stefansson-wrangel-09-32-020r

THE SECOND WINTER AND THE TRAGIC END 245

bility of accidents to themselves. Crawford’s letter is
the longer. It is also more pessimistic about the re-
sources of Wrangel Island. This was perhaps natural,
for he was comparing it with theoretical expectations
while Knight compared it with other arctic islands which
he had known.

January 7th, 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 minerals I have located none.
Fossils a few.

My opinion is that fox trapping would not be profitable 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 advice 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 Cape Serdze, Whaling, Diomedes, Nome.

Maurer & Galle are both good workers and have done their 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 advice you
may have left. Otherwise we will use our own judgment.

Allan Rudyard Crawford.