729 Fifteenth Street, N. K 
Washington 5 , D. C. 
February 1$, 1957 
Mr. J. E. Graf 
Smithsonian Institution 
Washington 25, r. C. 
0 
Dear John s 
I am returning the papers you sent me with the note of 
February 11* concerning the Society Islands Expedition. 
I have these suggestions to makes 
1. Tou should explore the question as to whether or not Dr. 
Schmitt is now adequately protected by Government Liability 
Insurance for anything that night happen to him on this trip. 
2. I recommend that you take out liability insurance on 
any persons who serve with Dr. Schmitt on the expedition. 
3. There should be a specific agreement with Mr. Bredin 
limiting the Smithsonian’s liability to him incident to 
any damage to the boat to the amount of $1,000. If you 
can obtain insurance for this amount it should be obtained. 
h. While Mr. Bredin says that his vessel is fully insured 
except for the exclusion of the first $1,000 of damages 
which he assumes, nevertheless, I think inquiry should be 
made as to whether or not his policy contains a subrogation 
clause. If it does, Bredin would collect from the insurance 
company the amount of the damage suffered above $1,000, but 
in consideration thereof would give to the insurance company 
the right to proceed against the Smithsonian for the amount 
of damage paid to Bredin. Xou Should be protected against 
such subrogation. 
5 . Xou should explore the question of liability to others, 
i. e. other vessels in the event of a collision with them, 
and obtain proper insurance. 
I have discussed this problem with Mr. Lisle Lipscomb of 
Adgate A. Lipscomb & Sons , who has served the Smithsonian 
on insurance matters on other occasions and I strongly 
recommend that you h a ve him explore it to the end that 
the Smithsonian may be fully protected. 
Sincerely , 
ccs Dr. Leonard Carmichael 
C 
0 LAW OFFICES OF 
P ELISHA HANSOM 
X 
