{March 27, 1885}
Copy of the letter to be sent through Olcott. I want you to correct it. I am determined to sue the Coulombs for this. {— H.P.B.}
— Hodgson Esq.
Sir,
I have always laboured under the impression that in English law so long as one was not proven “guilty” legally, one was held innocent; and that a one sided testimony—especially that of recognised enemies could be put aside even in a Court of Justice. You seem to act on different principles. You are welcome to do so. In the matter of phenomena I have come to care very little whether I will be proclaimed in your Report to the P.R.S. a humbug and a fraud twenty times over, or not; though I doubt the propriety and good taste of your proclaiming me all this beforehand among your Madras acquaintances. However, even to this I am indifferent.
But you went further. At Mr. Garstin’s dinner the other night you spoke of me as a “Russian Spy.” You have supported this assertion against Mr. Hume’s laugh and denial, and that of Mr. and Mrs. C. O. so seriously and with such emphasis that it becomes a matter of the gravest importance for me to have it proved publicly whether I am a “Spy” or not. As I defy any mortal man to bring valid proof that I have ever written one line or received one from the Russian Govt. for the last 15 years during which period I became an American citizen, and that I am as loyal to the British Govt. that now gives me hospitality as you can be—I would have been perfectly justified in taking out summonses and have you arrested, for the vile and dangerous calumny but for three considerations:
(1) You are the friend of the Oakleys whom I love and respect and would avoid dragging as unwilling witnesses; (2) Only a fortnight ago I had an affectionate regard for yourself whom I believed impartial and just; (3) People might, and would say that it was a revenge for your having “found me out” and shown “a consummate fraud” as you express it.
And pray do not think for a moment that any one has repeated to me your conversations and accusations at Mr. Garstin’s. I know every word that was said at table by means that even your P.R.S. recognise and could not deny in me. I thank you also for your additional fling at an innocent and absent woman who has never done you any harm, in saying that you believed her a woman capable of every and any crime. You may believe me personally what you like, but you have no right to express your slanders publicly.
However it may be, I expect from you a written statement over your signature of all you heard from the Coulombs about my being a spy that led you to form such a conclusion. I will also beg of you a description of the paper or papers she showed you, for this time I mean to sue her and put an end to such an infamy. This is a serious affair Mr. Hodgson and it is yourself who have forced me into this course of action.
Yours,
H.P.B.