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Correspondence from George MacNie Cowie to Aleister Crowley
14 Glenisla Gardens, Edinburgh.
16 Dec. 1914.
Care Frater
I was greatly disconcerted to get so short a letter from you and to find that you had not received the long one I wrote to you at the Wolcott. It enclosed proofs of the Agape [Liber Agape Azoth sal Philosophorum] plates as far as done, proof of the frontispiece etc. It touched on several important matters, all of which I wanted a reply to and I should not like it to fall into any hands but yours, as altho' guarded it referred rather openly to the VII degree knowledge. I thought it worth while to cable so that you might try to get hold of it without delay. 10 bob alas!
The Boleskine lease is not yet signed so far as I know, the draft has been adjusted however. I was greatly hampered by your absence, and by not knowing exactly the result of your final negotiations with Dr M[urray] Leslie.[1] The only trouble is that we are let in for a good deal of repairs. It is in any case to have them done and a matter of policy to concede what we can and make Mrs Brook more agreeable to do her share. I expect we've caught a bit of a tartar. She not only insisted on the repairs to the drains etc but took exception to the rent being payable in advance. This is usual with a furnished house and I instructed the lawyers to say so and to retain the words 'in advance' but to say that we would leave the advanced payment optional and I expect she will just pay up.
There won't be much left over out of the first quarters' rent. The drains have been surveyed and the absolutely necessary repairs will cost over £16 including new W.C. basins etc. There are falling roans [?] slates off etc etc. which it is our interest to put right at once. I will only agree to the £16 meanwhile. I want to know exactly what was agreed between you and Mrs B[rook] as to this question of repairs. The lawyers state she will probably do a great deal to put the house in order, presumably internally.
I am cleared out for this month and could only send Hammond [Benjamin Charles Hammond] 30/- last Monday, and can do no more. We are not far off the £30 and I asked Hammond to arrange with the slaughterman [printer] to do something on tick till we heard from you.
I have papers for 3 separate taxes on Boleskine which I cannot pay till my next months' pay. These must be got disposed of. The studios [33 Avenue Studios] rent is quite impossible as far as I'm concerned unless Mrs B[rook] pays up in advance. As the landlord refused transfer of lease, he can whistle for his rent as far as I'm concerned.
You've told Mother [Leila Waddell] I hope that the Studio effects can't be seized? I wanted her to come to Edinburgh for a bit, thought you would be back quite soon and that it would be more comfortable for her.
I have done 'non possible' now. There's nothing but a small reserve sum which I make a point of honour for you not to ask for unless it's to save the 3 of us from starvation. For the moment I am reduced to living from hand to mouth at a time when I might easily find myself before long workless. Fortunately the firm are holding on wonderfully so far.
In case my first letter does not turn up, I mentioned that your cheque for £5 was returned 'refer to drawer' and that helped cripple me as I paid Hammond £6 more than I was prepared for. I've only a little time left if I'm to catch the mail (writing in my lunch hour). I think I've mentioned all the more important matters.
That reminds me re members subscriptions. I think that is the most graceful thing to do, and will be about the same in the end, as really those who do pay are the exception. But alas for me—I do not want any printers bills to pay and Mother and I may manage to write the circulars between us, not a great lot after all.
You write cheerfully enough and I hope you 'see gold' ahead, though I don't see how it is to come out of merely setting up an American branch. But all right if a Rockefeller or Astor comes in. Excuse this dry letter. I hope the missing letters will turn up all right. Let me hear please.
Fraternally.
F[iat] P[ax]
1—[Boleskine House was being rented to Dr William Murray Leslie M.D, C.M, FRCS (Edin) (1859-1951) for £250 per year so that the bank loan on the house could be paid. Dr Leslie was a Scottish physician and barrister and he attempted to treat Rose Kelly for her alcoholism.]
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