Vol.07.p.008

Display page dates: 06/15/1913

Diary Transcription: microfilm: begin page 8

Sunday, June 15, 1913 (continued)

around with him on his morning tour of inspection. Went to his office and showed him the Kerma records in which he was much interested. Afterwards talked with him until after 12. He told me of his difficulties with the British Agency. He said he had had a slight stroke of paralysis, and cannot stand the worry. If the interference of the British Agency does not cease he will resign.
He has refused the Carnarvon application. I reminded him of my former application for the site. I did not want to cause him any embarrassment but if he did not object I thought it would be wise to renew my application in order to establish a claim on the site in case it was opened to excavation. He agreed that it would be a good plan and not in any way disagreeable to him. He told me that the strict rule of division is not to be enforced this year but more objects are being taken than usual. He said we would divide photographs as heretofore.
He confirmed various rumors I have heard as to the following story. Two bronze statuettes were found of the Ptolemaic or Roman period, in the Delta. On the order of the Museum, these were seized by the native inspector, Hasan Hosni and taken to his house in Zagazig. In the night, thieves broke in and stole them. At any rate, Hasan makes this allegation. They turned up in the hands of the original owner and one was sold to Mr. Dattari and one to Nahmaan. Dattari's statuette was seen by Dr. Rattigan (secretary at the British Agency), Mr. Storrs (Oriental Secretary) and apparently Mr. Weigall. They frightened Dattari by telling him it was stolen property liable to confiscation and bullied him into selling it for LE 80 the price he said he paid for it. Mr. Rattigan then wrote to J.P. Morgan (who was then alive and in Egypt) and offered him the statuette for L 18,000. Mr. Morgan, having consulted Lythgoe was indignant at the price asked; for the highest market value was less than L 1,000 and refused. Mr. Weigall then wrote to Lythgoe and said that if he would like to buy the statuette, he (Weigall) might help him by getting Mr. Rattigan to lower his price. Lythgoe is said to have the two letters in his possession but

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