May–December 1954

New archaeological department: I take exceedingly dim view of this and think you would be well advised, as you suggest, to encourage it to die in committee. It would, it seems to me, tie you down unbearably, and would certainly clutter up the lives of any of the other Museum members of the department. If our function is research and exploration, we might as well say goodbye to it, if we are asked to participate in a full-scale university department. I am wholly in sympathy with your feelings about it. It stinks.

Since writing the above your yours of 22rd has arrived and I have discussed the department proposition with Dick. I think he feels very dubious about it too. He believes that once one gets involved in this kind of thing the archaeological field work and research go out the window unless adequate provision is made beforehand. He makes two good suggestions: (a) that you accept Chairmanship only if the University will agree to supply a deputy chairman to take care of routine matters regularly and even when you are away, and (b) that terms, expectations, department teach one term only each year. Two terms, expectations, & publications don't mix. You are undoubtedly in a position to make your own terms, and beforehand seems to be the time to make them.

Ideas: have already told Peter that we expect to turn over furnishings of house other technical equipment, as per earlier fund. Instructions: he has made it plain that they could not run the house if they had to expend any great amount for furnishings. I think he will unquestionably want the teebox since he plans to make the place available to long and short term visitors and archaeologists. I think you had better say we are already committed.

Leica: there are two of George's, now ours. One is of banner regular variety like ours, and I would think this would be the one for the Egyptians. The other is wide-angle, and I should like very much to have this available for Gordion. We would have lots of use for it, it's especially difficult to photograph by ordinary means. Unless we have regular Rover Leica, or if Rover doesn't work for Egypt, will bring it to America, whichever seems indicated.

My fall program will return to Philadelphia, as requested. In some ways fall 55 for Athens may work out better, especially if you feel agreeable toward a short stay in Greece, preferably Corinth, before I come back this fall, or two at outmost. This, of course, is would depend on what you would like me to do this fall, teach or turning over to Peter, shipments to USA, to Turkey, to Egypt, trip to Turkey. Our copper, of course, but it looks as if I couldn't make any departure plans or give you an idea before the last minute. Too many potential complications.

We could do with some more help by some Greek words, but to save time for purposes of their own.

Yrs.,