January–July 1935

9 Plutarch Street, Athens.

7 January, 1935Dear Julian:

Three years and a half ago you for admittedly very good reasons did not accept an invitation to join an expedition to Cyprus. Here now is another invitation in the same sense which I hope you may find good reasons to accept.

On behalf of the University Museum, Philadelphia, (as before), we are planning to excavate at Kourion during the months of March, April and May and shall have great need of a competent archaeologist-surveyor. Thus far, as in the brief exploratory campaign of 1934, the staff consists of George H. McFadden, Princeton 1930, of Philadelphia, and J. F. Daniel, Jr., University of California 1932, of Berkely, Cal.; besides myself, University of Vermont 1895. Will you take the post of architect, etc.?

Unfortunately the Expedition is not in a position to pay salaries but it will pay living expenses in Cyprus and transportation to and from the island, on a modest scale. (When the cost is immoderately low the allowance is made reasonable and sworn vouchers not required.

As a friend of yours I hope you are professionally too busy to join our party on the terms suggested, but thinking of the Expedition I hope you will jump at the chance of joining it even at a sacrifice. Or rather let me hope that you are just finishing a large job, pocketing generous fees, and wondering what to do these next months with your well-earned leisure.

Kourion is a good site, overlooking the sea, a dozen miles west of Limassol, the principal town on the south coast of the island, where they export carobs and asbestos and wine.

I don't suppose Mrs. Whittlesey will remember me, but if she does please give her my compliments and suggest that she plan to come out to rescue you at the end of the campaign.

I should have written this letter some time ago had I had any idea (until Stillwell made the suggestion this afternoon) that you might by any possibility be free. The University Museum, knowing that we need an architect for Kourion, might perhaps be sending somebody without notice having yet reached me. On this very remote chance I am asking McFadden, who is still in Philadelphia, to write you in case the post has been filled. Hearing nothing within two or three days you will cable me "LO. Hill Plutarch 9, Athens. Agreed" or some other equally not be --absit omen! --make the word "Regrets" or some other equally kind. In either case I pay for the telegram, please.

With all good wishes for the New Year,

Handwritten: signature

If you can come but think that there ought to be a salary, name the monthly rate (just a number, dollars understood, after "agreed") necessary and I'll confirm if possible.

Handwritten: HLL