Letters between Vilhjalmur Stefansson and Alfred J. T. Taylor, 1921

September 19th, 1921.

Dear Taylor:

This is in reply to your letter of September 12th.

While we do not as yet understand why Crawford needs the $2,000 we have, of course, both a legal and moral responsibility in regard to whatever he has done. My idea of the procedure to follow is this:

Ascertain by looking at the Seattle papers, which I suppose are easily obtainable in Vancouver, what time the Victoria sailed on her present trip. She ought to return with mail to Seattle something like twenty days from the time she sailed for Nome. I am afraid this will show that we shall not get Crawford's letters in time to meet the situation, but I hope I am wrong.

It seems to me that nothing drastic will be done in Nome to compel Carl Lomen to pay $2,000 spot cash when the Silver Wave arrives even if he has signed a a guarantee for that amount. When the Silver Wave arrives I suppose they or he will wire either you or me saying what has happened and what is wanted. Meantime I shall try to get the $2,000. I have more than that amount just now but I have already promised to pay within the next two weeks an old debt of a thousand dollars and there will be other expenditures, so I shall have to borrow again. Possibly you may have the good luck to find some one in Vancouver who will come to our assistance either by a further loan or by shouldering a part of my responsibility directly.

Mr. A. J. Taylor, 614 Credit Foncier Building, Vancouver, B. C., Canada.

^ Sept. 19, 1921. ^

Sept. 12th, 1921.

V. Stefansson, Esq., c/o American Geographical Society, Broadway at 156th St., New York, U.S.A.

My dear Stefansson,

On Saturday I received a wire from Crawford that I immediately relaid to you, and am in receipt this morning of your wire of the 11th, and find that Crawford's wire is as unintelligible to you as it was to me. I have not the remotest idea why he wants $2,000. more, and am consequently not taking any further action in this until we receive whatever letters of explanation may be in the mail.

You will have already received my letter confirming that we have sent Crawford $1600., and the balance in the Bank to the company's credit to-day is $754.29.

It appears to us here that Ada Blackjack, whoever she may be, is a somewhat courageous woman. However, I suppose in the course of the next few days we will know the whole history of the difficulties which Crawford encountered in regard to the boat and the arrangements he ultimately made. In any case, I hope the boat is proving seaworthy and the party are well on their way.

We have noted your instructions in regard to sending nightletters as formerly, and dayletters to the Harvard Club. I hope there will be less occasion for the expense of telegrams from now forward.

Looking forward to hearing from you shortly, and meanwhile with our best, I remain,

Yours sincerely, A J Taylor