I’ve mentioned this before – the Gettysburg Address was given on November 19, 1863 – the year the phonautogram was supposedly made. That’s only 42 days before the end of the year, and the records of Lincoln’s secretaries (Hay and Nicolay) can verify whether or not Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville visited the White House during that time.
This link is about documented research into whether the “Lincoln Rumor” is true:
http://www.firstsounds.org/features/lincoln.php
Among other things, it says that Scott’s autobiography is in the possession of his descendants, and it says absolutely nothing about any trip to the United States, let alone specifically visiting the White House. It also says that the rumor gained momentum to the point that it morphed into some American private inventor actually being at Gettysburg and recording Lincoln live!
This is similar to the placebo effect: if Ms. Thorndike really wants the voice coming from the Phonautograme to be Lincoln’s voice then it will be Lincoln’s voice!
I suppose, theoretically, the “recitation” could have occurred after the Gettysburg Address was given in November 1863, recorded in the White House (there was no Oval Office at the time, no matter what Bill O’Reilly thinks), but like many others on the forum, it is questionable how Be a is suppose to “identify” Lincoln’’s voice. Does he sound like Henry Fonda? Raymond Massey? Lance Hendrickson? Personally, I’ve always thought Lincoln sounded like Sam Waterston after I saw him starring in a production of Abe Lincoln in Illinois at (appropriately) Lincoln Center 25 years ago.
Get a hold of yourself, Bea Thorndike! This is a serious moment, and you must be at your Impossible Best to verify that the voice on the recording is indeed that of Abraham Lincoln! I have no idea how you can make that claim, but equally I have no doubt that you will. Sometimes, wishing makes it so, I guess….
Now get out your checkbook, Ms. Whateveryournameis. You can be the first on your block to have this recording. And an autographed personal invitation to Lincoln’s inauguration…. plus a Make-America-United-Again baseball cap! Red or White!
AnyFace about 7 years ago
How would Bea know, if she’s never heard Lincoln’s voice?
Vista Bill Raley and Comet™ about 7 years ago
**Good morning guys!
Mrs. Thorndike will be a nervous wreck before this is over. She’s trembling more than Quiver Trembly or Shaky did!
jonahhex1 about 7 years ago
I still think something is going to go wrong…..
granitewhite about 7 years ago
…what if the supposed Scientist’s visit happened before Lincoln gave the address?
therese_callahan2002 about 7 years ago
Fourscore and seven strips ago, these crooks brought in a bogus recording.
avenger09 about 7 years ago
None of my girlfriends ever got as excited as Ms. Thorndike is! LOL!
Don Bagert Premium Member about 7 years ago
I’ve mentioned this before – the Gettysburg Address was given on November 19, 1863 – the year the phonautogram was supposedly made. That’s only 42 days before the end of the year, and the records of Lincoln’s secretaries (Hay and Nicolay) can verify whether or not Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville visited the White House during that time.
Ken in Ohio about 7 years ago
This link is about documented research into whether the “Lincoln Rumor” is true:
http://www.firstsounds.org/features/lincoln.php
Among other things, it says that Scott’s autobiography is in the possession of his descendants, and it says absolutely nothing about any trip to the United States, let alone specifically visiting the White House. It also says that the rumor gained momentum to the point that it morphed into some American private inventor actually being at Gettysburg and recording Lincoln live!
ratnyhc about 7 years ago
I Found out about a novel called Busted Flush by Brad Smith that may mention this phonoautograph. I’ve not read this but thought I’d share this info..
Ray Toler about 7 years ago
Bea is so excited that she may faint when she hears the recording.
William Bednar Premium Member about 7 years ago
This is similar to the placebo effect: if Ms. Thorndike really wants the voice coming from the Phonautograme to be Lincoln’s voice then it will be Lincoln’s voice!
BreathlessMahoney77 about 7 years ago
I suppose, theoretically, the “recitation” could have occurred after the Gettysburg Address was given in November 1863, recorded in the White House (there was no Oval Office at the time, no matter what Bill O’Reilly thinks), but like many others on the forum, it is questionable how Be a is suppose to “identify” Lincoln’’s voice. Does he sound like Henry Fonda? Raymond Massey? Lance Hendrickson? Personally, I’ve always thought Lincoln sounded like Sam Waterston after I saw him starring in a production of Abe Lincoln in Illinois at (appropriately) Lincoln Center 25 years ago.
oakie817 about 7 years ago
what? was she there for the original?
Sisyphos about 7 years ago
Get a hold of yourself, Bea Thorndike! This is a serious moment, and you must be at your Impossible Best to verify that the voice on the recording is indeed that of Abraham Lincoln! I have no idea how you can make that claim, but equally I have no doubt that you will. Sometimes, wishing makes it so, I guess….
Morrow Cummings about 7 years ago
Now get out your checkbook, Ms. Whateveryournameis. You can be the first on your block to have this recording. And an autographed personal invitation to Lincoln’s inauguration…. plus a Make-America-United-Again baseball cap! Red or White!