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American School of Classical Studies Athens.
November 1, 1956Dear Roger,
Many thanks for your letter of the 26th. In regard to the sherds, I have finished studying them and do not consider it necessary to ask for an extension. In any case while I am on this side (two years I hope) they will be more accessible to me in Nicosia. I definitely think that the sherds do not supplement in any important way the categories of pots already assigned to the University Museum and that it would not be worthwhile asking for a division (which as you say is not likely to be granted anyway). In regard to the museum's sherd collection I wonder if Ellen (or Rodney) mentioned to you that I made a selection of sherds from the Al-Mina lucky dip which are now being held at the British Museum waiting for anyone to take them back to Phila. These are in exchange for the sherds of C 501 which I left with Ellen to be picked up by P. Corbett.
I did at one point have the Bamboula sherds arranged by categories but I fear that in the confusion of getting them ready for photographing last summer they got out of order and there simply wasn't time to take much care with getting them back in the right places. Therefore I warn that the present arrangement cannot be depended on for accuracy. Approximately 500 of them have been included in the catalogue for publication so the CM authorities will eventually know what I think they are.
In regard to sending back the material borrowed from the CM, there is one small problem. As you know, some of the graffiti were assigned to us. I have obtained another copy of the allotment from Vassos since I couldn't find our copy in the files. For your information I include here: G 3,9,11,16,17,19,23,26,28,32,34,36,38, 42,43,44,47,49,53,54,59,61,64,67,72 and Sh 636,664. Of these, G 28,59,67 and Sh 664 (being in tomb groups) have already been given accession numbers; the remainder should be given accession numbers (54-28 is Miss Bruckner's code number for this group). The problem to which I referred above is that two graffiti not assigned to us, but belonging to tomb groups assigned to us, received accession numbers along with the tomb groups. These are G 69 (Voupha Tomb) and G 71 (Tomb 5). I have written Vassos asking if these two could be assigned to Phila. in order not to break up the tomb groups. If CM still considers them indispensible I suppose they will have to be de-accessioned and perhaps two of the graffiti as yet without accession numbers could slip into their places.
It was good to hear from you after so long a break, occasioned partly, I deduce, by your extremely intensive work here, of which I have heard good reports from Virginia and from Amyx. It would have been nicer, of course, to have had a word about your personal doings, but perhaps you are continuing the intensive work in Phila. We have gotten settled here in a house which I described in some detail to Ellen and about which she may have told you. We are convenient, fairly comfortable and have a landlord who is no doubt excellent by Greek standards. All in all, I find working at the School very pleasant and hope to get on with Bamboula somewhat after I get my new project going.
Best regards,
Handwritten: Jack
P.S. will you be kind enough to deliver the enclosed note to Oscar. I'm going to have to have him send me some things I forgot to bring & which I desperately need. Have you heard by any chance whether Realty has finished redoing my Bam. & Kal. plates?
65 figures hard to readstruck struck outadded written in above” jug ditto, and what it repeatsword reading not certain