Yes it does, thank you.  With all the recent talk of "pot hunters" and
"diggers," having additional information is enormously helpful, especially
since you folks are obviously on the level and legitimate.  The reason I
was skeptical was because my husband collects buttons, and he knows several
"diggers" personally, who go on private property (supposedly with
permission) to dig, and search.  Many of these people do this as a hobby
and for profit.  We are sure there are people in this business who have
little or no regard for the historical context in which the items are
actually dug up.  We have come up against fakes and questionable material.

I admire organizations that proceed with care and regard for the historical
background of archeological finds.

Arlyn Danielson

----------
From:   Aqualieb[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
Sent:   Wednesday, November 26, 1997 10:33 AM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        Re: Ethical Question

Arlyn,

To answer your questions:

Yes, an avocational group.  We are a 501c3, non-profit historical and
archaeological org dedicated to the preservation of New Jersey shipwreck
history.

The site is that of an early nineteenth century sailer in 30 feet sea
water.

We began investigating the site 3 years before a contract archaeological
firm
investigated it in preparation for a beach fill project.  Our report to the
community at large aided and guided the contractors investigation.  Our
report's conclusions were upheld by this same firm.

The items were retrieved by hand from a shipping barrel; the barrel's
location
was mapped.

I hope this aids you in forming an opinion,
Aqualieb