stefansson-wrangel-09-13-037-001

Nome. Alaska, August 22,1923.

North American Newspaper Alliance,
World Building
New York, N.Y,

From Point Hope 2 AM August ninth period We weighed anchor Nome
afternoon third engine trouble developed same day and much delay
all way Wales STOP Remained Wales three hours took on five eskimo
hunters for trip Made poor time from Wales to Cape Blossom arriv-
ing there morning sixth Because of shallow water Engineer Earl
and I rowed eight miles into Kotzebue and secured complete equip-
ment to repair engine parts Engaged an eskimo family and two un-
married eskimo also took on large quantity additional supplies
guns etc. to insure entire party In event compelled to winter and
establish camps for sojourn two years Secured eleven fine dogs
with harness and complete equipment STOP AFTer all equipment had
been taken on board and eskimo were due to leave shore in their
skin boats I suddenly found that I had an eskimo strike on my hands
due to influence of Missionary who not only told them that they
would be without Christian influence but that the chances were
that I would leave them marooned on Wrangel Island and that there-
for they would never get back to their families and friends I
thereupon proceeded to the Missionary's house with all of the
natives where a serious earnest and at times strenuous conversation
ensued in which I told the Missionary that he as a Christian foster-
ing the spiritual welfare of the natives ought certainly to permit
them to go to rescue of those in dire straights or worse and who
if alive must be famished to return to their families and friends
The Missionary in his night gown and I in my work clothes surrounded
by twenty eskimo made indeed a primitive and picturesque conference
STOP Making no headway I retired and notified the eskimo that I
was leaving at once and that if they failed me I would select my
crew from points farther north whereupon I proceeded to the beach
only to be followed in a few minutes by the entire party of eskimo
who came pell mall informing me that they would follow me STOP I
was doomed for further difficulties this day and reaching the ship
at nine a.m. Captain Hanson for reasons best known only to himself
objected strenuously to taking on board the additional people
supplies and dogs which in my opinion would prove a valuable asset
in the event that we encountered any difficulties and were com-
pelled to make a forced march over the ice to reach the Island
STOP Captain Hanson took a firm stand whereupon I was compelled
to accept his resignation the balance of the crew deciding to
remain with the expedition At eleven oclock we set sail for Point
Hope with weather fine and engines working perfect Early morning
eighth anchored off Point Hope here enjoyed the hospitality of
Reverend and Mrs. Thomas who rendered every assistance possible
and I was compelled to modify my viewpoint considerably with re-
ference to mission work in the north STOP Here I found one more
eskimo family eager to join the expedition and engaged them with
their skin boats STOP The schooner has been thoroughly overhauled
and we expect to make the island in two days sailing unless delayed
by ice conditions Have promoted first mate Hans Olson to sailing
master but I attend to all actual navigation we are maintaining