Description:

HAROLD GATTY
(1903 - 1957) Australian aviator, navigator for Wiley Post on the first fast around-the-world flight. T.L.S. 2pp. 4to., New York, June 12, 1937, to Alma Jonson of the Library of Hawaii. In part: "...I must apologize for not having written you before, but I am afraid as a correspondent I am hopeless. I have been in New York for the past seven weeks...I have been able to accomplish quite a lot in the work I am doing on the history of the art of aviation...I would appreciate very much if you would be so kind...as to get some information for me. I am particularly anxious to settle conclusively the matter of whether or not a calabash was ever used by the Polynesians for navigation. From what information I have I think that it is without foundation, and that the story was started by Admiral Rodman from unreliable information. I would very much like to see a paper read before the Hawaiian Historical Society by Dr. N. B. Emerson on May 18, 1893 entitled 'The Long Voyages of the Ancient Hawaiians.'...there were three articles in the U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings...I can not get access...here but you may have them there. The Bishop Museum...denies that the calabash was ever used...It is referred to Johannes Andersen in his Myths and Legends of the Polynesians, I believe on the authority of Dr. Peter Buck who is now at the Bishop Museum...Regarding your letter in which you discuss telepathic experiences I also believe I have experienced somewhat similar things. However it is so difficult to reach any conclusive proofs of this subject...one of these days when I am in between ventures I hope to give it some more thought...". With original envelope, very good.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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