Dec. 23, ±955 
Dear Bea: 
Received your letter of December 20 this afternoon. 
I hasten to reply. 
The Geographic gave Matt 6 copies of the magazine. 
We gave those away to Matt’s relatives ana have bought 
about 18 more to give to friends. It seems that each time 
we would buy one, we would think - "This is the last!" 
They are not cheap at $7.50 if you have to give very manv 
away. We had tho’t of Mendez and Karl but felt we had to 
call a halt some place. We have always asked that the Geog. 
send them the marines, which has been done, and Matt has 
sent scientific reports. However, as you know, there is a 
limit to personal income, even tho’ the spirit is willing. 
We think it is wonderful that you two tho’t of Mendez 
and Karl. We also think it wonderful that you can get the 
books now. 
I went down today to buy 4 copies for my Dad to send 
to friends in Wingdale who have been especially helpful to 
him - such as my mother's 2 doctors, and the Director of 
the Institution. Trie gi3"l at the desk told me they were 
out ox print until August. I told her who I was, or am, and 
she phoned Mel Payne and he told ner to tell Althoft to let 
® e dave the 4, booooo, not only are you giving a nice present 
but one almost impossible to get now — without pull. 
My mother and father arrived on Dec. 20. Mother has 
spent most of her time in bed since arriving. She still has 
a bad cougn. They hope to leave for Florida after Jan. 1 
when she is able. My Uncle spotted a good bargain and has 
purchased a house for them in Coral Gables so tnev don't nave 
to worry about living in motels ana hunting a house. I think 
that is a great relief for my mother too. 
, Receiving cards trora many Panamanian friends has made us 
TWn+nJ' i 01 you - tondl y in the charming 'Tivoli. If 
JLnornton is still manager, please remember us to him and to 
! aQ a c " armln S ainner party for us one'evening, 
v , trt living on laboga, they visited us for cocktails. 
Weatner up Here is too cola to suit my teste. Matt anti I 
t°ge to dig in very hara and work at the Museum on Bat. 
sSme et Sl art t r Ja f 1 t0 see ir we ™'‘ Set polished up on 
some ol our material. x 
bant Matt to get this into the mail before 8 P.M. 
Fond abrazos. 
