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November 23, 1934

Mr. Otto William Geist
College, Alaska

Dear Mr. Geist:-

We spent last evening with Commander and Mrs. Jones and I was accorded the privilege of reading your very interesting letter.  I have read with keen interest the reports of your expedition to St. Lawrence Island in the Collegian, and am eagerly awaiting your report.  You must have had a very successful summer.

You may be surprised to learn that plans for the study of which I spoke when you were here, are actively under way.  My son and I plan to leave about June 15th from Seattle for Bethel where we shall make our headquarters.  I shall have to provide a suitable boat which means a draft not to exceed 18" x about 24 ft. long x 9 ft. beam.  We shall want sleeping accommodations for four as I hope to get a missionary and a native to accompany us.  When you find time, will you be good enough to give me your opinion on the following:-

I. Give me any suggestions about boat, power, etc.  We shall want to live aboard.

II. There is a boat the S.S. Tupper that makes trips from Seattle to Bethel in May and could take all of our equipment, but this will be too early for us.

III. If she does not make a trip in June, could we arrange to fly from Anchorage to Bethel?  If somwhat would be the fare for two of us?  Is it a hazardous flight over the mountains?

IV. I shall want a name for my boat.  Can you suggest a suitable one?  Would the name the St. Lawrence Island natives gave me be suitable?  I believe it meant the tooth puller.

V. Would it be safer for me to send all my provisions, fuel supplies, etc. and not depend for much up there?

I hope I am not asking too much of you.  I need advice as must economize since I am financing the expedition myself.  

With kindest regards from my wife, son and myself,

Yours very truly
L.M. Waugh
Professor of Dentistry
Director Orthodontia Clinic

LMW.J