Letter from Sándor Ferenczi to Sigmund Freud, November 30, 1926

Hotel St. Andrew
Broadway at 72nd Street
New York1
November 30, 1926

Dear Professor,

This is only a brief precursor to a letter that I have been writing to you in spirit for weeks. I fear that you have already entrusted emissaries with the task of investigating whether I am still alive. Yes! and how! I am following your advice, “Don't let yourself be sucked dry by the Americans,” where possible, and in spite of this, I have been in a state of breathless, intense activity for weeks. It will abate somewhat in two weeks.

So, for now, only this much, that my program will be carried to its conclusion seemingly successfully, that I am gaining a good insight into the ψα situation here, am fighting on three fronts (Rank, Brill, public opinion),2 and that the cause, as well as I, personally, should get some use out of my being here. If my health continues to hold up, it will have been an interesting episode—pleasure I can't call it.

In addition to the weekly lecture and the lay seminar, this week I am giving a special lecture in the Society for Research on Children—and next week one on “the ψα explanantion of Gulliver fantasies” as an opening lecture in the New York Psychiatric Society.3 (Actually also a reckoning up with Rank before the circle of scientific physicians.)

Burlingham case is stuck for the moment. I seem to have succeeded in talking him out of receiving me—but Dr. Salmon4—a devoted friend of the Tiffany family—tells me that in a few weeks I should have the opportunity to see him. Meanwhile, reassure Mrs. Dorothy, whom I greet cordially, as well as all your dear ones! Everywhere here, people are asking about Anna Freud. I see her here, already in spirit, repeating your lectures.

My English is terrible, but the cause that I represent seems to be stronger than all aesthetic reservations. The lecture is always oversubscribed. I let my initial nervousness drop and do what I can. So—details soon—only now in a hurry.—

Yours,

Ferenczi