dark pants, not a coat. R. L Stevenson was talking a time to me; I can't think of anything he said."
Verification: "I love Samoa and her people. I love the land I have chosen to be my home while I live, and my grave after I am dead; and I love the people, and have chosen them to be my people to live and die with." (From R. L. Stevenson's speech of acceptance of the Road of the Loving Heart, prepared for him by the natives under the direction of their chiefs, October 1894, two months before death took him. (See "Letters", volume V. appendix, page 193) His heart remembers how. (L. H.)
[ Photo - 1925 - Jun 7 - Notes ]
At the seance of June 8, 1925,
the sitters were Mrs. Poole, Dr. J. A. Hamilton, Mr. Hugh Reed, Mr. and Mrs. Cummings, Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton.
The visitors were Dr. and Mrs. McNally, Professor and Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Leggatt.
Hymns sung, medium falls into trance and writes. Writing laid by to be examined after sitting.
Medium regains normal consciousness and describes vision:
Medium regains normal consciousness and describes vision:
First trance script set aside for later examination:
First trance vision:
Vision: "I was in the office the night ... he was there and his father ... they were no pleased with each other ... there was something the father wanted him to do but he wouldn't do it. I don't know what it was. I could see by their faces that they were no pleased. I could see on the wall the picture of some lighthouses. I saw a picture of a big ship and one of a small yacht. The young man had on a white suit ..."
After the sitting, the writing was examined and found to be:
"Now the time had come when he must tell his father that he has no interest in mathematical ... (indecipherable) ... determination ? ..."
To those familiar with the life of R. L. Stevenson, this picture and script are at once understandable.
They refer, of course, to the trouble which arose between the young Louis and Thomas Stevenson over the determination of the former to follow the profession of letters, and his refusal to continue the study of engineering. In consequence of this difference of opinion they had many a "wordy battle". This trouble has been referred to by the communicator in several previous messages. (See Balfour and others).
They refer, of course, to the trouble which arose between the young Louis and Thomas Stevenson over the determination of the former to follow the profession of letters, and his refusal to continue the study of engineering. In consequence of this difference of opinion they had many a "wordy battle". This trouble has been referred to by the communicator in several previous messages. (See Balfour and others).
Following the description of the vision by the medium, another hymn is sung.
Trance II. A Strange Prophecy.
Script: "What of the night? Behold! Men of all nations are trembling with fear, waking and slumbering, and run from the carnage!"
Vision: Of unknown men in the "Other World" talking to each other and to E.M. Was this related to World War II?
Second trance, solemn warning that the "Night" of humanity's sorrow is coming. (Attributed to W. T. Stead.).
Medium now sees clairvoyantly letters of fire in the air - she calls them out - Dr. Hamilton records:
"RESCUETHEPERISHING."
(Hymns to be sung are thus indicated). This hymn, "Rescue the Perishing", is now sung. Further letters appear:
"SAFEINTHEARMOFJESUS."
Medium's and Mr. Reed's hands are placed in contact with the table top. Table moves about. Medium is pushed violently about the floor.
When this phenomenon ceases she is found to be breathing heavily and in a semi-trance state. She complains of a "done out" feeling. Red light turned on an a period of rest.
When this phenomenon ceases she is found to be breathing heavily and in a semi-trance state. She complains of a "done out" feeling. Red light turned on an a period of rest.
Violent movements of the medium's chair, exhausting her.
Medium's hands are in contact with the table - her hands are guarded or controlled by Mr. Reed on the right and Dr. Hamilton on the left. L.H. placed one hand next Mr. Reed's right. Raps are now heard. The following questions and answers are given and received.
Q. "Will you give us three raps when you are ready to spell?" (3 raps heard shortly)
Q. "Is the physical phenomena limited by the available force?" (3 raps) (Yes)
Q. "Are you rapping by means of externalized force drawn from the medium's body?" (3 raps) (Yes)
Q. "Are we, when we try to communicate, touching on a mental world?" ( 3 raps) (Yes)
Q. "Does concentration or expectation rather hinder the production of phenomena?" (2 raps) (doubtful)
(Continuation of June 8, 1925, script)
A second example, communicated on June 8, 1925, centers around R. L. Stevenson's early determination to become an author. Like a great many of the scripts of this date, it is given in the third person:
"It was not so much that he wished to be an author, as that he vowed he would learn to write."
This may be very favorably compared with Stevenson's lines in "A College Magazine":
"It was not so much that I wished to be an author (though I wished that) as that I vowed I would learn to write."
In the vision we have depicted in tableau-pantomime form the opposition which Stevenson's father first showed towards this decision. The older Stevenson was bitterly disappointed that his only son did not choose to follow the profession of lighthouse engineering which had distinguished the Stevenson family for two generations.
One result ... one inevitable result, of his persistence was domestic disapproval, which as time passes touched on the verge of tragedy ... between father and son it developed into a contest of wills, and in the end the stronger will prevailed, as in the nature of things it must prevail."
This contest of wills seems to be the main idea presented by the vision;
"I was away in the old city and saw him there. He lookit like one in his teens. Tall and thin. I think it was his father and him. His father wanted him to take some work but he wouldna. The lad had a lot of books and his pencil and he stood at times and then sat down. It was in a room. There was a writing desk and a big table with a back on it for writing. And there was two big chairs. There was a big picture with a ship on it. This was above the writing desk. The ship was painted. He was not twenty - near it though. I could not tell what he was wrong to do what he want hisself. The father came to take the papers and the lad held them as he was going to do what he wanted. He had long black hair. The father had on an ulster jacked like a house coat. I saw no other people. It was daylight. I just seemed to appear in this room ... I seemed almost behind young Stevenson. The father was at the side.
Young Stevenson, having conquered his father, turned to the more difficult task of conquering his pen. His methods of learning to write were somewhat peculiar, and at the time, and since, have excited a good deal of criticism. The next example of the Stevenson-Elizabeth M. trance products is concerned with this phase of Stevenson's life.
During April of 1878, Stevenson, then in his twenty-eighth year, had occasion to spend three weeks at a small English Inn known as Burford Arms. It was situated at the foot of Box Hill and was near the home of some literary friends whom Stevenson sometimes visited.
Stevenson wrote of this holiday in his essay "A Gossip on Romance" and he tells there also that he tried to describe the surrounding countryside; but, he says, "It is one thing to write about the inn at Burford, or to describe the scenery with the word-painter's art; it is quite another to seize on the heart of the suggestion and make a country famous with a legend.
In still another essay, "A College Magazine", Stevenson tells something of his methods of learning to write. "Whenever I read a book or a passage that particularly pleased me, I must sit down and at once set myself to ape that particular quality ... I have thus played the sedulous ape to Hazlitt, to Lamb, to Wordsworth and to Obermanne." And in this same essay he tells how, when he walked, his mind was busy fitting what he saw with appropriate words to "note down the features of the scene or commemorate some halting stanza."
It is interesting now to observe how the 'Stevenson' trance entity wove all these various memories into the script and vision of November, 1924(9th?)
"Until now have been content to write about an inn at Burford ... describe scenery ... word painter ... sedulous ape."
The panoramic form of the vision suggests these same memories with their associations; walking to observe and note the landscape; the inn at Burford; the home near Burford which Stevenson visited; and his habit of copying from the words of the various classical stylists.
"I was away in a pretty place. I was at the shore and I left the shore and went away along the road and there were hills on the right hand and lowland on the left. I went on a long road till I came to a hotel. I saw the name of it - 'Ford' - not Hurtford. Then I went on till I came to a little house on the left hand. I was in it - a small cottage with a thatched roof. I was in there and my friend and two or three others were there. He lookit about twenty years. He had a tweed suit with knickerbockers on. They had a lot of books. They were writing. The hills were all green, the lowland was green with trees and rocks and quite a nice shore of the ocean showing."
[Prediction series]
"What of the night -"
[ Photo ]
"behold" (?)
"men of all nations"
[ Photo ]
"trembling"
[ Photo ]
"with fear"
[ Photo ]
"quaking and"
[ Photo ]
"slumbering"
[ Photo ]
"and rushing(?) from"
[ Photo ]
"the carnage"
[ Photo ]
June 14, 1925.
Loud blow.
Two themes in one deep trance. Mrs. Osbourne's divorce, "A Child's Garden of Verse", Foreign Lands, verse 4.
Mrs. Osborne's divorce. (Trance 1). Foreign Lands. (The third time 2 themes in one trance.).
First trance script:
a) Circumstances convinced ... separation from her husband.
b) If I could see a higher tree I would go farther and farther away."
First trance vision:
"I was in a big city. I went to a house and my friend was there and this woman. She was packing a grip and I went to the station with her."
"Then I went up a Hill and there was a few trees on it. One tree at the top, and I stood beside it and looked as far as I could see. It was fine scenery. I could see a big city; I saw no water ... I was alone on the hill ... but one tree seemed to draw me."
Verification:
First part of script refers to Mrs. Osbourne's divorce, shortly after which she married R. L. Stevenson.
The tree business was not understood. Months later it was discovered in the lines from the poem "Foreign Lands", (CGV):
"If I could find a higher tree, farther and farther I could see.
To where the grown-up river slips into the sea among the ships. (Verse 4).
To where the grown-up river slips into the sea among the ships. (Verse 4).
[Comment: "R. L. Stevenson's control over imagery is more pronounced than ever. He puts totally unrelated themes together, and forms scenes which illustrate them precisely].
Love for Mrs. Osborne (fourth time this theme appears).
Second trance script:
"Travels with a Donkey"... inspired as never before ... result perfect love."
Second trance vision:
"I got my friend going on a donkey ... I laughed at him ... he got on to a donkey and he had a bag on his back with books and papers ... a leather school pack with two arms in it on center of back ... he had the carpet bag to one side, more to the back ... on his left. I thought I laughed out ... and what a funny saddle ... it was partly made because it was not much good. It's the funniest picture".
"He could a' walked ... he was so much bigger than the donkey. He was not talking to me, he was talking to his donkey. He was not mad at it. He was about 28."
"I stood and laughed at him. I just got back ... he hisself led up the donkey and his stuff was in a pile ready to go on. I saw him put papers in the bag on his shoulders, and he had a strap and buckled the carpet bag by a strap to the donkey ... he had old clothes on and on old hat ... a soft collar."
Comments: R. L. Stevenson whimsical - all details of vision represent facts, except one - he did not ride on little Modestine. Surely this is put in for a bit of fun, which E.M. enjoys to the full.
Verification:
"... On the day of my departure I was up a little after five; by six we began to load the donkey; and 10 minutes after, my hopes were in the dust! No pad would stay on Modestine's back for half a moment. I returned it to its maker ... I had a common donkey pack, saddle-fitted upon Modestine, and once more loaded her with my effects ... In such a monstrous deck-cargo, all poised above the donkey shoulders ... on a broad new pack-saddle that had not yet been worn to fit the animal, and fastened with brand-new girth ... even a very careless traveler should have seen disaster brewing ... I went forth from the stable-door as an ox goeth to the slaughter."
June 21, 1925.
Two themes again in one trance.
Script: A. Gratitude is a lame sentiment for when thanks is expressed ...
Script B. Title is not mine but from a better man ...
Script C. Certain houses are meant to be haunted, certain coasts to be shipwrecked.
First trance vision:
"... I went to a house and saw my friend. He had given something to somebody and he was so pleased. He was writing."
"Then I saw R. L. Stevenson and he took me into a house. I saw a form there, a ghost. I did not want to go in. Then we left there and walked until we came to the shore and I saw a wreck there. This picture was awful! I did not like it."
Comment:
In her trance state E.M. started suddenly, as if frightened, and nearly came out of trance. Her fear of the ghost was very real. This surely is a near-perfect demonstration of a psycho-hypnotic impact.
Verification:
Literary A. "Gratitude is but a lame sentiment; thanks, when they are expressed, are often more embarrassing than welcome." (See "Dedication to Underwoods.")
Literary B. "Of all my verse like not a single line; but like my title for it is not mine: That title from a better man I stole; Ah, how much better had I stole the whole!" ("Underwoods", Title verse.)
Literary C. "Certain old houses demand to be haunted; certain coasts are set aside for shipwreck." (From essay "A Gossip on Romance.")
Comment:
The "gift" is the "Dedication to Underwoods", to doctors who had attended R. L. Stevenson in his near-death illnesses. He is glad to be able to acknowledge his indebtedness. (See gift to Cummie of "Dedication to Underwoods" CGV #3).
The "ghost" and the "wreck" match ideas found in the essay "A Gossip on Romance." R. L. Stevenson was quite aware that the picture of the ghost and the shipwreck had really frightened E.M. He made this clear a week later.
June 28, 1925.
The first trance had two themes.
A. Return visits to the haunted house.
B. The Amateur Emigrant again.
First trance script:
Script: A. "You need not be afraid to enter the haunted house. Do not fear, my little friend, for I am in spirit, not a ghost. - Discretion, tested by a hundred secrets."
Script B. He was bound for New York, not with steerage passengers but with second-class passengers."
First trance vision:
"I was away back in that house I was in last Sunday. I did no want to go in, but he took me through it. It is a small house ... it was empty, an old, old place. There was no furniture; the grounds were overgrown. It had been empty a while. I can't tell you what he said and then he went away in a boat. I was with him. It was not first-class. Then I landed in a big city and I lost him there."
Comment:
R. L. Stevenson shows himself to be an excellent psychologist: he takes the medium back to the imaginary haunted house and makes her overcome her fear. The imagery naturally moves to a boat, and memories of the amateur emigrant days. He traveled second-class (see book). Some writers placed him in the steerage, but this is an error ... The vision of the house demonstrates R. L. Stevenson's ability as a word-painter, through the simple, child-like speech of his medium.
Livingstone's forerunner appeared.
E.M. in trance, got up, walked about the room, stamped her foot, and for the first time in trance, spoke, giving the name "James White."
Then she sat down and wrote:
Second trance script:
"Behold with witnesses ... encompassed ... Men who with suffering ... (have been) tried - but now are crowned."
Second trance vision:
Vision: "I saw a nice gentleman and I went to a Lodge gate and into beautiful grounds ... flowers and statutes and a fountain ... a figure with water shimmering. I saw a big house ... I did not go into it. The man spoke to me ... he had white hair and a white beard ... I never saw him before."
[ Photo of chart of trance states - June, 1925 ]
July 3, 1925.
Cummie and prayer. R. L. Stevenson's death.
(Trance 1).
(Trance 1).
Note: the above records marked the end of R L. Stevenson's work alone.
We have seen and noted R. L. Stevenson's increasing use of trance-sleep for transmitting memory-ideas, first in one trance, then two ideas, then gradually, a growing ability to handle three different memory-bearing streams, in one deep trance.
In this next section we will observe Stevenson and David Livingstone, attempting to use one trance sleep, after they have each worked separately - one in Trance 1 and one in Trance 2.
R. L. Stevenson's long period of preparation appears to have been designed for the following objective: the coming in of a second personality with his memories and visions; visions projected onto the mind of Elizabeth M. by some means of direct hypnotic or telepathic suggestion.
Dr. Hamilton: "When may visitors attend our circle?"
Non-contact raps: "When materialization is visible, and if all are interested. W. T. S."
Two themes: Memories of Cummie's teachings, combined with memories of his own death.
First trance script:
