TLS signed “R. E. Byrd,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, October 10, 1935. Letter to Arthur A. Zuhn, physicist with the Byrd Antarctic Expedition in 1933-35, in part: “Perhaps you would like to hear some news about what has happened since the expedition broke up. As a matter of fact, we have not even yet demobolized [sic], because there is a great deal to be done. This is in addition to the scientific work that is being carried on in nine or ten different fields. It will be very expensive and will take two or three years to complete our ten scientific books.
My article in the National Geographic Magazine is out in the October issue. It was quite a task getting it together. The maps are all very small scale and many more names will be added, when a larger scale map is gotten out. I am hoping then to put in as many of the expedition members as I can. The National Geographic article, will I believe do the expedition some good, since it indicates the great amount of scientific work that was accomplished. I will send you an autographed copy, but it will take a little while to get around to it, as I am very much pressed for time.
I am now on my lecture tour, making two talks a day and a different city each day. At the same time I am working on my book. I am still a bit flimsy, but hope that I can keep going…
The scientific work of the expedition is slowly being recognized, but that will take a while, since most of the scientists are waiting for our report in order to judge what we have done.
For a long time the fate of the Paramount motion picture hung by a thread. Finally, by making many concessions, they agreed to put the picture on…The picture is not as I would have made it. However, the expedition will live in the minds of people by the amount of publicity it gets now and for the next few years. Therefore, the movies, the books and the articles will all help the whole big picture, and will probably cause the expedition to be remembered for many years to come…
A few very unfair things have been done…Practically all of the equipment that I had on the ships has disappeared, even my personal effects and some relics that I valued highly. I had hoped to sell this equipment to a polar expedition, but nothing is left. I am still bewildered about this, for I don't know what happened.” Byrd adds a brief handwritten postscript: “Think of you often. This letter signed on train.” In fine condition, with toning to the edges.
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