stefansson-wrangel-09-20-098

Maurer

C O P Y

December 22, 1924, Niles, Ohio

Dear Mr. Stefansson:

In reply to your letter of the eighteenth, I want to say that to publish Fred's last letter to me would be the last thing I would ever consent to do. To me it is the most precious possession I have and to give it out for most anyone to read would be taking that sacred message too lightly.

I appreciate your broad view upon the matter, Mr. Stefansson, and to do you a favor I would probably give it up, if you had made such a request, however I know you would not, but you know I am ready to assist you with anything, for I know you would never ask the impossible.

I sent the Crawford’s a copy of Fred’s letter, doing the same for them as they did for me. Consequently, they seemed to have analyzed each word and have come to their own dim conclusions. I cannot comply with their request, if I did it would not alleviate their loss, which is no more than the others have to endure, nor would I permit it to defend one member of the party and lay the blame upon two of the others, and two of the most loyal. You will understand, Mr. Stefansson, you have understood through the whole thing.

Most sincerely your friend

(Signed) Delphine

(Mrs. Delphine Maurer 911 Robbins Avenue, Niles, Ohio.)