McConnaughey , James 
February 7, 1957 
AIR MAIL 
Mr, James McConnaughey 
Ui05 Delco Dell Road 
Dayton 9 , Ohio 
Dear Mr. McConnaughey: 
I do thank you for your prompt response to my last letter, 
and I am most happy to hear that Jack Randall is not only accept- 
able to you but will also be able to serve as Captain without 
invalidating your insurance. It insures us the best possible 
set-up for the best possible returns to the National Museum in 
zoological results. 
Thank you too for the notes about storage space on the 
MAREVA and also the word about the canned goods. I am glad 
we can get everything of that sort in Tahiti. It will save a 
lot of time and lugging. As for myself, I usually live on 
the land, so to speak, wherever I go, and I am sure the rest 
of my group of younger men than myself can do likewise, and 
will do so without question. 
That first thousand dollars of insurance poses no diffi- 
culty so far as I am concerned, but I have to submit your letter 
to the next man up the line for authorization to undertake it. 
It shames me a bit that any hesitancy should arise, but I shall 
send you whatever stipulation or reservation these people want 
to make. I know it will come out all right, but there is the usual 
bureaucratic hesitancy at the moment. 
Thank you also for the reference to John Reasin. I shall 
write him shortly just as a friendly gesture, but shall wait to 
see if any need shall arise for his services. 
Thanks again for your good letter. 
Sincerely, 
Waldo L. Schmitt 
Head Curator 
Department of Zoology 
MLS s eek 
