Letter from Frederick Maurer to John Maurer, 25 August 1921

Aboard S.S. Victoria,
Enroute Nome, Alaska.
August 25, 1921.

Dear Brother John:-

No doubt you will be wanting
a more complete and detailed explanation
than I was able to give you over the wire
concerning the loan I made before leaving.
Had time permitted I would have written
you from Seattle, but as my time was
limited and taken up with many things
that had to be done, along with being a
perfectly newly wedded man, I felt certain
it would satisfactory with you to write you
from Nome or enroute.

Here are the facts. Before leaving
Stefansson on the road at Livingston, Mont.,
he was giving me final instructions that
I was to the other men in our party, when
he made known to me that he was a little
short of ready cash to meet the bills

2.

for our equipment. He said were he in New
York he could get all the money he needed
without any trouble, but that he needed this
money at once. I then said I might be
able to help him out by wiring home. He
accepted my offer, adding that he would pay
back at the end of one year the one thousand
dollars ($1,000) with 10% interest or I could
hold the stock, which ever I prefered.

It was then that I sent you the
first night letter. When I received your
unfavorable reply, I was afraid you did
not have a clear understanding of the
circumstances so I wired you a second
time. When the money arrived I turned
it over to the company for which I rec'd
ten shares of stock at one hundred dollars
a share. Delphine has the stock and
before leaving, I instructed her to explain
the matter to you. However she may
not be able to explain very clearly so I thought
it best to attempt it by letter.

We are planning on reaching

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Wrangel Island this fall. If we succeed
in doing this we will take possession
of it in the name of King George. By
that time Stefansson will be in England
with a view of getting a lease on
the island, which should be of great value
some day. This, of course, is strictly confidential
and should not be mentioned to anyone.
The reason is, there are several other nations
would want the island if the knew
it's value and knew we were taking it.

I know you will help Delphine in
any way you can with anything concerning
our affairs. She seems a little helpless
in such matters and if you can help
her, I will appreciate it very much.
There must be a few little expenses in the
way of telegrams etc., that I've asked her
to reimburse you. If she forgets, remind her.

I think it is just as well that
all my suits and overcoats be sold. By the
time I can use them again they will
either moth eaten or out of style. Sell
them for what you think they are worth.

-4-

My two trunks I want left at home. If
they are in the way have them placed in
storage, but they must Not go elsewhere.

There is nothing more that I can
think of just now, but if there are other
matters that should have attention you
can go on with them and whatever you
see fit to do, will be satisfactory
with me.

In a few more days we will be in
Nome. I shall write and wire mother
there. I am worried about her health.
From what Tom tells me she is not at
all well. Perhaps my going North and
marriage had something to do with it.
You can assure her that I will be all right
and that it is satisfactory with Delphine
that I go.

The sea has been pretty rough most
of the time that we have been out Seattle.
Quite a few passengers are sea-sick
as the result, but I'm eating regularly and
haven't missed a meal.

-5-

On our arrival at Nome we will
transfer our supplies to a small
schooner that is to take us to our
destination. There will be much work
establishing ourselves before the coming
winter sets in.

I hope I've succeeded in making
myself clear as to the purpose of the loan;
I want to thank you for your kindness
and hope I can return the favor at
some future time.

With best wishes and kindest regards
to all, I remain, loyally your brother,

Fred