Taylor's Management of Finances
Alfred Taylor managed the finances of the Wrangel Island Expedition. Though Alfred Taylor did not travel to Wrangel Island, his work was vital to the voyage’s success. From land, Taylor communicated with Stefansson and sponsors on funding for proper supplies – including a suitable ship. Because Taylor did not travel with Stefansson, he communicated with Stefansson and the Stefansson crew by letter.
This specific letter, dated September 6th, 1921, was addressed from Taylor to Crawford. Taylor begins by apologizing for a delay in the boat arrangements for Crawford’s departure from Nome, Alaska. The delay required a wire of $100, which Taylor “promptly forwarded” to Crawford. Here, the crew’s reliance on Taylor for financial management is clear. Without Taylor’s oversight, Stefansson may have remained stuck on Nome. Alfred Taylor’s value as the crew’s financial manager is also evidenced by his speed – though Taylor wired the money “promptly,” he mentions that he would have wired it even earlier had it not been Labour Day.
In this letter, Taylor also mentions the purchase and charter of the voyage’s primary vessel – the Silver Wave. He asks Crawford for confirmation on the bill amount required for successful acquisition of the Silver Wave. Here, we are introduced to Crawford’s financial disorganization. Crawford did not clearly state the amount required; Taylor wrote, “we do not understand what amount [is needed for wire]”.
Alfred Taylor mentions Crawford’s purchase of Company stock, and admits to advising Stefansson to place a time limit “within which [Crawford must] complete payment for the stock”. Here, Taylor plays both the role of financial advisor and of mediator. In terms of stock amount, Crawford was granted a special privilege – an option of ten shares. Taylor asks Crawford to keep this amount confidential, as “it would not be in the best interests of the company to make a practice of granting such options”. Taylor ends the letter by bestowing well wishes upon Crawford, Maurer, and Knight from both him and his wife.
Source Citation
Taylor, Alfred James Towle. Papers. Rauner Special Collections Library, Hanover, NH. https://n2t.net/ark:/83024/d45t3g62v