Monday
August 16
1926

We were up early to finish the mail for it will catch the Swallow which arrives the 23rd of the month. Dot left about eight o’clock and we sent back a batch of mail with him. As there were no Dyaks to build boxes for the arrows and collection we will send it on the next transport. It is better to send it right than half way. The transport from Head Camp has failed to arrive to date. They evidently don’t want us to get started down the river to work any too quickly. Or perhaps they are having trouble up there. We will hear when they return. We got out one tin of oatmeal, one tin of butter through Dr. Hoffman’s efforts and it sure will be good to have oatmeal for breakfast tomorrow instead of rice. Hoffman also treated us to some whole wheat bread and butter last night. Oh how good it tasted. He also gave us a piece of dry sausage to go with it and chicken or steak or anything of that character never tasted better. We wouldn’t mind going short rations if the rest of them did but they don’t and they won’t bring up the little things like that for us when they cart it up for themselves. That[’]s the hard part of it[,] to see him sitting eating cheese and that kind of luxury and to know that yours is back below. That’s what hurts. Had quite a talk with Doc Hoffman {F3.30} and learned much news of what happened [at] A.C. since we left. Dyaks have cut [the] plane all to pieces and [are] wearing all sorts of ornaments from materials they had taken from it such as struts, wings, and so forth. Can’t learn who gave them permission to do so but Hoffman said they had started to destroy it when he first arrived [at] M.C. with Captain Posthumus and Van Leeuwen [See photo A055]. Dyaks returned from Head Camp and had [a] note from Matt. Said high water had stopped them this side (5 hours) of Head Camp and back to [the] original place of Head Camp where shooting occurred. Looked as tho that will have to be base. Said [the] jungle [was] thick and making [a] trail overland [was] going to be [a] difficult task. He said Jordans [had] been sich [sic] again but [was] better now. Evidently Jordans moved back to Head Camp below [the] rapids. Van Leeuwen had fever again. Said all Papuans ahead had come back for houses we had visited filled with people met and traded many of them. Counted more than 78, visited them on island[;] they ate luncheon. Secured large collection. Friendly and eager [to] trade anything for [a] few beads. Suggested we go up stream which we will do starting tomorrow. Said Head Camp not [as] nice as Motor Camp. Foggy, raining all [the] time and cold. Said Posthumus said we can come up anytime but Matt said better [stay] here and advised waiting [until the] trail interior [was] finished. Said Posthumus sending back prow and four Dyaks for our use, but not responsible for our safety. Will not give soldiers for protection. River rose and came over banks late afternoon.