Knight Family - Early Expedition
This page explores the perspective of Lorne Knight's family during the early days of the expedition. Lorne Knight’s family was the most knowledgeable about Arctic exploration even before the trip began. John Irvine, Knight’s father, specifically, understood what the expedition would entail, and seemed personally close with Stefansson, and thus confident that his son would return. In previous letters, John Irvine expressed that he and his son had the utmost respect for Stefansson and would even trust him in an expedition to the moon. In this letter, John Irvine writes to Stefansson on October 19, 1921, only about a month after the expedition group leaves Alaska. John Irvine writes from his home in McMinnville, Oregon, and opens his letter explaining that he is writing in effort to remain in contact with Stefansson. John Irvine also regularly communicates with the Galle family. Given that he is the most knowledgeable about exploration, the Galle family relies on John Irvine for reassurance both before and during the expedition. John Irvine’s understanding of the trip is clear in his predictions of what the group is doing as he writes his letter. He assumes they are preparing for winter, and that they will get one more delivery from the ship Victoria before the winter begins.
Furthermore, John Irvine has a personal relationship with Stefansson which is clear in the letter. Knight includes an update on his fall season, writing about the warmer weather. John Irvine writes, “We have had a very unusual fall here and now it is like summer.” This small talk seems natural in the relationship between Knight and Stefansson. In another letter, John Irvine tells Stefansson about the death of his father-in-law. In other words, John Irvine and Stefansson have a prior relationship beyond the expedition. This relationship likely plays a role in the Knight family's feelings towards Stefansson after the expedition.
John Irvine’s confidence in the expedition is evident in the way he writes about his son’s financial accounts. Lorne Knight made a loan before he left on the expedition. This financial investment suggests that Lorne expected to return alive. John Irvine includes information about this loan in the letter also suggesting that he believes Lorne will eventually return and take care of his finances. John Irvine also explains that he has been collecting his son's mail, another indicator that he is confident in his son’s return. John Irvine’s tone would suggest that his son is on more of a vacation rather than a life-threatening expedition.
John Irvine and Stefansson maintain consistent communication throughout the expedition. He expresses some worries about supplies in a later letter, but never seems too fearful. John Irvine Knight’s relationship with Stefansson and prior confidence likely affects how he and his wife react when hearing of their son’s death.