AIRMAIL 
July 6, 196k 
David Bratley, Dick Merrill 
Smithsonian Party 
US Coast Guard LORAS Station 
APO 105 
San Francisco, California 96305 
Dear Dick and Dave: 
Got back from a wonderful vacation last night. Washington is still 
the same however, ~ hot. 
Ray came in this morning with news concerning the bird shipment. 
I was very disappointed that the albina Sooty Tern got away. You should 
not have had him"outi I hope you realise that this is a big loss for 
it was a very rare bird. Even if he comes back we probably couldn't 
get VHm to DC now. I certainly hope you took son® black and white 
photos of him after I left. I have some earlier photos of him. 
I am very sorry to hear that our relationship with the Coast Guard 
personnel has gotten worse. I feel that it’s probably due to the 1st 
class who are putting pressure on everyone else. I think you know who 
I mean. I certainly hope this "blows over" before too long. Try to 
do the best you can despite their opposition and harassment. I may 
have to write Lt. Thurman if things get worse. Keep us posted. 
We will send the items you asked for as soon as possible. Phil 
Lehner is to replace Dick around the 19th or 22nd of July. Dick will 
probably then be on an "at-sea" survey for a short time. We still 
don't know If the Marshall trip is coming through or not. We are to 
learn today. Maryanna talked to Dr. Ely Thursday and he was doubtful. 
The problem arose when the grid area became available to us in August 
and September. We now need another ship for the Marshall trip. 
I'm glad that so many Bulwers have been found and are incubating. 
At least this was good news from Sand. 
Best regards. 
A. Binion Amerson, Jr. 
