COPY 
NICHOLS & STAATS 
Attorneys at Law 
Amorlean Trust Company Building 
Berkeley 4, California 
April 7/ 19^9 
Smithsonian Institution 
Washington 25, D. C. 
Attention: Mr. A. Wetmore 
Be: Estate of C. Hart Merriam 
Gentlemen: 
The executrices of the above estate have requested that 
we write you concerning the possibility of the use of funds set 
aside for Dr. Merriam*a work under an agreement dated May 13/ 1910/ 
between the Smithsonian Institution and Mary W. Harriman. 
The Department of Anthropology at the University of 
California has indicated, to the executrices its interest in Dr. Merriam 1 a 
records that you now hold but has also indicated that it does not have 
available funds to procure their transfer out here or to publish any 
of Dr. Herrlam’s works or for the preparation of such records for 
permanent preservation. 
We call your attention particularly to paragraph numbered 
"THIED" of the agreement in relation to the question propounded 
in the last paragraph. 
Under the terms of the agreement above referred to, it 
would appear that the Smithsonian Institution has the final say with 
respect to the expenditure of any balance remaining on hand in that 
fund on the death of Dr. Merriam. 
In other words , the executrices Would appreciate knowing 
if the Smithsonian Institution would be willing to devote sans 1 ' of 
the funds to the purposes above outlined in the event the Department 
of Anthropology of the University of California is willing to accept 
Dr. Merriam’s records and prepare them for permanent preservation and 
publication. 
Very truly yours , 
NICHOLS & STAATS 
By Weldon C. Nichols 
WCN:ss 
