June 1/7, 1948.

Me, Norton D. Zinder,
2850 Claflin avenue,
New York 63, N.Y,

Dear Mr. Zinder,

I know that you mst think you had been forgotten, but you could not be
more anxious than I am that a decision be mude on the alicoation of cur
fellowships. There is a very consédarable amount of red tape that stili has
to be taken care of. Your transcript was first received in the: Graduate
Office a week ago, and is being processed now. There is a dslay here, of
course, owing to the degree records which have to be completed before pradus-
tion next week. It dees not seem likely therefore that we can complete our
fils on you in time for you to register here fer sumer session, However,
this waa desirable only in order that you could pick up gone bacteriological
technique before starting your research in the Fall. If you have aiready had
sone mammontounmark Laboratory experience with bacéeéria, or could pick
it up elsewhere in the sunmer it would do just as well. However, things are
so chaotic, due to the lateness of your anplisation, that I can give you
no assurance that the fellowship will be available to you, or when a definite
decision can be made. It would help considerably to have letters on your behalf
particularly from Ryan, and perhaps from the physician for whoa you say you.
worked for 6 months.

In view of this uncertadn situation, 14 would be unfair of me to ensourase
you unduly. However, we are interested in your application, and will aet on it
aS soon as possible.

Yours sinceraly,

Joshua Lederberg,
Assistant Profesaor of Genetics.