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May 9, 1941

Mr. J. E. Graf
Associate Director
U. S. National Museum
Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Graf:

In accordance with your letter of instructions of March 28th, I proceeded by airplane to Balboa, Canal Zone, to join the U.S.S. MALLARD.

As this mode of travel permitted a maximum of only 55 pounds of baggage, I was able to take with me only the barest necessities for the trip. Also, the short notice that I had did not give me time to make more than the briefest telegraphic arrangements for certain supplies that I felt were necessary for the expedition--chiefly preservatives, bottles for specimens, and photographic film.

I arrived in Balboa at 4:30 p.m. and boarded the MALLARD for an eight o'clock departure. We spent the forenoon of April 2nd off Malpelo Island, Colombia. April 4th we refueled at Santa Elana, Ecuador, leaving the next morning for the Galapagos Islands.

Our first landfall was Freshwater Bay, Chatham Island. Here is found the one permanent fresh water supply in all the Islands. A sample of the water was obtained and given a brief chemical and bacteriological analysis. (Copies of the doctor's report and the engineer's tests are appended.) Working around to Wreck Bay, the port of entry, the same day, April 7th, courtesies were exchanged with the officials there.

An interesting sidelight on our Wreck Bay visit. Ashore, the Territorial Chief, Tonel Meneses Peñaherrera, most hospitably set before us a platter of freshly sliced pineapple and served thereafter two rounds of very excellent brandy. Captain Picking, in returning the compliment, invited him and his staff to a buffet supper aboard the MALLARD, which was concluded with ice cream and cake and the best feature movie in the MALLARD's repertoire. In the course of one of the intermissions, while reels were being changed, Señor Polanca, interpreter for the Governor, leaned over to me and said, "It's wonderful that you are doing so much for us." He was genuinely moved by the kind attention given him and his countrymen.