stefansson-wrangel-09-20-100

December 31, 1924.

Dear Mr. Maurer:

David Maurer in his article on the Life and Adventures of Frederick Maurer" speaks of "The Adventures of an Arctic Whaler" apparently written by Fred. Was this ever published? I should like very much to see it whether it is in manuscript or printed.

I am just now making up the biographical material of the Wrangel Island party. Your sister's sketch of Fred is excellent. I read it first and decided I would use it, but on reading Dave's sketch I found it so colorful that I shall probably use it instead unless the publishers object to the length of it. I myself am also a little reluctant to make it so long but only because I do not have material for correspondingly long and interesting sketches of the other boys, and I wouldn't like to hurt the feelings of their families by giving a great deal more space to Fred.

Still, of course, a large part of the book depends on Knight's diary and consequently the Knight's would never object to any amount of space given to Fred. But the situation with the Crawfords is so very delicate.

The preceding paragraph requires no answer. I am really only thinking aloud. The only reply needed is with reference to my getting a chance to see "The Adventures of an Arctic Whaler."

Mr. John Maurer, New Philadelphia, Ohio.