Journey to Wrangel Island
Despite the disastrous end to Stefansson’s Canadian-Arctic expedition, Frederick Maurer was not finished with Arctic travel. In fact, he maintained correspondence with Vilhjalmur Stefansson, demonstrating interest and asking to be included in any future expeditions to the Arctic.
After finding out there would be no expedition in 1921, Maurer expresses his disappointment, calling it “regrettable”; yet he still maintains hope for a future plan. He openly demonstrates his interest: “I am very desirous of going North with you”, willing to serve in “any capacity you may see fit to place me”. Maurer gives a lot of trust and respect to Stefansson, excited to be involved with him and the future of the Arctic, whether it involves further exploration or commercialization: “the prospects for future of such a proposition look promising”. Throughout the letter, Maurer repeatedly emphasizes his wishes to travel North with Stefansson, showing this passion and excitmenet he had for the Wrangel Island expedition. It was evident he was hopeful and determined to travel to the Arctic again.
Maurer’s letter to Stefansson also reveals the communication between other members of the expedition before it was even established. Maurer writes to Stefansson about spending time with Knight, where they discussed and ultimately decided they wanted to travel to the Arctic together. In this letter, Maurer further appeals to Stefansson, encouraging the idea of a northern expedition, asserting he is “certain our teamwork would be congenial”. Not only was Maurer excited about the prospect of traveling to the Arctic, but he also formed a relationship with Lorne Knight, finding him pleasant and "likeable" and appealing to Stefansson to include both of them in future missions.
After discussing his own slides, Maurer appeals to Stefansson again, offering his services as “operator for the balance of your circuit or during your lyceum tour this fall or winter”, wishing to return to service. He further emphasizes the idea of Arctic travel: “have burnt all my bridges to go North which I am banking on and hope you keep me in mind”. He appeals to Stefannson as his last chance to go back to the Arctic, revealing how strongly he feels about returning.
Frederick Maurer was clearly passionate about the Arctic, wishing to be involved with any travel or commercialization efforts.
In a letter to his mother, he expresses his desire to join the expedition: "My going North is not for adventurous reasons as it was before, instead we are planning oncommercializing the resources ofthe island along with exploration." Maurer also invested a significant amount on the expedition.
Maurer and Stefansson had primarily a business relationship, as much of the letter details his slides. Maurer joined Stefansson's circuit in his 1921 spring Chautauqua circuit as the opening act. Later that year, Stefansson asked Maurer to join the expedition, and given his respect and admiration for Stefansson, Maurer immediately said yes. His trust for Stefansson was further evident given Maurer's investment, taking out a loan for $1,000 to invest in ten shares of the company.
He obviously had a high regard for Stefansson, but their relationship did extend beyond business partners -- in fact, right before departing for Wrangel Island, Stefansson helped to arrange Maurer's wedding to a woman named Delphine, even stepping in as Maurer's best man. Maurer further expresses his respect and admiration for Stefansson while writing to his mother: "as far as my investment is concerned, it is as safe as Stefansson's reputation" -- an ironic vouch of confidence given the disastrous end to the Wrangel Island expedition. Maurer truly admired and trusted Stefansson, further motivating his participation in the expedition.
Additional Sources