Letter from Alfred J. T. Taylor to Vilhjalmur Stefansson, 20 March 1922

Thanks very much for your letter of the 10th, which I received on my return from San Francisco this morning.

I think I thoroughly understand your wishes in regard to publicity in the matter of Wrangel Island, and am discussing this whole matter to-day in confidence with Mr. Brown, and you may depend upon the whole business being handled with discretion.

The Stefansson Arctic Exploration & Development Company has had a prominent place on the front door of my office ever since its incorporation, first, because we are proud of the distinction, and secondly, because the law requires it.

You tell me nothing in your letter as to your own plans for the immediate future, and I hope that these may include an opportunity of my seeing you soon.

My friend, W. R. Brown, wired me a few days ago that he was sailing on the "Aquetania" of April 11th for England, to be gone until May. I have been trying to get away from here for the last two months, but am doubtful now whether I shall be able to leave until the summer is nearly over, although I confidently expect to be East within the next thirty days.

May I add my hearty congratulations to the countless number you must have received on the success and excellence of your latest book? Brown lent me his copy and it has already passed the round of at least a dozen of our

V. Stefansson, Esq. -2- March 20/22.

friends here, and on every side I hear nothing but praise. I am really at a loss to know how it is that, having spent so many years of your life away from the haunts of man, you have developed such an outstanding literary style as is evidenced by your last book. I hope that the sale of this volume will run into very large figures, although I know that your greatest satisfaction will come from the sense of having done a thoroughly good piece of work for the benefit of the world at large.

Mrs. Taylor joins me in kindest regards, and we both hope to hear soon that your plans will bring you to the Coast.