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 going 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 satisfactorily, 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,