October 9, 1946. A lot has happened in three weeks. To chronicle: Last Friday, Mr. Murphy of the State Department phoned me at school from Washington, D.C. Would I accept position in Port au Prince, Haiti, in Cultural Embassy, now privately (?) run, teaching beginning English to adult Haitians. Possibility of two other candidates for job, but my qualifications best and probably would be accepted. To be ready to go in week or so and stay till July 1 or same time next year, latter preferred.
Mary and I compared notes, decided to try for job, saw Stathers. He saw dean, but they decided it would be too hard to get someone to take my classes (I planned to stay only till July and Mary to take my French class till next semester-February; maybe Mrs. Heck one class, Mrs. McBride one or two French classes, after some shifting around), especially bad 3 weeks after school opened and with big classes (I have 161 students) and so much new help.
I had hoped they would see value of getting me to return with experience in spoken French, etc. They didn't see it. Their view not unreasonable though Stathers apparently let Shortridge think Mary would leave immediately and leave him with no one in Latin either. Pretty well promised me raise and professorship in June.
In short, as instructed, I called Murphy collect to Washington to say no go, and wrote, that night, letter to his department, saying why and that I'm open for other similar jobs if they come when I can go. Rally died thus.
The salary was 2000 per annum + 1350 for rent + 440 bonus = 3790 and raise to 4040 after January '47 and monthly allowance spaced out over two years to pay or help pay for M's transportation. Supposedly living cheaper there than here and health conditions reasonably good. Phone was Republic 5600, extension 3307.