stefansson-wrangel-09-20-035

Cable Oct.8 Letter Oct. 12

Sept. 26, 1923

My Dear Mr. Stefansson:-

Not knowing when you would return to the States I felt I could delay no longer in writing to you.

This has been such a tragic thing to happen. It doesn't seem a reality that our project for good, could have such a complete collapse.

I am broken-hearted and no one knows what a sacrifice this has been.

2.

Mr. Stefansson, in view of all the facts, very discouraging, seemingly no hope at all, I am clinging to that one hope in a million that Fred and perhaps one of his companions will be found some place.

I have taken the situation up with every [some] that I know of. Knowing that perhaps it would do no good. With Senator Fess, the Red Cross etc. The U.S. Revenue

3.

cutter "The Bear", has returned with no report.

Now Mr. Stefansson it seems we must have some answer to this suspense. Will you tell me please, what means you have taken to accomplish an end. To know - means more to me now than anything else.

Despite all the depressing facts, Some how I know there is some one of the party some place.

4.

This is such a ship-wreck! Yet there doesn't seem to be an attitude of finality on my part. I firmly believe Fred is not dead.

Kindly inform me, what steps you taken towards an end. Just some satisfaction as to what is being done will mean so much to me.

The pictures you have asked me for, I will happily let you have. They are a possession which I prize very highly.

5.

but I know they will be well cared for.

I cannot send them from here until next Tuesday, as they have to be collected and written up. The pictures without any information concerning them would be unsatisfactory to you. However this way I am sure you will find them very good and a big asset for publication.

Let me hear from

6.

you at your earliest opportunity.

My thoughts for you are only the kindest Mr. Stefansson, if my husband never returns, I feel he has fulfilled a mission, which will not be void and he did it nobly. Yet, I feel he will live to tell us, and even do more.

Most Sincerely, Delphine Jones Maurer

Mrs. F.W. Maurer 911 Robbins Ave. Niles Ohio.