[Note: for background, see the history of the conspiracy of the Coulombs against H. P. Blavatsky and the Theosophical Society.]
To the Editor of The Times.
Sir,—
With reference to the alleged exposure at Madras of a dishonourable conspiracy between myself and two persons of the name of Coulomb to deceive the public with occult phenomena, I have to say that the letters purporting to have been written by me are certainly not mine. Sentences here and there I recognize, taken from old notes of mine on different matters, but they are mingled with interpolations that entirely pervert their meaning. With these exceptions the whole of the letters are a fabrication.
The fabricators must have been grossly ignorant of Indian affairs, since they make me speak of a “Maharajah of Lahore,” when every Indian school-boy knows that no such person exists.
With regard to the suggestion that I attempted to promote “the financial prosperity” of the Theosophical Society by means of occult phenomena, I say that I have never at any time received, or attempted to obtain, from any person any money either for myself or for the Society by any such means. I defy anyone to come forward and prove the contrary.
Such money as I have received has been earned by literary work of my own, and these earnings and what remained of my inherited property when I went to India have been devoted to the Theosophical Society. I am a poorer woman today than I was when with others I founded the society.
Your obedient servant,
H. P. Blavatsky.
77, Elgin Crescent, Notting Hill, W., Oct. 7.