stefansson-wrangel-09-10-002-001

January 47th, 1923,

Wrangel Island.

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

In case you should have wintered near the island or
that Knight and I meet with misfortune I am leaving this letter with
Maurer whom I have left in charge.

You doubtless received copy of proclamation made on
this island when we landed.

Maurer can tell you as well as I the nature of the
island from his diary. Game is scarce. Of mineral I have located
none. Fossils a few.

My opinion is that fox trapping would not be profit-
able on this island without a schooner to get walrus and that this
would entail a large outlay to do this profitably. Maurer knows my
ideas on this.

My decision to leave here was made last year with
advise of Knight and on consideration of orders received from you and
the desirability of giving you news. In fact as early as last spring
I considered it and when I saw how sparse seal and bear were I decided
it would be unwise to stay here with the dogs all winter. Especially
so since trapping is not worth staying for. I have taken my diary with
me, my accounts are in my trunk.

We intend to go due south to Siberian coast and thence
along the coast to Serdge, Whaling, Diomedes, Nome.

Maurer and Galle are both good workers and have done
there best. I would recommend Galle to you especially for the trail.

Ada is not extra as a sewing-woman.

It is hard to say what we shall do if we arrive at
Nome and find you are in the north. We will of course follow any advise
you may have left. Otherwise we will use our own judgment.

(Signed) Allan Rudyard Crawford.

January 28th, 1923.

Knight and I returned about a week ago. Knight is
troubled with scurvy. As the five dogs are scarcely enough he was
dubious of making the trip as his strength is undermined. My plans