harold-noice-01-02-15-004

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question would have become one of life and death. We knew
such an appeal would not only injure Mr. Stefansson’s chances of
getting England to take over the island but would injure his
reputation as well for he had stated from the lecture platform
that the boys were in no danger, that one of them might get an
occasional toothache but they would never die of scurvy because
it was so easy to get fresh meat. However, we agreed to wait
as long as possible and give Stefansson every opportunity to
get funds from the government.

When I arrived in Nome in the middle of July there
were only two ships which could be used for the Wrangel expedition.
Both were badly in need of repairs which would take time and time
was an element of vital importance for the Arctic navigation season
is short and every day’s delay would mean a diminution of the
chances of reaching Wrangel Island. By bent of rather forceful
telegrams to the company I succeeded in getting $1,000 and the
promise of sufficient funds to carry on the work. This enabled
me to start repair work on the Donaldson and begin working on
equipment. Then I received communications from the Russian
Government concerning their claims to Wrangel and threatening
me with confiscation of company furs. Under these circumstances
I did not care to assume responsibility for landing supplies and
men on Wrangel Island so I wired the company for further orders.
I received a reply forwarded from Stefansson to the effect that
everybody in London considered fear of Soviet interference