SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 
U. S. NATIONAL MUSEUM 
Washington 25, D. C., U. S. A. 
May 11, 1955 
Dr. Waldo L. Schmitt 
c/o Louis van den Berghe 
Director IRSAC 
Lwiro (gatana) 
D.S. Bukavu, Belgian Congo 
Dear Dr. Schmitt* 
I am truly sorry that 1 have been so long in replying to 
vour several communications to me. It has been most interesting to 
follow your progress along and * have sympathized with you in the many 
difficulties and #usiances you have encountered. I guess no matter how 
carefully one plans or tries to anticipate problems, they will crop up. 
However, I hope by this time everything is going smoothly and your good 
results in collecting, photographing and varied experiences will more 
than make up for all the troubles. 
As you know by this time, L U cile has more than amply taken 
care of your questions and requests in regard to exposed film, permits, etc. 
I might add that I have obligated an estimated allotment to cover the re- 
turn of your collecting materials as well as specimens you may send. We 
plan to cover all shipping costs and 1 hope to be able to clear everything 
with little difficulty. We may have a customs duty on the items in.yodr 
first shipment of Mr. Bredin's things, but it should not amount to much so 
you can pay it from your funds. It was most unfortunate that the air 
shipment arrived collect and you had to pay it immediately. You must be 
aware of our good intentions for it was sent on a Government bill of 
lading with our understanding charges would be referred back to us. I 
called the Belgian Line immediately on hearing about the mix up and they 
very readily agreed to try to have the charge referred back but it was too 
late 
K t 
That reminds me to tell you again in case you have not jr©- 
ceived Dr# Carmichael’s letter, the amount left in your fund after re 
imbursement of Dr* Sexton for the air shipment was $4,569.65. Dr. C. 
wr&t© you on April 26 giving this info no&t ion so ^ am sure it has 
reached you by this time* 
kucile probably told you that 1 was away for two weeks and 
she had a real work out* I thought it would be a good idea to go while 
we could take advantage of &inny f s good services. They both kept things 
in such fine shape that I am tempted to go again] There has been plenty 
of work, with the end of the fiscal year looming up, but with everyone 
working like busy little bees we are keeping abreast very well* We are 
certainly grateful for Ginny f s help--you don f t know what a difference it 
makes to have the assistance of one extra person* She has done a good 
I , m L so glad he is having such good luck. We are also anxious to have 
a preview of Dr. Sexton’s pictures. I know they will be good. 
As * close, let me assure you again that ^ have no hard 
feelings whatsoever so far as our arguments and difficulties when you 
were leaving* Whatever I did was in line of duty and meant with the 
best of intentions to be helpful to you, and 1 am sure you felt the same 
way. I hope this reaches you as addressed but if not perhaps it will 
catch up with you along the way. MJy best wishes to you and the rest 
of the party. 
Sincerely yours, 
Helena M. Weiss, 
