Crowd of people watching Howard Hughes arrive at the Washington Airport in Washington D.C.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Contemplative smile. Here, Howard Hughes seems in rapt thought during one of the numerous speeches extolling his feat. Probably thinking of the "men who designed and perfected to its present remarkable state of efficiency, the modern American flying machine and equipment." (The quote is from his own official statement to the press.) Credit Lines (ACME) 7/15/38."

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Crowd Greets Hughes On Arrival In Capital, Washington D.C. -- Howard Hughes and his companions came to Washington July 21, to personally thank Secretary of State Cordell Hull for the State Department's co-operation on their record world flight, and incidentally to be feted at a luncheon of the Press Club. The photo shows Hughes, in park suit and black hat, as he was led through a huge crowd on his arrival at the Washington Airport. Credit Line (ACME) 7/21/38 (NY FOR)."

A view of crowds waiting to see Howard Hughes arrive at Floyd Bennett Field in New York.

Description printed on back of photograph: "As Hughes and his crew thanked Hull for cooperation Washington, D. C.-- Howard Hughes and his intrepid companions are shown here as they visited the State Department, July 21st, to thank Secretary Cordell Hull for cooperation on their round-the-world flight. Left to right: Richard Stoddart, Thomas Thurlow, Howard Hughes, Secretary of State Cordell Hull and Harry Connor. Credit Line (ACME) 7/21/38."

The black and white view of Howard Hughes being surrounded by crowds and the press in front of his Lockheed 14 aircraft.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Howard Hughes walking along a hall at the State Department. Left to right: Jesse Jones, Howard Hughes, Harold Brayman, President of the National Press Club. July 1938."