1929
Mar 24 - Apr 14
March 24, 1929.
Large amorphous mass. 1st exposure. 2nd exposure. Residual
mass.
[ Photo of amorphous teleplasm - first exposure ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo of amorphous teleplasm - second exposure - residue ]
[ Photo of first and second exposure compared ]
9:08 p.m.. All sang "unto The Hills".
9:11 p.m.. All sang "Abide With Me".
9:12 p.m. Elizabeth M. in trance.
9:13 p.m. to 9:18 p.m. Writing.
9:20 p.m.. T. G. H. reported "deep."
9:21 p.m.. Writing
9:23 p.m. All sang "Lead Kindly Light".
9:24 p.m. Writing.
9:28 p.m. Elizabeth M. out of trance.
T. G. H. opened all cameras.
9:31 p.m. Elizabeth M. related as follows:
"The picture of Livingstone was good. He was in an altogether strange place, in a hotel, having dinner. Something happened that made him go out. He had to meet two people. I don't know where I got to them."
"Then I saw Livingstone. Another man had said something, and R. L. Stevenson did not want to hear the story."
"I saw Stead. Something was upsetting him. He looked all around a group of people he had with him. There was a big circle of them and an inner circle too. I didn't notice whether they were holding hands."
9:35 p.m. Mary M. in trance.
Elizabeth M. continued:
"I had Spotty (Flammarion) too, and he told me a lot. There was quite a bunch all around; among them some red people."
9:36 p.m. "Golden Slippers" on gramophone. All joined in chorus. Medium tapping with feet in time occasionally.
9:46 p.m. - 9:48 p.m. Writing. Pencil dropped to floor and medium crumpled up paper. Medium then banged the table with her hand several times.
9:49 p.m.
Control: "Good evening."
All said "Good evening."
T. G. H.: "Is it Walter?"
Walter: "It is supposed to be."
T. G. H.: "How are things tonight?"
Walter: "Very bad."
T. G. H.: "Is the trouble on our side?"
Walter: "No."
T. G. H.: "Is there anything we can do to rectify?"
Walter: "There is a great number here and I cannot keep them out. When the little medium's here, they get in."
T. G. H.: "It is worse than it was a few weeks ago?"
Walter: "Oh, not so much worse."
T. G. H.: "Will they keep out if we ask them - to help our work?"
Walter: "There is a big Indian here - he is very powerful. He is not like Black Hawk: he is a Hindu. They are very hard to press out of your way. I will swear in a minute."
T. G. H.: "Everyone get out of the way."
Walter: "They laugh at you, and no wonder. You seem to think there are about six people over here; and they are all working for you. It is your thoughts that are drawing them . You are full of tension, and they are just looking at you and trying to see what is coming next. If I could only put you all in trance!"
"Our friend is not here tonight."
T. G. H.: "Do you mean Spurgeon? Has he given the work up?"
Walter: (vehemently) "We never give the work up. You may, but we don't."
T. G. H.: "Can we sing any hymn to bring him?"
Walter: "He will not be here tonight; he is otherwise engaged. He is with friends."
9:55 p.m.
"Are you ready to take a picture?"
T. G. H.: "I am. You told me to be ready always."
Walter: "How quickly you say that."
T. G. H.: "We are ready and have three shots prepared."
Walter: "And who are you going to shoot?"
T. G. H.: "Whomever you like - you, I hope, someday."
Walter: "You cannot shoot me - I am beyond that. Well, why don't you shoot?"
T. G. H.: "I am ready and waiting for your signal."
Walter: "Well, shoot, shoot."
9:58 p.m. Flash fired.
Members of circle on right and left of medium feeling her cheeks, face, and temples and find nothing there."
9:59 p.m. All sang "Jingle Bells."
Walter: "Could you arrange to take three pictures ... one after the other quickly - so many cameras for the first, so many for the second, and so many for the third - so that I could show you the ectoplasm disappearing?"
T. G. H.: "We couldn't do that very well."
Walter: "How many cameras have you?"
T. G. H.: "Seven or eight."
Walter: "Could you not have some take the first picture, some the second, and some the third?"
T. G. H.: "A movie camera would do that, or else I must get two men trained to work the cameras with me - even then it would take about 20 seconds."
Walter: "I cannot wait for 20 seconds. Could you not have three wires leading to the three sets of cameras?"
T. G. H.: "No. I could not do that."
Walter: "I could. All right, suit your grief. I wonder what you look like when you are happy? ... It is so difficult. If I just relax a little bit, they are right in on top."
10:05 p.m.. Medium tapped on table and all sang "Jingle Bells."
Walter: "Why don't you let yourself go?"
T. G. H.: "Who, me?"
Walter: "No. The one on the medium's left hand."
(Barney C.). How can I do that, Walter?" I am trying, but perhaps I am not using the right method."
Walter: "You should not lean up against the cabinet."
Barney C.: "How do you make your mind blank?"
Walter: "How do you go to sleep?"
T. G. H.: "Is that it! Is everything you see in dreams, a trance?"
Walter: "You want to know something?"
T. G. H.: "Well, I am asked lots of questions."
Walter: "Well, just tell them to find out." (Medium's hand steadily scratching table.)
Walter: "How would you like to scratch for a living? I am not doing this to amuse you."
T. G. H.: "We all realize that."
Walter: "Down among the dead we let him lie."
Lillian Hamilton: "That's a song."
Walter: "Sing it." (No one could.)
Walter: (Still scratching). "That's friction."
T. G. H.: "I will arrange for the movie camera, and a continuous flash for eight or 10 seconds. Will that suit you?"
Walter: "I don't know. You will have to try it and see. I will try anything once."
10:11 p.m. All sang "Clementine."
10:13 p.m. All sang "Jingle Bells."
Walter: "I would like to make a little change in the circle if possible. There are three ladies together, and I would like you to put a gentleman between them ."
T. G. H.: "Between Mrs. Hamilton and Ms. Turner?"
Walter: "You see, I want to have an even number of ladies and gentlemen. The contact is not even - it is not balanced evenly."
T. G. H.: "Now?"
Walter: "No, it's all right now; but I would like to change next time."
T. G. H.: "Do you want to change H. Green's position from next to J. A. Hamilton?"
10:15 p.m.
Walter: "I don't mind how you change them so long as you get an even contact for me. No, I don't wish to bring him (H. Green) closer - the contact would be too strong. I would rather have him directly in front of the medium, but he is all right where he is. He should not be too close, as the power is too great."
T. G. H.: "Do you want a new man between Lillian and Ms. Turner or between Ms. Turner and Mrs. A?"
Walter: "I don't mind which place, but I want one."
T. G. H.: "Would you rather have two men - one in each place?"
Walter: "Yes, or one dropout - Oh, it is all right. It is quite all right. I won't ask any of you to drop."
T. G. H.: "You would rather have two men in?"
Walter: "Yes, and it would be much better if you could spread out a little - you are too close and you bring them too close. Knock the walls down and get the space ... I wish you would give the medium a diet; she eats too much ... I mean it."
T. G. H.: "What would you suggest?"
Walter: "To cut out a great many things: meats, butter, tea, sweets and things like that that she indulges in. Don't tell her I said this."
T. G. H.: "Shall I prescribe for her?"
Walter: "No one must tell her - I do not want her to know - but she does eat too much. All mediums should be dieted, in fact, to get the best results. They should almost fast. But she won't do it if you tell her this from me. You must do it as medical advice. She would not take any notice of me. Understand: I do not wish her to know that I spoke of it."
10:21 p.m.
T. G. H.: "Does your speaking register nothing on her brain - will she remember nothing of what you have said? Where is she while you are here?"
Walter: "No - she will know nothing. Another thing I wish you to do when she is under trance a few minutes: I would like if someone would let down her gown from the shoulder and then replace it before she comes out of trance - just her shoulders and down the back of her neck. She has another garment under; but it is all right. I would try to bring the ectoplasm from her shoulders if I could get them bare. When I have to bring it out of her mouth or nose it is not so good."
T. G. H.: "Could we do anything to increase her interest?"
Walter: "No. She is very busy and I understand. She has more to do than she should."
T. G. H.: "Should we get after the preacher?"
Walter: "He has nothing to do with it, I think; but she has a great many people calling upon her. She does too much - she should rest more."
T. G. H.: "Is it her own work - housework - or people wanting her because of her faculties?"
Walter: "Not because of her faculties. It is her other work ... When you break, break for a few seconds before you put the light up, and don't let any one into my medium. There is a Hindu here waiting to come in. I will try to hold him. He is powerful; but Black Hawk is here and we'll try to help."
T. G. H.: "Shall we break now?"
Walter: "Just as you like. If you like. There is no hurry, if you want to ask questions."
J. A. Hamilton asked a question about a cat incident which was answered by Walter who continued "Do not bring any animals into this room as they create a great disturbance."
T. G. H.: "Is it a fact that mediums who die are more likely to manifest than others?"
Walter: " They do after a time- they are asleep for some time. A great deal depends."
Miss Turner: "If the medium dies, do her controls come through others?"
Walter: "Yes. You are not the only ones that we come to. We visit thousands and many don't realize it even."
Elizabeth M.: "Many come and knock."
Walter: "It is not I. I come if there is a call, but I haven't. Look to others - perhaps your husband."
T. G. H.: "How are doctors Blanchard and Bell getting along?"
Walter: "Fine. Blanchard is doing splendidly and will come through later."
T. G. H.: "I wish we could get a photograph of Blanchard."
Walter: "That would be a tall order. I cannot do as I like.
T. G. H.: "Do you produce the ectoplasm?"
Walter: "I do. We cannot produce a picture of Blanchard unless he is willing. He is just like a baby now - all have to learn again."
T. G. H.: "Did you say that the picture of the boy in the group of five is not Arthur?"
Walter: "I said someone else claims him."
T. G. H.: "Do you say it is him?"
Walter: "Yes, I say it is your son."
T. G. H.: "And the other at the top left?"
Walter: "Raymond's grandfather, Sir Oliver Lodge's father, William Lodge."
[This is an error. It was Lady Lodge's father. (??)]
Whittaker: "Does it take more power for you to speak with the ectoplasmic voice than with the medium's voice?"
Walter: "Yes. I cannot use the ectoplasmic "voice" tonight. When I use her voice it is louder."
Whittaker: "Do you take in the ectoplasm from the skin?"
Walter: "No. I will build it on the medium's shoulders the same as you would build a pyramid."
T. G. H.: "Could we put some white cotton batten on the medium's cheek, or in the vicinity of the ectoplasm, so that we might get both in a photograph?"
Walter: "I do not think that advisable - you may cause some trouble."
T. G. H.: "By way of criticism?"
10:37 p.m.
Walter: "No, to the medium. If you were to place anything on her face, it would interfere with my arrangements. It must not be on her at all. If placed on her face it will darken what I give you. It is absolutely impossible to put it on her. So long as it is not near the medium it might be all right. You will find, however, that it will interfere."
10:39 p.m. T. G. H. breaks.
T. G. H. closed all cameras
[Letter from Lillian Hamilton to Mr. Bird of the A.S.P.R.]
Dr. Hamilton feels that the time has come when he must begin to publish some of his records. A ready invitation has come from the "Old Land", but apart from a short analysis and review of our ten years of investigations which is shortly to appear in "LIGHT", he has not as yet complied with these requests.
He is considering sending an article to "Psychic Science" in the near future; just which phase of the subject he has not decided.
As he is a member of the A.S.P.R., he would be glad to send in some articles to your journal if you so desire. He is prepared to begin a series of papers at once, and has under consideration the following subjects: table levitations, with and without contact (illustrated); trends and analysis (illustrated); bell box ringing in Winnipeg group (illustrated); (a) teleplasmic phenomena in their Winnipeg group. (illustrating supernormal manipulation e.g. knots, twistings, medallions; (b) those showing supernormal representation of faces (illustrated).
Will you kindly let him know which of these subjects you prefer to have first? And in what order?
He suggests that as the photographs of these materializations take us, whether we like it or not, right up against the survival theory "with a bang", it would be well to leave them to the last. He is afraid they might be too strong meat for a start.
As Dr. Crandon said in a letter to you months back, "A critic would say they are either the grossest fraud or they represent spirit pictures better than any others yet produced." There is, we think, no halfway position for them . We know, however, that they are secured under the most water-tight conditions we could devise.
We are exceedingly fortunate in having the assistance of a very fine group. Among these are Mr. H. A. V. Green, assistant solicitor for the Canadian Pacific railway; Mr. W. B. Cooper, departmental head of a large and well known insurance and bond house, Miss Ada Turner, University graduate and teacher of English in the technical high school; Mr. W. E. Hobbes, civil engineer and holding a responsible government position; and Dr. J. A. Hamilton, practicing physician. These are all willing to corroborate Dr. Hamilton's evidence.
Mr. Green is also quite prominent here in literary and dramatic (nonprofessional) circles and has now for some years been a keen student of psychical research. He joined our group early in 1928. Recently he has written a fairly extensive and independent report of these phenomena, which he is willing to have used in whatever way it may be of most value - either as an introduction to Dr. Hamilton's own illustrated report, or for independent corroboration.
Dr. Hamilton thinks it would be better to use it in the latter capacity. As it gives a good general survey and is written well and carefully, he would like to see it. I will enclose Mr. Green's paper under separate cover.
As you know, interest in psychical matters has been steadily growing here for some years. The photographs of teleplasmic masses and faces have greatly increased this interest. So much is this so, that Dr. Hamilton can scarcely meet the demands for talks and lectures. Men's clubs, women's clubs, church organizations, Jewish and Gentile, all seem to be curious to know something of these things.
So far the prophet has had some honor in his own country. There have been a few stones but not very heavy ones. All this, in addition to heavy professional duties have greatly taxed his time and strength. You will understand why he asked me to write this letter: I am only his pro-tem secretary, and not a very experienced one.
Dr. Crandon sent us the last A.S.P.R. report on Margery; we are enjoying it very much. Margaret (our daughter, whom you may recall as a little girl, but who is now a rather keen young university student) is greatly taken with it. She is rapidly acquiring the scientific view - due to large measure to her interest in your writings. She, like the youth of today, like your direct hitting from the shoulder, as it were.
If ever you find time and opportunity to visit us again you may be sure of a warm welcome, and a much larger crowd to hear you speak.
Please accept kindest regards from Dr. Hamilton and myself.
March 14, 1929.
[Letter to Mr. Bird, Secretary A. S. P. R., NY.]
Dear Mr. Bird:
Perhaps you may have heard, through Dr. Crandon or some other source, that during the past eight months we have obtained some rather remarkable teleplasmic phenomena - phenomena which we think you will probably be interested in. The experiments resulting in these came about in a most unexpected way.
As Mrs. Poole (Elizabeth M.) seemed to have passed the peak of her mediumistic development, we invited into our group last January (1928) a second medium, partially developed; who possessed, we had reason to know, marked power for precognition.
We hoped to develop this gift, and thus make our 1928 sittings more worthwhile. This hope, however, was not fulfilled; entirely new and unlooked for manifestations made their appearance, the more important of which were a new and dominating trance-personality, bell box ringing, direct voice, psychic lights, and extra-ordinary teleplasms bearing in some cases excellent representations of the faces of persons known to be deceased.
At first it appeared as though the teleplasmic and telekinetic phenomena were due mainly to the presence of the second medium, Mary M.; but experiments soon showed that Mrs. Poole was equally essential to their successful production. Further experimentation proved also that the presence of several of the sitters was also required. We found, in other words, that these phenomena were due to a group mediumship.
The "control" has for some time now insisted that he is "Walter", a claim, which for the time being, must be regarded as secondary in importance, whatever it may prove to be in the future. So far as we can judge, his effort seems to be to aid the group so long associated with Mrs. Poole's mediumship - Stevenson, Stead, Spurgeon and others.
Several hints have been thrown out lately that "Walter" intends to start "wax-work" soon. If he succeeds it will of course be of great value. Dr. Hamilton is of the opinion that in the meantime the telekinetic and teleplasmic manifestations should be treated without considering the control back of them . What do you think? He would like your opinion in the matter. He wishes me to say that although our "Walter" has not been scientifically proved, he so closely resembles the Lime Street Walter in personality - wit, repartee, ingenuity, slang, driving force, etc., that the impression made on those in contact with this personality is decidedly convincing.
March 19, 1929
Letter from a Mr. A. W. Neill - Canadian House of Commons - requesting introductions to Dr. Hamilton's mediums. A Mr. McDiarmid is mentioned also.
Lecture to Young People's Club of St. Andrews Church, Winnipeg
March 20, 1929.
9:13 p.m.. Meeting opens.
Usual Elizabeth phenomenon. At 9:52 p.m. singing for Walter.
Walter: "Where is your paraphernalia (wax)?"
T. G. H.: "We'll have it ready soon."
Walter: "Get back! Get back! Rat-a-tat, the soldiers."
T. G. H.: "Why should soldiers come tonight?"
Walter: "Crowds of soldiers! Big soldiers!"
T. G. H.: "Can't Spurgeon bring his guards?"
Walter: "They are not interfering. Just be patient. But no picture tonight. Things are not sufficiently bolstered up to show what I want. Ask your medium to eat nothing, just a glass of milk at noon. It would help if everybody would eat nothing. Have lunch or dinner in the middle of the day ..."
T. G. H.: "Do you want the wax apparatus the next time?"
Walter: "Hold back till I am through. But no harm in having it here. I might use it ... The room is too warm, rather have lower temperature; but not too cold."
T. G. H.: "When ectoplasm disintegrates does it go into acid or base?"
Walter: "Yes, into both ... I want you to bring the little nipper (Jimmy). Put him here beside me. Oh, if you could only get the little ones interested! A few balls and I'll catch them !"
T. G. H.: "When you produce ectoplasm you say it comes from all of those in the room; does it all come back to them in the same quantity?"
Walter: "No. I give them something equal."
Whittaker: "Has your light any heat?"
Walter: "Our light has heat so that the sun shall not burn you."
T. G. H.: "Could you give us some dark ectoplasm that we could photograph?"
Walter: "I do not know."
T. G. H.: "What is the purpose of music and the activity the medium is put through?"
Walter: "I have a reason."
T. G. H.: "From the standpoint of physiology?"
Walter: "I must have the body in motion in doing work to keep the body under control."
T. G. H.: "Do you want three flashes ready for next time?"
Walter: "Be always ready ... I am not working this job myself. Spurgeon was here. He was anxious to speak. He doesn't like to stand aside and say nothing.
He will come through first; sing a little for him and let him say a little. Be on time and then it will be all right. Don't forget the little nipper. Be sure to ask the medium not to take anything to eat. Just water or a glass of milk. You're going to hear something through the mail that will make your tail wag; it's coming through the mail. So long."
March 24, 1929.
Statement:
Walter/Dawn
(1) Teleplasm photographed on the first exposure. (True. See teleplasm of March 24.)
(2) Teleplasm large (by inference). (True. See teleplasm of March 24.)
(3) Very small mass on second exposure - scarcely noticeable.
(True. See teleplasm of March 24.)
(4) New (Two?) Face. (True. See teleplasm of March 24.)
Large amorphous mass flows over her face and down onto breast. Mass more fluidic than two wool-like masses. Second flash taken two minutes after first shows very small residue returning to mouth.
No signal from Walter. T. G. H. releases flash without warning to anyone.
Again evidence of stability of amorphous substance. Walter could afford to wait for exposure.
9:00 p.m. . Meeting opens.
Both mediums, Elizabeth M. and Mary M. in the cabinet. Mary M. sits back out of the circle. Circle is formed clockwise as follows: Elizabeth; W. B. Cooper; T. G. H.; Mrs. Alder; Miss Ada Turner; Mr. W. E. Hobbes; Lillian Hamilton; Mr. H. A. V. Green; Dr. J. Hamilton;
Outside circle: Mr. Whittaker; Jimmy Hamilton; and Mr. D. B. MacDonald taking notes.
Elizabeth M. in deep trance at 9:10 p.m.
Usual trance personalities write automatically: Stevenson, Livingstone, Spurgeon, Stead.
At 9:25 p.m. she recovers consciousness and moves out of the cabinet into the chair between Cooper and T. G. H.
Mary M. comes forward from back of the cabinet and takes her place. Mary M.'s right hand held by Dr. J. A. Hamilton and her left by Mr. Cooper.
Elizabeth relates her trance visions.
While she is doing so it is noticed that Mary M. has passed into trance. Lillian Hamilton reports that Ms. Turner, Mr. Green, and Mr. Hobbes are all under "influence": their hands are perspiring and cold; their bodies are limp; they do not lose consciousness.
At 9:33 p.m. we Sing Spurgeon's hymn, "There Is a Fountain", as formerly directed to do by Walter.
A powerful voice now speaks through Mary M. The control sings a hymn. Mary M. sings in tune - something she cannot do when normal. Following the hymn the voice quotes from Isaiah chapter 53: "All ye like sheep ... He was wounded for our transgressions ..." a second voice is heard and we recognize Walter.
Walter asks that one of the ladies pass her hand over the face, neck, and under the arms of the medium Mary M. Miss Turner does so.
Walter tells her not to be afraid to feel well and carefully. She declares that there is nothing on the face, neck or under the arms of the medium.
At 9:45 p.m. Walter asks if anyone else wishes to examine the medium. Dr. T. G. H. does so. He declares that there is nothing on the face, neck or under the arms of the medium.
During these examinations the medium's hands are held by the two controllers. Dr. J. Hamilton raises his left hand, still grasping Mary M.'s right and with the back of his hand feels her face and neck. He too finds nothing there.
At 9:50 p.m. Walter says "Do not let the medium's hands go." J. A. Hamilton and Mr. Cooper promise they will not.
Walter: (sharply) "Are you ready?"
T. G. H.: "Yes."
Walter tells T. G. H. that he is to give his own signal.
T. G. H. arranges that he will squeeze the hand of the sitter to his left; this to be quickly passed to the next on the left, so that those in front of the cameras may know when to "duck."
The flash was fired at 9:57 p.m..
Walter now asks if a second flash can be taken. T. G. H. replies that he can be ready in about six seconds. He gets up and opens the remaining cameras.
T. G. H. asks Walter if he is still ready. Walter replies that he is. It is noticed that the voice sounds as if the medium had her mouth full of something.
The second flash was fired at 9:59 p.m.
Walter now tells us that there is a small piece of teleplasm only on the second exposure - so small that we will scarcely notice it. He could not, he said, hold the teleplasm. The time of waiting was too long.
He humorously remarks that he would not like to hang by the neck for T. G. H.'s six seconds. Says that he could hold it all night if the light did not strike it. As soon as the light strikes it, it diminishes. Says something about letting a curtain down to protect it. A good picture, however, was secured on the first flash; teleplasm but no form. The "form" was a failure, not sufficient power to hold its shape. Will try again. It can be done. It will be done.
Walter now talked long and earnestly on various topics: the happiness of little children in his world; Spurgeon's work on the mission fields of the world; the satisfactory development of several members of our group; the importance of the "work".
Dr. J. A. Hamilton asks Walter to give a verse he gave to Margery when she was here in Winnipeg. Walter replies that he is sorry he cannot do it. There is a great difference between the medium he is using and his sister.
He compares his work to that of a potter who in one case has very fine material to work on and in the other material that is much coarser. He wishes to be understood as casting no reflections on the medium Mary M. and remarks further that if he had sufficient power to use his own voice all the time he would have much greater freedom of expression. Intimates that before long he will use someone else to greater advantage.
At 10:25 p.m. he asks that we break. Red light on slowly; no one else to come through.
Sitting closes at 10:28 p.m.
[Immediately following the sitting T. G. H. accompanied Mr. W. E. Hobbes (town planning engineer in the Employ of the city of Winnipeg) repaired to the darkroom, and in his presence developed a number of the plates. The first exposure shows a large mass of teleplasm but no face. The second shortest small wisp of teleplasm hanging from the mouth. These plates were shown to all the sitters as soon as they were developed.]
[This report was written immediately after the sitters left the house, based on Mr. MacDonald's progress notes with other details which were clear in my memory. Mr. Whittaker, it should be noted, brought his own camera and plates; set it up, took it away and had them developed uptown. His photos showed the same structures as did the T. G. H. plates.]
Signed by Lillian Hamilton
(Strike-through) Christiana Alder.
[Handwritten note: "This is to certify that During the sitting held on the above date, I passed my hands over the face, head and under the arms of the medium and felt nothing there." Signed Ada E. Turner.]
[Handwritten note: "I hereby certify that I passed my hand over the face, neck, and chest of the medium and could detect nothing upon the surfaces examined."
Signed J. A. Hamilton.]
March 27, 1929
Letter to Mr. A. W. Neill - from the House of Commons - from Dr. Hamilton
"All of our experimenting in this city has been done with private mediums and consequently the work is of purely scientific nature and the public, as a rule, have been excluded of late: since we find that progress in some of the higher types of work, such as ectoplasmic photographs, can be secured only under very carefully adjusted conditions."
"I was interested to note that you have had experience with both Mrs. Wriedt and Valentine. I myself have had experiences with 'Margery' on many occasions and our work here is , at present, very closely interlocked with that of 'Margery's'. The direct voice produced here is identical with that produced under the 'Margery' mediumship and claims to be the same personality in control."
March 27, 1929.
Usual Elizabeth trance phenomena. Then Walter comes through. He tells of some children who wish to "come through."
The medium is under stress, feet go, keeping time to the music.
Walter: "Were you disappointed? (At not getting full Spurgeon on 24th). I can't give you a picture (of a face) tonight. Can give you a small piece of ectoplasm. Do you want it or shall I keep it?" (We tell him to keep it)
T. G. H.:"Where do you keep the ectoplasm?"
Walter/M. M.: "Partly in the medium and partly in our dimension. It is like grafting skin from place to place, but not so painful ... I do not want any strong light in the room; keep the door closed; now one must enter until you sit again. I want my medium to remove her shoes and stockings.
He says there is a force to left of medium, wants to kiss this man (W. B. Cooper). He is going to hit the floor if he doesn't get away. Says there is a yellow face with Mr. Reed. Is going to put Black Hawk on his trail. A great deal of noise. Mr. Green under stress. (Walter is disgusted at those crowding in.)
Black Hawk: "Good evening, friends. Paleface has been called away. He will come back. Although I am not often speaking through the medium, I am still here. I have been asked by paleface to stay by your medium ... There are many beautiful lights suspended in the circle tonight; I am glad because it shows you are progressing. I think from what I see you will get good results from your next sitting ... I cannot make any changes whatever - ask paleface. I must go. Farewell."
An ectoplasmic voice is now heard: "I would like if you would remove the table from in front of the medium as it brings forces I do not wish. When the medium places her hands on the table it draws forces I do not want.
I do not want any strong light in the room; keep the door closed; no one must enter until you sit again. I would like the medium to remove her shoes and stockings; let her place a soft pair of slippers on her feet. You did not remove her gown (from her shoulders) tonight. Break and I will say "so long" when my medium is almost home. So long."
March 31, 1929.
Spurgeon preaches an Easter sermon.
Present: Mary M. and Elizabeth M. in cabinet; sitters clockwise: W. B. Cooper; T. G. H.; Mrs. Alder; Ada Turner; W. E. Hobbes; Lillian Hamilton; H. Green; J. A. Hamilton. Hands held in chain formation.
Outside circle: Bessie Shand and Mr. Whittaker; Mr. Reed; James Hamilton; Neil Campbell; Margaret L. Hamilton.
9:10 p.m.. Sitting commences with singing.
9:13 p.m. E.M. in deep trance.
Writing automatisms manifest at various intervals from 9:15 p.m. to 9:25 p.m.
E.M. returns to normal consciousness, moves out of cabinet to take her place between W. B. Cooper and T. G. H.
Reed opens cameras in preparation for an exposure.
E.M. recounts her visions.
Present: T. G. H., L. H., Margaret Hamilton, Mrs. Poole; J. MacDonald.
Medium in partial trance, speaks in broad Scottish accent: "Do ye ken it's awa' in the crags, Davie? Put it down; it's good evidence." (Murmurs "frondent palms.")
T. G. H.: "We have a good picture of you."
R. L. S.: "Another one soon. Sing me a guid Scot's song."
We sing "Unto the Hills." Medium tries to sing with us, murmurs something about "frondent palms."
R. L. S.: "By the Galilean Lake Andrew heard it."
Sitters do not know this hymn. We sing "O God of Bethel." and come to the line "Who through this dreary wilderness", when R. L. Stevenson breaks in: "The world is no' a weary wilderness; you can call that a poetic license if you will, but it's a license just the same. Are you no' going to talk to me? Say a word - gie us a good start."
L. H.: Tries to speak with Scottish accent.
R. L. S.: "Ye dinna how to speak it; you dinna speak it right."
L. H.: Remarks that he has given them lots of work.
R. L. S.: "Ye gave me muckle yoursel'. I gave the lad a picture - ask him. His scotch is nae good; ye ken he's got Scotch blood, but it's no coming out."
L. H.: Remarks that she has had to do a great deal of reading to keep up with the E.M. scripts and visions.
R. L. S.: "It's no been bad for you; the more you read the more you ken; the more ye ken the more ye read."
Sitters speak of the long years of "sticking at it."
R. L. S.: "Many haven't got the backbone; stay with an unruly chile and you make him. I've got to go; I've been having a good time ye ken; it's been a grand time. I'll come back again. Dinna forget what I told you at first: Davie and the book; ye ken it years ago. Goodbye. I'll be back."
The medium recovered full consciousness and then describe two pictures as follows:
"I was in a craggy district; a little house perched up on the east side of the crags. The sun seemed to be low down. A ramshackle place."
"I was with some kilties marching; having quite a jolly time. Then I was in a beautiful spot where there was tropical vegetation; close to the ocean, very lovely. I saw a very young boy - possibly Arthur. I saw Stevenson, just his face. I heard most of what he said."
9:30 p.m. Group sings, "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood".
Mary M. now in the center of the cabinet, with their hands controlled on her left by W. B. Cooper, and on the right by J. A. Hamilton, in deep trance. In a strong but not very tuneful voice she leads the singing, then she says ," Jesus Christ is risen today! Sing!" Group sings.
About three minutes later she speaks as Spurgeon:
"When I was on the material plane Easter time was the most glorious time for me. I just loved Easter time. And the Easter hymns have a message every day.
"Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph over his foes!"
"Oh, those hymns that have been sung today all over your material plane have been ringing here and bringing us back to you! Let not your heart be troubled, ye believe in God, believe also in me."
"These are His words: 'In My Father's House are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, ye may be also.' Praise be His name!"
"And early in the morning, remember - early in the morning - He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Why? Why not to His mother? Why did he come to Mary Magdalene first, the woman who had seven demons cast out of her? Ah, my friends, ah, why?"
"Why did He not go to His beloved disciple, John? Why not to Peter and James? Why to Mary Magdalene? Why did He not go to that little home where Mary and Martha and Lazarus were? Why did He appear to Mary Magdalene first?"
"Why first to her? For three reasons."
"The first was that she needed Him most; she was a woman who was down and out. Everything that was bad and everything that was evil had been laid at her door. The disciples were respectable people; but she had had seven demons cast out! She followed Him from place to place; she was afraid to trust herself, and so she needed Him most. And tonight you people here are seeking for something; you can have what you want. It's right here now."
"She sorrowed most. Her grief was so great that she wanted to be alone. She stayed beside the grave sorrowing and weeping; and when the Master appeared her grief had been so great that she was blind. She could not see Him, just as you are. Your friends are all here but you cannot see them ! But your eyes will be opened!"
"And then she loved Him most. She followed Him, afraid to trust herself, and she wept as she stood at the cross, and she looked up ..."
"There are many Mary Magdalenes. Ah, my friends, 'In my Father's House are many mansions.'"
"As the Master appeared on the Easter morning to Mary Magdalene, so our friends are with you tonight. Your friends, and friends of others, are all here. But by and by the veil will be rent and you will see. Oh, I love to think of Easter time, when I come here, and hear all the beautiful singing ..."
"At this point the power seems to fail, and after several attempts to continue, the medium becomes silent."
We sing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today."
The medium beats time to the music. Much vigorous muscular activity on part of Mary M.
She speaks again, while we continue to hum softly:
"A heavenly throng. Your loved ones are watching. The gates of heaven are open wide, the Crown of Life ... 'Ask and ye shall receive. Knock and it shall be opened unto you.'"
"Who are these that are arrayed in white robes, and whence came they? These are they that have come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. They shall neither hunger nor thirst, neither shall the sun light upon them."
"The Lamb which was slain shall lead them into the waters of life, and shall wipe all tears from their eyes, all tears from their eyes!"
Goodnight."
9:52 p.m.
Mary M. continue to speak, but while it sounded like Spurgeon, one could not be sure as no name was given. A poem or hymn was quoted for a lady "who was standing nearby."
"As the evening is drawing on,
Slowly drops the gentle twilight
And another day is gone.
Gone for aye, the day is over.
Soon the darker night is on,
But it's sweet toknow at even
You are one day nearer home."
When no one could recall having heard this verse, Mary M. reported that "the lady went away very disappointed."
9:45 p.m.
We sing "Golden Slippers"; Mary M. starts to shuffle in time to the music. Her motions increase in vigor until the cabinet walls are shaking. W. B. Cooper, and J. A. Hamilton controlling Mary M.'s hands, state that she is passing their hands over her face. They both declare that they feel nothing on her face.
9:59 p.m.
Lillian Hamilton declares that both Hobbes and Turner are in a semi-trance condition. Mary M. continues to scrape her feet on the floor, and her breathing becomes noticeably forced. Walter now speaks:
Walter/Mary M.: "I wish you could see your faces. Some of them are so serious looking! What's with our friend tonight? You want to relax. (This is H. Green, who was not feeling well) I put my hand on you."
Mary M.'s right-hand is placed over Mr. Green's head, and he doubles up, falling over on J. A. Hamilton's right shoulder. The medium continues the massaging process, using downward strokes on the back of his head; circular motions with the back of the hand (which is still controlled by J. A. Hamilton), finally makes passes in the air over Mr. Green's head.
Walter/Mary M.: "Keep your hands still, friends, and sing!" The medium stamps her feet quite violently to keep us in time. Mr. Green's feet begin to go also, gradually increasing the speed of the shuffle.
Walter/Mary M.: "Are you ready for your photograph?"
10:08 p.m..
"I'll give you the order on three. Can you take a second photo while I count ten? I'll give three counts, then stamp with my foot, and when I stamp, you flash. Then I'll count ten, and on the tenth, you can take another photo. Keep your hands still, and keep the medium's hands close together ...."
[Last page of notes missing. Lillian Hamilton writes that flash failed to explode]
April 7, 1929.
Circle, clockwise: Mary M. and Elizabeth M. in cabinet. W. B. Cooper; T. G. H.; Ms. Alder; Miss Turner; Hobbes; L. H.; H. Green; J. A. Hamilton.
Outside circle; Whittaker; Reed; Neil Campbell; Jim Hamilton; Bessie Shand; Margaret Hamilton.
Statement:
Walter/Dawn
States that he has given "a little black and white".
(Plates show dark supernormal mass having the appearance of hair and as well a white teleplasm of fibrous texture.)
"I know you'd like to have my picture, but then it would happen to go all over and be identified." (Prophetic. See March 6, 1932)
Sitting begins at 9:00 p.m. 9:05 p.m. E.M. in deep trance. Various trance personalities manifest by way of automatic writing from 9:06 p.m. to 9:13 p.m..
9:15 p.m. E.M. (semi-trance): "Spurgeon. In My Father's House are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you." Then "Abide with Me.", sung by all present.
9:17 p.m. E.M. normal. E.M. moves out of cabinet and takes a place between W. B. Cooper and T. G. H. Mary M. moves into center of cabinet, and her hands controlled on the left by W. B. Cooper, on right by J. A. Hamilton. Hands of circle members joined in chain formation throughout sitting.
Previous to entering séance room, Mary M. disrobed in presence of L. H. and Turner, and put on a loose gown over her undergarments. At once entered séance room in presence of all sitters.
E.M. took two to three minutes to relate her trance visions.
9:21 p.m. all sing "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood"; at 9:25 p.m. "Jingle Bells."
9:26 p.m. Walter/Mary M.:
"Hello, everybody! Well, there's no picture tonight. No, nothing's happened, so you can just content your souls. Now, how do you feel when you're had? Nothing has happened; I just want to try a new experiment."
T. G. H.: "What sort of an experiment is this you're going to try?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Just you wait and you'll see! You'll be surprised! It makes no difference if you don't get it tonight, or if you don't get it until this time next year. It doesn't matter. Oh-oh-oh! Don't break contact!
(Here it seems as if J. A. Hamilton had unintentionally partly released the medium's right-hand.)
"You must hold her hand in the palm of your hand, not with your fingers."
"Our friend (Spurgeon) says the only way to dispel darkness is to bring in the light. We are all light here. We do not see with our earthly eyes, but with spiritual eyes. They are not complicated organs like yours, for we only put on the material to be recognized ... Our friend would like to say a few words, but it would not be wise. He wants to preach another sermon. I think he'd better not; he looks to be full! Oh, he doesn't like me to make fun of him! He thinks it's a very bad policy."
T. G. H.: "Walter, did you know that Mr. Hobbes is leaving us for a while?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Oh? Well, he'll do all right. He'll meet many of them like our great and worthy friend, Black Hawk. O-o-h! That was someone trying to get in, but I was a little too quick! Everyone wants to get in ... There is news coming to you, about which you'll be a little disappointed."
T. G. H.: "Regarding this work?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Oh, no, there is no disappointment in this! This is a truth. There is no death! It will be preached to the world! It has been, and it will continue to be. It will go on and on."
T. G. H.: "Do you find this room too hot, Walter?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Oh, yes, much too warm for fingerprints. It's all right, but I like it a little cooler - like the grave! For waxwork I want a vessel of water of some kind. But you must get the picture through first. I am not looking after it, but our good friend Stead, is."
T. G. H.: "We find the pictures of the utmost importance, Walter; they do a very great deal to force the issue."
Walter/Mary M.: "In years to come they won't be needed, but they'll always be brought forward. But they'll be a back number. Yet, just as they did in days gone by, they'll bring them forward. As far as these pictures go, they are just a cultivated art with Stead. It was his life's work, on the material plane, to produce them , and now they will bring them forward."
At this point a fire brigade and truck is heard outside, which leads T. G. H. to remark: "I don't suppose you've got fire brigades, have you?"
Walter/Mary M.: "No, but we've lots of firemen and stokers and trimmers. They don't do any stoking here. They do that on your plane ... What are you all looking so serious for?"
T. G. H.: "We are waiting for what you're going to say."
Walter/Mary M.: "Well, ask some questions!"
Mr. Reed: "Were you in Boston tonight, Walter?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Oh, I'm always there."
J. A. Hamilton: "Can you be in two places at once?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Oh, no. I can travel quickly, but I'm only one spirit. I might get some spirits to help me! ... Oh, you would just be surprised if you knew the number of spirits who travel back to the material plane to get "it" (liquor). They crave it, and they get it. It's terrible! It doesn't satisfy! They keep coming back for more. It's very detrimental to them . Just as they craved for things on the material, so they crave for them here, and creep back like worms! It is very hard to see them. They are not with us, but are herded together like cattle."
9:42 p.m. light seen on floor inside cabinet. "To lighten your darkness! I could use my friend if I could only get her to understand. It is not altogether her fault, for she's in just as good shape tonight as any other night. I have her brain filled to overflowing with ectoplasm, which I could produce. I have to use you all, my friends; I do not use her much more than the rest."
T. G. H.: "What is E.M. 's particular value?"
Walter/Mary M.: "You all have your little bits to do. I am not using her because she is not in condition. She should not be here. It was very wrong of her to come. You should have known better than to bring her just to gratify yourself. One day more, one year more, makes no difference to us. But I will give you your picture, or never come back. Yet I do not want to leave you. It is a great work, and I will give you the picture, but you must have patience. Nothing got by force is ever good. Don't worry and don't flurry! You know, my mother used to say to me:
"Patience is a virtue; keep it if you can. Seldom found in women, and never found in man. I remember her saying to me to have patience."
W. B. Cooper: "How is your mother now, Walter?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Oh, pretty good. But she is getting tired. I do not think that she will be left here much longer. It is not I who will usher her in, but a higher hand than mine."
T. G. H.: "How may one be able to foretell the future, say, a fatality?" How does this come? Through a special faculty?"
Walter/Mary M.: "They don't get it from me. There are some who can foretell the future. You all have a certain work to perform, and if you leave it undone, my word, you'll have a lot to finish! You'll be on the astral plane a thousand years, rushing here and there with your little bag! You know, it's surprising what we can make out of nothing! ... Nothing! Do you know what nothing is? Oh, listen to the wee Nipper! (Jim Hamilton, in the corner at the back of the room, starts to giggle.) Well, friends, what is it to be? Want to use some ammunition?"
L. H.: "Would it be too much to show a light for the boys?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Oh, you've all seen it; no need to use up that energy."
T. G. H.: "How about trying the buzzer box?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Never mind; all in good time. Have patience! I'm going to call you Patience."
T. G. H. asks if Mr. Reed or Mr. Whittaker have any questions. Walter asks them to speak up. Mr. Reed is introduced as the gentleman with the Chinaman. This apparently encourages an entity not altogether desirable, and the medium undergoes a violent physical struggle while Walter attempts to keep him out. Finally he lets them through long enough to say "Goodie Nightie"
Mr. Reed: "What was that fellow's name?"
A very violent struggle then takes place, for Walter has great difficulty in keeping the upper hand, as several more "foreigners" have gotten in. "No! No! Go to hell! You'll have to ... oh, these foreigners! Oh, oh .... alright! Sing! Sing! We do so, while Walter continues: "I think we had better disperse; they're some of these damn ... these... we'll not take no ... damn! ... picture tonight!"
We sing "There Is a Fountain"; at 9:55 p.m. the medium is calmer. Within three minutes everything becomes quite calm, a most beautiful prayer from E.M. 's lips.
"Our Father, our beautiful Father, how wonderful to know that you have a Father who heareth when you call. Ask and you shall receive. Knock and it shall be opened unto you! 'The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day; And there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away. Then in a nobler, sweeter song I'll sing Thy power to save, while this poor lisping, stammering tongue, lies silent in the grave.' Thank God there is no grave that can hold the soul! We are not as the Tuscans who buried their dead facing the West, feeling that Death was the end. But thanks be to God who gave us victory over death, and showed us Eternal Life!" The medium, still in trance, begins to sing an old hymn "Like Wandering Sheep O'er Mountains Cold"; we all join in, and when the hymn is ended, the same charming personality speaks again:
"Our Father, our beautiful Father, how sweet to know that He is ever ready to answer when you call! As a little child has such faith in his earthly father - whatever father says is alright - it is so with your heavenly Father. Goodnight, friends! It is the Wanderer."
T. G. H.: "Why came you?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Peace has been restored. Would you care to have the picture, or would you rather not? It is very little. I think we had better break for a little. I'm afraid of those other spirits getting in again. You can't prevent them . We are all set for developments and they want to come in; they're just as anxious to come as I am; but I'm only one person and they're a hundred. You will have to wait, my friends, and see how you'll keep them out. They want to tell that they were here; but I don't want them because they interfere with my conditions."
J. A. Hamilton: "Is their motive for coming always a good one?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Well, we've some pretty evil spirits here."
T. G. H.: "Does the preparation of ectoplasm attract them ?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Very, very much. It draws them like a magnet and they can break in."
L. H.: "If we think more spiritual thoughts, does that help?"
Walter/Mary M.: "Oh, no. They see what's going on and they're just curious. They are not here to do any harm. But wouldn't it be nice if you got the picture of a Chinaman? I know you'd rather have my picture, but then it would have to go all over, and be identified."
T. G. H.: "We are anxious to have one of Stead."
Walter/Mary M.: "Does the photographer take his own picture?"
T. G. H.: "Well, I can."
Walter/Mary M.: "My, but you are a wonderful man! Now, would you want a man 6 feet high and 2 feet wide, full sized, or like a tiny Tom Thumb on your hand" ... Oh! ... Stand back! They get on this right side of me and it's just hard work to keep them back. Are you sure your camera can take your full-size form, or would 5 feet, 4 be better? It would, eh? Well, have you got your cameras all set to go at once?"
T. G. H.: "Well, I've got it arranged so that I can be ready for a second flash in two or three seconds, just as quickly as the plates can be changed."
Walter/Mary M.: "Isn't that lovely! Perhaps next time it won't be a washout! Say, you wouldn't, by any chance, take a flash light now? You know, if I was in your position, I wouldn't say nothing to nobody, and I just take a flash light and see what'd come of it!"
Without saying anything to anybody, T. G. H. fired the flash at 10:20 p.m..
In a moment Walter spoke again: "No, don't take any more tonight. You were too long about it. You've only got half of what you might have had."
T. G. H.: "Well, we can hardly tell when you're bluffing."
Walter/Mary M.: "Well, take a chance!"
10:23 p.m. The engine started to go; that is, the medium's arms and feet moved furiously. H. Green also labored strenuously. For 2 1/2 minutes the "engine" was under full steam. Then things quieted somewhat, although both Mary M. and H. Green's feet continued to beat time to the music.
Walter/Mary M.: "When you put your light on, don't let it be bright; and after you put it on, get out as quickly as possible. Don't have the light as bright as the last time; it spoils conditions a little. I think we will leave the next sitting for the same time as tonight, that is, a week tonight, and I'll try to have all my forces in the interval. I think you're all in better condition on the Sunday night, and our medium is better; she doesn't have to use her brain so much. She never uses it much on Sundays. There are many here tonight, some for the first time. They knew you took pictures, but that was all. They did not see the flash. I have just given you a little black and white. But if you'd taken it when I first gave you the hint, it would have been twice as large.
Break when I say "So long!" Wait a few seconds and don't let anyone through! ... So long!"
10:31 p.m.
[Left side - photo of black and white teleplasm]
[Black teleplasm observed by Geley with Eva C in Paris. (See his book 'Clairvoyance and Materialization.]
[ Photo of black and white teleplasm ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
[ Photo ]
April 14, 1929.
9:12 p.m., meeting opens.
Elizabeth is absent.
Mary M. commences to stamp her feet, blowing like a steam engine.
9:17 p.m. whistling.
9:21 p.m. Walter comes through.
Walter: "Good evening, too bad! ... the little lady ... We sing one of E.M. 's hymns. Walter cuts in.
T. G. H.: "Well, sir?"
Walter: "Don't sir me. I am well, always well here; no doctors here. You are doing a wonderful work. God bless you!" (Shakes hands with Dr. T. G. H.)
T. G. H.: "What will we do with those who doubt our work?"
Walter: "Let them doubt. Don't try to do anything with them . Let them stick in the mud. Sanctimonious people of no use here. Spurgeon had an ideal but was afraid to speak out."
T. G. H.: "When did you start this work?"
Walter: "I was drawn by family ties. It is harder for us to communicate with you than you with us. You must be in the right spirit. The next picture final for some time. Medium should fast for 12 hours; this is important. I will try to impress her. Only one meal is desirable; the midday meal would be most harmful."
Here, Walter through Mary M., describes people as being present. These are recognized as Lillian Hamilton's father (deceased a few days ) and her deceased brother.
Direct Voice gives closing instructions so that all hear clearly - we notice he cannot say "R's" - his voice fairly loud but hoarse.
[Automatic writing:]
"And we want to tell you that we love you."
Black Hawk comes and puts Mary M. through a shuffling dance.
Walter speaks in the direct voice: "Break hands. Turn light-dim-gradually. Be on time next meeting. Goodnight."
