Letters between Errol Lorne Knight and Vilhjalmur Stefansson, 1921

(COPY)

April 29, 1921.

Mr. V. Stefansson, Fullerton, Calif. or San Pedro, Calif.

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

I wrote you several days ago and sent the letter to Corpus Christi, Texas, and I have been somewhat in doubt as to whether or not you have received it and I am writing you again and taking the precaution to send a copy to each of the above places, Fullerton and San Pedro, and thus I am quite sure one if not both will reach you.

At the same time I wrote you, I sent a letter to Mr. J. B. Harkin at Ottawa, giving him my address and asking that he give me as much advance notice of the time when I should be wanted at Ottawa and up to date I have not heard from him in reply to this letter or to a previous letter I had written him from Louisville, Ky.

The time when I have expected to have been in Ottawa is at hand and I am somewhat anxious to be doing things and I am asking if you have any further advice or suggestions to give me.

Of course, I know how little time you have for answering personal correspondence, but I am writing you thus for your information and in the hope that if anything has gone wrong or any mail miscarried, this may remedy any troubles that may exist.

Trusting that all goes well with you and that you are enjoying your work, I beg to remain,

Yours very respectfully, (SIGNED) E. L. Knight.

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(TELEGRAM)

E. L. Knight MCMINNVILLE, OREGON.

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AM TEMPORARILY SHORT OF MONEY COULD YOU RAISE TWO HUNDRED FIFTY I LOANED YOU TO PAY YOUR OWN EXPENSES TO NOME WILL PAY YOUR WAGES TO YOUR FATHER THUS REPAYING ANYTHING YOU BORROW PERIOD YOUR WAGES ONE HUNDRED PER MONTH AND FIFTEEN PERCENT FOXES CAUGHT OR ONE HUNDRED FIFTY AND NO PERCENTAGE MISS JONES COULD NOT GO CAN NOT LET YOU KNOW DESTINATION DEFINITELY TILL BY CABLE IN NOME AS NOT SURE MYSELF PERIOD THIS IS MY OWN EXPEDITION FINANCIALLY AND I SHALL LOSE HEAVILY REPLY OWYHEE HOTEL BOISE RUSH TELEGRAM IMMEDIATELY

V. Stefansson.

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McMinnville, Oregon. May 8, 1921.

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

Your wire received with a great deal of interest. Of course you must realise that I am very anxious to go North under your direction and am awaiting eagerly that opportunity. I have been away from the Arctic nearly two years now, and it has been quite a long two years.

I received yesterday a letter from J. B. Harkin inclosing a copy of the letter he sent you telling of the abandonment of the plans of the hoped-for expedition. I am sure it must have a great disappointment to you and I can assure you it was to me. But I have not despaired, for as long as you have hopes, so have I.

Last night Maurer lectured in Amity and I brought him home in a car. We were together all day and he continually talked about the North. I think (if possible) he wants to get back up there as bad as I do. No doubt he has told you all of this, but he asked me to put in a good word for him in case you go North, and I should go along. I did not show him your wire but he continually talks Wrangle Island. He seems to think you are going to start something there, and where he gets his idea, I don't know.

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I have been home for over two months now doing nothing but waiting. Had I known how things were going to turn out I should have liked to stay with you longer. However, if I am still here on July 9 I will come up to Pallas, Or. and we can have a short visit.

Hoping that you have patience to reach the end of this lengthy letter, I remain

as always, (SIGNED) Knight.

Maurer said that he heard that Storhersen had quit the H.B. Co. and was living in Norway. Is this true? K.

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McMinnville, Oregon. May 12, 1921.

Hon. J. B. Harken, Commissioner Dominion Parks, Ottawa, Ont.

Dear Sir:

When I left Mr. V Stefansson at Louisville, Ky. the last of March, it was understood that I would be called to Ottawa by the first of May at the latest.

I have been here ever since April 2 awaiting the call and I have been without funds and did not dare to accept a position of any sort for fear the call would come and I would have to drop whatever I had undertaken.

I am still waiting and at your disposal but, in case I shall not be wanted for two weeks, three weeks or a month I should appreciate the information so that I can shape my plans accordingly.

I have written you twice concerning this matter and I hope I am not becoming a nuisance in writing you again but you will understand my position, I hope, and I shall thank you very cordially for what in-

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formation you can give me now.

Yours very respectfully,

(This is a copy of a note I am sending to Ottawa. Have not heard from them yet. This note explains why I am writing. Have not heard from Maurer but hope he is making a go of it.

(SIGNED) Knight.

Ukiah, Calif. June 1, 1921.

Dear Knight:

After many failures to get replies from Ottawa I at last got the enclosed wire. I suppose the reason they did not reply sooner was that everything down there was unsettled. I need not say that this is as much of a disappointment to me as to you--tho it is pretty bad for you.

I have been wiring the Hudson's Bay Company about certain plans which, if they materialize, may suit you. I shall let you hear by wire-- with luck, almost as soon as you receive this letter.

(SIGNED) V. Stefansson.

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(TELEGRAM)

SACRAMENTO, June 6, 1921.

E. LORNE KNIGHT, MCMINNVILLE, OREGON.

THIS TELEGRAM VERY CONFIDENTIAL STOP AM FINANCING COMPANY TO COMBINE EXPLORATION WITH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT MYSELF FURNISHING HALF CAPITAL AND ONE FRIEND OTHER HALF STOP WOULD YOU GO SOME ARTIC ISLAND VIA NOME FOR HUNDRED DOLLARS MONTH AND SMALL SHARE IN PROCEEDS OF OPERATION STOP WOULD YOU BECOME CANADIAN SUBJECT IF THAT IS NECESSARY TO GIVE YOU COMMAND OF THIS ENTERPRISE WHICH I BELIEVE HAS A FUTURE REPLY DAY LETTER COLLECT GRASS VALLEY CALIFORNIA

V. STEFANSSON.

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(TELEGRAM)

MCMINNVILLE, OREGON June 7, 1921.

V. STEFANSSON WITH ELLISON AND WHITE CHAUTAUQUA GRASS VALLEY, CALIF.

YOUR PROPOSITION ACCEPTABLE TO ME AM LOOKING FOR A POSITION HERE BUT WILL AWAIT FURTHER WORD FROM YOU

KNIGHT

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(TELEGRAM)

Lovelock, June 9, 1921.

E. L. KNIGHT, MCMINNVILLE, OREGON

ACCORDING TO MY TELEGRAM AND YOUR REPLY I AM MAILING CHECK FOR ONE HUNDRED YOUR PAY BEGINNING JUNE FIRST STOP YOU WILL PROBABLY LEAVE SEATTLE FOR NOME STEAMER VICTORIA JULY SAILING STOP AM PAYING YOU AS RETAINER TO BE FORFEITED IF PLANS GO WRONG STOP SEE MY LETTER DATED JUNE TEN

STEFANSSON

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Elko, Nevada. June 11, 1921.

Dear Knight:

I enclose the $100.00 retainer check as per telegram. I'll risk that much per month till the July sailing of "Victoria" but I don't think our plan will fall through this time. However, you should know inside two or three weeks.

(SIGNED) V. Stefansson.

I enclose my lecture schedule in case you want to reach me.

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McMinnville, Oregon. June 18, 1921.

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^ June 18, 1921 ^

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

Your very welcome letter received the 16th. Also the $100.00. I am still, of course, in the dark concerning the plans you have for me up North but you no doubt would have told me about them had you wanted me to know. I never wanted to do anything in my life as bad as I want to get away from here, and if your present plans do not fail I will be greatly pleased. There has been a great deal of speculation at our house on where I am going but we are still in the dark. Dad is excited stiff.

Am inclosing a clipping which may interest you a little.

I received a letter a few days ago from Maurer and he stated that Ellison-White people had decided to use the movies again. Why they did not do it all the time fools me.

I hope for encouraging news soon and until I do hear, I will be as patient as possible for it means quite a bit to me. Hope to see you in Pallas, July 9, if I am still home. Hope I will be going North then. Thanks for the 100 dollars. I have not forgotten the $250.00 I owe you, but will repay that from my Northern wages.

Am shingling a large house now, but would rather be building "ice-houses" (!!!!)

Respectfully yours, (SIGNED) Knight.

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Blackfoot, Idaho. June 22, 1921.

Dear Knight:

My own northern plans are not clear yet so I can not let you know--but will as soon as I can.

Find out on your own the date of the next sailing from Seattle of the Victoria or other ship for Nome. I hope you can go then.

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I enclose my route list. Write me when you learn the Victoria sailing, Note I shall be off the circuit between Twin Falls and Fruitland--a trip to Ann Arbor, Michigan to get an LLD degree.

(SIGNED) V. Stefansson.

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(TELEGRAM)

MCMINNVILLE, ORE. June 24, 1921.

V. STEFANSSON CARE ELLISON WHITE TWIN FALLS IDAHO

YOU MENTIONED MY SAILING ON THE VICTORIA AND I INVESTIGATED THE DATE OF THIS SHIP WHICH WILL BE JULY SEVENTH I SHALL BE READY AT ANY TIME I GET INSTRUCTIONS CONGRATULATIONS ON THE DEGREE SENDING LETTER TO YOU AT ANN ARBOR

KNIGHT

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McMinnville, Oregon. June 24, 1921.

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

Just another short letter. It is rather a happy letter as the inclosed clipping will show, for the plans have evidently come to a head or else this is some more newspaper bunk.

I wrote to the Alaska Steamship Co. out of curiosity, and they replied that the Victoria sails from Seattle on the morning of July 7. Not a great deal of time between no and then.

Miss Jones whom you will remember is very anxious to go with me. I also would like to have her with me but do not know where I am going or if the nature of the work and I am leaving it all to you--whether she will go or not. If it is a case of choosing between her and the north wins, but if there is to be a permanent camp where she could stay, I am sure she can take care of herself. Hoping to hear from you soon I am as always

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Respectfully yours, (SIGNED) Knight.

People are bombarding me with questions asking me when I am going. They saw the article in the paper this morning.

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McMinnville, Oregon. July 2, 1921.

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

In accordance with your last letter I have written to all the steamship companies in Seattle about sailing dates for Nome. Have written twice to each one but for some reason or other have received no answer. I stated before that the Victoria sails for Nome on July 7.

All the papers on the Coast have printed articles concerning your commercial enterprise. The Portland Telegram perpetrated an awful poor pun when they said "Stefansson's Northern enterprise should cut some ice". Hope I have a chance to show them qhat kind of ice we will cut. Two months ago I expected to be out on the "bounding ocean" by now, bound North. As stated before was quite disappointed when I did not get a chance to "bound". Will wire as soon as I hear from Seattle about sailings. Best regards from all

Respectfully, (SIGNED) Knight

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(TELEGRAM)

McMinnville, Ore. July 5, 1921.

V. STEFANSSON FRUITLAND, IDAHO

FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO RAISE FUNDS NOW AFTER LONG IDLENESS A READY TO LEAVE ON ORDERS VICTORIA SAILS FROM SEATTLE JULY NINTH AND AGAIN AUGUST TENTH.

KNIGHT.

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(TELEGRAM)

Payette, July 6, 1921

E. L. KNIGHT MCMINNVILLE, OREGON

OUR PROPOSED SHIP WRECKED IN ALASKA EXPEDITION MAY BE OFF SHALL WIRE AFTERNOON

V. STEFANSSON.

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Sunnyside, Aug. 7, 1921.

Dear Knight:

Let me know how much I should pay your father for keeping Galle.

If Galle wants to go North, he will get the same percentage of furs as Maurer, but no other money.

Write me a letter before going saying how much you owe me on advances and that I may keep this back from your pay.

Let me know if you would like to be on just the same terms as Maurer or do you want the first arrangements to stand?

(SIGNED) V. Stefansson.

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(TELEGRAM)

Seattle, Wash. Aug. 9, 1921.

V. STEFANSSON HOTEL DAVENPORT SPOKANE, WASH

THE BEST I CAN DO IS GROCERIES SEVEN FIFTY HARDWARE FIFTEEN HUNDRED AND CLOTHING TWO HUNDRED I HAVE ELIMINATED EVERYTHING BUT NECESSITIES AM HOLDING ORDERS FOR YOUR APPROVAL WIRE HOTEL FRYE BOAT FARES AND FREIGHT SEVEN FIFTY

KNIGHT

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(TELEGRAM)

McMinnville, Ore. Aug. 11, 1921.

V. STEFANSSON CARE CHAUTAUQUA BOZEMAN MONT

TEN DOLLARS A WEEK IS RATE FOR BOARD IN MCMINNVILLE GALLE HAS BEEN HERE FOUR WEEKS HE WILL GO TO SEATTLE EITHER SATURDAY OR SUNDAY GALLE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE FIFTY DOLLARS FOR INCIDENTALS I WILL PAY HIS FARE TO SEATTLE WILL YOU SEND MONEY TO HIM THERE

KNIGHT

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Missoula, Mont. August 11, 1921.

Dear Mr. Knight:

I received your telegram about the amount of money necessary to be spent in Seattle, and replied to Crawford, thinking you might be out of town.

I am very short of money now, but expect to have more by the time you reach Nome. I would, therefore, like it very much if you could keep the entire expenditure in Seattle preferably down to $2000.00 (Two Thousand Dollars), and at the most to $2500.00 (Twenty-Five Hundred Dollars), this to include passage for yourselves to Nome as well as prepayment of freight, if prepayment is necessary. You can save a little by paying for the freight on delivery in Nome, as we will have more money there.

We already have a credit of $1250.00 (Twelve Hundred Fifty Dollars) arranged by Mr. Lindeberg at the Miners & Merchants Bank of Nome. I shall be able to add to this, if necessary.

I have instructed the Vice President of our Company, Mr. Taylor, to send $500.00 (Five Hundred Dollars) to Crawford at the Frye Hotel. This should arrive on the 12th or 13th.

Yours very truly,

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Seattle, Wash. August 16, 1921.

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

I am going to take a whirl on Galle's machine and send you a very much delayed statement of how we stand. I know the exact amounts, but dates and places I have kept no track of but I am sure that is not necessary. Here goes:

My salary was to be $150.00 a month and as I was with you just about a month I ran $60.00 over which makes a total of $585.00 that I owe you. My expense on the car while we had it was rather high, but I would like to overlook that for we all had a good time with it as long as we had it.

One more thing. My Father needs a little money badly and if you will mail him a check for $100.00 that and what I already owe you will be sufficient for my first year's salary. It seems rather nervy to ask you this after all the money you have already let me have but it will be doing me a big favor. In the letter you sent to me in McMinnville you wanted to know how I wished to be remunerated and I said that after we got back it would be satisfactory to me to pay me what you thought I was worth for I knew that you are now under a heavy expense and I thought I would be of help to you if I arranged matters that way. It is perfectly satisfactory to me. I hope now more than anything else that you can send that money home.

Maurer arrived this a.m. all grins. He seems to be happy. We all are for that matter and aching to get started.

(SIGNED) Knight.

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If unable to send money home wire me to that effect at Nome. Thank you.

K.

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(TELEGRAM)

Lewistown, Mont. August 18, 1921.

E. L. KNIGHT CARE FRED MAURER FRYE HOTEL SEATTLE, WASH

WRITE ME FROM NOME HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT SUMMER GOOD LUCK

V. STEFANSSON

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(TELEGRAM)

Seattle, Wash. August 18, 1921

V. STEFANSSON CARE OF CHAUTAUQUA ROUNDUP MONTANA

HAVE ASKED MR ANDERSON TO REPAY YOU AT THE RATE OF FIFTY DOLLARS PER MONTH THE ADDITIONAL FIFTY TO BE APPLIED TO THE TEN SHARES I HAVE PURCHASED WILL BE WATCHING FOR YOU NEXT SUMMER HOPE YOU HAVE SUCCESS IN EUROPE

KNIGHT

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Nome, Alaska. Sept. 4, 1921.

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

We are having a nice easy time at your expense but I would rather by far be out on the "Bounding Sea" bound for the place that we are bound for. I will not relate in the letter the complications that have arisen for Crawford will do that. I will say, however, that we were somewhat disappointed being delayed 4 days at St. Michael, and then arrive here and find that the owners of the Orion "know nothing" of your plans.

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Masik and Gumaer apparently showed no appreciation of the favors that you did for them for they made themselves very unpopular around here by knocking you and the Expedition in terms very uncomplimentary. Of course every knock is a boost for you so you should worry. They also pronounced Stork an D. S. But as I said before they made themselves unpopular so nothing was gained. Their attitude towards you confirms my opinion of them. Lindeberg publicly denounced Gumaer as a fakir on the Victoria when Gumaer (in a skin shirt) was lecturing (?) in the saloon, which makes us all feel good.

I will write later when I have something of importance to tell you. Wishing that you was with us, and wishing you all the luck in the world in England, I am as always

Yours truly, (SIGNED) Knight.

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