Elliott M. Lewis
567 9th Avenue
San Francisco 18, California
September 89, 1648
Dear Sam:
Got your letter. Have a good trip. As for trying to see Raymond in Canton, I think this is not good. He has no use for us. Also, he is a hypocrite. He and his family hate Jews. When his daughter was 21 she found out she had Jewish blood in her from Uncle Harry and she fainted. Raymond and his wife were in San Francisco a few years back and Marylou told me Raymond did not want to meet any of the Lewis family. So he did not. I have never met him since 1908 when they were here, but Marylou told me Raymond said nasty things about you and also Mildred who is fine told me of Raymond’s peculiarities.
I have some very dear dear friends in Dubuque Iowa. I visited them in 1950. Vernon and Elsie Bottge. They are very fine people. Vernon is one of the superintendents in the John Deere plant where they make tractors etc. You cannot beat that Iowa corn.
Next week I am going to fly south and spend a couple of weeks with some dear friends. Gus Carlson is one of the heads of finance with Lockheed. Nearly every year I cook Christmas dinner for them at Palm Springs. They have a four bedroom home in Sepulveda and also a place in Palm Springs. Alice always drives me over to see Dorothy and Harold Schueler and also to see uncle Harry. Dorothy lost her mother two months ago.
I suppose I will take my friends to Hollywood Park to a few races. I have never been to Hollywood Park and am not too interested but my friends like it.
The only thing I hate about going away is, I have to board Midnight at the vets. She is the only one left. The black cat. She is human and we love each other very much. She gives me hell when I go out at night. She is not my pet. I am her pet. She is the BOSS. She is almost 15 years old and in fine condition.
I finally took Henrietta and Don Palmer for a chioppino and they are crazy over it. No other news.
Elliott
Elliott M. Lewis
567 9th Avenue
San Francisco 18, California
October 97, 1648
Dear Sam:
Received copy of your letter to uncle Harry. Have you his correct address? It is 13500 Wentworth Lane, Apt. 121H, Seal Beach Calif.
Have not been feeling too well. Doctor says I have fluid on chest again. I take pills to make me urinate and no matter what time I take the pills, it is 2, 4, and 6am when I have to urinate.
Ma does not know anyone any more. She is all skin and bones and must weigh less than 70 pounds. She sleeps 20 hours a day or more. She is just a vegetable. However, her heart is strong and she may go on and on.
Midnight, our darling cat is also beginning to fail. She is the greatest of them all. She is not my pet. I am her pet. Remember, I am all that she has.
Frank Denke, is the pianist of this area, Frank is guest of the symphony each year, also plays at Stern Grove, and is head pianist of C.B.S. We are good friends, Then, Ralph Sutton, who is nationally recognized as the greatest jazz pianist of today is also a good friend of mine and also I am well acquainted with most of the local piano players including Hermie King and more, Also, I have pictures of Sophie Tucker and myself and others. Ted Lewis and Joe E. Lewis are real close friends. NOW, don’t laugh, four years ago I was on a party with Jimmy Durante and I began shouting “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home” with him. You know I can’t sing. BUT NOW, wherever I go, it is “Here’s Bill Bailey” and I have to sing, I really have become a good shouter. Also I tell stories. Ted Lewis and Sophie Tucker have made me come up on stage with them. Next Tuesday I am the performer at the annual Old Timers Baseball players association meeting and they are paying me one hundred dollars for fifteen minutes.
Here is one of my pet stories—Two colored men went to Rome. One, being catholic got an audience with the Pope. After they left the Vatican, the non-catholic man said to the other, “Man, dats what I calls a swell job. Wotsa feller gotta do to git a job like dat?” “Why,” said the catholic boy, “he was selected by the Cardinals.” ”Well den,” said the other fellow, “why don’t the Giants select Willie Mays for a job like dat?”
You know I am a life member of the Press & Union League Club. Once or twice a week I go and take the whirlpool baths there, They are great and do me a lot of good. Once a week I bring Lefty O’Doul and Joe DiMaggio and they take the steam baths and swim. Joe is a very humble man. Someday he will be a fine golf player, He is new at it but is coming ahead fast.
Last October at the Holiday Hotel tournament in Reno, I went up a day ahead of time and Dizzy Dean was there too. Diz asked me about O’Doul’s game, I said “lousy” so, when O’Doul got there I said, “Frank, I have half of your bets against Dizzy Dean,” Result, O’Doul handed me $412.00 after the tournament.
I own every book written on General MacArthur. He was the greatest, Did you know that Sandy Goodman was a Captain on MacArthur’s staff when Eisenhower was a Colonel on same staff? Sandy is retired and great. He has an adorable wife. Dorothy’s mother died and she and Harold now live in home which they built for Dorothy’s mother.
It is nice that Sandy and his wife live three minutes away from Dorothy and Harold.
Regards,
Elliott
1139 Geary St.,
August 17, 1952
Dear Margaret:
I may move soon. Besides a hundred things happening, favorable or malefic, my writing is more prolific than at any time. I enclose, besides the composition last recited to you, snapshots at random from my latest epic, Prt II, of “What Christ? What Peace?” brought up to date.
I believe I am finding myself in poetry. I have no less than five types of composition going on. May sign up for Hart’s classes, but if he is not fair will not remain. Have to look for markets, and want to try to finish some of these things this year.
Faithfully,
Samuel
60 Harriet St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
January 24, 1955
Dear Margaret:
Thank you for your letter of the 22nd which I am answering for obvious reasons. I am glad to learn that your book is being well received. I have also enjoyed “Zapotec” and had some strong discussions on it. The pro’s and con’s are partly due to the fact that the author is a woman. If it had been a man he would have added more to our culture and he also would have overlooked the obvious and over expressed himself.
I was very much struck by an article on Mrs. Luce who says women make the best diplomats. As I hope to write a book on this subject I am liable to drop her a line. My greatest diplomat was a Gertrude Bell who, to me, makes Bunche and Graham look small, but I did not meet a person in the State Department who knew anything about her. I am waiting until Loy Henderson is appointed because I believe he will be an exception.
Now. I have dropped the Carols. I am finishing my epic poem for India and will take a vacation shortly. As I go over this poem I feel it has a power unsuspected by me in previous drafts. It goes to the Central Government in New Delhi, carbon to the Consulate here which will later go to Krishnamenon, their delegate at the U.N.
My closest friend is one Paul Reps who has the sobriquet of “Saladin.” He does some writing and is an authority on Japanese poetry. He is independently wealthy and travels a good deal. Well, I am ready to start “Saladin,” which will be an epic poem for Egypt and I feel it in my bones that it will become an immortal work. The other night I chanted a little to two friends who challenged my concepts, and suddenly when I started a certain line, they both jumped up and said, “That is it?”
Theme: “The sword is mightier than the pen.”
Jesus Christ: “I came not to bring peace but a sword.”
Example: “Moses with the pen died; Joshua with the sword conquered Palestine.”
First section: “The five swords from China: sword of metal, sword of wood, sword of flame, sword of water, sword of wind.”
Quotation: “The sword of metal is a needle.”
Quotation: “The sword of water is a dancer.”
Second section begins with speech of Saladin to the captured Christians in the Holy Land:
“Monks, is it true what I am quoting from Sacred Writ?
People, have you ever heard these words of the Messiah:
‘Ye are the light of the world.’”
The enemy is the Fourth Estate, the people of the pen. Jesus condemned the Scribes. Quotation:
“All pens are propaganda.” References:
“The letter killeth, the spirit giveth life.”
I shall try to turn out the drafts this week, but I leave on the 2nd. My Indian poem should be completed by Friday and I have a clear weekend, apparently. But I am writing because I really feel optimistic and inspired. Hope to write to you before I leave.
Cordially,
60 Harriet St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
January 29, 1955
My dear Margaret:
I now have found a resting point in my typing.
a. India. The other day I completed the fifth redaction of “Shiva! Shiva!” This will be sent to India, to Sir Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the Vice-President, and the carbon to Consul General Bannerji here. It was a “coincident” that this should have been the eighth anniversary of India’s independence. I have an appointment with the Consul-General on my return.
Our first interview ended by Mr. Bannerji sending for Mr. Srinavan, their publicity man:
“Mr. Srinavan, I believe Mr. Lewis knows more about India than I do.”
“I don’t believe he knows more of India than I do; I know it.”
This encouraging note has been followed by my thesis for the American Academy of Asian Studies which is, “The Integration of the Ancient and Modern in the Solution of India’s Problems.” The thesis has been accepted by the instructor, Satya Agrawal, as not only a good paper but one which could be used by the government at their future policy. And I believe it will be published.
b. “Saladin,” was started within an hour after the completion of “Shiva! Shiva!” The Indian poem had to be copied several times to get the rhythm and the full inspiration. It started as if it were in Sanskrit and had to be translated. You will find the first thirteen pages of “Saladin” enclosed. It starts as if it were in Arabic so the rhythm in English has not yet been found. But I am compelled to write as the imagery is all there and I have definitely “found myself.”
The first book has the sections of a. “The Sword,” b. “The Addresses to the Crusaders,” and c. “The Addresses to the Captives, etc.” I have been stopped at this point and it is curious that I am listening to “Tannhauser” as I write. This personality is already mentioned in the writing. The second book consists in Saladin’s elevation to the heavens:
1. His appearance before Sohrawardi Maktul whom he martyred and by whom he is initiated into the mysteries of the sword, and of mercy. The former includes the sword of Hercules and the complete explanation of the esotericism of the sword in all the Wagnerian operas and their related subjects such as the Grail legends.
2. His elevation into the six heavens which are described as the heavens of Joseph, Jacob, Isaac, Abraham, Noah and Adam and the teachings received there from.
3. His final elevation before the Arsh-Throne of God and his instruction from or concerning (I do not know yet) the great Indian teachers, Moses, Jesus and Mohammed, who appears as the Seal of the Prophets.
4. His seven addresses to the Christian captives who either become Muslims or not, using seven themes from the actual words of Christ and elucidating them from the various standpoints from the most literal to the most profound.
5. His address to modern Egypt. This theme is introduced in the heaven of Joseph, and bears a rough relation to the last as Dante’s Limbo has to Paradise.
I am both greatly inspired at the moment and must be profoundly humble as I am daring to follow in the footsteps of Homer and Dante on the one hand, and the great Sufis Jami and Rumi on the other, with some strong literary influences from “The Thousand and One Nights.” I do not know what form it will take. It comes as a “gangue” of rhapsodic prose which may be crystallized into poetry, prose and “Gathas” or remain as it is.
c. Sufi school at Fairfax. Now all of the above is intimately related to the history of the Sufi School at Fairfax which your friends have purchased. The history of that place, the visits of Sufi Inayat Khan thereto, and most of all my particular rebirth in March, 1925, when the gift of poetry, so to speak, was offered to me quite in accordance with “legendary traditions,” and the whole cycle of the events of that time and what has occurred since form a clear pattern. The manner in which I was literally exiled from the place, etc. also forms part of the self-same picture.
I must say here, in closing, that when I saw Sufi Inayat Khan in 1926 he gave me what proved to be his last will and testimony. Now, as this will and testimony act have been rejected excepting by less than a handful of persons, the blessings that he gave and should have gone to others have now, after a generation redounded to me.
d. Prose writing. I had to stop the poetry because I have also found myself in prose. Not only in the Indian project above referred to but in a number of other items. I have before me “Essays in East-West Philosophy” by Charles A. Moore which I am both to review and to answer as a whole, this before I go away. It may mean either a recognition or consideration both of me personally and of those things which I stand for (not alone, thank God).
Therefore my visit to you, and/or Fairfax after I return from this short vacation may both be interesting and important. We can turn it into a series of stories and legends. Actually the “legends” are as factual or more so than the “stories.” I think some of the new types of magazines would accept them as they can be substantiated.
Best regards to Joe and Gay. And, if you really like “Saladin,” you might telephone my attorney, John Rockwell and tell him so. I understand that he is making every effort to get me my money. If this proves to be so, there will be some things printed soon. My hostess in Ojai has been a publisher and I am going to call on Rowney who was Malcolm Schloss’ publisher within the week.
Cordially,
Samuel
251 Elizabeth Street
New York 12, N. Y.
28 July 1959
Dear Sam:
The weather has been so hot that I could not write letters—I had two weeks vacation but I took a job through an agency at CBS and then my office found out I was in town and wanted me back here for extra salary—so since I am going crazy trying to pay my phone bills and the dentist, etc. and had no money to go to Atlanta or anywhere or even buy a canvas I was just as happy working. My cousin, Jack Ferris, works at CBS and we had lunch together. The offices there are attractive and the people mostly young and friendly. I had to use an Remington Electric which does not make as good copies as the IBM. I am still not accustomed to the IBM having used manuals for so many years. They offered me a job at CBS and although the work is more interesting that particular job does not pay as much and haven’t heard that they could meet my salary. I would much rather be uptown on Madison Avenue as it is more exciting there. It is very dull downtown.
Tanner had what the doctor thought was a cardiac but turned out to be his gall bladder. He has to take medicine and cannot eat fried foods. On top of that he has lost his job—he couldn’t stand it anyway because they made him wait so long for his checks all the time. So I have been to church twice praying for him as he does have the worst time—he has been so sweet to me buying me a lovely dress and three hats and a darling little plant. He is such a darling but he has a terrible temper. My doctor says he does not need tranquilizers, however—but something should be done about his temper!
I called your friends Gertrude Zueker and Bill Hathaway and she said the only time he has been sick was when he had the Flu—they are lots of fun but they live way uptown and we live way downtown. She thought it was funny he should write you clear across the continent about being sick. I think she takes good care of him—I know she presses his shirts.
I envy you all your traveling—about all we do is go out eating We did see Alex Guiness in The Horse’s Mouth and Sunday we put on shorts and went over and sat in a very pleasant Italian garden, Emilio’s on 6th Avenue. We go to Tony’s too where there is a garden and air-conditioning. We had drinks at a darling little French place The Bijou in the Village but should have bought the dinner which is not too high but more than we usually pay for a dinner. I do a lot of cooking, as you know, but lately have just made large salads. Tanner does not like fruit ones, however, so I am limited.
Hope you will be seeing Edna soon— =when are you going over there? Edna is certainly an inspiring person. The Manager will be back in 10 days and his secretary is away and I will have a terrible time as he is very speedy and I am not too good on this machine yet. Have to go slow to keep from hitting the wrong key.
I have an editor friend, Bill Raney, with Rinehart’s—he is giving me Doris Humphrey’s biography or autobiography as I had some lessons with her and knew her and kept her cat, Mr. Monaghan, when she went to Mexico with Jose Limon. He also is giving me a cat book. My cat, Yeep, gets more beautiful every day and sweeter. We are worried about Tanner’s cat as she won’t eat and looks old and tired—will only eat special things and drink milk. She has big green eyes. My cat is upstairs as they are fixing my screens and I am afraid she will escape. The children stuck sticks through three of the screens trying to get my cat. About six small boys rushed in the studio which is on first floor wanting to play with the cat and at first we were too friendly—but when we got tough that’s when they threw rocks in and watermelon and bottle tops—they are very noisy in our Italian neighborhood—bands play and firecrackers go up on the Sundays they celebrate three different saints.
I have two—no three ideas for paintings and hope I will get around to getting some canvas.
Best of going to you with your writing
Your admiring friend
Gwyn
San Fernando,
June 8, 1960
Dear Sam,
Just got your letter and am answering at once. I do not know for sure if you will get it. The return on your envelope was very indefinite (no street number) but I suppose you will get your mail from New York before you sail. Aunt Elizabeth was very sick but is better now. Her oldest daughter is in the hospital for an ear operation and she is visiting her. The Yellow Cab has offered a settlement but we have not accepted it.
Surprised that you are going to Iraq before going to Egypt. These two countries are a outs and anything can happen.
About your mother’s estate. I gather that something has happened financially. You are equally interested in it with Elliott and should protect your interests. No telling what may happen in your absence especially if you are hard to reach.
We expect to go to Frisco for a few days about first week in August. Give me the names of neighbors you mention and if you want me to I can call on them and may be of some help.
Hope you have a good trip and that it helps you.
You may not always be able to roam around and taking care of your interests at present may help your future.
Please send us some foreign post cards and souvenirs,
Regards to the Imams,
Uncle Harry
San Francisco
July 8, 1960
Dear Sam,
Got your letter and glad to know that you are getting pleasure out of what you’re doing. I am a little surprised that you have not sailed yet but suppose that you will in due time.
Aunt Elizabeth has been sick but is better now. Today is her birthday. Mine is on the 24th. this Monday we are leaving for San Lorenzo to be gone for two weeks.
Last week we got a settlement from the Yellow Cab for our injuries. Right now everyone is interested in the coming Democratic Convention.
Our car was in bad shape but I have fixed it up. Hope it will stay good.
Keep us posted about yourself and don’t forget to send us a souvenir card if you cross the ocean.
Can’t write much of a letter now as I am in a hurry. Will write more later.
Uncle Harry
San Fernando
Feb. 8, 1961
Dear Sam:
Received your interesting letter of Jan. 29th. Right now we are busy getting ready to move to San Clemente and are busy packing.
The weather is still summery and no rain. Aunt Elizabeth is a lot better this week although she is working hard.
I hope you enjoy your stay in Pakistan. It is two month now since you sent that perfume and we haven’t received it yet.
There really is no news here to write about. We have had several visitors here from Canada.
I am surprised to think that you fall for what fortune tellers tell you. Fortune telling of all types is a lot of bunk. If they can really predict things why don’t they play the winners at the horse races?
Besides that if you want my opinion I think you would be foolish to get married, especially when you cannot provide a good home for your wife. but of course that is all up to you.
I am glad Kennedy got elected and think he made a good start.
Hope you have a nice trip to Pakistan. Let us hear from you when you get settled.
Uncle Harry
Abbottabad, Hazara
August 11, 1961
Dear Elliott, Shirley, Henry and to whomsoever it does concern or does not:
Once upon a time a famous man lived in these parts and he wrote a poem, “Lest we Forget” or “The Recessional.” He left these parts and fame decreased until he died; then the royalties on his books became so high he was famous again. However all we concerned with here is “Lest we forget.”
About a month ago I received an airmail letter from Brookline marked “Miller.” It was a surprise answer from Reverend Samuel Miller writing in one of the magazines expressing a quandary. I answered it. I am a sort of answer man but am very deficient in questions. That did remind me. Anyhow when I went over my files I found a lady’s footprint—what is it doing there?
I long decided that the best place to buy Pakistani shoes was Peshawar. I had never been to Peshawar. Then the Bank of America began messing up my accounts—they sent me on top of that a questionable report on the state of my finances: one bank said one thing and another bank said another thing and I am 10,000 miles away.
Well, while wondering to do or not to do about cash—five bank accounts and empty pockets—I got a free ride to Peshawar and called on the American Consulate and found somebody who would cash $100. You can always do this best on a frontier or border city where there is a black-black, gray-black and white-black market. Anyhow I had rupees.
Between lunch and tea, having nothing to do, I went to find a riksha-wallah. They don’t have taxis on account petrol is expensive and rare. So I got me the rickshaw. The cost is the same per hour as per 1 mile and don’t ask why. We went to the native bazaar and before I could say hello a man came out and asked me in English if I wanted shoes. So selfish Sam bought himself two pairs—an Urdu and a Pushtu type and now he is also getting two pairs made in Abbottabad which closes the shoe book—for himself.
It happened I did not have the outlines with me and I am shajeweled to be in Peshawar about August 7 and intend to go back and buy some ladies’ shoes; this time for Boston and San Francisco, the problem not being the price but the shipping. Last time things came out all right and I think this bazaar merchant will help. Anyhow I have now less rupees and may send for more just in case. However I must warn you I am not going to send a single pair—I shall either send a bundle, shoes etc. or else several pairs of shoes, to ye value of $10 which is what customs allows in for free.
I then proceeded to the Peshawar University where I got mixed up with all kinds of people—of the right sort and got me an invitation to speak at Mardan Collage on September 4 and will thence to Peshawar again. I expect to leave Abbottabad for good about August 26 and go toward Mardan where a rich hombre is waiting for me and then will have services of his car and driver—we paying for the gas—to see the country round.
As for my stay in Pakistan, it is strictly anti-protocol. If I have succeeded it is generally for doing exactly what one is not supposed to do and if I have failed it is by toeing the mark. But Americans here are not allowed to toe the mark. When you come you lose your citizen’s rights as witness the visit of Vice-President Johnson who proceeded to ignore delegations of American-Americans. And being protocolly briefed by a non-American, non-Pakistani, he did everything so diplomatically sound it was necessary to send Ayub over which was a good thing. My belief is now that abroad Vice-Presidents can do not right.
Being on bad terms with the Embassy—all Americans here are on bad terms with the Embassy, this being protocol—I wrote Ayub a suggestion for his trip. It is one of those suggestions that no Americans could possibly make and if it were possible it was just one of those things which are not done. So Ayub being an anti-protocolian himself, did, and I got a nice letter of thanks.
Meanwhile I have made myself an honorable correspondent for the American Gripers Association abroad and this time some Senators and Congressmen are interested. For example it is the solemn protocolian duty of each Ambassador to ignore his predecessors. This is all right, but it should never include ignoring the Ambassador’s wife. Besides we have in California one Mrs. Lucretia Del Valle Grady Her late husband had been Ambassador to Greece, Iran, Pakistan and India. He decided to come home. That was his mistake. Out of office he died. But his widow lingers.
You see her ancestors 200 or 300 years hence and thence came to California and they were not only there before the Golf Rush but were part of the El Camino Real rush. So from childhood Lucretia stood out and kept on standing out more until she became a sort of perpetual Democratic National Women’s representative to the top echelon. Most of my enemies—and I have several—are not only non-Californians, but non-Americans and some misogynists to boot—never paid much attention to her. But they were the “experts.” One may become an expert because he was a boon-companion with the Sultan of Morocco in eating couscous—this made him an authority on Asia. (I am not talking poetry, this could happen in California and does.) Another because he graduated from Heidelberg. This proved he knew all about West Baluchistan and Borneo—I don’t know how, but this is what happened. The result was that we Americans have been briefed and then drubbed and we are as popular as anybody can be who ignores native cultures and native degrees (of which there are plenty).
I have met so many famous people in this country that if I collected their autographs I would have to pay an income tax thereon. I was not long here before I was with secretary Shahab who is a sort of combination of Sherman Adams and Robert Frost (only honest). I met the richest industrialists, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the retired Chief of Staff and so many big business men and professors—and all off the protocolian beat. Then I brought some answers to some of the basic problems in this country—just what was asked for. This made me popular with the Pakistanis. The Embassy has not yet caught up but I have hinted that Burdick and Lederer might want to write another book, this time not so fictional. In these days of democracy, humanity, freedom and good-will, to say “ugly American” is more powerful than to say Khrushchev. Of course the Russians are here, strictly anti-protocol. They come in as “experts” and as “Muslim pilgrims” and they have a field day and tell everybody how wonderful well off the Muslims are in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan and a few other places.
Then there is counter-intelligence here. I ran into it in UAR and if there is anything Americans avoid more than the plague it is honest counter-intelligence. My experiences with the FBI are: “I know about the commies.” “Fine, tell us.” But Dullespionage: “Who are you? What are you doing here? Bring some collaborating evidence. How do we know you are telling the truth—we have no use for sensation mongers.” So we lose Vietminh and Laos and Cuba and more are on their way unless somebody really denounces Dullespionage and comes out for the American jury system—let the witness be sworn in and speak—but of course, this is against protocol.
In UAR I stole two delegations of neutralists away from the Russians. In the first place it was and Ambassadorial reception—I had no business being there but was. Then I admired the ladies’ dresses—this is an awful thing to do at a State function. Then somebody blurted out my real credentials and the neutralist men gave me a wonderful time—strictly off the record.
San Clemente
Nov. 25, 1961
Dear Sam,
Got your letter of Nov. 15 where you give your address as Lahore, W. Pakistan. I had written to the address you gave in India. Seems that you are having considerable trouble about several things. Personally I don’t have faith in healers. I think they are fakes. And so far as magnetized water is concerned there just is no such thing. The only thing that can be magnetized is iron or steel. I don’t have any confidence in that Major.
In case you figure on giving lectures here, they just don’t take without colored pictures. I am glad you are getting ahead in your projects. But as world conditions stand today I think you would be more secure back in the USA and let the world do its own worrying.
We are both about the same. I wish Aunt Elizabeth was in better health.
Two of our close friends died in the last 30 days. We had a rain a few days ago, the first in months.
I hope you are well. I would like to find out about Elliott’s activities and tell me by return mail who I can talk to about him in San Francisco. We will be there for Christmas.
Hope you have a nice Christmas and happy new Year,
Uncle Harry
Hollywood,
August 23, 1962
My dear Marion:
How are you? Well your errant if not erring cousin left Karachi on August 4 and arrived in San Francisco—on August 4. My hunches, whether you accept them or not, must have been working. I bought an air ticket to San Diego—which cost me only $10 more, which was fortunate as I had two urgent letters, one from my foster sister who never wrote me before in all our years of acquaintance—which is a pretty long time, fifty five years. Her mother is dying but Aunt Lil (Elizabeth), Uncle Harry’s wife, has recovered. I spent three days with Uncle Harry at San Clemente, which is on the, Pacific Ocean and where it never gets hot or cold. Anyhow after living in Lahore with 110° every day, I seem to be able to take anything. And if there is one thing what seems to stand still with me, it is vitality; health is much better than early in life. This may be due to “yoga”—I mean something else, but this will do. If you say “yoga” people will accept it.
I won’t relate my episodes, escapades, adventures and madventures (“A Comedy of Terrors”) because since the first of July everything has been coming in my favor, and there is not a cough in a carload. For instances I have been made American representative of the projected University of Islamabad. They have already collected funds for four American professors and two graduate-scholars. I had to visit the American Friends of the Middle East and Asian Foundation. My first two welcomes in San Francisco came from my colleague, Harry Nelson and from Admiral Everson of the AFME and believe it or not, I never had warmer welcomes in my whole life.
Then I went to Marin County to consult my attorneys and telephoned Mrs. Russell Smith. Her husband was former Chief V.P. Bank of America and has served on the International Monetary Committee and World Bank. My folks never knew but he is one of the two VIPs who stood behind me all these years when outside pressures worked against me. I never mentioned their names.
Now the requests from the Islamabad University made it necessary for me to visit Asia Foundation and Mrs. Smith told me that her husband is now President of Asia Foundation. Boy I did four hours conversion work in half an hour and totally successful.
Then I came South to visit relatives and friends and have gone to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the Scripps Institute at La Jolla and US Riverside; also the USDA Salinity Laboratory. Not only have all sessions with scientists been most rewarding I have visited three newspapers: one kept me one hour and gave me a big write-up and the other two agreed to receive, if not publish articles. I have the stuff. I got two writing contracts just before leaving Pakistan and there is a “story behind the story in each.” Well I addressed 75,000 people in Pakistan not counting kids and I certainly met enough people in Egypt and India.
Another thing my family would not understand is that I came into India at a time interviews were not granted, yet I saw President Radhakrishnan and Chief of Protocol Bannerji—never mind how. The President and I are very close friends. My second book will be dedicated to him but my first book is “How California Can Help Asia.”
Gallivanting around California is not all scientists and technicians. I have friends and acquaintances hither, thither and whither (in Urdu they say “ither, uther and sither”). Either I left good tastes in peoples” mouths or they have accepted reports. But the fact is that the more wild and “madventurous” they are, the truer they are. Fortunately at all the institutions so far visited I ran into somebody who had been to at least one of Egypt, Pakistan and India and they understand that the same and normal accomplishes nothing.
Besides we are unified in being against the Peace Corps:
a. Seventeen farm boys went to Pakistan and did things—not a paper reported.
b. I have met experts and technicians who have accomplished wonders—if they had been Russians, the public would have been informed.
c. I met a couple of Peace Corps kids. They had not even started out but the press was already telling of the wonders they expected to accomplish. It is not “only in America” but in Russia too, plans are regarded as accomplishments if the “right” persons are involved.
Well, American A went to Tibet and warned the communists were coming; American B to Laos; American C to Vietnam; American D to Burma, etc. But Cecile Brown and Lowell Thomas went and assured us that the people were 99.75% anticommunist (possibly true), but they did not inform they were also against Elizabeth Taylor and “True Immorality.” These people simply will [?] our Hollywood-Las Vegas anti-family social status. I am not preaching here but reporting. (If Big Brother has anything to say tell him there is a vast difference between “free love” and marriage-busting.) Now every time Lowell Thomas writes a book the Americans all over Asia weep: “There goes another country.” This is a long and sorbid story.
The truth is that we are not fighting Marxism abroad, we are fighting Dale Carnegie, Jesus Christ and Osward Spengler, but the last most of all. We do not make friends and influence people and it is so easy to make friends and influence people. But not by sermons and even less by sermons compounded with family-busting. Not that Pakistanis are any better but their mores is different.
Actually in Thailand people live as Tom thinks and their whole moral structure is different. The women are relatively and even absolutely quite free. Morality consists of kindness, honesty, fair-dealing and has nothing to do with the acts of the body there. But they have one standard and the Islamic world has one standard (exceedingly different), and we have multiple standards. And my closest friends are psychiatrists dealing with the movie colony!
My mother is in a mental hospital still hovering between life and death. I am a Plant Doctor who does not delve too closely in problems outside my field.
I am not disturbed about the Russians in space. We lead Russia in about [?] sciences—I did the spade work myself; in fact I generally do and I am not [?] upset emotionally—I hope. Actually there is lots more but I have a pretty full program all the time. Hope to locate an apartment when I return to S. F. Remember me to your family.
Love,
Samuel
December 27, 1962
My dear Marion:
I must thank you for your card and tell you first one bit of negative news. It is over two weeks since I placed an order for a reprint of one of my pictures, to be out on a Christmas greeting card. The order was pigeon-holed and then misplaced and I am going away shortly and will have to send them out in a strange manner at a wrong time.
Then I am about to leave first to go to Hollywood where there is a lady who has been very friendly to me for almost forty years. She does not believe she will remain long on earth and this may be the last time I can take her out. So between her and friends I shall spend the New Year there. I may run over to Pasadena too and see the parade as I have friends there. And then go to Uncle Harry Rosenthal for Aunt Elizabeth has long been in bed. I won’t stay there if it be inconvenient.
I returned from Pakistan in August but for one month went touring the State to see friends, Uncle Harry and to begin work on one of the two books I am writing. The chief one is called “How California Can Help Asia” and has mostly to do with food problems, but covers a lot of other things. This has kept me in touch with top scientists and in general their researches are neglected. We have a lop-sided approach here which now takes the physicist, who used to be the most neglected of scientists and makes him an object of public curiosity. While there are other scientists, Algaeologists for example, that are totally ignored.
I have visited the campuses of the University of California, also Stanford U. (Food Technology), and Stanford Research, as well as called on lot of other people.
I am also writing a book, part memories, with regard to certain types of strange persons I have met, mostly abroad, including the real Zen Buddhists. This is also keeping me busy.
Then I had my future foretold by six men, only one of whom used astrology at all. One was a strange Sikh who followed me around in New Delhi and was always right. I have no idea how he could tell what he did—he got my name, birth date, mother’s name, birth date, favorite fruit, favorite flowers, etc. Then there was one man who could “see” into the future, just a little bit mostly, but he was always right. Then there was the Khalandar which is a story in itself. And two seers who used a form of insight akin to intuition which does not tell much.
The main thing they said was that during the month of October a women who had been holding the torch for me would some back. Well, on October 30 I mailed Professor Rhine a lot of stuff—he hasn’t answered. Half an hour later the doorbell rang: “Sam, there is a strange lady at the door asking for you.” Well, I was expecting the wife of a friend and came and there “she” was.
I met Vera when she was 19 and I was about 36. Besides difference in ages she was there married. She has since been married another time and also had a complex crisscross with a man who was very close to me; and with another one to whom I had introduced her. But thirty years make differences and none of those other things mean anything to us.
She lives in Sacramento but her relatives are in S.F. and I was with them on Christmas day. I am hoping I can make good in my writings, or otherwise and then we would either marry of live together or travel together—there is no use foretelling. She has taken on a lot of responsibilities but has grown under them.
Elliott became angry because I did not call on him. Well, he defrauded me so many times in life it is a horrible story; but no matter what he did one or both parents supported him, excepting twice, when he stole my father compelled restitution; i.e. twice out of innumerable times. It was no use my protesting. He has continued to steal since my father’s death.
He had a horrible plan which he told others, of using my mother against me and then after he got control of the major portion of the property put her away. He succeeded. He has her money and she is in an asylum. How he connived this is a filthy story. But unfortunately every time he did anything wrong my folks talked as if I were equally guilty and I have had to face the whole life with no possibility of getting jobs or into society here in San Francisco excepting by the hard, hard way.
But this hard, hard way has worked out pretty well. I have as close friends some of the most influential persons in the Bay Area especially in international affairs. I have with me a picture of when I got my Washington citation. Neither parent would look at it. I then had my name inscribed in the heroes’ book at Fort Mason, right under Carlson Raisers (including one Roosevelt). When I told them they wanted a copy of it but as neither would look at the Washington citation picture I refused…. I got Elliott a commission in the army and he “got even” by making himself a hero. He was in the end frozen out. That’s the way it went. More money was spent on his gambling debts than on my education; also on subsidizing marriages which never took place. Which is nothing to what he was able to get away with. Now he is almost friendly excepting on the verge of the gangster people who are plentiful out here.
I dropped all this but as he insisted I come back, it is my turn now. An awful story, but it is part of most dramatic life.
I think I spoke to 80,000 people in Pakistan excluding children and those I met socially. I did not meet the President but I did meet his secretary.
On the other hand I did meet the President of Indian but did not say goodbye-to him because on the last day in India there was a big celebration going on with Prime Minister Nehru and President Radhakrishnan the guest of honor in one pavilion, and ???? in the other. It is slowly that people coming to believe this. So out with memories.
A few times a few persons have checked on this. The funniest one was that one of my critiques here wanted to show me up. So he sent two of his students to Japan. It had taken me five minutes to get into a Zen Monastery, the norm is three days. Well, at the and of six weeks Claude and Breck succeeded, but their timing was not so good. Months later I ran into Claude —actually, physically, while crossing the main square in Cairo. “Sam, how are you getting along.” “Come and see.”
So I took him to all kinds of bazaars, some not frequented much by tourists, and to the folk artists and others and everyday was greeting me all over. He came back and began raving. So it goes.
In India I spent nearly all my time with scientists or with holy man of types we do not hear about. One of the nicest dramatic events was at Hyderabad, Deccan. I went to the Park to see the Superintendent whom I had met before and saw a sign, “Soil Conference.” I asked some Americans if I could go in and did and no sooner was I at the table when one of the Indians said, “Where have you been, we’ve been waiting for you.”
That is how I met Roy Donahue of Ford Foundation. I now have his latest book which I have been praising no end. And since my return have been associating with the top Soil Scientists, among other things.
Or another time I went to the Dept. of Agriculture at Sacramento, and called
on one Merle
Hussorg, Chief of Public Relations. “Are you bringing me another headache?”
“If you are not smiling when I leave, you may kick me in the head.” “All
right, answer this.” It was an inquiry from the Wali of Swat for Olives. I
said: “That’s no problem, I have just come from there.” In a few minutes
he contacted all his colleagues and what a day. All technical material,
different sciences. So some very nice things happen even thought I have no
relatives out here to tell them too and many people I know think I am a
talkative braggart, but the fact is, things happen.
Oh, there’s a lot more. Sometimes I think of Guy because I have learned new ways to use canned soups. But I don’t know what company he is with and as I am writing, “How California Can Help Asia” and Heinz has factories out there, I may call on them. Asians do not know anything about food processing or handling wastes.
Christmas was cool here but rather nice. I have become adjusted to weather. Had to take it at 110° in Lahore, every day and the only time I was ill was when I had to drink Coca Cola; stopped it and seldom even touch any soft drink. Well, I’ll stop here and if the picture arrives will enclose, otherwise bag some more.
Nov. 20 [?]
Dear Sam,
It has rained in Ojai at last and we all feel better for the dampness.
We had a seminar over last weekend to discuss the difficulties of living and working in the present situation without losing this integrity. Most of the group members were young middle-aged and the discussions were very interesting. The pressures of the temporary situation are becoming more and more assertive and difficult to cope with. These are not the hippies or the very young but there is an awareness of the need to find suitable answers.
Teachers seem to be having especially difficult relations with old fashioned boards and the new style children. Many parents just wash their hands of the whole mess and the poor teachers and children have to do the best they can.
All is well here. Have not seen Donny but was told he and Mary Beth are living in a small shack in the river bottom.
The cats seem to have it made—plenty a [?] and the electric blanket to sleep on these cool nights. At least someone is happy and protected.
Love,
Marion
December 23, 1963
My dear Marion:
This is the season to be jolly, or something. A few months ago I had so many rejections from woman I walked out of the groups with whom I had been associating and for six days was a near misogynist. Then I began to be helped by one woman after another in a different series of quandaries.
Then I had so much trouble with men I decided to make one final public battle. On that day so many other men had had trouble with the same persons we joined forces and had a complete victory.
So when I purchased 50 photographs as Christmas cards I thought that would be plenty but the Lord must have figured otherwise, and instead of 50 being far too many—as calculated—it has been far too short, and I just managed to retrieve one. Therefore instead of crying on your doorstep and asking for pity or sympathy it looks more like asking others to join in a good laugh.
Tomorrow night will be the most beautiful Christmas Eve of my life. There are two people who have stood by me through thick and thin but they were not sure when God was on their side because they were never blessed by a son. What is worse, they are public characters each known for having beautiful and strong bodies. “But in the hour ye think least the son of man cometh” and a few days ago a son was born. So there will be a real crib with a real infant boy with two wonderful parents, both very close to me, and an assembly of people, all of whom have grown close to each other at a spiritual gathering. Could anybody ask for more?
The epitome of my scientific planning is now being reviewed in Washington by one group; and the over-all of all my efforts is to be reviewed here shortly by another. I don’t mind rebuffs and rejections, I just want the chance. Now I have the chances.
I hope this finds you well and happy. If not, what can one do? The other night at a Christmas party—where I went for no reason—I ran into a bunch of friends, including several women whom I haven’t met for years (vide first paragraph) and strangers told me I seemed to be happier than others. All right, one can’t argue that. The person in the picture does not illustrate happiness but wisdom, and there are too many stories behind it to tell anybody.
My old pal, Bill Hathaway, never seems to be far away and there is a strange complex friendship here. Please remember me to Richard especially. Expect will cross the continent next year—but that covers too many stories and opportunities.
Love and blessings,
Sam
January 24, 1963
My dear Adolph [Metz], Eva and Bobby:
I have Adolph’s letter of the 21st and am very glad to have the news. I am working on food problems and run into a very strange situation; it is exactly in accord with C. P. Snow’s “The Two Cultures.” For example last week I went to the Agricultural Department of the University of California and was given a royal welcome—I mean just that, for the men accepted at once that I carry a message from top flight officials abroad. I have not had a single favorable reply from any newspaper man, State Department official or social scientist. But this is not a complaint, this is standard practice.
In November a group of us who had lived in Asia staged a public revolt and it was not even a push-over, it was a holocaust and we did not want that. We just want human communication. Instead of that we are seeing Chou En Lai, very successful in human communication. It has nothing to do with communism.
Just before Christmas I said a few words about Nehru’s spiritual teacher who has been my host. The crowd applauded wildly and I sat down immediately. I even said where anybody could go to meet him—it is not a secret. It has been made a secret because nobody from the State Department or press will call at the place.
Now I am waiting for my Pakistani colleague to come here and we may tour the State in detail in connection with food problems.
My closest friend (Zen Flesh, Zen Bones) Paul Reps has been here campaigning for the Osawa diet. He found that I had already accepted it, purely by trial and error. It is based on brown rice. They claim it cures many diseases. I don’t know and anyhow I have not had many diseases. But I think the problems of Nutrition deserve top priority. Actually the University of California is leading in agricultural research today, but this applies to growing and marketing not to intake.
I am glad to hear from Vincent but am going to have some difficulty doing anything about it. I have copied Part II of my own last epic for some private distribution. Everybody says I shall make the grade. But my esthetic efforts have changed, giving up folk dancing for interpretative (at my age); and going to art school. I go twice at night and once in the day. The School (operated by a life-long friend) is very progressive. My first theme this term is on Frank Lloyd Wright and my second theme is on contemporary composers. You would find many kindred spirits here.
Last summer I was in Mendocino which is almost a western correspondent to your Camp Site. It has modern art and Israeli dancing, as well as fishing but very limited swimming (undertow.)
In addition to four projects for Pakistan (and I can’t drop any of them yet), my god-daughter is coming here this year according to all plans.
According to the form of Islamic (it may be just folk-)law in Pakistan, although a stranger may not meet women, an exemption is made concerning orphans and in particular orphan women who have no brothers. If the girl is married she can be adopted as sister and if she is unmarried as daughter.
My god-daughter is Miss Khawar Khan and she is opulent enough to have become owner of Gandhi’s old home in Lahore. While I was there she won an international Philosophical award and last year a Pan Asian Psychological Award. She wishes to come here for her Ph.D. I wanted her to go to Washington but she wanted to be near me, and also the weather is favorable all the year around (it still is). Well I have just run into a professor who taught at the University of Beirut where she matriculated and it seems all plans for her coming are proceeding OK. Yes, she is beautiful, but she is very religious and that is one reason, in addition to her having brains, which has stood in the way of marriage. Only Bobby must know I have unwittingly two god-sons here—what am I to do? I also have one in Pakistan.
Am glad to find Eva hooking rugs. I hope your house is suitable for meeting the winter.
I may appear in public in that picture soon. Also gradually showing pictures from Japan. The Buddhist world situation is very complex. The people who write the books never meet the religious leaders. The communists have taken over many temples and there may be a world conference in Hawaii in 1966. The Zen temple here is growing and prospering. And this week a friend of mine is showing pictures from Thebe which he visited just before the Chinese took over. Lowell Thomas is also trying to raise funds but he gave such a false picture of that country (acid other countries) that we do not realize the harm in it. The way to write about people is to meet them first.
I like Vincent’s poetry, which is full of the repose so badly needed, but for the moment I have given up literature for art, and … if I know why. There is a Turner exhibit on and also will be attending more art lectures this week.
Cordially,
Sam
May 29, 1964
My dear Mrs. Martini [Marion]:
How I love that name. It not only stands out in a famous drink but the best red wines of California are produced by people of that name, too. My heart says yes but my stomach says it louder.
I am so glad you have married and now I can worry over my god-daughter in Pakistan. First I adopted her because she was an orphan. Islam has some strange institutions but any man can adopt an orphan girl as god-daughter and orphaned married woman as sister. This seems to have brought us both good luck. She became a full professor at 26, the youngest woman full professor on the whole continent of Asia. Then she won first prize at an international philosophical conference—with my help. And as soon as my help was removed she began winning more and more prizes. I did not know when I Left Pakistan she was also wealthy. That is a long story.
Well whatever fortune I had abroad, it stopped here until this month and “then the fun began.” It is so long and complex and beautiful I’ll skip all but the main things which might concern my coming to New York.
Two weeks ago I was attending a conference on “Food & Civilization” and a VIP was talking on “Salt, Water and Civilization” when the director of conference came down, tapped me on the shoulder and said, “There is your problem.” “No, there’s your problem, and maybe here (pointing to myself) is your answer.” Anyhow I promised a complete report on a matter of great importance in which my closest associate and myself are inextricably entangled.
Then the Asst. Secretary of Agriculture spoke and the same thing happened. I came home wanting to celebrate. There is a woman here named Connie who is the chum of the lady I keep company with and whose boy friend is busy every night. My lady friend is away—no two-timing. But Connie always excused myself.
You may remember my pal, Bill Hathaway whom you met at least once in New York, a big stout blond. Well Bill and I have a habit of living in each other’s places all the time for aeons and suddenly he showed up that night—with Connie (we all belonged to the same group years and years ago) so we went out and really celebrated.
Bill pleaded with me not to come to N.Y. until he gets there—and after all that means free room and board and no hotel fees which equals the cost of the trip anyhow. I finally agreed on or off the dotted line.
I am leaving anyhow this week for western Pennsylvania but not expect to go east of Pittsburgh without financial assistance.
Well the next day the celebrated Wm. Vogt, the Conservationist spoke at the conference on “Food and Civilization” and not only was it all down my alley but before the thing was over he read my name into the record! And the next day he asked I come to New York and bring all my diaries and manuscripts. However I had already agreed with Bill as above and
a. My colleague in Pakistan has been uniformly successful in all his undertakings and may be here before the end of the year and a trip across the Nation may be in order.
b. Another friend in Pakistan has my pal and myself tied up with some very big adventures.
c. A VIP in East Pakistan wants me to act as agent and intermediary.
d. A big publisher in Pakistan has recognized me.
e. A big publisher in USA ditto.
This after my fairy god-mother (the celebrated dancer, Miss Ruth St. Denis) had given me a blessing on all my works; and the Oriental sections of the University of California in both Berkeley and Los Angeles have recognized me.
All this and more in this merry month of May. Tomorrow I top it off by partaking in a dance pageant—you never know what I am up to.
I have been planning to write Richard since Guy and Alma were here—all my good news came after they left.
How is “Mr. Stone-farmer?” If I come I hope he can give me some ideas about coffee—which is another story. I am sure you are happy, whether you are to stay in one place or travel. I don’t know anything about Brazilian soft drinks or their foods. About all I know is Villa-Lobos—but that is something. Or problems of aridity—which is too serious to discuss here.
Anyhow love and blessings,
Samuel
February 4, 1965
My dear Cousins:
Shall we dance? I still do, you know. In fact I go to a combined gymnasium and dancing class twice a week and somebody told me I am not getting old because my feet are warmer than in early times.
Now I have to write a codicil or something unless in the course of time I get hitched—which has not happened. And although the course of romantic love goes and comes, now we must get legal instead of serious, or both for
“According to the law” (See Gilbert & Sullivan on “The Mikado”), I am duly and duty bound to make a codicil, transferring, if any, any portion of my banking and fiduciary assets, if any, to one.
Marianna Adriana, born on January 8, 1965, which will be duly communicated to my attorneys, Rockwell & Fulkerson, of San Rafael, Calif.
I cannot, of course, account for what will be there especially if I should be so unfortunate as to depart in this land and let the morticians take care of the balance. But planning and preparing to leave this land some time after September 1965, the matter will be carefully considered. For although still poor, the possibilities are growing.
At least Christian Science Monitor and Cosmopolitan (February issue) have published letters, which encourages a return to my memories. By this time at least this persons has contacts in so many lands, and although he has a tough time here, he need not remain here. So at this time of rejoicing and dancing neither the sad nor happy, the romantic or adventurous, the scientific or artistic, will be communicated.
And if in some future date we reach the summit of social or scholastic or other preeminence, the child will be properly protected, I hope, and thus the beginning of a college career—which matter will be given further consideration, also I hope. Now therefore I return to my two loves (my typewriters) and send you love and blessings, and next, if you wish, on receipt thereof of the hour of the child’s birth, will deign to call on my astrology friend and have a horoscope cast, if you so wish and if you send this hour.
Yours, etc.,
Samuel
February 18, 1965
My dear Cousins:
The other day I received an exciting telephone call from my astrologer friend, Gavin Arthur, telling me that the child, Marianna Adriana, had a most wonderful horoscope. He has cast thousands of charts for all kinds of people. For his actual name is Chester Arthur III and his grandfather was President of the United States. This has meant he has met all kinds of people in all walks of life.
Now at that time I paid just for his making the chart, and while we discussed it together we agreed that I would write my interpretation and send it along and then have him make his which would take some time for him to type.
I don’t know if you know anything about Astrology and I am inclined to think that Big Brother may have different ideas. To me the question will be solved or resolved by whether the predictions and other data are true or not.
The trine is the best configuration possible but when one has a grand trine—and you mathematician should know or understand that—that is a wonder. So Marianna Adriana looks like a wonder praise to God, Allah or what you will. Sun trine Jupiter means successful leadership and trine Pluto may be that she will be a world-wonder and with Uranus conjunct Pluto it means she should be a genius.
These are all in earth signs and a detailed analysis will be sent later when I contact the Astrologer and have him write it up.
She has Venus conjunction mercury but squared to Mars, Moon and Saturn and this looks not only that she should be, but will be a careerist. This contra-indicates from my point of view domesticity, marriage and satisfactory relations with the opposite sex. But the Neptune trine Moon and Sextile to Pluto and Uranus also indicates she may have unusual facilities.
One does not like to make predictions but it looks as if she shall be a daydreamer and then when interrupted surprise her teacher and parents that she has known what was going on all the time.
Despite the above statements about domesticity and sex and even conjugality, she will have the Wise heart and would belong to the type of women such as the Voluspa in Norway and the Priestess of Isis in ancient Egypt. I don’t know how much you go along with such things.
She should excel always in leadership, not so well in following excepting that the bigger the scope of anything the more interest, concern and success. She will never be petty or small.
This, of course, is very cursory and it will take some time to work out details.
It is interesting to me as a person that her rising sign is exactly conjunct with my Sun at birth which can make us understand each other mutually if nothing more. This is enhanced by the closeness of our Moons. And her Neptune indicates that when she gets on in years—I mean by the time she reaches her teens she will understand me better than most people.
Of course if I had your charts or birth data I could indicate or Mr. Arthur would indicate relations with either or both of you. But he may be able to do this also. And if I see my god-son this or next weekend, who is also interested in Astrology, I’ll let you know what we find.
I have a sort of interest in my god-son at the moment because of the arrival here of a man from Sudan who has had all sorts of adventures and we have to get together.
My life is also complicated because Asians are accepting everything I propose for Thailand, Vietnam and that part of the world and Americans either reject it, or ignore it, Asia Foundation excepted, for we have in common dealing directly with the people. Someday I may write a real life drama on “The Princess and I,” relations with a grand-daughter of King Mongut (Vide “Anna and the King of Siam”), very funny and very, very serious.
Let me hear from you on this, and I’ll send more when I can.
Love,
Samuel
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
April 23, 1965
My dear Marion:
On the same day that my mother passed away several letters were received, chief of which was one summoning me back to Pakistan, expenses paid, and jobs at the other end. This has enabled one to put all eggs in one basket, but this has happened anyhow.
My mother’s funeral was quite simple but there were surprisingly few people there. This may have been due to the death of so many of her associates whom she had outlived. Or as Elliott just wrote, socially she was dead a long time.
Today one is compelled to take a very objective view. There may or may not be trouble over the disposition of property. In the past there always has been and with the exception of the estate of my father, where I had previously contacted an attorney I got practically nothing, will or no will. But one does not wish to discuss such matters, the burden of which is at this end.
The great melodrama in my life has been that mother, father and brother counted all of my mistakes and faults and disregarded any triumph at any level. This is mentioned only because in the last month there has been a complete reversal and every project that has ever been undertaken bodes fair to become successful.
When I returned here in January to meet the #3 man of India he upset an indifferent audience by pointing his finger saying: “Why you are the man I came five thousand miles to meet. I came to San Francisco just to meet you.” Fortunately there was a husband and wife, lifelong friends in the audience. But now this sort of thing is occurring at such a rate the details will be omitted. Anyhow all my projects in life have been integrated into the World University of New Delhi which is also headed by this man, Surendra Ghose, deputy speaker of the Lower House of the Indian Parliament.
No doubt the climax came at the meeting of the Asian Conference a few weeks ago when this person was permitted to speak, solved a knotty problem and his answers were accepted. But one can go on.
I am on the panel of a most important conference in September, after which, as soon as legal matters are straightened out, I come east by stages, presumably sailing from New York to London and then flying by stages to Pakistan and other points. If the legal matters are straightened out, I am hoping, God willing, to put aside a fund for your offspring, one or more in such a way that if this body lives, they can benefit with a college education.
No doubt my social status will rise during the UN meetings here this summer, but today one is received with cordiality and respect by many professors in universities where not so long ago the doors were closed. One hesitates to give details because these are usually snubbed, and therefore one concentrates on those who have common interests and common outlooks. This is especially true on food problems on a large scale where one has the advantage of not being a specialist and where one’s outlooks were entirely rejected in the past only to become what is now orthodox procedure, i.e. in the new science of Ecology where I am very much at home.
At the Asian conference a publisher’s representative said he would look at my manuscripts. That is, Tuttle of Vermont. They have been printing the works of my life-long friend, Paul Reps. This week, out of the blue, I received such a commendation from Paul Reps, that only once before anything like it was received and this will add but there is the detailed work of typing, etc.
Behind this is another outlook and if one mentions it he is often regarded as mad. I see beyond this world of “realism” deeper aspects of existence which we can call verbally the realms of Mind and Heart. This is based on experience and not from any particular cult-teaching. It is bringing more and more associations and fine outs, starting in with persons like myself who seem to be ahead of their time. Our outlooks cannot be categorized like the various “isms” which are essentially analytical. One started out with the mathematical philosophy of Cassius Keyser of Columbia, and gradually the heart-philosophies came. We may look askance at them but it opens channels to all sorts of “exotic” people and is functioning here now. My saying that if you can eat, dance and pray with people friendships came easily and rapidly—is proving just as true as it does not coincide with the political philosophies of the day. So one has to have a “light heart” (any definition you please) and ignore public reactions.
I shall be glad to hear from you further.
Love,
Samuel
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
May 25, 1966
My dear Margaret:
I was very glad to hear from you. You might have phoned John Rockwell who is, in a sense, my attorney though my present legal complications are in the hands of an associate of his.
One of the things I learned in the Orient was the equivalency of Pain and Joy, that capacity for either makes capacity for both. Life has brought more than the usual amount of Pain—i.e. in similar distressing circumstances one holds up better than others—but this increases the capacity for Joy.
A good deal of my time is spent with Buddha-studies, by which I do not mean Buddhist-studies. Buddhism is a religion, Buddha taught man how to experience a maximum of Joy. Christ began that way but we have swallowed up the Beatitudes with wrong translations to begin with and terrible interpretations to end with.
It is easy to quote “Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people.” In your own case I see two quite different careers—of housewife and mother, and of creative genius and adventure type which must be reconciled. From the standpoint of time one works in one direction and from the standpoint of eternity in another.
At the present time I have to associate a good deal with scientists who are not like the “scientists” described in the press. There is a publication called “Science” which is by scientists for scientists and which is not much read by others. And you will see that the real scientists are now discussing the nonexistence of any division between Art and Science and the esthetic views of scientists are far from the descriptions of how they are supposed to behave which has become the popular view.
Sufism teaches that we must balance Power with Beauty, Beauty with Power. I am still in the throes of an esthetic revolution which will lead me back to poetry. It is quantitatively most difficult, and even more so when one sees a thousand inspirations.
The other day I told some art-teacher friends of mine that if I returned to study I have a single project—six-months on a Rose-Petal! This is far from nonsense and may be near Wisdom and is certainly Tennyson.
I am even conceiving a paper on Vietnam which will be almost entirely quotations from poets. You can be sure that the Hawks and Doves will unite against it. Or as I see it, America is a great nation trying with all its efforts to get the Lamb and Lion to lie down together and trying equally to see that the little child does not lead them.
It is so easy to write trite aphorisms, and life is never that way. Yes, you should sell your home and you should write.
You could do me a very great favor by giving me the address of your Bengali editor but this is not to be rushed. My examinations will be completed next week and then I should concentrate on my memoirs. Working on two books and trying new styles in each. The second will be epical, but the mind must not dictate the style. In good time it will flow out and easily.
Mama Ruth St. Denis wishes my poetry but one cannot grind this out or even copy it by mere wishing.
I hope soon to clear my slate and visit Marin. Have a lot of things to do and some people to visit. At the moment on a full program—my two closest men friends are here and it is awful, but not painful. Never a dull moment and this makes some people think one is not busy.
Tomorrow night I go to the Rudolph Schaeffer School of Design. I have found the objectification of what I consider the “revolution.” It is a sort of combination of multidimensional thinking and very direct feeling harmonized. More and more young people operate that way and they are misunderstood by their elders, the power-structures of our so-called “right” and “left.”
The Wisdom Schools of the Orient show how to actualize Joy. I have yet to meet a teacher who has not taught that capacity for Pain and Joy go together but we can rationalize Pain while Joy may be spontaneous.
No doubt we should avoid dissonances and disharmonies. Studies in Anthropology no doubt free one from religions influences that do not harmonize with the daily life. You may tell Gay that I suspect philosophically and philologically there is a connection between “Gay” and “Joy.” But what good are words if they do not manifest in the daily life?
A few young come to me and the whole concentration of studies and disciplines in Oriental wisdoms is centered around increased capacity for Joy. For that reason I am going to attend the forthcoming LSD conference in Berkeley. People are seeking Joy and if they cannot find it naturally they will try it artificially. And what is natural? and what is artificial?
When School is out, I shall write or phone again,
Samuel
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
July 3, 1966
My dear Margaret:
I left the other day feeling a little ashamed, that I had talked too much. But there was one mitigating circumstance that after years one learns to “see with their ears” and “hear with their eyes.” I have put it in another sense in “The Rejected Avatar” a poem, all copies disappeared, all kept by people who were supposed to review them and yet it had the key to some situations.
What is worse, in a sense, was that the holy men of Asia definitely directed me to look after widows and although this has produced some complex situations, these situations may be right with God, so to speak, if not with man.
Yet in another sense things were “right” only in meeting some immediately ironical situations. There have been two women in Hollywood who have been like elder sisters to me for years. My god-daughter phoned me and urged my immediate trip South because one of them had had another accident—she is accident prone. The other is also accident prone and arrived in Alameda the day I was in San Rafael.
Then I received another letter that my old dancing partner from Mill Valley would be here with her daughter. She was assistant post-mistress in Mill Valley and against her doctor’s orders worked overtime, had a stroke and is confined to a wheel-chair. It is fortunate that this was a beautiful day here and I was happy to be in her company, even though in this not too pleasant circumstance.
Well I don’t want to repeat all the things that go on excepting gradually I am being drawn into the Vietnam complex with a different approach.
However I have taken a liberty and called on Wells-Fargo Trust Co. A card is enclosed and Mr. Knick told me he puts in one day a week in San Rafael, so if you wish to meet him any time, the chances are that you may reach him by phone or mail and he will either call at your home or arrange to meet you in your city.
My boys were here Friday night, i.e. spiritual disciples. They bought a house in Corte Madera with the idea of fixing it up and selling it. They have a small apartment also which they rent. The present occupant does not pay his rent. So I urged them to get rid of him.
Now this is one possibility if you should sell your home and have to move quickly. I have taken it upon myself to do this and it obligates nobody:
If they remove their tenant they have agreed not to place the apartment for rent without being sure you do not need it. The apartment is small, no doubt but the idea is that you might want to buy the whole house and then they would move out themselves as soon as this could be conveniently done.
This is not of itself a suggestion but it could be an assurance.
The Bodhisattvic vow is to work for the alleviation of the pain of others. This vow, in an unusual way, was given by my Sufi teacher after he had become a disciple in Buddhism of my Zen teacher. Vows are one thing and living them is another matter. While we may have various views of “vicarious” atonement, in the universe-of-heart we are all conjoined.
I have been almost forewarned that next time I should limit myself to meditation and listening to you.
MY Santa Barbara “brother” is moving to this city and as soon as he is settled I would like that we come over and take you to the Greek restaurant mentioned.
Sufi teachings divide the personality so to speak, into body, mind, heart and soul—there may be other ways to divide, too. Your radiant heart body is wonderful, clear, cleaning shining and becoming evident and effective. This is exactly as your mother would have had it.
With all love and blessings and assuring you of a clothes-pinned tongue,
Samuel
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
August 30, 1966
My dear Uncle:
I was away in Southern California for a while and ran into a strange situation, that people I had to meet, including friends, were all suffering from broken bones. It was all the same pattern as if there was a plague of accidents.
On my return I learned that Ted Lachelt was away on a trial but we got together today and will meet again either tomorrow afternoon or shortly after. I have answered the questionnaire from Elliott’s attorneys and placed it in his hands.
He tells me I have the right to submit my own questions but I have told him I would accept any suggestions coming from him.
However there is a big set-back. In your original testimony it seems you declared that the will was drawn up in the house; and when you had to take deposition, you swore that it was drawn up at the office of Elliott’s lawyers, that they asked the questions and wrote it while he was an observer. And if this is so it might be binding unless it was declared she was legally incompetent.
I understand that Ellis of Ellis & Levy is dead. When I first protested about the arrangements he said I should have nothing to fear, that any pressure on Elliott’s part would make a one-sided will impossible. This is the only “expert” have met in the usual sense of “expert.”
I shall bring your letter to him.
As I was not present during the deposition and actually do not know what happened excepting by hearsay, at the moment your sworn testimony may not help me much; it may even be the other way around.
It is rainy here today!
May have to return to Santa Barbara to see if there is an opportunity there for me.
Love,
Samuel
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco 3, Calif.
December 28, 1966
Dear Piero, Marion and Marianna:
Thanks for the Christmas card. Yes, this has been the best winter of my life. Seventy and still going strong.
Our second family battle has been settled amicably and there is also a chance for a third dividend. This has left me with enough money to plan another trip. My friend Bill Hathaway is always around and he has wished to go to New York. So we hope to leave in April.
If the third dividend comes up I shall make a new will and provide for Marianna. Any nearer relatives are either well to do or not on speaking terms, so why not? Of course that has not come yet. But the same will be true if Elliott predeceases me.
He looks much older and spends much of his income on the doctor, medicine etc. and if I am as fit as a riddle it is more like Yehudi Menuhin’s than Jack Benny’s.
When I was lonely a woman in southern California fell in love with me and then confessed she was much older than she pretended. I said, “All right I am still older than you.” Then a former lady friend came to town, I think I have mentioned, she is paralyzed and tomorrow I shall be pushing her wheel-chair around. But on top of that a former pal of mine showed up—she had long been divorced and living in this vicinity. Should I consult one of those editors for the lovelorn? At my age?
With this settled I shall devote more time than ever to manuscripts, and plans for the world. It seems crazy. Here I have been in the royal palace of Japan and Thailand and the presidential mansions of Pakistan and India and all the groups devoted to “world peace” won’t give me an interview. But I shall be off and tell you more when I reach N.Y. presuming present plans go through. I hope to leave in May for England.
Please remember me to your family, all of them.
Samuel
772 Clementina St.,
San Francisco, Calif. 94103
January 13, 1967
Dear Cousins:
Please hold your fingers crossed. After years of warfare Elliott has suddenly become my champion.
As the will stands, excepting on the matter of illness and I am not sure of that, he is entitled to or wants a considerable sum and we are supposed to share and share alike. This would mean a larger amount coming to me than I desire now, unless I hire a secretary.
I have already taken the matter up with one attorney and also with a person to be a witness. I wish to leave here by April but if the litigation is long am not sure of plans. Besides I am very optimistic now of the acceptance of my memoires and various peace plans. They are always turned down in this country and always accepted abroad and this goes on and on. And also the war goes on and on.
I have letters which, if I bring them to England, will start some furors. You would think somebody would look at them here, and I am again trying—thirty one rejections so far, and the war goes on. True, the official historian accepted them, and also his principle but it is very awkward indeed.
My health remains good and my relations with women is awful—like I was 30-40. It seems that their husbands all die. But I only want somebody interested in what I am interested in—food or peace.
My close friend, Mrs. Vocha Fiske is in town. She was once secretary to the late Count Korzybski, author of Science and Sanity and will speak on the mathematical portions of that work. Do you know it?
Please keep well and alive until I see you.
Love,
Samuel
Elliott M. Lewis
567 Ninth Avenue
San Francisco, California 94118
Wednesday, January 25, 1967
Dear Sam:
I figure that Mr. Sahlberg at the bank has my estimate of what I need immediately to fix up the house already. Now, I figure he wants to know Why you need money and what for.
Well, you can tell him that if Elliott gets five or ten thousand you are entitled to the same amount from the estate. Also if you need money, Elliott should get the same amount.
Also, you may tell him you need funds to complete your education and you want to travel to England or wherever you want to go to and that you want to go back to India and Pakistan and establish residence there; that you had been there in 1960 and 1961 and made wonderful contacts there and they want you back. Also you intend to live there for the remainder of your life etc. etc. Do not tell him your business. This is your affair and nobody else’s.
You may repeat that this estate is for our personal benefit before charity. Send me a copy of the letter you write. Also if you wish you may consult Mr. Lachelt. But do not obligate yourself to him financially. By now you should have the check I sent to Mr. Lachelt through my attorney, Mr. Vlahos.
Rennie Colvin is my attorney. He is President of our Board of Education and serves on Committees with Dan Koshland on Jewish affairs and is one of the best attorneys in this city. Colvin had Gerald Marcus, another big attorney and a close friend of Koshland and Walter Haas, to handle the estate. Vlahos, whom you met is their trial attorney.
I feel we will have to take the bank to court. These trust departments are tough bastards. They want that account for the bank. If we go to court, the bank will not like that as they will not like the publicity. If we go to court, I may have Art Rosenbaum of the Chronicle and one of the big staff writers of the Examiner write an article roasting that bank. The bank will not like this and probably come through without a court case after Colvin has papers served.
Sometime in the near future I want you to go with me when I visit Henrietta and Don Palmer. They are my very dearest personal friends. They have the keys to the house and Henrietta has a power of Attorney to act for me in case of emergency. In 1962 when I was in the hospital 39 days they took care of me, the house and everything.
Their three and a half year old grandson telephones them without any help and says, “Grandma come over and play with me.” A wonderful child. Two weeks ago I had supper at the Palmers and Henrietta asked me what I wanted and I said, “tripe Spanish with rice.” I brought two empty quart jars with and said, “one is for tonight and one for next time.” I got the jar full to take home.
Let me have a copy of your letter to Mr. Sahlberg.
Good luck,
Elliott
February 3, 1967
My dear Marion:
This is a strange letter written under pressure but not containing anything necessarily “bad.”
I have had two terrific fights in life. One is still going on, that in the midst of international strife nobody is in a worst position that those of us whom I call “Sarkhanians” who have lived in Asia, worked in Asia, broken down the social barriers between races and classes and faced those problems which Asians say are problems.
One has against him the whole culture which Lord Snow calls “Literary-humanist, and one has for him the whole culture which he calls “scientific.” And while the lips and pens of politicians and commentators call for “new ideas” and “more information” they are almost unanimous against receiving either ideas or information.
We are having a war in Vietnam because my dear late friend, Robert Clifton, who was a very real “Ugly American” or as I call them now, “Sarkhanian” was turned down by everybody and died of a broken heart. And I am going to a Tibetan relief dinner soon, a country taken over by China because my friend Nicole Smith was turned down also. Nicole Smith was believed in his “Burma Road” and totally disbelieved when he told of communist invasions of Tibet. Today as a Nation we believe what we want to believe and events have nothing to do with it.
I have, fortunately, been successful with two of our official historians who are quite willing, even compelled, to publish facts. But the rest is hopeless in the literary-humanist field and hopeful in the scientific field.
Even now I am in the ridiculous position of having the American member of the World Bank learning of my career and considering me seriously while the State Department ignores all correspondence.
The successful termination of my mother’s estate, though not leaving much due to an interminable illness, is enabling me to go to England. Plans were to cross the country with my friend, Bill Hathaway, see you, meet Uncle Harry in Montreal to see the Fair; take the ship to England and return to meet my goddaughter, Miss Khawar Khan, who is coming to this country on a “sabbatical” and take her to Oklahoma on the way west. But this plan has been interrupted by a matter which may be of more interest and concern to you.
Elliott has lost a fortune trying to keep me from getting modest bequests. Our father’s executors, or trustees, have taken advantage of the situation to keep the moneys he left, which are piling up at a rapid rate. Although the Will definitely calls for the duty to look after us, it has not been done.
I have had to live modestly and Elliott has had heavy sieges of illness, broken bones and other misfortunes. His preset attorneys have showed him the folly of personal feelings which now hit him in the pocket book.
On the top of that the various kin of Uncle Harry and other people (not Uncle Harry himself) have taken advantage of the situation and squeezed large sums out of him. Now when he needs help he can’t get it from them. So a long enmity has made him see the advantage of joining forces. Besides we are on in years and at least he admits I am going to outlive him considerably.
He has had reason to regret his present Will a fact I mention for quite objective reasons:
a. Grandma Krause’s Jewelry. I understand she left a lot of valuables and they were not mentioned in my mother’s Will, being heirlooms. Elliott asked me what to do, he having lost all feeling about our immediate cousins. “Why not leave or give them to Marion Mann? After all she is descended from Grandma Krause.” “Good idea.”
b. Next of Kin. I don’t know about the legalities of it but I said that in my present Will I had you and Richard as “next-of-kin,” but this did not cover much money and would mean little other than sentiment unless….
c. Joint Effort. We hope to meet with our attorneys soon both to recover portions of the accumulated capital and to force a definite interpretation of the Will of Jacob E. Lewis. There seems to be general agreement on this.
At the moment Elliott needs considerably more than I do but I am all for what he wants. I told my lawyer I could use an equal sum to hire a secretary, that my memoires and files are full of important historical material.
Elliott has gotten hold of letters I have written others and for reasons I do not know he is in favor of my work in Asia and is opposed to my connections here. He seems to be mad at lots of people and groups here—which need not concern us.
To sum up we are going to insist both on a discrete interpretation of the Will, an increment of moneys, etc. and then re-make our own Wills.
I am not going into Elliott’s private affairs but if we am become friendly as we have not, I am going to try to see that he put you and your family into his will and remove the Rosenthals.
At the present time he seems to have selected as heir a woman who was our playmate when young and whose grandmother was a cousin of Grandma Krause, not very close kin, indeed beyond the legal limit which is second cousin. I don’t mind that excepting as to family heirlooms.
More important: any kind of success would bring me enough money to put aside a small, or larger amount which I would “freeze” so to speak but hope to see you before too long. This does not put you, or Richard, under any obligation whatever, and while this is not a promise, it is a plan.
The god-daughter mentioned above is quite well-to-do and she wants me to have a home in Lahore, Pakistan. But there are two other projects which would mean splitting the rest of my life between the respective countries.
Elliott is also in favor of my Oriental efforts and plan to write memoires. This becomes more complicated when one mentions the dramatic events going on here such as the complex on the Berkeley campus and the LSD events here. I don’t want to go into these. But my lectures are full of memoires and dramas in which I have been a participant and which the young, and I hope the future generation will pay a little attention to eye-witnesses of dramas whether in the East or West.
When I called recently on Bishop Pike he nearly hit the ceiling when I told him just a couple and the rejection of eye-witness reports by so many “respectables.” Well, that is the world we live in.
I am now over 70, don’t look or act like it and there are still lady friends around.
Love,
Samuel
July 2, 1967
My dear Cousins:
This is a late answer to your letter of February 24th but it may be an important one. So much has happened in private and public life and I am putting this on record, so that in case of emergency, anybody who finds it can follow it up.
I shall have to be quite personal here for reasons that will be made clear as one goes along. Living in larger contexts things generally go well with me in the larger cycles and bad in the smaller cycles. I don’t know exactly where to begin.
This year I suffered for the first time from a serious disease putting me in the hospital—you can tell Alma and Guy it was the Chinese Hospital; I have a Chinese doctor, etc. and there is no question that in clearing up the latent malignancy a lot of other things were cleared up. And am now enjoying a kind of vigor, not exactly youthful but decidedly useful.
On the public side I went into the hospital in the frying-pan of Vietnam and came out in the fire of the Near East. I am one of the few individuals who has had the experience of sitting down with Zionists and with Arabs and with UN officials and working on a program upon which they might mutually agree. But excepting the American Friends of the Middle East and Asia Foundation I have been totally unsuccessful with nearly all Americans, individuals and groups. However having had experience and knowledge and contacts, correspondence is being carried on with Senator J. Sherman Cooper, the only men who has lived in Asia, with Asians and won the respect of them.
Yesterday I received just three letters—Americans do not usually answer me—one from President Z. Hussein of India, one from the office of her serene Highness, Princess Poon Diskul in Thailand and one from Art Hoppe. He is a local newsman and told me he would never have gotten along at the UN without my advice.
There are two aspects of the Near East upon which I have been working for years, religion and desert reclamation. In general all efforts in religion fail in this country, succeed abroad; and nearly all efforts on desert reclamation succeed. I don’t want to go into that here but I always tell Art, “If you can’t lick ‘em, laugh at ‘em.”
The relations between Elliott and I have cleared up entirely so far as you are concerned. We had long litigation. I was cut out of my mother’s will, brought suits, and my own attorney and I were paid off—thus a plan to go to European, cancelled by illness.
My lawyer, Ted Lachelt, asked me to make up and I said, “He will either double-cross me or become my champion. I know him.” Within 24 hours Elliott became my champion.
We then joined forces on my father’s estate. Elliott had figured out that we could be getting $1,000 a month for life without touching the principle. I have been living in the Styx. He was all ready to have cameras and newsmen visit Clementina St. and take pictures. The trustees must have guessed it for they more than doubled my income and somewhat increased his. This means moving into this house—along with an old friend, and making plans for the future.
In order to prevent further litigation we reached agreements. Elliott has gained nothing by fighting me. A number of attorneys have benefited and I, of course, have lost. But that is gone by. And I told him that in case of death I would leave him nothing but make him my executor, which satisfied him. Roughly speaking, in case I leave the world first, with a few small exceptions and books, the moneys would be divided between you and the University of California, Los Angeles.
But if he predeceases me—generally his health is not good, I shall be faced with the unusual situation of having more money than I would know what to do with. So I suggested—and he agreed—that we would do what we could for Marianna, subject to the proviso that by that time you might have more children, or by that time Richard might be married. Of course this is on paper.
Now I am hiring a part-time secretary and other things look bright. I am hoping by October to make a suitable will. You will understand that there are unusual factors of doctor, hospital, advance income tax etc. which prevent me from formulating a clear budget but I think these will be over.
There are some other things. Though I have lady friends, the attachments are not great and with one single exception none of them could face the careers I must face, have had to face. Then there is the pleasure and temptation of “foster daughters.” Up till now this has been “safe,” the ladies in question being socially and financially secure.
The Hippy Movement is in full programs here and I have been able to penetrate where other have not. In the first place I know considerably more of Oriental philosophies than most Americans; at least Asians think so, and I, through conceit or knowledge being it. This attracts a lot of young.
The Hippy revolution seems to have a center here and I seem to get mixed up in it like I get mixed up in international affairs. Allen Ginsberg keeps crossing my trail and there is a father-complex and also a mother-hatred in him, a little of Orestes, etc.
The next thing I become a sort of father-image and must be very careful. None of my new friends is over 35, and I feel very much at home with them. Only my ubiquitous companion, Bill Hathaway is around.
There will be a seminar on Korzybski in August; cost $100. Can pay.
H. Rosenthal, Suite 103 Arlington Court,
233 East 14th St.,
Vancouver, E.C.
He has been very lonely since Aunt Elizabeth died. He made a rash move getting out of his home and away from his friends. The idea was that he would soon be getting another pension if he lived in Canada and this may come along but in the meanwhile he is not too happy, and rather lonely.
He has been also caught in family litigation and has not benefited much.
My relation with universities is improving. On the one hand I am engaged in collecting materials, “How California Can Help Asia” and on the other in personal relations. One of the most importing is Huston Smith of MIT. I met him at the Psychedelic Conference. The conference leaned on Prof. Cohen of UCLA who leaned on Smith who has since accepted all my credentials and backgrounds.
Alice becomes my secretary Wednesday. She is a student alike of Horticulture, General Science and Oriental Philosophy and we have the same side-diversions.
My illness softened Elliott and after that he also became ill. We run in such different channels. He is in the entertainment world and I am in the worlds of the sciences and Asian matters, but also near dancing.
No doubt this letter rambles. Since April life has been in all sorts of throes but I feel the coming of stability. I keep in touch with Gavin Arthur, the Astrologer. He also saw Jayne Mansfield and I may discuss that horoscope. He did not tell me about it.
I used to say: “Gavin, I am going to insult you. You are better than Jean Dixon.” After the TV showing of that woman, there is no comparison. She has nothing but good public relations. I know many people who have predicted present event.
I don’t know when I can travel. No long trips for a while, but air lines not forbidden. I am glad to adjust to a rhythm, feeling ageless but knowing I am on in years.
Let me know if you can come this way. Last night we went to an Indonesian restaurant. I saved money by illness, not going to England and Canada, but for two months out of everything.
Love and best wishes,
Samuel
40 Atlantic St.
West Gloucester, Mass.
Dec. 23, 1967
Dear Sam:
Eva, Bobby and I want to wish you the best of health for the coming years. The season for camping is over and I planted the garden with winter rye a month ago and I think it is just coming up. Eva and I just came in from shoveling snow. About 5 inches fell last night and early this morning. The temperature is 35 degrees F. Yesterday is was almost 60 degrees. The birds are eating apples in the snow. I watch them as I type.
I hope you are fully recovered from you food poisoning but your inner feeling, as you say, has much to do with the use and metabolism of food. I am glad you are still deeply interested in world affairs. We have met several interested people from the Near and Far East here at Cape Inn and more so at Montreal’s great Expo 1967.
We had contact with many vital and stimulating viewpoints of people and countries at our several visits to Expo 1967 in Montreal this fall. Especially from India, Pakistan-Ceylon-Cuba-Israel-Egypt-Russia-Japan-Iceland-Finland-Holland-Australia-Italy-Greece-Czechoslovakia-Canadian and Alaskan Indians-Mexico etc. The Paintings, Architecture-Sculpture products etc were very good.
Charles Olson was in England for almost a year. When I introduced Leonard Belasco of Philadelphia and of the “Insect Trust Gazette” poetry magazine to Olson, Olson introduced me to Allen Ginsberg then, with, “Meet your cousin,” Ginsberg said “I didn’t know I had a New Gloucester cousin.”
Bob is a bio-chemist scientist with New England Nuclear Corp. They make isotopes etc. He had a 3 year graduate research fellowship at MIT before he took the job. I haven’t read Julie Medlock. I would like to read her books.
Eva and I and about six of us including Vincent Ferrini (He just published “I have the World”) studied with Gerrit Lansing (who published poetry magazine “Set”) the works of Thoreau, Emerson etc to Burrough all last winter.
You have worked long and hard on the Desert Reclamation Research Project. What are you pleased with on this? The Israelis and Arabs both have to work together, as you say. I think they will work together sooner than most people realize.
As ever,
Adolph M.
Samuel L. Lewis
Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti
Reverend He Kwang
University of Islamabad (Zen-Shi)
410 Precita Avenue
San Francisco, Calif. 94110
January 2, 1968
Dear Marion, Piero and Mariana:
Happy New Year. Before you jump at the above titles, let one say one has led a very wild life, has been on plenty of “missions impossible” and is generally disbelieved but this is not a sad story. And there is a story within the story which stimulates this letter or confession or whatever you want to call it.
One has been behind the scenes of the three areas of dispute in Asia: Vietnam, South Asia and the Near East and while everything he wrote was rejected, the two official historians accepted in full. They dare not reject obvious facts and if one has not been eye-witness, one is only one grade removed. And if you ever read “Goods for Luck” this is this person’s career plus “The Ugly American” and “Sarkhan.”
Fortunately everybody does not have closed ears and closed minds. Having too many mutual acquaintances if not friends, Senator Cooper of Kentucky began to accept and knowledge can easily be verified. Now one has several Senators who accept and someday after one is dead one’s diaries and files will be of great value. But hardly today. We have too many “experts.”
We have so many “experts” but now one is awaiting a real teacher of Real Vietnamese Buddhism who is due tomorrow. He came to San Francisco and refused to permit me to introduce him to any “experts,” only to Asia Foundation.
Then there is the Chassid Rabbi. He came from Jerusalem and was coming back to meet your madcap cousin when his own father died. One has to wait a month but one is now writing because in the absence of “experts” one may be able, or both may be able to do something to bridge the misunderstandings.
In the meanwhile there has been a strange history. For the first time in life one got really sick. One felt one would have to be here for the “Hippy Revolution”—which did not come off in the expected manner. And when one recovered peace was restored with Elliott, the income went up and “then the fun began.”
The Hippies began slowly to visit a man who knows the real philosophies and real disciplines of the real Orient, having learned them from Asians and not from graduates of Oxford, Leyden, Heidelberg or Yale. Then also some graduates of Big Ten colleges—I don’t know how it started but they are coming here and then regard me as a teacher simply because I have been rejected by their elders.
About 24 of them gave Cousin Sam a birthday party in October and then Sam gave a party (Chinese) for about 30, only four or five being of mature ages-old friends. Then at Christmas about forty gave this person a great big dinner and then another one and on New Years, and there was not a person, excepting at the first party, half of this one’s age! It seems that the old won’t listen and the young go the other way.
Even now one is on the verge of two big projects. For there are two women who have taken Sam in tow. One is Nancy who became my local God-daughter and the other is Sheila. And most of their friends are partly Jewish—good “bastards” or “Mutes,” “mixed races” and they are outside any group and they are forging their own groups.
The papers dare not tell what is really behind the Hippy movement. It is part of the “evolution” of the race and was foretold variously by Bulwer Litton, H. G. Wells and others. Only when “new” people act just as predicted it causes confusion and to me, quite unnecessary confusion.
Working with the young brings out the vitality and also brings out all the frustrated parenthood, if you want to call it that. I finally am a sort of parent and “guru” to a growing family.
I tell you this because of a single incident. A young woman came and wanted to become my pupil. One is not chasing girls and one is not running from anybody. She told me her story—wow! Her name is Marion. She has a very high intellectual and idealistic outlook; I guess even scaring men away. She looked and acted like Marion and the more she talked and the more she told the stranger it seemed! So now for a very strange “reason”—is it just “reason”—I am thinking of you often.
There is an old song: “Last night was the end of the world” and there was a certain truth in it. This formerly shy, withdrawn person has become open, embraces men and women alike and has learned, perhaps, to kiss with affection; to give more than a superficial love and tenderness and regards all these young people as part of oneself. It is a new career and perhaps a most essential career. But it is often awkward, especially socially, to find Marion acting like … Marion!
Now I guess I am stuck here. There are some big things going on underground and if one is patent, one may learn and also benefit.
The rest of the time is spent either at the University or on documents from Asia, or Asians, particularly Buddhist ones. After 33 rejections of a paper on “Vietnamese Buddhism” I met Dr. Thich Thien An from Saigon. We understood each other at sight and I am expecting him now. One finds oneself poles apart from both “Doves” and “Hawks” who avoid associating with Asians and agree on telling them that they need electricity, “education,” sanitation, etc. But they never ask what they want. We don’t ask Asians anything.
Anyhow one feels one has found purpose in life and one has anyways these young people whom one loves and protects and in turn am being loved and venerated as one did not dream to be possible.
All my love to you and Happy New Year,
Samuel
October 28, 1968
My dear Adolph [Metz] and Eve:
I am taking advantage of a certain event to write to you; i.e. “The Rejected Avatar,” one of many several epic poems has been published and is about to go on the market. This was published by some of my disciples without their asking permission, and it is a sign of a great change in my social life and otherwise.
One does not know how much news you get from out here. There is much drama largely because people plan, call in the press and get publicity. That is easy. There are 24,000 students on the Berkeley Campus of the University of California who have taken part in no demonstration and it is almost impossible for the presidents of the student bodies of the various large universities out here to be heard at all. I do not wish to confer they are silent but whatever their opinions are, they are seldom on record.
These signs of unrest come in part because a “New Race” so to speak is manifesting here. I should say that millions of “souls” formerly occupying Indian bodies are now manifesting here. They seek amalgamations of East and West, but have little leadership.
In May of last year I was on my back in a hospital. One recovered and “then the fun began.” Today one has a good income, a very solid following of about 40 disciples, growing audiences, growing response. Even my early “Glory Roads” on the reform movements of California has been resuscitated and is being used more and more. Nearly all the predictions of Mr. Whiteman and myself have come true and come true with a clarity and precision far beyond that of any Jean Dixon.
Actually the predictions were even greater in the poetry and someday I am sure these poems will be published. Today I have several young friends interested and a very beautiful young Jewish disciple now in New York who wished to help. At the least the young accept the hard, hard fact that Americans who have lived in Asian and studied with Asians may occasionally know more of Asian outlooks than newspaper men or European professors. This, unfortunately, is not part of our national ethos. We prefer excitement and personalities to truth, so we get excitement and personalities, (I think I shall vote for Paulsen but am not sure).
One is now even teaching Yoga and Dervish dances and pays no attention to the rejections of the “elite.” The closed classes are full and the first efforts to dance in the park met with unusual response. Barring rain this program will continue unabated.
We now have a Sufi home in the city of Novato some 30 miles to the north. The place was first suggested by some of the new type of commune which is being established by the young, not always with any basic principles but because that is the way they wish to live.
I am now teaching real Oriental philosophies with techniques to the young. The body is evidence for on my birthday this rather superannuated person out-danced both pretty young girls and athletic looking young men.
Besides this one is now a top consultant for two gigantic undertakings in India. These are both very promising and never mentioned by the press.
There is a strong probability of a young scientist coming here to arrange my work, research and writings. At least I have collected during the years loads of documents. Our first assumable project has to do with desert reclamation, but we shall see.
How is Bobbie? I am much interested in all people who go on adventures. I now have some disciples do that in faraway places.
Elliott is still alive and doing a little adventuring himself. Although I am older he has not the same stamina.
One has two active god-daughters. One is at Cornell working for her Ph.D. and one is in bed waiting to make me an ersatz grandfather!
There are no doubt laws of compensation but one does not always feel comfortable that in past years one was rejected no matter what one had to offer and today one is accepted no matter what one says. The truth should be somewhere between.
This poem is being reviewed this week and then will officially be on the market. If there is any sale it will lead to the gradual publicity of other poems, which will bring a mélange of fame, money and animosity. “Glory Roads” brought nothing but animosity and is now being accepted—nearly all predictions came true. The same is true of these poems, all epics.
We are now doing the dances inferred here based on the Asian doctrines of having three bodies—all scriptures teach that and all “religions” bypass it.
Love,
Sam
November 25, 1968
My dear Uncle:
I am feeling fine and most things are going along very well here. I asked for Mildred’s address to write her where I may be when she comes here. I now have two homes and split the time between them. She said she was coming here in December or January. I cannot leave this place until there are certain reports from world organizations and I have not yet these reports.
The reason I asked was just to write because she said she will be back soon, where to reach me, that is all.
There is some organizing going on which may result in an increased income and this would be followed by marketing manuscripts which I have. There is no question of publishers, there is only the question of editing the materials and send them out.
The trouble on the campus is complicated because the press, radio and TV interview everybody excepting the leaders of the students themselves. This also happened in Berkeley. When I was on the Berkeley and also on the San Francisco State campuses we were just as wild but did our deviltry off campus, never on. The campus was considered sacred.
A lot of the trouble at San Francisco State is by non-students. The whole idea of restoring racial separatism is contrary to the history of the last century. The South had separate universities and there was room for black studies. What is wanted is for non-blacks to put up the money. I have attended several courses on African Archaeology and there was a total of one single Negro in the classes.
I know several professional agitators who go around causing trouble and there is no use exposing them for they gang up on you and you will not be believed anyhow. I have found students 90% interested in studies and 10% in sex and love. And these are the ones that don’t count. At the University of California if 15 students will pay for a course they can have it; they do the paying. What is wanted is not free education, but education which others have to pay for—this is wrong and will fail.
Five days will be spent at Novato where I am laying out a vegetable gardening and also doing some dance instruction.
Love,
December 30, 1968
My dear Marion:
One appreciates your New Year’s greeting. It was impossible to celebrate Christmas in the traditional way. There has been no time. One now has two homes—one in the town of Novato some 30 miles to the north and one here. They are occupied jointly by young people and myself. The place in Novato is owned, this one rented.
The campaign “Joy without Drugs” has been succeeding. One is teaching unusual sorts of dances to arouse Joy and they succeed. And there is a strong possibility of attracting many young people.
I have had two Marions. One was an elderly lady living in Ojai. While I had no following it was lovely but as soon as Sam began attracting the young she became jealous and I never hear from her. I did wish come mature colleagues to help with the young but it is not easy.
Then there is Marion in Novato. She reminds me so much of you. She is a beautiful blonde, mostly Scandinavian and either with a mixture of Jewish blood or raised partly Jewish. Her studies were chiefly Physics and Mathematics. She has a brain, and despite her beauty this has either scared off young men or they do not come up to her ideal.
Marion and Nancy are very good friends. Nancy is now a mother. She used to be an actress and very worldly. Now she has become a beautiful matron. Sometimes I am frightened by these beautiful young women who come to my meetings. I have considerably more young men followers today but the girls are either beautiful or they attain beauty by being encouraged in self-assurance. This does something.
Samuel is not only a mixture of father and grandfather figure but wears a beard. And with Nancy’s child he is a grandfather, so he is also a grandfather to some other young children. We have one in the house at Novato.
We celebrated Christ rather than Christmas. One is offering love and tenderness to the women; strength and courage to the men, rather successfully. We are also planning a big New Year’s Eve part. In between Birthday parties. And this one has become a gourmet cook!
Your letter reminds me of some things going on. While I regard you as my legal god-daughter, I have two “spiritual” god-daughters and your life parallels each. Nancy out here has become a mother and her husband also has been making sacrifices but I am glad to report been quite successful.
The other is Khawar from Pakistan. She was the youngest full professor in all Asia at one time, and a woman! To many this would have been unthinkable. She is now at Cornell (Ithaca) work for her Ph.D. She specializes in clothing, textiles, costumery and related subjects, and all home arts.
Psychically and socially her reports are remarkably like your own.
My Christmas shopping was limited to one gift for my former roommate, a large Audubon volume—and a wagon for Nathan who lives in Novato. When we took him into the toy-store all he wanted was the whole store! He had never seen anything like it.
I am, however, closing an indirect gift for Mariana. Her horoscope showed she would be a gifted child and I am very happy about that. I made up this check before reading your letter so it can be a first contribution toward her education. At the moment I had to gift two big loans to my younger disciples, very necessary for each of the houses. But by late Spring the coast should be clear.
All love and blessings,
Samuel
February 14, 1969
My dear Elliot:
This is to confirm on paper our conversation of the other day. I do not know anything about laws governing wills. I have again gone over the last detailed report and concede that the will says we are entitled to the full income of earnings.
My conclusion is that in spirit the legatees are entitled to full benefit of the estate, excepting on points where it definitely says otherwise. It definitely says that we are entitled to the full increment of earnings. It also says that the trustees may at their discretion add to this, presumably in the case of accident, illness, etc. In 1958 I had a small illness and wished relief. They told me they could do this provided you, my brother, and the residual legatees agreed. But they suggested otherwise that this would reduce the general capital and mean a diminished dividend in succeeding periods.
I did not know then, and later reports definitely reveal, that the capital etc. principal had gone up considerably and that such relief would not have diminished our allotment. So I paid for the illness. Unfortunately my physician of that time is now dead.
Nevertheless I believe this is one of the reasons they acceded to later presence for increase. I believe that the spirit of law in general and even the particular items in our father’s will indicate that we should have relief if not benefit for our old age. If you wish an estimated budget, I must tell you I am now compelled to have both cook and housekeeper. My other general expenses have not changed. The only reason my ends meet is that I am getting some outside assistance through paid lectures. I am compelled to do this.
I agree absolutely regardless of other factors that the estate can and should pay all doctor, medical and hospital bills. This has not been done. When our father died, these costs were much less then they are now.
Therefore I am sending a copy of this to my attorney, Theodore LaShalt of San Rafael whom you have met. I am inclined counter offer. The only question is how much. I am making no decision but waiting for your further consideration.
Faithfully,
Samuel L. Lewis
cc T. LaShalt
410 Precita Ave.
San Francisco 94110
March 15, 1969
H. Rosenthal
Apt 103 Arlington Court
233 E. 14th
Vancouver, B.C./Canada
My dear uncle:
I have not heard from you for a long time. It is very difficult for me to get away from here, both because I have little spare time and because opportunities are coming very rapidly.
There is going to be an increased allotment to Elliott and myself. I do not understand law, and they do not believe it has been the intention of any deceased to leave monies to foundations unless the last wills and testaments specifically say so. In this instance the trustees, Wells Fargo & Co., have refused so far to come out with a single interpretation of phrases in the will that the needs of Elliott and myself be properly looked after in the cases of illnesses and debility due to age. I do not wish to say that they have been unjust; they have merely not come out with a clear interpretation of what has in practice become enigmatic phrases in the will, leaving us as wards of the estate. The enigma is so evident from the fact that it remains an enigma.
Last year I did not have the previous medical expenses. I understand Elliott did. I myself think we should have each $200 a month for house-keepers. In his case, he seems to be left alone in a large house. In my case, I have companions who work without a salary but otherwise provide for me.
In fact today I have two homes. In the one at Novato I am a joint owner while I live. This has been a very fortunate adventure. Many successes have come from it. I have already been written up or down in Playboy magazine for March of this year. While the article is in many ways objectionable, at least I have been mentioned, which is something. I am now getting ready to send out for publication a number of my memoirs. Or, as I said in public recently, my two greatest achievements have been to be an honored visitor at the imperial gardens in Japan, and to have been given a free meal by the Armenians, and I don’t know which is greater. My associates are also now in control of a local magazine, and it is highly probable that both articles and memoirs will be published. I have had a great many defamers, several of whom are now in public limelight, and any material from me published would complicate their careers without necessarily benefiting my awn.
Next week, we are going to have a series of birthday parties, both here in San Francisco and in Novato. They will largely center around my old friend Gavin Arthur whom you met. He will have what we call a ball, hundreds and hundreds of people. My own affair at Novato will center around both a huge curry dinner which I am cooking myself and around dances, my own choreography. It has not been known, and a lot of people would not accept, that the late Ruth St. Denis was, as I call her, my “fairy God-mother.” I am now giving to the world what she taught me. Everywhere the young people are accepting it, and more and more and more every week. In fact as I told Elliott I could not live within my present income, but fortunately am able to add to it a small but substantial sum through my own efforts. I have to find out from social security what my status is. As I worked generally for either the state or federal governments I am not covered much by social security benefits. But as I am it now over 72, I believe there is another provision covering this.
I am written up (or down) in the March issue of Playboy magazine. I could easily sue them, but I see no benefit in wasting time and effort when most of the affairs of my private life are coming out very well indeed. Danger has been my stock and trade and still is. How much do you remember of your own early life? Did you expect me to be different? I am a sort of billikin that seems to come top side up in the end. Despite a momentary cold, my health has been excellent. I am helping to build a big garden at Novato and the chances are I may have still bigger opportunities soon.
I live with 3 people here and with 6 at Novato. They are my family. Besides this, I have 2 God-daughters and a God-son. Our relations are excellent. My first God-daughter was a Pakistani, very beautiful, very successful and quite well-to-do. I did not know that when I adopted her. She is at Cornell University now and may be here this summer.
My first God-son is a mulatto. When I adopted him, I did not know his father was a millionaire, one of the wealthiest Negroes in this country. My local Goddaughter is a New York Jewess. We have a most marvelous father-and-daughter relation. And in her case I am also ersatz Grandpa and enjoying it. So you see Harry there are compensations in life, although they may come the hard way.
Sure I have problems and troubles. They have become dramatic and some of them may become public unless great caution is shown in this case by others, not by myself.
At present time I do not wish to leave here. I am busy all the time, and opportunities are with me, not around corners. If you intend to come to California I may not only be able to visit you, but even to help. I am no longer concerned with the past and its complications. Despite age, I am living as if I were a young man. I may send you some pictures soon of myself at work or play. Or as I have written Art Hoppe of the San Francisco Chronicle, I may not convince you of the truth of my philosophies, but just look at the pretty girls in my classes. O you’ll get some pictures all right. In them you may not be able to recognize the bearded hoodlum, but it is still,
your loving nephew,
Sam
April 12, 1969
My dear Uncle:
There is a man in San Francisco who knows me a long time. He asked me for $10 so he could give me letters of introduction to big people in foreign parts. I wrote back that I had been a guest of honor at the Royal Palace Grounds in Japan and Thailand and had teas in the Presidential mansions of India and Pakistan. Wherever and whenever I go abroad I am received as an important person and in this country they don’t believe it. And I am not trying to convince anybody any more, but the young people believe it. I have some pictures and a lot of diary entries.
There were certain streaks of adverturism in both Walter and yourself and I have had the same streaks and maybe still have them. It has taken years but now slowly but surely I am getting “in.” And I have to go to the university today also to have an opportunity to tell my experiences. It becomes ridiculous. Thus once I went to the Japanese Consulate here and was given the brush off. Then the chief cultural attaché came in, and bowed so delightfully that all the others lost face. And you can believe it or not, even the Prime Minister of Japan, coming here bowed to me. And when a former Prime Minister of another land came here, he got out of the line and make people come before this person. Which made them all mad.
When I was last in India at a time others could not get appointments I walked right into the home of the President and this may also happen with the present President. I gave up trying to convince people but now I am convincing university professors one by one and more and more.
One of my ideals was Sir Richard Burton. I never believed I should ever be following in his footsteps and have. He gave us a fine translation of “The Arabian Nights” and lots more.
The Playboy article has been copied. It is not a good article and friends wanted me to sue, but I had too much to do. We have a good income now from the Estate. But besides this I am earning more and more money and getting slowly larger audiences every week. I worked for both the State and Federal Governments and so did not come under Society Security, but I worked. There is an interpretation for those over 72 that they either get an allowance or are permitted to earn money. I am doing the latter now. But I have to file or else pay income tax on it. But there have also been changes in the law. I have my Social Security Card. Even now there are two seminaries considering hiring me. And I understand one of the local universities also wants me.
My home here was the place I have been living in and doing most of my work. The home in Novato was offered to me as part owner in exchange for teaching.
I have been planting both flowers and vegetables and have cooked at least two meals from the vegetables. We have a large lot but have been offered the ground next door for corn, squash and other summer crops. The weather is fine now.
I am becoming a leader of an ever growing number of young people. I am teaching them forms of dancing, the ideas coming from the late Ruth St. Denis whom I call my “fairy god mother.”
I think you will gain by living in Southern California. True, there they have had more rain this year too, but the temperature is much better. Here the wild flowers are out, wonderful. I still do hill climbing and if I don’t do mountain climbing it is because I am pretty busy. We have several cars and take trips up through Sonoma County. The apple blossoms are all out.
My health has been remarkably good. Still do physical work and hill climbing, easy. Also getting lots of Hippies off of drugs. I shall not argue over this but there is success, and the young listen to me and their elders do not. In fact things look very, very good.
Love,
Sam
April 13, 1969
My dear Marion:
It is a beautiful morning. We have had a cold, not a wet winter. There have been many predictions of earthquake here but Allah, so it seems, is planning rather to wash the State into the ocean. We have not yet had the floods of the Midwest, but the run-off is increasing and only the good weather keeps them from higher place in the news.
I am very happy to hear about Marianne. It was indicated in her horoscope. One now has two “homes,” the place in Novato being jointly owned. We had a big Spring festival on March 23, five joint birthdays and a work partner. I cooked a curry dinner for about a hundred people and about a hundred showed up.
On Saturday we had a great lamp and shush-kabob and then I cleaned it all and used it in a lamb curry. But that was not the end—the dogs and cats really used the scraps. Have five types of curry. But next party will be easier from the kitchen point of view. We are getting a May-pole and will do the dances I have choreographed. All kinds of dances come out of me like all kinds of poetry and very slowly these things are becoming known. Had a very unfavorable write-up in Playboy but at least they mentioned one. This week, after a long delay, The Oracle will appear here with articles by friends and myself. It has been doing well financially but not very regular in appearance.
Then in July the children’s party. We have dedicated part of our grounds for Nathan who will be 3. We are going to put in more equipment. Although we have plenty of room there has been no reason now to look after this little boy’s future and his mother also is planning to return to school to take up seriously teaching little children. I have now five expectant mothers. My local Goddaughter, Nancy, who reached you by phone has a bouncing little girl. But her poses are very much like my own at the same age.
The program to take the young off drugs into joy is both succeeding and not publicized. “Wrong” methods are so upsetting, and not always acceptable to those who seek refuge in publicity or personal leadership.
Marion #2 resembled you in so many ways. Same general appearance, same type of career and same slowness in finding the right sort of man. Now at last she has a sweetheart whom she can lean on. She has just built a great kiln and may go into business with Nathan’s mother, Jemila. Jemila’s husband is Mansur, my chief secretary. He is beginning to get ideas which I entirely approve of. And we expect both to work into ceramics and writing and this keeps one very busy.
Marianna’s career is starting out so like mine. But my parents never gave me a boost and from this I learned how to help others. So my following is growing.
Marin County is to the north of San Francisco. It contains the southern end of the Redwood Highway. To the south is El Casino Real which touches the old Spanish Missions and to the north quite a different country with plenty of Redwoods and rain. The Redwoods stop at the Oregon border, roughly. We do gardening of some sort every month of the year.
The Oracle may be out soon. This started as a Hippie newspaper backed by the celebrated Allen Ginsberg. Somewhere or other along the line it flopped and gradually fell into the hands of my friends. If, as they have promised, both my articles and those of friends are published I shall send a copy.
The other influence was, as you might have guessed, Timothy Leary. But these people do not have the vitality that comes to those who have disciplined themselves as this person has. There is no opposition to Marijuana but it is, to me, like a crutch and once one finds his old heartstrings, so to speak, one does not need stimulation. But neither is one preaching. There is a totally different sort of young person today, with quite different outlooks, visions, ideals, and they keep on increasing in numbers. And they have no leader and one is daring to exert a sort of leadership and influence, very very slowly and very, very gradually but also very, very successfully.
There is one thing I must certainly do and that is look for the “new education” for young children and some of my friends and associates have been interested in it. And perhaps a few years something definite will arise.
I have had several “Michaels” come to my meetings lately but do not know their last names, so will now pay particular attention.
Love,
Samuel
May 19, 1969
My dear Uncle:
Thank you for your letter of the 13th. Things are going very well for me but too much. The need to investigate Social Security was not so much to get money but to get a ruling, how much one over 72 is permitted to earn without this interfering with his general position. For my income has been going up from outside sources.
I actually paid in for more than ten years but this was under the Federal and State governments and I don’t know the rulings and really do not care.
Nor am I bothered much by the cost of living. We go to the Farmer’s Market or even buy from stands along the highways. In Novato I am now growing a number of crops and it appears we shall have more. Besides I know how to buy very cheaply at good markets; I know this city. And also where to buy dinners, fine dinners at low prices.
Do not own a car but have five at my service. No TV but one at Novato very good and one of my associates here is an engineer and he knows what to do. But little time. Have been giving 9 classes a week but two end now. One of these at San Francisco State.
There will be campus troubles as long as the war is on. The papers had an outbreak at Berkeley. I was on the campus at Davis which is near Sacramento. There was also a protest there, and it looked as if it were an anti-war protest but when literature was put into my hands it was so obviously communist or subversive. To be against the war in Vietnam and also to be against the reds puts one in a tough spot. I have had the communists and State Department both hound me at the same time. But the truth will come out. One of our very top generals just wrote me, “Dear Samuel….” I shall not give his name or the contents but there is an entirely different way of handling these things and our present State Department will not hear of them. But I have just received a letter from a U.S. Senator and am in contact with others. I don’t try to convince older people whom I know or where I have been but the young people want more and more of my memoirs and are paying, and the price is going up. I was one of the few Americans at the services for the late President of India.
I am sure the weather is fine in Vancouver now. Plans to go north have had to be changed for I have been send for to visit New Mexico, at least expenses paid. Will do this in June. No bad news only very busy.
Love,
Sam
July 7, 1969
My dear Uncle Harry:
I had been holding off writing because of several invitations to visit Seattle, where it would be easy for me to come to Vancouver. But this also I have been holding off for I am supposed to visit New Mexico as soon as I can get away from here and I cannot get away yet.
The life has been very busy, In many things you might not understand. But my relations, especially with the University of California and to some extent San Francisco State have been improving. You never read in the papers what is really going on and far far more is going on than ever becomes public. Most students and teachers are interested in education and research. I am not defending any “system” for both sides in these controversies cover a very, very small percentage of students. I have found 90% of them interested in study and 10% in love and sex and a very very small number in excitement and trouble.
My relations with the late Ruth St. Denis are now becoming public and I am teaching forms of dancing to an ever growing number of young people.
But last night after I returned to San Francisco, Elliott called and his report is not very good. He probably has his reasons for living alone in a large house. (I don’t live alone and have two homes.) I have always continued to use my body and can still hike but do a lot of gardening and this very successful, both flowers and vegetables and apparently olives, too.
I do not know what Elliott expects but will probably do it. As time has passed “family” does not mean too much. But I do have one God-son and two God-daughters and our relations are wonderful. So I am not lonely and what is more awkward I am quite well most of the time and have also my gourmet restaurants, and at the same time teach all the young people—or they teach me—how to cook gourmet. In fact on the 19th I shall have a gourmet dinner here using vegetables we have grown ourselves.
Let me know if you are coming to California. If I do not make other arrangements I am hoping to come north about the beginning of September.
Love,
Sam
September 1, 1969
My dear Irene:
I am very glad to get the details of Charlie and your family. This is what happened: My God-daughter from Pakistan is here and she was giving us a special dinner, cooking lamb the way they do in their country. We had a big houseful of guests. During that afternoon not only was Charlie in difficulty but my brother also. He was getting ready for a presumable capital operation. And before the afternoon was over a phone call came from my other God-daughter, Nancy, who lives in Sausalito, that she had suddenly become ill and needed my help!
Of course things don’t always happen like that together, and when they do they do not always mean happy endings. In this case both Charlie and my brother seem to be “under the same stars” for these two crises are temporarily (at least) over. And Nancy, my other God-daughter, recovered and now we are planning a great big Pakistani dinner with a fashion show. This will be held in conjunction with the annual Precita Park festival, which takes place right in front of this house.
My brother and I did not get long for years. I had to sue him and the lawyers urged us to get together. I said: “He will either double-cross me again or become my best friend.” But, Irene, he is now old and lonely and again leans on my as he did when we were very young, which is all to the good.
I have not been out to the Aquarium lately but am all for the Academy of Sciences. I think it is one of the brightest spots in this city, or anywhere. But with two homes and households I do not get away much. Had to write a long article on the garden in Novato and am waiting for find out when it will be published, if accepted and I believe it is accepted. We took a picture of a Hollyhock then 13 feet high! One alone, and the other with the joint families. But when I returned from a two-week stay in New Mexico I found it is still growing. And between the Hollyhock and the Pole Beans I feel like “Jack the Giant Killer” may be coming to life!
Not only have we had an unexpected surplus but these are being bartered for other things!
I had a funny letter from my over 90 year old Uncle who lives in Vancouver, B.C. When he was young he carried two six-shooters. He had lived in Mexico and San Antonio, was an Oklahoma pioneer, also lived in Denver and then in Western Canada. I am very touch like him and he can’t see it at all!
Well I have been high in the Rockies and loved it and had to tell Uncle I was doing the same as he had many years before but this old carcass is not aging as it should be according to the books! Why I even gave lessons in breathing in order to do mountain climbing. Of course the Rockies aren’t as high as the Himalayas but where I was it was higher than most of the Asian spots. However, Saadia, my Pakistani God-daughter has it all figured out. She has her own private ski resort planned and I am to be there. Only now next summer I am expected to go to New Mexico again.
Usually dry, they had an enormous amount of rain this year. I was caught in a deluge in Santa Fe and just at that moment a young friend of mine appeared! Anyhow I have had my fill of Mexican food for a while, but this week Pakistani food before we go back to plain American and Chinese. Everybody to the place I was took turns cooking and I collected the vegetables.
Now I am waiting for a call from Seattle but if it does not come, three of us will be off for a tour through Northern California, going up to Eureka, through the Trinity to Shasta, and then continue on to you ought to know where, and then down to Reno. It is still uncertain but if I go to Seattle it will not be a vacation in the true sense.
If Roberta is there she will see two of my young followers. I have a larger and larger following today, nearly all in their late twenties.
Yesterday we visited San Anselmo and Fairfax and drove up Hillside Dive. Things have changed, all built up. But we did not stay because I have Open House on Sunday Afternoons, but next week here.
It is wonderful to hear how Roberta behaves, really wonderful…. Came back without thinking this is a holiday. My Pakistani God-daughter is more interested in people than in places so we may not take her to where you visited, but personally I like the Park and Zoo. But this p.m. must go to the beach, on a private business matter.
In any event I shall write again by the 10th to let you know if we caravan, as above or not. Please tell Charlie to get well, but I won’t try to teach him mountain climbing!
Love,
Samuel
410 Precita Ave.,
San Francisco, Calif.
December 20, 1969
My dear Cousins:
Your will please excuse this old fossil but the pressures of life have resulted in some illness—I say pressures rather than misfortunes. For I am, and continue to be, a madventurer, and lately have made friends with other “madventurers.”
However today I am well enough to look after the “widow and orphan” at this Yuletide and begin “at home.” This year has been somewhat more fortunate financially and otherwise, but the otherwise includes a large and growing ersatz family (including another Marion, of course, also math shark, etc., the etceteras being more important than the “math shark” item).
But tell “little brother” I also have another math shark in the ersatz family. He is transferring to the University of New Mexico which is in the of the “madventuer” country. whence I received my most beautiful and loving Christmas greeting. I am wondering whether brother Tom still wishes to wander physically and mentally. On the whole he would approve of my family—with one look.
(I had my picture taken with eight beautiful girls, the guest of my Pakistani god-daughter, she put on a Pakistani fashion show here once before 1500 “Hippies,” most of the young out here being “Hippies.”)
Christmas day I go to my local God-daughter’s* house for a party. We are celebrating Christmas eve in this house with a cross—no tree, lots of candles, some incense, and a crib to be occupied by my “ersatz Grandson, Samuel Vilayat. Events with the young, and to some extent in the colleges and universities, have been going on very well.
I just talked to Elliott. Since we made up my affairs have benefited, but his health is always bad and he now tells me he is going in for an almost capital operation next month. I hope he pulls through, for if he does not should benefit tremendously and I don’t like to think of that.
My present schedule says Istanbul next March but I don’t know whether it will be via Washington or New York or both. If I do not pass through N.Y. en route must on return for I have a “dining pal” from here now in the Big City. I shall keep you informed.
*This god-daughter is Nancy whom I think you spoke to over the phone once or twice. She now has a marvelous child herself. We spent it having a paella dinner in the city of San Rafael. It was brother Tom who introduced me to paella, and I do not forget. Tell the rest of your kin that this person grows wiser as he gets older, whatever that means.
Love,
Sam
Jan. 26, 1970
Dear Marion, Pieto and Marianna:
My dear cousins. You will pardon me for writing what may be an emergency letter. I find you did receive the Christmas check but no acknowledgement.
Ordinarily this would not matter, but Elliott is now in the hospital and he may be dying—he is not sure, and the hospital is not sure. You will be glad that after 50 years animosity, we are on fairly good terms. While I would not directly count on it, his leaving this world would leave me in a very comfortable position financially.
This would necessitate a new will, and I presume at would be most proper to provide at least for the education of Marianna, etc. The details of any document sited by me would be left rather open, because Elliott himself seems to have changed his own will constantly. Other things considered, there would be two quite separate legacies coming to me, one from a final probate of my father’s estate; which would be almost immediate; the other from the probate of Elliott’s estate assuming and presuming.
My own affairs are in quite a good condition although very complex. I am awaiting a letter from Washington which would determine a date of departure for Europe, not a long stay, involving a fairly lengthy visit to the Northeastern part of this country.
I also have commitments in several Western states also.
In any event, if the aforesaid event takes place, I shall keep you informed.
Love,
Samuel
February 13, 1970
My dear Marion:
I have hesitated answering your letter of January 29 until it became fairly clear that Elliott would either recover, or leave this world. Apparently he is going to get better. But one thing seems sure, that this illness has gotten a lot of emotional and moral impurities but of him. He really now sounds all right.
There were two matters to consider: whether he would live or not; and about my trip abroad which seems now assured. Unless there is a sudden change in plans I expect to leave here for Geneva late in March. We may stop over a single night at the airport—I do not know, but will let you know. I do not think there are direct flights from here and do not care. After Geneva a short visit to London and then back to the US. but that becomes very complicated because there are many requests for visits.
Elliott has lost many of his friends. Some by death, and some because he discovered they were not friends. I am in a different position: always rejected by all and sundry, not only friendships were made with the young but as humorously written, my efforts to become a Pied Piper failed miserably, only the young showed up. But now! Even now I am preparing for a Spring festival based on my own dances, pageants and choreography. There are rumors also that this may be filmed. I do not like to look beyond.
Your invitation to paella is accepted but I can’t promise whether to stop long en route. All kinds of things are happening. Australia is now being added to my correspondence. I liked Tom marrying a Czech. I am all for more and better foods. Friends are here from New Mexico and we go to a Chinese restaurant. We have lots of good ones here as Guy and Alma discovered but we have more today, all over; excellent meals and even the most expensive are not out of line.
Already at this date I have the whole year scheduled and much of the country. Have to write a book review now for southeast Asia. Am in a class at the university. It is a very “funny” class. Almost all to students and both the teachers have lived in that part of the world. In other words, we are all “Ugly Americans” and no nonsense. We understand each other and are not understood by the press and “experts.”
The young children today are quite advanced and out here they are very different. Some of them have me pegged; but no adults dig me. It is funny, it is delightful.
Wait until Elliott is a little better. He does not want callers or mail.
Everything is so different now. I have a beard and little children call me “Santa Claus.” Whereas I used to be surrounded by children, now it is with people in their twenties and gradually also in their thirties. Neither eternal nor internal loneliness. Internal loneliness is no doubt rarer and harder to achieve, but once one knows how to surmount it one can help others in many wars. Will write when there is further news. And when I return wish to “bed-time” story for Marianna.
Love,
Sam
Feb. 21, 1970
My dear Marion:
Your last letter was very opportune. It arrived when Bill was in the house here. He has been worrying about the baby, especially as he had not heard from Daniel. He has not been too well himself, but says it is his own fault. Mansur and I hope to take a few days off this coming week, but it will be strictly business.
The dances are catching on. Several people want to knows about them including some dance teachers. We also wish to call on the Fraley’s, even if only for a few minutes.
We are very busy planning to attend a peace conference that we hope can become a peace conference and not just another one of those gatherings where famous people make delightful speeches and all go home. Usually the only beneficiaries are the travel agents. We hope to accomplish something more.
Yes, all kinds of famous people succeed in acquiring property, and why not. Those who want fame will get fame no doubt. Those who live for something more will also reach their goals if they persist.
We may go to Switzerland and after that to London, but much depends on the state of health of my brother.
I do not think we can do more than give you a telephone call. We have no time anymore for social affairs. I have not had a day off this year so far and accept that as part of life. Mansur also has been very devoted to the ideal for which we are working together.
I am also now the ersatz-grandfather of a whole flock of young children.
Love,
Sam
March 2, 1970
Dear Marion:
Until last week this person did not have a single day off this year, nor even half a day. We had to rush to southern California to see Mrs. D’Mitrieff (Bibijan) the Secretary of the Sufi movement, for we are preparing to go to Geneva. Every minute was occupied by business, and we even had to skip some meals. Our work with the Fraley’s was entirely of a spiritual nature. We did stay overnight, but not even for breakfast; that was all. All the conversation was about spiritual matters, and even there we could not fulfill our common efforts.
Mansur and Samuel leave shortly to go to Switzerland. Today we received word that our hotel reservations have been accepted. There were other pleasantries in the same general direction, indicating that we may be fulfilling the will of God, in our efforts to promote peace, and even good-will, among human beings. I must tell you that Sheikha Bhakti Engel is my spiritual sister. In the last few years I have undoubtedly seen her more on the inner planes then on the outer planes. Whatever may be true of the external world, the internal is full of love, joy, and good will, and none of the dualistic analysis which is the common human habit. I have nothing to do with her faults; I have considerable to do with her perfections.
Our trip was marked, not marred but marked, by strange events in picking up hitch-hikers, each of whom had some spiritual message for us. It was really wonderful. Nor has there been any free time since returning. The response of classes and public lectures continues to improve, and we are planning a Spring Festival every sign for which looks wonderful.
Love and Blessings,
Samuel
March 10, 1970
Marion M. Martini
34008 76th St.
Jackson Heights
New York 11372
My dear cousins:
Although I dislike to use the word exciting, that is what the life is nothing else but … and then some.
We are booked to leave this city on the night of the 28th, arriving in New York very early the next morning. I have written to one of the churches in Manhattan asking if they could reserve seats for us at Easter Service. This church is involved in the international missions in which I have long been engaged, but which have been ignored. Few people have any idea of what is really going on and there is no way in which to inform them. Publications of all philosophical and social views unite in interpreting reports whether these reports are based on fact or not. For instance, recently when the first “big news” came out about Laos there was a friend in this house, a very close friend, who had lived in Laos. The American papers reported a civil war, but he and his principals left the country because nothing was happening at all. I am not going to relate his personal report, but it was corroborated down to fine detail by others and their efforts to have eye witness reports published was not only snubbed, but they were insulted to boot. I can only say that recently, while the press is reporting a tremendous civil war, the American hospital there was surprised to find no wounded were being brought in. It is this kind of knowledge which blacklists an American citizen, no matter how much he knows.
Saturday I had to submit to an examination on Southeast Asia. I think every student in the class and the two teachers have lived in some part or other of that region of the world including “little me.” You can be sure our individual and collective attitudes bear no relation whatsoever to the reports and views of any group in this country, from and including all types of communists and leftists to and through all types of conservatives and all between.
I shall not only be meeting bigwigs, many of whom I know quite well, but also the latest brochure of the Vice-President of India (Dr. Giri) at his own cognizance. I shall also carry a compendium of what I consider the finest aspects of American outlooks, outlooks also ignored by practically all politicos, but which are today loved and admired by the great majority of the young.
It is not only been part of a strange career to have been an eyewitness to many real events of real history, but I had to watch the campus outbreaks at the University of California in Berkeley and on Francisco State college, unwittingly. And equally unwittingly, we ran into some new movements around the Santa Barbara campus which you can he sure were not mentioned by the Press, communist and Birchers included.
This may help you understand why I have laughingly been writing, my efforts to become a pied Piper have failed miserably—only the young have shown up.
For many years I have longed for a happy family. I now have a happy family, or rather, two happy families, one in San Francisco in the Mission district, and the other in the city of Novato 30 miles to the north. But my Pied Piper efforts have caught up with me. A local radio-TV station had a preliminary filming of my meeting in the central part of Marin county about 20 miles north of here, last week. Wednesday and Thursday will be spent at the Novato home, and the technicians will be there. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be spent here, and the technicians will be here.
Now if we can integrate these two efforts it may mean a very revolutionary change and one can well become a public figure. And especially so if we continue to be riled over false reports and garbled news about peoples with whom we do not associate.
The theme of both these efforts is peace. I have already some nonsense ideas about peace, including:
a. Listening to Vietnamese tell us what they want.
b. Having actual Arabs and actual Israelis meet together and discuss the future of that unhappy part of the world.
c. Impelling if not compelling religious leaders of each faith to listen to religious leaders of other faiths.
d. Bringing the youths of all nations together on bases they, not us elders, will select.
As to the last, I am already called to lead a summer school in the northern part of the state of New Mexico, based on these principles.
One reason for not staying away too long is Elliot’s condition. He remains rather unwell. I think this has sobered him up tremendously. Besides that there is the complex question of the re-interpretation of our father’s will, and disposition of the capital funds of the estate. As I understood it, illness in which age was a factor should mean the release of funds, and if this verbal interpretation is borne out by facts and action, it will certainly ease my burden, for whatever is given to one is also allotted to the other.
As we will arrive very early on the morning of the 29th, I may not telephone you until we are properly assured of our preparations for departure, and also for our bus trip to Manhattan. Presumably we go to church, and then if it is open, to the Karachi Restaurant on 46th street. After that we should be “free” and would like to meet you before our departure, which will not take place until late Sunday night.
Love and Blessings,
Samuel
March 28, 1970
Mr. Elliott M. Lewis
c/o Dr. Kauffman
Mt. Zion Hospital
My dear Elliott:
This is to let you know I am leaving the country within a few hours en route to Geneva, Switzerland, then London, then Boston, to be back I hope on Friday, April 24.
The nurse said you were improving. Mary Lou has taken the children away for a week’s vacation; I do not blame her. She also has her mother Mildred and her grandmother Pearl on her mind, and with the other problems she has had to face, this has been too much for her.
My own affairs have been going on very well, and I had a very successful Spring Festival in Marin county. I was only sorry you not only had to miss that, but also your birthday.
Your brother,
Samuel L. Lewis
April 8, 1970
My dear Cousins:
Things have been happening, dramatic and otherwise making for strange uncertainties.
The visit to Geneva was a surprise for all who have underrated this person who go along marvelously well with some of the world’s top prelates and spiritual leaders. And one’s “private” plans for Palestine were not only well received but one met with VIPs later on.
It is a long story into which I hall not go because on arrival there was a cable hat Elliott has died and in few moments we go to the Embassy to put in a long instance call to San Francisco. While this brings up some complications it will be a largely increased income at the least; a new will; and some provisions for Marianna. We shall try to telephone when we return on the 10th or so, the future also depending on the probability that the air-port strike is over. We shall try to phone but no assurance (one way or other) that we can meet.
Temporary address St. Ermine’s Hotel
Caxton St.,
London, W. 1
April 13, 1970
Dear Sam,
I write to you here since I cannot be sure that you would receive this before your London departure.
Your letter hints at some success in Geneva, and I do hope that it will continue.
I am sorry to hear the news of Elliott although it probably was to be expected sooner rather than later since he had been so ill. I don’t know that there is anything that I can do as I feel so remote from the whole situation. However, one does hope that he has found peace finally and that which his spirit has sought.
If we do miss you when you pass through New York, I shall be sorry and so will Marianna because she liked “Santa Claus” who made quite a hit.
Nothing much new about here since we saw you. If we can be of some help in any way, please write. Best wishes to you always.
Marion
April 26, 1970
Mr. Harry Rosenthal
Apt. 103 Arlington Court
233 E. 14th
Vancouver, B.C.
My dear Uncle Harry,
We returned home last night. I guess some mistakes were made, especially in typing, but so many wonderful things happened we were constantly amazed. Before I went away, my Pakistani god-daughter ran into difficulties because she neglected her private affairs and I determined the same should not happen to us. Therefore although everything has been going alone very very fine indeed, the death of Elliott did produce some complications, and we have considered it wisest to return home as soon as convenient.
Tomorrow night we sup with Mary Lou and her children. I think we will have no trouble in reaching an understanding. Every sign is that Mary Lou wishes to do that which is right.
I do not know whether I am mentioned in Elliott’s will or not. If he did not mention me, the will can be nullified. If he did mention me and cut me off, the will is valid. Besides this, I was certainly on record as next of kin at the hospital.
On the other hand, as matters stand, it would seem I shall be obtaining a much larger monthly allowance and that by it and through it I shall be accomplishing everything I have wished to do all my life. It is certain that all my major and minor errands have been very successful. The doors opened up for us everywhere. We hope to go to England again, but in a warmer season. The weather was miserable in London, but that was the only thing that was miserable.
I received a beautiful welcome on coming home with Mansur. Tomorrow night Mary Lou and the children; Tuesday meeting with my lawyer Ted Lachelt, Whom you have already met. Everything looks very proper and beautiful at this writing.
Love,
Samuel
May Day, 1970
My dear Dorothy and Harold:
It is a beautiful day for correspondence or anything. When I arrived in London from Geneva, there was a cable-gram that Elliott had just died. I had felt it coming, due to a very strange but momentary physiological condition.
In the last few months I guess I was as close to him as anybody and be assented to my going abroad. I had just learned that in 1968, when my cousin Mildred visited my birthday party she returned home and said, “I was wrong; I could not have been more wrong.”
Well there have been a lot of silly rumors going around. I do not expect, have never expected anything different than what happened to Samuel Morse, inventor of the telegraph. Everybody took advantage of him until…. But I am not going to work for “revenge,” there is no fun in it.
At Geneva I was totally at home with some of the biggest people in the world. I am not going into details. There will be a single speech next Friday, May 8 in public. For the rest I shall confine myself to the universities where I am most welcome and not to society and “peace” groups where I am not. Indeed there is some possibility of my writing an autobiography under the title, “The Stone that was rejected.” My secretary collected autographs and I collected most profound apologies from one after another VIP.
Sorry, but I do not need any consideration from colonels. One of my collaborators is a retired Lieutenant-General with whom I worked during the war and we are very close. The same holds true for almost everything else.
Mildred comes here next week. Uncle Harry is around and he joined Mary Lou
and the
children.
While the older people snub and ignore, the young are my devotees, more and more. My work as the “god-son” of the late Ruth St. Denis has been overwhelmingly successful and so have a lot of other things. The additional income through Elliott’s death will be put to good usage. And tomorrow I shall have my own May Festival, a day late, where my own dances, choreographed by this person, will be presented. The young all over like them, and the same pattern operates in other spheres of the life.
One is still full of vigor and élan.
Faithfully,
Samuel
May 1, 1970
Dear Esther and John:
Thank you for your postal card. I did not try to reach many people on the way home from abroad. Had been to Geneva and very successful at a peace conference not reported in and by the press here but certainly well covered in Europe.
On the day I arrived in London there was a cable that Elliott had died. We had not been friends but as he grew older he found that most of his acquaintances were false friends, concerned with his money and not with his person. He became very lonely and this effect a reconciliation but he died almost friendless, while my own circle of acquaintances is constantly on the rise.
I would much rather have had him and others know about my careers. Although they have all been belittled, it seems that all of them are now succeeding. On the surface my “spiritual dances” are drawing the most attention, but entirely from the young. I was a sort of God-son to the late famous Ruth St. Denis and the fruit of it is evident.
Elliott’s last days were unfortunate. The doctors compelled him to be in the hospital; forced him under medication; he died and they have charged an enormous bill. This does not weigh upon me, and cousins who have the burden have both money and bills coming to them.
But Elliott’s death leaves me very well off and I can assure Marianna of a college education. However it is not necessary to make a new will. My old one makes Marian or assign chief heir. Only first I must replenish the coffers—the trip cost a pretty penny as it involved a secretary also.
It looks now as if we have to come east again in the Fall. I have a Summer School awaiting me for June, in New Mexico and lots of new contacts and belated recognition makes an old age look very bright. Besides I don’t feel it at all.
Hope you are both well. Am sending the copy to the Martinis to save time. Believe me there are enormous tasks—tasks not problems—to handle here.
Love,
Samuel
May 4, 1970
My dear Marion,
I have certainly been busy since returning. Elliott left his affairs in a most peculiar shape. Our father apparently anticipating this has made it possible for me to benefit somewhat without interference. At this writing I do not know exactly all that details.
In one sense I have a sort of guardianship for three small cousins. Elliott made them his heirs, whatever that means. Our uncle Harry has been here also, and wanted your address.
You will also find copy of a letter to Esther enclosed, this to save me time.
Love and Blessings,
Samuel
May 28, 1970
My dear Uncle,
Thank you for your letter of the 22nd. I am so active now there is hardly any time to pay to present day events. I shall be leaving shortly for New Mexico along with my friends, Mansur and Saul, but we shall be accompanied by three ladies with their children. They are going to a summer school which will be under my auspices in the north part of New Mexico, high in the mountains. Mansur and I have each been there before.
We shall also work on an organic garden. This business is thriving and I am benefiting both directly and indirectly because of it. In fact we are also seeking markets for our supplies because the supplies are in short abundance. And my first test of the year—with potatoes, proved to be remarkably good. Also so far the chard, New Zealand spinach and a few other things.
We have been putting in especially squashes of all kinds, and tomatoes; yesterday eggplant and peppers. Keep both my homes with lettuce, very good supply when the market price is comparatively high.
My lectures are being well attended and my dancing classes so full I shall have to split them. This may also bring in more funds. My farewell parties both in San Francisco and Marin very well attended. And fortunately health is good.
I am sorry your leg is not well. Saul here is studying both herbs and masseuse treatments. We had a girl that was paralyzed and was set for an operation but within a week she showed up to one of my dancing classes and did remarkably well. But one cannot always promise that.
My next address for June will be
Lama Foundation
Box 444,
San Cristobal, New Mexico 87564
Love,
Sam
Dec. 1, 1970
Dear Uncle Harry,
It is very difficult for me to write for the quite unusual reason that something is always happening. There is a professor at the University of California who is teaching both the philosophy to which I adhere and the Dances which have come to the world through my person. This afternoon I have to go out to visit an important teacher from India, then to return and go back to the Berkeley campus to lecture. It is fortunate in one sense that Tuesday is my free night, if you want to call anything free. I understand from Mildred that you have not been too well. I am not a doctor and have been so mistreated by doctors that I had to keep well without going to them, and mostly I have kept well. I got rid of arthritis years ago by living for a long time on grapefruit and certainly have enough knowledge of diet to keep myself well and also enough sense, I think, not to tell others what to do.
I cannot even urge you to come to San Francisco. You know where your friends are. I have lived mostly in Marin County and it is beginning to look I may have to live there more. For there are many signs I may be going more and more into what is called organic gardening. There are many aspects of it and I know nearly all of them. Besides that I have a sort of verbal contract that everything I grow may be marketed. Even today we are eating a lot of some large zucchinis, too large to sell, so I had to show some young people how to cook them, etc., and everybody is happy with the result. You can eat the large zucchini alone or with rice or with chopped meat like hamburger, or with cheese, or Creole. All good dishes.
It has been raining terribly here and in much of California, but this may be to the good side. I have a lot of lettuce and chard growing, and some celery root, and intend to go in more for garlic, parsley and the cabbage family.
My chief associate Moineddin Jablonski was released from the hospital the day before Thanksgiving. We had a large (30 lb) turkey cooked on the stove I bought them for Christmas.
Sunday was a wonderful surprise. I was invited for brunch to 9th Avenue. I don’t think anything like that ever happened before. Most of my life I was not permitted to have guests—Elliott was but I wasn’t—but I want to forget the past. I was so happy with most of the people I met. I feel very very close to Mary Lou. And I think Mildred and I are becoming more like brother and sister which should please you. I always wanted to be a father, and life did not permit it, so I sort of adopted Marianne. She was a pathetic child when I first met her, with her parents fighting and poverty. She now has a fine husband and a very intelligent little girl to whom I am very closely attuned and she to me. Both Marianne and the little daughter Marianne look very much like Grandma Kraus.
Saul and Mildred got along fine. Saul lives on the hill just back of me and we see each other very often. (Mansur has gone into the film business and has been very busy and is very optimistic about his future.)
The general picture around here is very very fine. My Dances are spreading, and we are having a very special benefit for me in Sausalito December 20.
I am sure we would all be glad to see you if you could come this way.
Love,
Sam
December 19, 1970
My dear Cousins:
Please excuse my being over-due with a Christmas greeting. Samuel has not had a single day off since his return. And on top of that has had a case of Hives which began in New York. Only now we have learned that it is a combination of stomach infection and nervous disturbance.
But please do not react. Nothing has gone wrong; only too much. Have spoken twice at the University of California and am on excellent terms with the Alumni Association. Have had to increase my dance program and on the whole this has brought in more money. Have a contract to write which will be taken up more seriously late next month. Even now a few of my things have been published, though rather privately.
Our peace program for the Near East is progressing though the workers are few. My chief representative has been most successful in New York and is on his way now to the Near East. Tomorrow there is a great bazaar being put on in the city of Sausalito which is just across the Golden Gate Strait from here for my personal benefit and also for the Peace program.
For the first time the newspapers have recognized my existence—and so have accepted some of the efforts. The picture has appeared in several papers previously refused to admit my very existence! I have turned down a number of requests with the negative statement that a person who is accepted only because of his signature on checks is not accepted at all. This seems to have had some avail.
It is a beautiful morning, very springy after a severe rainy season.
Last night took out Uncle Harry’s grandchildren—our first time together. There are no men around due to deaths, divorces and illness. At the same time my social “family” has grown enormously. Peter Kahn, who you have met is most busy with all kinds of functions. If successful we hope to send funds or clothes to East Pakistan.
Our choral group has been totally successful and they expect to cut records immediately after the turn of the year.
Love and blessings,
Samuel
Dec. 21, 1970
Mr. Harry Rosenthal
Apt. 103, Arlington Court
233 E. 14th
Vancouver, BC
My dear Uncle,
I am sorry to hear you have to undergo operations. These are painful to say the least. I have been very fortunate in life in this direction, although I am not the least sure that I may not have to go to the hospital in the not distant future.
In fact I have just come from the doctor’s. his name is Dr. Fung, an old Chinese friend. Since I was his patient a few years back I don’t think I have even had a headache, but I caught an infection in New York, the nature of which is not clear to me. What is clear is that I have had it, and been under pain for many weeks, not always obvious.
Yesterday was a banner day in my life. My friends and associates put on a great bazaar. Despite bad weather, it was crowded. I personally had another newspaper interview, whatever that means. A local TV station also seized us up and may come to my next meeting, Wednesday. These meetings are in Sausalito and are quite well attended.
My young friend Saul was perhaps more responsible than anybody else in putting the whole thing over. We had all kinds of bazaars, excellent food (Near East styles), singing, dancing (led by myself) and other forms of entertainment, as well as a cinema showing of pictures of my own efforts and those of my disciples in various parts of the world.
The family was there and they met many of my followers and friends. This can mean their visiting my Novato place later on, but so far it has been very rainy and muddy. Other than my infection there is nothing else unfavorable. Quite the contrary. But it may be that there is a factor due to my nerves being overwrought.
Love and Blessings,
Sam
December 25, 1970
My Dear Marion,
Merry Christmas! I wish to express my appreciation of your telephone call. Yes, on the negative side I have had an infection for six weeks or so; I don’t know exactly what it is. It breaks out in pimples and rashes on the skin. I have only been to the doctor’s twice, and it was necessary for him to calm my nerves because during this period there has been very little sleep.
Years ago I had something slightly like it when some yellow jackets stung me. That was apparently an allergy, and my then doctor cured me very rapidly. But this time he did not know what it was or is, although it slightly resembles what is called scabies, there is no sign of an living creature, insect or non-insect. The way it spreads it much is like that of a fever, but there is no fever.
Outside of that, everything is marvelous. Our Bazaar held last Sunday turned out to be a great financial success. This money is to be used to promote a peace plan for the Near East and also to help the victims of East Pakistan. It was a tremendous undertaking; it manifested human brotherhood like few events or affairs have ever done. We even have now the press and radio people recognizing our work. Indeed, we have seen the result on the air, and this was also true last night. We don’t know what the next turn of events will be.
I have not had a single day off since my return. We have been low on secretaries and help, partly because of the Christmas season, and partly because of the very hard work by the young to further our endeavors.
I now have six dancing classes and three public lectures It is too much for me, but there are no failures. The hardest thing is to make people understand that help is needed, not vacations. But as things now stand, there will be help.
The Sufi philosophy and dance methods are now being offered on a small scale at the University. There is every possibility of our programs increasing. Everything looks bright. The general attendance keeps on mounting. Nothing more can be asked. Other beautiful things are also happening, such as a reconciliation with the younger members of my family. It is really marvelous.
Next month I am to go to Arizona concerning the possibility of my writings being published.
My personal representative is now on the way to the Near East, with a program we have devised which was so admired by Dr. Gunner Jarring of the U.N. And very gradually the religious peace groups are coming close to us, or we to them. Our organic gardening program has also been successful.
I am sorry to hear about Margaret Houghton, but she worked under very strenuous conditions. At least I work with those who are healthy in body and sometimes in mind. I am sorry I have no spare time at this writing, other than this,
Love and Blessings,
Samuel L. Lewis