The Icelandic Canadian - 01.09.2003, Síða 32

30
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
Vol. 58 #1
the Alaskan journey. Learning’s - from his
letter which I received last winter - that his
(i.e.Jon Olafson’s) religious beliefs have
changed for the better, certainly made me
happy. It is a pity that such an intelligent
and good man, like Jon, is so fickle (or
inconstant).
I got a letter from the northern part of
Iceland telling about the same things one
could read in the Nordanfari (a periodical).
Furthermore, the interest in emigrating to
America has decreased considerably even
though both economy and eruptions make
life difficult. But then I think that it is all
for the best that the emigration slows down
somewhat - at least until we Icelanders in
this country have become more prosperous
then is the case at present.
My personal conditions are relatively
good. I and my wife are both in good
health. We lease a small house, leading a
private and simple life. I mentioned before
that I am in charge of Sigtryggur’s business.
It (the business) came into being as
Sigtryggur and a Canadian - named Wilson
formed a company last fall. The latter
financed this business. Last December,
however, their co-operation came to an
end. By then the business had secured
enough creditors in order to be able to con-
tinue. Upon losing their jobs at the rail-
road, Icelanders failed to be able to pay
their debts. The Government responded to
this problem by giving food - worth $300 -
to those who were the worst off.
Nevertheless, we were forced to lend some
others food from our shop making our
credit $5-600.00. In spite of all this we (i.e.
the shop) have still been able to keep our
creditability. The business is still in the
name of Sigtryggur. He does not, however,
work in it at all, since he is busy teaching
school. I am his representative (agent), my
salaries consist of food and housing and
50% of the profits of the business, when
there are is any. However, it is impossible
to know how much the profits are going to
be while the credits stand as they do now.
I sincerely wish that you would
become our minister here, if our colony
comes of age, but the future seems uncer-
tain. Icelanders here are fickle, resulting in
their failure to prosper in America.
I think I had better bring this letter to
an end, and ask you to pardon its faults so
far.
Best wishes from me and my wife to
you and your wife.
Your forever true friend,
Fridjon Fridriksson
When I reread this rubbish I am
stunned by seeing how poorly it is written.
However, I hope that you will write to me
so we can continue our correspondence.
^RESTAURANT
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