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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.
24th July 1935
CROWLEY
My dear Kyllmann,
I have been looking into the figures of our account and I send you the following particulars.
On the 15th January last I wrote you with reference to the Crowley costs showing that there was then owing to us £372.4.5. I gather from what you said that this letter has been mislaid so I send a copy of it.
We were about to examine Crowley as to his means and briefed counsel for this and proceeded to do so but before the end of it Crowley was made bankrupt and up to the present his assets have not realised anything for the creditors, and the outlook is not hopeful. The further costs incurred amounted to £34.12.10.
In addition to this certain other costs are outstanding. Four accounts were rendered to Constables on the 9th January 1935 and three others were mentioned in our letter of the 9th February 1935, and in addition to these there are the charges for the new debenture issue. I enclose a statement of the figures.
To bring the matter right up to date I mention that there will be a small charge in relation to Ellis Roberts (Life and Letters), that I am making no charge in connection with advice about the Scott Centenary Edition, that the costs regarding the Champagne alleged libel are being paid in full by Mr. Simon, and that we are not making any charge in connection with the various negotiations in which we have been consulted from time to time regarding further capital and the sale of the freehold. If and when that sale takes place or other arrangements are made there will no doubt be legal charges, but we are not making any change in respect of matters in this connection which have come to nothing.
I am not asking that our account shall be paid now because you are still negotiating for additional capital, but perhaps a cheque on account might be not inconvenient to you.
Yours sincerely,
Charles S. J. Harper
PERSONAL Otto Kyllmann, Esq., 10 & 12, Orange Street, Leicester Square, W.C.2.
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