letters (correspondence)

Hench implores Macia to preserve Building No. 1 until he has raised enough money to commemorate of the site. Hench assures him that a mutually satisfactory solution can be found for the sale of the land.

Hench is worried about the condition of Building No. 1. He does not want it to suffer the fate of its companion building which crashed in a hurricane. Hench is thinking about erecting an outer protective shell, and is wondering how much it would cost.

[Hench] appreciates Macia's willingness to donate Building No. 1 and a small plot of land to memorialize the Commission.

Hench describes the Lazear memorial event at Washington and Jefferson College. Hench is glad that the Camp Lazear site is owned by Macia, as Macia is a man who appreciates history.

Hench explains Moran's and Kissinger's differing memories of the yellow fever experiments. He informs Truby that he wants to write an account that will glorify all concerned with the Yellow Fever Commission.

Hench informs Truby that he is planning a trip to Havana, and so would like Truby and Kean to write letters of introduction to Ramos.

[Hench] thanks Truby for his letter of support to the Cuban government. He finds fault with Truby's description of the location of the yellow fever ward as northwest of the hospital grounds.

Hench thanks Truby for making corrections in his letter to Ramos.

Hench reports that Camp Lazear and the remains of Building No. 1 have been located. He has bought the building and hopes to raise money for a memorial. The Cuban government accepted his report. Hench has found Lazear's death certificate.

Hench commends Truby on his wonderful manuscript.

Hench sends Truby suggestions for corrections or additions to Truby's manuscript on the story of the yellow fever experiments. He mentions several enclosures, which are not included with this document. An addendum from Hench to Truby on November 10, 1941 is included, as well as a transcription of a letter from James Carroll to his wife.

Hench regrets that Dean and perhaps Pinto will not be mentioned at the dedication ceremony. However, he is delighted that Kean, Truby, Sternberg and Ames will be honored. Hench approves the recommendation to increase the pension for Blossom Reed.

Hench thinks that Camp Lazear will be called “Parque Finlay,” which he regrets. He is very distressed after seeing photographs which show that Building No. 1 is being repaired extensively rather than enclosed and preserved. He feels the building will be a replica and not a restoration. He mentions the recent death of Cooke.

Hench wants the Cubans to present the Finlay Medals to the American recipients.

Hench writes Truby that he believes Nogueira is making arrangements to get the Finlay Medal to Truby.

Hench invites Truby to Rochester. Hench discusses the handwriting in the Lazear lab book, noting how much is attributed to Lazear and how much to Reed.

Hench makes recommendations for some corrections and possible deletions from Truby's manuscript. He encourages him to take steps to have the book published sooner rather than later.

Hench is anxious to see Truby's book. Hench then mentions that he read Finlay's book, which supports the Cuban perspective that the Americans only confirmed, not proved, the mosquito theory.

Hench promises to send Truby additional extracts from some of Reed's letters. Hench offers his opinion on people who are not fully backing the war effort.

Hench describes his visits with the Keans and Ramos. An exhibit of the Cornwall painting is planned in Cuba. He describes a mural by a Cuban artist entitled, “The Martyrs of the Conquest of Yellow Fever.”