stefansson-wrangel-09-16-029-005

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On reaching Tokyo, I went to the American Consul,
Mr. Stuart, or Steward, I think, and told him of Wells' case, showed
him some pictures from Wrangel Island, etc. He was very much interested
in the whole story, and took notes.

On reaching Vancouver, I remembered that your company
had an office in Carters Building some years ago. Through your office
I desired to communicate with you. But your offices were there no more.
Only recently I managed to get your address through the National Geographic
Society.

Some time later, the press brought news of Wells' death
in Vladivostok. A friend of mine has sent me some clippings from the
local paper (Japan Advertiser), where Wells was acclaimed a hero who had
died a martyr in the Bolsheviki's hands, without medical help, in a dirty
Russian hospital, between dirty sheets, etc. I do not believe in that
story, and, as far as I know, nothing of the kind happened. Russian
hospitals, although not as modern as American, are clean, and patients,
irrespective of their nationality or creed, are treated to the best of
the medical staff's ability.

I do sincerely hope, Sir, that this little bit of
information will be of interest to you. Should you like to know anything
else about my association with Wells, please let me know and I shall
gladly inform you to the best of my knowledge.

I remain, Sir,

Yours very truly,

(Signed) Ivan Melnyk

c/o Hudson's Bay Company,
Hazelton, B. C.
Canada.