I hope you realise what **** you and the rest of my kind and unselfish friends laid on Yoko & me

John Lennon

Bids for the six-page draft fell $19,140 (�13,203) short of the $95,700 (�66,000) asking price at Christie's in London last week.

Littered with expletives, the letter clearly shows the dislike he felt towards Linda and the anger at their treatment of his and Yoko Ono's relationship.

Although it is undated, it is estimated it was penned around 1970-1971 and there is no indication whether it was ever sent.

He wrote: "I hope you realise what **** you and the rest of my kind and unselfish friends laid on Yoko & me since we have been together - it might have sometimes been a bit more subtle or should I say 'middle class' - but not often..."

The letter contains spelling mistakes and swearing

Another line shows the disdain he felt for Sir Paul's wife: "God help you out Paul - see you in two years - I reckon you'll be out then..."

It appears to be in retaliation to a letter from Linda about comments he made to the press in the wake of the band's break-up.

'High horse'

It continues: "Obviously if they keep asking Beatle questions - I'll answer them... I know some of it gets personal - but whether you believe it or not - I try and answer straight ... I don't resent your husband - I'm sorry for him.

"I know the Beatles are "quite nice people" - I'm one of them - they're also just as big ******** as anyone else, so get off your high horse!"

The letter, which was part of an auction of pop memorabilia, also reveals his dislike of the trappings of The Beatles' fame.

McCartney's late wife Linda clashed with Lennon

Commenting on their MBE awards in 1965 - Lennon returned his four years later - he wrote: "I do remember squirming a little - don't you Paul - or do you - as I suspect still believe it all...?"

Despite the obvious anger and disappointment expressed he signs off saying "...inspite (sic) of it all, love to you both, from us two."

Lennon is considered to be one of the biggest music icons ever. A tribute concert held in New York on Tuesday showed the depth of feeling there still is for the star, who was murdered in the city in 1980.