Mead to Boas - July 13, 1926:

Dear Dr. Boas:

Your long letter reached me on sailing day and how much I did appreciate it and the fact that you had taken some of your precious time to write it in long hand.

I am enclosing my letter to the Council. It was a case of following your suggestions entirely and to the letter. I was seasick the whole trip and utterly incapable of doing any consecutive work on ship board. I find now that I am still very very tired and I’m just beginning to realize how strenuous this year has been, coming as it did write on top of my work at Columbia. I fear that if I am to adequately discharge my duties next year and write up my field work also, I shall have to give these two months in Europe to rather thorough relaxation. Having gotten all my field notebooks safely over the reef, my anxiety in that respect is somewhat allayed. Luther will take them home next week and put them in a safe.

I am so disappointed that you will not be at the Congress. I had supposed all along that you would be. With very best wishes to Mrs. Boas and the members of the Department,

Very sincerely,

Margaret Mead