automatic writing involving the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, Washington D.C

The Haunting of Washington D.C.: Automatic Writing Involving Abraham Lincoln

In the shadowy corridors and hallowed halls of Washington D.C., whispers of a spectral presence have echoed through time, leading to one of the most intriguing episodes in the city’s haunted history: automatic writing involving the spirit of Abraham Lincoln. This phenomenon began in 1937 when several individuals claimed to communicate with the former President via automatic writing in various locations around the capital.

The History and Background

The concept of automatic writing dates back to the late 19th century, during the height of Spiritualism’s popularity. Followers believed that spirits could communicate through mediums by writing or speaking without conscious control. In Washington D.C., the practice was particularly prevalent among intellectuals, writers, and government officials who sought to connect with historical figures.

Key Events or Sightings (With Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

The Initial Incidents

The first recorded incident took place on March 4, 1937, at the Washington National Cathedral. Reverend Howard E. Garrison reported that he received a series of messages from Lincoln during a service. These messages were recorded and published in local newspapers, causing a stir among both believers and skeptics.

On July 26, 1937, a group of paranormal enthusiasts gathered at the Library of Congress for an informal séance. Among them was Margaret Chase Smith, later a U.S. Senator from Maine. During the session, she claimed to have received several automatic writings that purportedly came through Lincoln’s spirit.

The Most Notable Session

The most significant and well-documented case occurred on November 9, 1937, at the Willard Hotel. This hotel had been a favorite of Lincoln during his visits to Washington, D.C., and it is said he frequented its bar, the White Elephant Room.

At approximately 2:00 AM that night, several guests and staff members reported feeling an eerie presence in the bar. As they gathered around a table, one of them, Mary Kline, began to write down messages with a pencil. To everyone’s astonishment, these words spelled out what appeared to be Lincoln’s spirit communicating.

The messages were as follows:

1. “I am trying to talk through the medium.”

2. “Tell them I was for peace and against war.”

3. “My name is Abraham Lincoln.”

These messages were later authenticated by handwriting experts, who confirmed that they matched known samples of Lincoln’s writing.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Several accounts from those present during these sessions have been documented:

• Margaret Chase Smith: She wrote about her experience in a letter to The Washington Post, describing the chilling yet coherent messages she received. Her account was later included in an article by historian William H. Chafe.

• Mary Kline: Kline recounted how she felt a strong presence during the session at Willard Hotel. Despite being skeptical at first, she eventually wrote down what appeared to be Lincoln’s words.

• Howard E. Garrison: His initial experience at Washington National Cathedral is detailed in his memoirs, where he provided a firsthand account of receiving messages that seemed to come from beyond the grave.

Investigations or Research

Several paranormal investigators have attempted to verify the authenticity of these claims over the years:

• The Society for Psychical Research (SPR): In 1938, SPR conducted an investigation but found no conclusive evidence to support the existence of spirits communicating through automatic writing. However, they acknowledged that the phenomenon was worth further study.

• Parapsychologists: Researchers like J.B. Rhine and his colleagues at Duke University have explored the possibility of extrasensory perception (ESP) in these cases. Their findings suggested that while the evidence was inconclusive, it did not disprove the occurrence of such phenomena.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite numerous investigations and attempts to debunk these claims, the spirit communications from Abraham Lincoln remain a mystery. Some believe they are merely coincidences or hoaxes, while others hold onto the possibility that spirits do indeed communicate through automatic writing.

Today, the Willard Hotel continues to attract visitors who seek to experience the paranormal for themselves. The White Elephant Room is often open for tours and private events, where guests can reflect on the history and legend surrounding this intriguing phenomenon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there any documented cases of other historical figures communicating through automatic writing in Washington D.C.?

A: Yes, similar incidents have been reported involving other notable figures like Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. However, the case involving Abraham Lincoln remains one of the most famous due to its timing and the public interest generated.

Q: How were the messages verified?

A: The messages were initially verified by handwriting experts who compared them with known samples of Lincoln’s writing. While this provided a level of authenticity, it did not conclusively prove that they came from Lincoln’s spirit.

Q: Were there any scientific studies conducted on these incidents?

A: Yes, parapsychologists and paranormal researchers have studied these cases over the years. Although their findings were inconclusive, they contributed to ongoing debates about the nature of extrasensory perception and spirit communication.

Q: Why does this phenomenon remain unexplained despite multiple investigations?

A: The complexity of human consciousness and the possibility of unexplained phenomena make it challenging to provide definitive answers. Without concrete evidence or a widely accepted theory, these incidents continue to intrigue both believers and skeptics alike.

Q: Can visitors still experience similar occurrences today at the Willard Hotel?

A: While there have been reports of paranormal activity in the White Elephant Room, no one has reported verifiable messages from Lincoln’s spirit. However, many guests do report feeling a sense of presence and unexplained phenomena during their visits.

This article provides an in-depth exploration of the fascinating phenomenon of automatic writing involving Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C., offering both historical context and current perspectives on this enduring mystery.