Monday
June 14
1926

Work on inspecting the plane and servicing her continued to-day. Leroux and Dick and I with two Dyaks, a couple of soldiers, and two convicts went accorss [sic] the river and climbed a high cliff in search of a good place to take a motion picture and still picture of the camp from the opposite shore. It was hard going and we encountered some stiff climbing. We found a good place and it was cleared by the Dyaks and Dick assisting. We returned at 12:30 and because of the time it took us to get to the top did not have a chance to do much hunting which we started out to do. When I returned Matt and Van Leeuwen had been conversing. It seems that Van Leeuwen has noticed that we have been somewhat cool lately and it is the truth for it has been hard to conceal the fact when we know how underhanded he has been acting. Matt had told him just [what] our feelings were so after lunch I went up and talked things over with him telling him just how I felt and what I had sent inthe [sic] telegram to the Indian Committee. That kind of brought him to time. In fact he had changed even during the morning inconversation [sic] with Matt and had conceded many things. It appears now that Matt can go with him if he chooses and that if there is anything that we want all we have to do is to ask for it. I had him bring out the telegram he had received in answer to Matt’s telegram and he translated it for me. The last part about which said t [sic] that the committee agreed to Stirling[’]s request “unless the government decides otherwise” was the important part he had left out when he informed Stirling of what the telegram stated. {F1.92} It was nice of him to forget about that. He is very smooth, however, and has a plausible reason for everything. I didn’t get into any arguments with him but just had a friendly chat telling him how I felt about the whole affair. There were many things I would haveliked [sic] to put to him but it was impossible. That’s what makes it hard. I have, however, written a long telegram to the committee and after I send it will show it ot [sic, = to] him. Leroux is of the opinion that they have been small and he says he is[,] as a Dutchman[,] ashamed of their actions. Matt and Leroux went hunting in the afternoon but failed to get anything. They saw plenty of evidences of game however. The telegram I have written is as follows: [To] Hance I. C. “Stirling has received no official reply wireless regarding leadership except verbal information from Van Leeuwen committee agreed. Today I asked Van Leeuwen for translation of message he received and I learn from that committee is agreed unless government decides otherwise. Has government decided yet. Stirling made offer because he given impression American participation small and under his leadership full cooperation not possible. Americans highly appreciative of what committee and government done. Intention at beginning ethnological and anthropological expedition. Did not ask nor expect large expedition Americans honored have Dutch request participation. Our costs, however, increased and Stirling assumed heavy additional expenses arising thereform [sic]. Personally agreed contribute five thousand guilders more towards third group Dyak expenses. American members not being paid for work. All are contributing. Plane brought to Batavia Camp five days three thousand one hundred five kilos food. Each flight with one passenger total load fifteen kilow [sic] less than four hundred kilow [sic] carried test flight Soerabaia. We made mistake in plane figures for preliminary plan. We are sorry about that mistake which was recitified [sic] by exact figures what plane carried test flight. Everytime plane has flown {F1.93} here it has carried more load with heavy pontoons than American government mail planes with same motor carry with wheels in America. No friction Stirling’s offer transfer leadership indicates that. Sending this personally feeling spirit fairness committee and government know our side. When leadership decision given by government suggest it be sent to Stirling in English. Whatever it is rest assured of American appreciation for what committee and government done. All efforts be expended make results great as possible both nations.

Hedberg”

And so it goes tomorrow morning. What the answer will be I don’t know but wish it were possible to be in Java and give the committee all of the real dope. Van Leeuwen’s one big trump card which he used all during the conversation was “Mr. Peck”. He seems to dislike Peck as much as Peck dislikes him.