I 
I7 
July 26, 1966 
Mr. 1-fax Thompson 
Smithsonian Field Party 
St, George Island 
Prlbilof Islands. Alaska 
Dear Max: 
I called to find out what I could do about the fiO down 
jackets and find that there’s a way that we can get around their 
price. We win allow you and Bob the full amount on the jackets, 
but you will then have to turn them in to us as Government 
Property when you return to Washington, If you should choose 
to pay the difference for yourself (in other words you pay the 
balance after we allow the $15) you may then keep them. This 
should be for you and Bob to decide. Until we hear from you, 
we will just allow you the $15 in which case you may keep the 
jackets. If you wish to turn it in anyway, we will allow you 
the larger mount and you can give it back to us. 
I feel enormous concern about one sentence in your letter - 
I have heard nothing about Dick Crossin’s leaving. And you say 
"what a blow to lose him! * It would he a good idea to let me 
know, I think, if he has said that he is leaving. We certainly 
haven’t anybody to replace him right now and you are right * 
one would not replace his personality anyway! 
It was sad to see the Elys leave for England on Friday 
and realize that by the time they come back the running of the 
Project will be completely in someone else’s tend. The reports 
from Honolulu on Dr. Pyle are uniformly excellent - everybody 
feels that he can work well with him, everybody seems to feel 
that he is an excellent boss. Binion just got back and was 
tremendously enthusiastic. Jeff Tordoff also was extremely 
enthusiastic. I had naturally been extremely concerned because 
I had asked Bob to come to the Project anyway and felt a little 
more responsibility than one would normally feel! I am delighted 
that everyone else is able to work with him as easily as I am. 
