1953: McFadden's death (2 of 2)

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Dorothy Hannah unfortunately ate the bait and left the hook. He doesn't want anything to do with the Theatre-palace. It has been happily suggested that perhaps we can get Professor Richard Stillwell of Princeton to come for the summer and work it up. He is an old hand with theatres and mosaics and could undoubtedly do it up expeditiously. I am writing to ask him.

I discussed the matter of digging the city gate with RSY. You recall that this was one of the projects for which Fales got the money from the Philosophical Society. I assumed that the digging of this was obligatory. RSY, however, feels that the Society would not hold us to it, under the circumstances. If so, fine. The fewer distractions we have in finishing up here, the better. He will discuss it with you when he comes.

The basilica project, which was also in Fales' contract, I have tentatively wished off on Peter Megaw. He is much interested, but says he does not wish to be held to a time limit. That is, he cannot possibly do it this year, but would like to later on, if we get no one else in the meantime. That means providing him with funds to complete its excavation and working up. Probably not a great amount, since he is here on the spot. If this meets with your approval, I shall leave it that way, details to be worked out later.

I have one other matter to report at this time. The Oberlins are leaving us and returning to America. I don't wish to discuss the circumstances in a letter destined for the Museum's files and clerks. RSY can fill you in when he arrives, if he wishes. At any rate the young husband has given us a miserable time for the last month or so, and their decision to leave is a great relief to me, although I shall miss Mrs. O. as a person and as the Ellen of the expedition. We shall have to replace her somehow. I am not planning to do so immediately, since I think that Christophis, the draughtsman and accountant, can probably carry on with a good many of the routine tasks of her department. Possibly I can get someone from Athens in the spring. RSY suggested that perhaps it could be arranged for Ellen to come out for the summer. Would you be considering this possibility? It would be fine for us, since she of course could accomplish more in three months than an untrained person could in the whole time remaining to us.

That's all for now.

Good greetings to all,

Handwritten: GRE

P.S. I thoroughly appreciate your remarks about finishing up here