"By Aeroplane to Pygmyland" Accounts of the 1926 Smithsonian-Dutch Expedition to New Guinea

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Journal of Matthew Stirling
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June 11, 1926 : Albatross Camp (Base Camp) ; Mamberamo River ; Airplane Flights


June 11th

This morning Posthumous left with TomanLinda and four canoes loaded with [V1/V2: blank line here] Anji Ipoei left a few hours afterwards with five canoes. There is rivalry between the two chiefs so it is best that they go separately, else they make a competitive affair of it and work beyond their strength. This morning le Roux brought {*} us a copy of Anji Ipoei's letter to his Sultan concerning his ride in the aeroplane. It was certainly interesting and we will keep a copy of it in high Malay as written by Sally and a literal translation in English. Anji is proud of having been the first Dyak to fly and told his sultan in picturesque detail what his sensations were.




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