May–December 1954

Dear G. Roger: 8 June 1054 Two from you. Haven't answered yours about plans for fall term yet, as the director has been away for the last two weeks and have not yet had a chance to talk to him about it. Will do, and let you know results. Personally would prefer original plan, you to stay over for fall term of 55, being here for fall of 54; various reasons. But answer in abeyance for present until talk with rainey. About other matters in later letter (2 June). Chase bank account should be adequate for involvements contemplated. Afraid Rainey would be most reluctant to go to Ewing again for $99.86, and will prefer to write it off. Had not thought of getting rid of old jeep, for present anyway. As we would have either to take it out of the country or give it to the Turkish Archaeological Service (no possibility of selling it, unless we pay the duty) should think we had better keep it. After all, you have become used to the two chickens in every garage standard. Should think place for storing in Polatli could be found in consultation with Raci and Muzaffer. Thought I had sent you a list of books wanted here. Will look again; so far have found only carbon copy for record and thought original already sent. However could not envelope close here if I dod find original not sent after all. Had thought of Christofis for architectural work at Gordion. This would be a considerable saving of funds; we would certainly pay his travel and living expenses, plus whatever he gets in Cyprus in way of a stipend. Think he would be entirely adequate as surveyor and draftsman, for measuring and making plans; for restorations and elevations etc. perhaps more architectural training necessary. But these could be made in this (perhaps even by Hiram in New Haven) from his plans. Will see Dick Stillwell in N.Y. on Saturday and ask him to observe and give any necessary pointers; which you also do more concisely on the spot. Have already spoken to Dick about it in a vague way, but not had a chance to go into it in any detail. Also on Friday will be in Princeton for 25th reunion; Laurance Roberts in my class will probably also be there; will alert him on possibility of having an architect from the academy at Rome if there are any such with a taste for adventure. No point in leaving any strings unpulled. But will leave Christofi matter in your hands and Dick's; if you together decide he is up to it offer it to him; and if it is desirable will advance funds for him to go to Athens in the fall to work with Travlos, on condition that he does not go near Mr. Hill while there. This arrangement too you could make in passing through Athens. About Dikaios skeleton: Larry is now in Athens and will be there all summer. Suggest getting in touch with him directly (at the school) to pop the question. Don't know if he will be able to get to Cyprus this summer as he has so much to do in Greece; but if he cant then should think send them here, and Larry, Goon, Krogman, or Swindler (who will be back by then) could do them more at leisure here. But best of course would be for Larry to go to Cyprus. Question of time. Write him in Athens. Ellen says sure Joe should be a monograph. But at the moment the monograph series is in a long dark tunnel: still Woolley, then Young, and a couple more; Machteld's Hittites are ready, but E.T.P. seems somewhat distant. Still, I don't suppose Joe would see it in varitype the day after tomorrow. Suspect the general Reuben business is getting more than can be borne, by anybody. The boil will burst. Wouldn't spend a fortune getting work done there. Perhaps I have been too generous, and you won't approve. Had a plaintive letter from Ogerstrom; wanted to know if we had any plans for publishing a study of the Gordion tiles. His book nearly ready, but he cannot let it out without this important new material. Answered, we have no plans for such a special srudy; had thought of assigning tiles to particular buildings, as far as possible, and publishing them with the building to which assigned. Hence, a study by a specialist including our tiles would be a help to our final publication; and it would be a pity to have duplication. Told him therefore to go ahead and include our tiles in his book; we would furnish such information and pictures as needed. We have tentatively laid on, that I pick him up in Athens on way to Gordion next March, and he come with me to see the things on the spot. I suspect we are through with tiles anyway; and if we do find more at the Phrygian level it will be an entirely new and distinct phenomenon. Hope you don't disapprove of my generosity; but think in the long view it will advance the cause of science faster to do it this way. Our Adana is developing the most mammoth feeding apparatus, and also getting very plump, for her. She was bred on April 22nd, so should produce about June 25. If she has six puppies, am I expected to cope with ten dogs all by myself all fall? Others also blooming. Izzy very sweet. Fliby probably to be bred in November. Then there will be sixteen, for YOU to cope with in the spring. Queroline coming to dinner tonite. Don't look forward to it much. Will gradually raise subject of Curium papers among Georges effoets at Villanova. Large bundle (6 pounds 3 ounces - the other way around - of cards arrived from Baltimore; Ellen says you cry for them, so am sending them with Dick. Otherwise by air parcel post, something over $9.50 for postage. NNBB whenever you do come home, please bring about ten of those tin two meter tapes; cant find here, and the two I had have long since disappeared. Nothing decent about to measure in meter. with. [handwritten: signature]