Varadero Beach 
June 11, 1959 
Dear Dr. Schmitt; 
I am very grateful to you for your recent letters and all the 
Information contained therein concerning the rather unusual malady 
which the three of us contracted, obviously on the island of Barbuda. 
I was quite sure that it must have been picked up there as soon as 
I heard that Darsie and Cowan were the other victims inasmuch as the 
only occasion that I accompanied them ashore was the visit to the 
caves. No, I did not drink any of the water in the underwater stream, 
but I do remember choking while in the water as I adjusted my mask 
and possibly at that time got some water in my lungs . I think your 
theory about the bats dying off as a result of a severe epidemic among 
their numbers is a very Interesting observation, and mi^t prove to 
be the right one. There was certainly a very definite strong odor in 
the air Indicating that bats had probably frequented dark cave in 
considerable numbers not too long ago .Also, the entrance to the cave 
was very narrow, precluding the entrance of air to clear things up. 
It was almost three weeks before I felt normal, but I believe 
all the antibiotics which were administered me probably had something 
to do with that. I read in a book on medicine recently, that this 
form of treatment for histoplasmosis - which of course is a fungus, 
is the worst method of treatment. Inasmuch as antibiotics kill off 
all the benign bacteria in the body which would normally set up 
resistance to it. It is hard to say whether or not the cortisone 
pills, which I took ultimately, actually succeeded in helping me or 
whether I simply improved with the passing of time. None of the 
doctors here were able to diagnose what I had, simply stating that 
I had a virus fever of some nature. Apparently they have had no 
experience with histoplasmosis. I Intend, eventually, to contact 
the Speliological Society of Cuba to enquire whether any of their 
members have ever experienced complaints approximating our symptoms. 
I will keep the x-ray taken of my lungs in case it is desiredfor 
comparison. It is certainly gratifying news to learn that one 
gets life immunity after a bout with the pesky business. I can 
now say that I am feeling fine once again. 
Enclosed are the plane ticket stubs which can serve as more 
concrete vouchers for the disbursements which appear in your ex- 
pedition expenses. 
Please let me know the cost of the light meter in order that 
I can send you my check. 
There was no duty to pay on the brandy. The customs were 
good to me, both in ?. Rico as well as Cuba. I Informed Bruce 
of your gift to Mr. du Pont in order that he may relay notice of 
your gift to Mr. du P. Inasmuch as he may not come down to Cuba 
for awhile yet 
Please don't bother about the watch as I am not in need of it. 
You can give it to me when we meet again. 
