1930
Feb 9 - Mar 9
T. G. H.: "Whoever you like."
Walter: "You all have different people in mind. I suppose it will have to be someone everybody can recognize."
T. G. H.: "Best ..."
Walter: "I don't think so. How would you like it to be yours?"
T. G. H.: "That wouldn't do. Let us have yours."
Walter: "How could I, and me taking and making the picture? I am making the things!"
T. G. H.: "You mean the ectoplasm?"
Walter: "Yes. Flammarion, Stead, Gladstone, etc. ..."
Ewan: "Why don't you say the one you all want?"
Walter: "You tell the big boy."
Ewan: "Robert Louis."
Walter: "I couldn't get the whiskers. You never saw him without them , did you? He's too lazy to scrape them off. If I left him without his mustache, it wouldn't be him."
Ewan: "You just try."
Walter: "Yours is no good."
Discussion of color ...
Walter: "There is a wonderful force of good power with you tonight. It is very lovely. Dawn is right tonight. She hasn't been like this once before.
[Here are moments taken for psychological purposes. Hidden hint also - Lucy unknown.]
"Just about three or four more sittings and we will be all ready. If we could just get them right after one another it would be fine. Separated as they are is not so good."
T. G. H.: "Next week maybe. We cannot get this week; she cannot give it."
Walter: "She could give it but she doesn't want to. She can give it to someone else."
Group sing "Solomon Levi," Dawn keeping time with her feet, tramping heavily.
9:52 p.m. There is a series of whistles from Dawn. W. B. Cooper reports that she is rubbing the side of the cabinet with her hand.
[This is for friction. See Osty's report from Paris. See also Intention and Survival, page 48.]
Walter: "I want you to put Ewan in the cabinet the next time you are here. Then after that I think we will be all ready. The medium does not have to be in the cabinet next time. Just let her sit at the end by the man taking notes. It is all right."
T. G. H.: "When does Ewan sits in a cabinet?"
Walter: "After the little lady goes out. You mustn't interfere with me."
T. G. H.: "You always want her in first?"
Walter: "Ewan can go in after. I have the hair off his head. Just for the next night. See that Dawn comes in as she is tonight and takes a seat at the bottom of the room opposite the cabinet, at the extreme end. Leave her chair in the cabinet and Ewan can use it. She is not to sit on Ewan's chair. She can sit at the back but close the ranks. Place Ewan's chair in the center. Everything is fine, but don't take much heavy food before the sitting. Take only light food. In the early part of the day a meal will be all right, but I would like a few hours to elapse before you come here."
"When your feet are stamped and arms moved and body jerked, it stirs up the blood and makes it possible for me to get what I want. It is not done to amuse anyone. Oh, if I could only give you all I would ... Yes, yes, we cannot have any gypsy songs now. No one here can sing Spanish."
10:07 p.m. Ewan rubs his hands hard for a minute or two.
Walter: "It doesn't matter who you are, you cannot come in. Your time is coming. The medium's brother is here and wants to know how she is."
T. G. H.: "Is this a new method of picture-making you are trying out?"
[Handwritten notes: "Walter apparently must have certain bodily energies" and "L. S. had given that food requires energy for digestion purposes." Fasting up to a point.]
Walter: "Yes."
T. G. H.: "Never tried before."
Walter: "Yes. It's not me. I am merely putting it together. There are a great many forces coming. But I think it would be wise if we would retire. They are so many. I will stand back and let the others come through. I have Dawn well secured. No one can touch her so you can call all the forces that you wish. I will hold her. She is quite safe."
Group sing "Joyful, Joyful Let the Meeting Be".
10:08 p.m. Lucy/Mercedes: "Good evening."
Group: "Good evening Sister Lucy!"
Lucy: "It is so hard to get in here tonight. There are so many around. However, I got here. I won't have very much to say to you this time only to remind you of all the instructions that your control gave you. I'm very sorry for poor Ewan. He is certainly going to get something next sitting. Better not tell him. Maybe he won't go. It is very necessary that he be in the cabinet next time. (Aside). Six what, Walter? Oh, I know, eight parts for the body of the materialization and two parts to be finished yet. That is all he will tell me. Layer upon layer. I think you should not sit too long tonight. You have all had a very long fast in spite of what Walter says. There has been so much power taken from everyone tonight. You should not sit too long. There is a tremendous power left and much more could be done, but I don't think it would be advisable. All sorts and conditions of things could be brought here tonight, but we are only working at one thing at a time. One thing at a time and one thing done well. They will get through and have their time. You have two very powerful friends present but they are helpful. He is very strong and can fight them off if they want to come. Any questions? Have you all your instructions?"
T. G. H.: "If picture is ready with next sitting, can Walter ..."
Lucy: "I don't think he meant two would be done in one sitting. He let us know how well he has been doing by telling you only two more to do. He will give you all the warnings necessary and tell you how to conduct the sitting. Goodnight friends."
10:17 p.m. Dawn is normal again.
W. B. Cooper: "We had better break"
10:18 p.m. Light is turned on.
Dawn: "You better turn the light off as Walter is still here and keep hands together as he didn't tell you to break."
10:19 p.m. L. H. reports Ewan normal.
Ewan: "It's funny."
Dawn: "Damn funny."
10:20 p.m. Ewan under stress and laughing. Dawn whistles.
Ewan: "It is not so funny."
Ewan moves and twists.
Walter/Dawn: "Stand on your head. Stand on your head. Some cannot. Sh - it is not a joke."
Ewan: "Quiet."
Ewan is kneeling on the floor with his head down, L. H. reports. Ada Turner reports that Ewan's head is about 3 inches from the floor. Dawn is on her knees and breathing through her teeth, W. B. Cooper reports. J. A. Hamilton and W. B. Cooper report that Dawn's hands are behind the bench.
Walter: "It is all right now."
Dawn stamps.
Walter: "That, my friends, will do. Break, break. Do not forget to come in condition as I have told you."
February 10, 1930
[Letter from Dr. and Mrs. Lindley - Wales to Mrs. Hamilton:]
"... You will probably not remember me, but my husband and I came to see you last August when we were passing through Winnipeg.
"... I am wondering if it will be possible for you to come to England this year. We shall be very pleased indeed to see you and to put you up if you are able to come and stay with us.
" ... I do not know if Mrs. MacKenzie has been in correspondence with you, but I wrote to her last year on our return from Canada and told her what you had said about the possibility of coming this year.
"... We have very pleasant recollections of our visit with you, and we shall look forward to meeting you again in the near future."
[Note: We visited Dr. and Mrs. Lindley at their lovely red "castle" home in Wales in August, 1932. Delightful hospitality - lovely surroundings.]
February 12, 1930.
Present: Margaret Hamilton; Lillian Hamilton; Dr. Hamilton; J.Bach, J. MacDonald.
Sterge had a long conversation with the sitters: "I'll send that Scotchman. Put on some music. I'll be back."
R. L. Stevenson comes through speaking with Scotch accent as usual. He says that Jack hasn't much Scotch about him although ..."
R. L. Stevenson: (speaking of bagpipes). "You can see the clash of the claymore and hear their red bearded Hieland men. I'll no' be staying longer. I've got to get back. I'm no' strong; but I'll be back."
L. H.: "Don't forget the trip." (On the steamship)
R. L. Stevenson: "I will take ye there as soon as we get past the lads who are watching it."
Sterge returns and says that Robert will get stronger (in controlling). "The less light the better. It's upsetting the general tone of conditions. It brings one back to consciousness."
9:03 p.m. Meeting open.
Ewan says, "Man with darkish hair and eyes, clean-shaven. He is going to give it to me."
Mary Marshall (Dawn), sitting at the back, says, "He has a narrow collar and a little bow, one that is self-tied. He is old, between 60 and 70, might be more. He is speaking to someone; looks like a woman's head."
Ewan: "You have seen his photograph."
T. G. H.: "As a psychic photo?"
Ewan: "No."
Mary M.: "He is taking something out of his pocket; a snuffbox perhaps; it is not a watch. He is going to go. He must have been here ahead of us."
9:05 p.m. T. G. H. reports that E.M. is going into trance.
9:07 p.m. She is in deep trance.
E. M. : "Stead. Tell me of my pictures."
T. G. H.: "The pictures do splendid work."
Stead: "We need strong fearless men. We will win. Steadily work."
T. G. H.: "We want fingerprints. Can you help us?"
Stead: "I will try. Try and we will succeed., Goodnight my friends."
9:22 p.m. E.M. is normal again. J. A. Hamilton leaves to answer a phone call.
E.M. tells of her visions:
"My ears (hear?) too much noise. I saw two little boys. One of them got a ball from his nurse and they were playing with it. He was in a room first, a long old-fashioned couch. He wanted something and they gave him a ball to play with; but oh, what a white face he has! They just played."
"The next picture I saw him and he was dressed in velvet, I think, and had a cap on his head. A woman was with him. They came down the path and she ... him up and ... something. There was water with goldfish in it, too, in the garden."
"I saw Livingstone with a bunch of black people. Someone had said something against the blacks and he didn't like it and he was standing talking to them. These ones didn't come out of tents even; they lay in the long grass. I mind (remember) a big dining room. I was in a good ....... and three places set. There was another table, too, two or three decanters on it."
9:30 p.m. E.M. moves out of the cabinet on the return of J. A. Hamilton. Ewan takes his place in the cabinet. Group number off. W. B. Cooper saying "one" and Ewan "twelve".
All sing "There Is a Fountain", Ewan rubbing the floor with his feet all the time. Group sing "Jingle Bells".
9:33 p.m. "Golden Slippers" follows Ewan still stamping and rubbing the floor with his feet. The gramophone is turned on and Ewan says, "Come on, come on!" (To get us all to sing instead of leaving it all to the gramophone.)
9:39 p.m. Dawn at the rear of the room begins to clap quietly and beat time with her feet. Bangs heard in cabinet. Ewan says "Solomon Levi" at 9:41 p.m. Heavy stamping in the cabinet.
9:43 p.m. Great commotion, chair moving, etc. in the cabinet.
Ewan: "Come on." He keeps exclaiming endlessly to keep singers up to the mark. Dawn is tapping with her feet.
Ewan: "Come on. I'll wind you up."
W. B. Cooper: "Who?"
Ewan: "You. (very disappointedly). I can make you sing better than you can."
T. G. H.: "Was Dawn singing?"
Ewan: "Trying to. She is the only member of Walter's band."
Ewan still rubbing his feet and is somewhat out of breath. Dawn chafes hands. Ewan says "Sit down" repeatedly.
L. H.: "Is Dawn standing?"
Ewan: "She is wanting to, anyway."
All sing "My Bonny". Ewan rests for a moment. He was apparently out of breath.
9:50 p.m. Ewan: "Walter is holding my left hand and arm. He's got me too."
Dawn taps to the music.
Ewan: "Let's see what Walter's band can do down there by herself. Come on. That just shows you she is no good. I gave her every opportunity. He cannot do anything."
T. G. H.: "He goes by opposites."
Ewan: "I don't know. I said he could sing. I wanted to show her up. He thinks he's so clever. He's not! He cannot get anyone to sing."
W. B. Cooper starts to sing.
Ewan: "No, I'll let you but he cannot. Walter is trying to get you to sing!"
[Walter/Ewan talks a lot of nonsense; much Ewan muscular activity. This is done for a reason.]
Dawn whistles softly.
Ewan: "Wonderful. Listen to it. All by himself. I'm so thrilled."
Dawn continues whistling softly.
T. G. H.: "It is like a wintry wind."
Ewan: "He doesn't play fair like I do. He's not fair."
Dawn continuous whistling softly. Ewan wheezes and coughs.
9:55 p.m. Dawn sings "Two Little Nigger Boys."
W. B. Cooper: "Good, Walter."
T. G. H.: "Now it's up to you, Ewan. You would have to go some to do as well as that."
Ewan: "It was just nonsense."
T. G. H.: "Did you make those up?"
Ewan (vehemently): "No! He came down here and did something to my breath and then got up that rubbish. That is all it is - rubbish. Write it all down."
T. G. H.: "Did you get it all, Hobbes?"
Hobbes: "No."
Ewan: "Do you like doing that?" (to J. A. Hamilton)
J. A. Hamilton: "Yes. What are you doing? Turning the mangles?"
Ewan: "Yes."
Dawn clears her throat.
Ewan: "We know you are there. You've changed it. (To J. A. Hamilton). I'll show you how I like it."
Good deal of rattle and grinding movement by Ewan in the cabinet.
Ewan: "How did you like that?"
J. A. Hamilton (somewhat out of breath) "Fine."
Ewan: "He should not take such violent exercise. I think this is silly. Silly. He's a big silly. He hasn't got a word to say. I am going to take control."
Group sing "Solomon Levi" again.
Ewan: "All right, go on." Ewan claps hands vigorously.
Walter: (direct voice through Dawn) "Good evening. If you want to buy a suit to go to a funeral or to go to a wedding, there is one. I sell you one in the back of the room. It's all cut away in the front and all tail in the back. I'll sell it to you. The highest bidder will be the purchaser."
T. G. H.: "I bid two dollars."
Walter as auctioneer talked the bids up to till L. H. said "five dollars."
Walter: "That wouldn't pay for the material."
[The direct voice that Walter used for this auctioneer stunt was the best done so far. L. H. ]
[Note I: Notice that the intense muscular activity precedes the functioning of the supernormal voice. Psychodynamic energy has somehow been secured and utilized: the human organism its source, apparently. A great "miracle."]
[Note II: The suit auctioned off by "direct voice" was an old evening suit of T. G. H.'s, which was hanging in the closet at the back of the room. This fact, unknown to Mary M. in her normal state. Mary Marshall was never allowed in the séance room between sittings. They key was in Dr. Hamilton's possession. She entered only just prior to the sittings when the room was illuminated by red light. The suit would not be visible to her. L. H.]
T. G. H.: "I'll bid six dollars, if you'll take a cheque."
Walter: "No, I want hard cash."
Sitter: "Seven dollars."
Walter: "No, seven dollars wouldn't pay for the waistcoat and trousers with no legs."
W. D. Cooper: "Seven dollars 25 cents."
Walter: "Yes, it would fit you."
J. A. Hamilton: "Nine dollars."
Walter: "That wouldn't pay for one leg. There's more cloth in this suit."
T. G. H.: "$10. I want to keep it."
W. B. Cooper: "$11."
Walter: "$11 I'm bid. Come along. Bid up. A wedding suit at $11. Going once ... $11 for the second time ... $11 for the last ...."
T. G. H.: "$11.25."
Ewan: "Pack of fools, buying something you never saw."
Walter: "$12 I'm bid for this suit of clothes. Any advance on $12.50?"
Sitter: "$13."
Sitter: "$13."
Walter: "$13 from two places. I can't divide it unless I tear the trousers in two."
J. A. Hamilton: "$16."
Walter: " ... coat split up the back and a pocket for the flask. Whole suit ..."
L. H.: "$17."
J. A. Hamilton: "$18."
Walter: "Come on or we'll be here all night."
Ada Turner: "$20."
Walter: "Sold to the lady for $20." Much laughter.
Ada Turner: "What will I do with it?"
Walter: "You can sell it again to your husband. Goodnight friends. That was a bit of fun."
W. B. Cooper: "He should have been an auctioneer."
Ewan: "It's not every day he has a bunch of dubs."
T. G. H.: "Is this your ectoplasmic voice?"
Walter: "No, it's yours. It was an ectoplasmic voice all this time. Now let him in the cabinet. Don't move. There is someone in the cabinet who wants to talk to Ewan. A man by the name of Hall."
T. G. H.: "Do you know any man by the name of Hall, Ewan?"
Ewan: "Yes, but what's he doing here?"
T. G. H.: "Walter wants you to sell the suit of clothes for Miss Turner."
10:16 p.m. Walter whistles.
T. G. H.: "Was that an ectoplasmic whistle, Walter?"
Apparently it was.
Ewan: "What's that? What did he say about that fellow Hall?"
[Note: Much nonsense talk follows ( to ease nervous tension, we believe. (L. H.) . Lucy says the work is almost completed.]
[The "voice" almost a normal voice and full of mischief. An amazing experience. - the auctioneering.]
February 15, 1930
Letter from Dr. Hamilton to Mrs. W. M Cannon.
There is mention of the ectoplasmic hand of January 5 - also a repeat of the statement that "...Walter called it a joke."
"... This is the only photograph we have obtained since I saw you, but we are expecting one within the next week or ten days. Walter has been working upon it for many weeks according to what he tells us and it is to surpass anything and everything hitherto had."
"...Public interest in this city is very great and continuously on the increase. Since my return I have spoken ten times to clubs, etc., including five addresses to the YMCA."
February 16, 1930.
T. G. H.; Mrs. Poole; Mr. Reed; Ewan; Victor; J. A. Hamilton; John MacDonald; Ada Turner; Mercedes; Dawn.
9:01 p.m. Meeting opened.
9:07 p.m. E.M. entranced, gives automatic writing.
9:08 p.m. There are raps on the cabinet, followed by more writing.
9:10 p.m. Continuous rappings on the cabinet.
E.M.: "I have got him. The old man's name is Robert. 'Take My Life'."
The group sing this song. More writing.
E.M.: "There was a little boy, very thin. He was alone. He was very long and tall; I could not get his name."
9:15 p.m. E.M. is normal again and mediums change places. She then relates her trance visions:
"I saw Stevenson at a boat. There was a foreign man there, drunk. Stevenson was telling him where to go. Man in dark uniform as a soldier, tight-waisted coat. They were not on the boat."
"The next vision I was traveling to a village. Went to a house with shutters. Got a key for the House. Stevenson was in his teens. There was another lad with him in knickers. Livingstone was lecturing at a meeting. He was talking concerning his going away. A large offering wanted."
"I saw Spurgeon singing at a large meeting. Also saw W. O. Hamilton, and other brothers. The whole family. There was a young boy there, tall and slim, not sure of eyes, delicate-looking. Bob and Bell and mother and lady looked like the Hamiltons. Hair parted in the center. Mother looks well. There were three men, two ladies and a boy. Bob is the thinnest one. I saw fancy lamps."
9:23 p.m. Group number twice. Walter says "12" in his ectoplasmic voice. Group then sing for Spurgeon "Draw Me Nearer" followed by "Jingle Bells" and "Golden Slippers". The phonograph is out of order and Jack MacDonald tries to fix it.
9:35 p.m. Dawn and Ewan both pound and hammer, making quite a commotion.
Ewan: "Let's go."
Dawn: "It is good, good. Go on, go on. When we exercise him we work up the blood. We will soon be ready now. Just about two more sittings. It is shaping beautifully. Take everything out of the room. Change the cameras before we sit again. Take everything out. Let guests with cameras sit with them on their knees. Let them bring ..."
"Have the cameras erected. You ought to send a photo to all the different photographers. There is so much babble; it must be stopped, and it will be stopped. All ready but some more to set things. It is up to you. See that the door is sealed. Let someone put a seal on it. This never was done before. It is up to you to help me. I cannot fail if you are here with me. Instructions will be given before you come into the room for the last time. We will be disappointed if it fails over here. Forget all about it, and you will not bring back forces out of curiosity. Guards are here. I would like if the medium would take a long rest before the picture. I will try to get in touch with her. Say nothing to her except "that it will not be long now." I would like to put Ewan in the Cabinet and exchange places with Dawn. Do not change chairs. Do not wake him but help him."
Group sing "Solomon Levi".
10:01 p.m. "There is a man sitting on the table. Somebody has come to do business. He has no coat."
Dawn: "He is a bum."
Ewan (pounds the floor.) "Coming too damn near."
10:05 p.m. Dawn laughs a great deal.
Dawn: "What a lot of jokes!"
Ewan: "Quite right!"
Dawn: "He is on a treadmill."
Ewan: "Now a little swing to it!" (in cabinet, stomps feet rhythmically)
Dawn: "What funny-looking people. Give me the ..."
Ewan orders her to stop laughing.
10:10 p.m. We sing "My Bonnie."
Ewan: "Don't ask for any more songs now."
Ewan is under great stress.
10:15 p.m. Sister Lucy: "Calm after the storm. You sit where you are. I want to tell you who was there since Ewan entered the cabinet. A man with a grin on his face, dressed in pirate's clothing, long black coat or cloak. He flung it aside and gave something to Ewan as though he had brought something and laughed as though you ... him when I asked ... it seems as if he is to assist in the completion of the work."
[Is this the Pirate John King?]
Ewan: "He is great at this. All right, look what I have on now. My friend lent them to me."
W. B. Cooper: "He has high boots on." [Mr. Cooper now clairvoyant.]
10:25 p.m. Sister Lucy: "Goodnight."
Ewan: "You will see things. You don't know who I am. I am one of the helpers. All found dead in the ... I brought them with me and here they stand, the remains of the ruffian barque. Heave ho! This is my island; a great island it was once for the king. This floor is too sloppy. Out she goes. Walter knows what I have done. We'll make this so you won't believe it! Two damns will make a ... Walter is still using bad language. I have got only one third of his mind. Did you ever see a lawyer with any more? M-e spells me. 'Me' is a little word."
Walter speaks with the ectoplasmic voice on the shoulder under the ear. He closes the meeting in the usual manner.
10:55 p.m. Meeting closed.
["I held the Island for the King". Said with great emphasis L. H.]
[John King said to be Sir Henry Morgan - once Governor of Jamaica.]
February 21, 1930. Full group as above. Glen Hamilton, Jr., Guest.
February 21, 1930.
More muscular exercises. The new unknown makes his second speech through Ewan: "It (materialization) is not got up yet. We have to mold it. We have to cover the actual with ectoplasm before we can photograph it. My pilgrimage is a long one. People have been burned at the stake for me. This body I can manage but not well. I will do better when this great experience is over. He is afraid that we would laugh at him. I who have never been afraid have to use him. He is full of doubt. I have to work round so I can use him. Just try and get my meaning. Some day when I subdue him we will have a good time. I have great strength if I can hold it, and this medium. Do not be afraid whatever happens; least of all be afraid if you see something that you think is not meant for mortals. I can only tell you, friends, that it is not this boy who is speaking. I shall have him when he fears nothing. He is so afraid. He is afraid of your humor and will not let himself go. He is afraid that when he speaks he is being made to speak nonsense by Walter. It is best to tell him nothing. We will use him quite a lot when Walter and I have got a little more control."
February 22, 1930.
9:05 p.m. Meeting opens.
9:05 p.m. to 9:17 p.m. Group sings various hymns. Ellen in trance says, "Spurgeon. Sing 'He Leadeth Me"
9:19 p.m. Ellen says, "Stead." Ellen clapping in time to singing. Stead or Spurgeon say it is good.
9:23 p.m. Ellen moves out of cabinet and ...
"Spurgeon and Stead. A very bright place, bluish like a sky. They seem to be old friends. Shake hands and talk. Stead singing. Spurgeon said something to him. No others were there, not right where they were. There were others in front and back of them . They were both very white-haired. Spurgeon's hair is long. Stead has blue eyes."
"There was a young man there. He gave them a letter. Two men went with the letter to a small place."
"Livingstone was talking about the people surrounding him, black and white people. Bunch of people here now, a great many of them . Spurgeon started singing; just seemed in a cloud. They Shall Have a New Name. This is me."
T. G. H.: "Are you Charles?"
Spurgeon: "Yes. Sing "We Have a New Name."
Group do not know this.
Spurgeon: "All right. Sing something else."
Group sing "There Is a Fountain."
9:37 p.m. Spurgeon: "We get a new tongue, voice, and heart in that sunny land. Goodnight."
9:44 p.m. Group numbered off, and then sang "Jingle Bells," and "Golden Slippers", followed by "Solomon Levi."
Medium (Mary M.): "There is a man in the room who has an organ and he has only one leg and he's got an organ. He has one greasy dirty-looking ... on. He has a beard and needs a wash. He has no monkey unless he takes you and he's standing there tuning his organ and playing. He's not a pleasant looking fellow ... All come and speak to this man here. They took the money out of him."
"You're doing fine, and I'm quite well pleased with you. (Says something about fools). But you're the darndest ... Two sticks are crossed and a nail in the middle. Laugh and grow fat. Be as fat as Dawn here. Go on, there is a lot of little fellows here, too."
"Dawn can sit at the bottom of the cabinet. Let her sit down there for a while. Now we are getting all set up. No stranger must step within the cabinet. Must sit to the outside of the cabinet. Ellen (Elizabeth) can sit on the right. Dawn sits on the right and so does E.M. . Only one person to sit on ... She will do her writing. Move Ellen's chair into the center of the room. Now come in here (to Ewan). Sit on the chair. Take Dawn's chair out of the cabinet for the next sitting."
10:06 p.m. Group sing "Rig-a-Jig-Jig."
Medium (Ewan): "Now relax and keep quiet. You don't know it but you're doing hard work. Only means we have of breaking down barriers put up. Some people would say we were mad. When they say that, they are forgetting about the debt they owe to other people. It sounds foolish, but it is necessary. It will soon be over. Two more evenings."
(Speaking of materialization.). It is not got up yet. We have to mold it. We have to cover the actual spirit with ectoplasm before we can photograph it. My pilgrimage is a long one. People have been burned at the stake for me. Every little bit helps. You are all good friends. This boy I can manage better but not well. I will too!! I will do better when this great experience is over. This only comes to one thing. It is not as great as that ... He is afraid that we would laugh at him. I know we won't. I who have never been afraid, have to use him. He is full of doubt. He is like a child. He is not like a child. I have to work around so that ... Just try and get my meanings. Some day when I subdue him we will have a good time ... You don't know what can be done, but I do. Just try and be used and molded. It is a great thing to be the clay that can be used and molded ... I have great strength if I can uphold it and the medium. Do not be afraid, what ever happens. Least of all be afraid if you see something that you think is not meant for mortals."
"I can only tell you friends that it is not this boy who is speaking. I shall have him where he knows nothing. He is so afraid. He is afraid of your honor and he will not let himself go. He is afraid that when he speaks he is being made to speak nonsense by Walter. Do not listen to him. Do not pay any attention. It is best to tell him nothing. Do not encourage him. We will use him quite a lot when Walter and I have got a little more control."
Meeting now closes in the usual manner.
February 23, 1930.
Full group present.
Walter/Dawn: "Good evening. I want you to go back as you were, at the next sitting. Dawn on the left side of the cabinet, Ellen (Mrs. Poole) on the right. We are almost through now. I will give you final instructions at the next sitting. All is going fine. I will put you through your catechism at the next sitting and see that you know what you are to do ... Dawn is at the left of the cabinet because I am molding the thing of my material figure at the right. It is necessary for you to understand and not mix me up."
February 26. 1930.
R. L. Stevenson asked to tell about the place he is in, replies: "I am the doorkeeper."
"Service is the watchword; service is the password - service to man and civility to God. Mistakes are the names we give our experiences."
He suggests that he give us a book of epigrams: "Posthumous Jokes O' a Scotch Rake."
He suggests a new national emblem for Scotland: A Bobby (baubee) rampant upon a joke book. He says: "If I am no' a light I may be a beacon yet."
(Referring to the possible success of his posthumous joke book)
March 2, 1930.
Dawn; Mrs. Poole; Ewan; Mr. Reed; Victor; Mercedes; T. G. H.; L. H.; J. A. Hamilton; W. E. Hobbes (Secretary).
Statement:
Walter/Mary M.
The "form" is nearly ready. (See Lucy, March 10)
Statement:
Lucy/Mercedes
The "form" is ready. ("Lucy" comes March 10.)
Psycho-hypnotic process of communicating
Interesting Hint Here:
Walter, all along, has claimed to be an "instrument"; a non-physical medium. If Psycho-hypnosis is the condition of mind necessary for thought transference between discarnate individuals, then we understand Walter's predicament: he himself is under psycho-hypnotic influence of greater minds and if we cause him to be confused then he himself will fail to be a good channel for mental directive effort. In other words, he automatically obeys those higher up. Intercommunication, then, must be a very complex business indeed."
9:08 p.m. Sitting opened.
E.M. entranced in a few minutes. Usual phenomena.
9:29 p.m. E.M. out of trance. Moves out of cabinet and takes place between W. B. Cooper and T. G. H.. Dawn sits at back of room by flash lights. Ewan is under much stress.
9:32 p.m. E.M.: "I came down past a row of small houses like fishermen's cottages. There were a few men and the few men by houses seemed to be content there because it was their home. Paper on the floor and great sheets of paper on the floor. I was in the same place but in a different house ...One of them picked up a gun and was polishing it. There was a big map hanging on the wall at the side."
"I got Livingstone in the home with his children. He made one of the children bring a piece of wood for the fire. He spoke some words I did not understand."
"I got Spurgeon and Stead close together. They must know each other. I got Stead in a beautiful office, leather seats. He was sitting at a table. Spurgeon came in then. I don't know what Spurgeon said. There were both pleased. They were jollying one another. There were both dressed in ordinary clothes. I saw another gentleman. He didn't get through but stood over there on my right."
9:57 p.m. All Sing "There Is a Fountain." Group number off, beginning at W. B. Cooper and ending at Walter. Group sing again; then Ewan moves into cabinet.
10:50 p.m. Ellen and deep trance again.
Ellen: "You would be surprised if you could see what I see. You cannot see."
J. A. Hamilton: "No, I cannot see. Will we see?"
Ewan: "Yes, you will see. "
J. A. Hamilton: "When?"
Ellen: "It is all right."
T. G. H.: "Who says?"
Ellen: "James."
Ewan: "This boy is all right."
T. G. H.: "That's good, Walter."
Ellen gives automatic writing.
J. A. Hamilton: "Can you see what she is writing, Walter?"
Ewan: "That's hard to tell."
T. G. H.: "Can you tell it instead of writing?"
Ellen: "Too much. I write my copy."
T. G. H.: "Who are your?"
Ellen: "James Howlitson."
T. G. H.: "What did you tell us?"
Ellen: "....."
All Sing "Nuts in May" during which they say they will take Walter Stinson for "... nuts in May."
Ewan: "You are all wrong."
T. G. H. suggested trying some "canned" music, but Ewan objected.
10:02 p.m. Walter/Dawn: "Good evening. I want you to go back as you were at the next sitting, but I want Dawn to sit on the left side of the cabinet and Ellen of the Rosebuds to sit on the right. Just the reverse way on that before. We are almost through now. I will give you instructions at the next sitting. All is going fine and I hope to give you what you are wanting. Next week you will get your final instructions. I will take you through your catechism at next sitting and see that you know what you are to do."
T. G. H.: "You say you want Dawn put back, to be put on the left side."
Walter: "Put Dawn's chair there in the cabinet when she goes to sit there. I want you to go back to the old arrangement, but reverse the seating, Dawn at the left of the cabinet instead of the right, because I am molding the thing for my material figure. Ewan will sit in his own seat at the next sitting; Dawn at the back and left just as she has always been doing. Then Ellen will move forward in her own seat and Dawn will come a little forward. Then after that I will give you your final instructions. It is necessary for you to understand and not mix me up. If you don't follow my instructions it will not be my fault. If you don't I will not fly off the handle but I will simply go away. Only one person to ask questions at a time and not foolish questions. It may be very detrimental to the medium if this does not come through. I do not want to use her vocal chords in anger. I will speak only softly, so you will have to listen to her. I don't want to break up the sitting and suggest that you go away after Sister Lucy has delivered her message. I will say so long now."
All Sing "Shall We Gather at the River ". And Lucy/Mercedes sings a verse and chorus of "Ora Pro Nobis."
Group: "Good evening, Sister."
Sister Lucy: "Good evening. I just have to say that everything is just going fine. If you good people knew the wonderful surprise that is in store for you. It is worth all your trouble, all the sacrifices that you have made. I only hope that there will be no hitch. There does not have to be if your control's instructions are carried out. The good friend who takes your notes will have to have his ears open. I am going to make him responsible for the instructions and then there will be no need for anyone to say "he said this" or "he didn't say that." Were you be satisfied to go with the notes? I will see personally that they are correct. Walter is very, very anxious; that is the reason why there is no fun and nonsense with him tonight. You do not realize how anxious he is that this should be put through the way he wants it to be. He will not tell me but wants it to be a surprise. He will not tell me. I have something to say about our new field. Do you remember me saying that there would be someone else here?"
T. G. H.: "Yes."
Sister Lucy: "He is here with Ewan. Do your best to keep him busy, for between him and other friends there can be no end to the work that can be done. I think some of you guess who he is, but let it go and do not force him to say who he is. He will be like Walter and tell in his own good time. You have wondered why we cannot tell you all you would like to know, but you realize how difficult it is to get even a word through. It is good to have patience."
Walter finds Dawn too tense for effective work. "One more sitting and then the photo after." Ewan under stress. Only the ceiling light was to be used. If T. G. H. has to use his pocket flashlight (red) not to come within ten feet of cabinet. Ewan and Dawn stamp violently - Ewan rubs feet back and forth on the floor. Ewan under great stress and Dawn breathing heavily but quietly. Lucy assures sitters that they are still at the beginning of things - greater phenomena to come. They on their side about ready and eager to give proof that life beyond the veil is an accomplished fact."
Some detailed instructions from Walter and then he says: "We are almost through now. I will give you (final) instructions at the next sitting. All is going fine. Next week you will get your final instructions. I will put you through your catechism at the next sitting and see that you know what you are to do. It is necessary for you to understand and not mix me up. If you don't follow my instructions it will not be my fault. Only one person to ask questions at a time and no foolish questions. It may be very detrimental to the medium if this does not come through. I do not want to use her vocal cords in anger. I will speak only softly. I suggest that you break up after sister Lucy has delivered her message."
Lucy/Mercedes: "Good evening. If you good people knew the wonderful surprise that is in store for you! It is worth all your trouble; all the sacrifices that you have made. I only hope that there will be no hitch. There does not need to be if your control's instructions are carried out. The good friend who takes your notes (W. E. Hobbes) will have to have his ears open. I am going to make him responsible for the instructions and then there will be no need for anyone to say "he said this" or "he didn't say that". Will you be satisfied to go on the notes? I will see personally that they are correct. Walter is very, very anxious. That is why there is no fun or nonsense with him tonight. He will not tell me (what it is in toto) but wants it to be a surprise?"
10:22 p.m. Sister Lucy sings "Ave Maria." "Bless you all, dear friends. Good night."
Ewan: "She is sweeter than you know."
Ewan is in some difficulty and asks for a chanty, but no one knows one. J. A. Hamilton reports him reaching across the table for something, and T. G. H. reports him shaking hands with Ellen. Ewan says, "You, too," to T. G. H., who shakes hands with him also.
Ewan: "I'm all right. I'm going to speak. It's all right. I haven't got ..."
T. G. H.: "Have you got him well under tonight?"
Ewan: "No, no, nothing. He's awful; nothing at all, nothing at all now, just enough to keep him from getting away from me. He was pretty good tonight. He is easy for me when I ... I'll put him where he won't jump back all right."
T. G. H.: "Is he coming out, J. A.?"
Ewan: "Not yet. Walter is still here although he left his medium. He is still busy. He did not want to waste time talking to you."
L. H.: "Is that you, Harry?"
Ewan: "Yes, you can wake him up."
L. H.: "Come on, Harry. Come on, you are all right."
10:35 p.m. T. G. H.: "We had better break."
March 5, 1930.
Control/Ewan: "When this work is done, do not think that your Walter is going to leave you. He has permitted me to come also, because he is very proud of you!"
T. G. H.: "Proud of me? Don't tell anyone, please."
Control/Ewan: "It means so much to our friend Walter that you do this for him, and you must not fail him. Yes, bless you."
Dawn: (Now normal) reported that Walter was beside her, smiling at Ewan under control and doing so well.
Walter: "Dawn is too tense. Just one more sitting, and then the "picture."
Statement:
Walter/Mary M.
One more sitting will be required before phenomenon appears.
(Sitting, March 9 - Lucy comes March 10.)
Statement:
Lucy/Mercedes
A new control will come. ( "John King" manifests through Ewan)
[For some unknown reason there was a delay. At the seance of March 5, 1930, Walter said:]
"I need another sitting before you can get the picture. I know you are all disappointed but you would be more so if it wasn't right. She is too tense. It is not her fault. I want more time and then you must all come and I will have the picture all set."
W. B. Cooper: "One more sitting and then we will be given a final instructions?"
Walter/Dawn: "One more sitting and then the photo after. Just one more as tonight."
W. B. Cooper: "You want a scrutineer on the night?"
Walter/Dawn: "If you care to."
W. B. Cooper: "Hamilton was going to ask Pitblado."
Walter/Dawn: "He's all right. I would like to have him. When I say he's all right, he is. There are no back doors in him. You have to come around and knock at the front. And friends, just be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day ...."
March 9, 1930.
Circle clockwise as follows: W. B. Cooper; Ellen of the Rosebuds; Dr. T. G. Hamilton; Mercedes; H.A. Reed; A. Turner; Ewan; Mrs. T. G. Hamilton; Dr. J. Hamilton; W. E. Hobbes, recording.
Arrangements are made for Dr. and Mrs. Creighton to search the ladies and men sitters, and for Pitblado to be scrutineer.
Walter the researcher and scientist at work.
[All main predictions fulfilled in the appearance of the first "Lucy" teleplasm of March 12, 1930, secured underwater-tight conditions laid down by directing controls.]
9:09 p.m. Meeting opens.
The meeting opens with Ellen in the cabinet who quickly went into a deep trance which was followed by the usual phenomena, automatic writing, etc.
9:28 p.m. E.M. normal again. Leaves cabinet and takes her place in the circle. Ellen then relates her trance visions.
9:35 p.m. Ellen vision account somewhat interrupted by Walter commenting through Dawn. The circle then numbers, commencing with W. D. Cooper at 'one' and going around the circle clockwise, Dawn completing by saying 'a dozen'. All then sing "There Is a Fountain", during which Dawn bangs the table with her hand to the time of the hymn. Ewan is also under considerable stress, moving his body and shuffling and stamping his feet. Group then sings "Jingle Bells" when Walter, through Dawn, says "Is all ready?"
T. G. H.: "Yes, except the cameras are not open."
Walter: "You will not need them . How does it happen that the bell isn't working?"
T. G. H.: "I didn't know it was out of order. It must have gone wrong in the interval, if it isn't working now. I haven't touched it purposely."
Walter: "Well, I couldn't ring the thing. The lid is open too far."
T. G. H.: "Well, something has gone wrong."
Walter: "When did you try it last?"
T. G. H.: "I hadn't touched it for some weeks. You know we weren't to touch anything in or near the cabinet."
Walter: "Well, it is up the tree. Would you please put your hands up and try to ring it yourself."
J. A. Hamilton complies with this request, but the bell will not ring and he says, "It is dead."
Walter: "It is dead; just like you are." (To T. G. H.)
T. G. H.: "Well, I am sorry Walter, but you told us to leave things alone."
Walter: "It is quite all right. I wanted to let you know that I had tried to ring it. I intended to signal to you that way, and I tried but it would not ring. Just like everything else that is not in motion it ..."
Ewan (under control): "Stops."
Walter: "I wanted to tell you that I tried to ring the bell but when it would not work I used the table to keep time instead. It is all right, we don't need the bell. Are you already?"
T. G. H.: "Yes."
Walter: "No one is to enter this room after you leave tonight, and don't think I won't know if anyone does enter. If anyone enters this room, there will be no materialization. If it is necessary for anyone to enter for any purpose, let me know it now."
T. G. H.: "No, no one need to enter. The room can be sealed if you like."
Walter: "Seal it. When you enter for the next sitting let all come in together, follow one after the other. I have viewed my work and I am not satisfied with it but hope the next one will be better. (Aside) Shut up. I am talking to the boss of this show. You can talk afterwards when I finish with these instructions. The signal will be with the hand. It will be like this: one (bangs on the table), two (bangs again), three (bangs the third time), fire. Perhaps it will not be as loud as that but that is to be the signal. I want all the gentlemen to remove their coats, collars and ties. I want all ladies and gentlemen to remove their shoes."
The person who comes here to look on and witness need not remove his clothes. He will be here to criticize and observe. Only one light must be on at the time. If you use the light in your hand don't have the ceiling light on. The medium must be sponged off completely and have an entire change of garments. Nothing that she brings with her from her home must she have on at all. Nothing! I wish every part of her body to be examined. This is only a matter of form. I would like someone who doesn't sit in the circle to be there to do this. I would like someone not of the circle to be beside the medium when she takes her garments off and puts the others on.
J. A. Hamilton "Should the gentlemen remove their vests, too?"
Walter: "It would be quite as well to have their vests removed. The person who comes here to look on and witness need not remove his clothes. He will be here to criticize and observe. Only one light must be on at a time. The light on the ceiling is all right. If you use the light in your hand don't have the roof light on.
W. B. Cooper: "How is the medium to be placed?"
Walter: "The same as usual. I will place her if she is not right. Hold her fingers and let her move her hand at the wrist. Don't squeeze but hold her hand in the palm of yours. You may hold her wrist if necessary but don't let her hand out of yours at any time. Bring all your friends ... all your good friends, with you. There are many undesirables present here tonight. I don't know for what purpose they are here. Sing for your friends and then sing for me. Get right into it and don't think about the materialization. It may come in the beginning or in the morning. I may chaff you; I may scold you. Think about me. Don't think about the other people. Keep your thoughts on me and amuse me if you can. There is a large crowd here tonight. We have a bodyguard and I intend to leave the guard here until the picture is taken."
T. G. H.: "We have arranged to have the sitting tomorrow night, if that is satisfactory."
Walter: "That will be fine. I am glad. Tomorrow night will be fine."
T. G. H.: "Will Ellen take her part as usual tomorrow night?"
Walter: "Carry on just as usual. Let her give her little story. She will give a great deal more. She will give you something that will be very interesting to you."
J. A. Hamilton: "Will Ellen occupy the same position as usual during her part?"
Walter: "Just the same place. And I will remove her chair and Dawn's chair and do with Dawn as I want to. See that she has no pins about her head or hair."
T. G. H.: "We hope to have Mr. Pitblado here as scrutineer. Should he inspect the room?"
Walter: "That would be all right but can he inspect in the dark?"
T. G. H.: "We might use a shaded lamp."
Walter: "No one must come into this room after it sealed. You must all come in together."
L. H.: "Perhaps it would be good to have the room inspected tonight and then have it sealed."
9:55 p.m. Walter makes no comment.
T. G. H.: "When you give the signal by raps on the table, will you speak also?"
Walter: "Yes, I will rap and say, 'one, two, three, fire!"
W. B. Cooper: "Do you want us to sing now, Walter?"
All start singing.
Walter: "Just sit quiet a little, please. It was quite nice of you to start singing, but I want you passive. Are there any other inquiries?"
T. G. H.: "It will take a little time to open the cameras. We usually open them after Ellen is finished, but in this case would it be well for Mr. Reed and I to come in before the others come in and arrange this?"
Walter: "That will be all right, or you can do it at the usual time. Can anyone else operate the flash?"
T. G. H.: "Not very well."
Walter: "Well, you shall do it."
T. G. H. suggest getting someone else to take the pictures (Mr. Hobbes), but Walter says "No - if they don't believe you, they won't believe anyone else."
Walter: "No, do it yourself. If they will not believe you they will not believe someone else in the room doing it."
Ewan: "Look and see if the flash lights are in order."
Walter: "How would it be to take a picture of Ellen and Dawn
sitting in the cabinet during the first part of the sitting as a checkup? You need not use all your cameras but take one or two and then reload."
T. G. H.: "I could do that if you like."
Walter: "I am asking if it would be of value as a checkup."
T. G. H.: "Yes, it would."
Walter: "Very well, then, take a flash when Ellen is under control. Take it without saying anything to anyone unless you have to ask those in the circle to stoop down as I think I have heard you do before."
T. G. H.: "How about your materialization? Would it not hurt it?"
Walter: "No. Ellen's guides will stand in front with her and protect my work."
J. A. Hamilton: "What is an opportune time for the first picture?"
Walter: "I think that Little Willie (Ewan) will be able to give you the signal. You had better ask him before he goes right to sleep."
Ewan: "Yes, yes."
Walter: "That's fine."
T. G. H.: "Is he Little Willie?"
Walter: "Yes."
Ewan (under control): "Joke, joke."
Walter: "Yes, the joke's on you, but it will not be on you tomorrow."
T. G. H.: " ...."
Walter: "For the first picture only."
Ewan is under great stress, rolling around and rubbing with his feet and occasionally stamping.
Walter: "I think when you lock this door tonight and seal it you should give the key to someone who does not live in this house. Perhaps your secretary should take it."
Hobbes: "All right, Walter, I will."
T. G. H.: "I think we should padlock the door, too. (Someone might have a skeleton key that could open the door.)
Walter: "It would mystify people. Again, I would like that each one should examine the other person. They could go through each other' pockets, etc., and pick out the dollar bills."
L. H.: "How would it be for the secretary to examine all the members of the circle?"
Walter: "No, the scrutineer should do it. You may keep your shirts on, you know, but roll your shirt sleeves up to the elbow. No shoes, and I would prefer that all stockings be taken off, too."
T. G. H.: "Do you want to men to take their socks off, too?"
Walter: "No."
Mercedes: "I would feel cold."
Walter: "You may keep your stockings on and see that she has a warm pair of bedroom slippers."
Solemnly continuing - Have you got all the instructions? Mr. Secretary, have you notes of all these instructions?"
Mr. Hobbes: "Yes, Walter."
Walter: "Now, old man, have you got all the instructions?"
T. G. H. then proceeds to run over all the details and instructions given by Walter in the course of which one or two points are commented on.
Walter: "Let the scrutineer be the first one to enter this room and bring him right up here to the mouth of the cabinet. Let the circle come in, in the order in which they sit."
W. B. Cooper: "I suppose the scrutineer should not put his hand into the cabinet."
Walter: "It would be better not. There are no trapdoors in your floor, are there?"
