Seances in Washington: Abraham Lincoln and Spiritualism During the Civil War

by Nettie Colburn Maynard, Irene McGarvie (Commentary)

This book is a first-hand account of the author's experiences as a Spiritualist medium in Washington during the Civil War. The author, Nettie Colburn Maynard was a young woman from a modest family who through her work as a trance medium finds herself mingling with the elite of Washington society. It depicts the beginnings of the Spiritualist movement in the 1840's including the Fox sisters, and describes specific seances and meetings with Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln that took place in the White House from 1863 to 1865. This book is one of the classics of Spiritualism. It was originally published in 1891 and reprinted in 1917 under the title "Was Abraham Lincoln a Spiritualist? Curious Revelations from the Life of a Trance Medium." This revised edition includes much of the original work along with background information and explanations of many of the events described in the book.

Genres: Spiritualism, History

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1891

Reviews

[B.L. Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an noted historian (who reads/researches works written from the actual time that I'm studying) as well as an author, I know that immediately after the death of President Abraham Lincoln he was deified by the media via extensive propaganda. One writer wrote that the longer Lincoln is dead the more religious (meaning Christian) he becomes. It was meant as a sarcastic joke. Real history is clear that Lincoln was the only president who was not a member of a church. According to those who best knew him best, he was Anti-God, Anti-Christianity, and an Atheist for either most of his life or up unto the end of his life, depending on which person you're referencing. There are a lot of underplayed things by the mainstream pseudo-history of Abraham Lincoln; one of them is his involvement in Spiritualism.

Clearly, his wife Mary Todd Lincoln was heavily into it. That fact was a part of the evidence of the evidence against her used during her insanity trial. The author "Nettie Colburn Maynard" was a young psychic medium (and advocate for Spiritualism) who by her own admission would become possessed by "farmiliar" spirits who'd speak through her. Additionally, she names a handful of other mediums who Abraham Lincoln had dealing with. ...That said, spiritualism wasn't a weird unheard of thing in the United States in the 19th Century.

My interests in this book were for an honest historical perspective of Lincoln's involvement with Spiritualism, instead of some glorified pseudo-history that makes him out to be some infallible Jesus character. It's a nice book. Nettie really liked him, but then Abraham Lincoln (regardless of what anyone thinks of him due to the war, etc) was a well spoken, gentile, super-likable guy. He had a lot of charisma and knew how to play the crowd. Over all, I like this book because it's very real. Nettie wrote it in defense of Spiritualism & highlighted Abraham Lincoln's involvement in it. To me, it felt like at least half of the book deals with the Abe & Mary Lincoln. The other half is about Nettie's gifts, beliefs, practices, and so forth. It is a well put together book of an eye witness account.

[Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book, Ms. Pendleton.

Linda Pendleton's penchant for taking the best of early American century literature--particularly the California pioneers and 19th century Spiritualists--puts its best foot forward in this reprinting of Nettie Colburn Maynard's recollections of séances and circles with then President Abraham Lincoln and family.

I'm no believer in such things--in fact, Linda knows that one of my books, "The Pinkerton Years," infers there is (often) something inexact even misleading to those who deal with the departed. But Maynard's remembrances are sweet and, at times, convincing that Ronald Reagan's White House wasn't the first to seek wisdom from another dimension.

Pendleton's knowledge of the 19th century Spiritualist movement is more than satisfactory. I'll be reading other reprints in her series, having enjoyed her writing in other genres.

There are no complaints here, as the book deals with differences of opinion regarding the late president, even inferring--though it's beyond the book's scope--which additional voices might be read to address the question of Lincoln's Spiritualist leanings.

Much appreciated. Recommended for those interested in Lincoln or the history of an enduring, albeit alternative, religious vision.

[Rose Vanden Eynden · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is interesting to read a first-hand account from this Spiritualist medium who held seances in the White House for President Abraham Lincoln, his wife, Mary, and their friends and colleagues. The insights offered by editor Irene McGarvie add much to the account as well for those of us reading such a distance in time from the events. As a Spiritualist medium myself, it is inspiring to hear about Spirit's active interest in the events of the Civil War and the spiritual destiny of our nation.

[Sidney Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about the experience of the medium Nettie Colburn Maaynard. She describes how her gift of trance developed, and how she began reading for high society in Washington D. C. Eventually she read for first lady Mrs. Lincoln, who was so impressed she insisted that her husband Abraham Lincoln attend some seances. Spirit encouraged President Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclaimation.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for putting out Lincoln's beliefs and experiences. There are 2 spirit paintings of Abe at The Lily Dale Spiritual Assembly in Lilydale, N.Y. Fascinating history there. Classes all summer! Great book!!