stefansson-wrangel-09-04-016-006

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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. Linde-
berg has been applied against the expense of putting the Orion in commiss-
ion. 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 neces-
sities that were not bought in Seattle. As soon as favorable news is re-
ceived from you will proceed at once for our destination. It is consider-
able 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-