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Correspondence from Aleister Crowley to Edward Noel Fitzgerald
The Gardens.
March 19th. 1941.
Dear Noel
93.
Naughty man! Curiously enough, Sutherland [Maurice A. Sutherland], (frequent chess visitor to Richmond, I think you met him) has just been through this sort of operation, and is doing fine. Of course, in your case, I should have thought it was Edith at the good old arsenic again! Me too! Teeth blitzed to buggery; can't eat anything hard. Still, I'll try in the morning (today if poss[ible]—early closing though) what I can do. Also, I've written to Frieda [Frieda Harris], and to my tub of molasses. Latter I've asked to visit you; you'll laugh your head off! I'm just rabid: moving on the mind. The house is high, remote, very well furnished and comfortable; an ideal place for your convalescence. It is only the land locked harbour that is relaxing; on the heights, even where I am now, not 5 minutes bus from the bay, it is bracing enough. N.E. winds—too bloody bracing! I must go to bed now if I'm to be up to rob those roosts for you! Mind, I don't promise; sending may be difficult, even if I can buy; but I'll do my best.
93 93/93
F∴[raternal]ly
Aleister.
P.S. Detailed news of your progress to good health eagerly awaited.
Memorandum. The Late Mr. Justice Swift (who died of drink—he was habitually drunk on the Bench after lunch—any one who knows the Law courts, down to the constables on guard, can confirm this—) did foam at the mouth about me. But you can say that he referred to me as "the greatest living English poet." He was a bit excited , and wanted to get off to golf—it was a Friday p.m. Now, per contra. Mr. Justice Bennett, summing up in Crowley v. Grey, said that no one had ever doubted my high standing, or attacked my literary righteousness. I forget the exact words; but the case, which was fought bitterly, was reported at some length in the D[aily] Telegraph. (I was away, very ill.) Date? 1934 I think; for the life of me I can't place it nearer. It is well worth while to have this looked up, and a cutting or cuttings obtained. "Wickedest man in the World" is only James Douglas and Horatio Bottomly—both had failed to blackmail me. This is a smashing retort; don't forget it!
A.C.
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