stefansson-wrangel-09-20-039

Maurer

Nov. 12

New Philadelphia O. Oct 20 - 23

Mr V Stefansson New York

Dear Mr Stefansson

Your very kind letter came to us a few days ago, for which we thank you. We know you feel keenly about this loss of the boys and know you especially felt very kindly to Fred. I don't know if you knew how much Fred admired you. In the many talks I had with him he convinced me that he really worshiped you and would do any thing that would further your interest. I can't understand why he left the island. he gave reasons in the letter to his mother and to Delphine. that is was on acc't of shortage of food and that game was scarce some of the time, but I feel if he had stayed it would very probably been better than he expected. It seemed from this tour of his letters that it would be

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an easy matter to cross the ice to Seberia, and no doubt expected to reach safety within short time. what could have happened to them will probably never be known. Delphine feels sure that he is living and expects to see him again. I had strong hopes myself when news first reached us that they left island, felt it was possible that they may have been taken prisoners by the Russians but since I have gathered together all information, I am satisfied that they did not reach the coast. I don't understand what Ada Blackjack means by saying when they left the island they went the wrong direction. Could you give me any light on that part of her story? We recieved letter from Mr Noice and my sister has wanted to answer it but has put it off. No doubt Mr Noice is with you and if he should go West again would be glad if you would stop

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to visit us and we could have Delphine here at the time, or if he has occassion to stop in Cleveland, Pittsburgh or Canton we would be glad to come to any of the points if he will let us know in time, or if any time you should be in our neigborhood, would like very much to see you, within reasonable distance. also extend invitation to visit us any time, although we know your time is valuable when on the road, but should it be convenient any time for you to stop over, it would please us very much. Your secretary wrote for some pictures, which I sent at once and if there is anything we can help you with, just wire or write and will do all we can. Father and Mother are keeping up well under circumstances. Father is feeble and doesn't realize the seriousness of Fred's situation. Seems to think he will turn up later, and mother tries to keep herself busy so that she won't worry so much, although at times

she feels very badly about Fred, he was our baby brother. We kept on lookout for news and expected the Donaldson bring news that all the boys were well and some would soon be home, so it was a great shock to us, but we know that their is no blame on you it was like many other tradgedys of the north. We want you to know that we feel very kindly to you on account the very high regard Fred always had for you. We sincerely wish you success in any of your under takings and adventures and if we can help you in any way let us know. We thank you for your kind cable, also extend our thanks to Mr Noice in effort he made to reach the boys. Would be glad to hear from you any time Wishing you well.

Sincerely

John Maurer

P.S. My folks all send Kindest Regards. JM.