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Correspondence from Charles Harper [Waterhouse & Co., Solicitors for Constable & Co.] to Otto Kyllmann [Constable & Co., Publishers of Laughing Torso]
[Correspondence following Constable & Co.'s defence against the libel suit and appeal brought by Aleister Crowley against Nina Hamnett and the publication of her book Laughing Torso.]
Waterhouse & Co. Solicitors 10 & 12 Bishopsgate, London, E.C.2.
12th February 1935
CROWLEY
My dear Kyllmann,
As I telephoned you this afternoon we had a call to-day from a Mr. Rutherford, a sort of accountant who on behalf of Mrs. Brook Smith [Pearl Brooksmith] is preparing a statement of Crowley's financial affairs. Rutherford told us a great deal about Crowley which may be true or not but he came to see us to know when Constables were proving for their debt and there was no reason that I know of why he should not have been speaking the truth.
His story is that Crowley collapsed in the street last week and is not lying dangerously ill in his lodging. He is living in the Leicester Square district in one room. Cancer is suspected. He will not be able to attend the meeting of creditor which is to be held on the 14th and the doctor's certificate will be forthcoming.
It appears that Crowley has spent all Mrs. Brooke Smith's means and she is now working as a housekeeper at £1 a week. His principal creditor is a money lender for about £1000 and another is the Mr. Gurner [sic] [Karl Germer], a German, who gave evidence for him at the trial of your action. The only security these people hold consists of certain books and unpublished manuscripts of Crowley's and a fur coat of his.
His own solicitors were given counsel's fees but have not received a penny otherwise and are claiming about £500. He is in debt to many restaurants and hotels. The total amount he owes is estimated by Rutherford at £6000 or £7000.
As you know, we have not proved in the bankruptcy because it seemed that we might be able to set it aside and get more that way. It looks however as if there is very little or nothing to be got out of Crowley. We shall probably learn this at the meeting of creditors on the 14th.
The meeting is at the Bankruptcy Building, Carey Street, at 11-30 on the 14th in a room on the first floor which will have Crowley's name outside the door. My clerk Pullen will be there and will look out for you or for Dixon.
Yours sincerely,
Charles S. J. Harper
Otto Kyllmann, Esq., 10 & 12, Orange Street, Leicester Square, W.C.2.
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