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Correspondence from George MacNie Cowie to Aleister Crowley
14 Glenisla Gardens, Edinburgh.
[Undated: circa 1914?]
Care Frater.
[ . . . . ]
The only thing now is to do what is possible and keep up the practice till happier times come round.
I think you know pretty well what the forces behind this crisis are, and what is likely to come of it though you may feel bound to keep silence about it. Even suppose the Prussian gets caught and crushed, I can see a way in which a real cataclysm may follow, and so-called civilisation be crushed out.
What you say about securities is true. I hadn't thought much about it, not having enough to be very anxious about. But now you mention it, Riders debenture might conceivably become waste paper, also the tram shares. How to get rid of them either I don't know. Letchworth has never produced a half-penny of dividend. These three things represent 100 each, sunk. There was an odd £130 of the legacy with which I meant to purchase a £10 annuity. The sudden demand for £17 odds, interest on the £900 just at that time forced me to break into it and the scheme evaporated.
My lawyer just then asked if I had anything I cared to invest in Canadian mortgages as they had a first class thing. I demurred about tying anything up, but they assured me it was like putting it in the bank as they could realise it at a day's notice. That isn't likely now and as it is on land, I imagine, I feel easy about it. As this is a reserve for quite possible accidents now, I don't want to break into it—nor into two small sums which I have tied up for my funeral expenses. I will be in funds on Monday to the extent of my months salary and £1 now and then will be possible, but you must remember I am bound to help here and things may get bad yet.
I have saved a little by not having a housekeeper, but now, I can't manage longer and am trying to arrange about one at once. It's comforting in a way to be so really busy, but to keep fit, I must have comfort at home. If I can't get a suitable person, I'll have to give in and go and live at some dam hotel.
I am slowly reducing a pile of manifestos [Manifesto of the M∴M∴M\] and wish I could do more. You see I have always been a very retiring person and my circle of friends is small. Ten years ago I got introduced to some of the sweller sort of Theosophists, but drawing room teas and talk were not in my line and I quickly dropped them. The Mr Wilson who once thought of joining the A∴A∴ I have kept tolerably friendly with and have hopes of getting him in. Also 1 or 2 people in London.
One copy [of the Manifesto of the M∴M∴M∴] I sent to the Theos[ophical] Society here, the only address I could get hold of. I shall have very much less time than ever and any suggestions or addresses you can send me will be welcome.
Must go and try to catch the late London mail. Will post the cutting first possible moment and perhaps on Sunday.
Fraternally.
F[iat] P[ax]
If you can suggest how to realise the securities, do so. I'm no good at this sort of thing.
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