Letter from Alfred J. T. Taylor to Vilhjalmur Stefansson, 16 January 1922

You should have heard from me weeks ago, but the
fact is that when I reached Toronto, after leaving you in
Chicago, I was suddenly called back to Vancouver by illness
at home, and since my return, although Mrs. Taylor has now
practically recovered, I have been very much occupied with
a multitude of things, and in consequence have neglected my
personal correspondence.

First let me tell you how thoroughly I enjoyed
our short visit together, and how I hope that things have
continued to go well with you, and that you are pleased with
the result of the Canadian election. A great friend of
mine here, Dr. King, Minister of Public Works for British
Columbia, has just been given the portfolio of Minister of
Public Works for the Dominion. The Dominion situation
pleases me, and I hope fits in well with your plans.

The Vancouver "Sun", in my opinion a disreputable
rag, has seen fit to give a couple of front page stories on
the fuss that is going on in Ottawa in regard to the last
expedition. Brown has not run anything in the "Province",
except your story through the Associated Press. I am sorry
that you should be annoyed with this sort of thing, but it
is one of the prices to be paid by all public men.

I wish I knew a little more about the controversy,
and some of the underlying causes for the revival of the
present agitation. Perhaps you will feel free to tell me
about this. On the face of it, it looks like a revival of
an old political football, and I hope that the matter is not
one that causes you any concern.

Am I right in thinking that the lady with whom we
dined in Chicago was Mrs. John Fraser, or have I both the
initials and the name wrong? The reason I am asking is

V. Stefansson, Esq. -2- Jan.16/22.

that there is a possibility of my going to Spokane in the
course of the next few weeks.

Please write soon and tell me how things are go
ing with you, and don’t overlook that I want you to send
me a really good photograph of yourself.

Is there anything to be done yet in regard to this
coming summer’s operation in the North? I think I shall be
free to go to England in March, but I don’t see any hope of
getting away from here before the first of March.

All my own affairs are straightening out satisfac
torily, and the New Year has commenced well. Please write
and tell me what you can of your own plans.

In the meantime, with very kind regards and best
wishes for the New Year, in which my wife and several other
of your friends here join me, I remain,