In 1878, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (HPB) and Henry Steel Olcott (HSO) resided in New York in a building located at 302 West 47th Street, which was on the corner of 8th Avenue.
This building became known as the "Lamasery" (which is what Buddhist monasteries are called) because Blavatsky and Olcott practiced Buddhism.
In that place they had produced the work "Isis Unveiled" which was published in 1877, and it had also become the unofficial headquarters of the Theosophical Society which had been founded in 1875.
But having accomplished those tasks in the United States, the Trans-Himalayan Masters told them that they now had to go to India to continue their work.
I don't remember if it was Blavatsky or Olcott who wrote something like this in their diary:
- "The Chohan [the Chief, that is, Serapis] orders us to go to India."
When I find this text, I will publish its exact content and the reference.
And here I'm going to put the historical data I find about his departure from New York.
BLAVATSKY BECOMES AMERICAN
Before leaving, Olcott convinced Blavatsky to become a naturalized American citizen because of the advantages that nationality conferred upon her, and she did so in July 1878.
And the information I found about it I've put in this other article.
OLCOTT'S TESTIMONY
Regarding his departure from New York, Colonel Olcott wrote the following in his book "Old Diary Leaves I":
« The nearer we approached the time for our change of base, the more vehement became H. P. B.’s praise of India, the Hindus, the entire Orient and Orientals as a whole, and her disparagement of Western people as a whole, their social customs, religious tyranny, and ideals.
. . .
Our departure having been finally decided upon, I began in the autumn of 1878 to get my worldy affairs into order.
An active correspondence was kept up with our Bombay and Ceylon friends (a number of Buddhists and Hindus joined the T. S. by letter).
Our small, library was shipped, and little by little our household goods were sold or given away, We made no parade of intentions, but our rooms were thronged more than ever by the friends and acquaintances to whom they became known.
H. P. B.’s entries in my Diary during my frequent absences from New York in the last weeks, testify to the nervous eagerness she felt to get away, and her fears that my plans might miscarry.
In the entry of October 22d she writes—speaking of the urgency of our Mahâtmas: “N—went off watch and in came S—with orders from—to complete all by the early part of December. Well, H. S. O. is playing his great final stake.”
There is reference here to the change of personalities in the Intelligences controlling the H. P. B. body, and the entries in different handwritings support this idea.
A similar entry occurs on November 14th, where it is said that we must use every exertion to get away by the 20th December at latest. There is a final paragraph on that page to this effect: “O gods, O India of the golden face, is this really the beginning of the end?”
On November 21st other urgent orders came through the same channel, and we were bidden to begin packing our trunks. Various persons wished to accompany us to India, and some made efforts to do so, but the party finally comprised but four — H. P. B., Miss Bates, an English governess, Mr. Wimbridge, an artist and architect, and myself.
On the 24th we were at it, and the following day the first of our intended party of four, Miss Bates, sailed for Liverpool, taking two of H. P. B.’s trunks with her.
Again and again came the orders to hasten our departure. Writing about the unexpected resignation of a member, H. P. B. exclaims: “Oh! this, wretched brood; when shall we be rid of it!”
The next day’s entry (in red pencil and large letters) says, â propos of my being ready soon: “His fate depends on that:” our remaining furniture must be disposed of at auction before December 12th; and the sale actually came off on the 9th.
That day she writes: “Went to bed at four and was roused again at six, thanks to M—who locked the door and Jenny (the servant) could not get in. Got up, breakfasted and went off to the Battery to meet—(an occultist connected with the Lodge of the White Brotherhood). Came back at two and found an infernal row and hullabaloo at the auction. All our things went for a song, as they say in America . . . 5 P.M.—Everything gone: Baron de Palm adieu! Supped on a board three inches wide!”
Then there was a skurry and a rush of visitors, articles appearing in the papers, replies written by H. P. B.
On the 13th I received from the President of the United States an autograph letter of recommendation to all U.S. Ministers and Consuls; and from the Department of State a special passport such as is issued to American diplomats, and a commission to report to Government upon the practicability of extending the commercial interests of our country in Asia.
Those documents proved useful later on in India, when H. P. B. and I were under suspicion of being Russian spies! The particulars of which farcical episode will be told in their proper place.
I find entries in the Diary showing that I got scarcely any rest during these latter days, sitting up all night to write letters, rushing away to Philadelphia and other towns, snatching a morsel of food as I could get it: while throughout the whole narrative sounds the boom of the orders to depart before the fixed day of grace—the 17th—should pass away.
H. P. B.’s writing grows scratchy, and on the page for December 15th I notice two of the above-mentioned variants of her script, which show that her body was occupied by two of the Mahâtmas on that same evening.
I had bought an Edison phonograph of the original pattern, and on that evening quite a number of our members and friends, among them a Mr. Johnston, whom Edison had sent as his personal representative (he being unavoidably absent), talked into the voice-receiver messages to our then known and unknown brothers in India.
The several tinfoil sheets, properly marked for identification, were carefully removed from the cylinder, packed up, and they are still kept in the Adyar Library, for the edification of future times.
Among the voices kept are those of H. P. B. —a very sharp and clear record,— myself, Mr. [William Quan] Judge and his brother John, Prof. Alex. Wilder, Miss Sarah Cowell, two Messrs. Laffan, Mr. Clough, Mr. D. A. Curtis, Mr. Griggs, Mrs. S. R. Wells, Mrs. and Miss Amer, Dr. J. A. Weisse, Mr. Shinn, Mr. Terriss, Mr. Maynard, Mr. E. H. Johnston, Mr. O’Donovan, etc., of whom all were clever, and some very well known as authors, journalists, painters, sculptors, musicians, and in other ways.
In May, 1895— I sent these tinfoil records to Edison’s London office, to see if they might not be received on one of the modern wax cylinders and so saved for posterity. Un-fortunately, nothing could be done with them, the indentations made by the voices having become almost flattened out.
It is a great pity, for otherwise we might have had duplicates taken off the original, and thus have had H. P. B.’s strong voice speaking audibly at our local meetings all over the world on “White Lotus Day,” the anniversary of her death.
The 17th December was our last day on American soil. H. P. B.’s entry says: “Great day! Olcott packed up. . . . what next? All dark—but tranquil.”
And then comes, written in large letters, the heart-cry of joy, CONSUMMATUM EST!
The closing paragraph reads thus: “Olcott returned at 7 P.M. with the tickets for the British Steamboat, the Canada, and wrote letters until 11:30. Curtis and Judge passed the evening. Maynard took H. P. B. [See the writers always speaking of her in the third person] to dine at his house. She returned home at 9. He made her a present of a tobacco-pouch. Charles (our big cat) lost!! At near 12, midnight, H.S.O. and H. P. B. took leave of the chandelier and drove off in a carriage to the steamer.”
So closes the first volume of the history of the Tpeosophical Society with the departure of its Founders from America. »
(Chapter 19)
BLAVATSKY'S TESTIMONY
In her diary, Blavatsky wrote the following (interestingly, Blavatsky refers to herself in the third person singular):
December 1
About — from 17 to 23 days left. We will see how the Junior will be ready!
[Cid's note: by junior, Blavatsky refers to Olcott, who was a chela junior, that is, a novice disciple.]
HIS FATE DEPENDS ON THAT
(These words are written in red pencil, in large letters and in a style of calligraphy that Jinarâjadâsa believed to be that of Master Serapis. Beside them is a short phrase, also in red, signed with the symbols to which HPB refers in a letter as "the Old Gentleman, your Narayan.")
Morning, H.P.B. in bath, heard H.S.O.’s melodious voice—the Junior had returned from Providence. Got “Tool Company” to sign for $500. Saw Hayden, the latter coming here Saturday.
Furniture and rest must be sold or disposed of before the 12th. ORDERS.
Dinner. The faithful Marble turned in. Now O’Donovan and Batchelor. Who next?
H.P.B. answered H.C.C. Bombay. He will receive the letter a fortnight before her arrival.
All right.
Evening. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard, “Tom,” Marble, Batchelor, O’Donovan, Curtis,
Col. Chaille Long.
December 2
Letters from H. J. Billing, — Palmer Thomas, and a fool from
Chicago — Stanley Sexton, 2 Park Row. — The latter demands to join the T.S. and to take “three times three” degrees from the first. Enquires whether H.P.B. saw or felt this magnetic subject’s double five months ago. The ass! Answered all the letters.
Fearful rain. Wimb. did not go to the office but lounged in the arm chair by H.P.B.’s side and slept soundly. H.S.O. gone this morning to Philadelphia. His last and conclusive trip he says. Well —may I. [the adept Hilarion]— speed him.
[The artist Walter] Paris at dinner.
Evening. A Mr. Thompson from Montreal, Ex-clergyman whose eyes were opened to the fraud of Xtianity; who read Isis, “learned much in it,” and was bound to see its author.
Harrisse came, disgusted at Thompson’s serious talk, walked off into dining-room and retired early.
Found the Rosy Cross Jewel missing from the bureau drawer. Know who took it. It will come back.59 Daulte came in late and put $3 into Arya Samaj fund. Noble man!
December 3
Letters from Evans (Wash.) gushes — flap-doodles and winds up by
saying that it is his kismet fate to join us in India.
Went for Sahib’s errand today.
Marble brought album, and fixed day for auction sale on Tuesday next Dec. 10.
Judge at dinner.
Evening. Letter postal card from Miss Ellen Burr — sends 10 copies with Mrs. D’s article in. Profession of regret at departure. Curtis, Judge, Wimb., and H.P.B. produces a charm. — Mrs. Wells comes for her talisman; receives it; makes a present of a new book with H.P.B.’s portrait in it as a Lama. Wimb. decorates it with moustache and beard. H.P.B. gives to Mrs. Wells the two vases.
December 4
Ten copies of Hartford Daily Times at hand. Gushing and flattering article. Sent copies to Bombay, London—(Massey and Thomas), Corfu and Washington to disconsolate Evans.
Postal card from Ammi Brown. Will send photo, — if not ready — to India.—Postal card from H.S.O., writes of great success — went last night to Washington. Vediamo. Last night Judge slept here. H.P.B. went out for postage stamps—another third row with Sahib [Morya].
Cheek swollen again. A row with Jenny. Claims $9 owed her by H.S.O. from Wim. and H.P.B. Neither could satisfy her. W. gave her $2, and she swore that her landlord would put her on sidewalk. Can’t help it. Somewhat able to get money for “body” and our needs —for Jenny— no orders.
Wrote to Miss F. E. Burr asking for portrait and thanking for papers. Dinner. Telegram from W. Q. Judge to Wimb. “Motion denied,” etc. W. in despair and prison crisles again. Time to clear out.
Evening. Mrs. Haskell of 116 West 29th St. with daughter, a young girl studying medicine; brought a Mrs. Elizabeth K. Churchill from Providence, editorial writer—going to write us up, and Miss Alice C. Fletcher, and Dr. Bennett, a psychic Doctor (whatever it means). Mrs. Haskell invites H.P.B. after breaking up home to come and sleep at her home and pass a few days with her.—Letters from Hurrychund.
December 5
Judge came early. The only thing he asks Wimb. to do is to keep quiet till his departure; but our Don Quixote cannot promise it. Well, if he gets into jail it will be his own fault, and then — good-bye. No waiting.
Letter from Junior to M. Has good hopes of making his entrée into Bombay with the Govt. seal stamped upon his back side.60 Vediamo. Got samples of ore for M∴ — so much the less trouble for [Master Narayan's symbol appears].
Letter from Mrs. Ames. Supplicates to come and see her. Says her Ned is overjoyed at the idea. Don’t feel like it — don’t feel at all!
Taffy in Liverpool, we suppose. —12 days more! Marble came. Carpentering over the broken chair to make it look respectable at the auction sale.
Sale Tuesday next. He passed the whole afternoon preparing all, hanging picture frames and taking notes. Good and honest soul. Wimb. went away after dinner to pack up. H.P.B. remained alone with Marble, then came Daulte and remained till 12.
December 6
A letter from Richard and Boag informing of the arrival from Russia of a parcel. Went down town with Wimb.
Just come from Rich. and Boag. Received Mme. Jelihovsky’s book and papers; also letter stating in despair that no parcel had arrived yet from America! And this on the 29th of October, five months after it was sent!! Olcott has to see, or get insurance money back.
We got cold again, I think. Oh, unfortunate, empty, rotten old body!
After dinner Wimb. was sorely surprised by the arrival of Sinclair and Moses. Thought they were going to arrest him. They came for a compromise. If he does not make a fool of himself he will be free of all trouble tomorrow. — He plays his last card.
Evening. Pike and Hallet. Wimb. went to his office. When at 12 they wanted to go home, the door downstairs could not be opened! Latch and knob were broken. They returned and sat till 2. At last H.P.B. suggested that a policeman should be called through kitchen window, and he broke door and so liberated them. Wimb. came home half past two.
December 7
No letters from H.S.O. A letter from Miss Ellen F. Burr, with a dollar enclosed in it for my portrait. Cannot give hers as it always represents her as if drunk.
Wants me to write for their paper from India. Have to go and have some made today.
Letter from Billing — says a voice was heard in their drawing-room which told them there were but four theosoph. in London who should be taught by him theosophy, — when asked who he was answered: “One of the Brothers from India.”
Thomas was present.
Judge came this morning. Last night went to Tiflis, and learnt that parcel was just received finally, and that Mme. Jelihovsky had sold her bird for 30 roubles! She must have been starving.
Wimb. wound up matters — all safe now. Sold monkey and brought money. H.P.B. with Marble the whole day preparing for auction. Bought a stateroom trunk, 4 doll. Had photos taken $3 a dozen.
Evening. Letters from Otho Alexander, Nicolaides and three for Olcott. Marble,
Batchelor and Thompson from Montreal.
December 8
Miss Potter came and she, H.P.B. and Wimb. went all to photographer.
H.P.B. was taken with Wim., a group!! Miss Potter will call on Tuesday again.
We write from the closet room, anciently occupied by H.S.O. where Marble drove us in under the pretext of auction. Sent Stars with Curtis’ article on H.P.B.’s lottery to Hurrychund, Mooljee, Thomas and Otho Alexander, also letter to Vera Jelihovsky.
Pike was first to make his appearance — and welcome; for Jenny went away at three, and Marble drove me nearly crazy fidgeting.
Evening Visitors. Blackmore and Clough — latter wants his diploma. Then Curtis, Maynard with a Captain Hommons (a mystic and seer and a Rosicrucian). Then Tom, with Wimb. and O’Donovan, finally Paris broke gas lamp and carried off lots of rubbish — Marble went to sleep on four chairs with no mattress in dining room.
Tomorrow good-bye all. But — will H.S.O. be ready? That’s the question. One, only one week more! God help him if he fails . . . .
December 9
Went to bed at four and was aroused at 6 — thanks to Marble, who locked the door and Jennie could not get in. Got up breakfasted and went off to meet — Battery [a point in New York Harbor].
Came home at 2. Most infernal row and hullaballoo at auction. All went for a song, as they say in America. If Marble surpassed himself in kindness he did the same in zeal. He sold at auction Levi’s,—the landlord’s three window shades for 50 cents ! ! !
Curtis came to look out for an article on the sale. Levi the landlord came and demanded his money believing H.P.B. was going away with the furniture. The grocer insulted Jenny and saying that over $100 being due to him he would not trust for one penny more. Elegant. —Auctioneer took big clock— promised to sell for 60 dollars.
Capt. Hommons came with Maynard, — gave N: 64 the grip and password of the Madagascar and therefore was accepted as a Fellow, signed the obligation, paid Maynard $5 initiation to be sent to Hurrychund and went off.
5 o’clock — Everything gone.
Baron de Palm — adieu.
Evening. Curtis came to write article. Marble prostrated. Wimb. gone office.—Evans from Philadelphia turns up to fetch me! Impossible. Suddenly H.S.O. makes his appearance. Bosses and patronises Wimb. at night until the latter becomes raving mad!
H.S.O. calls the “old horse.”
December 10
We breakfast on a board three inches wide. Letter from Daniels and Evans. Article in Herald “Madame Blavatsky” appears. A reporter from the Graphic comes to interview H.P.B. Is respectfully begged to go to the devil.
H.P.B. writes to Buck, Cincinnati, —to Ellen Burr, Hartford,— and to Hyde and sends him back his diploma. Two rich Jewesses, Mrs. and Miss Hoymen, produce a sudden siege and force themselves in. She wants to join the Society and signs application.
Evening. H.S.O. lends M∴ 100 dollars.
December 11
Letters from Miss Burr. Marble flap-doodling all day.
Visitors, visitors, visitors.
H.S.O. lends Morya $100.
Went out on a jamboree with Judge.
December 12
Letters, — from everywhere. H.S.O. goes Orange to Belle. and H.P.B. has teeth extracted and does not go. Send replies and buy things.
Evening. — Curtis comes and invites to Fulton’s theatre. Tom at dinner, and brings album. Marble flapdoodles and fidgets — sets me mad. Harrisse after dinner. Dr. Weisse brings his new book on philology and we remain at home. Doulton Fulton and the son of Stephen Pearl Andrews!
H.S.O. does not go to sleep at all and
December 13
H.S.O. goes to Menloe Park to Edison about phonograph. H.P.B. sick; telegraphs to Belle Mitchell who comes from Orange and passes day with her.
Visitors, visitors. Articles in all papers. Mrs. Wells is initiated. Mrs. Ames comes with daughter and is also initiated. Curtis. Our photographs brought. Sent to Miss Burr to Thomas and Wyld, England.
Orders—go from Philadelphia. Kali suspects departure and thinks of arresting
H.S.O. He receives his regular nomination from the Govt. and appointed commissioner with special passport. He has to go to Phil. on Monday or Tuesday too.
Never return to New York.
Judge and Wim. and H.S.O. and Morya in consultation till 4 a.m.
December 14
H.S.O. gone off early. Wimb. and Judge trying to help H.P.B. Today the trunks must go. —They do go— care of Hur. Chund, Bombay. So much the less.
Tales feeling a sudden love for H.P.B. sends carriage and boy after her. Positive refusal. — Miss Potter came and wants to join Theosophical. Promises to send $5.
Vediamo. Marble comes and — H.P.B. falls asleep.
H.S.O. returns with phonograph weighing 100 pounds. General Doubleday
came. — Went away as he came. Wimb. on a jamboree with tile club men again. He takes it easy. Poor H.S.O. had barely the time to swallow three spoonfuls of soup and went off.
H.P.B. dines alone with Charles purring and Marble jabbering. H.S.O. will have to go to Philadelphia. We send trunks by train on Monday night; and go — when H.S.O. writes he is ready. Wise determination of “old Horse.”
Marble—fidgeted and sent telegram to A. C. Wilder. Tile Club gave Wimb. a dinner at Monico’s Hotel. Wimb. DRANK.
Olcott back at 10 and passed evening writing letters. Sent Edison’s photo to
Constant [inople], Corfu and London. Phonograph whistles.68
December 15
Whole day packing up.
Dinner. Paris, Wimb., Tom, Marbles and Gustam.
Evening. Two Judges —Wm. and John.— The latter initiated. Wilder, — Dr. Weisse, Shin and Ferris, Two brothers Langham, Clough, — Curtis. Griggs came from Connect. to be initiated. O’Sullivan and Johnston of the phonograph. All sent speeches to the Brothers in India. Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Ames and daughter, Maynard, O’Donovan and a painter who came with Mrs. Ames.
Edison was represented by E. H. Johnson.
December 16
Packing up. H.P.B. went to O.’s office and destroyed papers. Changed money into English bank notes. Met at office Maynard, Marble, Griggs. Olcott came home after. Wimb. disappeared till 2 p.m.
Evening. Brosnan, brought presents to Olcott, Wilder, Dr. Gunn and Dr. Campbell, O’Sullivan and wife, Tomlinson, Maynard and wife.
Letters from Massey, Taffy and Billing.
December 17
Great day! Olcott packed up. At 10 he thought going to Phil. At 12 [ . . . ]69 stepped in and —as he [H.S.O.] would have no more money coming, and received his last $500 from Reading Co.— he concluded to send him off from New York tomorrow or the day after.
Bouton came and gave three copies. — Dr. Weisse brought two copies also for the Bombay and Calcutta papers.
Marble fidgeted but made himself useful. Tom the whole day.
What next? All dark — but tranquil.
CONSUMMATUM EST
Olcott returned at 7 with three tickets for the British steamboat the “Canada.” Wrote letters till 11½. Curtis and Judge passed the evening. Maynard took H.P.B. to dinner to his home.
(CW I, p.424-431)
Facsimile
Below is a black and white facsimile of the last entry mentioned above:
Jinarajadasa commented on this facsimile:
« Over this entry are a circle and cross with three lines above, like an arrow pointing down, in red pencil; at the side appears the signature or sign manual of the Master Narayan, the "old gentleman". Consummatum est, "it is finished," are in blue pencil, and appear to be in H. P. B.'s handwriting. »
(The Personality of HPB, p.3)
Zirkoff commented on this facsimile:
« As the facsimile shows, there is over this entry a large symbol in red pencil, an arrow pointing down to a circle containing a cross, and the signature of Master Narayan at the side. “Consummatum est” (It is finished, or accomplished) is written in large letters, in blue pencil, and underlined. It is not certain whether these two words are in H.P.B.’s handwriting or not. »
(CW I, p.440)
THE TESTIMONY OF THE PRESS
Blavatsky had acquired some fame due to the success of her work "Isis Unveiled," so several journalists went to interview her before her departure, and below I have included the articles I found:
Report from the Connecticut newspaper "The Hartford Daily Times" Link.
Report from the New York newspaper "The Daily Graphic" Link.
Report from the New York newspaper "The Sun" Link.
Report from the New York newspaper "The World" Link.
CHRONOLOGY
Boris de Zirkoff summarized the Blavatsky-Olcott departure with the following chronology:
May 16 — The Founders are directed to make ready for eventual departure for India (Ransom, 106).
July 8 — H.P.B. is naturalized (HPBS, I, 114; ODL, I, 473; Ransom, 108).
October 22 — Orders received from Serapis, through Sahib, “to complete all by the first days of December.” (HPBS, I. 126; Ransom. 108).
October 30 — Col. Olcott goes again to Philadelphia (HPBS, I, 130). Comes back on Nov. 2 (ditto, 135).
November 14 — Master M. conveys orders from Serapis; the Founders have to go the latest between Dec. 15 and 20 (HPBS, I, 140).
November 20 — Vedic ceremony of casting the ashes of Baron de Palm into the sea; this was done in the New York Bay, at 7:4-5 p.m.., an Adept being present (HPBS, I, 141).
November 21 — Orders received to sail Dec. 7 or 17, and. to pack up at once (HPBS, I, 141).
November 25 — Miss Rosa Bates leaves for England to await there the arrival of the Founders; two of H.P.B.'s trunks go with her to Liverpool (Ransom, 109; HPBS, I, 142-43).
November 28 — Col. Olcott leaves for Fall River (HPBS, I, 14.3) . Returns Dec. 1st, via Providence (ditto, 146).
December 1 — Orders received to sell furniture, etc., before 12th (HPBS, I, 146).
December 2 — Col. Olcott goes for the last time to Philadelphia (HPBS, I, 147).
December 3 — Col. Olcott goes to Washington, D.C. (ditto. 148).
December 9 — H.P.B. goes early in the morning to meet an Adept at the "Battery," a point in New York harbor (HPBS, I, 1.53).
December 9 — Approximate date on which the auction was held in H.P.B.'s apartment (HPBS, I, 153).
December 9 — Col. Olcott returns home (HPBS, I, 154).
December 12 — Col. Olcott goes to Orange to see his sister (HPBS, I, 155).
December 13 — Col. Olcott goes to Menlo Park, to see Edison about phonograph (HPBS, I, 156).
December 13 — Col. Olcott receives from the President of U.S.A. an autographed letter of recommendation to all U.S. Ministers and Consuls abroad, and a diplomatic passport (ODL, I, 479; HPBS, I, 156).
December 13 — Orders seem to have been received at first to sail from Philadelphia, Penna., but this is evidently not carried out (HPBS, I, 156).
December 17 — Col. Olcott buys three tickets on the British steamer SS Canada. The Founders and Wimbridge go on board and spend the night there. Captain's name is Sumner (HPBS, I, 159; Ransom, 109).
December 18 — Steamer leaves harbor of New York at 2:30 p.m.; then drops anchor off Coney Island waiting for tide (HPBS, I, 159-60).
December 19 — Pilot took steamer across the Sandy Hook bar at about 12:30 p.m. (HPBS, I, 160; ODL, II, 1)
Abbreviations of the books consulted
HPBS: "HPB Speaks" edited by C. Jinarâjadâsa.
ODL: "Old Diary Leaves" by Henry Olcott.
Ransom: "A Short History of the Theosophical Society" compiled by Josephine Ransom.
(CW I, p. lxiii - lxviii)
