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July 31, 1939

Mr. Stephen Early
Secretary to the President
White House
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Steve:

Here is the rainbow runner that we promised to make for you in place of two fish that you turned over to us for scientific specimens. It had to be made up from a preserved specimen, and so it is a cast and not the original mounted skin. I am sorry it has been so long in getting to you, but the taxidermist who does this kind of work for us has been ill and so could not give it full time.

We had a lot of fun getting it painted and hope that the fish looks like the one you caught. Bartos thinks it ought to be a bit different, but, after all, you are the man to say if any changes should be made. Tell me what you think of it. 

I see by the papers that the President got himself a couple of marlin. I see, too, that Pa Watson is the fair-haired fishing boy again. He seems to connect every time!

This is just a personal word to accompany Dr. Wetmore's letter transmitting the cast. 

As always, my very best to you.

Sincerely, 

Waldo L. Schmitt, Curator,
Division of Marine Invertebrates.

WLS:LMc