1949

Handwritten: Kourion Excavations

Handwritten: C.Y.-Dr. Hill

January 28, 1949Dear Dr. Hill:

I have delayed an answer to your letter of December 27 pending a reorganization of the Mediterranean Section after Rodney's arrival. I am now very glad to say that we will go on as originally planned with Mary Swindler coming here as a Visiting Curator for one year to work with Rodney until he can get a younger man lined up. We have also agreed to go on with the Turkish dig and the Kourion excavation as originally determined. In some ways your problem with the Kourion excavation is easier because of personal relations but I am sure as you point out that the publication is going to be very difficult. Rodney, I know has written you in regard to specific problems and I am sure he will consult with you in Athens within the next week or two regarding immediate plans there. He has done a beautiful job of taking hold here and I am happy to be able to leave decisions regarding Kourion primarily to you and Rodney. There is apparently ample money to complete this season's work and to carry out a second season. The big problem is what to do after that and I hope you can find a way to put a definite limit to the dig there.

We have all felt pretty rocky over Pete's death. I had become very fond of him personally and had great hopes for the Daniel-Young team. I know it must have been a blow to you also but I am sure that Pete would like to see the whole plan carried out under Rodney's direction as we most certainly will attempt to do.

I regret that I did not get out to Cyprus and the Near East last Fall and I most certainly intend to do so next Fall. It is very difficult to make a sensible decision regarding work in that area without direct personal experience.

Very best wishes,

Froelich Rainey Director

Dr. B. H. Hill 9 Plutarch Street Athens, Greece

FR:GS