Discussed before by others but I think it was a good point:
Since Gallagher knew of Earhart’s disappearance, he probably knew the theory she was lost at sea so may have believed the person was "cast ashore” from a plane wreck at sea. Still from the sea, but possibly from a plane first.
Sept 23, 1940
In Gallagher's telegram to authorities, he says bones are “possibly that of Amelia Earhardt. [sic]” and “ very slight chance that this may be remains of Amelia Earhardt”
He then receives telegram 66 from Holland on Oct 1, 1940 asking
“b) How far from shore,
(c) In your opinion does burial appear deliberate or could it be accounted for by encroachments of sand, etc.,
(d) Is site of an exposed one (i.e. if the body of
Mrs. Putnam had lain there is it likely that it would have been spotted by aerial searchers)?
(e) In what state of preservation is shoe,
(f) If well preserved does it appears to be of modern style or old fashioned,
(g) Is there any indication as to contents of bottle. Do you know anything of wreck of "Norwich City" — e.g. when did it takes place, were any lives lost and how long were survivors
marooned at Gardner Island? Resident”
Oct. 6, 1940 -Gallagher replies to a telegram where Earhart is still a possible source. He uses the phrase “cast ashore” in response to (g) where Holland
implied asked about “marooned” crew from the Norwich City. So if Gallagher thought they were questioning if the person was marooned or abandoned, he may have been trying to clarify his analysis by using the “cast shore” phrase in his response.
“g) "Benedictine" bottle but no indication of contents, There are indications that
person was alive when cast ashore – fire, birds killed, etc., "Norwich City" wrecked and caught fire 1930 or 1932. Number of crew sailed to Fiji in lifeboat,
remainder picked up later at Gardner by "Ralum". Think Board of Enquiry held Suva - loss of life not known. This information derived from gossip only”
From d)” Mrs. Putnam” is still a consideration by authorities at the time Gallagher uses the phrase "cast ashore"