The Harvard African Expedition Book 1: July 23, 1926
Creator
Loring WhitmanDate
7/23/26Transcription
Fri July 23rd
It poured all morning until about 1200. Just came down in buckets or sheets if you prefer it. And in the middle of it all Drs. Bequaert, Allen, and Linder put forth on their way up stream the Du to NO 3 division. First the truck went off loaded with tin trunks and soaking wet boys – a bedraggled crew. Then Mr. Ross came and we bid adieu to our advance guard in slickers and umbrellas. In case I haven’t mentioned it before, an umbrella is absolutely essential in this country.
We sat around for the rest of the morning – writing letters or reading as we saw fit. In the afternoon Mr. Tui a native hunter who has also been to america came to call – by appointment. We showed him our arsenal and discussed the value of the various guns with him. We also got out a map and looked over it with an eye open for the best elephant country as Mr. Tui is a specialist in that line. Still he was somewhat evasive for when we asked him if this was a good elephant country he would say “oh yes” and later “Lots of game there – monkeys etc.” We couldn’t really pin him down. His reputation is mixed – Sir Alfred Sharp had him as guide & got no elephants – still who knows?
Our table looks quite small now with three members gone. Only seven of us now counting Dr. & Mrs Willis. In the evening I again developed by myself until late at night. It is a somewhat lonely game.
Sat. July 24. Harold & I went forth today to make
P.S. On Friday P.M. Harold & I went out shopping. First Hal got his films boxed up wh and bought two ancient ball & cap springfield rifles for use by whatever native hunters we gather in tow. They say that they shoot spears out of them – like a harpoon gun when they go elephant hunting. Personally I would prefer a repeating rifler - but then I am not trained in the art. While H. was thus occupied I went to call on Mr. Denis – the colored Belgian Consul who was in the liberian govt. End of Shaumberg’s movie expedition but as he was not in I wandered off in search of Mr. Dinklage to see about shipping stuff home. Next I went to call on Frazer, the shipping clerk for Firestone but even tho I searched the whole water front of Monrovia with a guide I could not find him. So I went up to the cable office where Harold joined me. We sent a joint cable home in code – really a fascinating message when finally composed – Tepid – Human – Tibia etc. Then back to Dr. Willis’ for supper.