stefansson-wrangel-09-04-016

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a fifteen day voyage. The Victoria's first arrival here was August 27th, but bad weather conditions would not permit our landing. After laying off shore a day the Victoria steamed for St. Michael where she remained six days discharging freight.

Our investigation here proved that the Orion is not available for our use being tied up in considerable legal complications.

Mr. Cochran, local attorney and representing the Pioneer Mining Co., claims the Orion is their property inas much as Mr. Lindeberg failed to meet his notes in their possession. The $750.00 furnished by Mr. Lindeberg has been applied against the expense of putting the Orion in commission. At the present writing the Orion is registered in the name of Pioneer Mining Co. and it appears to us that the only way of securing this $750.00 is through legal proceedure.

As the season is already late and the Pioneer Mining Co. and their representative, Mr. Cochran, being antagonistic against Mr. Lindeberg's interests, we consider negotiations with them unwise. It is commonly known here that Cochran is crooked and for many reasons has become very unpopular. I believe you should be acquainted with these facts so as to be on your guard in case of future dealings with this man and the company he represents. The sentiment here is against him.

At present we are awaiting your confirmation of the schooner Silver Wave charter, and additional money to meet purchases of such necessities that were not bought in Seattle. As soon as favorable news is received from you will proceed at once for our destination. It is considerable more expensive having to charter the Silver Wave, but she is the best boat available and in command of a capable captain.

All reports from the north as to ice conditions are favorable. If for any reason our progress is blocked, you can rest assured we will exert every effort to get there. You should know for certain on the re-

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turn of our boat, as I believe Crawford will arrange to have them wire you.

Mr. Anderson from Vancouver arrived in Seattle the day before we sailed and straightened out all our financial wrinkles. The money I received to place in the company was turned over to him, for which he gave me ten shares of stock at $100.00 per share. The conditions also were made clear to him.

If it is not asking too much of you, Mr. Stefansson, I would like to ask another favor of you. It seems I haven't been successful in convincing my mother that the North is a perfectly safe country to live in. She is pretty much worried over my safety, and I'm sure a letter from you, assuring her that all will be well with me, will relieve her of all unnecessary worry. I would also appreciate your writing a similar letter to my wife.

Mother's address:

Mrs. David Maurer, 209 West High Street, New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Mrs. Maurer's address:

911 Robbins Ave., Niles, Ohio.

If you can find time to write these letters, you will confer me a great favor.

All of us are wishing you great success in all your undertaking abroad. Here's hoping you join us next summer. Many people in Nome expect you then.

Respectfully and loyally yours, (SIGNED) F. W. Maurer.

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