stefansson-wrangel-09-27-049

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88

6:00 P.M.

’'Stepped - don’t think this is Rodger’s Harbour. Maurer is
uncertain. Started unloading. Have been very quiet about our business here,
since it appears the Russians think they own the island and their Siberian Patrol
is liable to pay us an unwelcome visit. Finished unloading 11 P.M., came aboard
for meal and wrote till midnight. Up again 2:45 breakfast, then ashore and
raised flag and issued proclamation of which I enclose two copies. Next year
bring a phonograph and records as we had no time to get one. Mr. Anderson has
copies of grocery and hardware bill, so you can see what we lack. At present
we are one mi. west Rodger’s Harbour. Fox and bear tracks abundant. Also bring
Literary Digest, assay outfit and explanatory books - may be placer gold. We
have Eskimo vroman, Ada Blackjack, with us to sew. Lots of grazing for reindeer.
Everyone seems contented. Best of luck on European trip. Call on my people if
in Toronto.

(Signed) Allan R. Crawford

Although this letter was brief, it was satisfactory. In a way
its brevity was one of the most satisfactory things about it, for if there had
been any feeling of inadequacy of outfit or bad prospects in any respect the
letter would have been lengthened to include them.

But although nothing had occurred so far to worry the Wrangell
party or me, something had occurred which appears to have greatly worried Captain
Hamar and his men. The main purpose of our expedition was to continue the
occupation of Wrangell Island beginning in 1914 on behalf of the British Empire against the time
when commercial developments (transarctic flying, northern reindeer ranching, etc.)
should make it valuable. It is possible that the party did not fully realize that
the legal effectiveness of the occupation would depend on the duration and
character of the occupation itself rather than upon any assertions or proclamations.
But they were exuberant over an accomplished success, for there they were obviously

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