Add MS 89298/1/7

The file contains the following bundles of correspondence.

(1921). Papers regarding the purchase of papyri from Maurice Nahman. Comprising two letters from E A Wallis Budge to Bell regarding the price accepted by Nahman, and contributions received from Kenyon; telegram from Nahman accepting the offer of $1600; and two letters from Thomas Cook, Agents, regarding passport and visa applications.

(1922-1923). Letters received from Joseph Bidez, Secrétariat Administratif de l'Union Académique Internationale. In French.

(1923-1927). Letters received from David L Askren (American Mission, Fayoum). 1923, regarding seven fragments sent to Bell, plus the high price being asked for papyrus, and the purchase of materials by Maurice Nahman. Received Bell's report on the posted papyri, and contrasts Bell's statement that they were written in Karanis with the statement from fellaheen who sold them that they were found in the Gerza ruins. Discusses the high prices for papyri and the wide range of people bringing them for sale. 1926, is preparing a list of 'regular and irregular' dealers in antiquities in the Upper Country. 1927, anticipating a forthcoming trip to Luxor with his wife. Low quality and number of papyri this year. Amundsen very knowledgeable.

(1924-1925). Letters received from Arthur Edward Romilly Boak (University of Michigan). 1924, has delivered papyri bought by Kelsey from Nahman, and by himself from Askren, to Frederic Kenyon [list of papyri enclosed]. Reports on his week in the Fayoum. Karanis and Bacchias are the only sites from which they might reasonably expect papyri. Will be working upriver at El Ma'abda. Has obtained photographs of the sites. Comments on prices, and Nahman's reputation for paying the highest prices. Purchased much of the 'Askren lot' from two non-Cairo based dealers. Permits for further excavations being held up by ministerial resignations. He is working on the Kam Aushim papyri. 1925, sending a box of papyri from Oxyrhynchus. [Boak] is not buying more as prices are too high, but good papyrus and ostraka are coming out of Karanis. The Kondilios collection is to be saved for papyrologists.