2850 Claflin Ave

New York 63, N.Y.

June 16,1948
Dear Dr, Lederberg,

I would appreciate it very much if you came

to a definate descision as soon as possible. I don't
know what Dr Ryan told you about me, but I have now
been applying to Medical ®chool for two years with
dissappoiting results.I therefore must at this moment
make some definate plans as to the future. I always was
interested in genetics as evidenced by my coblege record
and when Dr,.Ryan called me I was extremely happy as
this position with you is just what I was thinking of.
But, the summer is approaching and as I stated iI
can come out then and would like to, but again if
you don't see fit to accept me I naturally must make
other plans and have been holding off doing so'til T
hear from you.

I would like to on this writing clarify one more
issue. I have so lopg pointed for medicine as my goal
that it is rather difficult to on the spur of the moment
say I would now like to be a geneticist. I well appreciate
your position that you would not like to lose me after
breaking me in. But as I previously S86ated,I after a
more intimate appreciation of its subject matter
would jump at the chance to stay with it. This summer
if you would so have could be just such a chance,

Sincerely,

pate