American explorer and naturalist (1884-1960) whose far-flung adventures on archaeological expeditions in the Far East were said to have served as the inspiration for fictional screen hero Indiana Jones. TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, Central Asiatic Expeditions of the American Museum of Natural History letterhead, February 11, 1929. Letter to writer Rutherford Towner, author of The Philosophy of Civilization. In part: "Last year at the very end of the season we discovered just what we have been looking for—a great new area of Pliocene strata the right age to contain the bones of primitive man if he existed in Mongolia. In the western and northern Gobi, where we did our previous work, this strata is almost absent…There is, moreover, what we believe to be a complete skeleton of our new monster. It is lying on its right side, with the hind limb exposed in a small ravine, and the fore leg in another, twenty-five feet away. If it is as complete as we expect, this will be one of the most important and spectacular specimens the Expedition has thus far discovered…In order to complete the Expedition satisfactorily we must have $100,000…If you feel that you can assist us this year I shall be very grateful for any amount. We need it badly." In fine condition. Accompanied by Towner's retained carbon copy of his reply, transmitting a $25 donation.
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