April 6, 1955

Dr. Ralph Lewin

Maritime Regional Research Laboratory
National Research Council

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Dear Ralphr

Since last summer, I have been greatly disturbed by reports that
your position at Halifax has become somewhat uncomfortable and that you
might be anxious to go elsewhere. Of course, I have been on the lookout
for promising openings, es one would in any event, but I am writing to
ask you candidly how serious the situation is, and if there is any way
I might furnish catalytic assistance.

There ig so much loose money floundering around the 0.S. now in
search of half-way decent science to support that it would be tragic and
fooligh not to find some way of using it, if it ie needed. If we but had
the gpac# in our own lab, I would hasten to ask you to help occupy it,
and doubt that there would be any trouble finding a research subsidy. The
only possibility that still does come to mind is to try to persuade one of
my colleagues in Botany or Biochemistry or Bacteriology to do the same, or
to stand as a joint sponsor with me, But before I do any serious meddling,
I want to be sure that it would be welcome on your part, hence this letter.

Would you then be interestiigthat I puraue the possibility of finding
a "research associateship" for you, and for Joyce as well I trust ? I see
only a limited prospect of a permanent appointment here, but I should think
that a year or two here would give you ample opportunity, and a more atrabe—
gic base,for finding a definitive place. But I can't go ahead without your
advice. I should algo know the level of your present stipend, and Joyce's
if any. I hope my writing at all is not too presumptuous, and I would not
want to encourage false hopes on what is so far an intangible notion, but if
there is any truth at all to the rumors that have floated down here, there
4g a situation that should be corrected, not by way of patronization, but
just common sense. If I have been misinformed, or am intruding, I shall be
happy to learn it.

With best wishes from Esther,

-Yourg sincerely,

Fe

iy Joshua Lederberg