GM wrote last week about the curious connection between Abraham Lincoln and 3226 N St. Well, GM wanted to share a bit more about the seances that Lincoln took part in there:
…lt Was at this seance that Mrs. Belle Miller gave an example of her power as a “moving medium,” and highly amused and interested us by causing the piano to “Waltz around the room,” as was facetiously remarked in several recent newspaper articles. The true statement is as follows: Mrs. Miller played upon the piano (a three-corner grand), and under her influence it “rose and fell,” keeping time to her touch in a perfectly regular manner. Mr. Laurie suggested that, as an added “test” of the invisible power that moved the piano, Mrs. Miller (his daughter) should place her hand on the instrument, standing at arm’s length from it, to show that she Was in no Wise connected with its movement other than as agent. Mr. Lincoln then placed his hand underneath the piano, at the end nearest Mrs. Miller, Who placed her left hand upon his to demonstrate that neither strength nor pressure Was used. In this position the piano rose and fell a number of times at her bidding. At Mr. Laurie’s desire the President changed his position to another side, meeting With the same result.
The President, With a quaint smile, said, “I think We can hold down that instrument.” Whereupon he climbed upon it, sitting .With his legs dangling over the side, as also did Mr. Somes7 S. P. Kase, and a soldier in the uniform of a major (who, if living, Will recall the strange scene) from the Army ofthe Potomac. The piano, notwithstanding this enormous added Weight, continued to Wabble [sie] about until the sitters Were glad vacate the premises.” We were convinced that there Were no mechanical contrivances to produce the strange result, and Mr. Lincoln expressed himself perfectly satisfied that the motion was caused by some “invisible power”.
This selection is from the book “Was Abraham Lincoln a Spiritualist?” by Nettie Colburn Maynard.
The Georgetown Metropolitan 