Michelle L. Hamilton's Blog, page 8
November 4, 2014
Love is Eternal
On this date in 1842 Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd where joined together in holy matrimony. The couple where married in the bride's sister's home in Springfield, IL. Mary's sister, Elizabeth Edwards, had objected to the match and had played a role in the couple's separation. In this battle of will, Mary Todd was determined to get what she wanted--and she wanted to marry Abraham Lincoln. With the help of sympathetic friends, the couple resumed their courtship in secret and got engaged. In fact, Elizabeth Edwards was only informed of the engagement when Mary announced on the morning of November 2 that she was going to marry Lincoln that evening!
Realizing that she had lost, and worried that it would look bad that Mary was married elsewhere--as Elizabeth had been charged to look after her younger sister and act as her chaperon--Elizabeth declared that Mary would marry in the Edwards' mansion. It was a rushed wedding, Mary had to borrow the white muslin dress she wore from another married sister. Legend holds that when the wedding cake was cut it was still warm from the oven.
Historians like to debate about the background of the wedding. Some insist that Mary lured Abraham into a marriage that he did not want. I strongly disagree with that, my research into Lincoln's character shows a man that could never be convinced to do something that he did not want to do. He had already extracted himself from an engagement when he realized that he did not love Mary Owens. Those who see Mary as the villain like to point out a statement Lincoln made before going to his wedding. The son of his landlady spotted him leaving his lodgings and seeing the usually sloppily dressed Lincoln dressed in his best suit asked him where he was going. Lincoln responded that he was going to hell.
My interpretation of this statement is that Lincoln was nervous before his marriage, and was likely concerned that Elizabeth would try to prevent the wedding. Besides the meddling of Elizabeth, Lincoln had also broken his first engagement to Mary because he felt that he was unworthy to have the wealthy and cultured Mary Todd. The Todds' were wealthy and Mary had been raised in the lap of luxury. Lincoln worried that he could never support Mary in the style that she had become accustomed too. After all he was only a poor country lawyer with only the promise of a successful political career. But Mary did not care! She loved Abraham and would have no other man but him.
The couple was married that evening, a hundred and seventy years ago tonight, in the parlor of Elizabeth Edwards with only thirty guests in attendance. And when it came time for Abraham Lincoln to slip the wedding ring on the fourth finger of Mary's left hand the ring carried this inscription, "A.L to Mary, Nov. 4 1842. Love is Eternal." Mary would wear this ring on her left hand for the remainder of her life--in fact Abraham was holding Mary's left hand when he was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. Upon her death on July 16, 1882, Mary was buried wearing her wedding ring and the ring still rests with her in the Lincoln tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
(As a side note, Abraham Lincoln never wore a wedding ring as men of the time did not wear wedding rings--this tradition would only come into fashion around World War II.)
Happy 172nd Anniversary Abraham and Mary Lincoln!
)
(For more information and great images related to the wedding of Abraham and Mary Lincoln visit: http://rogerjnorton.com/Lincoln49.html)
Realizing that she had lost, and worried that it would look bad that Mary was married elsewhere--as Elizabeth had been charged to look after her younger sister and act as her chaperon--Elizabeth declared that Mary would marry in the Edwards' mansion. It was a rushed wedding, Mary had to borrow the white muslin dress she wore from another married sister. Legend holds that when the wedding cake was cut it was still warm from the oven.
Historians like to debate about the background of the wedding. Some insist that Mary lured Abraham into a marriage that he did not want. I strongly disagree with that, my research into Lincoln's character shows a man that could never be convinced to do something that he did not want to do. He had already extracted himself from an engagement when he realized that he did not love Mary Owens. Those who see Mary as the villain like to point out a statement Lincoln made before going to his wedding. The son of his landlady spotted him leaving his lodgings and seeing the usually sloppily dressed Lincoln dressed in his best suit asked him where he was going. Lincoln responded that he was going to hell.
My interpretation of this statement is that Lincoln was nervous before his marriage, and was likely concerned that Elizabeth would try to prevent the wedding. Besides the meddling of Elizabeth, Lincoln had also broken his first engagement to Mary because he felt that he was unworthy to have the wealthy and cultured Mary Todd. The Todds' were wealthy and Mary had been raised in the lap of luxury. Lincoln worried that he could never support Mary in the style that she had become accustomed too. After all he was only a poor country lawyer with only the promise of a successful political career. But Mary did not care! She loved Abraham and would have no other man but him.
The couple was married that evening, a hundred and seventy years ago tonight, in the parlor of Elizabeth Edwards with only thirty guests in attendance. And when it came time for Abraham Lincoln to slip the wedding ring on the fourth finger of Mary's left hand the ring carried this inscription, "A.L to Mary, Nov. 4 1842. Love is Eternal." Mary would wear this ring on her left hand for the remainder of her life--in fact Abraham was holding Mary's left hand when he was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865. Upon her death on July 16, 1882, Mary was buried wearing her wedding ring and the ring still rests with her in the Lincoln tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
(As a side note, Abraham Lincoln never wore a wedding ring as men of the time did not wear wedding rings--this tradition would only come into fashion around World War II.)
Happy 172nd Anniversary Abraham and Mary Lincoln!
)(For more information and great images related to the wedding of Abraham and Mary Lincoln visit: http://rogerjnorton.com/Lincoln49.html)
November 3, 2014
Famously Haunted Podcast
Missed my appearance on Famously Haunted? Don't despair the podcast is now available!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/liveparanormal/2014/10/20/famously-haunted
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/liveparanormal/2014/10/20/famously-haunted
The Wicked Domain
I am pleased to announce that this Sunday, November 9, at 9:00 est I will be on The Wicked Domain hosted by Alex Matsuo on LiveParanormal.com. I had the pleasure to meet Alex at ParaAmericon and besides sharing a love for the paranormal and history, we are both graduated with or MA's from San Diego State University!
For more information visit:
http://liveparanormal.com/m/news/view/Michelle-Hamilton-on-The-Wicked-Domain-11-9-14
Join the Facebook invite page, I will be there...will you?
https://www.facebook.com/events/705552956206534/
For more information visit:
http://liveparanormal.com/m/news/view/Michelle-Hamilton-on-The-Wicked-Domain-11-9-14
Join the Facebook invite page, I will be there...will you?
https://www.facebook.com/events/705552956206534/
October 30, 2014
Civil War News
The November issue of Civil War News has been published, the issue features the annual massive Civil War Book section. I submitted my book in for review, while sadly it did not get selected for review, it was featured in the "Books Received For Review" column on page 42, so at least that is something!
October 23, 2014
Book on Ebay
I was bored tonight and decided to visit eBay. I am a big fan of eBay and used the site extensively while looking for copies of obscure sources while writing "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears." eBay can be a dangerous place, especially if you broke, or in my case saving up for Remembrance Day Weekend in Gettysburg--so tonight I was purely browsing.
On a whim I decided to type my book title in the search engine and was shocked to see my book being issued for sale. Instantly my anxiety kicked in and I began to fret that my book was being sold by unhappy buyers. Realizing that I can't satisfy everyone, I noticed that the books where being sold by book dealers. I found it interesting that one of the copies was being sold for more than it is offered by Amazon or when you purchase from me at an event.
It is flattering to see that people are watching the auction, but when you buy from a used book dealer the author receives none of the profits. I have nothing against used book sellers, having used them for rare and out of print books, but it is important for the public to know who gets the profits for a book currently in print. Regardless it is still kind of cool to see your name on eBay, and I hope that no matter how my work reaches the public that they are satisfied after spending time with my work.
On a whim I decided to type my book title in the search engine and was shocked to see my book being issued for sale. Instantly my anxiety kicked in and I began to fret that my book was being sold by unhappy buyers. Realizing that I can't satisfy everyone, I noticed that the books where being sold by book dealers. I found it interesting that one of the copies was being sold for more than it is offered by Amazon or when you purchase from me at an event.
It is flattering to see that people are watching the auction, but when you buy from a used book dealer the author receives none of the profits. I have nothing against used book sellers, having used them for rare and out of print books, but it is important for the public to know who gets the profits for a book currently in print. Regardless it is still kind of cool to see your name on eBay, and I hope that no matter how my work reaches the public that they are satisfied after spending time with my work.
October 19, 2014
October 6, 2014
Lee's Headquarters
On Saturday I had my book signing at Lee's Headquarters in Fredericksburg, VA. It was a lovely fall day and I enjoyed meeting readers and seeing friends all while being across the street from the Fredericksburg National Military Park and Cemetery. In fact the store, Lee's Headquarters and its next door neighbor the Battlefield Restaurant are located on land where men fought and died in December 1862 in the bloody fight for Marye's Heights. I gave the waitresses at the restaurant a fright when they saw me crossing the street--for a moment they were unsure if I was flesh and blood or a spirit. It turns out that they have a spirit of there own which they have have dubbed the "Battlefield Ghost" which likes to play harmless pranks on the restaurant staff. My next book signing will be on Sunday, November 16 at the Gettysburg Heritage Center.
October 2, 2014
Paramericon 2014
On Saturday, September 27, I attended Paramericon, it was a great experience and it is always fun to connect with my readers. Below are some photos taken at the event.
My booth
Another image of me at my booth, photo by event organizer Suzanne Sorrell
At Paramericon had the pleasure to meet fellow author and Aztec alumi (San Diego State University) Alex Matsuo, photo taken by Alex Matsuo
My new fan Dani N., it is always a pleasure to meet and interact with my readers! Photo taken by Dani
The event was great and there will be Paramericon II next year.
http://paramericon.com/
My booth
Another image of me at my booth, photo by event organizer Suzanne Sorrell
At Paramericon had the pleasure to meet fellow author and Aztec alumi (San Diego State University) Alex Matsuo, photo taken by Alex Matsuo
My new fan Dani N., it is always a pleasure to meet and interact with my readers! Photo taken by Dani
The event was great and there will be Paramericon II next year.
http://paramericon.com/
September 24, 2014
Three Days
Three days until ParAmeriCon and I am very exited! Stop by my booth where I will be selling "I Would Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House. I will be next to Miss Katie Lee Gammage who will be selling her new book, doing readings, and serving as the convention mascot Miss Meri!
Tickets are available only online and are selling quickly.
http://paramericon.com/
September 23, 2014
Upcoming Events
This Saturday, September 27, I will be appearing at ParAmeriCon from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm where I will be selling (and signing) ''I Will Still Be Drowned in Tears": Spiritualism in Abraham Lincoln's White House
http://paramericon.com/
Next week, Saturday October 4, I will be having a book signing at Lee's Headquarters Civil War Store in Fredericksburg, VA from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
1016 Lafeyette Blvd.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
On Sunday, November 16, I will be having a book signing at the Gettysburg Heritage Center in Gettysburg, PA from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
http://www.gettysburgmuseum.com/
