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MAR 29	8*9	13:11
FROM HANCOCK CO PORT 8, HARBOR COMM
PAGE
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Mississippi Department of Archives and History
innnriflL Telephone 601-354-7326
Established 1902
Historic Preservation Division • post offlcc Box r\ * jackson, Mississippi 39205-0571
January 31, 1989
Mr. Harold Olsen Director
Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission P. 0. Box 69 Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Dear Mr. Olsen:
It has come to our attention recently that vandals are continuing to loot the Claiborne Site (22Ha501), which is located in the Port Bienville Industrial Park. We are concerned that the archaeological integrity of the site is being seriously jeopardized by this action.
We would respectfully request that the Commission do everything within its power to see that the site is protected and that vandals are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Under the provisions of the State Antiquities Act, a permit is required from this Department prior to excavation of the site; thus, the looting is in direct violation of the Antiquities Act. In addition, unauthorized digging in burial sites is a felony under the provisions of the Mississippi Code Section 97-29-23, "Opening of graves."
The desecration of archaeological sites, and especially those containing human burials, is thus not only a disgrace but also criminal activity. The Board of Trustees of this Department, at its meeting on January 13, 1989, adopted a resolution regarding preservation of the state's archaeological resources. A copy of the resolution is enclosed for your reference.
It is our hope that your agency will assist this Department in protecting these irreplaceable resources of the past. Thanking you in advance and with best regards, I am
Sincerely yours,
Elbert R. Hilliard
ERH/gp
Enclosure
Board of Trustee William K. W inter, president / Van R. Burnham. Jr. / James P. Coleman / Arch Dalrymplc Hi / Mrs. Stewart Garrutiill III Gilbcn R Mason, Sr. / Mis. Mitchell Robinson / Uvercuc Truly I Sherwood W. Wise / Elbert R. Hilliard, director