July–December 1947

Continued from scan 30

… this winter, this would mean, I should think, that I should have to come to Athens for a couple of months. Aside from being unsatisfactory from a domestic point of view, it would be preferable for us both to do it together. If I get a job in the States for the next year, a better solution would probably be to leave here early and do the work there, since I am also anxious to include the important series of Curium terracottas in the Metropolitan in the same study. We will much appreciate your advice on this - you may have other suggestions.

You are right in thinking that both Sue and I would be grateful for a chance to do more field work. It was specifically the Palace that I hesitated about for the reasons I gave. We would also be just as well pleased not to strike any further votive deposits of terracottas. I have not been to Skouriotissa, but we were invited to Amiandos the other day by a pre-war friend [handwritten: who] said he thought we could easily get Decauville track from the company there. If we are to look for steps to the seating-section in the Stadium, quite a lot of earth will need to be moved and I think this would best be done quickly, i.e. with a fairly large group of men, for there is little in the way of stratification. You said nothing about when you were coming, but I take it you have not altered your plans; I should very much like to dig while you are here.

I have looked in the cupboard in your bedroom for the Permit, but there is nothing in it save some writing-paper and an old Cyprus Calendar. Sue would be glad to copy it for you if she knew where it was.

George writes that he is leaving New York on the 5th, and is intending to stop off in Athens. We are making a model relief map of the Ayios Ermoyenis region as a surprise for him, and also as an example of what can be done. Since you said nothing more about the numbering, plotting and clearing of the Street 1 area at Apollo, I have hesitated to assign Christofis to this task.

We were glad to get your news from Athens - we have no other source.

With best greetings from all of us,

Handwritten: signature