Rockwell, Fulkerson & Wilson
Attorneys At Law
1434 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California Glenwood 3-0360
October 31, 1960
Mr. S. M. Lewis
16 Sharina Kemal ed din Salah
Kasr el Doubara
Cairo, U.A.R.
Dear Sam:
Just a note to let you know that I very greatly appreciate the stamps that you have been sending to me. Not only am I getting all those you have sent directly to me and enclose in the letters to John, but I am also swiping his covers, as well.
The only reason this letter wasn’t written about two weeks ago is that the Postal Department over there is so thorough that they keep running their cancellation completely across the top of the envelope and I had a heck of a time trying to figure out the address on the last two envelopes. I have now given it up and told Syd to use her best efforts to decipher the most legible return address we have.
Sincerely yours,
Hal Fulkerson
Rockwell, Fulkerson & Wilson
Attorneys At Law
1434 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California Glenwood 3-0360
December 10, 1964
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco, California
Dear Sam:
Best wishes for the holiday season. From your letters it sounds as though your destiny in bringing the message of the Far East and Near East is beginning to unfold.
Sincerely yours,
John L Rockwell
Rockwell, Fulkerson & Wilson
Attorneys At Law
1434 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California Glenwood 3-0360
June 1, 1965
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco, California
Dear Sam:
From your letters, I believe you are presently in the South visiting your aunt and uncle and making certain contacts with the University of California at Los Angeles. On your return, will you please call me and I will arrange an appointment with the specialist who handles Will contest cases.
Very truly yours,
John Rockwell
Rockwell, Fulkerson & Wilson
Attorneys At Law
1434 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California Glenwood 3-0360
June 24, 1965
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco 3, California
Dear Sam:
I have been in correspondence with your uncle, Harry Rosenthal. He has advised me that he will send me Elliott’s letters, but he would appreciate it if you would give him written assurance that in the event you are successful in overturning your mother’s Will, which would then permit you to participate in the estate, that you would pay him the $1,000.00 bequest contained in that Will.
Very truly yours,
John Rockwell
Rockwell, Fulkerson & Wilson
Attorneys At Law
1434 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California Glenwood 3-0360
August 20, 1965
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco, California
Dear Sam:
I have arranged an appointment with Vincent Cullinan, the specialist in Will contests. Will you please arrange to meet me in the lobby of the Shell Oil Building, 100 Bush Street, San Francisco, at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, August 25, 1965.
I received all of the letters from your uncle and am in the process of reviewing them. I would recommend a minimum of correspondence or conversation with your brother Elliott.
Very truly yours,
John Rockwell
Lachelt and Watts
Attorneys At Law
Whitcomb Legal Center, Suite 22
1231 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94103
November 8, 1965
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco 3, California
Dear Mr. Lewis:
Although we haven’t met personally, Mr. Lewis, I trust that Mr. John Rockwell, your attorney in San Rafael, has advised you that our firm is associated with him in contesting the Will of your Mother, Harriet Lewis, admitted to Probate in San Francisco on May 21, 1965.
Since I do not find you listed in the telephone directory, Mr. Lewis, I take this opportunity to reach you by letter, and request that you call me at your earliest convenience so that we might set up an appointment to discuss various aspects of this case.
By the time we meet I will have read a considerable number of letters written from you to your Uncle, and others, which definitely assist me in understanding your family situation.
Mr. Rockwell advises me that you possess certain letters written by your Mother in which she speaks of you with considerable endearment. I would appreciate it very much, Mr. Lewis, if you would bend every effort in acquiring or locating these letters so that we might peruse them.
I look forward to hearing from you shortly.
Very truly yours,
Ted Lachelt
Rockwell, Fulkerson & Wilson
Attorneys At Law
1434 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, California Glenwood 3-0360
January 25, 1966
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco 3, California
Dear Sam:
From time to time some most attractive stamps have found their way into my collection by way of one Samuel L. Lewis.
This is just to insure you know I am most appreciative of your continuing thoughtfulness in this regard.
Thanks again.
Very truly yours,
Harold H. Fulkerson
Theodore C. Lachelt
Attorney at Law
1029 Fourth Street, Suite 19
San Rafael, California 94901
January 3, 1967
Mr. Sam Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco, California
Dear Sam:
I am enclosing herewith for your reference a copy of a letter I received from Elliott this weekend, as well as of the reply I sent him. I trust the sentiments expressed are shared by yourself.
It certainly would be of great assistance to you, Sam, if we were able to raise the income to you under your father’s Will, and every effort should be expended to achieve that end.
I have written Mr. Flahos in an effort to secure Elliott’s check in the amount of $854.00, and expect to have his reply shortly. It is quite possible that Elliott had to sell some stock, which takes from four to five days in order to secure the funds.
I suggested a meeting with Elliott prior to any conference with the attorney handling your father’s trust estate, so that we might plan the best approach.
How is your physical condition, Sam? Are you in need of any medical treatment whatsoever?
I shall contact you instantly when I have received Elliott’s check, so that we can close that matter.
Very truly yours,
Theodore C. Lachelt
1/3—Just received your letter. I understand your feeling and will act accordingly. We will talk together before seeing Elliott.—T
Theodore C. Lachelt
Attorney at Law
1029 Fourth Street, Suite 19
San Rafael, California 94901
January 3, 1967
Mr. Elliott M. Lewis
567 Ninth Avenue
San Francisco, California 94118
Dear Elliott:
I really appreciated your letter of December 26, 1966, outlining the possibility of increasing the allowance from your father’s trust to yourself and Sam.
I was also very gratified that we were able to reach an amicable settlement of the differences between you and Sam concerning your mother’s estate, so that we might move ahead in a co-operative manner in the future.
I have spoken to Sam regarding increasing the allowance, and he is wholeheartedly in favor of doing anything which may achieve this. Although he does receive the income you mentioned, he is quite pressed for funds, since he does a great deal of traveling in connection with his work, and would be able to do more if he had an increased income.
Before meeting with Willard Ellis, the attorney who apparently is handling your father’s trust, we should sit down and discuss the matter at some length to plan the submission of our request for increased income. Do you have a copy of the instrument which set up the trust? I assume that this trust was set up in your father’s Will.
Please feel free to contact me by letter or by telephone at any time, since we are no longer adversaries, but have joined in a common enterprise:
Best wishes for increased prosperity and good health in 1967:
Very truly yours,
Theodore C. Lachelt
Theodore C. Lachelt
Attorney at Law
1029 Fourth Street, Suite 19
San Rafael, California 94901
January 30, 1967
Mr. Samuel Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco, California
Dear Sam:
I appreciated your letter of January 26, 1967, in which you outline various discussions you have had with Elliott concerning an increase in your income from the trust estate, and believe that your best interests will be served by Elliott, his attorney, yourself, and I all meeting to discuss a, common plan for attack on the Wells Fargo trustee.
You mentioned that a letter was coming to you from Elliott in which he had further comments to make about suggested claims to be presented to the trustee. It is my opinion that little will be achieved until the four of us sit down in one room and iron out our different views about the whole transaction, and present a united front to the trustee.
I think it would be in your best interests, Sam, to pay an attorney, either myself or John Rockwell, a fixed hourly sum to negotiate this matter with your brother and his attorney, and with the understanding that if an award of a substantial sum of money retroactively was secured, that a percentage of that go to your attorney. If no such retroactive award was made, then your only liability would be for the hourly legal fees entailed in securing a raised income for you. I mentioned your present situation to John Rockwell when he was in the office the other day, and he agreed that a fixed hourly rate for attorney’s fees would seem to be the most equitable arrangement under all circumstances.
Theodore C. Lachelt
Attorney at Law
1029 Fourth Street, Suite 19
San Rafael, California 94901
March 27, 1967
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
772 Clementina Street
San Francisco, California
Dear Sam:
I really appreciated your recent letters advising me that everything is working out well for you in every respect. I was very pleased that the bank has raised your income to an adequate level, and look forward to meeting with you and Elliott as soon as your brother’s health improves. I was sorry to hear that he is confined to bed.
My son continues to enjoy and file the foreign stamps you have been kind enough to send him, and wishes me to extend his thanks to you.
Please call me at your convenience so that we might have a visit.
Very truly yours,
Theodore C. Lachelt
Theodore C. Lachelt
Attorney at Law
1029 Fourth Street, Suite 19
San Rafael, California 94901
July 24, 1967
Mr. Sam Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California 94110
Dear Sam:
I have been extremely pleased to receive your letters which have not only advised me of your fine recovery, but have also included some exotic stamps for my son, Gene. He has been at camp recently, and I have been accumulating your very thoughtful additions to his album. I am sure that he will be extremely pleased.
You mention in a letter of July 16th that you will be occupied all during August, but wish to see me in September regarding legal matters. Feel free to call me at any time. Sam, and I will either meet you in San Francisco, or look forward to meeting you here in San Rafael.
I am very pleased that everything has been working out so satisfactorily since we resolved your matter with Elliott.
Very truly yours,
Theodore C. Lachelt
Theodore C. Lachelt
Attorney at Law
1029 Fourth Street, Suite 19
San Rafael, California 94901
January 8, 1968
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California 94110
Dear Sam:
Thank you very much for your letter of December 21, 1967 which indicated everything was coming up roses for you.
I was sorry to miss your visit at the office, but was advised that you were very happy and optimistic for 1968 when I discussed your visit with the secretary.
If you are in this area again soon, Sam, please do call me in advance so that we can set up an appointment and discuss how things are going for you.
Until I see you again, best wishes for a great New Year!
Very truly yours,
Theodore C. Lachalt
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
February 23, 1968
Theodore C. Lachelt,
1029 Fourth St.,
San Rafael, Calif. 94901
Dear Ted:
Hope this finds you well. Do not get to Marin County much but this is by agreement with my God-daughter who is away, and prospering. At the moment everything looks propitious and there are at least four writing or teaching possibilities.
But I do not wish to go ahead without legal advice, for the family estate matter has come up. They sent in a long report, showing a large increment of the capital. I feel that this should be divided in part between Elliott and myself. He asked for joint action and then went ahead independently, on account of the house. He cannot pay for the repairs thereon and is mad at the attorneys, Ellis Levy. But he cannot have his cake and eat it. He was also angry because my expenses were large and does not listen. I have to speak three times, at least, to get a point over and then an apology.
I see no reason to go off the handle. All I want is the money, not ego-satisfaction. According to Wells Fargo interpretation they would give us larger amounts in case of illness or emergency. I had the illness last year and do not know whether the increase covers it because it was necessary to get secretarial and other help to make up for lost time.
I also feel that there should be consideration of our ages, not our particular financial problems.
There are now four possible writing assignments which could bring in funds and possibly lecture and teaching ones, too. It is too early but it may require a corporation, either a corporation sole, or one to provide for teaching real Oriental philosophies (can give all details and credentials).
There has been considerable success in getting Hippies off of drugs and “grass” to the goals which they verbally claim they are seeking. All lectures are now very well attended—by the young. Everything at the university fine, too.
Biggest expense last year, huge Income Tax anticipation, only to find that the Estate pays most of this and it should be returned.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
Lachelt and Watts
Attorney at Law
1029 Fourth Street, Suite 19
San Rafael, California 94901
February 26, 1968
Mr. Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, California
Dear Sam:
I certainly appreciated your recent letters which are so full of good news concerning your work among the Hippies, and your success in removing their dependence on drugs, etc.
I was pleased also to learn that your father’s estate had profited considerably as manifested by the last accounting, and share your views that the increment of assets should be utilized as much as possible for the benefit of yourself and Elliot.
Should you actually desire any action by myself in regard to this matter, please feel free to call me at any time, and we can meet in San Francisco to discuss the matter, or I can contact the attorneys for your father’s estate directly.
John Rockwell joins me in wishing you continued success.
Very truly yours,
Theodore C. Lachelt
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
March 13, 1968
James B. Garner, Testamentary Trust Dept.
Wells Fargo Bank,
San Francisco 94120
Refer 3-13207
Dear Mr. Garner:
Below is a rough draft estimate subject to revision, as to my current expenses and needs:
Rent and Utilities $2500 Can be verified
Education and Books 1000 “ “ “
Medical Needs 500 Last year, extraordinary but dental estimate mor
Clothing 300 Estimate
Typewriter, Repairs & Stationary 350 Needed two new machines
Long Distant Travel 400
Local Travel 200
Radio, Music, Entertainment 400 Own No TV
Food 1500 Estimate
Contributions, Dues, Etc. 350 (Artistic, scientific and religious only
Postage and Sundry 150 Can be verified
Taxes 200
$7850
Does not include gifts, Christmas expenses, repairs, tools, legal and other fees
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco, Calif. 911110
March 19, 1968
James B. Garner
Testamentary Trust Dept. Wells Fargo Bank,
San Francisco, Calif. 914120
Refer 3-13207
Dear Mr. Garner:
Confirming your recent conversation this is a rough draft covering actual or estimated expenses for a year:
Rent and Utilities $2500 Verifiable
Education and Books 1000 “
Medical Needs 500 Dental estimate more but less by medicare
Clothing 300 Estimate
Typewriter, Repairs and Stationary 350 Needed to purchase a new machine
Long Distant Travel 400 Do not own motor car
Local Travel 200
Radio , Music, Entertainment 1100 Do not own TV
Food 1500 Estimate
Contributions, Dues , Etc 500 (Artistic, scientific, religious and charity)
Postage and Laundry 150 Verifiable
Taxes, Insurance, Other Fees 250
Repairs, Tools, Legal Fees 200
Gifts, Christmas, Misc. 200
$8,550
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita,
San Francisco, Calif.
July 6, 1968
Theodore C. Lachelt
Attorney-at-Law
1029 Fourth St.
San Rafael, Calif. 94901
My dear Ted:
My Marin peregrinations have been excellent and there are tremendous potentials at the periphery. It is too early to see you about financial or legal matters but you are geographically excellently placed.
I have sold the people in Novato of the advantage of making a trip to Asia and I had hoped to introduce them to the Diners Club, but this matter is way up in the air.
I am enclosing copy of letter just written to them and am also taking copy to the Retail Credit Association. If they put my name on the “list” we are in excellent position to bring some kind of counter-action whether they bring suit or not for a hypothetical amount due them.
No letter, no phone call, even retooled copies have been given proper attention. I do not know how many persons have communicated with me and on each phone call (which they paid for) when I proved my point they switched me to another department and they let the matter hang. My word has never been taken nor has the material evidence.
Why they even dunned me ones for an unpaid bill when they had not sent me the bill! I do not know ether I have kept all the records. And right now at least two offices in the Southland and one in New York are after me and no matter what I write or say, that does not satisfy the other offices!
I am going to write to Mr. Bloomingdale, President of the Diners’ Club and may be able—I do not know—to find the letter he wrote as some time back. But as many are finding out the machine-booting system and many of the IBM operations are rapid, efficient and idiotic. You cannot argue with a machine. I am tired of all this and await your advice.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
cc—Diners Club
cc—Retail Credit Ass.
November 21st, 1968
Dear Sam
Attached in a first draft of a letter to the disciples which outlines the recommendations for the organization of your work—and requests the information from them you have asked for. Please pass it along the routing listed below, and to any others you see fit. When all comments and suggestions have been received Mel can prepare the final version for mailing.
I believe that the letter itself incorporates almost all of the recommendations I have to make as to the present situation of your work. It has been more difficult than I had anticipated to achieve a synthesis of the many factors involved which would not violate the principles upon which your life is based—as far as I grasp them.
A few more points which need not be circulated to the group as a whole follow:
1. Budget
The numbers below are a very rough estimate, I am sure that Daniel can come up with more exact figures—but this should serve as a preliminary guide:
Fixed Obligations:
Rent plus Utilities—$160 + $40 $200 (See note 3 below as regards this)
Food (Assuming and average of 5 people per meal— $210
three will love in your household full time—
you will be there approximately one-half time—
and , allowing for guests, I do not think this excessive.)
Periodicals $10
Contributions $50?
Housekeeper direct salary (plus room and board) $25
Daniel direct salary (plus room and board) $45
Mel direct salary (plus room and board) $00
David (no direct salary while working only part time—
he will contribute to partially offset room and board) $60
Theatre Rent (Thingmaker?) $75
Various contributions to the Khankah $200?
$815
$60 $60
Net fixed obligations per month (estimate) $755
Discretionary Fund:
I recommend that all income exceeding the amount necessary for the fixed obligations be placed in a discretionary fund under your control alone. It is contemplated that the amounts in this fund are intended to over such items as: Clothes, Restaurant dinners, Gifts
Of course, any further fixed obligations undertaken, such as for loans for the remodeling if necessary should be added to the Fixed Obligation section so that the proper amount can be transferred to this account each month.
2. Record keeping
It is recommended that Daniel keep a simple but complete set of records concerning all of your expenses (except those directly personal as paid from the discretionary fund). Your income tax return should be prepared by a qualified person, with Daniel’s help. You will be allowed, for instance, to offset at least half of the expense of maintaining your house—as well as the entire cost, I believe of the housekeepers, and Mel’s and David’s food, against the contributions you will receive.
I should be very surprised if it were necessary for you to pay any income tax at all if even minimal records are kept. If you have not properly accounted for your expenses in the past it is conceivable that you may even eligible for a rebate.
It is recommended that you set up two independent checking accounts—this will be the easiest way to prove, if ever necessary, the separation of funds acquired. One account, that one intended for the fixed obligations, should have two signatures required—yours and your financial secretary’s. In that way he can prepare the checks completely for your approval, and signature—and you will not be tempted to use money earmarked for specific obligations on the spur of the moment.
The other account should be for the Discretionary fund and need not be maintained by anyone other than yourself. Out of this fund you would pay all the directly, personal expenses listed, etc. and things like credit card accounts.
It is recommended that all income received be deposited first in the fixed Obligation account, and that a check be issued to you personally each month for that amount in excess of the sum required for the fixed obligations.
3. House
It is recommended that you either;
Make an otter to purchase the house contingent on satisfactory arrangement of your legacy payments in February, and contingent on a long-term lease if the sale does not go through.
Or
Ask for a long term lease with the terms reduced in proportion to the improvements you intend (garage and rear bedroom, etc.)
I am either case an agreement should be made with the landlord before you do any remodeling so that you do not lose your investment.
4. Mr. Hunt
I am ready, as I have assured you, to talk with Mr. Hunt and to get a definite commitment from him as to his moving out. In return I think I should be authorized to offer the services of some of the disciples to aid him in finding a place to live and in doing the moving.
The details above will present no great difficulty for an essentially uninvolved person such as myself. However, I believe, there is one other short but painful step that only you can perform—in keeping with the principles you teach. That is, I think you should inform him that, although the circumstances are such that he must move, that you personally love him as a loyal friend.
5. Housekeeper
This not yet been resolved.
Regards,
John
December 9, 1968
My dear John:
This letter is being written especially in case you do not come up because there is one appointment after another on a crowded calendar, mostly with persons of some importance in my public or private life visiting these parts. I do not even know whether they have arranged this among themselves and it is not hurting anything but time processes.
Some leeway has to be given to the cats whether they remain here or are taken away and any arrangement is satisfying to me.
I do not think psychiatric problems are abnormalities. Certainly not so much as headaches, particularly Excedrin headaches. The first suggestion—it is so simple and apparently elementary it may seem hard to digest, is simply to watch the breath and after you are sure of that to see it is in rhythm. There are many ways to get the breath in rhythm, especially to walk in a march time, or to sit listening to more or less classical music because it has in general, a single rhythm to attune to. It is the rhythm here rather than the melody which may be important to you.
As your assuredness of breath increases you will be less disturbed by negative reactions of others. This is one of the most difficult and most important lessons of life—to be able to stand firm.
Sam is now called upon to do this here and is making breaks with those who should be his friends. Oriental Philosophy is not a matter of business and social prestige. I am all for selling things which should be on the market. But when we render unto Ceasar the things that should be God’s we are leading ourselves and others astray.
In some sense my female counterpart is Miss Julie Medlock who operates at Auroville, near Pondicherry. She has tremendous vision and ambition. Her quondam associates are using her efforts to build up organizations (you might call them rackets) for themselves. They have never promised and I am now acceding to her request that moneys given to them should be given to her.
There is a whole field of [?] industrial cooperation for new projects abroad. The metaphysical method is simple: have emotional campaigns, collect money and build up a subsidiary. Period. Thus the main project never gets off the ground. It is easy to get industrial support and there are all kinds of ways of getting through customs both ends, but the “big people” all have big egos and frozen ears. This covers so many subjects I do not wish to discuss. But certainly if you intend to go abroad on any mission I should wish to go into detail with you.
From Daniels reports things are well here and I intend to give him every leeway unless some principle is involved to the contrary. This is to help him to grow and it also removes my mind from certain concerns.
Mr. Hunt is nearly all moved out. This room, the former dining room, will make a better office but we may also use it for an emergency dining room if required.
After you get the breath in some kind of control I shall give you introductions to Meditation and Concentration, but not until you have nerves under control.
Not only Marcia but another young lady wishes to learn the new dances. I shall take this up with Daniel so we can properly choreography. This seems a big field with all kinds of opportunities and so far excellent response. But I must inform you that it is a minor project on my list, especially with the forthcoming visitors.
I shall probably stop school after tomorrow until January 26th. Do not know whether this will involve a trip of any kind but this will be determined when Vilayat Khan comes here.
Gave Marcia especial attention at the dancing class and have to do this with others here tonight. And will resume with her Thursday, or even Wednesday, her birthday. Shall not have too much time for you if you do come up.
Blessings,
Sam
February 11, 1969
Theodore C. Lachelt
1029 C St.
San Rafael, Calif.
My dear Ted:
I had intended, to write to you, and then telephone, and now two separate matters have come up which makes it important that you hear from me, and maybe even be involved.
1. The Wells Fargo Trust annual report shows a very large increment. I still do not know whether there is a principle innate in personal wills that the heirs are the real inheritors or financial beneficiaries or have some other status. It is certain that the trustees have the right to allot what they feel is sufficient for the needs of Elliott and myself.
I have felt that we should be entitled to 50% of this increment which would still leave a very large amount for the trustees, etc. If we received this amount it would be considerably more than what we are now getting and still leave the original capital not only untouched but receiving a regularly increasing addition.
Elliott had told me that with his present expenses he is just making ends meet. I have been taking the stand that moral issues are not important—I have been beaten every time on this—it was simply a question of getting as much as possible, so if he gained I, Samuel would gain.
But without my consent or knowledge he telephoned Mr. Slosberg of Wells Fargo and inferred or more than inferred he was acting in my name—which he was not. He has no right to act in my name especially since his burdens are due to his inability to pay the expenses for the old family residence on Ninth Ave. in San Francisco from which he eased me out entirely, and which if there were morale I should be joint owner. I am not. I am out. I cannot both be out and in and my name being used to support his claim on the house is very questionable. But again, it is not to me whether it is questionable, but how I am, Samuel L. Lewis going to benefit in an imbroglio between Wells Fargo and Elliott M. Lewis.
When my father died the representatives of Wells Fargo supported every statement and every lie of Elliott, cutting me out of all the heir-looms I wished, and should have had. So my policy has been to stand off and stand off entirely.
I would have been entirely with and for Elliott but the use of my name without my consent is a doubtful procedure.
I may follow this up with a phone call Friday.
II.
This is an entirely different matter. Playboy magazine for March will be out in a few days (price $1). It has a long article about the “cults” of California with considerable attention to one “Sam Lewis.” The article shows that it is based on actual verbal reporting of somebody in the audience.
This publication was a surprise to me and it starts out with a false statement—not a false premise, but a false statement about this house. Followed by a quasi-false statement that this person does not know how to breathe and was “wheezing” which is an assumption of medical knowledge on the part of the writer. And it is sarcastic because the subject was “Breathing” and he openly states that “Sam Lewis” shows he did not know how to breathe himself.
Ted. I don’t recall in my whole life any occasion wherein I wheezed. Even my medical history—there are not many records because on the whole my health has been excellent—shows no such indication. All bronchial and other examinations by the Federal authorities, etc. show that at least my chest has been always in excellent condition and the way I climbed the adjacent hill just before I read the article would bring forth a lot of witnesses. Also the article states I had shown a prize-fighter how to climb Nob Hill without losing his breath, which I have and he would testify in my behalf.
I had to contact a colleague on another matter (concerning Oracle magazine) and he told me he had been a professional in this field of publication-legality and wants to do something. My copy of Playboy is in Corte Madera and I should be picking it up Wednesday night.
But what I am afraid of—and I am—is that in pursuing any public action it would involved the whole foreign policy of the United States and especially the present Iraqi imbroglio. I know exactly what I am talking about. It means that I am following this with a letter to the State Department which always in the past ignores, and then the trouble follows. It is not my career that is involved only but the lives of many persons, what with the intense emotional attitudes in both the Israeli and Arab world.
Samuel L. Lewis
910 Railroad Avenue
Novato, Calif. 94947
February 15, 1969
Theodore C. Lachelt
1299 4th Street
San Rafael 949401
My dear Ted:
Confirming our conversation of yesterday, I am leaving with you a copy of the March 1969 issue of Playboy. There is an article called “Cultsville, U.S.A.” by one C. Robert Jennings. I cannot complain with its general theme. One of the reasons which brought Mr. Jennings to my house in San Francisco was that he was writing in the field of which it can be said I am a retired veteran. In fact, he came to my house because of this. He did not come for the personal interview which we had agreed on, but quite evidentially was at one of my public meetings. Too many of the words and items are exactly correct but not others. I am practically the first person mentioned. Although there is nothing illegal about it, the first paragraph reads:
In the scruffy Mission area, south of Market Street, an old Jew named Samuel Lewis sits under a portrait emitted “blessings from Ruth St. Denis,” the disciples of mystical Islamic Sufism spread round about him. “I’m applying Sufi to the solution of the hippie problem,” explains Sam, the self-acknowledged Sufi sheik of San Francisco. “They know there are states of consciousness other than the physical. I teach them meditation and love.”
You will note in this first paragraph the term “Sufism” is used. The inference from much of this article is that because I am a Californian I am automatically a cultist, the movement being exotic. Our whole culture seems quite unaware that there are far more disciples of Sufism than there are perhaps of all other mystical movements combined. Some of these movements such as Zen and Vedanta, which are also given some space, are somewhat known in this country, some are not. The tragedy is that non-Sufis have been able to exclude this teaching from curricula and conferences. In making this allegation I can name the persona and give full details.
Even worse, the presidents of India and Pakistan are each in his own way my spiritual brothers through their connections with valid Sufi Orders. At the moment it is even more delicate because of the complexities of Iraq. The chief Sufi shrines are in Bagdad. The “experts” place Sufism elsewhere. People who have read Gertrude Bell know that the first government of Iraq, upon its being established, succeeded because of the cooperation of Sufis. Many of its cabinets have had disciples of Sufism in their membership.
I am listed as a Jew in such a way as to propose an inference. No corresponding inference appears in later names. This is only important because copies falling into the hands of highly emotional political quasi-religious groups can lead to riots and disorders. I had to eye-witness one of these myself.
After quoting me quite correctly on breath, Mr. Jennings, the author, says concerning me, “wheezing as if he could use a little more of it himself.” This is not only a falsehood, it assumes that the writer has a capacity in medical diagnosis. I am ready to swear on oath that I do not recall having wheezed once since very early childhood, if even then. I do not recall having lost my breath more than 6 times in my whole life.
Mr. Jennings says, “Sam tries to show a prize-fighter how to walk up Nob Hill at full speed without losing breath.” This is true. My disciple James Simmons will testify on it. Not only will many of those who have been in my audiences swear on oath that they have never heard ma wheeze, but Saturday afternoon last I walked up Vernal Hill full speed to catch up with Mr. Simmons and about a dozen persons saw it..
Mr. Jennings adds, “Sam Lewis turns to a young female acidhead.” I do not know how a glib reporter could obtain such knowledge. That anybody was an acidhead. Nevertheless the rest of the paragraph shows that he either took down my notes in shorthand or had a remarkable memory.
He ends this paragraph with “Allah’ha, Allah’ha.” I never use such a phrase, Sufis never use such a phrase. It does appear as a part of certain formulae, but alone one either uses the term Allah or Allahu. There is nothing illegal in it, but knowing how easy it is to flare up ignorant mobs, it could very easily start something. And I am not talking nonsense. Our “realism” is far from Reality and especially with regard to Asian cultures.
I must say later on, on page 157, Mr. Jennings does exempt Zen, Sufism, Baha’i and Vedanta, both from stigma and from cultus abstractus californicus, contradicting his previous inferences.
I am a member of a number of Sufi Orders whose combined membership has been estimated roughly at 40 million, (forty 000,000). I am taking up with my colleagues whether we want a corrective letter, or-take stringent action or de nothing at all. The publication of this in this particular magazine will no doubt makes me a hero among many of the young. I leave everything at this point.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
March 8, 1969
Mr. Theodore C. Lachelt
1299 Fourth St.,
San Rafael, Calif.
My dear Ted:
In further pursuance of some interpretations of my father’s (Jacob B. Lewis) last will and testament. I have not the original will here but do not believe there has been any important verbal or other changes in the reports and petitions of the trustee, Wells Fargo Bank. The present confusion or dispute is one of Interpretation.
The petitions of the trustee constant a section:
“Under the provisions of the Decree of Final Distribution of the estate of decedent above names, petitioner, as trustee, is directed, during the joint lives of Samuel L. Lewis and Elliott M. Lewis, the sons of the decedent above names, to pay the entire net income to said Samuel L. Lewis and Elliott M. Lewis in equal shares. Upon the death of either said Samuel L. Lewis and Elliott M. Lewis, the entire net income of the trust is directed to be paid to the survivor of them. Said Degree of Final Distribution further provides that in the event that the payments of income of the trust to which either Samuel L. Lewis or Elliott M. Lewis is entitled shall, in the judgment of the trustee, be insufficient to provide for the reasonable support, care and comfort of said Samuel L. Lewis or Elliott M. Lewis, the trustee may pay to such beneficiary or aptly for his benefit, so much of the principal of the trust estate as the trustee may deem proper or necessary for that purpose.”
It is this last phrase which has been the cause of some dispute. When I asked for an interpretation I was told that to have any larger amount distributed the residual legatees would have to assent and also a diminution of the capital would mean ultimately smaller income. What happened was that at least one of the residual legatees is no longer in existence and that the capital has increased so considerably that both my brother, Elliott M. Lewis and I, Samuel L. Lewis, not only get a considerable larger allotment than we had under the original in perpetration, but that the capital has increased very considerably.
In the projected dispute between my brother, Elliott M. Lewis, and the trustees, Wells Fargo Bank, it must be said on the one hand that the trustee seems to have handled all financial matters very well indeed. But in the question of interpretation there are two points in doubt:
Is the common interoperation of wills and testaments that the money is to be used in such a way that the legatees benefit; or are the heirs in effect the wards of the estate? When I first went and asked for additional funds because of illness I was turned down on the ground that any such distribution would diminish the capital and lead to a decrease of allotment later on. I had to pay for the illness and found later the statement was palpably untrue, that the capital had gone up so considerably, that this would and could easily have been done.
It was also used to refuse to help my brother, Elliott M. Lewis, but when we joined together jointly, I found they then distributed an amount considerably over what I had expected because the money was there.
In dealing with a corporation and at the same time with a single individual behind a desk, a person is at a disadvantage. In this case the person who had been behind the desk and had refused to consider my petition was later removed and the present person involved did give me proper consideration.
In any event my brother, Elliott M. Lewis, finds himself in a partially justified position that interpretations by the trustee do not always seem to be the same. Then, as the capital has increased somewhat, both of us over 70, he feels we are entitled to such amounts in distribution which could and would leave the original capital residue intact.
What I am concerned here also is whether, if Elliott should predecease me, whether I would obtain our common allotments, now seven hundred $700.00) dollars a month each, or whether I would and could be cut down to the income only of the estate, a considerably less amount, leaving the capital to increase indefinitely for the final beneficiaries who are institutions, not blood relatives.
The attorneys involved are “Ellis & Levy” 44 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 94104.
At the moment I am not on such questionable personal terms with either the attorneys so named or with the trustees as is Elliott but I find softness is often a cause for not always justifiable action and that a firm stand usually gets a better result. However I am awaiting first, to see if the present “tempest” is real or noise.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
March 16, 1969
Theodore C. Lachelt
1299 Fourth St.,
San Rafael, Calif.
My dear Ted,
It is Sunday morning and no different from any other for Sam. It has been a glorious week in some directions:
The private war started on me years ago by Dr. S. I. Hayakawa came to a head. He has absolutely and adamantly refused to accept anything coming from any part of Asia as a contribution to knowledge despite his ancestry. And he has been very successful in “sadism” not only against Sam but against a lot of others. Now threatening with a part of Asian philosophy he cannot ignore— i.e. “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” he has sent up a white flag. There is much more to this, far more than a letter can convey.
There are now signs that the publication The Oracle published in Larkspur is entirely in the hands of my disciples and they are going to publish some of my things, slowly at first. But the possibility of an open war on Hayakawa would only lead to his demise without necessarily accomplishing anything positive, or with the accomplishment of lots of things positive.
The same day news that the controversial Olompali Ranch above Novato may fell entirely into the hands of my friends with untold possibilities . This followed the themes in the earlier “Glory Roads” by Luther Whiteman and myself.
There are now dangling two more possible lecture contracts.
All of this comes at a time when the Estate says they will increase my allotment end asked for a budget. I am not able to meet my needs on the present budget but am, of curse by outside efforts. And besides there is the question of other allotment from Social Security, less than the above but still possible.
Now the Estate has asked me to submit a budget and Elliott is demanding I send it to him first. If I did that I would not have a foot to stand on. The Wells Fargo Co. was “all right” when they stood behind him and his phony inventory, made exclusively by himself and excluding me from a lot of things I wanted. I had to fight even to get my own library out of the house. He got and even gave away or sold all the family heirlooms. I never got one thing out of them.
He got the house by questionable means which I see no need to challenge but I certainly cannot support his demand that the Estate stand the expenses involved in his personal doings.
Now he is furious that I may submit my person budget to Wells Fargo without consulting him and I may even do that without consulting you. It is bad enough to be involved in fraud, it is bad enough to be dishonest but it is hopeless when you become a party to defraud yourself.
I have temporarily demurred by writing my uncle Harry a letter about my present affairs. No relative of mine ever paid the slightest attention excepting the two younger second cousins in Queens. Harry started cut in life as a “madventurer” and he is utterly amazed that Sam whom he did influence, did some of the same “crazy” things.
I cannot submit my budget to Elliott because I know what he will use it for. If he offered me the family heirlooms I might do that but I shall make no such dicker. I need $800 a month, and the allotment was raised to $775, close enough with my outside endeavors. But there has been no proper provision for medical assistance or housekeeper.
What I needed most is a clear interpretation and I believe I could talk over with Mr. Salsberg or anybody else today. I am much firmer and aware of a lot of things.
There are also some changes in wording or interpretation from the original Will which I could talk over with Wells Fargo if Elliott were not present. But the reason for writing is this:
Elliott’s health is bad. He acts like any hostile action would provoke a stroke and a stroke could be indeed damaging. I realize that a slight bit of “realism” could even end his sojourn on earth. He has no reserve. I am not seeking any “justice” but it is time he give his brother a little consideration. It has been a one way street for nearly all our lives.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
P.S. Next Sunday open house at 910 Railroad Ave , Novato, curry dinner and Dervish dancing.
March 16, 1969
Theodore C. Lachelt
1299 Fourth St.
San Rafael, Calif.
My dear Ted:
This is a sort of an ad interim emergency letter. My brother Elliott continues to be in a coma between life and death. Of course if he recovers there may be nothing important at the moment, but my cousin Mary Lou Foster, a grand-daughter of Harry Rosenthal, believes he has given up the battle.
I saw Mr. james Garner, the trust officer of the will at Wells Fargo. At this writing it appears fairly favorable that there will be an increase in my allotment directly covering cost of living and old age benefits. But if Elliott has requested a much larger allotment due to his medical expenses and bad health, I would also benefit therefrom.
Mr. garner assures me that in case Elliott passes on I would get the full benefit of both our incomes, and this would be at the very least way over fifteen hundred dollars ($1500 a month). This would make it imperative to have a valid legal will; and if Elliott does leave the world, no matter how crowded my program, I should have to see you on this matter.
Other affairs are very suspicious. My dancing programs have gone over quite well with a slow but steady increase of attendance in both san Francisco and Marin counties. On Saturday, March 21 we expect to put on our Spring Festival, weather permitting. This will be held on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by lake Nicassio, just opposite the highway maintenance station. It is partially to honor the astrologer Gavin Arthur, whose grandfather was a president of the United States; for several birthdays of my own disciples, and to usher in the calendar Spring. There will be no charge of course, but people are asked to bring their picnic lunches. We have permission to use the grounds.
I am now preparing to attend a world peace conference at Geneva, Switzerland, and feel very optimistic. Besides that, I have excellent contacts today in London and Boston—others, which I cannot possible fulfill—but everything looks wonderful.
There is also a summer school waiting for me in the northers part of the state of New Mexico and other invitations and possibilities on the horizon. Health has been maintained at a standard not often found among people of my age. I expect to bring with me two of my secretaries for a short conference of the status quo is maintained, and a much longer one if Elliott leaves this world. He has changed his mind so many times, one cannot even be sure whether he swill die testate or not.
I am keeping Mr. garner informed of what I know, and if what he told me today is correct, may not even need your direct intervention, whcih would not in any way affect making my own will and testament.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
410 Precita Ave
San Francisco, CA 94110
March 19, 1969
Theodore C. Lachelt
1299 Fourth St.,
San Rafael, Calif.
My dear Ted:
Things are happening so fast in my life, I am making a report because it is barely possible I may not even have time to see you:
The matter of exact monthly allotments is not yet finally settled. Wells Fargo wrote me that I would get an increase, but they are already behind in the monthly allotment, somewhat embarrassing at the moment.
Elliot is sick in bed. No attendant. He wants me to submit my budget to him which I certainly shall not do. He has been acting entirely on his own. The delicate point is: that any kind of opposition may cause a stroke. He is utterly blind in fury at the executors. He has often been in trouble and, no doubt, is now, but that cannot be my concern.
What is my concern is that in the case he pre-decease me, there is a definite interpretation of certain enigmatic clauses in the will. This could mean a difference of as much as 4 or 500 dollars per month. My own feeling has been that there should be a provision of about $200 each for housekeepers. This would not mean necessarily an increase of $200, but a clear provision as to doctor, medicine and household assistance in our old age. This might even be settled amicably; I simply do not know.
This Sunday we are having a huge shindig at 1010 Railroad in Novato, work party, dancing and curry dinner. Sam will do the cooking and later will emcee. “Everybody is invited.”
My Pakistani God-daughter who is now at Cornell University has invited me to be a guest at both Cornell and Harvard, expanses paid. This in the next few weeks, making appointment with you rather difficult until this matter is cleared one way or the other. Actual present opportunities go far beyond this. Excepting a momentary cold, affairs are in excellent shape.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis
April 4, 1970
Geneva, Suisse
Mr. Theodore C. Lachelt
1299 Fourth St.
San Rafael, Calif.
Dear Ted:
I am not so sure of your address and did not take a book along. But as first things are first I have assumed that your growing son might be interested in other than “autographs” so I begin there. No doubt I shall buy more stamps but the hotel does not have a large collection.
Well, Ted, a summit meeting is summit meeting and I am near the sum of summit. It will never be the same. Here I have been working on peace and peace problems for years, have contacts all over the world and been almost universally snubbed. The apologies came first from the Rabbis. I told them that not a single one of their colleagues had answered a single letter since the phony program began of sitting down with the Arabs. After the first few days I think I got along better with them than with the Muslims.
You can guess some of the situations of the Near East. Muslims were too busy criticizing other Muslims to have any united front. Some were distinctly not anti-Jewish or even anti-Israel and the worst behaved of all delegates were Orthodox Muslims. Of course the Rabbis took every advantage of this dissent and I think all the rest of us concurred. Even the best Muslim (who was incidentally sitting next to me) did not escape opposition from his religious fellows. He is a pacifist an opposed to all war.
I became known as the man (later “the Sage”) who wrote the longest letters and made the shortest speeches. The result was that everybody listened to me—a shape contrast to the San Francisco behavior where I have been barred not only from the floor but from meetings and conferences. It was not all noble, for I acted my part of “sheep in wolf’s clothing” and introduced myself Guru of the Hippies. And during the sessions won the good will of the few young. Usual crocodile tears over the young and no further attention until the end. But it is the young, not the illustrious, who did something.
I met few of the world’s characters whom I already knew, and then those which whom I have been corresponding and then a lot of celebrities of all lands. Indeed it does not look that I shall be a total stranger any more.
My picture was taken many times and at least one good long interview. It is not easy to evaluate one’s successes. There were certainly no failures on my part, or at least, no negative reactions. I had at least the supreme advantage of knowing at least one person from every delegation. It was soon discovered that I was attached with all religions, all cultures and all history. The men with whom I attached myself became the most illustrious of all the representatives. My plan for Palestine received as much commendation as it has received rebuffs in the past. I do not know how much will be accomplished, but one becomes very much encouraged.
One of the best notes was being approached by a film producer who also has at least one home in California and is in some way connected with MGM. He has at least one home in California and says he will contact us. He is very much in favor of the spiritual training of the young via the dance. We did do one small aspect of dance before a Japanese delegation, headed by one of their leading noblemen. It was also soon discovered that I may be able to lead the young toward this or some other real international peace movement. We have still appointments with the leaders tomorrow, then leave for England on Monday. I do not know my schedule upon return, nor have we had any word on the possible solution of the airfield strike.
I like Geneva, but excepting a visit to a cathedral, we have had no time for diversion. There is both radio and TV in this room, the TV being very far superior to our own, but the radio I should say inferior. On the very first day we made friends with the papal representatives and leading family of India, which is strongly behind this peace project, both financially and sentimentally. One feels very encouraged.
I do not know either whether the San Rafael Journal Independent or the Novato Advance will pay any attention to this effort. The San Rafael paper has utterly snubbed me. The Novato paper has been more cordial but always tells me I am calling on the wrong day, no matter what day it is. But having been criticized by a staff writer of the Chronicle, I made good every effort in reaction to his attitude. This does not include Art Hoppe to whom I shall send a letter or something shortly. My mind is about worn out.
Cordially,
Samuel L. Lewis