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Correspondence from Aleister Crowley to Gerald Yorke
The Ridge Hastings
Feb 28 [1945]
Dear Gerald
93.
Many thanks for yours of n[o] d[ate] with £5-5-0. Letter specially welcome at this moment, as my 3 weeks' illness at Aston [the Bell Inn], and the move (care hire £15) were a bit of a strain, and this last 10 days' bronchitis plus pleurisy plus the very narrowest squeak of pneumonia is going to cost a lot. Also, young Grant [Kenneth Grant] is coming nest week to learn shorthand and typing and do my odd routine work. I have arranged for him to be a guest here (£4-4-0) but he is to work for the house part of the time and so reduce it to £2-2-0, of which he is to pay £1-1-0.
It should be an immense relief.
You will be glad to learn that this last bout of sickness was wholly my own damphoolishness. I was feeling so well that I did utterly mad things—head shaved, played 2 hours chess in an unwarmed room, waited 10 mins. in icy streets for 'bus: so cold that I had to dance and sing The Sailor's Christmas Dinner to keep the blood moving. So—next day!
My conscience, always very sensitive, is quite clear about the letters [Magick Without Tears]. The U.B. [Universal Brotherhood], A.M.O.R.C., O.H.M. kind are totally different. They promise "secrets" and slop vast bibfolios of tripe—excuse mixed metaphor! You may compare my proposition with a Specialist consultation; then the fee is very low. (For those who want a lot, special offer of 30 chosen by them for £10-10-0).
As to waiting, it may be God knows how long before I can get a printer. I do wish you'd buy a share in an existing business. I should ask no advantage other than priority. You see, I can reckon on an income to pay bills as they fall due; but what is wanted is capital enough to control (within reason) the policy of the firm. I don't see why a plain investment of this sort, nothing to do with me as a "business", should not be as satisfactory to you as War Loans or what not.
I am sending you XLIV and Z19 [from Magick Without Tears] which I think both valuable and interesting.
I can't promise a date for the other three, as I am still confined to my room, and my departing secretary is off to hospital any day—possibly a major operation. But as soon as Grant comes, I will have him dig up the local Typing Office sabse jaldi and ek dam! [sic]
Excuse pencil; one pen is away at repairers', t'other has a bent nib with result as envelope shows.
If by any miracle there should be a first class one, medium bound for sale in Cambridge, you would be an angel to buy it for me. Cash by return.
Please remember me warmly to Angela [Yorke's wife] and the next generation.
93 93/93.
Yours fraternally but fagged,
A.C.
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