Name/Title
Letter to from Harry George to C. Hart MerriamEntry/Object ID
Q1430.635.102GDescription
Letter from Harry George to C. Hart Merriam thanking him for offering assistance in securing specimens of Panamint baskets. Vol II pg. 102G
Dear Sirs:
I want to thank you very much for your letter of the 8th and your offer of assistance in securing for me one or more specimens of Panamint baskets. I noticed you state you expect to work in California and Nevada during the coming spring and summer, and that if I wish you will keep an eye out for Panamint baskets. I herewith authorize you to secure two specimens which will meet with your approval. I know from your well known reputation they will be what they should be.
I would also like to make use of your services while in that part of the country if you see anything that could be added to the collection of an enthusiastic collector, you are herewith authorized to secure the same for me.
In looking over Prof. Otis Mason's contribution to the United States museum I notice your name frequently mentioned, and I feel sure you have a collection of baskets that are hardly second to any in the country. Therefore, you are well qualified by experience to help anyone needing assistance.
I recently secured two baskets from Porterville, Cal. from the Indian agent at that point who recommended that I write to Independence, Bishop and Big Pina, Cal. in my search for baskets. I have not written to Big Pine and Independence but did write to Bishop, Cal, as I have had some business with Minnie C. Randolph, located at that point. However, I feel that through you aid I can secure what I want, especially in Panamint baskets and will be a little bit slow about writing to anyone else until I can hear further from you.
I will be very glad to respond to anything that you suggest, and if you desire the money in advance, can arrange to send you a draft for any amount that may be necessary. However, the possibilities are that my reputation at home and abroad will be sufficient guarantee.
I want to thank you for your invitation to see your baskets when next in Washington. I had the pleasure of being in Washington recently during the meeting of the National Waterways convention, and could have availed myself of the opportunity to look at your collection had I known where to have found you. I visited the National Museum quite frequently
and absorbed all that I could of the knowledge to be gained there, and came home full of ideas that have resulted in asking a great many questions from different sources.
I want to thank you again for your offer of assistance and beg leave to assure you same is thoroughly appreciated. Your work in California and Nevada will doubtless bring you in touch with Washoe Indians of whose work I have two ordinary specimens. I have never thought it worth while to write to Mr. Cohn at Carson City in regard to his collection, believing that my trips to California would bring me better opportunities. However, as you have offered your service to me in securing Panamint specimens. I would like to presume on same and ask you to send me a few of anything else you may gather during your work in Eastern California and Western Nevada.
My desire has been more to get together a miscellaneous collection than to confine my efforts to any one tribe work.
Yours very truly,Subject
C. Hart Merriam
Bureau of Biological Survey
Washington, D. C.
Panamint baskets
Carson City, Nevada
Prof. Otis Mason
Minnie C. Randolph
Washoe IndiansSubject Person/Organization
Harry L. George Collection
