Thursday Morning
July 1, 1920
I am leaving in a few minutes for Paris, where I have got track of an ancient Babylonian King’s golden diadem with a long inscription on it. I hope to get it. I return Saturday the 3rd and run out for the night at Cobham, Kent, with my friends Mr. and Mrs. Spender. You remember he is editor of the Westminster Gazette and a member of the Milner Commission on Egypt. He has put all his recommendations in regarding Egypt, that is the antiquities, into the Milner Report to His Majesty’s Government and I am very much pleased. I have really got some things done it would seem, on this trip.
A debate in the House of Lords and his departure for the Spa Conference kept Earl Curzon from his appointments until yesterday, when I had nearly an hour’s talk with him. I am very glad the ordeal is over. I cannot report on it now, though I wish I had time to write out a full account of the discussion while it is fresh in my mind.
I cabled home yesterday that I would sail July 7th on the CELTIC of the White Star Line from Liverpool, presumably reaching New York on the sixteenth. I hope it has reached you promptly.
Just one final word, my boy! I don’t want you to feel that I am pushing you into anything as your calling in Life. I want only two things in this connection: First that you shall choose the thing which you can do best and which will make you happiest and most contented; and Second, I want you then to have the very best training and experience it is possible to get, for whatever calling you may choose. Try to choose wisely, and if you must change, have no hesitation in doing so when it is evident you should. My parents accepted my own indecision and changes in this matter, and the least I can do is to let my boy do the same, and help him at every step just as my dear father and mother did.
A few days after you read this I hope to follow it. Good-bye and a world of love to you all. Don’t forget sister’s little red automobile. Have it in the basement when I arrive.
Your loving Pater.
For the full story of my exciting trip you should come to the special exhibit “Pioneers to the Past: American Archaeologists in the Middle East, 1919-1920,” at the Oriental Institute!
1155 East 58th Street Chicago, IL 60637
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- Tuesday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Wednesday 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
- Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Friday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Sunday noon to 6:00 pm
- Closed Mondays
http://oi.uchicago.edu/museum/special/pioneer/
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