REPORT

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE

A^ L ^ B K ^ ,

18 8 3

FREDERICK SCH^VATKA,

1st Lieut., :?d Regt. Cavalry, U. S. Army.

WITH MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

WASniNGT(3N:

GOVERNMENT PRINTING- OFFICE.

1885. .

EARTH

SClEMCiLi
• LIBRARY

GEOGRAPHY DEFT,

48th Congress, \ SENATE. ( Ex. Doo.

2d Session. ) ) No. 2.

LETTER

FROM

THE SECRETARY OF WAR,

TRANSMITTING,

hi answer to Senate resolution of April 18, 1884, the official report of Lieu-
tenant SchicatJca of his military reconnaissance of 1883 in AlasJca.

December 3, 1884. — Referred to the Committee on Printing, and ordered to be printed.

War Department,
Washington City, December 1, 1884.
The Secretarj^ of War has the honor to transmit to the United States
Senate a copy of the official report of Lieut. Frederick Schwatka, Third
Cavalry, of his military reconnaissance of 1883, from Chilkoot Inlet,
Alaska, to Fort Selkirk, on Yukon River, Alaska, in compliance with
the resolution of the Senate of April 18, 1884, as follows:

Besolved, That the Secretary of War be, and he is hereby, directed to transmit to
the Senate the oflBcial report by Lieut. Frederick Schwatka, United States Army, of
his military reconnaissance of 1883, from Chilkoot Inlet, Alaska, to Fort Selkirk, on
Yukon River, Alaska.

Accompanying are two letters of the Adjutant-General of the Army,

dated, respectively, April 22 and November 4, 1884, from the latter of

which it will be observed that the delay in preparing a complete copy

of the report of Lieutenant Schwatka was occasioned by the necessity

of procuring copies of the photographic illustrations accompanying the

report.

ROBERT T. LINCOLN,

Secretary of War.
The President pro tempore

United States Senate.

War Department,
Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, April 22, 1884.
Sir : Referring to the Senate resolution of April 18, 1884, calling for
a copy of the report of Lieutenant Schwatka's reconnaissance from Chil-

991439

2 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

koot Inlet to Fort Selkirk, Alaska, made in 1883, I have the honor to
state that the report in question not having been received at this office
a telejjram was addressed to the commanding general Departnient of
the Columbia calling for it.
A reply has just been received from that office, which reads as follows:

Sclnviitka's ri-port not yet reiulercd. Will be in day or two. Very volnuiinousJ
tbroo luiudri'd jtafios nianu8Ciii)t; reciuircs several days to coj)y.

The copy desired by the Senate will be prepared and submitted as

soon as the report reaches this office.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Adjutant- General.
The Hon. Secretary of War.

War Department,
Adjutant-General's Office,

Washington, November 4, 1884.
Sir: Referring to my communication of April 22, 1884, on the sub-
ject, I have the honor to inclose herewith a copy of the official report
by First Lieut. Frederick Schwatka, Third Cavalry, of his military re-
connaissance of 1883, from Chilkoot Inlet, Alaska, to Fort Selkirk, on
Yukon River, Alaska, called for by Senate resolution of April 18, 1884.
The delay in furnishing a complete copy was caused by the necessity
to i)rocure co{)ies of the photographic illustrations accompanying Lieu-
tenant Schwatka's report, which were recently obtained by the com-
manding general Department of the Columbia.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. C. DRUM,

Adjutant- General.
The Hon. Secretary of War.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

Brig. Geu. Kelson A. Miles,

Brevet Major- General United /States Army,

Commanding Department of the Columbia,

Vancouver Barracl's, Washington Territory :
Sir : I have the honor to report that, iu obedieuce to letter of instruc-
tions from your oflfice dated April 7, 1883 (and herewith appended and
marked A), I left Vancouver Barracks, Washington Territory, with a
party of seven persons, all told, the following being its organization :

1. Frederick Schwatka, first lieutenant Third Cavalry, aid-de-camp
to department commander, commanding.

2. George F. Wilson, assistant surgeon United States Army, sur-
geon.

3. Charles A. Homan, topographical assistant United States Army,
topographer.

4. Sergeant Charles Gloster, ComjDany K, First Cavalry.

5. Corporal William H. Shirclilf, Company G, Second Infantry.

6. Private John Roth, Company I, Twentj^-flrst Infantry.

7. J. B. Mcintosh, citizen.

This party, styled the " Alaska Military Eeconnaissance of 1883," left
Portland, Oregon, May 22, 1883, on the Pacific Coast Steamship Com-
pany's collier and freight steamer " Victoria" for Alaska, touching en
route at Astoria, Oregon; Neah Bay, Washington Territory; Victoria,
Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and Port Townsend, Puget Sound,
Washington Territory.

The "Victoria" crossed Dixon Entrance, the channel that separates
British Columbia from Alaska Territory, early on the morning of the
29th of May, and shortly afterward entered Boca de Quadra Inlet,
where freight was left for the Cape Fox Salmon Cannery, an enterprise
just started this year. This cannery is in the Indian country of the
Tongas and (Cape) Foxes. These bands are described under the title
of " Native tribes visited." I have confined my report regarding the
Alaskan Indians strictly to those bands or sub-bands that my party has
visited in whole or in part, but having once opened the subject of any
particular tribe, I have collected and transcribed all the available in-
formation regarding them that I considered to be reliable. Further
than the " Native tribes visited " — the most important informatioii re-
quired of my military reconnaissance — I have made no division of my

3 .

9 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE JN ALASKA.

1 do not boliovo, liowovcr, tliat tliere are over five or six villages of
this t'onstnic'fion and capacity in tbe whole archipelago. Where the
soil wonld allow it, some of tlie Thlinkit tribes have dug cellars under-
neath their cabins for storage i)nrpo.>-es, and also with an idea for de-
fense. The moral eliect on the savage mind of a few shells would make
them uutenable.

The subject of the supersitions of a savage race in its bearing upon
military considerations of them has no importance except so far as their
medicinemen, or shamans (pronounced showman), as they are called in
Alaska, have i)ower to instigate, carry on, or i)revent war. In this
connection the shamans are discussed in each tribe described.

The Thlinkit transportation is one that varies but little with the dif-
ferent tribes, although noted in each. They have two distinct sizes of
canoes, the large or war canoe, which may hold from twenty-five to
fifty or even seventy-five, and the smaller ones for personal use, holding
one or two individuals. The former, once very numerous, are slowly
becoming obsolete, or really degenerating into medium sizes used in
transporting household effects from one village to another as the fish-
eries change their location on which they are dependent. I annex a
good illustration of a war canoe taken from Lieutenant Wood's article
in the Century Magazine of July, 1882, "Among the Thlinkits of
Alaska."

i /

Tm:. 2. — Tliliiikct war cauoc.

1 believe that most of their boats are swifter than any that we could
bring against them, not i)ropelled by steam. They are as good masters
as we of the art of sailing wherever that mode can be adopted. If the

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 7

old military posts should be reoccupied or uew ones established, each
one should therefore be furnished with a steam launch swift enongh to
run down these canoes and large enough to carry a combating force
equal to any village that it may be called upon to assail within the
limits of its district. Tongas, Wrangel, and Sitka were the i^oints
within the Alexander Archipelago occupied bj" troops before it was or-
dered to be abandoned ; but so many new industries have developed
within that time, and other changes been made that vary their useful-
ness, that they should not be reoccupied or new posts established with-
out a critical examination by the proper officers for such duty. The
site personally selected at Killisnoo by the late Brevet Maj. Gen. Jef-
ferson C. Davis, U. S. Army, at one time commander of the Alaskan De-
partment, is well situated and constantly growing in importance.

The grasses of this country are in sufficient quantities to sustain the
limited number of animals that would be required at a military station
for police and post duty, and the fact that the character of the country
makes it imi^racticable to use mounted troops effectively, if at all, makes
the subject of small importance. Baled hay can be readily obtained
for winter forage.

Water supplies for j)osts are unexcelled in the numerous mountain
streams emanating directly from glaciers and snowbanks on the high
hill-tops, and nearly all of these can be dammed at altitudes that would
give ample reservoir for fire or sprinkling purposes or to conduct water
through a post by a system of pipes. Such methods have already been
used in the salmon canneries lately erected in this part of Alaska.

Wood is plentiful and fuel should be obtained as reasonable as at any
post in the department proper. Yellow cedar and Sitkan spruce, or
balsam fir, is in ample quantities for timber, and a portable saw-mill
would save considerable in the construction of a post in furnishing
rough lumber, which is expensive from the high rates of freight to this
part of the Territory. Coal has been found but not in proper quantity
or quality.

While the hardier varieties of vegetables can be grown here with a
little harder labor than in more temperate climates, I think that, in gen-
eral, post gardens will be found to be failures, the limited areas of fertile
soil, the ready access to Portland and Puget Sound markets, at much
cheaper rates, and the uncertainty of success in a garden from year to
year determining this. Such vegetables as can be grown here, and that
would be more or less injured in their freshness by long tri^nsportation,
would probably be raised in small gardens, while the standard varieties
as potatoes, onions, &c., usually issued to troops, would be supplied by
the proper department from the markets indicated, the ease with which
they can be reached making the matter of post gardens of little impor-
tance compared with the isolated frontier forts.

The beef or fresh meat sui)ply will be the hardest to meet, considering
the well-known craving in the American soldier for good warm-blooded

8 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

meats. With a small steamer at the disposal of the military, as already
8u<i-^este<l, tlieiv will be Imt little trouble in sii[)plyin<;- this from Pii^-et
Sound niiiikcts at I'oit TowummmI rates, but in case this transportation
is done l>v pri\ ate lines the exi)ense for any number of troops will be
considerablo. Tiiere are very few i)la('«'s in this part of the Territory
where a herd of eattle eould be l<ei)t even in the summer b(^yond the
time that would be uecessary for them to pick up the flesh they had lost
in transportation, but meat once killed can be kept quite a while in
good condition with but very little trouble. Hogs will do better, and
will ])robably enter into the soldier's diet in a larger ration than at other
army posts. A bill of fare in this ])art of Alaska can be varied by clams,
mussels, herring, codfish, salmon, and halibut, in the way of cold-blooded
meats, the latter existing in large quantities; in fact nearly all sorts of
fish swarm in these waters, the principal industries being fisheries, and
likely to remain so until civil law is extended over the Territory so as to
protect lumbering and miniing interests, these three being the staple in-
dustries, i)resent and prospective, of Southeastern Alaska. Venison,
■wild goat, mountain sheep, and black and brown bear's meat may be
bad occasionally. Ducks and geese are abundant in their season.

The general liealthfulness of this district will compare favorably with
any in the United States, onlj' such diseases as are produced or aggra-
vated by prolonged damp weather — the general climatic state of this
country — being worthy of notice in their causation or therapeutics.

As to the general warlike tendency of the Thlinkits it must be said
that they have been very peaceable since we have come into possession
of the country, with but a few^ excei)tions, although some of their bellig-
erent acts show that they can be very combative when that faculty is
aroused. The Kakes of Kuprinoff Island of the Alexander Archipelage,
as late as 1857, made a hostile excursion in their war canoes as far as
Puget Sound, and killed the collector of customs at Port Townseud.
The Chilkats, in 1851, made a descent of over 500 miles from their
country, across the mountains, down the Upper Yukon, with its lakes
and rai)i(ls, in order to burn a Hudson Bay post (Fort Selkirk) that was
interfering with their inland trade. Such acts do not belong to a very
cowardly race, and these acts could be extended beyond those cited.
The bold, rugged character of their country, the consequent severe exer-
cise necessary to procure skins for clothing in the past generations, and
the results still inherited more or less in the present, the large number
of petty tribes constantly jarring about mooted matters of savage poli-
tics, all go up to give them a sort of warlike morale, not to be expected
by the closest student of Indian character, who might superficially
reason from their fish-eating, easily subsisted, and i)resent indolent and
quiet existence. Like all Indians, however brave, they are mortally
afraid of cannon, Gatling guns, and any other large arms not used by
themselves, and a single well-directed shell would have more moral
eflect and less fatal results in bringing them to terms than a village full

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA 9

of corpses produced by weapons with which they are familiar and can
meet man for man, gun for gun. Tlie fact, already noted, that all their
villages and camps are near the edge of navigable waters makes this
statement of military importance in the consideration of these tribes.

The arms of these tribes are quite inferior in quality, but are grad-
ually improving as the country is settling uj), and it will be a mere
matter of time when they may be equal if not superior to ours. Their
sources of supply for ammunition, while adequate for present wants with
muzzile-loading guns, will be more precarious as they adopt improved
weai)ons, and doubly so in case of war. The quality of arms and sources
of supply of ammunition are more minutely described with each tribe.

The most friendly feeling exists between the white people and Indians
of the archipelago, and this is quite noticeable among the older and
permanent residents of the former class, many of whom declare that if
a war is ever occasioned it will more than likelj^ be the fault of the
whites. Such expressions, so foreign to frontier parlance, augurs well
for the relation between the two elements. Through the medium of
labor offered by the new industries springing up in this coast-water
strip, the Indians are gradually learning the value of money and its
many benefits, and where this foothold has been gained all other ben-
efits in their behalf sink into insignificance compared with it.

Everywhere I found a sincere desire for the reoccupation of Alaska
by the military, more probably in the fact that it represented some
permanent form of law and order than any anticipated trouble from
Indians. The unsolicited expressions conveying these desires, often
the first part and burden of the conversation, were too prominent and
general not to be genuine. In fact, it was their prominence and from
evident desires of citizens that this paragraph finds its way into my
report, for it formed no part of my instructions. The almost total lack
of civil and criminal law in Alaska is also beyond my province, except
so far as it might possibly affect the military if called upon ; but no good
citizen can visit the Territory and see the many evils resulting there-
from without at least noting them as a fact, whatever may be the object
of his visit.

In closing this general account of the Thlinkits I shall give a very
brief summary of the principal tribes not visited and described in full,
using the best data obtainable.

The Hydas or Haidahs inhabit the southern part of the Alexander
Archipelago and the northern part of the Queen Charlotte Archipelago
(the northwestern outlying islands of British Columbia), and number
about 500 in Alaska Territory, one-third of whom, as with the rest of
the Thlinkits, may be considered warriors. There are two main villages
of them, the Kaiaganies near Kaigau Harbor, and the Kliarakans near
the Gulf of Kliarakan.

The Hennegas, in and around Cape Pole, number probably 350 to
400.

10 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

The Cliatsinas, not far from the hitter and numbering probably a
tritie more. The hist two are reported to be more peaceful than the
former, who are credited with havinj; murdered the crew of a small
tradinj; vessel visiting their country.

The Kakes (Kakus) already noted, who occupy the Kuprianoflf Island,
the greater majority of whom are concentrated on the northwestern
part, in and around the vilhige of Klukwan. There are estimated to be
between 800 and 1,200 souls. They are one of the most warlike bauds
of the Thliiddts.

The Kous or Koos, uumberiug 600 to 700, are very similar to the
Kakes in disposition, and occupy the shores of Kou Island, just west of
the Kuprianoff Island, with their principal village (Kou or Koo) directly
opposite Klukwan, the Kake viUage, and almost in sight of it.

The Sundowns (or Soundun) and Takos, numbering 350 to 450, who
live on the mainland from about Tako Kiver to Prince Frederick Sound,
their principal villages being Shuk and Sundown or Sounduu, both on
Stephen's Passage.

The Hoodsuahoos, numbering 750 to 000, who live along the northern
shores of Chatham Strait.

Besides these there are the Asonques and others of less importance
and of whom but little is known.

We left the Cape Fox Cannery in Boca de Quadra Inlet shortly after
noon of the 29th of May, and proceeded towards Wraugell, which is on
the northern part of an island of the same name, arriving there at 4.30
a. m. on the 30th. Near here was Fort Wrangell, one of the three posts
formerly occupied by the military. The Indians in and around this
point are Stickeens, described under the head of Indian tribes. Their
immediate village lies on the rocky beach just east of the town, and is
of the usual stereotyped Thlinkit character, a row of log buildings be-
tween high-tide and dense timber, with gable ends facing these, and
back of them the graves of the medicine-men, all others being burned,
I believe, while in front are the totem poles, signifying the ''family
tree," of the particular cabin dweller before whose door they stand.

Wrangell itself is not much less rickety in appearance than the Indian
village alongside, and is kept alive by the miners passing to and from
the Cassiar mines on the Stickeen River within the British Possessions.
Many of these miners also winter here, and there is much more business
done than its lifeless appearance would indicate.

We left Wrangell at 8 a. m., rounded Cape Ommaney, the southern
cape of Baranoff Island, between 5 and 6 p. m., en route to Sitka, where
we arrived at 5 o'clock next morning, May 31. Baranoff Island, with
Sitka on its seaward face, is the land of the Sitka Indians, a tribe de-
scribed in full in the proper subhead. Sitka Harbor is one of the best
in Alaska Territory, and while the channel is a little tortuous, once
within it is finely protected by an outlying chain of islands and reefs.
The old Russian barracks at this place were once occupied by troops

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 11

and are still kept in good order, and furnished ample shelter to the ma-
rines of the man of-war stationed in Alaskan waters under the orders
of the Treasury Department. Like all points facing directly on the Pa-
cific coast of this continent, and which are under the influence of the
deflected Japanese current, its climate is much more equable both sum-
mer and winter than corresponding points inland and on the Atlantic
coast. The mean summer temperature, as shown by nearly twenty years'
observations, is a little below " temperate " on the Fahrenheit scale,
while the mean for the winter is about "freezing" on the same scale.

The wreck of the Eureka in Peril Straits, just north of Baranoff Island,
was visited in order to leave some wrecking machinery, and a good
chance was had to visit the shore and get a general idea of the char-
acter of the land. The rugged inequality of the land, its constant inter-
section by channels of the sea, large and small, have all been dwelt upon.
Viewed from these channels nothing is seen but a dense growth of dark
evergreens, covering the steep mountain-sides, and oue would think
from the great incline that it would be at least well drained and dry.
But even here there is a thick spongy covering of moss, amply saturated
with the numerous rills trickling down the hill, and which makes climb-
ing more than doubly laborious. It covers dead logs, quaking bogs,
and slippery shale or shingle, and persons cannot tell when they will
receive a severe fall or sink in up to their knees, if not farther. Ouce
on top of the hills, a few openings clear of timber are found, but if any-
thing the bog is deeper, the moss thicker, and a luxurious growth of
aquatic plants and bushes often conceal the innumerable small ponds
connected by a network of sluggish channels of oozy mud. Here bear,
deer, or mountain goats may be encountered, but from the difficulties
presented Indians or white men do very little hunting. Every one trav-
els by water and by water alone.

On the 1st of June, about 4 p. m., we reached Killisnoo, in Chatham
Straits. Killisnoo was formerly a whaling station of the Northwest
Trading Company, and has been converted into a cod-fishing station,
which must be remunerative from the improvements they are making.
A large pile dock, probably the finest in Alaska, gives easy access to
their buildings on the land. Directly opposite this is the village of the
Kootznahoo Indians (described farther on in full), and the site picked
out by the late Brevet Maj. Gen. Jeff. C.Davis, colonel Twenty-third
Infantry, as the best in the archipelago for a military post. Since that
date its importance for such an object has become more marked by the
geographical distribution of the new industries springing up in this part
of Alaska. A great many of the Kootznahoo Indians had their faces
blackened, a fact 1 noticed among a number of other tribes to a greater
or less extent, which was explained as being a protection from the bright
glare of the waters while fishing on them.

Twelve hours' run from Killisnoo, almost due north, brought us to
Pyramid Harbor in Chilkat Inlet at the head of Lynn Channel. Here

12 MILITAKY KH(;ONNAl.SSANCE IN ALASKA.

tlii'ic are two salinoii caiinoiit's, recently erected, one on either side of
the iidet, witli j^ood prospects that I have since heard have been fully
verilied. 1 dis('inl)arked my jtarty at Pyramid Harbor at the lai-ge can-
nery of the Northwest Trading' C«)mpany on the west side of the inlet,
and everythinji: was done by Mr. Carl Spuhn, its sni)erintendeiit., to
facilitate my movements in tliis vi(;inity, and to assnre the success of
my expedition in the future, and his aid was of the most serviceable
character.

]My instructions, •' to endeavor to complete all information m each sec-
tion of the country before i)roceeding to another, in order that should
time not permit the full completion of this work it may be taken up the
following: season," had induced me to choose the valley of the Yukon
Kiver as that district of the most importance in the Territory and of
which little or nothing w^as known in a military sense. The slow prog-
ress that had been made in previous explorations from its mouth, fight-
ing its swift current, led me to think that this obstacle could be made
to subserve my purpose in descending it from its head if it could be
reached under favorable cn^cumstances. Also the fact that I was in
general exi)ected to complete any chosen district in a single summer had
weight in investigating the \'ukon Kiver from this end. There are some
three or four passes through the coast range of Alaskan mountains
leading from the inland passages of the Pacific Ocean to the sources of
the Yukon River, one of which, called the Taliko, I believe had been
crossed by Mr. Byrnes, a practical miner, who, employed by the West-
ern Union Telegrai)h Company in 1807, made this journey as far as
Lake Tahko of my map, coming down the river, uuirked coming in on its
south side, and was here recalled by a courier sent by the com[)any, who
had abandoned the enterprise owing to the success of the Atlantic
cable.

No surveyed map was made of this journey or ever demanded by his
employers, as near as I can learn, and if the rest is as inaccurate as the
part he has furnished from memory, and which I afterwards visited in
small part, this route is still open for exploration.

The Lynn Channel, at its head, divides into two deep inlets the Chil-
kat and Chilkoot, each receiving rivers at their heads, and from these
valleys lead out trails that reach different sources of the Yukon River,
and that have been known to have been traveled by the Chilkat and
Chilkoot Indians, respectively, for many years in the past, the object
of these expeditions being to trade with the interior Indians, the Tahk-
heesh, or, as the white men call them, the " Sticks."

Over the first pass (the Chilkat) to the head of the Tahkheena the
onlj' explorer to traverse it has been Dr. Krause, of Berlin, sent out by
the Bremen Geographical Society to make explorations and especially
ethnological collections in the Schukchi Peninsula of Siberia and Alaska.
Since returning, I also learn by his report to that society that he had
traversed the Chilkoot Pass. These maps, like all work done by the

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 13

Kranse Brothers, were of tlie most excellent character and valuable for
future reference. They appear in the proceedings of the Bremen Geo-
graphical Society for 1882, and should be copied and kept ou file in the
proper ottice of these headquarters. From Indian reports I understand
that it takes about twelve days for them to make this Chilkat-Tahkheena
portage, carrying their effects upon their backs, but once over this long
portage the Tahkheena has no important falls or rapids from the lake
at its head to its junction with the Yukon. The Chilkat River has also
a trail at its head leading over to the stream emptying into Yukatat
Bay, which tl>e Indians make, loaded as described, in about fifteen to
eighteen days. I was told by one, who is undoubtedly good authority,
tliat these two trails were the only ones used by the Chilkats going from
the inlet and river of the same name back into the interior, theChilkoot
trail being monopolized by the Chilkoot Indians, although they are a sort
of independent subtribe of the Chilkats and often associated with them
iu descriptions and in reality closely interwoven. The Chilkoot trail
leads up the inlet to a branch one called the Dayay and through it to
the mouth of a river of the same name, thence to its head and across
the mountains to one of the sources of the Yukon, and requires only
three or four days to be made, its disdvantages being the three or
four caiions, rapids, or cascades that obstruct that part of the river to
which it leads. It was the route taken by my purty and is described
more in detail in the running account of the voyage. Over it the Chil-
kats were not only allowed to travel, but the Indians of the interior, the
Tahkheesh or "Sticks," are permitted to cross out to the Pacific waters,
a blockade once thoroughly maintained against them by both Chilkats
and Chilkoots over their respective passes. Mining j^arties, in small
numbers, had also crossed this trail iu order to prospect the headwaters
of the Yukon for valuable minerals, but as far as any results were ob-
tained, outside of their imposed labors, nothing had been gained by
their attempts ; still their adventurous efforts should receive the highest
commendation, for hadthej" been or should they be successful in devel-
oping rich mineral in this section of the country (which must be limited
in its industries to minerals and fisheries), they would do a practical
good only to be measured by the value of the discoveries.

The Indian packers over these mountain jjasses usually carry 100
pounds, although one I had walked along readily with 127, and a miner
informed me that his party employed one that carried 160. The cost of
carriage of a pack (100 i>ounds) over the Chilkoot trail for miners has
been from $9 to $12, and the Indians were not inclined to see me over
at any reduced rates, despite the large amount of material required to
be transported, some 2 tons. By giving them two loads, or doubling
the time over the portage, a slight reduction could be had, not worth
the time lost in such an arrangement, and I made contracts with enough
of them to carry my effects over at once. Mr. Spuhn was also very ener-
getic in his efforts to secure for me better terms but without avail, and

14 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

after 1 li;ul crossed the trail I in no way blamed the Indians for their
stubbornness in nuiintainin<jj what seemed at Urst sij;ht to be exorbitant,
aud Duly wondered that they would do this extremely fatiguing labor
so reasonably.

The head chief of the Crow clan of the Chilkats had died about the
time of my arrival, and his sumptuous funeral, conducted iu a village
about 15 milies above Pyramid ITarbor, stretched over several days of
feasting and orgies before his body was to be burned on a funeral pyre,
seriously threatened to delay my expedition getting away, but I do not
think we lost over a day thereby.

The party jiot away at 9.50 a. m., iu a large skiff' and nine or ten
canoes towed by the launch "Louise," belonging to the Northwest Com-
pany, the latter carrying the heavy effects and the former mostly loaded
with the Indians, some forty to forty-five in number, intended as packers.
The course was down (south) the Chilkat Inlet around Point Seduction
aud up (north) the Chilkoot Inlet to the Chilkoot mission, now occupied
by the Kev. Mr. Willard and family as a missionary station and school,
and was formerly the trading station of the Northwest Company until
their cannery was established in the Chilkat Inlet. I walked across the
narrow peninsula separating the two iulets about 3 miles, I believe, and
found it well wooded, the trees doing well enough for sawing timber if
required. There was grass 4 aud 5 feet high on the trail, aud the innu-
merable flowers in bloom looked very much unlike the general idea
of Alaska, until the mountains that surround these little valleys were
brought in view with their tops aud gulches buried iu snow and glacier
ice.

At Chilkoot mission four or five canoes with the usual complement of
Indians (about twenty Chilkoots) were attached to the already long
chain, and at 2.15 p. m. got away up the Chilkoot lulet. Shortly after
we entered the Dayay Inlet, an arm of the former, aud at 6 o'clock p. m.
reached its head where the Dayay River comes in. Here the effects
were lightered ashore in the canoes and skiff", aud the launch returned.
Before camping, the stores and supplies were put in canoes aud
" tracked up " the river about a mile, the mouth of the stream being
really but a complex mass of miul fiats, here deposited by the river and
held back by the tides and prevailing southern storms. A short dis-
tance above the new camp (No. 2) a camp of Tahk-heesh or "Stick"
was found, and I employed a few to complete my quota, aud also to re-
lieve those that had brought along squaws, their wives, to do their
complement of the hard work, these poor creatures receiving nothing
for their labor. Also a spare one was secured in case of sickness in
such a large force.

The Dayay Inlet and valley is of the same general character as the
inland passages of the archipelago, a river-like inlet between high hills
covered with spruce and pine nearly to the top, the latter predominat-
ing in the lower levels the former in the higher, aud capped with barren

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 15

granite mountaius, covered ou the toi) and in the gulclies with snow and
glaciers, which furnish water for innumerable cascades and waterfalls.
These glaciers ou the mountain-tops become better marked as the river
is ascended. One on the west tide of the Dayay may be said to com-
mence opposite the mouth of that stream, if not before, and continue
along it some 10 or 12 miles until its outline could no longer be followed
in the fog and mist that nearly always cling to their faces, especially
during the warm summer months, when the atmosphere charged with
moisture from the warm waters of the near Pacitic is driven against them
by the sea breezes.

The Oregon blue grouse could be heard hooting in the woods, and in the
quiet evenings a perfect chorus of them filled the air. Trout had been
caught in the fish-weirs of the " Stick " Indians, and offered us for sale, al-
though the most persistent fishing the whole length of the river with both
fly and bait was unrewarded. This may be due to the discoloration of
the water by a whitish mud ground off the mountain sides by the glaciers
cutting through calcareous rock. The tracks of black bear, fresh and
old, were very numerous, and one was seen but not secured. The val-
ley of the Bayay, like so many in this part of Alaska, would make a
favorite summer camp for those officers and men who wished to break
away for a while from the routine monotony of garrison life. Mountain
goats and deer can also be added to the game list. From the foot of
the steep mountaius on one side of the Dayay Valley to the other — about
one-half to three-fourths of a mile — the river bed and the valley is filled
with great bars of bowlders, sand, and coarse gravel, with here and
there groves of poplars, willows of several varieties, and birch. The
river is very swift, averaging from 30 to 75 yards in width to the head of
canoe navigation in a cascade 10 miles from its mouth, although half as
far again j)robably by the stream, winding from one side to the other of
its narrow valley. It often breaks into many channels, and occasionally
a fording place for footmen can be found in wide shallow rapids. To
the head of canoe navigation most of the party's effects were "tracked"
in canoes, although those Indians not having these craft were com-
pelled to at once commence carrying their loads upon their backs, their
ungenerous companions not allowing them the use of their canoes, al-
though as far as I could see it would have entailed no extra labor to
have done so. That it was mere selfishness is shown in the fact that I
knew several of them even refused to ferry their loads across the stream,
thus forcing the packer to a devious route to some fording place, or
even over the mountain spurs to avoid it altogether. lu cases of sick-
ness of companions they are no better, stoutly demanding a share of
the spoils, and I had no occasion to regret my spare packer taken along
for such emergencies. These restrictions apply to the Chilkats and
Chilkoots, the Tahk-heesh or "Stick" Indians forming a commendable
contrast, their reasonable and humane conduct to each other being no-

MILITARY RKCONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

ticcd wlu'icvor tliey wi-re encountered, IVoin here nearly to old Fort
Selkirk.

Directly at the head of canoe navijiation there is no f?ood camjMng
place, and our camp (No. 3) was made about a mile short of the cascade
that marks it. We white men had been compelled to wade the river a
number of times to reach it, but our spare packer had been used as a
means of transportation, his lejjs being- more used to the ice-water just
from the jjlacier beds on the hill-tops.

After going into camp the greater majority of the Indians spent their
spare time in gambling at a game called la-hell, in which there was a free
interchange of dirty clothing and prospective wealth accruing from this
particular trip, their orgies and rude savage songs often las-ting i)ast
midnight. This, combined with the Pompeiian pictures engraved on
their rude birch-bark hats, showed that they were still open for mis-
sionary eflbrt.

About 2J miles beyond the head of canoe navigation on the Daj'ay
the Jfourse Eiver comes in from the west, and althougli receiving a
different name by the Indians (the Kut-lah-cook-ah) is really the great-
est in breadth and volume of water of the two forks. The valley of
the Nourse is alpine and i)icturesque beyond descrii)tion. A large lake
is found at its head according to Indian authority, a system of sources
quite common among the rivers of this mountainous part of the coun-
try. A short distance bej'ond the mouth of this west fork camp l^o.
4 was established near some perpendicular blocks of basalt rock, and in
view of another glacier extending down between the two rivers. Here
a dense grove of small firs near the river bank kept a number of the In-
dians busy cutting long, slender fishing-poles, which they put, away in
secure i)laces to be taken home ujton their return from my expedition.
These poles, when seasoned, are pointed with a double-barbed gig, like
the one shown in the figure, and which is a very common fisliing in-
strument among all the natives of sub-Arctic America.

Fig. 3.

Up to camp 4 the labor had been very light, even for tlie packers,
believing it to be a fair indication of the trail ahead, I had come

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 17

to the concliisiou that their high charges were exorbitant and the port-
age very easy to be made.

Ou the 10th the party started at 7.30 a. m., the trail leaving the nar-
row valley, oftentimes not wider than the river bed itself, and leading
np over the mountain spnrs of the eastern Side of the stream. The in-
land walking has already been described, and the present was no im-
provement on it in any particular. Occasionally the path would debouch
into the river-bed wherever it was wide enough to give a mile or two
of walking and wading, and then would strike over the mountain sides
again. At places on the latter it would be very easy to lose the trail
where they followed for long distances over great winrowsand avalanches
of broken bowlders and shattered stones varying in size from a person's
head to the size of a small house. These grand barricades of bowlders,
more often of crescentic shape across the course of some steep gulch or
ravine, are of very recent origin, as shown by their often embedding
willow and birch trees not over twenty to thirty or forty years old and
still alive, half way up to their tops or 10 to 20 feet from their original
stumps.

Although the distance to camp 5 was but a little over 10 miles, it
was fully equal to 30 miles over an ordinary road, and consumed twelve
hours in passing over it, the greater part of this time, however, being
occupied in resting from the extreme fatigue incurred while traveling
over short but severe stretches. The last few hundred yards was over
snow banks, and with the pass through the coast mountains directly
ahead of us covered with snow to our feet. This camp 5 is at what is
known among the Indians traversing this pass as the " stone house,"
but is really only a jumbled mass of huge bowlders so thrown together
that the natives can crawl under them and find sleeping places without
being in contact with the snow.

Nothing could show the endurance of these Indians better than to
state a fact that occurred after going into camp at this place. A mount-
ain goat was seen on the highest ridges of the mountains to the west
of the valley, some 2,000 to 2,500 feet above our position, and was im-
mediately hunted by one of the Indian packers, who passed around him
and came back upon his position, frightening him, however, before he
could get a shot. He then chased the animal, almost keeping up with
him, down into the valley where we camped, and up the steep mountain
slopes of the eastern side, equally as high as those mentioned, and all
this immediately after he had carried over a hundred pounds across the
trail which has been described.

The greater portion of the Indians and white party were under way
on June 11, shortly after 5 o'clock in the morning, and the pass
through the mountains directly ahead at once essayed, and so steep
and difficult was it that it was not before 10 o'clock that morning that we
had reached the crest, 4,100 feet above the sea-level and probably 3,000
feet above camp 5, although the distance gained forward could not
S. Ex. 2 2

Mll.lTAin' in:C()N\AISSAN'CK IN ALASKA.

have been iiuu'li over L* miles. It seemed marvelous beyond measure
liow these small Indians, not avera^injj;^, I believe, over 140 i)ounds each,
could carry 10(» pounds up such a precipitous mountain, alternately on
steeply inclined jilacial snow aiul treacherous rounded bowlders, where
a misstep in many i)laces could have hurled theui hundreds of feet
down the slope or precipices. The stunted branches of trailiufj vines
and their roots, and even on their hands and knees, were often used in
the steepest ascents. Many of them had rough alpenstocks cut in the
Dayay Valley with which they steadied themselves in bad jjlaces, and
on the snow covering the mountain sides trails were madeby advance
parties arranging footholds inclining inwards before essaying them
with their i)acks.

1 would state here for the information of the department commander
that photographs taken by the drj-plate amateur process were secured
at such places as were of interest and the time and method of trans-
porting would allow. Mr. Homan, topographical assistant, acted as pho-
tographer. The ])lates, originally 5 by 8 inches, have been compelled
to be trimmed down to the size submitted herewith, owing to some de-
fect in the camera or lens in not extending the view fully to the edges

of the plate. Many of the plates are defective, as will be seen by in-
spection, and are only tit to be used by artists in securing accurate
sketches of the country or incidents portrayed. I have since learned
from a professional photographer, Mr. Davidson, of Portland, Oreg., who
has develoi)ed my plates — forty-two in number — that considering the
brand and reputation of the plates used, the cheap character of the pho-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

tographic apparatus, and tlie rough nature of such an exploration, with
its crude transportation, that the photograj)her deserves the greatest
credit for doing so well under such circumstances. I would like to add
that no expedition for obtaining information of any character should
be sent to such an isolated and imperfectly understood country as
Alaska without a photographic apparatus and accessories of the very
best character, and with a good trained manager for the same if pos-
sible. The greatest good to be obtained is too evident for discussion.

Figure 4, given above, is a view of camp 1, at Chilkat Alaska, look-
ing directly against the bold bluff" back of the cannery of the Northwest
Company.

After departing from Chilkat but two of the tents were used, or car-
ried along, and a great deal of the heavier and less useful baggage left
in charge of Mr. Carl Spuhn, at the cannery. Back of the center, be-
tween the two middle tents, can be seen a bank of snow (June 6, 1883),
and in such jjrotected places these can be seen the year round, even at
the sea-level, and in positions well separated from glaciers, where they
would be expected to be found.

Fig. 5 represents a view^ from same standpoint as No. 2, but looking
northward up Dayay Valley. Below the mist and fog covering the gla-
cier of the mountain can be seen a small finger of the Saussure glacier
putting down a little farther than usual.

Fig. 5.

The i^acking over the pass (named Perrier Pass) was of the most
severe Alpine character of climbing, suj^plemeuted by the immense
loads already described.

After leaving the notch in the pass, the hills or mountains still tow-

20 MILITAKV KKCOXNAISSANCK IS ALASKA.

erin<;' troin 1,000 to L*,000 I'eet on eitlior side, as near as could be rou<;lily
estimated tliroujih the driftinf; fofj, and buried in glacier ice, the descent
for the tirst two-thirds of a mile is tolerably raj)id on to a lake, possibly
an extinct crater, which it closely resembles, called Crater Lake, of about
100 acres in extent, and which the Indians told nie, and which surround-
ings corroborate, is the head of the Yukon River. This lake was still
frozen over (June 11), and the ice covered with snow in a melting con-
dition.

I noticed that day that tlie Indians in following a trail on snow up
hill, or on a level, or even a slight descent always follow in each other's
tracks as much as possible, so that my large packing train made a trail
that could easily be accounted for by supposing that only five or six In-
dians had passed over it. When going down a steep descent, however,
each one makes his own separate and distinct trail, and they scatter out
over many yards. I thought this worth recording in estimating their
numbers under such circumstances.

Some G to 8 miles of snow was passed over on the trail that day, the
entire distance traveled being about 15 miles, reaching camp at 7 p. m.,
the distance being fully equal to 50 miles of walking on an ordinary
road. In manj' places before reaching camp the snow bridge over the
river had tumbled in, revealing j)eri)eudicular abutments of snow banks
often 20 to 25 feet deep.

Camp G, the first one on the waters of the Yukon River, was on a
beautiful Alpine lake, over 10 miles long, and picturesque beyond de-
scription. Here the greater majority of the hired Indians were paid ott
between 7 and 9 p. m., many of them returning that night over the
Kotusk Mountains to the head of the Dayay at " the stone houses," it
being light enough at midnight, especially on the whitesnow, to see the
trail perfectly.

Tr might be of importance in a military sense to know if a Govern-
ment pack-train of mules could pass over the trail from head of canoe
navigation on the Dayay River, or even the mouth of that stream to
Lake Lindeman. As the trail now stands, or as we passed over it, I
should say not ; but believe one could be possibly found by a competent
person inspecting this route for that particular jiurpose. As far as ''the
stone houses" a rough trail could be had by woodmen clearing it at
needed intervals. From " the stone houses" to Lake Lindeman the
trail would depend more on the time of year than any other function, it
being better in winter when the snow would be harder than the
spring or summer, although in these seasons I do not look on a trail as
impracticable, if a proper search be made with that object in view. The
iact that the country beyond Perrier Pass, in the Kotusk Mountains,
lies in British territory (as shown by our astronomical observations and
other geographical determinations when brought back and worked out)
lessens the interest of this trail beyond the pass to the military au-
thorities of our Government.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 21

On Lake Lindenian there were a couple of very dilapidated " dug
out" canoes, and the Tahk-heesh or " Stick" Indians owning them rep-
resenting that the lake was but a few miles in length, in fact just around
Cape Koldewey, of the map, and that they could transport all my goods
in two days, I accepted their offer, knowing that the draining river of
Lake Lindeman was full of rocks, rapids, and cascades, which a raft,
my proposed method of navigation, would not pass according to their
testimony, and not desiring to build two within such a short distance.
A continuous gale of several days from the south effectually put a stop
to their contract, the consequent waves on the lake being sufficient to
swamp them should they venture in such rough water. Accordingly,
the 13th of June, about noon, the party commenced building the raft,
which was finished the next evening, on a plan of 15 by 30 feet, and one
deck of pine poles amidships, Mr. Homan deserving considerable credit
for its plan and superintending its construction, all the white men doing
well, and the Indians as good as could be expected from their well known
aversion to monotonous work of routine character.

The morning of the loth of June the raft was tested by eleven per-
sons of the party on its deck and found to be inadequate for carrying all
the effects and party, owing to the small logs of dwarf spruce and con-
torted pine with which the builders had been constrained to construct
it. About half the effects were placed on board, and three of the white
party put in charge, a wall-tent si)read for a sail, and at 9.20 a. m. she
was cast loose to sail the length of the lake, which she did by 3.15 in the
afternoon, so strong was the wind blowing. Although waves fully 2 feet
high were running, so well were the effects protected by canvas above
and below, and so high was the ])ole deck, that nothing was injured by
the water that constantly broke across the raft. Mr. Homan, Mr. Mc-
intosh, and Corporal Shircliff' had been in charge of her during this
day. The remainder of the party walked overland by the eastern shore,
the journey being very fatiguing, although a pack-train trail could be
made here with a little work in shape of woodcraft. The remainder of
the effects were brought by canoes in the hands of my own Indians.

I might add here that from the Kotusk Mountains, along the part of
the Yukon Kiver we traveled, as far as its junction with the Pelly, or
at old Fort Selkirk, there is but one tribe of Indians, the Tahk-heesh
or "Sticks," and these are described in their proper places. There-
fore that much of the journey, nearly 500 miles, if described, would be of
more value to geography than the military, and I shall try and confine
myself to that part of this section which will illustrate my r.ift journey,
that being important in this country as a means of transportation, the
swiftness of the rivers and their general freedom from obstructions
being conducive to the employment of this primitive craft in traveling
in one way.

A view on Lake Lindeman, looking backward from Payer Portage, or
southward towards the Kotusk Mountains, the higher ridges of which?

.MILITARY KKCONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

(•()V('n>(l with glacier ice. luive (condensed a fofj upon tbeir slopes so as
t(» be iinisible. About half the len<;th of the lake is visible. The draiu-
iiiji' rixcr is to the li^ht lowei' corner of \\n\ |)icture.

Fk; (1,

Through the river that drains Lake Lindeman, about a mile and a
quarter long, before it empties into another lake, we shot the raft,
June 16, losing the side logs and giving it a general shaking up that

MILITRRY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

loosened many of the pins and lashings, in the rapids, cascades, and
over the rocks and bowlders, on one of which it stuck and had to be
pried off.

The next two days were consumed in repairing the raft on a plan of
15 by 40 feet (really about 16 by 42, counting projections not included in
plan) instead of 15 by 30 feet as formerly, while two pole decks were
constructed with a rowing space between for side oars, the bow and
stern oars being retained, however; larger and more bouyantlogs were
placed in, but unfortunately none could be secured of sufficient size to
go the whole length of the craft and give it that solidity which would
be so much desired in striking sand, gravel, and mud bars, or water-
logged timber in swift currents, or sailing across lakes in rough weather.

The portage connecting the two lakes was called Payer Portage, and
Fig. 7 is a view looking from this portage westward into a valley of a
river (Homan River) coming in from that direction, and is given as a
good representation of the valleys in this particular part of the country.

Fl.i. 8.

Fig. 8 is a view on Payer Portsige (looking north along the trail) and
represents a Chilkat Indian with two ammunition boxes going over the
portage. The amount some of these packers will carry seems marvelous
and makes estimates for pack mules or trails therefor seem superfluous.
Their only packing gear is a couple of bands, one passing over the
forehead, where it is flattened out into a broad strip, and the other over
the arms and across the breast; the two meet behind on a level with
the shoulder, and are there attached to lashings more or less intricate,
according to the nature of the material to be transported. If a box or

MILITAUV RECOXNAI.SSA.NCK IX ALASKA.

stitV ba;;, tlio breast-band is so arraiif^ed in rcf^anl to leiijith that when
the elbow is phieed against it (tlie box) tlie strip tits ti<;litl.y over the
extended forearm across the ])abn of the hand bent backwards. The
headband is then the width of the hand beyond this. At least I saw
a few Indians arranjjing their i)a(;ks and their harness according to
this mode. The harness proiter will not weigh over a pound, and the
lashing according to its length. The strip across the head and breast
is of untanned deer skin about 2 inches wide, witli holes or slits in the
ends i)r<)te('ted from tearing out by spindles of bone or ivory.

^losquitoes now commenced getting very numerous, and from here
to the mouth of the river they may be said to have been the worst dis-
comfort the party was called on to endure. They often made many inves-
tigations, usually carried on in explorations, imi)ossil)le of execution,
and will be the great bane to this country should the mineral discov-
eries or fisheries ever attempt to colonize it. 1 have never seen their
equal for steady and constant irritation in any part of the United States,
the swamps of New Jersey and the sand hills of Nebraska not excepted.
It was only when the wind was blowing and well out on a lake or wide
portion of the river that tlieir abominable torment ceased.

Fijc. 9.

Fig. 9 is a view from the northern end of Payer Portage northward
into the second lake, named Lake Bennett, about one-sixth or one-
seventh of the length of the lake being seen, it being about 30 miles
long. The draining river from Lake Lindeman comes in on the lower
left portion of the view. The " Iron Capped Mountains " on the right
being covered with glaciers are hidden in the mist these always pro-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 25

duce this time of the year, especially a day that ^yo^ld be favorable for
taking a photograph.

On the 19th of June, with a favorable wind along Lake Bennett, we
started from Payer Portage at 9.20 a. m., and by 3 in the afternoon the
wind had increased to a gale, and by 5 the waves were running so high
that the raft threatened to break in two, there being no logs running clear
through the whole length, and at that time we sailed for the beach on
the eastern side and finding a protected cove went into camp. There
being a number of large logs at this place the next da.y was spent in
putting four of them the length of the raft, and the 21st the journey
was resumed. Eighteen miles from the head of the lake a large river
comes into Lake Bennett from the west, which I named Wheaton River,
after Brevet Major-General Wheaton, in temporary command of the
department when the reconnaissance was organized, and to whom the
expedition is indebted for many favors in putting it on a good footing
for the accomplishment of its ends.

Lake Bennett was ended that day, the 21st, through a draining river
called "Caribou Crossing" by the Indians, nearly 2 miles long, which
empties into a small lake named Lake ISTares, a little over 3 miles long.
This lake turns square to the east, and the steady south wind was now
60 baffling on our new course that progress was very slow and annoy-
ing. After passing through the short draining river of Lake Nares,
probably a couple of hundred yards long, another lake (Bore) 8 miles
long, still trending toward the east, is entered, and around its eastern
limiting cape (Point Perthes) Lake Tahk-o is entered, 18 miles long,
and by the time its outlet is reached the northern course is resumed.
My map shows the Tahk-o Eiver coming in from the south, and to this
part of that river a white man (Mr. Byrnes) has explored, although the
remainder of the Yukon to Fort Selkirk is placed in full lines (the topo-
graphical significance of which is that it has been passed over by ex-
plorers engaged in map-making) on many maps, notably the latest
Coast Survey maj) by W. H. Dall, and a map in the same author's book
entitled "Alaska and its Resources," although no white person has yet
passed over this route until the present expedition and taken cogni-
zance of its geography. All Alaska is filled up in this way with rivers
and their branches, even on Government maps, that have yet to be
traversed by white men in any capacity, let alone topography and sur-
vey. Probably the parlor authors of these maps think they are doing-
no more harm than giving way to a too eager desire of " making out a
full map ;" but in this connection 1 desire to state briefly an incident
that will show this in another light : A party of miners being on this
river, and discouraged at the prospects, had almost determined on re-
turning, and one person, relying on the maps in their possession, had
equally determined to go on, as the chart showed three or four Indian
villages on the river, and by taking advantage of these he thought
he could reach old Fort Selkirk, and from thence prospect at

milhakv reconnaissance in Alaska.

will. The party did not return, however, but on continuinj^ their jour-
ney they found no relevancy between the map and the country trav-
ersed ; and the single person referred to particularly noticed the ab-
sence of all liulian villages, and, worse than all, of all Indiana even,
and had he continued his journey alone, would more than likely have
pcrislu'd, or at the very least have undergone severe and unexpected
iiai'dships.

On the L*Gth of June, in p-^ssingout of Lake Tahk-o, we entered the
tirst considerable stretch of river we had met — a little over 9 miles long —
and were nearly three hours in floating through, although we remained
stuck a short time on a mud flat in its current. Its down-stream en-
trance is full of bowlders, forming a serious obstruction to navigation,
but one that is possible with care and judgment. It is about 300 to 400
yards wide. On its right bank was a deserted Tahk-heesh house, which,
with one about 20 miles above the site of Fort Selkirk, are the only
signs of permanent habitations from the Kotusk Eange to the Yukon
junction with the Pelly. Along the narrow river bank or lake shore
between these two points are often seen three poles forming a tripod —
one of them much longer than the other two — which Indicates the camp-
ing places of the few persons of this abject tribe. A dirty piece of can-
vas, or an old caribu skin riddled with holes, thrown over the longer
pole, makes their tent, and this makes their residence for the greater
part of the year.

The next lake, which I named Lake Marsh, after Professor Marsh of
Yale College, is nearly 30 miles long, noticeably wider than any of the
lirevious ones, and so full of mud banks extending out from the shore

MILITARY KECONNAISSANCK IX ALASKA.

that the raft which drew from 20 to 22 inches could seklom get nearer
the beach than 50 to 100 yards and tlironi^h the soft mud for that dis-
tance the camping' effects had to be packed on our backs at each of
such places.

Fig. 10 represents a limited view on Lake Marsh looking to tbe south-
west from camp 14 of the reconnaissance. Directly over the point of
land in the right of the picture is seen the gap where the Yukon empties
into Lake Bove, and the next gap over the left center is the one made
by the Tahk-o coming in from the south.

Fig. 11 is a view looking north along the same lake from the same
stand point, about one-fifth the length of the lake being under the eye
in the two photographs.

Thus far it had been noticed that the trees leaned in more or less con-
spicuous inclinations towards the north, thus plainly showing the pre-
vailing direction of the stronger winds, and this is of importance in
calculations leading to expeditions down this part of the river in any
sort of craft needing sails for propulsion.

The heavy growth of last year's grass shows undoubtedly good graz-
ing, but the mosquitoes in the summer and the intense cold in the win-
ter would not warrant this industry — cattle or sheep-raising — being-
undertaken in this part of the country until all stock ranges in every
other part of the world had been exhausted. The many tracts of yellow
grass looked not unlike the stubble-fields in more temperate climates.

The afternoon of the 28th of June, from 12.15 until 2.15 o'clock, we
experienced a very decided thunder shower coming from the east, and

MILITAUV RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

wiiit'h is tlie Hist, 1 believe, ever chronicled on the Yncon Kiver, tliej'^
beinj; unknown on the lower i)art of this <;reat stream.

That (late, the -Sth, we sailed past niidnij^ht, so important did we
deem it to take advanta<;e of every breath of wind in the right direc-
tion, especially on the lakes, and at that hour of the night we were
close enough to the Arctic Circle to read type the size of ordinary news-
papers, and but one star, Venus, was visible in the unclouded sky.

The 20th of June we passed out of Lake Marsh into the river, past
the mouth of a river, the McClintock, that we took to be the outlet.
The river valley was now wooded to the water's edge, and it was often
hard work to find a good camping place in the dense growth of willows
that lined the bank. Muskrats were numerous in this part of the river.

Early in the morning of July 1st, we approached the great rapids of
the Yucou and the only ones of importance in the navigable part of
that great stream.

An inspection of them showed them to be nearly- five miles long
and extremely dangerous for any sort of a craft in going through them.
The first three-quarters of a mile the stream narrowed to nearly one-
tenth its preceding average width, rushes and boils through a canon
with upright basaltic columns for its sides, the center of this cailon, in
its length, widening into a whirlpool basin where the water's edge
could be reached on the western shore.

yiG. i;

Fig. 12 is a view from the mouth of the cailon, about one third the
length of it. It then widens out into nearly its original breadth, but
running swiftly over shoals, bars, and drifts of watter-logged timber
much more dangerous than the cafion itself for anv sort of a navigable

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

craft, though probably not so iu appearance. I named this canon (the
only one on the Yukon liiver) and its appended rapids after the de-
partment commander, and it so api)ears on the maps submitted. Just
before the rapids reach their termination the river-bed ajjain contracts
and flows through basaltic columns from 15 to 20 feet high, and finally
rushes through a narrow cascade with ascending banks, and so swift is
the current and so narrow the chute that the water is forced up the
banks on the sides and pours in sheets over these into the cascades
below, making a perfe(;t funnel formidable to behold.

Fig. 13.

Fig. 13 is a very imperfect photograph looking back (southward) at
these cascades, an instantaneous view having been undertaken during
very unfavorable weather.

Through the Miles' Caiion and Rapids the raft was "shot" July 2,
and although the side logs were torn off in a collision with the basaltic
columns of the canon, no further damage was done, and she was beached
about half a mile below the cascades where a couple of days were occu-
pied in repairing the injury and putting on new decks from the fine,
straight, and seasoned poles found in the vicinity.

Fine grayling were caught in large numbers in all the rapids near the
caiion, and a considerable sized party could subsist on them if provided
with proper tackle for securing them.

On the 5th of July we got under way again, and a little after noon
passed the mouth of the Tahk-heen-a, a stream about two-thirds the
size of the Yukon, where they join. By it the Chilkats used to seek
the Tahk-heesh country for trading purposes as already narrated, and

30 MILITARY KKCONNAISSANCK IX ALASKA.

yet return by it at times, as they say it is uot obstructed by any rai)i(ls
or cascades of considerable size, or that will compare with those of
Miles' Canon. Its waters were very muddy, and while evidently smaller
than the Yukon, the j;eneral (characteristics of the valley of the Tahk-
heeu-a are continued on ilown the former stream. That evening, on the
.~)th, we camped on the head of the last lake (about 30 or ."57 miles long),
called Kluk-tas-si by the natives, and this name is still retained on the
maps, although there is a lake called Labarge on Bail's maps, above old
Fort Selkirk, which I cannot identify by any of his topography, it being
generally so erroneous. Except being a little larger in size, it resem-
bles Lake Marsh, already described. Its eastern bank or shore is backed
by large rolling and conspicuous rounded hills of gray limestone, the
gullies between being wooded with spruce or pine, and forming a pic-
turesque contrast with the light-colored hills. I named them after
General Hancock of the Army.

On the Dtli we passed out of Kluk-tas si, and when I desired to camp
that evening I found the current so swift and the river so uniformly
wide and canal-like that no eddy could be found to slacken the gait,
and it was with diftlculty that we secured the raft to the shore. In this
part of the river we usually grounded once or twice a day on sand, mud,
or gravel bars, and I think I have given them in the inverse order of
the difficulty experienced in getting off them, sand being the worst and
gravel the easiest from which the raft can be liberated. That day, the
9th, we passed the mouth of the Newberry River, coming in from the
right (east), about 125 yards wide at its mouth, and flowing a deep vol-
ume of clear but dark colored water, evidently drainings from tundra
land, or land in which the lower strata of winter-formed ice in the moist
earth does not melt owing to its protection by the dense forests and
deep moss, and consequently the water is surface-drained directly into
the rivers and their tributaries after having been impregnated with the
dyes of the leaves and moss, which would have been lost could they
have percolated through earth. A large grizzly or grizzly-colored
brown bear was seen on the bluff marked with that name on the map,
but we were unable to secure him.

Nearly 40 miles farther on another large river, the D'Abbadie, comes
in from the east, and probably 150 to 175 yards wide at its mouth.

Another 40 miles and the Daly River, a little over 100 yards wide
comes in from the east.

Fifty miles beyond the Dab" the Nordeuskiold comes in from the
west, and is probably 150 yards wide at its mouth.

With the accession of all these rivers the Yukon becomes ov^er half
a mile wide, and near the Nordenskiold becomes very tortuous, Tanta-
lus Butte of the map being seen directly ahead of the raft some six or
seven times on as many different stretches of the river. Islands also
become freely interspersed in its bed, and their up-stream ends are
often piled over with drift timber of all sorts in barricades from 5 or 10
to 20 feet high.

MILITARY HECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

On the 12tb of Julj' we "shot" the last rapids of importance on the
Yukon River (the Kink Rapids), and althoiioli the river is very much
contracted at their site and pours in several channels through towers

Fig. 15.

of rock, I think the eastern channel could be ascended by a light-
draught steamboat with a powerful steam windlass, so favorable is the
bank on this side of the stream, just above the rapids, for such an un-

MlLir.VliV liKC').\N.\lSSA.NCE IN ALASKA.

dertakiiig. If Kiuk Kapids can be ascended then tbe cascades in Miles'
Kapids is tlie head of navigation on the Yukon, raakinji" this river navi-
jrablo 1,8(1(5 miles from the Aphoon month, tlie only one that boats now
enter or from which tlicy depart.

The eveninj; of the 1-th we cam[)ed at the Indian village of Kitl-ah-
gon, where the other house mentioned in a previous part of the report
is to be found, the village being made up by brush- wood houses, as
shown in the idiotograph herewith given as Fig, 14.

The house and village were deserted when we visited it.

Fig. 15 is a view looking up the Yukon from Kitlah-gon.

Fig. 16 is a view down the Yukon from Kitl-ah-gou. The view back
into the valley of the small stream (Von Wilczek Valley) is also very
picturesque and pretty, and is much more conspicuous than the valley
of the Pelly some 20 miles farther on.

From Kitl ah-gon to the site of old Fort Selkirk the Yukon runs
through a network of islands (IngersoU Islands), so intricate that it was
seldom that both banks were in sight from the raft at the same time
In Fig. 16 the lower ends of three and the center of one beyond are
in sight.

July 13 the site of old Fort Selkirk was made out by the conspicu-
ous chimneys that could be seen from the raft on the river, being a
little below the junction with the Pelly and on the western or left-hand
bank, despite the fact that all the maps in our possession placed it be-
tween the two rivers.

The fate of Fort Selkirk, a Hudson Bay trading post, has already
been alluded to — burnt in 1851 by a party of Chilkat Indians because
it interfered with their trade with the Tahk-heesh and other Indians.
It has never been rebuilt, and its chimneys, three in number, are all

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

that is left to mark the spot, aud these are buried in a poplar grove
that almost overtoi)S them.

Fii;. 17.

We remained near the site of the old fort until shortly after noon of
the 15th, getting astronomical observations, which placed this site in
latitude 62° 45' 30" N. aud longitude 137o 22' 45" W. of Greenwich.

I had also determined to make close estimates on the relative sizes ot
the Pelly coming in near this point from the east and the river down
which we had just descended, aud which wns called the Lewis Kiver
by the old Hudson Bay traders, to see which was the Yukon proper,
although a short inspection made it evident that no close measurements
were needed, the Lewis River preponderating over the Pelly in width
and volume of water, noticeably to the eye.

This position on my maj) is very important, although in a manner
partially outside of ray instructions, in that it marks the point where
my explorations cease, and from the spot near Lake Lindeman where
Dr. Krause turned back on his trail to old Fort Selkirk, a distance of
nearly 500 miles. Geographical science is under obligations to this
reconnaissance, for mapping a region worse than unknown, worse in
that a region, improperly mapped by guesswork and other equally un-
reliable data, is as much worse than no map than no map is worse than
a good one. I feel confident that these charts, submitted as a part of
my report, although in no w^ay claiming perfection, will render unneces-
sary any more minute surveys until some industry may open up this
section, should that event ever come to pass. Fisheries and minerals
are the only possible incentives for such industries. Except the astro-
nomical observations, the map Avork was in the hands of Mr. Homan>
and the credit for the same belongs to him.
S. Ex. 2 3

34 MILITARY KECONNAISSANCK IN ALASKA.

My invostif^sitions, reiKiIiing^tlie wholo, length of the Yukon River, over
I'jOOO miles, were necessarily of such an extended nature, geographi-
cally, that 1 have deemed it i)r(>j)er to subdivide the same for conven-
ience, and have done so into three parts, lully described on the appended
itinerary of Part 1.

liiiieranj of Part 1 of Ike map of the route of the Ahinka military revoiniaisauiice of l8H3,
Lieutenant Svhwatka, U. S. Armi/, eommandintj, from data compiled hy Topoyraphieal
.\KKi8tant Charles A. Homan, U. S. Army, topographer of the reconnaissance.

Lociilitv.

Stafuti

IUilL-i<.

From CliilUoot Mission to mouth of Dayay River 16. 1

From tlu'Ui'»' to lieatl of canoe navigation on Dayay River 9. }>

From tlioufo to nioutli of Noursf. Rivor { west) 'J. S

From tliciKx- to Porrior Pass in Kotusk Mountains (4,100 feet) 11. W

From tlienre to Crater Lalic (Iiead of Yukon) 0. G

From thence to camp on Lake Lindcman j 12. 1

(Length of Lake Lindenian, 10.1.)

From tlience to Cape Koldewey (Lake Lindenian) 3. 7

From tlience to north end of Lake Lindenian 5. &

From tlience to south end of Lake IJeunett, or length of Payer Portage (here Homau River

comes in from the west) ' 1.2

Fixim tlience to Pie.jevalsky Point (mouth of Wheaton River) (west side) ' 18. I

From thence to Richiird's Kock (east side) .... 1.2

From thence to north end of Lake Bennett ( Watson Valley is drained by two rivers here come

in from the west) [ 10.

(Length of Lake Bennett, 29.3.)

From thence to west end of Lake Xares (through river called Caribou Cros.sing) 1. 7

From thence to east endof Lake Naies (or length of lake) 3. 2

From tlience to Perthes Point (or length of Lake Bove, with bay, and possibly river coming

in from south) 8.8

From thence to mouth of Tah-ko River (south) 7. 8

From thence to north end of Lake Tah-ko '■ lo. 3

(Length of Lake Tah-ko, 18.1.)

From thence to south end of Lake Marsh (or length of connecting river) , 9. 1

From thence to north end of Lake Marsh or length of Lake Marsh (McClintock River com-
ing in from east) 28. S

From thence to ujiper end of Miles Canon on Yukon River , . i 50. !)

Fioni thence to length of Miles Canon and rapids 4. C

(Head of navigation on Yukon.)

From thence to mouth of Tahk-heen-a River (west) 23. 1

From thence to north end ot Lake Kluktas-si (possibly Lake Labarge; ] 17. 8

From thence to Rlchthofen Rocks (and probably river) (west side) ' 14.4

From thence to north end of Lake Ivluk-tas-si j 22. 1

(Length of Lake Kluk-tas-si, 3G.5.)

From tlience to Maunoir Butte (east) 16. 2

From thinre to Red Butte (west) 3.2

From theme to Grizzly Bear Banks (west) [ 9.4

From tlitiiei' to mouth of Xewberrv River (east) ' 8. 9

From thence to mouth of D'Abliadie River (east) ' 38. o

From thence to mouth of Daly River (east) 41. (j

From thence to Fagle's Nest Butte (ea.st) 10 7

From thence to Nordenskjold River (west) 39. 1

(Tautalus Butte is in this vicinity approached six or seven times.)

From thence to Rink Rapids on the Yukon 2.'). 4

Fi-om thence to U(>ot-(^he-koo Blulf (east) 2.5. 8

From thence to Von Wilczek Valley (east) 17.

Fiom thence to FortSelkirk (through aichipelago called IngersoU Lslauds) (west) 21. 3

Total length of Pait 1 or the part explored and surveyed by reconnaissance* 538.8

Total length of raft .journey on I'art I (from camp oii Lake Lindemau to Fort Selkirk) j 486.8

Total length of raft journey on Yukon River, from Lake Lindeman to Nuklakayet (being ]

the longest raft Journey in the interest of geographical science) T i 1,303.2

Total length of Yukon River I 2, 043. 5

*Part 2 extends from Fort Selkirk to Fort Yukon, being the part sttrveyed by reconnaissance, hav-
ing been exploieil by Mr. Campbell, Hudson Bay Company.

Part 3 extends from Fort Yukon to Aphooii mouth, lieiug part explored bv Glasunoff, Malakoti,
Zagoskin, Kennicott, and Strachan Jones, and surveyed by Captain Raymond, U. S. Army.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

Therefore with the reaching of Fort Selkirk the accouut of Part 1
becomes complete.

Fig. 18.

Fig. 18 is a view of old Fort Selkirk, looking up the Yukon River, or
southward.

Fi-'. li).

MIl.lTAKV KKCONNAISSANCK IN ALASKA.

Fiji. 1\) ivpi'e.sents some of the (ish oaught near old Fort Selkirk,
the smaller ones bcinji" the fjrayliijjj csinfjlit in such immense numbers
at Miles' Canon and Kajnds, and the other a salmon trout, both being
can "ill t from Lake IJove to the month of AVhite Kiver, about 90 miles
below Selkirk.

Fijj-. 20 is a view of an A-yau, or I-.van, ludian grave near old Fort
Selkirk; the two i)oles with appendages are invariable parts of the
graves of this part of the country.

Kir,. 21.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

Fig. 22.

Fig, 22 represents a iiiimber of A-yan, or I-yan, Indians in their birch-
bark canoes. This view was taken at old Fort Selkirk, looking down
the river, the Indians having come np to visit us from their village, 12
miles below. Descending the Ynkon, they are the first tribe to use the
birch-bark canoe, a means of navigation that extends from here to the
mouth.

Fia. 23.

38 MILITARY RKC0XNA18SANCE IN ALASKA.

Fi<;. li.i is a view down the Yukon River from the site of Selkirk.

The raftiiij; i)art.v left Selkirk at 1.15 p. in. on the 15th of July, hav-
ing waited i)ast noon to ^et a meridian observation of the sun for lati-
tude and a morning observation for longitude; the days as tar as par-
ticular hours were coneerned beinc" of but little importance, so light was
it even uj) to 10 and 11 o'clock at night.

The half dozen A-yan Indians that had visited us at Selkirk si)oke to
us of a larger village a little below, but from the appearance of those
we had seen on the Yukon River above we were in no way prepared to
see such a large camp as we met on the southern bank at 4.15 p. m.,
numbering from 175 to 200 souls, and the largest either permaueut,
semi-i)ernianent, or temjiorary that we met on the whole length of the
river. It is of a semi-i)ermauent character. No doubt apprised of our
a|)proach by runners, the entire camp congregated on the river bank to
meet us, and as the swift river threatened to sweep us by them without
allowing us to make a landing, their excitement became intense, and their
shouts and gestures to us, of the most lively character, plainly showed
that they were extremely desirous of a closer acquaintance, evidently
taking us for a party of traders loaded with tea and tobacco, the two
standard requests in all their many and constant solicitations. Camping
near their village an inspection of it showed it to be more squalid than
we had expected from the bright, intelligent faces of the few we had
seen and the superior workmanship of their light birch-bark canoes,
the finest on the river. This village was wholly made of brush, and
evidently ouly used for a summer camp while the salmon were to be
caught. The Hebrew cast of countenance was very noticeable in a
great many of these Indians.

Fig. 24 is a very imperfect photograph of the old chief of the A-yau
(in the center), with the heriditarj chief, his son, on his left, and the
principal medicine man of the tribe on his right. They would not stand
in front of the camera unless a white man Avas with them, which ac-
counts for the other portrait. (Out could uot be reproduced.)

These Indians, in a military sense, are considered under the proper
subhead.

Small black gnats now commenced getting noticeably numerous, and
a mosquito-bar was no protection from them.

The lOth we drifted 47 miles, a number of A-yan graves being seen on
both banks of the river, resembling, in general, the one photographed
near Selkirk. In the afternoon the country became quite hilly and even
mountainous, but the river-bed still very full of islands, many of which
are densely covered with tall spruce, looking very i)icturesque in the
almost canon-like river bottom, there being ver3' few such large trees
on the hill-sides. During the day we saw a large black bear and three
mountain goats on the hill-sides, but our mode of navigation was not
favorable for hunting them and they were passed unmolested. We
also ran through a number of recurring and disagreeable thunder show-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 39

ers iu the afternoon, alternating with the most blistering heat, from
which we could not escape while on the raft.

Very early on the morning of the 17th four A-yan Indians in as many
canoes, from the village we left the morning before, came up with us,
having left the village shortly after we had and having camped just
above us during the night. We kept passing each other for the next
three days, until lieliance trading station was reached, and judge from
their movements and the opinion of our Indians that white men rafting
and Indians canoeing on this part of the river are about the same in rapid-
ity of traveling. The constant stopping of canoemen to hunt every-
thing in the way of game, or at mid-day to cook a warm lunch, and re-
maining in their cramped positions but for live or six hours per day, it
is easy to see that it would no more than equal the steady drifting of a
raft for twelve or fourteen hours if carefully kept in the stronger cur-
rents.

During the 17th a heavy fog hung over the river during the whole
day, cutting the hill-sides at an elevation of about 400 to 500 feet from
the level of the stream. These fogs are very common on this part of
the river during this time of the year, and are almost constantly present
with the winds from the south, the prevailing ones of the summer. It
is probable that they are caused by the supersaturated moist air from
the warm Pacific being conveyed across the glacier-topped coast range
of Alaska and thrown down into this part of the Yukon Valley in the
shape of rain and fog.

At 1.30 p. m., the 17th, we passed the mouth of the White River com-
ing in from the south, its waters seemingly liquid mud, from whence it
probably derives its name. It is called by the " Sticks " the Yukokon
Heenah (Yukokon) or Yukokon E-iver, and by the Chilkats another
name, meaning Sand River, from the immense number of sand bars and
banks which they say exists along its course. Its waters mingle at once
with the Yukon (although in Dall the contrary is erroneously stati^l), it
emptying squarely into the latter with a current so swift as to pack its
muddy waters nearly directly across to the opposite bank.

About 4 p. m. we passed the mouth of the Stewart River, its mouth
so covered with islands that it was impossible to recognize it except by
its valley which was very conspicuous. Its mouth, however, is of a
deltoid nature, but the many islands made their accurate establishment
very uncertain.

On the 18th, 47^ miles were made from 8.30 iu the morning to 9.40 p.
m. At 1.30 we passed a number of Tahk-houg Indians on right bank,
with sixteen canoes, and seemed to be much neater than any we had
met so far, They were probably a trading party, there being one for
each canoe and no women with them.

At 8.30 p. m. we passed an Indian camp on the left bank, which we at
first took to be miners, as they apparently had such good tents, and from
them ascertained that there was a white man's deserted store (of which

4U MIMTARV KKCOXNAISSANCH IN ALASKA

WO had licnid several times farther up the river in a more or less defi-
nite manner) hut a few miles farther ou, hut that he liad left some time
ap), goiJig down to the salt water, as they say. That eveniiift" we camped
at the nu)uth of a swift fair-sized river coming in from the east which
we afterwards ascertained of the traders to be Deer liiver, and is so
marked on the nm]). Here the Yukon narrows to 200 to 250 yfirds in
breadth ami runs swiftly between high hills.

Believing I was near the British boundary, as shown by my Selkirk
(ibservations, 1 waited to get another set at this i)oint, but the weather
was so ten)pestuous that I only succeeded in a very imperfect way, and
not waiting for a noon observation, got away at 11.10 a. m.

Just before 1 o'clock in the afternoon we passed the abandoned trading-
post of the Alaska Commercial Comi)any, Fort Reliance, on the right
bank of the river, and directly opposite was the semi-permanent Indian
village of Noo-klahk-o, numbering ai)parently one hundred and fifty
souls. Our approach was saluted by the firing of fifty to seventj'-five
discharges of guns, to which we replied by a much smaller number. I
found this method of heralding to be universal from here to the mouth
of the river, and I understand arises from a custom brought among
them by the Russian traders, and that has slowly traveled inland at
least as far as this point. These Indians are further described in the
ajjpendix.

Fort (?) Keliance is a dilapidated looking place of two or three houses,
a main store nailed up, and three others, cellar-like and semi-subter.
ranean in character.

Less than .'U) miles was made that day — the 19th — owing to our ground-
ing on a gravel bar at the head of an island, where we delayed over 2
hours, and finally had to " lighter" our effects ashore and camp in order
to free the raft. Such occurrences were not rare.

On the 20th we started shortly after 8 in the morning, and at 11.30
a. m. passed the mouth of a large river coming in from the west, which
I named the Cone Ilill River, from a conspicuous conical hill in its valley
near the mouth. Ever}' one of the party that attempted it found it ab-
solutely impossible to identif}' any incoming stream in this part of the
river by the maps or descri])tions now in existence. Just beyond Cone
Hill River three or four bears, both black and brown, were seen on the
side-hills to our left, and about 300 to 400 yards distant, and although
the most persistent firing was kept up by nearly the whole party until
we floated out of sight none of them were secured.

About 2.30 in the afternoon we passed a remarkably conspicuous
rock, looming up out of a fiat valley on the east side of the river, and
closely resembling Castle Rock on the Columbia, although only about
half the size of the latter. I gave it the name of Roquette Rock, as I
saw no allusion to it on any map of this part of the river.

On the 21st, having started at 9 a. m., at 12.30 we came upon a small
permanent Indian village on the left bank, of six houses, and from 75 to

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

100 souls. About a mile aud a quarter below, on the same sitle of the
river, was a white man's abandoned trading house, near which we
camped. From the Indians we learned that the trader's name was
Mercer, aud that he had gone down the Yukon. This station, we after-
wards learned, had been called by the traders Belle Isle Station. (Fig.
25 is left out in the compiler's report.)

The Indian village is called Johnny's Village, aud at the time of our
visit the chief was away in a canoe. His English sobriquet of " Johnny "
is the only one he is recognized by in his own country, though the In-
dian name of the village was Klat-ol-klin, and the Indians, as we under-
stood our interpreters, call themselves Tah-kong or Tahk-hong. A
pliotograph of the village is shown in Fig. 26.

Further information concerning this small baud is given in the ap-
pendix devoted to Indian tribes.

Fig. 27 is a view looking down the Yukon Eiver from the village,
about southwest. It may be interesting to note the high grass fairly
shown in Fig. 25.* From here to the mouth of the river it may be said
to be equally luxuriant. Underneath it in many places there is a mossy
or peat-like bed so tough that when the river undermines its banks in
these places the turf holds on to that of the bank's crest, keeping it
covered with a blanket of the moss. In wooded places, however, this
falling in of the banks drags the turf with it into the water. Between
camps 35 and 30 the soil, for the first time descending the river, seems
to be thick and black, and continues so in a varying degree until the
lower ramparts are again entered.

On the 23d of July we reached another Indian village, called Char-

* See explanation in regard to fignre 25.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

ley's Village, whicU is au exact counterpart of the one called Johnny's,
even to number of houses (C) and side of the river (western bank). We
met a Cana<lian voyageur among them who calls them and Johnny's vil-
lage the Tadoosh Indians, and says they are the most friendly and best
natured Indians on this part of the river.

xVfter leaving Camp 37 the country flattens out noticeably, and from
about Camp 38 to old Fort Yukon it spreads out over many miles in width
(said to be 7 miles wide at Fort Yukon by a trader who was stationed
there for several years) and so full of islands that it was about impos-
sible to tell when we were near the main banks. Most wonderful of all
in this wide extent of spreading the current seems to slacken but very
little in all the many intricate channels that were between, and evi
dently shows the deep character of the river before these numerous sul)-
divisioiis commence and its shallowness afterwards, as no stream of im-
portance helps to account for the relations between the two volumes in
any other way. On the evening of the 2-l:th we camped (No. 38) along-
side of a small river steamer called the "St. Michaels," which, during
the spring freshet while descending the river, had grounded on this bar,
and being unable to get off was abandoned, her keel being now some 6
or 7 feet above the level of the present stage of water.

This boat belonged to the AVestern Fur and Trading Company, organ-
ized in San Francisco as an opposition to the Alaska Commercial Com-
pany of the same city. They had recently been bought out by the
latter company after having existed for several years at a loss to them-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

selves. This opposition had some direct bearing on the Indian ques
tion in that dnring its prevalence prices were put down to absurd fig-
ures, the Indians really getting for their furs, in some instances, more

Mmm^^n^--^"'^-

than they could have done probably in San Francisco itself. When
this opposition ceased, although the former rates were not entirely re-
sumed, a great step had been taken in that direction and the conse-
quence is a great majority of the Indians are dissatisfied with the pres-
ent prices, as it is simply impossible for them to believe that the previ-
ous low rates were not renumerative to the companies, or that any one
would sell anything for less than it is worth, and consequently the pres-
ent prices are exorbitant, and as Indians have but one way of correct-
ing even mistakes, a sort of strained feeling exists in many places
which could lead to more serious trouble. The traders on this river,
however, are all men of good judgment, I believe, and this fact will
make collisions less probable than would generally' be suj^posed. Again,
traders dependent upon Indians wholly for their trade, do much more
to conciliate them in all cases than any class of people with whom they
can come in contact. If hostilities are threatened they will avoid
them, knowing full well that if no blood is shed that the matter will
be conciliated in a short while and they will be able to resume their
trade, and that should such an unfortunate circumstance occur they
would for years comi^romise all chances for such a desirable termina-
tion. This, coupled with the object traders have in keeping sncli rupt-
ures hidden from both the public and other Indian tribes, has led to
the well-known but erroneous opinion that the Hudson Bay Company
have succeeded so admirably in their contact with Iiulian tribes. If

MILITARY RHCONXAISSANCH IN ALASKA.

the Yukon llWvv olTers no lield for industry but tliiit wliich the Indian
trader monopolizes, it niigiit well bo doubtful whether a military force
would ever be needed alonj:^ its course; but from the present prospects
the salmon tisheries and mining; may not be far distant, and men that
enter these fields have no more consideration for Indians than any
other class of people and will treat them as friends or enemies accord-
ing- to the way that they themselves may elect.

On the 27tb of Jnli' we made old Fort Yukon about noon, the dis-
tance from the site of Fort Selkirk being 490.2 miles after correction by
the astronomical observations, showing' an error or correction of but
10.0 miles in the whole course or .0212 i)er cent., or more clearly speak-
ing- about 1 mile in 50, showing- that the intermediate points deter-
mined by dead reckoning- can be relied upon within tiuit possible limit.
Here we found the Alaska Commercial Company's river steamer
"Y'nkou" on her animal trip nj) the river for trading purposes and
sujjplying- the posts of the company'. These excursions were made as
high as Belle Isle Station and Fort Reliance before they were aban-
doned, but are now made wholly with reference to where the Indians
will be found.

Fig. 29.

Fig-. 30 is a view of the interior of the old Fort Y'ukon stockade,
nearly all of this part having been removed by the river steamer for
fuel, it being handy and already cut in lengths. Two bastions are seen
with the stockade between, and the two buildings in the foreground
are the storehouse (nearest) and some of the officers' old quarters,
both roofed with spruce bark held down by battens. The history of

MILITARY RECO^NAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

this Hudson Bay trading post is too well known to rei)eat here. Pass-
ing into the bands of the Alaska Commercial Company it was for a
long time tlie farthest post they possessed up the great river until
Reliance was established. Fort Yukon was abandoned three or four

Fig. yo.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

years ajjo as not rjMiiunciative, and Keliaiice and Belle Isle were then
established, and these two were aj,'ain abandoned recently (the fornjer
on aeconnt of exi)ected Indian troubles growinjj out of the opposition)
and Nuklakayet, about .'iOO miles below Fort Yukon, is now their
frontier tradin;;- station on the stream.

Fig. 31 is a portrait of Senatee, the chief of the Fort Yukon Indians,
as they are called by the traders, and as I have named them in my de-
scription of the tribe. He is the only chief on the river having that
power, as we generally understand it, among Indian tribes, all of the
others, to a greater or less degree, having but nominal intiuence with
their subchiefs and tribes.

I have si)oken so much of the peculiarly flat character of the Yukon
Valley for some 80 or 90 miles above old Fort Y'ukon, that I give here-
with a photograph (Fig. 32) looking south westward across from the
shore in front of the fort, giving clearly the easternmost channel,
which is but one in several of greater or less width. Mr. McQuestion,
who was for several years trader at the old fort, says that it is about 7
miles wide at this point, and he believes there are places on this flat
l)art of the river where it may attain double that width. The following
is the itinerary of the second part :

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 47

Jtitieiary of Part II of the map of the route of the Alaska militaru reconnaissance of 1883,
Lieutenant Schwatka, U. S. Army, commanding, from data compiled by Topographical
Assistant C. A. Homan, l'. S. Army, topographer of the reconnaissance.

Locality.

Statute
miles.

From Fort Selkirk, B. C, to mouth of Selwyn River 33.6

Tlience to moutii of White Kiver 62. 1

Thence to mouth of Stewait River 9. 7

Thence to mouth of Deer River 65. 6

Tlience to Fort Ruliauce 6. 5

Thence to mouth of Cliaudindu River 12.

Thfuce to mouth of Cone Hill River 27. 5

Thence to Roquette Rock 13.

Thence to John's Village 33.

Thence to Belle Isle Station | 1-1

Thence to bouiKlarv line 141° west* 20. 3

Thence to mouth of Totondu River i 10.

Thence to mouth of Tahkandik Kiver 22. 4

Thence to Charlie's Village 29.

Thence to St. Michael's Island 47. 4

Thence to Fort Yukou 97.0

From Fort Selkirk, B. C, to Fort Yukon, Alaska 490.2

\ ^

* Length of Yukon River in British America, 783.3 ; length of Yukon River in Alaska, 1,260.2.

Part I, or the part, explored and surveyed by reconnaissance, 538.8.

Part III extends from Fort Yukon to Aplioon mouth, being the part explored by Glasunoft', Mala-
kolf, Zagoskin, Kennicott, and Strachan Jones, and surveyed by Captain Raymond, U. S. Army.

The party remained at old Fort Yukon during the 28th of July to de-
termine rate and errors of chronometers, and on the 29th the journey
was resumed, and between 7 a. m. and 8.45 p. m. drifted 50i (geographi-
cal) miles, or over 4 statute miles per hour, plainly showing no diminu-
tion in the current despite the wide-spread character of the channel.
At 11.30 a. m. we passed an Indian village of 5 or 6 tents, on one of
the many islands in the channel, of probably 20 to 30 souls, although
very few appeared, being probably absent hunting and fishing. On the
beach were 7 or 8 birch-bark canoes, and lounging around was the
usual higli number of Indian dogs. This day, the 29th, was an exceed-
ingly hot, blistering day on the river and almost unbearable on the
raft, as we liad no means of counteracting it on such a craft. To put
up an awning of canvas was to seriously obstruct the view of the stern
oarsman, who was responsible for the raft, and who needed this view to
distinguish the swift from the slow currents, the sand, mud, and gravel
bars where the vessel was likely to be delayed, and many and the worst
of which were just under water ev^en in the middle of the river, also
snags, and landing places after camping hoars. Again, an awning of
canvas caught considerable wind, and if this was considerable and any
otherdirection than fore and aft, steering was almost impossible. Here,
within the limited part of the Yukon River in and near the Arctic zone,
our greatest discomforts were the blistering heat and dense swarms of
gnats and mosquitoes that met us at every turn. The night of the 29th-
30th but very few of the party slept well, owing to the gnats, the mos.
quito-bars being no protection from the diminutiv^e pests, and we con-
sequently got an early start on the 30th, shortly after in the morn-
ing, the day contrasting strangely with the one before. A cold and

48 MILITAKV KECONNAISSANCK IN AJ>ASKA.

(lisajjivoabli! wiiul with heavy doiuls made the contrast, and gave u.s
dillicnlt work in steering ck^ir of the leo banks, the small amount of
bulky bajigage on the rait forming- a sullieient surface to the wind to
determine this. The ;U)th the raft drifted 44 geographical miles in thir-
teen hours and ten minutes to Camp 43 of the map. The wind had its
compensating feature, however, in keeping away the mosquitoes and
gnats at night, so that one could sleep.

The 31st of July the raft drifted 45 miles in thirteen hours to Camp
44 of the map, and that evening commenced raining so hard and so cou-
tinued tiu> next day, the 1st of August, that we remained in camp. The
femur and molar tooth of a mastodon were found in the gravel bar near
Cami)44, the remains of these animals having been found in large numbers
in the valley of the Yukon River, and especially this flat level portion of
300 miles extending between the upper and lower ramparts. At old
Fort Yukon an Indian who showed us a tooth said that it came from a
comi)lete skeleton about two days' journey away that the river was ex-
posing by undermining action.

The 2d of August we drifted but 20 miles in twelve hours, a strong
wind keeping us against the left bank so as to impede our progress-
We were Ibrced into oiu^ slough by it that was so sluggish in current
that, altliough but 2 miles long, we were over two hours drifting through.
A number of such slack- water places were encountered that could easily
have been avoided in less stormy w^eather. At 3 p. m. we passed a
double log-house on the right bank, with two or three small elevated
log caches, peculiar from this point to the mouth of the river, two graves,
&c., all of which seemed very new, although the place was deserted,
very recently however. Many signs of Indians Avere noticed as we
approached the "lower ram])arts," as the hilly country is called. On
cami)ing at 7.30 p. m. we were but a short distance from the entrance to
these hills, and ii was with the greatest satisfaction that we approached
them and left behind the flat country which we had traversed for 300
miles, and was tedious and irksome beyond measure iu its monotonous
flat scenery. The whole length of this flat country there are but very
few Indians, the mosquitoes driving the game out of its domain, and
the innumerable number of wide shallow channels into which the river
divides making fishing for them less certain than in the hilly districts.
The establishment of Fort Yukon at the mouth of the Porcupine in-
duced many to congregate around this spot, as is usual with frontier
trading posts, and although it has been abandoned a number still re-
side at the siK)t as a sort of trading point with the river steamer in its
annual visits, and possibly the reluctance with which people abandon
their homes of long standing despite their unfavorable positions.

On the 3d of August the raft was started at 7.30 a. m., and entered
the "ramparts" shortly after. Through this part of the ramparts the
country and river looks very much like the Columbia Eiver near the
Cascades. A few Indians were now visible, and old and permanent

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

signs of them quite numerous. About p. m. we passed a well-built
Indiau house ou right bank of the river, with log and stake steps up the
steep river bank,

We camped at 8.30 p. ni. near several Indian graves, about a mile
or two above the mouth of the Whj^mper Eiver, one of which graves is
shown in Fig. 33, where several had been buried during the raging of an

Fig. 33.

epidemic some two or three years before. The fence around is the result
of Christian influence, but their other superstitions cannotbe wholly over-
come, as shown by the poles with the symbolic totems of geese, ducks,
bears, &c., on their tops. The ramparts ou the 3d so closely resembled
portions of the ramparts of the Middle Yukon between Selkirk and Belle
Isle that the conviction seemed irresistible that they are identical chains
stretched like a bow string across the great arc of the Yukon, bending
northward into the flat Arctic tundra land. At Camp 46 I found several
varieties of berries, not only edible but very acceptable, despite the gen-
eral dwarfed and stunted condition of most of them.

The 4th of August we made 47 miles through the ramparts. At 7.50
a. m. we passed the concealed mouth (as going down stream) of the
Whymper River coming in from the left. Through this part of the
river between Camps 46 and 47 were many signs of Indians, as caches,
old camping places, &c., along both banks, but singularly enough no
Indians were visible, and the presence of wolves around these positions
made me think that their absence had been for some little time. That
day we had a most disagreeable gale of wind, hardly worth noticing
except for the fact that with the exception of a very few days it con-
tinued unceasingly to the mouth of the river, and the observations
S. Ex. 2 4

50 MILITARY RKCONNAISSANCK IN ALASKA.

of previous explorers and observers make eejtain the tact that sncb
weather is the prevailing nature during' the summer season. Many
of the small creeks that put into this part of the river, and draining
thron^ih tin' swampy tundra land, while so dear that their bottoms may
be seen even in deei) i)laces (0 atid 7 feet deep) are highly colored with
a port wine hue, which contrasts strongly with the muddy waters of the
Yukon, where they Join. This may be caused by iron, as outcroppings
of that chaiacter were seen.

Twenty-seven miles were made next day, August 5, rain showers in
the morning delaying onr start until 8.o5 a. m. At 2.10 p. m. we drifted
past the spot known as "the rapids of the Yukon," being, until the
present expedition surveyed the whole length of the river, known as
the worst impediment on the river. We had been anxiously expecting
them, and had some fears that they might prove disastrous to our rough
means of navigation, but it was not until we were past them that we ob-
served them at all, being represented by a bar of white bowlders around
wliich the waters flowed as placidly as around any bar in the river.
At high water the river may flow over this bar with some commotion,
for it is here constricted into 300 or 400 yards in width, but during the
great* r part of the time navigation would be essayed it certainly is not
woith considering.

Ab(mt half a mile below the " rapids," on the right bank of the river,
is the first considerable sized Indian village encountered after leaving
the flat country described. It consisted of two tents and four birch-bark
houses with from forty to tifty souls. Eight canoes put off to meet us
and fresh salmon were procured from them, the tirst we had had for
several days. This part of the Yukon Kiver, is quite picturesque, equal
to that for 100 or 200 miles below the site of old Fort Selkirk, and supe-
rior in grand outline to any scenery from here to its mouth.

On Monday, the Gth of August, having started at 8.30 a. m., at 0,10 p. m.
we made Nuklakyet, the fartherest outlying trading station of the Alaska
Commercial Company on the Yukon Kiver, and were glad enough to
meet permanent civilization, and part with our rait, on which we had
navigated the river for over 1,300 miles. Nuklakyet station was in
cliarge of ]\[r. Harper, an old employ^ in these regions, and, like all
such, seemingly content with his isolated lot. A small garden was at-
tached to his station on a bank with a southern exposure and good
drainage, and here he cultivated the rougher varieties of hardy vege-
tables. Turnii)s were grown that weighed six and a half pounds, and
other varieties of vegetables were equally surprising, considering the
high latitude, within less than 100 miles of the Polar Circle.

Fig. 34 is a view of Mr. Harper's trading station looking westward,
with the little garden in the foreground.

It is typical of the fact that when tisheries line this great river, as
they are sure to do, and mining camps dot its tributaries, as indications
show they maj-, that with such rough vegetables as may be grown and

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA

sncli varieties as will bear transportation, that life mny be made more
bearable than one would think from its extreme isolation.

Fig 34.

Fig. 3J

Fig. 35 is a view of the means of transportation used in this part oi
Alaska both in summer and winter, the two boats explaining them-
selves by the figures, while in the foreground is the usual sledge of this
part of the Yukon Valley to its mouth. At this point also commences

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

the Ksquiiuaux dogs used with the sledges, all those previous being of
the Indiiiii variety, a smaller, but, I believe, a hardier variety.

Fig. 36.

Pig. 36 is a view of a group of these dogs, there being over 50 at this
station, having been collected by Mr. Ed. Schieftelin, a mining capitalist
l)n)spt'ctiug on the river, for his winter's use in sledging.

Fig 37

xMILlTAKY RKCONNAISSANCK IN ALASKA. 53

The subject of procurinji' siillicieiit food for so hii<;e ii force of ani-
mals was a serious one, and Mr. Harper informed nie that lie expected
to kill a uuniber before winter. Their susteuanceis wholly dried salmon,
for which the white traders pay a cent apiece in trade. Among these
fish so furnished is found the king salmon, the variety well known as
the best for general canning purposes.

Fig. 37 is one taken of the raft at the point where it was abandoned.
At Nuklakayet we obtained a 12-ton " barka" (as it is called by the
traders of the river), which is really but a small decked schooner of
that capacity. There were no sails except a small flying-jib, and it was
my intention to float down the river with the current as I had with the
raft, except such small aid as I might get from the jib when the wind
should be favorable. I might here add, however, that the usual wind
was from the general direction we desired to go, and, as already stated,
of a steady tempestuous character.

We remained over at Nuklakayet the 7th of August, transferring
from the raft to the " barka " and preparing the latter for her drift.

The 8th the voyage was resumed, and made 37 miles by drifts, being
aided on occasional bends of the river by the jib. Private Eoth of the
party was a good sailor, and his services were in much demand in this
hybrid system of navigation. We found it much harder to get near
shore in the '' barka " so as to go into camp than it had been on the
raft. It was also much more cramped, but in compensation for this we
could keep dry during the rainy weather and to a great extent protect
our more valuable property from the same, and we certainly needed this
protection, for the weather during the rest of the month was the most
continuously bad of any summer weather I have ever experienced.
Mosquitoes were still very numerous, and we were either getting so used
to them that they appeared so or they were really less aggravating
than on the upper half or two-thirds of the river.

Starting early on the 9th with a light wind in our face we had just
reached a wide open part of the river, not over a mile from camp, when
this breeze increased to a gale, with white-capped waves 3 or 4 feet
high, and so strong as to hold the " barka" almost at a stand-still even
in this strong current. We were compelled to run for an anchorage,
and here remained until 4 p. m., when we drifted some 7 or 8 miles, the
wind dying to a calm, and the mosquitoes consequently as numerous
as ever. 1 found that day that the " barka," turned broadside to a
head wind, drifted much faster than when head or stern on, and this
fact afterwards saved us many miles in our navigation. I afterwards
ascertained that the traders on the river secured this without efltbrt by
suspending a heavy anchor or large bucket or basket of stones from
the sprit so as to hang in the water. We secured the same result by
constant work at the stern oar, aided by the hatchways used as sails
near the stern.

The 8th and 9th we passed very few Iiulian indications, and, in gen-

54 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

oral, it may In* well to ii'inaik tliat tor some distance on either side ot
a tradinjjT station the Indians seldom are very numerous, being more so
at the station itself and at the remotest points from them.

The lOth was a rei)etition of running ashore and i)olinj]: off, as the
wind came up or died down. About a mile below Camp 51 we passed
an Indian villajxe of loj^-liouses and tents on the north bank, holding
jirobably fifty to sixty, there being a large fish-weir or trap on the head
of the island directly opposite. These Indians, even after many years'
intercourse with the Russians previous to our possession of the country,
seem to know nothing of the method of catching salmon by gill-nets
and the ease ami rapidity of the same. Again, about 2 o'clock in the
afternoon, another village of about the same size was met on the head
of oue of the numerous islands, engaged, as before, in fishing.

On the 11th we drifted to Camp 53, the weather disagreeable in the
extreme, and but few Indian locations being noticed.

On the night of the llth-12th a small river steamer came to our
camj), having put up below a few miles and then steatued up to our po-
sition, upon hearing of our presence. It proved to be a small river boat
built by the iScheiffelin party of miners, and as they were leaving the
country it had been i)urchased by three of the traders of the Alaska
Commercial Company, who had become dissatisfied with their treatment
by that com])any, and were proposing to start a trading company of
their own. It is called the "New Kacket," and, with the "Yukon" and
"St. Michaels" forms the entire steam fleet on the river. The latter is,
however, comparatively' worthless.

All day ou the 12th we Avere passing Indian villages, houses, graves,
encampments, «&c., probably representing 250 to 300 or 400 people, the
greater majority of whom seem indisposed to stir, owing to the inclem-
ent weather. At 3.30 we passed the Indian village of Sakadelontin of
the map. It was preceded by a number of coffins in trees, the first of
this character seen on the river. Heavy gloomy weather prevented
photographs on a most interesting part of the river.

On the 13th we passed the mouth of the Koyukuk, the largest north-
ern tributary of the Yukon River, I believe, although little or nothing
is known any great distance beyond its mouth. The Indians on its
shores have the worst reputation of any from Fort Yukon to its mouth,
but as they have uniformly brought vast numbers of furs to the nearest
trading posts, the traders have been perfectly willing to leave their coun-
try- unexplored and allow them an unmolested possession. Some of the
outrages of the Koyukuks are spoken of more in detail in the subject
of Indians. I do not believe, however, that they would resist a force
of twenty or twenty-five well-armed men attempting to explore and in-
vestigate their country.

The night of the 13tli-Uth raged oue of the severest gales we en-
countered on the river.

The 14th we reached Xulato, apoint of considerable importance with

MII.ITAKY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

ret'ereuce to the history of the ohl Kussian Fur Company, it being
their furtherest outlying' permanent trading station on the Yukon Kiver.
It has been the scene of a number of massacres and murders si)oken of
under the head of Koyukuk Indians, and at the date of our visit was
abandoned, owing to a murder of a Russian trader that had occurred
some two or three years before, and that had unsettled the ])eaceful re-
lations between the whites and natives. Nulato shows much finer con-
struction in its buildings, erected b.y the whites, than any encountered
on the river so far, but they were rapidly being torn to pieces by the
natives since their abandonment.

Kk;. 38.

The 15th of August we left Nulato. On the same side of the river,
and about a mile below this point, is a large permanent Indian village
of about twenty-five or thirty houses and caches, and inhabited by prob-
ably sixty to one hundred people when the trading stores were running,
but now nearl}^ deserted. A number of Indian villages were passed
during the day in making Camp 57, but most of them seemed thinly
populated. The despicable weather, the removal of the trading stores,
and the hunting season, may all be charged with this apparent discrep-
ancy between houses and i)eople. From about this general section of
the river to its mouth the influence of Bering's Sea, and even the Pa-
cific Ocean, commences to be felt. The ground does not freeze to such
great depth, and in many places, especially southern exposures, the
thawing of the summer is equal to the dei)th of frost in winter, which
insures partial drainage, and the tundra laud, though still existiug, be-
comes less marshy and impassable to walking, and travels into the in-
terior becomes possible. From the Koyukuk band, already spoken of,

5fi MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

oil down the stiTiiin Indians iirc fonnd wlio make annual inland hunts
in suiiuner time to secure reindeer and other pime, instead of remaining-
relifj^iously on the river, as may be said to be the ease above these points
in that season.

From near Jvalta<i' to the mouth there is no high land on the southern
bank, except that that can be seen in tlie distance in the way of low>
isolated ])eaks and short monnlain ranges, while, with the exception of
a few short stretches at the mouth of a sunill creek, the laud on the north
bank was high and often precipitous even to the water's edge. 1 think
it not im[)robable that Kaltag was an ancient mouth of the Yukon, and
it has since tilled in the shallow shores to the present delta. So shal-
low is Behring's sea on it« eastern or Alaskan shores that the dSbns and
sediment of the Yukon have formed Outlying' shoals for a distance of
nearly 1(K) miles from the beach, and across these shoals of sand and
mud no vessel of even the lightest draught can pass with safety. During
storms of any intensity the water lashes up the mud from the bottom
so near, and this serves as a useful warning to vessels when most
needed. It is this tact which has forced the port of the Yukon River
nearly a hundred miles to the north in Norton Sound (Fort Saint
Michaels), where vessels of reasonable tonnage can have ready access?
and to reach this'they i)ass in and out of the Aplioon, or northern mouth*
I believe, however, that a much better port could be found somewhere
on the Kusiloak or main mouth of the river, which has never been given
a ])roper hydrographic and topographical survey.

The 10th of August the wind and rain were so strong from ahead
that I remained over, being at a point on the river where the whole
channel was in sight, obstructed by no islands, and which 1 might
mention as being an unusual occurrence.

My object in camping at such a point was to watch for the river
steamer "Yukon" to take the "barka" in tow, she being unable to pro-
ceed out to sea, having, as already stated, no sails.

On the 17th we drifted about 25 miles, there being but little of inter-
est to chronicle.

The 18th we made Camp 59, and the 10th drifted but nine hours, owing
to the heavy head gale, which, continuing next day, we remained over.

The 21st of Augustwe camped (No. 61) at Hall's E,ai)ids of Raymond's
ma]), but beyond a few ripples near the northern bank and an increase
of rai)i<lity in the current where the river narrows, there was nothing
to indicate them.

The 22nd we reached Anvic, a trading station of the Alaska Company,
kept by Mr. Fredericksen, who treated us very kindly. He had had a
good deal of trouble with the Shagelook Indians recently, and was talk-
ing of abandoning his station if it continued. A number that had come
down to be baptized by the priest had cut open a couple of skin boats
to show their feeling, and had it not been for the friendly tribes at the

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 57

Station be thought he wouUl have been robbed, and possibly murdered,
iu case he made any resistance.

The 23d the steamer "Yukon" overtook us and took us in tow, the
remainder of the voyage being uneveutful, but the survey" of the river
being kept up to the Aphoon mouth.

On the 30th of August Saint Michaels was reached and on the 8th of
September the schooner "Leo," that had relieved Lieutenant Ray's mete-
orological station at Point Barrow, came into Saint Michaels and through
the kindness of that officer passage was secured to San Francisco,
where the party arrived October 5. On September 17 the party landed
at Ooualaska, in the Aleutian Islands, and remained several days study-
ing and compiling data regarding the Aleuts, which will be found in the
proper subhead.

It might be proper in closing this report to speak of those to whom I
found mjself under obligations from time to time in the prosecution of
the enterprise.

Of course to the members of the party itself for their untiring devo-
tion in their several departments is due the greatest praise. The part
of this report devoted to Indians, the most important in a military sense,
is due almost wholly to Dr. Wilson, the surgeon.

Beyond these I should like to mention Brevet Maj. Gen. Frank
Wheaton, colonel Second Infantry ; Lieut. C. A. Williams, Twenty-
first Infantry; Collector Morris, at Sitka, Alaska; Wm. King Lear,
Wrangell, Alaska; Captain Vanderbilt, Killisnoo, Alaska; Mr. Carl
Si)uhu, Killisnoo, Alaska; Mr. Downing, purser, "Idaho," P. C. S. S.
Co.; Captain Carroll, commanding Idaho, P. C. S. S. Co.; Mr. Greeuberg,
of Portland, Oregon; Mr. G. J. Mitchel, of Portland, Oregon; Mr.
Eobert Habersham, of Portland, Oregon; Captain Petersen, command-
ing Alaska Company's river steamer "Yukon;" Mr. Henry ISTeumann,
agent Alaska Company's Station, Saint Michaels.

Respectfully submitted.

FRED'K SCHWATKA,
First Lieutenant, Third Cavalry, Aid-de-Camp.

DESCRIPTION OF INDIAN TRIBES.

TONGAS IIVDIANS.

This tribe of Indians, subdivided into two band^, the " Crows " and
" Wolves," inhabits that portion of Alaska situated about 40 miles
north of the boundary line of British Columbia, along* the so-called
" inland passage." They live on Tongas Island and on the north side
of Portland Channel, the principal village being on the island. From
Dixon Entrance to their villages would be a run of about three hours
for a -moderately fast steamer. The habitations are permanent and
situated near the water, and as the neighboring country is mountainous,
rough, and mainly composed of islands, duj approach, except by water,
would be impracticable. A free communication, however, is kept up
throughout the adjacent waters by means of canoes, propelled by pad-
dles and sails, and of various sizes ; those used in war having an aver-
age capacity of about three tons.

The houses themselves, which are built after the cross section as
shown here, are provided with a cellar about 6 feet deep and 20 feet

wjjwiIWwtW^^

square, used principally for storage purposes, but sufficiently commodi-
ous to afford the inhabitants protection against rifle bullets in case of
an attack.

The tribe numbers about COO souls altogether, about 200 being war-
riors, of whom the greater majority can be called able-bodied, and are

60 MILITARY HKCONNAISSANCE IN A1,ASKA.

provided witli some descri|)ri()M of lir-e-iirm. Tliese, iinns are for the
most i)art Hudson Bay Com[)any iiuiskets, i>art tlitit-lock and part per-
cussion, ordy a few being the more mo lern maga/aue-gun. The supply
of ammunition is poor, and at present obtained from the English at
Fort Simpson and the salmon cannery at Boca Inlet.

lu case of war with this Government it could be obtained from Fort
Simpson and vicinity.

Their country is well timbered, producing a variety of berries and
sutlicient grass for military stock in summer but not in winter. It pre-
sents fair prospects of gold and silver, and abounds in mountain sheep,
mule deer, black and brown bears, while the waters adjoining furnish
large quantities of salmon, halibut, clams, mussels, and sea-weed.
These last named articles — the fish being eaten both fresh and dried — are
the principal articles of food ; the 8ui)ply of which is secured mainly dur-
ing the summer, and, with the addition of a few clams and mussels,
attbrds them a means of subsistence in winter. In case of war, during
the summer thej^ would have to rely on the game in the mountains,
while in winter, as they have no domestic animals except the dog, which
would furnish them food for oidj a few weeks at the longest, the ques-
tion of starvation would soon prove a serious one. White men's cloth-
ing is universally worn by the tribe, who would be compelled to use
furs shoidd the S'lppl^' of clothes be cut ott", and these could not be
obtained in sufficient quantities to last any length of time.

Ka-too-nah, now calling himself " Ebbitts," after the old chief, who
died about two years ago, is their head chief, and exerts considerable
influence, not so much, indeed, though as the two "medicine men,"
Nah-goot-klane and Kach-wan, who can be easily bribed, however, with
anything that is useful to them. In the event of hostilities arising, no
Indian allies against them could be secured in the neighboring country,
and the band living in the neighborhood of Cape Fox would most likely
unite with them.

Such an event is not probable, however, for they are not warlike,
though in every respect brave; have never been at war with the whites
(none of whom have settled in their country), and at present entertain
the most friendly feeling towards the white people.

Military operations could be conducted in the country all the year
round, and to troops thus emploj'ed, besides the usual campaign sup-
plies, a number of small boats should be furnished; probably the
best means of using a force against them, if at war, would be to send
infantry in boats holding from 20 to 25 men, with small Hotchkiss can-
non in the bows to drive them from their houses and force them into
the mountains, where they would be unable to secure sufficient food to
keep them long. A small steam launch, to overtake and capture their
canoes, which are as fast or even faster than small boats, would be an
effective auxiliary.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 61

CAPE FOX i:n^dians.

Kast-wan is the head chief of these Indians, l)oth in time of war and
in peace, and exerts a powerful influence over the subchiefs and the
entire people. At present they have no "medicine man." the old one
having died only a short time ago and no one yet ai)i)ointed. When
the services of such au individual are necessary, however, one is called
in from their neighbors, and his opinions are eagerly listened to and
his suggestions observed. The tribe numbers about 250 souls alto-
gether, with nearly 100 warriors, most of whom are able-bodied and
provided with some sort of fire-arm. The flint and percussion lock
musket introduced by the Hudson Bay Company is the i)attern of gun
most frequentlj' met with, only very few of the men having the improved
rifles now generally in use. Ammunition is poorly supplied, and ob-
tained from Fort Simpson and the trader at Boca Inlet. In event of
war with the United States, Fort Simpson would be the onlj^ source.

Their principal village was situated until quite recently in the imme-
diate neighborhood of Cape Fox, but since the establishment of a fish-
ing industry by white men at Boca Inlet this has been moved there,
only a short distance from the cannery. The distance from the village
to Dixon Entrance can be made by a good steamer in about four hours.

The region of country occupied by the tribe is in the southern portion
of Alaska, not far from the northern boundary of the British posses-
sions on the Pacific coast. It consists mainly of islands and head-
lands, with small channels intervening and intersected by numerous
salt-water inlets.

The country is rough and mountainous in character, with numerous
streams of fresh water emptying into the sea. It is very thickly covered
with timber; the so-called yellow cedar being found in abundance,
though not to the same extent as further north. The soil itself is by
no means fertile; it being impossible to raise any sort of produce,
although various kinds of grasses flourish.

Throughout the adjoining waters salmon and halibut abound in great
quantities, the former to such an extent as to hav^e recently attracted
the attention of white men, as previously stated. Various wdd animals
are found in this region; deer, mountain sheep, and black bears being
most frequently met with. These, however, are not much sought after,
as these Indians are almost exclusively fishermen. Thej' engage in
hunting to a very limited extent, and rarely venture far inland, having
a kind of superstitious dread of the dense forests, which they imagine
are peopled with strange creatures. As a rule they are industrious,
many being employed now by the whites, and eager to improve their con-
dition. Many appeals have been made for schools, the benefits of which
having been seen and appreciated through their intercourse with the
natives at Fort Simpson and vicinity, where indeed many good results
have been accomplished. The dwellings of this tribe are permanently

62 MILTTAUY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

sitMiitod aloiii;' the salt water, and so similar in construction to those
used by the Tongas Indians as to require no repetition.

The principal article of food besides fish is a variety of sea-weed,
which is «r;ithcred •lurinf; the snninier, carefully dried in the sun, and
l)ressed intoslal.s and cakes. This is (;onil)ined with tish oil when eaten,
and not only supplies the place of our many varieties of food, but is
considered quite a delicacy, notwithstandiiifi' the fact that its odor alone
would warn a civilized indivi<lual, ami one not over-fastidious, against
even tasting it. Besides these articles of diet various other supplies,
such as are used by niiners and others out of civilization, are obtained
from traders. No domestic animals are found among them, except the
dog, which is not employed in any useful cai)acity, and as food, in the
event of their being obliged to abandon their usual sources, would not
serve them long. The style of clothes worn by the whites has been
universally adopted by this tribe, these articles being obtained from the
same sources as their ammunition and other supplies. Should these
sources be cut otit", no little dififlculty would be experienced in finding
suitable garments as a substitute. Communication overland through
the country is never resorted to, the only means of transportation being
in canoes, which are built of cedar, and not only beautifully modeled,
but very light and swift. These are propelled by means of paddles and
sails, and so skillfully as to enable these people to venture on consid-
erable journeys.

The feeling of these Indians toward the white people is in every respect
most friendly; they have never been at war with the Russian Govern-
ment or with our own, and hardly realize that such a thing exists. An
active campaign against them could be conducted all the year through
unassisted though by any neighboring Indians as allies, for the Tongas
tribe would undoubtedly unite with them. As the country differs in so
few particulars from that occupied by the Tongas, the only unusual cam-
]>aign suj)ply, in case of war, would be likewise a number of small boats.
These should be sufliciently large to accommodate about 20 men and a
small cannon in the bows to force them from their houses, and by guard-
ing against an escape by water it would be difficult for them to hold out
long.

STICKEEN INDIAIS^S.

This tribe for many years in direct intercourse with the white people,
has, as is usual, not only derived many lasting benefits therefrom,
through a keen desire to learn and improve their condition, but on the
other hand many of the vices aiul corruptions of civilization have like-
wise been acquired.

The various whites who have entered the countrj', except perhaps
miners, have invariably l)een attracted by trade, so that as a protection
to themselves these Indians were forced to become shrewd and sharj^-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 63

witted, which traits are very apparent in their character with only a
short acqnaintance. As a rule they are of a very superior intelligence,
and have always manifested great eagerness to acquire civilized im-
provements, both in the manner of living and in working. Civilized
clothes are generally worn, and the plain varieties of food indulged in
by frontiersmen accepted.

The territory which they occupy lies near the western boundary of
British Columbia, distant about a fourteen-hours' run from Dixon En-
trance. It is limited to Wrangell Island and the district of country
along the Stickeen Eiver, which stream has its source in British Co-
lumbia, and flows thence in a southwesterly direction through the
American ppssessions into the sea. The country is very generally
mountainous, and well timbered throughout, the yellow cedar flourish
ing luxuriantly. The soil itself is not fertile, but more so than the
country to tlie south, and the season too short for any except the hard-
ier varieties of vegetables to mature. Potatoes can be grown here, and
in fact are cultivated in considerable quantities by the Indians. A few
years ago gold was discovered near the headwaters of the Stickeen
River in such quantities as to attract universal attention and draw many
men to the vicinity. Fort Wrangell, situated on the island, and at
present unoccupied by troops, was the depot for supplies and the
starting-point for the mines. Here many prospectors, industrious and
otherwise, spent the winters, awaiting the approach of warm weather,
so that a marked impression has been left on the Indians by their pres-
ence. In those most susceptible, and these are largely in the majority,
the taste for alcoholic stimulants was not only given a great impetus,
but has actually become a craving. As a remedy for this, restrictions
were instituted against the introduction of liquor into the country,
which answered in a measure, but when the Indians found it impossible
to procure a supply they began the manufacture of a compound of their
own, from molasses, called " hoochenoo," which has necessitated cus
toms regulations against this article as well.

The principal village of the tribe adjoins Fort Wrangell, and consists
of a number of well-built houses. These are made of planks about
3 inches thick, and each plank as a rule shaped from a log by hand.

They are then set on edge and nicely fitted together, while a roof
of bark, with a hole for the smoke, protects the inmates from the
weather. The floor is of dirt, and in consequence uninjured by the fire
in the center, over which the simple diet of the household is cooked.

Their principal article of food is fish of various kinds, such as halibut,
salmon, codfish, and herring, all of wbich are found in abundance in
the adjacent waters. Besides these, they also employ the inner soft
bark of a species of cedar, large quantities of which are collected and
stored away for winter consumption. Many of the plainer articles of
food, such as are consumed by frontiersmen, are sold them by traders,
as stated before.

64 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

The tribe mi iiibera about 800 souls altogetlier, with ]»robably 300 men
who wouhl be cnpabh' of bcariiifj^ arms in thein'cnt of an universal out-
break. The tire-arms which they use are generally the old Lludsou Bay
musket, but many are supplied with the modern repeating ritlt^s, though
not of the latest ])atteins. The number of these imi)roved rifles found
among this tribe is far greater than any other along this i)art of the
Territory on account of their long intercourse with miners and the close
l)roximity of the Cassiar mines, where many of the Indians were em-
ployed and paid, directly and indirectly, with arms.

In 187G an Indian from Fort Simpson started a school at Wrangell
and very soon gathered about him almost 100 pui)ils. At this time the
post was occupied, and a soldier, impressed with the eagerness of the
l)eople to learn, made an appeal for a competent teacher^ This, after
some delay, was responded to, and a good school opened shortly after-
wards, which has continued to prosper and increase in average attend-
ance to such an extent as to require the services of two or three addi-
tional teachers. Many good results are manifest, through the influence
of the school and tyachers, for in many cases the young girls have been
taken away from their mothers, who, according to their cnstoms, con-
sider them an article of trade, and frequently sold them to white men.
Cleanliness, a virtue so little thought of and cultivated by most Indians,
has likewise been instilled into the minds of the attendants by the same
means.

The tribe is not warlike, and at present is very friendly toward the
whites, although a number of years ago they captured a trading schooner
and murdered the crew. A general outbreak against the whites has never
occurred, and the only difficulties have been occasioned either through
disagreements in matters of trade or on account of a too free indulgence
in liquor.

The presence of a gun-boat has always inspired them with great awe,
and they have the greatest respect for weapons of warfare sui)erior to
those employed by themselves. In the event of actual hostilities boats
of some description would be necessary, as they are very generally pro-
vided with large and well-constructed canoes, and are thorough masters
in the art of navigating them. No refuge could be obtained away from
the sea- shore where they could secure sufhcient food and other necessi-
ties for existence, so that a campaign against them would in consequence
be very near, if not wholly, on the water. In regard to the name of this
tribe and river, several who have had occasion to mention them in writing,
have seen fit to adopt different ways of spelling, and some go so far as to
spell the name of the river different from that of the tribe, although the
l)ronunciation in no case is affected. It is variously written as Stakhin,
Stakhine, Stikine, and Stickeen, the last being adopted here as giving
the most exact idea of the sound.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 65

SITKA INDIAIN^S.

Sitka or New Archangel, as it was called by the Ivussians before the
purchase of the territory by our Goveruiiieut, coutaiued about 1,000
iuhabitants, one third of whom were Russians. It was then the great
center of trade and commerce for the country, but since the transfer of
the fur interests to Americans the place has been abandoned as a
prominent commercial point, it is situated on the western side of Bar.
anoif Island in a picturesque harbor leading out to the open sea, distaiit
about fifteen hours' run from Dixou Entrance by the outside passage
and from twenty-five to thirty hours by the Inland Passage through
Peril Straits.

These Indians, who have given their name to the town and harbor,
have their principal village adjoining the town, and, like their brethren
who live further south, have always given evidence of a sui)erior intel-
ligence and independence. They are naturally indolent, however, and
fond of dress, and exert themselves to hunt and trade in order to gratify
this fancy. Their houses, as a rule, are well and 'substantially con-
structed of logs, and through the influence and suggestions of different
naval officers, of late the sanitary condition of the surroundings has
been much imi^roved by the digging of gutters, which carry off the ac-
cumulating filth and water. At first this tribe was opposed to the
change of governments, as Sitka became immediately quite insignificant,
but they were soon afterwards reconciled and have been since very
friendly.

Having- the Russians for so long a time in such close proximity has
left its impress on this people in several ways. There were intermar-
riages, and the offspring of these unions have generally remained in the
country, so that now there is a very marked trace of Russian blood
throughout the tribe. As these foreigners were not always the very
best class of citizens, the manners, customs, and habits acquired of them
by the natives are not those to be most admired. On the other hand,
schools were established very earl}' in this century, but did not amount
to much until 1820, when they were taken in charge by a naval oflicer,
who superintended them for fifteen years. After this they became very
efficient, under a creole by the name of Etolen. All educational ad van
tages were taken away at the time of the Russian exodus, and for about
ten years afterwards no attention was given to the subject; in fact it
was not until 1880 that a school was established on a firm basis. This
has continued to prosper, and now, as a better means of securing- at-
tendance and removing- the boys from bad influence at home, a boarding
department has been established. The tribe numbers now about 1,000
souls in all, of whom about 150 are capable of bearing arms in case of
a general disagreement. They are, however, not warlike in disposition,
though brave enough when occasion arises, and like all their neighbors,
have acquired an inordinate taste for alcohol in isouie shape or other.
S. Ex. 2 5

66 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

lletbrc the strict regulations against the introduction of li(inor were in-
stituted, no event eonld be celebrated, no ceremony coniiilete, or e.\[)e-
dition undertaken without tiie interested party first indulging in such
(juantities of liciuor as to render the party wholly unfit for anything.
The native drink of '' hooehenoo" supplied the necessary stimulation
tor some time after the (lustoms regulations were instituted, but as the
principal ferments for the manufacture of this have recently been pro-
hibited as well, drunkenness is not so prevalent. As a result of this
inclination and their long intercourse with traders as well, honor is not
considered an attribute sufliciently worthy of cultivation, and, indeed,
never enters into the mind of most of them. No insult can be offered
them so deadly that cannot be atoned for by a pecuniary recompense
of some nature.

The tiiearms employed l)y them are as a rule the same as those men-
tioned before, namely, the old Hudson Bay Company muskets, some
Hint and some percussion, Avith very few improved rifles. The supply
of ammunition, obtained from traders, is poor in quality and in quantity,
and, as it is only purchased when needed, would be entirely cut off in
the event of war with this country, except, perhaps, by making the
journey to Fort Simpson. This source could hardly be taken into ac-
count, however, as the distance is considerable, and their only means
of transportation is by canoes, which, indeed, are large, well built, and
ably managed by their owners.

Civilized clothes, except, i)erhaps, shoes, are worn by this tribe, and
they likewise purchase many articles of food from traders. Fish is their
principal food, halibut, cod, and herring being found abundantly, the
last in such quantities as to be secured by means of a simple implement
similar to a rake. They merely whip the water with this and rarely
fail securing a fish on every jirong. The countrj' adjoining does not
differ much from that already spoken of, being a net-work of islands
with salt water channels and inlets intervening. It is generally mount-
ainous and thickly covered with timber, and produces only the hardier
varieties of vegetables and other produce.

The principal animals hunted are deer, mountain sheep, and mountain
goat, the horns of which furnish them material for the manufacture of
ladles and sjjoous, which are oftentimes very curiously carved, while
the wool affords them material for making blankets.

The influence and poi)ularity of a chief among these Indians dei)ends
largely on his liberality, it being a custom among them to give what is
known as "potlatch" when an individual desires to secure favor. This
is a kind offcast where each guest receives a present, and as much as $500
worth of blankets are known to have been distributed at such a gather-
ing.

Many outbreaks have been threatened by this tribe, arising mainly
through the influence of liquor and the natural viciousness of some in-
fluential man with the idea of bettering his condition. In 1877, after

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 67

the witlulrawal of the troops, cousulerable excitement was occasioned
by the threats of a chief, known as "Sitka Jack," but the appearance
of a gnn-boat quieted this without any Woodshed. As friendship, un-
accompanied by any prospect of reward, is by no means a characteristic
trait of these Indians, bribes of some kind judiciously made would at
least prevent the neighboring tribes joining as allies, provided they did
not feel aggrieved themselves, and perhaps secure them as a valuable
aid to the whites.

The medicine man, or " shaman," as he is more generally called, exerts
a strong influence with the people, and as his skill is exerted more es-
pecially against evil spirits, and in determining iniporLant questions,
Thau in curing disease, it would be a great aid, in the event of war, if
he could be inspired by a spirit who would at least not be an enemy of
the white people. This tribe of Indians have always had the reputation
of being the worst of all the Thlinkets, and although it has never en-
gaged actively against the Americans as a tribe, nevertheless, to the
Eussians, it was for a long time a discordant element and the cause of
many bloody feuds. The natives looked with hostility upon the erec-^
tion of the lirst permanent post in this region. Fort Archangel Gabriel,,
near the present site of Sitka, and in less than two years afterwards
called a council on one of the islands for the purpose of devising means
of driving out the Eussians.

In May, 1802, the fort was attacked, the inmates driven out, and over
thirty people killed. The remainder took to the woods and were only
saved by the opportune arrival of an English vessel. Later in this
same year many Aleuts and Eussians were attacked in one of the nu-
merous bays and only the commander and some few Aleuts escaped.
A sensational story is told, partly true, no doubt, of the Indians forti-
fying themselves on a rock, the present site of Sitka, defending it
with two cannon previously captured, and only evacuating it, without
surrendering, however, after exhausting their supply of ammunition.
This occurred in 1804, and the Indians are said to have killed a num-
ber of dogs and even infants to prevent them giving an alarm, and be-
fore leaving their position succeeded in killing and wounding many
Eussians. This hostile feeling was very embarrassing to the new set-
tlers, not only on account of their being constantly in imminent danger
of losing" their lives, but the natives also could not be induced to trade
and even maintained this determination until about 1815, after which a
more friendly feeling arose. As the country occujiied by these Indians
is so similar to that previously mentioned, the character of a campaign
and the unusual supplies needed would be essentially the same, and
as there are likewise very few trails inland such a campaign would un-
doubtedly be near, if not on, the water.

6H MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

KOOTZNAIIOO INDIAX8.

In regard to the spelling and pronnnciation of the name of this tribe
various ways are employe*!, arising from a ditt'ereuee in the interpreta-
tion of the sound by different individuals, owing to the extreme diffi-
culty of learning the language. It has been variously spelled Kootz-
iiahoo, Koutznou, Kootznoo, and Kooshnoo, which, in almost each
case, would convey nearly the same sound. The tribe is divided into
two bands, the Ivootznahoos proiier and the NeltoosUins, each of which
is com])Osed of many families, and occupies a separate village on the
western shore of Admiralty Island between Point Gardner and Point
Eetreat. The Kootznahoos have their principal village near Kootznese
Head, at the mouth of Hood's Inlet, while tin' Neltooskins, about two
hundred and fifty in number, live about 12 miles south of this. The
country, like that i)reviously described, is mountainous and rough,
thickly covered with timber, and surrounded in every direction by
water. The run from Dixon Entrance could be made by a moderately
fast steamer, in from eighteen to twenty hours. This region abounds
in various kinds of game, the ones principally hunted by the natives
being deer and bears. The soil is generally moist, thickly covered with
moss, and not especially adapted to the cultivation of the ordinary
garden produce, notwithstanding which, however, the Indians raise
considerable quantities of potatoes and turnips.

The houses occupied by them are built permanently near the water's
edge, of logs and hewn timber. Most of them are provided with cel-
lars, and, as a rule, are absolutely bullet proof, Init would necessarily
be abandoned if the attacking force were provided with the lightest
forms of artiller}-. Regular streets, lanes, and alleys separate the
different houses, which are generally surrounded by small gardens,
planted in well heaped-up rows, to allow of ample drainage, as the rain-
fall in this region is very considerable.

Strips of bark are stretched across from the fence on each side so as
to present the appearance of a net or snare to the ravens, which are very
numerous and, unless some such device is resorted to, prove very de-
structive to anything like a garden. The adjoining waters abound in
many varieties of tish, those found in greatest abundance being galmon,
halibut, cod, and herring*. At Killisnoo quite an extensive establish-
ment is in operation for the curing and packing of cod and herring-, and
has not only proved a pecuniary success to the originators, but has given
the Indians emi)loyment, and has thrown them more intimately in con
uection with the white people. These Indians have seen and appre-
ciated the advantages of education, and have made numerous requests
for the establishment of a school in their neighborhood, but up to this
time one has not been opened.

As a rule they are industrious and willing to work, although very
prone to dictate their own terms of pay, and especially apt to stop work

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 69

when injiulicionsly paid beforeliaiid or when they have tlieir employ-
ers at a disadvantage and see an opportunity of improving the terms.
Their ideas of anything lilce a business contract, notwithstanding a
pledge be given, are very crude indeed.

Besides furnishing them food, they have to rely on the water for com-
munication with tlieir neighbors, through the medium of their large
and well built canoes, as there are very few trails inland, and these are
not made use of except perhaps by hunting parties. The various kinds
of fish already meutioned, grease and oil obtained therefrom, pressed
seaweed, the inner bark of the spruce and a certain edible root, together
with potatoes, which they raise, are their chief articles of food, inde-
pendent of the white people ; but they also rely on the trading stores
for various other articles. Ample provision is made for the long win-
ters by securing quantities of these same articles which are stored up in
their houses. The clothes which thej' wear are such as are used by the
whites and are universally preferred to those made of skins, notwith-
standing the fact of their being well versed in the art of tanning, and
could manage to get along in this way, though indifferently, in the event
of their supply being cut off.

The tribe numbers from GOO to 800 souls, with from 250 to 300 men
who could be considered as able-bodied. The old flint and percussion
lock musket of the Hudson Bay Company is the pattern of gun most
generally in use, together with quite a number of percussion revolvers
and very few, if any, magazine rifles. Ammunition, as well as the va-
rious other useful articles which they buy, is obtained from Killisnoo,
which place would be shut off should trouble occur with this Govern-
ment, and then their nearest source would be at Fort Simpson. Each
of the two subdivisions of the tribe has a separate chief, Kanalkoo
being the head chief of the Kootznahoos, over whom he has not a great
deal of influence, while Kahchutka occupies the same position among
the Neltooskins, who, with the subchiefs as well, hav^e great respect for
his opinions and suggestions. In the event of hostilities these two
bands would in all probability unite, although they might not, as a <1iffi-
culty occurred between them some twenty years ago, since which time
there has not been the greatest friendship manifested. The head chiefs
in such an event might likewise be changed, for, in a quarrel which oc-
curred a few years ago with the Stickeens, the tribe was led by a Kootz-
nahoo woman, known as " Feather Legs."

In regard to the medicine men, each band has one or two, and their
influence, though almost lost among the Kootznahoos proper, is very
strong with the Neltooskins. These shamans are supposed to be in-
spired, but nevertheless are essentially mortal, and resemble the rest
of the tribe so closely that a well-directed bribe, should occasion occur,
would not fail in producing happy results.

This tribe of Indians, as a distinct band, have never been at war with
the Russian Grovernment, and have had but one serious difficulty with

70 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

the United States, which liappoju'd a little over a year ago. Several of
the men were ein])l()ye«l by the Northwest Trading Company on a small
steam launch in catching whales, and one man was killed by the acciden-
tal discharge of a bomb-gun, used for hurling the lauce. The Indians,
instigated by a woman, it is said, saw in this an oj^portunit}' of gratify-
ing their avarice, and immediately demanded two hundred l)Iankets as
a consolation for their giief and recompense for the death of this mem-
ber, and, iu order to make their demand more emphatic, took forcible
possession of two white men, held them as hostages, and threatened
to kill them unless their demands were coni])lied with. These claims
Avere, of course, considered absurd in every respect, aud the Indians
were informed that their villages would be destroyed unless the men
were given up. This threat was looked upon in the light of a joke l)y
the tribe, who had no real appreciation of the character of a gun-boat
and the guns with which one is ordinarily provided, consequently they
showed no inclination at all to comply. A small tug-boat was then
e(iuipped with a crew and arms from a Government vessel, aud soon
afterwards opened fire ui)on the village. At first the shots were well
directed entirely over the houses, so as to allow the occupants ample
time to escape, after which several of the houses were destroyed, more
for the moral effect than from any desire to injure their property.
After this the Indians were only too glad to listen to reason, and not-
withstanding the numy adverse criticisms and slurs cast ui)on the ])ro-
ceeding by numerous papers throughout the country, the general result,
as attested by the white men in the neighboring country-, has proved
most salutary.

The Indians, without sustaining any loss of life or serious loss of
l)roi)erty, which would necessarily have occasioned a certain amount
of bitterness, now ap])reciate fully what the white people are capable
of accomplishing against them, and since that time have not only con-
ducted themselves more respectfully, but also now entertain a higher
rega)d and a more friendly feeling toward the Government and the
white men living in the country.

At this time the tribe threatened to abandon their houses and stores
and retreat inland, but manifested no tendency to carry it into eflect,
which shows that such a proceeding was at least thought of, and at
the same time its dilticulties fully appreciated. Xone of the neighbor-
ing tribes joined them in this difficulty, and, iu all probability, would
not do so should occasion occur again, and further, would not unite
with the whites as allies unless sufficient inducement were ottered iu
the way of reward. Military operations can be conducted all the year
through by water, and as all their belongings are situated so near the
sea, a campaign against them, to be successful, would undoubtedly re-
quire a number of boats as an unusual campaign supply.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 71

IIOOXAH INDIANS.

This tribe of ludiaus, whose name is variously spelled Hoonah,
Hiiima, Hoonyah, aud ITooueak, uunibers in all from 000 to 800 souls,
with from 250 to 300 so called- warriors.

They have not been thrown so intimately with white men as many of
the other tribes of this large family, but through intercourse with other
Indians aud a few traders, who have been in the neighboring- country
for many years, civilized improvements in manners and customs have
been verj^ generally acquired. The^^ are naturally bright, aud from
their long experience in matters of trade have become very shrewd ;
combiuiug this quick Avit with an entire lack of scruple, a merchant
with no lack of business tact would find himself sadly worsted in a
trade unless acquainted with their character. In bringing about a trade
all sorts of devices are employed to enhance the value of their furs, and
it is said that skins of small value have even been dyed so as to repre-
sent a more valuable variety of the same animal. As a rule, they are
quite industrious aud willing to work for the whites, if paid sufficiently
well to suit their own ideas of justice, but if i^rovided with all the
necessary comforts in the way of food and clothiugthey are not greatly
distressed on being out of employment. During the summer of 1881 a
school was established at their principal village, which was immediately
well attended, its advantages being fully appreciated by the older
members of the tribe, who had made many requests for one previous to
this time. The tribe is separated into two villages, the larger of which
is situated on the northeastern shore of Chicagoff Island, at Port Fred-
erick, while the smaller is on the mainland directly opposite. This
point is distant from Dixon Entrance a run of about twenty-five hours
Their houses are well built of roughly hewn timber, near the water's edge-
aud, as a rule, substantial enough to prevent the passage of bullets,
but would necessarily have to be abandoned should any weapons carry-
ing larger missiles be used against them. The character of the country
does not differ from that further south, being mountainous near the
water and hilly inland. It is everywhere thickly covered Mith timber,
and generally unproductive unless great labor be expended in clearing
and draining. The Indians, however, do cultivate gardens and raise
considerable quantities of potatoes, which vegetable holds a very im-
portant place among them as an article of food. Deer and bears are
found throughout the country, and are hunted for their skins aud meat-
Besides this game, their chief reliance for food, except what they obtain
from traders, is in fisli, cod, herring, halibut, aud salmon being found
iu abundance. Many seals are also caught in the adjacent waters, the
flesh of which is likewise used as food. The fire-arms found among them
are the Hudson Bay Company muskets, flint and percussion lock, also
some percussion pistols of a very old pattern, but very few improved

72 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

breech -load iiiii lillcs. Aiiiiiiuiiiti(tii, toiii'tlicr witli otlior ii'-^oful articles,
Itotli of food and laiiiu'iit, is obtained at Killisnoo, which source in the
event of war with this (lovernaieiit would be denied them, and as there
is no other point near at hand it would be very dillicult for them to tind
another source. Traders furnish them with material for their clothes,
which are, in ])attern and kind, such as are worn by white men and
only i)urchased when needed, so that, like their ammunition, would be
cut otf in the event of hostilities. Wealth among them is not reckoned
in dollars and cents, but according to the number of blankets an in-
<lividual possesses, and as these are often bought and stored away,
would in consecjuence prove of great service could they manage to pre-
serve them from harm during a diiticulty of any kind.

Communication by laud is rarely resorted to, on account of the char-
acter of the country and the paucity of trails, so that wheu they have
occasion to make any journeys at all their main reliance is in their
canoes. As with all the other Thlinket tribes the custom of holding
slaves was formerly very much in vogue, but is now kept up to a very
limited extent on account of the iutiuence brought to bear against it by
the whites and the difficulty of obtaining them. Formerly the struggles
between the neighboring tribes being of such frequent occurrence, the
unfortunate captives furnished sutticient numbers, but as these difficul-
ties rarely ever occur at the present time, wherever the custom is main-
tained, slaves are secured by trade. This method was employed to a large
extent, too, as testified by the Indians found among them from tribes
far removed. In former times these slaves had very few rights; they
could not acquire property or even marry without the consent of their
masters, and were distinguished from free men by the absence of cer-
tain ornaments generally worn by the tribe. At certain festivals it was
the custom to make human sacrifices, the victims for which were gen-
erally selected from among the old and feeble slaves, as the younger
ones were considered too valuable, and although favorites were often
brought forward, yet in almost every instance were altbrded an opportu-
nity to escape, and after the festival was over could return without fear of
being punished. At the present time such sacrifices are rarely, if ever,
made, and slaves enjoy almost the same privileges as others of the tribe.

Kensetl is the head chief of the tribe and exerts a powerful influence,
not only over the subchiefs but the entire people. His feeling towards
the whites in general is very friendly, and especially so toward the very
few who live in the country. These Indians have never been at war
with the Kussian Government or with our own, but some time in 18G0
they are said to have captured a steamer belonging to the Hudson Bay
Company.

In time of war the two villages mentioned before would unite together
against an opposing force, and although there are no Indians in the
neighborhood who would be liable to unite with them, yet, on the other
hand, would not join the whites, as allies against them, unless suffi-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 75

cient prospect of reward be ottered. A cainpaif;ii conld be carried on
in this section all the year round, altbongli many difficulties and hard-
ships would be experienced on account of the cold winters. Consider-
ing the fact of their supply of food being obtained chiefly from the sea,
and their homes being- almost at the water's edge since the earliest
times, they would experience great difficulty in sustaining themselves if
compelled to abandon their iiouses, consequently would not retreat in-
land, only as a very last resort. Their canoes, in an event of this kind,
would be of great service to them, so that a number of small boats
would be absolutely indispensable as an unusual campaign supply.

AUK INDIANS.

A short time ago very good prospects of gold were discovered on
Douglas Island, situated directly opposite the winter village of this
tribe, which created the usual excitement in such cases, and served to
bring into the neighborhood the same class of men who ordinarily re-
spond to rumors an:l reports of like nature. Some of these men are, of
course, hard-working, sober, and industrious, but the majority, as a rule,
are idle, visionary, and devoid of principle, and being disinclined to
work are thrown more intimately with the residents. Such was the
case, in this instance, with these Indians. Living very near at hand
and being attracted still nearer by the presence of the whites, they had
nothing to do except to provide for the absolute necessities of life, and
besides were not disinclined or in any way slow in imitating the habits
of the whites; so that among other things the desire for alcohol, though
perhaps not initiated, was quickly nourished, and many disturbances
between individuals occurred in consequence. Gold was not obtained
in the large quantities at first anticipated, so that many of the men re-
turned. But the effect of their presence is very apparent on the tribe ;
some remained, however, and still occupy themselves in mining. The
rush of people to this quarter of course called attention to the Indians
living near at hand, so that an effort was made, in the right direction,
to improve their condition by opening a school, which, however, has not
yet been permanently established. Douglas Island is in the northeast-
ern extremity of the Alexander Archipelago, separated from the main-
land by a narrow salt-water channel, and distant from Dixon Entrance
a run of about thirty hours.

A small town was established at the time of the gold excitement
which now affords these Indians a convenient place to obtain the useful
articles which traders generally offer for sale.

The country surrounding is mountainous near the water, well covered
with timber, and about as productive as that situated to the south and
already spoken of. It is capable of cultivation, in a measure, with con-
siderable care and labor, so that the hardier vegetables only do well.

Game of various kinds, such as deer, bears, both black and grizzly,

74 MILITARY RSCONNAISSJLNCE IX ALASKA.

iiioiinlain slici']) and iiioniitaiii ^oats, is found in moderate quantity
tlironiiliout tliis section, and is lumted by the Indians for meat and skins.
The tribe, ho\ve\er, is more inelined to yain a living by lishiny, and
indeed do depend on the water for most of their food, as many varieties
of tish are eaught in the adjoining waters. Salmon, halibut, and cod
abound in large quantities, and are the ]>rineii)al articles of diet.

On account of the few trails running through the country, long
Journeys into the interior are rarely* ever undertaken, and when occa-
sion arises to communicate with any neighboring i>laces, canoes furnish
them their only means of transportation. These are built well and
strong, and of various sizes, the largest being capable of carrying two
or three tous. A canoe, in fact, almost takes the place of some one of
the domestic animals which are so useful to other tribes of Indians, and
to civilized races. Xo horses, cows, or other animals, except the dog,
are found among tliem, and this last-named animal is employed in no
useful way, except ])erliaps in hunting. As an article of food, were
they deprived of their usual supply, it would uot serve them for any
length of time, so can hardly be regarded as in any way indispensable.

The tribe, whose name is variously spelled Auk and Awk, is divided
into numerous separate families, each with its subchief, and numbers
in all about 700 souls. Of these, from 200 to 250 are cai)able of bearing
arms, and most of them are provided with some sort of gun, bows and
arrows having long since fallen into disuse. The old style of musket
formerly sold by the Hudson Bay Company is almost the only pattern
of gun found among them, besides a few cap revolvers, and perhaps
three or four improved rities. The main winter village, as stated
before, was formerly on the mainland 7 miles distant from Juneau, but
as many of the Indians have found employment among the whites, a
considerable number now live in the neighborhood of the town. Their
houses, as a rule, arawell and substantially built, many being provided
with windows, and except for the extremely uncleanly condition which
usually abounds would be far from uncomfortable.

Ammunition and the plainer arti(;les of food, such as ilour, meal of
various kinds, tea, cotiee, sugar, etc., are obtained from traders near at
hand, which sources would necessarily be denied them in the event of
trouble, unless they took forcible possession of the stores at the very
commencement of any difficulty.

The head chief and two or three medicine men of the tribe exert con-
siderable intluence over the people, and are listened to with attention
and respect when a difficulty of any sort occurs. They have not, how-
ever, the interests of the tribe so nuich at heart as to be utterly re-
gardless of the value of presents, especially if ai)plied judiciously for
their individual use. Their feeling, as well as that of the entire tribe,
is at present very friendly towards the whites living in the country, and
instead of manifesting any jealousy at the approach of strangers seem
very much pleased to have them come in. No time is mentioned of

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 75

their ever being at war with the lliissians, and uo serious difficulty has
occurred with the Uuited States, the ouly disturbances arisiug beiug
between individuals as a rule, and generally growing out of a too free
indulgence in some preparation of alcohol. In the event of actual war-
fare there are no Indian tribes in the neighborhood who would unite
with this people, unless they themselves happened to be ottended, nor
are there any who would join the whites as allies unless sufficient com-
pensation be offered for their services, and then they wouhl be of doubt-
ful value, as all of the adjoining tribes in this section of country live on
very friendly terms. There are enough white men in the country to
make a very firm and determined resistance against a general outbreak,
and there are said to be one hundred Springfield rifles at Juneau, de-
posited by the Uuited State Treasury Department, which would neces-
sarily be of great service. A campaign could be carried on in the
country all the year round, but many hardships would be experienced
on account of the cold. Such a campaign should be provided with
boats, as the Indians would keep to the water as long as possible, and
would only retreat inland as a very last resort ; for, unless able to carry
with them supplies of dried fish, &c., they would experience the great-
est difficulty in existing, especially so if in the winter time.

CHILKAT IXDIAXS.

The name of this tribe is variously spelled, but as regards the true
way, it would be very hard to give a decided opinion, or claim one as
more correct than any other ; for, in that case, the same idea of the true
pronunciation might not be conveyed to different individuals. A fair
idea of the sound is given in the orthography used at the beginning of
this desciiption, but various other methods besides are in use, such as
Chilcot, Chilcat, Chilkaht, and Chilcate. These Indians, until a com-
l>aratively recent date, have kept themselves away from any civilizing
influences, and on account of the ill-feeling which they have always ex-
pressed toward white men entering the country, have always been re-
garded as extremely independent and warlike, on account of their
leading a more active life, and venturing inland on long journeys. They
are undoubtedly more warlike in their character than others of the same
family, who have always lived entirely along the water's edge ; and
this accounts in part for their unfriendly feeling ; but the fear of having
their trade with the interior Indians interfered with was the prominent
reason for their behavior. As traders they are equal in every respect
to civilized men, and as honesty is by no means a prominent or charac-
teristic trait among them, to deal with them successfully requires the
closest attention. Trade with them has always been eagerly sought
after by white men, as they are by far the wealthiest of all these In-
dians previously described, and through their great energy have the
best furs to dispose of. Formerly all trade between the whites on the

76 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

coast and tlic Indians living' in tlie interior had to be conducted tlirough
this tribe, as they wonhl not allow white men to venture inland ov^er
their trails, which were the only ones, nor woidd they allow the interior
natives to even come to the sea-coast. In this way they had a com-
plete and absolute monopoly of the trade, and could dictate almost any
terms they chose to both parties. Only a few years ago a party of
pi'osi)ectors started out from Sitka, and desiring to go into the interior
toward the headwaters of some of the numerous rivers, were forbidden
to proceed, and had they persisted would nndoubtedly have been sub-
ject to insults, if not to positive injury. Recently, however, many
whites have settled directly in the country, and although very few if
any have made any journeys inland for trading purposes, still many
miners have gone over the trails, being even aided by the tribe ; and the
so called " Stick" Indians of the interior are seen in the villages near
the trading stores.

This change of feeling was due probably to the establishment of dif-
ferent industries in the country by the whites, thus giving the Indians
a less laborious but at the same time as lucrative an employment, and
the gradual breaking up of the monopoly of trade. This trade with the
interior is not yet abandoned, however, as these Indians still continue to
make their Journeys of fifteen to twenty days' duration, going up to the
very head of navigation in their canoes, then strapping the trading ma-
terial on their backs, and walking until water is reached on the eastern
slope of the divide. Here again they use rafts and canoes to carry
them to the different villages, and come back loaded with furs. As a
rule they are somewhat below the average height, and generally of a
frail build; yet with all this they carry a load of 100 pounds without
difficulty, and travel over 15 miles during the day. In disposition they
are cheerful, being generally fond of Jokes, especially so when directed
against a single member. They are very avaricious and selfish, even
among themselves, no favor being done for each other without sufficient
remuneration be made. The territory which they occupy is situated
in the extreme northeastern extremity of the Alexander Archipelago.
It is on the mainland and at the head of a long salt water inlet called
Lynn Channel. This point is distant from Dixon Entrance, for a mod-
erately fast steamer, a run of about thirty-five or forty hours. Xear
the head of Lynn Channel several small streams find an outlet in the
sea, and along these streams were formerly built the permanent villages
of the tribe.

Since the arrival of whites among them many of the Indians, as is
usually the case, have moved their houses near the trading stores, &c.,
so as to be more conveniently situated, being employed in many differ-
ent capacities by the white men.

During the past year two salmon canningestablishments were started at
Pyramid Harbor, situated near the head of the channel, and a great num-
ber of the Indians, though not yet employed in the more skilled branches

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 77

of this indastry, have found work of various kiuds. They caubardly be
considered as faithful workers, for they resort to every possible phiu to
lessen the quantity of work, and at tiie same time command the same
reward ; and have been known to steal wood after selling it, and then
disi)ose of the same again as a new lot.

The surrounding" country is very mountainous near the sea and hilly
inland ; everywhere thickly covered with timber, and as a rule very
moist, so that in order to cultivate any gardens at all great labor has to
be expended in clearing and draining; with all the labor only the few
common and hardy varieties of vegetables can be raised, owing to the
short season of warm and dry weather. Considerable game is found
throughout this region, such as deer, bears, and mountain sheep, and
are hunted by the Indians not only for their meat but for their skins as
well. From the wool of the mountain sheep very handsome blankets are
made b^' the women of the tribe, which, besides being warm and com-
fortable, are dj^ed in bright colors and prove very attractive to the eye.
This art is uot peculiar to this tribe alone, but they are said to be much
more expert, not only in the manufacture of these, but in carving and
working in silver, than many of the other branches of this family. Va-
rious kinds of fish are found in considerable quantities in the adjoining
waters, salmon being caught in such quantities as to have attracted the
attention of white men as stated before, though the venture has not, as
yet, proved entirely successfull. Trading stores are in operation at
these places, however, so that the tribe has every opportunity of pro-
viding itself with the various useful and necessary articles, both of food
and clothes.

The supply of ammunition and the many other articles obtained in
trade are secured from the stores at Pyramid Harbor, which sources
would be denied them in the event of an outbreak against this Govern-
ment. Civilized clothes have been universally adopted by these people,
who as a rule buy the material and then cut out the different garments
themselves. Should they be denied the oj^portuuity of securing their
usual supply of cloth, very little inconvenience would be experienced
after a little time, as they have an abundance of furs and are masters
in the art of tanning; and besides, many of the different members of
the tribe reckon their wealth by the great number of blankets which
they have stored away and could make use of in an emergency.

As regards communication between neighboring places, these Indians,
though thoroughly versed in the art of building and managing their
canoes, do not depend so much upon them for transportation as the other
tribes previously mentioned, on account of their journeys taking them
inland, where other means have necessarily to be employed. The dog-
is their only domestic animal, and besides being useful in hunting is
occasionally made use of as a pack animal, though by no means to such
an extent as among the more northern tribes. The trails which they
make use of in these journeys already spoken of, are uot very well

78 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

iiKirki'd or l)y any means free from obstacles, so that in the transfer of
a coiisidfrabk' number of men with their belon<jinfjs a fjaide vronhl bo
needed, and considerable woik be recpiired in improvirif; the way. As
many or all of them cross quite a hi<j;]i ranjj^e of mountains, a ])ortion ot
the distance is covered with more or less snow all the year around, which
chanp:es in amount according' to the season of the year; consecjuentiy
only after makinj;- several trips at the ditferent jteriods is one capable
of stating exactly where the best road is to be found. These Indians
are divided into two separate branches, as it were, with a distinct chief
over each, but in manners, customs, habits, &c., are exactly alike, and
in time of war would both unite against an opposing force. The Chilkats
jiroper have three permanent villages, which are situated in the imme-
diate neighborhood of Pyramid lIarl)or and at no great distance from
each other. The Chilkoots, the other division of the tribe, have one
village situated permanentlj^ in the Chilkoot Inlet, which is a continu-
ation of Lynn Channel, and aftbrds ample water for the accommodation
of very large steamers even. Several of these villages are built near
a Hat shore, and although the ebb and tiow of the tide is not excessive,
yet at low water an approach is impossible except for canoes of the very
lightest draught. This is a wise i)rovision whether brought about with a
motive or not, for the shallow water would prove verj' embarrassing to
the successful management of boats either in approaching or even
retreating should occasion demand.

The entire tribe numbers about l.dOO souls, or exactly 981 according
to a census of Lieutenant Symons, United States Navy. Among these
there are between 300 and 400 able-bodied men, capable of bearing
arms and prosecuting an active attack or defense in case of hostilities-
The old Hudson Bay Company musket is the pattern of gun most uni-
versally found among them, yet quite a number are provided with
double-barreled shot-guns, loading at the muzzle and of a very small
caliber, so that a bullet can be used with almost the same freedom as shot.

With these very poor weapons these men are very successful in se-
curing game, which can be accounted for by their great energy and an
apparent ignorance, certainly a disregard, of an}' feeling of fatigue,
even after climbing the highest and steepest hills, mountains, and
canons in the shortest space of time imaginable. The two divisions of
this tribe, though at present friendly, have not always been on such
intimate terms; in fact some years ago each had separate trails into the
interior, the use of which was refused members of the opposite branch.
Each division as previously stated has its own head chief, who individ-
ually exerts a great influence over the subchiefs and the many mem-
bers of the tribe. Shotrich, signifying " hard to kill," is the name of
the Chilkat chief, a very dignified and venerable old man, who ordi-
narily dresses well, but on important occasions puts on a very excellent
suit of blue clothes with brass buttons. These, together with quite a
large scar on his cheek, give him an air of great importance and quite

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 79

;i military bearing-. The head chief of the Cliilkoots is Don-iiah-wauk,
siguifying "silver eye;" he also is considerably advanced in years bnt
is greatly respected by his entire people. The feeling of these two men,
as well as that of the entire tribe, towards the whites in the conntry
is in every respect friendly, and at present do not seem at all (>i)i)<)sed
to their coming in. On account of their superior numbers, however, and
the very few whites dwelling in the region, their behavior is not al-
ways what would be desired. Especially is this the case when they are
under the influence of liquor, when they become at times very insolent-
These Indians have never had any serious difficulties with the United
States, the only disputes which have occurred being in regard to
matters of trade, and as their power and intention of doing injury Avas
respected by the whites, no great effort was made to enter their ter-
ritory when thej^ refused admittance. Since the refusal to allow the
prospectors to enter the interior country, they have not only allowed
several other parties to go through, but have hired themselves out as
packers of the numerous and heavy stores generally carried bj' parties
seeking the interior.

As early as the year 1S51 a difficulty occurred with the English, who
had established a trading post a great many miles distant from their
homes, in the interior of the countr^^ This trouble is said to have beeu
instigated by the Eussians, which is not very probable, however, as
the Indians had a motive in acting as they did, on account of jealous^"
in matters of trade. They had been, and were carrying on a trade
with the Indians living along the Yukon River, even below the mouth of
the Pellj^, when the Hudson Bay Company established a trading station
at Fort Selkirk. This of course presented a serious opposition to their
trade, and instead of resorting to the civilized method of reducing rates
the Indians considered a confiscation of the goods and demolition of the
buildings the best and quickest way of again asserting their monopoly.
At this time a Mr. Campbell was the agent for the company, who, with
a few men under his employ, were tied while the store was being plun-
dered, and allowed to depart unharmed after the Indians were satis-
fied. The buildings were then set on fire and completely destroyed,
and have never been rebuilt by the English. As will be seen, most all
their troubles have occurred in consequence of an interference with
their trade, but now, having seen the advantages of intercourse with
the whites, they uot only conduct themselves more resi)ectfully but
do not deserve the reputation of being so warlike or bloodthirsty in
disposition. They have the utmost respect for a naval vessel, many of
the men having served short eidistments, and are willing to listen to
any terms dictated by the commander thereof. In the event of a uni-
vtrsal outbreak against the Government these Indians have the will
and power to not only make a very determined resistance, but commit
considerable damage before any successful operations could be carried
on against them.

80 MII.ITAKV RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

In canyinji on a (.'ainpaign against tlieni, their villages would ueces-
saril.v l)e tirst considered. These they would have to abandon if artil-
lery were used against them, and, unlike most of the Jndians i)reviously
spoken of, they would very probably retreat inland, where it would be
very ditlicult to follow on account of a lack of transportation. The trail
ordinarily followed being too dilHicult in places to permit the emidoy-
nient of pack animals, i)rovision should be made at tirst to prevent a
retreat in that direction.

There are no Iiulians in the neighborhood who would unite with them
ijs allies, nor, indeed, with the whites, unless well rewarded.

TAHK-IIEESH INDIANS.

Very little has been known of these Indians until a very recent date,
on account of whites being prevented from entering their country and
they themselves being kept away from the sea-coast by the Chilkats,
with whom, as jjreviously stated, they carry on a considerable trade.
It was supposed that they must be in considerable numbers, not only
because represented as such by the Chilkats, but on account of the
4iuantities of furs which were brought out in the trading trips under-
taken at different times during the year. As no definite idea could be
formed of the length of the journeys except from the number of days
consumed, it was, of course, not known whether one village or several
were visited, or whether several distinct tribes did not furnish the furs.
On account of this great lack of reliable information the name given to
this tribe by the Chilkats, namely '' Stick," is the one by which they are
most generally designated ; in fact, this apellation is used when speak-
ing of any of the interior Indians. Another name, though less fre-
quently employed, is Si him-E-na. Among themselves they are known
by the name employed at the heading of this description, which circum-
stance is the authority for its use iu this connection.

The tribe, as such, can hardly be said to exist, for instead of being
united into one or more villages, it is divided into a number of families,
each of which, is far removed from another, very much as settlers in a
frontier country. As far as is known they never unite for the perform-
ance of any ceremonies or dances, and have apparently no bond of
union whatever, each member of the tribe being as important as any
other. To show to what extent the ditterent members of the tribe are
removed from each other, it may be stated that they were first met at
the Chilkoot village, previously jnentioued, and last seen only a short dis-
tance above Fort Selkirk. At this last-named place is a small village,
unoccupied at certain seasons of the year, which is considered as belong-
ing to this same tribe. Between these two places, so far removed, only a
few habitations were met with, none of which were large enough to ac-
commodate more than two families at the most. On the stream which
unites Lake Taliko and Lake Marsh is a substantial looking house built

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 81

of logs and hewn timber, with a roof made of bark, presenting quite
a civilized appearance in every respect, and evidently' the work of an
Indian who has had more or less intercourse directly or indirectly with
white men. The country over which these Indians wander is very
mountainous throughout its entire extent, and presents generally a very
barren appearance. About the only timber found is a variety of pine,
which can hardly be said to flourish, especially along the chain of lakes,
for it grows up a certain height, and then dies, apparently from lack of
nourishment, on account of the very rocky nature of the soil. Immense
forests of these small dead pines can be seen stretching everj^where
in the distance. At certain points they attain a larger size, but are
rarely ever seen alive of any great diameter. Very little underbrush
exists except close to the water, and there is agreat scarcity of all sorts
of berries. Game seems almost unknown throughout this region, ex-
cept bears, principally of the black variety, mountain sheep, and small
birds, such as ducks, grouse, &c., which indeed do not abound in any
quantities. As the lakes are passed the country presents a less bar-
ren appearance ; the trees grow larger, and other varieties besides the
pine are found. Besides bears and the small game mentioned before,
moose are also found in considerable numbers. Very little, if any, fish
are caught up near the beginning of the chain of lakes, but down farther,
more especially in the streams connecting the different larger bodies of
water, salmon abound and are caught in considerable quantities by the
natives, who apparently subsist almost entirely on them, the winter
supply being dried in the sun without salt, and stored up for use when
needed. Besides salmon quantities of grayling abound, which are dis-
regarded by the Indians, who take no i)ains to secure them, being un-
familiar with hooks, and they are too small to be captured with the
spears which are emploj'ed by them in catching the salmon. These
spears consist of three points, the middle one of which is made of iron,
straight and sharpened at the point, while the two on each side are of
bone, and barbed with an old nail or other small scrap of iron. These
are all separate from each other, and when in use are fastened to the
end of a long pole cut especially for the x>nrpose. Small seines are also
used in addition to the spears. The appearance of the Indians corre-
spond very" closely with the character of the country, for they are the
most abject looking beings imaginable. They are clothed in a combina-
tion of civilized and native clothes ; the shirt generally has the appear-
ance of having been made in accordance with the plan used by the
whites, while the pants are of buckskin, the covering for the foot be-
ing continuous with the rest of the garment.

In stature they are not much below the average, but invariably pre-
sent a most cadaverous appearance, as if only half nourished. ]!fotwith-
standing this apparently Aveak condition, they are capable of carrying
large packs, equal in amount to those borue by the Chilkats.
S. Ex. 2 6

82 MILITARY RHCONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

Whatever they obtain in trade, such as cloth and articles of food,
comes to them throiijih the Chilkats, and they themselves also make
Jonnieys to the trading stores at Pryaniid Harbor. When an Indian
trader comes into the conntry he fjives notice of his i)resence by build-
inj; a larjje tire, the smoke of which can be seen at a cotisiderable dis-
tance, and if there are any Indians in the neijihborhood they resjxmd
to the siy:nal in the same manner. The old tlint lock musket, formeily
sold by the Hudson Bay Company, with a few pistols of equal crude-
ncssof make, are their onlj' fire-arms; and as their ammunition is ob-
tained in the same manner as their other necessary supplies an out-
break of their entire number would not be very formidable, unless there
are numerous fjimiliesof this tribe, living elsewhere than along the head-
waters of the Yukon Kiver, which is not very probable. Their entire
number does not certainly exceed titty altogether. Communication is
confined almost entirely to water and is effected by means of rafts and
canoes. The last named, on account of the scarcity of timber, are ver^'
poorly constructed. The log being originally too small to nuike a canoe
of sufficient size, a piece has to be bound along the rim to give greater
depth.

In a military sense, this tribe could be almost disregarded, being so
few in numbers and having so little union as to be unable to cause any
serious difficulty.

A-YAX OR AI-YAN INDIANS.

Before leaving Fort Selkirk s.sveral of this tribe came to meet us with
the information that their village was ouly a few miles below, and that
we would be perfectly welcome. It is situated just 12 miles below the
mouth of the Pelly River and is apparently very temporary indeed, for
the least possible work seemed to have been expended on the houses,
which were made of brush and covered above with moose skins.

The tribe lived here, or in the immediate neighborhood, during the
warm season, when the salmon are running in the river, and scatter out
during the winter, subsisting on game, which abounds in great quantities.
As well as could be determined, no provision is made for winter by
drying and storing away fish, as is the custom with many other tribes.
But the fish, though secured in abundance in the early summer, are gen-
erally entirely consumed before the village is vacated. The tribe num-
bers about two hundred souls altogether, and is divided into numerous
families with several members each. The men are almost universally
provided with fire-arms, which are mostly double-barreled shotguns of
small caliber, which carry shot and bullet with almost the same accu-
racy. Bows and arrows have not been given up entirely, though in use
chiefly among the younger members of the tribe, who are not able to
obtain guns.

The ludians are of medium size and apparently good uatured and
kindly disposed towards the whites, none of whom have settled in their

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 83

country, or even venture there for trading purposes, although two years
ago a steamboat went within a few days' run of their village. As long
as the white men comply with their demands there would be no diffi-
culty experienced, but as they are almost the worst beggars in the world
these requests have necessarily to be often disregarded. The chief of
this i)eople, called " Kon-itl," is an old and dried up individual, who
]irobably begs more than any other member of the tribe, and would re-
sign his authority over the people for a large sized piece of tobacco.
Civilized clothes are in use almost universally, although leg coverings of
moose skin are generally worn instead of trowsers. The supply of use-
ful articles, such as ammunition, plain articles of food, &c., is obtained
from several different sources.

The Chilkats, since the earliest times, have traded with these Indians,
and obtained from them their best furs. The English up the Pelly
River, furnished them formerly with many articles ; and during the
past few years there has been a trader, who has lived during the winter
about 150 miles further down the river. They do not buy many arti-
cles of food, but live almost entirely on fish, meat, and a sort of wild
pea, which grows quite abundantly throughout this section of country.
As long as they have plenty to eat nothing seems to disturb them at
all, and they rarely ever manifest any desire to improve their condition
by adopting civilized methods of living and working. Considerable
journeys are made by them, both up and down the river in their canoes,
which are made of birch bark, and as a rule perfectly modeled, being
very light and at the same time quite strong. The great skill dis-
played in the construction of their canoes seems to be entirely exhausted
there, for throughout their camp were no useful articles whatever, ex-
cept an occasional wooden spoon or birch basket of the rudest make.

The adjacent country is mountainous, and abounds in game of differ-
ent varieties, such as mountain sheep, deer, bears, both black and brown,
and moose. The last named animal is found all along the river and
furnishes almost all the meat that is eaten by these Indians. The only
domestic animal found among them is the dog, which in the summei is
of comparatively little use, but during the winter his services are not
onl3' employed in hunting, but in drawing sledges, and in even pack-
loads on his back. As a rule, however, a number are hitched to a sled
and considerable journeys made over. the frozen river, so that their
dogs are almost as valuable to them as their canoes, and especially so
when the severity and length of the winter are taken into considera
tion.

As far as is known these Indians have never been at war with the
neighboring tribes, with whom at present very friendly relations exist
and as white men have never ventured into their country for any length
of time no difficulties have occurred with them. They are not what might
be considered as honorable or even brave men, for they would not dare
to approach a white man with the intention of doing him an injury, un-

84 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

less ill cuusiderable numbers, but would not hesitate to take advantage
of one when he least expected it.

They are very superstitious, and have almost implicit confidence in
the sayings and piedi(;tioiis of the " shaman," who, as a rule, is a good
for nothing individual who gains an easy living by thus taking advan-
tage of their fears.

The territory occupied by this tribe and the Tahk-heesh as well lies
entirely in tlie English jiossessious; consequently they are of importance,
in a military sense, only in respect to the aid they might furnish other
tribes wlio live near the boundary line. The native name of the sum-
mer village spoken of before is Ka-Tun.

TAKON INIHANS.

Directly opposite Fort Reliance, a trading post of only two or three
log houses, and situated near the boundary line between Alaska and
British America, and in the latter, is an Indian village of considerable
size. The houses are not substantially built, being of logs and brush
piled up, and are placed almost at the water's edge. This point is dis-
tant from the A-yan village, mentioned before, about 150 miles, and as
the current in the river is quite rapid the journey down stream can be
made in less than twenty-four hours without much exertion with oars
or other propelling power. If occasion required a trip in the opposite
direction not only much more labor would be necessary but much more
time would be consumed, as boats would have to be " tracked," the cur-
rent running about 3h to 4 miles an hour. The Indians, in their light
canoes, keep well towards the shore, in fact as near land as possible,
and push themselves along by means of two small sticks held in the
hands and used like poles. In this way quite a fair speed is maintained,
but not a great distance accomplished during the day, as these Indians,
like many others, are generally opposed to violent exercise of an^^ kind
in which there is any element of work

During the ])ast few years a trader in the employ of the Alaska Com-
mercial Company has lived among this tribe, and a steamboat has like-
Mise made several trips to their village, so that they have had opportu-
nities of providing themselves with the many useful articles of food and
clothing, and have thus been thrown in direct intercourse with civilizing
influences.

The tribe numbers about 100 souls altogether, with from 30 to 35
able-bodied men who are capable of bearing arms. The gun used by
them is the double-barreled shotgun, spoken of before, and most of the
men have from one to three of these, while some are provided with
Henry rifles, although there are very few of these. They are poorly
supi)lied with ammunition, having very little on hand at one time, and
their only iiossible sources are the steamer and trader previously men-
tioned, the Chilkats, and Hudson Bay Company post on the Porcu-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 85

pine Kiver. Durin*;' the Aviiiter these Indians wander about, oecn})yin^
temporary houses of moose skins, which they carry witli them, and move
from place to phice according to the amount of game found.

The country is quite well timbered, but the soil is everywhere covered
with a thick moss, which i)rotects the ground beneath, so that onl^" a lit-
tle distance down the ground remains frozen all the year round.

Caribou and moose abound in quantities throughout this region, and
furnish the tribe almost their only means of subsisting, except the root
of a small vine, containing considerable sugar, which is largely eaten.
Quantities of rabbits are also found during the winter and in sufficient
numbers to sustain a few men, or at least furnish sufficient fresh me it
to guard against any chance of disease, if due care be observed in other
respects. Salmon is about the only fish caught to an^^ extent in the
river, and as the season only lasts during July and August of each year
they are not depended on for food only during those months, and are
not dried and stored away for consumption during the winter.

Communication by water is effected by means of canoes, as stated,
and also by rafts in going down stream, and by land by dogs, which
are made to pack loads during the summer and draw the sleds in win-
ter. White men's clothing has been pretty generally adopted by these
Indians, who obtain the cloth and other material from traders. If their
supply should be denied them they would experience no embarrassment,
as skins of different kinds would then be used and no trouble would be
found in obtaining them in sutficient quantities.

The head chief of the tribe is called Chil-tah, who has always mani-
fested a frieudlj^ feeling towards the whites and has considerable influ-
ence over the tribe. Although this should not always be relied on,
these Indians are more under the influence of Christian religion than
most others on the river, Indian missionaries having been among them
from time to time, and they would have great influence both in preventing
war and securing peace. There are several of the so-called " shamans"
among them, two of whom have acquired considerable notoriety on ac-
count of their influence. One called Ee-nuk is especially well known
on account of his vicious temper and his great inclination to stir up the
remainder of the tribe into committing various wrongs against the trader
wintering at their village. "Joseph" is the name of the other man, but
he does not have as bad a character as the first one. The influence of
these individuals over the tribe is very strong, but as they practice this
art as a means of living the interests of the tribe are by no means fore-
most in their hearts, consequently well directed bribes would not fai
in good results.

In the event of difficulties arising with these Indians the only allies
liable to unite with them is a band of this same tribe, not included in
this description, who number about sixty and live over towards the
headwaters of the Tananah River. Allies against them would be very
difficult to secure in this section of country.

86 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

In cliaractor those Indians arc not at all brave or manly, but on the
contrary are threat cowards, and notwithstanding their many exi>res'
sions of contempt for the white man and his way of living, yet they have
great respect for his power. One determined man conld awe a crowd
of them if they considered him capable of intlicting injury, but instead
ol making any resistance at such a time they would wait until he was
oft his guard. As a rule they are willing and very glad to have the
whites come into the country on account of convenience in trading their
furs; but last year, on account of their idleness, sufficient game was not
secured to satisfy their desires, so that their demands became so fre-
quent for charity and with such insolence that the trader considered it
more prudent to remain away this winter.

To carry on a campaign against them troops would have to be brought
in by the way of the mouth of the Yukon, and among the unusual
supi)lies needed would be clothing for winter wear, such as is made by
the natives living near the mouth, and for use in summer small-meshed
mosquito bars as a protection against the myriads of gnats and mos-
quitoes which swarm about constantly, and to a man weakened in any
way as by wounds or sickness, would very much lessen his chances of
recovery.

In regard to the name of this tribe, "Takon," which is adopted at the
beginning of this <les(;rij)tion, is, as well as Avas determined through our
interpreter, the name by which they are known among themselves.
Among the Ingalik tribes, living further down the river, they are
called " Tchi-cargut-kotan."

The native name of the village itself is Nu-kla-ko, consisting of about
twelve houses, which seem hardly capable of holding all the Indians;
for although the number as counted by Mr. John McQuestion, a trader,
■was between eighty and eighty live only, there were evidently many
others from the Touauah country visiting at the time of our meeting
them.

KT.AT-OL-K1.IX INDIANS.

This is a name given to this tribe of Indians by a trader's half-breed
Russian interpreter who has lived among them for several years ; on
what authority is not known, for, although our interpreter could not be
considered entirelj' reliable, yet, as well as could be learned, they, like
the Indians just described, call themselves Takon. lu manners, customs,
and language, they resemble the Takons very closely, but as a rule
seem rather more particular in regard to their personal appearance, lie-
ing somewhat cleaner and better dressed. The village itself, consisting
of seven very rudely-built houses, is about 85 miles below Fort Reliance,
the river between the two places cutting through a mountain range, and
confined generally to one channel, being unlike the country above and
below, where many islands and gravel bars present serious obstacles to
the successful navigation of steamboats and other craft. About a mile

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 87

below this point are several well-built log houses formerly occupied by
traders, but have since been abandoned as unprofitable, it being consid-
ered wiser, if possible, to make the Indians come to a store rather thau
locate it in their midst, on account of the inherent tendency among them
to covet everything they see. Among the whites the Indian vilhige is
known as '' Johnny's " after the head chief, while the site of the trad-
ing station is known as Bell Isle; at present their ammunition and
other articles of food and raiment are obtained from traders who ascend
the river in the early summer, and until this winter one has remained
in the immediate neighborhood, so that the bad behavior of the Indians
at Fort Reliance will interfere with the general welfare of all the tribes
living in this section. They were either well supplied with ammunition,
or very prodigal of their small store, on account of their expecting the
speedy arrival of the steamer, for our approach, as was general all along
the river, was hailed by a perfect fusilade of blank shots.

Among other customs of the whites, which are imitated by all these
Indians, is that of shaking hands; a small matter in itself, but one that
is sincerely regretted when required by every man, woman, and child
in the village. In winter these Indians leave the river and scatter out
in different directions in quest of game, principally moose and caribou,
which, in reality, provide them with their only food. Besides these, how-
ever, great numbers of bears are found, particularly of the black variety ;
also deer, mountain sheep, and rabbits.

While the salmon are running in the river, they settle down at their
village, which is situated close to the water's edge, and do nothing but
fish. Great skill in the management of their canoes, and keenness of
sight are required in order to obtain the supply of fish as they do. A
dip net attached to an oval-shaped frame, and the whole fastened to a
pole about 10 feet long, is their only means of ^taking the salmon. One
of the family, generally a woman, stands up on the bank, and observ-
ing some sort of ripple, or disturbance in the water, which would be to-
tally disregarded by an inexperienced eye, points out the spot to the
man, ready, at the water's edge, to start out in his canoe. He then pad-
dles quickly out to the place, sinks his net well down in the water, and
generally manages to secure the fish. Whether successful or not he re-
turns to the shore ready for the next fish to appear in sight.

These Indians number about 100 souls altogether, with from 35 to 40
men, who are what might be called able-bodied. They are as a rule
all armed with double barreled shotguns, of small caliber, such as have
been spoken of before. A very few of the men have the improved rifle,
but as the introduction of cartridges into the territory is prohibited,
much difficulty would be and is experienced in obtaining a sufficient
supply, consequently these guns are very little sought after.

The country along this portion of the river is quite mountainous and
well covered with timber, ])rincipally birch, spruce, and poplar, both
of which grow to a considerable height. The soil is everywhere covered

88 MILITARY RKCONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

witli ii thick moss, which stays moist and bofrfjy throufjh the summer.
About the houses at BeUe IsU', where the trees liad heeu cleared away,
several kinds of grass were growiiifj luxuriantly, reaching; a length of
about 12A feet, which would show that with due care and labor certain
hardy varieties of produce can be raised.

This band of Indians are very kindly disposed toward the whites, and
seem delighted to have them visit their village, more on account of what
tbey can procure from them than from any other reason, as thej', like
most of their brethren in this ])art of the country, are continually beg-
ging. Anything in the shape of useful articles is acceptable to them,
and such things are preferred iu every instance to beads and like orna-
ments.

Tea and tobacco are the articles generally asked for, so that if every
demand were responded to for those articles a large enough supply
could not be carried into the country. In the event of trouble with this
band the only Indians liable to unite with them are those living at Fort
Eeliance, and likewise a small village below them on the river. The
only difficulty that could occur, however, would be through some mis-
understanding in trade, or on account of the avariciousness of the In-
dians, who besides many other faults are very improvident indeed, and
when their supply of food is not very accessible, the trader, if one is
living in the neighborhood, is expected to provide for them. No white
men have settled in the country, and the only intercourse which these
Indians have had with civilized men has been with a few traders and
some miners. The last-named individuals have not stopped long with
them, however, as the prospects of rich discoveries were never so flatter-
ing as to warrant any very lengthened staj'S. The discovery of gold
in paying quantities is probably the only incentive for men to enter the
country, and were it not that indications are seen all along the river
white men would probably never venture in.

To carry on a campaign against this band, troops would have to be
brought in by the mouth of the river, and should be well provided with
some sort of protection against mosquitoes.

TABOOSH OR CHART^EY'S INDIANS.

The village occupied by this band of Indians is known among the
whites, who ascend the river to trade, as "Charley's" village, and is
situated directly on the river, about 75 or 80 miles from the village pre-
viously spoken of as "John's;" it consists of oulj" five or six houses,
which are built after the general plan of all the native houses on this
portion of the river, of sticks and brush ; and with just enough room to
accommodate the various members of the family, including the dogs,
which are by no means few in numbers; had they any other domestic
animals to provide for, doubtless an entirely different style of structure
would be adopted.

MILITARY KECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 8D

The (log- is to them what the horse and other beasts of burden are to
the civilized races ; and is not only used to pack on his back, and draw
sleds in winter, but is employed like the proverbial canal mule in draw-
ing their canoes up stream, not, however, when a single member wishes
to go on a journey, but when any number of the family moves, with the
various household goods, &g. These Indians number in all from 40 to 50,
and undoubtedly belong to the same tribe as those living at Belle Isle
and Reliance, for they resemble them in almost every particular, and
have separated doubtless on account of some diflBculty which occurred
years ago. All the men are armed with the same kind of shot-gun as other
Indians along this part of the river, and their ammunition is obtained
from the same source, which is principally the steamboat, which makes
the annual trips already spoken of. This point on the river is about 130
miles from Fort Yukon, and is at the limit, as it were, of the hilly coun-
try ; for onlj' a few miles beyond the country flattens out, and the river
divides up into almost countless channels, with islands of various size
between. Considerable game is found in this section, moose i^redominat-
ing in numbers, and furnishing to these Indians as well their main supply
of food during the winter. In summer they live in their village on the
river and devote themselves to catching salmon, which run in sufficient
quantities to feed them at this time, but their means of catching them
are too primitive to admit of their being caught in such quantities as to
furnish them a winter's supply.

In regard to the timber of this region, it is the same as that spoken of
previously, the birch being the only wood used in the manufacture of
any useful articles, principally in the construction of their canoes, which
are very light, durable, and beautifully shaped. A frame work is made
of a light wood, generally birch, which is securely fastened together
with moose-skin string or roots of the spruce, split. A covering is then
made of birch bark, fastened, wherever joints occur, with stitches made by
splitting small spruce roots, which are very flexible, and the cracks are
then closed with pitch, put on with a firebrand, in the same way that
solder is used. White men's clothes are universally worn by these peo-
ple, who buy the cloth from traders ; but should the supply be cut oft',
no great difficulty would be experienced in finding a substitute, as they
can procure sufficient furs to answer every purpose of dress without
very great exertion.

The head chief of this baud is known among the traders as " Char-
ley," and his feeling toward white men is very friendly. His influence
over the tribe is as a rule quite strong, but generally these men are quite
independent and only consult their own individual interests, conse-
quently any bribe or reward which would improve the pecuniary condi-
tion of single members would be accepted without regard to the gene-
ral welfare of the remainder of the tribe. They hold very friendly
relations with the bands of Indians living above and below them on
the river, and are i)articularly pleased to have white men come among

90 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

tluMii. At the time of our meeting them there was a miuer living at their
vilhige waiting for the arrival of the steamboat, and he spoke of having
been very kindly received and hosi)itably entertained.

This, as well as the other tribes of this section, have peculiar ideas of
right and honor, for while appaiently never hesitating for an instant
about making away with anything which hapi)ens to please them, pro-
vi<U'<l it be not stored away, yet if "cached," as it is called, away from
the owner, they will not touch it, and are said to regard this with such
respect as to almost starve before helping themselves to any food so
cached.

In a military sense these Indians are of little importance on account
of their small numbers, and even should they join anj' neighboring
tribes as allies, they, as is shown, would not swell their ranks very
largely.

In regard to the name which is used at the heading of this descrip-
tion, it is one employed on the authority of a white man, who had
lived among them some time ; but this name is not very generally in
use, especially among the whites, who generally speak of them as Char-
ley's Indians.

FORT YUKON INDIANS.

The principal village of this band of Indians is at Fort Yukon, an
old station of the Hudson Bay Company, which was abandoned shortly
after the purchase of the territory from the Kussian Government-^as
soon, indeed, as it was determined that the site was on American soil.
All that remains of the old post are three of the bastions and a por-
tion of the stockade, with a few of the buildings, all of which are slowly
disapi)earing as firewood for the steamboat. This is the only portion
of the river within the Arctic circle, the few miles on each side of the
old i)Ost, and would hardly have been recognized as in such a latitude,
at the time of our visit, for the weather was extremely warm, in every
resjK'ct like that of the temperate region in summer. In reality these In-
dians have not what might be called a ]»rincipal village, for they rarely
stay any length of time in one place, but wander over the country be-
tween the Porcupine and Yukon Kivers.

When the trading steamer is expected, theycome into Fort Yukon in
considerable numbers to dispose of their furs and obtain various useful
articles. This section of country- is entirely different from that previ-
ously drained by the river, for instead of being mountainous in every
direction, is absolutely flat, with not a single hill in sight anywhere.
The river spreads out into numerous narrow channels and sloughs, with
a width in some idaces of almost 7 miles. It has the appearance of the
delta at the mouth of a large river, and unless one is ta?niliar with the
different channels, different places on either bank may be passed by
without in any way discovering the error.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 91

Tbe number of Indians of this tribe is reckoned by men who have
had considerable intercourse with them, as between 100 and 110 and
although much less than this number were assembled at Fort Yukon
when the steamer passed, many villages, though small, were encoun-
tered above and below, the inhabitants of which belonged to this same
tribe.

All the men are i)rovided with guns of some description, the prevail-
ing pattern being a long double-barreled shotgun of small caliber.
Some few of the old Hudson Bay Company flint and percussion lock
muskets are seen, however.

The country about abounds in game of various kinds, such as deer,
bear, caribou, and moose, the last-named animal furnishing the natives
their chief article of food. Especially is this true in winter, when the
river is frozen over, and indeed no fish running up stream in any quan-
tities. During the summer this tribe occupies villages at different points
either on the mainland or on islands in the river, and devote their time
to catching salmon, which is about their only food.

Civilized clothes have been very generally adopted by these Indians,
who prefer such garments, when able to obtain them, to their own, which
were made of moose skin and ornamented in different places with bright
colored pieces of cloth and beads. Their supply of cloth and other nec-
essar;y articles such as ammunition, cooking utensils, plain food, &c., is
obtained from traders who ascend the river from stations below, and also
from the Hudson Bay Company, which has a station some distance up
the Porcupine Eiver. In former times, before the Territory passed into
the hands of the United States, Fort Yukon was one of the most im-
portant if not the largest post on the river. Certainly more trading
was done here than at any other point, for Indians from different tribes
came from every direction to trade, and boat-loads of goods were sent
down the river as far as the mouth of the Tananah River. At the pres-
ent time it is not a desirable point for a trading station, consequently is
not occupied, so that this tribe, though formerly thrown very intimately
with the whites, is now almost completely removed from any civilizing
influences. At the time of the English occupation an effort was made
to improve the condition of the tribe by teaching them the rudiments
of knowledge and instilling into their minds the jirecepts set forth in
the Bible. Kot much progress was made in this direction, however,
other than teaching them a few hymns, which were sung with great
energy by the Indians, who had not the faintest idea of what it all
meant. Being naturally fond of music they are very ready and willing
to embrace any such opportunity of exercising their voices.

The English are said to have had gardens and have been very suc-
cessful in raising certain kinds of vegetables during the brief but hot
season. Their example has not been imitated by the Indians, however,
who have ai)parently made very little progress in this direction. The
head chief of this tribe, called Senatee, as will be seen by his photo-

92 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

jjrapl), is quite a dijjiiilied and old individual, with a countenance by no
means jnepossossing. He not only has ^re^t influence over liis imme-
diate tiilie, but is known by all tlie Indians in every direction atconsid-
erabh' distances up and down the river, and what he suggests is re-
spected by the various tribes. Even the traders appreciate bis i)ower,
have been in the liabit of allowing him a certain amount of goods to
trade for them, receiving in return a very small e(iuivalent tor their
value, as the idea was not for pecuniary gain but to propitiate this
man. As there are at present no white men who are living permanently
in the country no ditliculties of any sort can occur, but should they enter
and settle for any reason these Indians would receive them kindly, for
their feeling is in every way friendly. Senantee, though ai)parently very
proud of his authority, is very kindly disposed in every respect and
seems glad to deal with white men.

In speaking of small villages above and below Fort Yukon, tempo-
rary fishing villages were meant, as throughout this flat country Indians
are not found at all iiermanently estal)lished, and the only idea the En-
glish had in establishing a post in this section was to get as far west as
possible without encroaching on Russian territory. As it was, they
were some distance within the boundary, as determined by Capt. Charles
W. Kay mond, of the Engineer Corps, United States Army. In the event
of a campaign being necessary against this tribe troops would have to
be brought in by the mouth of the river and should be provided with
proper clothing, such as can be obtained from the natives living near the
coast, and some sort of protection agaitist the myriads of gnats and mos-
quitos which render existence almost unbearable during the hot sum-
mer months. In fact just as quick as the snow begins to melt they ap-
pear and do not leave until after one or two frosts.

There are no Indians who are liable to unite with these men as allies,
as all the tribes throughout this region have a separate and independ-
ent existence, though a grievance of an individual tribe is generally a
common one, and at present could occur only out of some disagree-
ment in trading, as whites are thrown with them only in this emi)loy-
ment.

TANANAH INDIANS.

About 300 miles below Fort Yukon, on the south bank of the river,
there enters a tributary, which, at its mouth, appears to occupy as much
space and convey as much water as the main river itself. This is only
apparent, however, on account of the flat character of thecountiy in the
in)mediate vicinity, for although a large stream, it is nevertheless con-
siderably smaller than the Y'ukon. The river is known as the Tananah,
and, with the exception of the two white men, lias never been explored
to any extent whatever. These two men made a portage across the
country .from near Belle Isle, and came npon the river 700 hundred
•niles from its mouth. The river here was about 1,200 yards wide, and

/
/

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 93

from its geueral cbaracter it was considered that it must have flowed
alreinly a distance of over 300 miles. It was descended from here in a
frail boat, rudelj" constructed, and covered with two moose skins, which
was in constant danger of being sunk by the numerous sharj) snags
which were sticking up out of the water. On account of the character
of the boat and the great dilficulty experienced in stopping when it was
desired a too large estimate was undoubtedly made of the distance trav-
eled, though these figures, judging from the amount of water poured
into the Yukon and the increase in the rapidity of the current after its
entrance, cannot be greatly in excess of the true estimate. Another
circumstance which would tend to show that the river at least extends
a very considerable distance beyond the point where the white men
came upon it, provided they traveled almost directly across country, is
the fact that there is a portage which is used by the Indians from the
"White River across to near the headwaters of this stream.

The White River is ascended a distance of 50 miles, and then a jour-
ney of about twelve days is required to reach the river. It is said by
traders, who have had considerable intercourse with these Indians, that
during the occupancy of Fort Selkirk the Tananah Indians were in the
habit of coming directly into that post without making a journey down
the White and thence up the Yukon. It is thus seen that there are,
besides entering the country by the mouth of the river, three different
ways which are or have been used in traveling backward and for-
ward between these two large rivers, which were used by the Indians in
communicating with neighboring Indians and traders either living per-
manently in the country or entering it temporarily for the disposal of their
goods. It is not known how long was required in the journey between
the river and Fort Selkirk, but probably a shorter time than by the
White River. The portage across from Belle Isle requires about ten
days, and as there is no other means of transporting goods than by
employing Indians to pack, except perhaps in winter when sleds might
be used, great difiiculty would be experienced in conveying any num-
ber of men across, without reducing the baggage, etc., to the very small-
est amount possible. This tribe lives all along the river, and has gen-
erally had the reputation of being very warlike and in every way averse
to civilizing influences. This is true to a great extent, for they have at
different times displayed considerable jealousy towards prospectors'
setting out with the intention of going through their territory, but on
various occasions have expressed a great desire to have a missionary
come among them, and have also been very anxious for a trader to es-
tablish a post among them. Their country being mountainous, and their
life being one of activity, being passed for the most part in liunting
game, makes them more inclined to war, no doubt, than other tribes,
who lead more sedentary lives, and secure their food with less difficulty;
yet they are by no means brave in the strict sense of the word, and like
most Indians would not hesitate to take an unfair advantage of au enemy

94 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

wluMi he had the least suspicion of nuy treachery. Their whole miiuber is
variously estimated as between three and seven hundred, but those who
have had most frc<|ucnt intercourse with them reckon tlioir number as
about five hundrevl. Of these, all who arc capable of bcarinj;' arms are
l)rovided with a gun of some description, either a double barreled shot-
gun of small caliber, in which a bullet is generally emi)loyed, or the old-
fashioned musket, which was formerly sold by the Hudson Bay Com-
pany. There are very few, if any, breech-loading rifles, and are not sought
alter on account of the great dilliculty in obtaining ammunition in suf-
ticient quantity to sui)pl3- them, the introduction of cartridges into the
Territory being prohibited. They are poorly supplied with ammunition
of any sort, the supply being obtained from year to year, as it is needed,
from traders principally at posts on the Yukon. In the event of this
source being denied tliem, their only other means would be from the Chil-
kats or Hudson Bay Company either directly or through the agency of
Indians of other tribes. This is by no means an uncommon occurrence,
for many of these Indians do not buy goods for their own use, but for jmr-
poses of trade, though this is by no means as common as with the
natives along the Alexander Archipelago, who seem to take i)articular
delight, as it were, in accumulating wealth in the shape of blankets
and other useful articles. These Indians rarely possess more in the
way of useful articles than what they carry with them, and have
more or less diflficulty in always supplying themselves with these. They
are, as a rule, however, fairly well clothed in civilized garments for the
most part, which they obtain from traders, yet being somewhat far
removed from any trading post a good many wear the moose-skin coats
and trousers. In the event of their being denied any chance of ob-
taining cloth, very little, if any, embarrassment would be occasioned,
as only little labor would be required in obtaining skins and furs in
quantities sufficient to provide for all. Their habitations, except among
the Indians living near the mouth, are very temporary, being made of
moose skins in the winter, and generally of a lighter or less substantial
character even than this in summer, linear the mouth of the river some
of the tribe have underground houses, such as are in use among the
Innuits, and are called by the Russians " barraboras." The principal
game found along this river is moose, caribou, and mountain sheep,
which, besides the salmon and whitefish caught in considerable quan-
tities in the stream, furnish these Indians in reality their only food, for
were these cut off they would not be able to exist. There are very few
edible roots or berries found, about the only thing used as food being
the small root of a pea-like vine which contains considerable sugar,
and is eaten in considerable quantity. Very little tlour or other ])hun
articles of food are bought of traders, chiefly, no doubt, on account of
the difficulty in transporting it home.

Their means of communication are by canoes on the water, and by
laud by means of dogs, packing in summer and drawing sleds in win-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 95

ter. Rafts are not used by thein, ou account of the rapidity of the
current and the great difficulty experienced in managing such a craft.
In regard to the subdivisions of the tribe, there are three bands on the
lower 300 miles of the river, which would unite together in the event of
any difficulty, and are only distinct in the fact of their having separate
heads ; whether there are any divisions among the Indians living fur-
ther up is unknown.

The chief of the band occupying the section of the country near the
mouth is an old man known as "Ee-van," who has considerable influ-
ence over thesubchiefs and people generally.

The chief of the baud living about 200 miles up, is called "Jack,"
and exerts only slight influence. Another individual, called the black
"shaman," not only exercises authority over this third division, but also
performs the office of medicine man among these Indians, and his in-
fluence, as such, is very strong indeed. Although it is thought that a
missionary among them would completely destroy this influence, not
however without danger to himself, as these shamans are very jealous
of their power, and are very prone to kill the object of their jealousy
themselves, or, as is often done, frighten some members of the tribe into
committing the deed. At present there are no whites anywhere along
the river, although only a short time ago there was a trading station
some little distance up from the mouth, which has siuce been aban-
doned.

The trader who lived among them speaks of them as friendly towards
the whites and the Indians living in the neighborhood, and if a man
shows determination and independence in his treatment of them, there
need be no fear of trouble. Individual disputes necessarily arise, and
in such an event if one asserts his rights in a bold and firm way the
Indian generally gives way. They have, of course, never been at war
with the whites, of whom and their Government they know very little,
and have the most exaggerated ideas of soldiers from pictures shown
them in illustrated papers, and at the same time profess to disbelieve
entirely the existence of any such class of white men. The only In-
dians liable to unite with them in war are some living on the Kosko-
quien, and a band called Too-clok, who live on a river of the same
name, which empties into the Tananah from the west, about 150 miles
from its mouth. Indian allies against them could, probably, not be ob-
tained in this section of country.

The seasons would atfect military operations in their country consider-
ably, for in the summer ordinary clothing could be worn, while provision
would have to be made against the extreme winter cold by providing
troops operating against them with garments of fur, which are made
and sold by the natives living near the mouth of the Yukon. All the
rivers freeze over, so that transportation by water has necessarily to be
abandoned and resort had to sleds drawn by dogs, which latter can be
obtained in sufficient numbers throughout the whole region. Besides

96 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

tlic \\\v clothos, ail ainph' supply of mosquito bars should be carried as
a littlo protect ion ajjainst those pests.

Tlio appearance of a body of trooi)s with authority to do with thisaud
many other tribes as it please»l woukl have a very wholesome effect, as
tliere are a number of murderers uni)unislied, who, if i)roj)erly rewarded
for their misdeeds, would insure the good behavior of the remainder of
the tribe for some time to come.

About two years ago a Mr. J5ean ascended the river a short distance
aud settled there for the purpose of trading, lie was accompanied by
his wife ; and one morning while they were sitting at breakfast, a shot
was fired through the crack of the door, killing the woman almost in-
stantly. The motive for the deed was never exactly understood, as
no difficulty of any sort had occurred, and the Indians were all very
fond of both parties. The Indians said that the shaman, through some
intiuence or other, had conceived the idea that for the good of all a
white man must be killed, and so instigated the murder. The man who
did the actual shooting was turned over to the only trader in the neigh-
borhood, after he was captured, but the trader being afraid of a reaction
afterwards, if the man were punished, did not care to take the law into
his own hands, aud, in consequence, gave him his liberty.

INGALIK TRIBES.

This name is given to the various families living along the Yukon
River and its tributaries, below the so-called " Ramparts," and extend-
ing about 400 miles dow-n the river. As regards the exact limits either
way it is, of course, very difiicult, if not altogether impossible, to mark
them, for those bands living in close communication with those of en-
tirely distinct families, by loug intercourse gradually adopt certain
ways of living, and other improvements in different things over those
in vogue among themselves. In consequence of this different authors
would be apt to mark the limits at different places, according to the
minuteness with which they had observed the smallest details in their
every day life.

From Mr. Fredickson, a trader who has been thirteen years in the
territory, it is learned that the last Ingalik village is about 40 miles
below the settlement called Anvik. Among the tribes living within
this section, alreadj^ defined, there are one or two which do not coincide
in every particular with the Ingaliks proper, a fact which will be noticed
further on in speaking of them individually; but they are so similar in
manner of living and customs, and occupy regions so contiguous, that
in this description very little regard will be paid to the minute aud
delicate distinctions which could be of no service in any other than a
strictly scientific sense.

The country which they occupy is generally mountainous on each
side of the river, well covered with timber, principally spruce, poplar.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 97

and birch, and consists mainly of rollin": plains, allied to the tundra,
so called, of Siberia, except that more or less timber abounds as men-
tioned before, the ground is everywhere covered with a thick grass or
moss, which remains very wet and soggy all the \ear around, and pre-
sents great difficulties to travel unless, as it is during many mouths of
the year, thickly covered with snow. This moss, remaining so wet, is a
poor conductor of heat, consequently it protects the soil beneath from
the rays of the sun during the few months that it sliiues brightly, so
that the fiozen ground does not thaw out at all. With this condition
of affairs it can hardly be said to be fertile, though by constant care
and considerable work in digging ditches for purposes of draining, cer-
tain varieties of produce can be raised.

At Nuklukoyet, a trading station, situated on the river, a few miles
below the mouth of the Tananah, Mr. Harper, the trader there, had a
garden fenced off, in which, without very much care or attention, he
had succeeded in producing turnips of large size and of excellent flavor.
Xo other vegetable of any sort had been planted, but he thought that
any of the hardier varieties could likewise be made to flourish and show
favorable results.

Several tributaries join the main river along this section, none of
which, however, except the Tananah, are of any great size. The Ko-
yukun comes in from the north, and is interesting in the fact that not
only quite a large band lives along its banks, but from its headwaters
a portage of no considerable length is made to the sea-coast, at Kot-
zebue Sound. Across this portage, trading goods of different kinds were
interchanged between the Innuits of the coast and these interior In-
dians. Among other things liquor, originally obtained from whalers and
other trading vessels, was disposed of to the Koyukuns, who thus be-
came addicted to the use of alcohol before many of their brethren, and
from this fact they have acquired considerable notoriety through many
difficulties growing out of drunken sprees. Many of these disputes
"were of course trifling in character, but others were accompanied by
fatal altercations.

Some distance to the westward of the mouth of the Koyukun is the
Kaltag River, a small but very clear stream, which flows in a south-
easterly direction, heading up in close proximity to the source of the
Oonalakleet Kiver, which flows into the sea. During the time of the
Rnssian occupation, when Nulato, situated a short distance above the
mouth of the Kaltag, was a trading post of considerable importance,
the journey between it and Saint Michaels was most conveniently ac-
complished by means of these two rivers. This was more particularly
the case in winter, when both streams were frozen over and the country
generally covered with snow.

The distance between Saint Michaels and the Oonalakleet is about
40 miles, and is made in canoes along the shores of Norton Sound, or
in sleds, according to the season of the year. The river is then as-
S. Ex. 2 7

98 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

cended to a certain point, where a crossing is made to the Kaltng, and
that river is then traveled down to its niontli, from wliich point it is
abont 40 miles to Xulato. Somewhat farther down the river the Anvik,
a very swift stream, enters from the north, and a jwrtage across coun-
try to Saint Michaels is also made from near the headwaters of this
stream, occupying generally about live or six days, but a good Indian
can make the distance in summer in three.

These rivers are the oidy ones of imi)ortaiice, not on ac(;ount of their
size, as the Kaltag is a very small stream, but as attording a means of
communication, and one that is practicable, between the coast and the
dift'erent tribes who live along this portion of the river. If resort had
to be made to the journey by wny of the mouth of the river, especially
in entering the country ; much more time would be consumed though
for the transportation of a large number of men this way would be more
practicable.

The princii)al game found in this region is moose, reindeer, and many
ditforent varieties of water fowl, such as ducks, geese, swans, &c.

Dnring the winter the larger game is hunted, and furnishes the in-
habitants their chief support in the way of fresh meat. Early in the
spring the water fowl put in an appearance, and later on the tish begin
to run in considerable quantities in the river. Salmon are caught in con-
siderable numbers, but the chief reliance is in a smaller variety, called
whitetish, which is obtained in greater quantities and during a longer
time. Just before the breaking up of winter, before the water fowl
put in an appearance, there is a season when it is almost impossible to
obtain sutticient food of any kind to satisfy the ordinary wants, and the
inhabitants, being naturally very improvident, do not profit by past suf-
ferings, to store ui) sufficient to do them during this bad season ; conse-
quently in the past, more than at i)resent, many have died from actual
starvation.

In regard to the whole number of people comi)rised under the head-
ing of Ingaliks, it is very difticult to give an estimate which would
approximate the truth on account of the large tract of country occu-
pied b}' them and the great number of separate villages. In one
census report the number is given as about 1,250, and as many as
six villages are mentioned as containing a population of over 100,
while one is spoken of as containing 700. These estimates were
made from the steamboat as it ascended the river, when individuals
from all around assembled at different points; so that while, of course,
giving a fair idea of the whole number in the region, it overestimates
the number of occupants of each village ; and as these are in every
respect distinct from each other, much perplexity would be occasioned
in the event of any disturbance arising. Though not having sufficient
time to examine minutely concerning the number of inhabitants in each
village, yet as our approach was, as a rule, quiet, and in every way un-
exiiected, we did not i)ass a single village that could accommodate as

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 99

many as one bniidred ; and as it was more often tlie case that the
inhabitants were away than collected together, the villages almost
invariably presented a very deserted appearance. The whole num-
ber may be estimated safely as between 1,200 and 1,500, divided
among different bands, leading lives independent of each other, except
the interchange of certain articles in trade. The relations are gener-
ally friendly in most respects, but in the event of a dithculty of one di-
vision with the whites, none of the others would join this one out of
pure friendship, unless the matter in dispute were one which concerned
all of them as a people. Such a disturbance at present could onl^' grow
out of some trading interest, as that is almost the only industry which
throws them in contact with the whites ; in fact with a very few excep-
tions the only whites who have ever been in this region have been in-
duced by prospects of large profits in disposing of their goods to the
natives.

The only miners who have prospected this region are a party who
wintered there during 1882, and they not only found the chances of be.
coming suddenly wealthy far from flattering, but are said to have been
actually driven out of the country by the myriads of mosquitoes which
swarm in such numbers during the summer season. To give something
of an idea of the numbers and annoyance occasioned by these insects,
it is stated as a fact, by men who have been in the country any time,
that animals are often killed by them, and an argument in proof of
the veracity of this statement is shown by the great sores which are
produced on dogs when chained in one place for any length of time.

Many of the natives take advantage of the civilized improvements —
in the shape of mosquito netting, for instance, which thej' use as a veil,
wearing it coiled around their hats when not in use. As regards these
Ingaliks as a class, they are, as a rule, of average height, tolerably well
built, but slender, differing in this respect from the natives further down
the river. They have long black hair and a complexion brown by nature,
but often verging toward black on account of a liberal covering of dirt.
In character they are generally pretty brave, but by no means inclined
to war, and are by no means so upright or honorable as to hesitate to
take an unfair advantage of an enemy. Avarice is a prominent trait
in their character and they do not seem to have very much affection
except perhaps for their children.

On account of the cold and damp climate, and the constant exposure
to which the children are subjected on account of a lack of sufficient
clothing, pulmonary diseases of various kinds are very prevalen c. ^Nlany
die of pneumonia, it is said, during the winter, and they all have an ap-
I)earauce as if inclined to consumption. Whooping-cough is very preva-
lent among the children, which of itself, and with the sequeh«, causes
the death of a number.

Last winter there was a severe epidemic of some throat disease, pre-
sumably diphtheria, as well as could be acertained from the different des -

100 MILITARY KKCONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

ciiptioMs. Tbiscoinpletoly ilesolated some families, and was particularly
fatal amonj; the yomijier ineinhers. All alonp; the river numerous and
recent graves were seen, often as if injlosinj^ the bodies of whole fam-
ilies, judjying from the amount of space included within the rough fence.

These natives are (piite industrious, and as a rule willing to work,
but as there is not much demand for their services they do not lind
much employment among the whites. They are active traders, doing
much business, as it were, with the Innuits living down the river and
on the coast. They exchange certain wooden utensils, skins (princi-
l)ally wolverine for trimming garments), canoes, and other articles for
oil and skins of the tame rein«leer, obtained in trade principally from
the natives of Asia. The canoes, which they use themselves and trade
to the lower river Indians, are made of birch bark, similar in many re-
spects to those iu use by the Indians living nearer the headwaters of
the river, but they are far moi'e substantially built and not so well mod-
eled. They have to be built on firmer fiames on account of being used
on rougher water; for the river spreading out in this lower country af-
fords ample space for the wind to create considerable commotion in the
water, which would [vrove disastrous to any craft less substantially made.
These canoes atibrd them during the summer almost their ouly means
of communication, although one of the large skin boats of the Innuits,
called a "bidarra" by the Russians, is occasionally seen in use among
them. These are propelled by means of paddles and sails and are capable
of carrying immense loads.

During the winter, which in reality is the season when they do most
of their traveling, their reliance for trans])ortation of their property,
as well as themselves, is in their dogs, w^hich are capable of making very
long journeys without requiring very much food. The dog is the ouly
domestic aninuil found among them, and, as is seen, answers their pur-
pose far better than the horse or any other draft animal.

In the section of country occupied by these natives there are two
white men permanently settled for the purpose of trading with them.
One at Nuklukayet, or. more properly, Tananah Station (the first name
being that of an abandoned post situated a short distance up the river),
supplies the lower Tai:anah district and all the region up and down on
each side of the river for a a considerai)le distance.

The Indians generally come in early in the year, so that they are very
often collected about the post at one time to the number of 400 or more,
and occupy their time in dances and celebrations of all kinds. At other
times during the year single individuals come in, obtain what they re-
quire and leave, so that as a general thing, the post and its surround-
ings have more of a deserted ai)pearance than otherwise.

The other trading post is at Anvik, which sui)plies the natives living
along the Anvik River, the Shageluk section, and the country along the
river, both up and down. The larger portion of the trading material
is brought up on the steamboat at the time of its annual trip in the

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN. A"i.ASK;A. ^'(>i

suinnier, altliongli some little, especially articles of food, is bi ought
over the dift'erent poitages by means of dogs aud sleds in winter. From
these places the natives obtain their supply of ammunition and other
articles, such as cloth of various kinds, for making their clothes, which
are in pattern such as are worn by civilized people during the warm
weather.

In winter they wear clothes of reindeer skins, which, as stated be-
fore, are generally obtained from the natives living nearer the mouth
of the river, who seem to be much more expert in the manufacture of
their clothing than the Ingaliks. Should these two places be aban-
doned the only other sources of obtaining useful articles would be from
whites living further down, directly or through other Indians.

Considerable dour is disposed of to these people, who in many ways
have adopted different civilized improvements. All their uncouth and
rude cooking utensils have been very generally set aside, and those
obtained from the whites adopted in their places. Tea and tobacco are
the articles most sought after, and it is the rarest exception for a trade
to fall through if either of those articles be offered in exchange for
what is considered as an equivalent in value. The habit of drinking
tea was acquired during the Russian occupation, and this race has left
its imprint on the inhabitants in many other ways. Wherever the Rus-
sians had settlements many of the natives were employed by them,
and they were invariably treated with the utmost harshness and cruelty,
and had it not been from fear many an<l serious difficulties would have
occurred ; in fact many murders were indeed committed, oftentimes in-
nocent parties being the victims.

The subdivisions of these Ingaliks are not made, generally, with any
regard to a difference in the habits, customs, ceremonies, «&c., as they
are all very much alike in these respects, but simply from the different
parts of the river which they occupy have they derived different names.
For instance, those about Nuklukayet are known by the same name, and
so on with the Kaltags, Nalatos, Shageluks, Anviks, &c. As regards
those natives living along the Koyukun River, and called by that name,
they, by some authors, are not considered as belonging to the Ingaliks,
although they speak the same language and resemble them in very many
respects. They are, however, considered more warlike, which might be
from the fact of their leading a more active life, and by some are con-
sidered the most attractive looking Indians of this portion of the
country. This last consideration, of course, is a mere matter of fancy,
and they might be far more pleasing to the eye than many others, with-
out even then producing a favorable impression.

Each subdivision, or more strictly speaking each village, has its head
chief, who is, however, not looked up to with the same veneration as
among other tribes, for these people, being very superstitious, have far
more respect for the medicine man, or shamans as they are called among
them. These individuals are generally very shrewd, and exercise their

10:^ MILITAUY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

tiiU'iits ill ciiriiij; disease, not i'or the f^ood of tlie people, but as a iiieaus
ot'li\iii^ lor themselves, consecinentl.v they are oftentimes very uuscru-
l)iilons, an<l with such superstitious minds to work on, often do a great
deal of liarm onaccount of thus practicing tlieir tricks and mysteries as
a trade; bribes, if judiciously oflered, would undoubtedly accomplish all
that was required.

The habitations which are occu[)ied by the ])eople are (juite substan-
tially built of logs and hewn timber, generally near the water, and are
only partially bullet proof some are partially underground, the last
named being met with more and more frequently as you aj)proach the
region occupied by the Innuits, from whom they have undoubtedly ac-
(piired this method of building. The language si)oken by the Ingaliks
is one peculiar to themselves, and in reality is the main mark of dis-
tiuctiotj between them and the natives living both above and below
them. j\Iany of them have learned considerable of the liussian lan-
guage, which, combined with their own tongue, forms a patois which is
employed in trading. Xo attempt has been made to improve the con-
dition of these natives by the establishment of schools before or since
the departure of the Russians, so that even now they continue to live
as ignorant as at the time of their earliest intercourse with the wdiites.
Very little advancement has been nuide in the way of Christianity, al-
though priests of the Greek church have been among them since the
earliest times ; yet the natives, while always desirous of being baptized
and reckoned as true converts to the faith, nevertheless they have not
the smalkstidea of what it all means, and in consequence, no beneficial
results accrue, suck as an improvement in moral tone, &c.

An episode which occurred last year w ill give a very fair idea of
what changes are made on these savage minds by prospective salvation.
A Kussian priest came up from the mission to Anvik, with the purpose
of baptizing a number of Indians, who were to come down from the
Shageluk village above and meet him. Previous to this time there had
been two trading companies on the river, and one being only just with-
drawn the prices given for furs were necessarily immediately lowered,
which fact created much feeling among these Indians. As they w ere to
meet the i)riest at Anvik, it was considered an excellent opportunity to
take revenge on the trader at the same time; consequently a plot w^as
arranged by which means several of the men were to be admitted to the
store at the same time. The trader was to be bound, and perhaps
killed, and the store plumh'red. Fortunately the plan was disclosed
by the Anvik Indians, who refused to, lend their aid, and the Indians,
finding the trader warned, decided not to make any such attempt. Any
outbreak by these men would be in some such underhand way, for a
single determined white man can intimidate any number, provided they
do not obtain an unexpected advantage. At present, except perhaps iu
certain matters concerning the disposal of furs, the most friendly re-
lations exist between these Indians and the whites residing iu and pass-

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 103

iug tlirougli tbeir conutry. iSeveral murders are recorded, the most atro-
cious being the massacre at Nulato iu 18j1 by the Koyukuns, which is
spoken of as beiug brought on by the blunt manners of a lieutenant in
tlie English navy.

In reality the Indians had been jealous of the whites establishing
themselves permanently among them, and had manifested this feeling
on two or three different occasions by destroying the improvements
made during the summer by the Russians, and abandoned in winter.
In 1851, ten years after the post had been established at Nulato, Lieut.
J. J. Barnard arrived there in seach of information concerning the lost
Franklin party, he being a member of an expedition sent out for that
purpose. Instead of politely requesting an audience of an influential
chief of the Koyukuns, he sent for him, which was considered an in-
dignity by the chief, who immediately set about to obtain satisfaction
for the insult. Before arriving at the station a Russian and an Indian
companion were killed and said to be eaten, after which, before the
attack was made on the whites, the native village near by was set on
fire, and the inhabitants shot with arrows as they ran from their houses.
Notwithstanding all the noise of this the whites were not aroused, and
the commander as well as Lieutenant Barnard were killed almost in
their beds in attacking the room occupied by two Russian workmen;
one of their number being killed created a panic among them, and they
thereupon departed. Lieutenant Barnard died before aid could arrive
from Saint Michaels redoubt, and his grave is now seen a short distance
to the rear of the old post, which consists now of two or three log houses
partially fallen down. Last year a Russian was killed by an Indian
living at ISTulato, and the murderer still goes unpunished, though in con-
stant fear of being killed or otherwise injured by the whites. This mur-
der, though by no means justifiable, is nevertheless accompanied with
circumstances more or less extenuating. The Russian, whose name
was Ivan Kogenikoff, was held in great fear by all the Indians, not
only on account of his naturally quarrelsome disposition, but on ac-
count of the very summary manner in which he had avenged a murder
occurring farther down the river some years ago, and many of them
would have been delighted at the prospect of disposing of him had
they dared. One night he was being literally dragged home in a help-
less state of intoxication by an Indian whose brother had been killed
by a sou of Kogenikoff. The Indian, seeing him so utterly helpless and
so completely in his power, struck him on the head with an ax, consid-
ering the deed justifiable in revenge for the death of his brother.

Bows and arrows have been utterly abandoned by these tribes who
are provided, generally, with double-barreled shotguns of small caliber,
in which a bullet may be used.

104 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

INNUIT TIMIJES.

This is ii ii;mu' uivcn to tlieinselvcs hv nil tiie luitivcs, who are more
coninioiily si)okcii of as Eskimo, aiul as thi'y extend all aloiiji' the shore
of the Ar(;tie Ocean, as well as alony the western coasl of Alaska syuth
to Monnt Saint Elias, they necessarily consist of a great number of
divisions.

These various branches resemble each other in many particulars, but
likewise differ in other respects, accord in j^: to the country which they
occupy and the different pursuits followed in obtaining food, «&c. They
differ widely from the natives of the interior, who are spoken of as In-
dians, not only in customs, habits, numner of living, &c., but even ia
their anatomy, showing conclusively that they belong to an entirely
different family. Men versed in the science of ethnology, on pickiug
up the skull of one of this family can distinguish it instantly from au
Indian skull.

As many as seventeen or eighteen different tribes are mentioned as
dwelling along the western coast of Alaska from the neighborhood of
the Copper Kiver, including those inhabiting the various islands in
Bering Sea and Straits. Of these divisions those living on the island of
Kadiak are the most powerful, and at the same time comprise more in-
habitants than any other along the coast. They were fermerly con-
sidered as Aleuts. But at the time of the first visitors appearing among
them they were carrying on an active warfare with the natives dwelling
on the Aleutian Islands, and differ from them in energy and spirit,
being very much less influenced by contact with the Russians than
many of the other tribes.

Between the island of Kadiak and the Yukon delta six different
tribes are mentioned as occupying the intervening country; they re-
semble each other very closely, and only differ in certain minute partic-
ulars, principally in their vocabularies, certain words being substituted,
and slight changes in the terminations of other words being found.

Those tribes living near the mouth of the different rivers have as-
cended these streams to variable distances, as is seen in the case of the
so-called Ekogmuts or Ikvogmutes,as they are sometimes called. These
natives inhabit the Yukon delta, and are found along the river a dis-
tance of about 300 miles from its mouth. The village of Manki, or
Makeymute, situated about 40 miles below Anvik, is the most inland
village of the Innuits, and is the dividing line between them and the
Ingaliks.

The tribes along the shore of Norton Sound are called Mahlemuts
and Unaligmuts or Unaleets, and are important in the fact of their
living in the neighborhood of Saint Michael's, and having been thrown
in direct intercourse with the whites both Russian and American since
the establishment of a post at that place. The term '' Mahlemut" is often

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 105

applit'd to all the Innuits, both along the river and vicinity of Saint
Michael's as well.

In regard to the general characteristics of these different tribes, it
may be stated that their conii)lexions are brown, not the copper color
generally ascribed to the Indian, this color being influenced in shade,
more or less, by exposure to the sun and b^^ a lack of proper attention
to regular bathing." They are generally of average height, very often
exceeding this, and the men are well built and possess great muscular
power, enabling them to lift almost inci edible loads. As a rule they
are good-natured, willing to work, and are not easily made angry. They
are not warlike, and as a rule are very cowardly indeed, being not only
in great fear of the Indians of the interior, but they have the great-
est respect for the whites in certain villages where there has been a
trader among them. One determined man can do exactly as he pleases,
as is shown by the high-handed treatment to which they are at times
subjected. It is said that on the mysterious disappearance of any arti-
cle the trader would start through the village with a whip, slashing
here and there until the article was returned. This undoubtedly is
somewhat exaggerated, though they have very much more respect for a
man of this kind, being accustomed to such treatment ever since their
first intercourse with white people. A peculiarity of these Innuits is the
growth of hair on the face and body; forming a striking contrast in
this respect with other native tribes.

The tribe living on the Yukon is said to differ in this respect more
markedly than any other, many of the men having very heavy mustaches
and beards. The singular custom of wearing labrets is in vogue among
them. A hole is pierced on each side of the lower lip, just below the
angle of the mouth, and through this is worn some sort of ornament of
bone, ivory, or stone. This prevails among the men, while the women
adorn themselves by tattooing the chin, which is often the only means
of telling them from the men, except, perhaps, the cut of their fur gar-
ments. As a general rule the kind of clothing in use among them since
the earliest times is retained by them, instead of adopting the civilized
garments, which, at best, could only be used with any degree of comfort
during the summer. These native garments consist of a coat made of
reindeer skin, and extending almost to the knee, with a hood to be
thrown over the head, with a trimming generally of wolf, or other long
fur, which answers as a protection to the face against the wind.
Breeches are worn below this, which are continuous with the foot cover-
ing in the female garment, but separate as worn by the men. The boots
are made entirely of deerskin except the soles, which are of the thick
skin of the seal, and capable of withstanding considerable wear. These
are worn with a thick layer of cloth, or straw, around and beneath the
foot, to absorb the moisture, and protect the sole from injury when step-
ping on rough ground, &c. A certain kind of boot for use in the water is
found among them, made of seal or fish skin, which is almost, if not fully,

106 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCK IN ALASKA.

as impervious as those, iiia<le of rubber by more civilizt'd i)eoi)le. lu re-
pud to the coat called a "parka" by the whites dwelling in the coun-
try, the only dilVerence between that worn by the women and the men
is the way it is shaped at the bottom. That for the men is cut almost
straight around, while the other is cut np at the side, forming a semi-
circular tlap extending below the knee in front and behind.

White men living in the conntry, when exposing themselves to the
climate in journeys among the different villages, invariably use these
parkies, the custom beiug as with the natives, to wear two; the one
nearest the skin having the fur side in, while the reverse is practiced
with the outer one.

The country along the river, which is occupied by these natives, does
not differ materially from that farther up, except in the timber. Trees
of considerable size gradually disap])ear until small shrubs only remain,
and down toward the region of the delta everything in the Avay of trees
disappears, presenting nothing to the eye except a broad expanse of
country. This consists everywhere of a marshy prairie land, known as
tundra, thickly covered with moss, and only fertile to a small extent,
even after much care is taken to drain it.

On the island of Saint Michaels, where a trading station has been es-
tablished for many years, vegetables of different kinds are produced,
such as turnips, radishes, and lettuce. The soil here does not differ
from that along the lower portion of the river, except it may be less
moist, so these same vegetables ought to succeed as well there if the
same attention be paid to their cultivation.

Along the left bank of the river the country is everywhere flat,
while a chain of hills extends along the right bank almost to the delta,
which seems to have the effect of turning the river away from the i)oint
where it would naturally seek the sea, and bending it for some little
distance to the south.

These natives occupy i)ermanent villages, situated, in the case of the
Ekogmuts along the river, and built close to the water's edge. The
houses are of two kinds, one for use in summer and the other to be oc-
cupied when the weather is colder. The former are built mostly above
ground, of logs and hewn timber, with the roof generally more or less
covered with dirt, with a hole in the center for the passage of smoke.
The winter houses are built of logs, either entirely underground, as when
built on the side of a hill, which is a favorite site, or covered entirely
with earth piled u]) around them. The entrance consists of a hole just
large enough to accommodate a human beiug on his hands and knees,
which is closed by means of a skin of some sort to keep out the cold.
The ai)i)roach to this is by means of a covered hall-way, as it were,
which answers the same purpose as a storm door in use in cold civil-
ized countries. The summer houses would be only partially bullet
proof, while the true barraboras last described would undoubtedly re-
sist the passage of such small missiles. But if anything like artillery'

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 107

^vel■e einployed against tlieiii they would uecessarily have to be abaii-
doiied.

Tlie villages of the coast tribes are generally situated uear the mouths
of rivers or iu some sheltered bay or cove, close to the water, thus cou-
venieutly placed for tishiiig and comnmnicatiou iu their boats. Several
tlilferent varieties of canoe or boat are iu use among them, which are
used according to what is to be accomplished and the character of the
water near their villages.

Along the river a strongly built and well braced birch-bark canoe is
used, generally of such a size as to accommodate only a single man,
though some are of larger build. These are built bj' the Ingakiks liv-
ing further up the river, and traded to them iu exchange for seal skins,
oil, walrus hide for making rope, etc. Besides these canoes there are
other varieties peculiar to the Innuits, which are the only ones used by
the natives who dwell iu the immediate vicinity of the sea. One is a
regular boat, consisting of a heavy frame- work of wood bound together
with hide and covered with seal skins, which are carefully prepared,
nicely oiled, and sewed together; the other is of smaller build, but
constructed on the same principle, except that it is everywhere covered
in with the seal skin, only a single hole being left in the middle for the
occupant. The former is known by the Russians as a bidarra, and is
very useful in carrying freight, etc., while the latter, called " kyak" by
the natives themselves, is known as a bidarka among the Russiaus.

A modification of the kyak is often seen copied, it is said, from the
Aleuts, consisting of an exactly similar construction, but with two or
three holes for the accommodation of that many individuals. Both
varieties are extremely serviceable, especially in making journeys which
are not prolonged, for after some service the skin becomes soaked and
the boat has to be taken out of the water and allowed to dry. (Consid-
erable practice is required to even sit in one of the kyaks without turn-
ing over, but to one accustomed to their use journeys can be made in
the roughest kind of water, and a very fair rate of speed be maintained
without extraordinary exertion. Both a single and double bladed pad-
dle are used in propelling these kyaks, while resort is often had to a
sail when traveling in the bidarras.

Many wonderful anecdotes are told of the feats of seamanship performed
by these natives, who wear, when in rough water or when it rains, a water-
proof shirt, which is fastened to the rim of the hole in which he sits, thus
preventing any water from entering the canoe Some are said to be able
to turn completely over, bottom upwards, and right themselves by means
of their paddles. Though not prepared for this performance they are
very liable to be drowned on account of their feet and legs being con-
fined in the boat, as happened to an individual who was rescued from
such a predicament shortly before our arrival at Saint I\Iichaels,

Stories are also told of some being actually thrown, by way of sport,
rom the top of high rocks into the water, and by a skillful use of the

108 MIMTAKV RECONNAISSANCK IN AF.ASKA.

padillo coming- up safclv auaiii oiilv to rcjx'at tln' pj'rforinaiice. Their
only iiu-aiis of (•(•immuiicatioii in winter is l»y sltMlsdiawn l>y(l()«;s, which
are able to travel very considerable «listances without re(jnirin<;' very
much t()o<l. The do^- is the only domestic? animal found among tliem,
and, as is seen, he answers every pur[)ose for which a draujjht animal
is useful anionjj civilized i)eople, and does not recpiire any (!ai-e what-
ever in keeping;'.

In rejjjard to the whole number of natives of this family living on the
Yukon Iviver, they are variously estimated by different authors; one
census report puts the number at l,33o, whicdi does not include those
living within the «lelta of the river. Tiiis is approximately true, being
somewhat in excess of the actual number if anything. In the delta proper
there are probably about 300 souls, and between this point and the
furthest village of the Mahlemuts there are undoubtedly as many more.
Among these those cai)able of bearing arms are provided with weapons
of some descrii)tion. The gun most universally seen is a long, double-
barreled shotgun of small (;aliber, in whi<di both shot aiid bullet may
be nsed, according to the nature of the game hunted.

Along the Lower Yukon large game is not found to any great extent,
r indeer and bears being about the only animals hunted, but there is
the greatest quantity of water fowl. Ducks, geese, and swans, of almost
every variety, breed all along the river in fact, but the delta seems to be
a favorite resort for the geese, which are killed in great numbers, and
are salted, in barrels, by the white residents, for winter consumption.
The natives relj' almost entirely on fish, both fresh and dried, which
furnishes them their chief article of food, and provision is made for
winter by storing away sufficient quantities of the dried article to last
the season through. The custom prevails among the river natives to
bury the tish and allow them to remain there until sufficiently putrid
to suit their taste, when they are eaten wMth a great deal of relish. The
coast natives vary their diet of fish Avith not only reindeer, but with seal
meat and oil.

Walrus are not found in any numbers along this portion of the coast,
so that no reliance is ])lace<l on them for food. The beluga, or white
whale, is killed in considerable numbers near the mouth of the Yukon.
This is a small whale, which enters the shallow water for breeding pur-
poses, and when the tide falls the natives attack it. and secure a great
many witlutut much labor. The flesh is eaten, and the oil and blubber
also preserved for food, and to be burned in their rude lamps, which
consist of a small open vessel containing oil, into which a wick of moss
or cloth is dii)ped and a light applied. The amount of light secured
from each does not in any way compare with the brilliancy of a tallow
candle, and the odor which is generated by the burning oil is far from
agreeable, especially when confined to the close limits of one of their
underground houses.

These tribes have no chief in the strict sense of the term, although

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 109

there are individuals ainoiig them who exercise more or less influence
through accumulated wealth or otherwise without necessarily lieing en-
dowed with the si)iritnal ])owers, which the shamans are supposed to
possess. With no real head they have not the unity of the majority of
Indian tribes; consequently, in the event of hostilities, do not all com-
bine with tlie same readiness.

Many superstitions prevail among them, and the utmost confldence
is placed in the sayings and i)redictions of the shamans, who resort to
all kinds of devices in the way of sleigiit-of-hand performances to make
their acts more mysterious. As a compliment to one of these indivi.l.
uals, he was asked to predict Iiow long- we would have to wait at Saint
MichaePs redoubt before the arrival of the schooner " Leo." The reply
was made that if on a certain evening we would go to the village he
would invoke the spiritual aid and relieve our minds of any anxiety.
On the evening in question we assembled at the "Casine," a public
building, built on the same principle as the dwelling-houses, with one
of which every village is provided, and after many of the natives had
seated themselves around the shaman, accompanied by a monotonous
singing and drum beating, began to call in the aid of the spirits. Finally
when everything was ready a small blue bead was taken, crushed, and
sent toward the schooner, the announcement being made at the same
time, if the bead returned whole the vessel had been reached. A bead
was resurrected shortly afterwards, unfortunately of a different size and
shai)e, which, however, was not observed by the natives present, and
the answer obtained from it was that the arrival would happen before
another moon, or some such indetinite and Delphian-like response.
Several other tricks were performed of a more childish nature even; so
plain were they in fact that it seems really incredible that the simplest-
minded native could be deceived by them.

There are very few whites dwelling in the country occupied by these
tribes, and they for the most part are traders who are emploj^ed by the
Alaska Commercial Company, At the Mission, a village on the river,
only a short distance below Anvik, there is a store kept by an Aleut,
the brother of the Greek priest, who had a church here as well. From
this point supplies are obtained by all the natives living above and be-
low on the river. The chief articles which are sought after in trade are
tea and tobacco, though considerable flour is also sold, and many other
plain articles in the way of cloth, cheap hats, &:c.

The only sources for ammunition are the different stations along the
river, which, in the event of any difliculty with our own Government,
would be denied them. Some miles below the mission is another post,
formerly occupied by the liussians, which is known as Andreievsky.
This is the home of a trader, who in winter has been accustomed to make
long journeys among the different villages, about the Yukon Deltn, dis-
posing of various articles in exchange for furs.

Near the very western limit of the Uphoon mouth is Koatlik, a very

110 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

small villa{?o iiuloed, l)iit the homo oiaii old Iiussiaii who has the usual
amount ortradiujj; nuiterial. About 70 miles north of the Uphoou moutli,
wliicli is the one generally, if not always, employed by the whites, is
the island of Saint Michael's, on the eastern end of which is a settle-
ment of the sanu* name, establishe<l by the Russians in IS.'i.'J. The site
for a settlement has many drawbacks, lirst and foremost the lack of
water, the supply being brought in boats from the mainland, a distance
of 3 miles, and a scarcity of fuel, but it has the advantage of being in a
sheltered bay and the nearest point to the mouth of the Yukon, which
vessels of even average draught can approach on account of the exten-
sive shoal, formed by deposits brought down by the river. This place is
the heaihiuarters of the trading company, and thedepot of all supplies,
guns, ammunition, &c., that are taken into the river and disposed of to
the natives living along the coast adjacent, and Avould necessarily be an
objective point were the motive prompting an outbreak one of robbery.
The natives, as a rule, are very kindly dioposed toward the whites, and
although many threatened attacks are often spoken of, none of late
years have been made. These are generally agitated after a free in-
dulgence in liquor, which is occasionally obtained from whalers and
other vessels, or at the instigation of some individual whe has been
thrashed for stealing or has suffered some imaginary wrong.

In 1830 an attack was made on the post, but was repulsed without
any injury being accomplished by the commander of the fort. The
natives indulging in this were the Unaligmuts, who, with the Mahle-
muts, are generally a worse class of men than those living on the river,
on account of their long intercourse with unscrupulous traders, who
make every attempt to obtain the greatest quantity in exchange for the
smallest amount of the vilest liijuor or other articles equally contra-
band.

Since the year 1855 it is said that not a single white man has been
injured, or even threatened, by the natives on the lower river, who
certainly do manifest a spirit of abject submission. At that time there
was a considerable Russian settlement at Andreievsky and Ekogmut
village near by, many of the inhabitants of which were employed as
workmen at the station. Several of the whites had gone on a journey
up the river, when the natives attacked the place, while its few in-
mates were taking the customary steam or hot-air bath, and murdered
them as they came out. A boy escaped and finally reached Saint
Michael's, which was temporarily in charge of the Russian kogenikoff,
previously spoken of as being murdered last year in the neighborhood
of Nulato. He, with one or two others, set out immediately in a small
schooner or "barka," as it was called, for the scene of the massacre
provided with two howitzers loaded with scraps of iron, nails, &c. He
demanded that the murderers be handed over or he would fire on the
village. The natives showed no inclination to obey, thinking the guns
would not go off, but were soon brought to a realizing sense of their

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. Ill

error by the discharge of the guns, which killed a number. The Kus-
sians, not satisfied with this, are said to have attacked the remainder
with clubs, and to have killed many women and children. The result,
though hardly justifying the means, has been very wonderful and of
great benefit to the whites who may have occasion to enter the Terri-
tory.

As far as a universal outbreak is concerned, such an event could not
well occur, as there is not sutiicient union among members of any tribe
to occasion it, nor are there whites enough in the country' to justify it.

In the event of troops entering the country, necessarily by sea, for
the punishment of outrages by members of tribes, it is more than likely
that the offenders would be im mediately" given uj), or, if not, no other
tribe would be willing to bear any portion of the blame, and certainly
would not unite with them as allies.

The only unusual campaign supplies would be boats, and if a winter
sojourn were made native garments would be required.

AI.EUTIANS.

Under this heading is considered a large family, differing in many re-
spects from any before spoken of, which occupies the grouj) of islands
extending to the westward from the Alaska peninsula, and forming a
boundary, as it were, between Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean. There
are one or two settlements on the peninsula itself; and the Pribylov
group, comprising the islands of Saint Paul and Saint George, also is
inhabited by members of this same family.

In a military sense their consideration is of little importance, for they
are more than half civilized, about a fifth of their whole number being
half breeds while many others have necessarily more or less white blood
in their veins. They are, however, connected with the most lucrative and
chief commercial interests of the entire Territory, namely, the fur seal
and sea otter, and being met with on our returning by sea will be spoken
of in this connection as completing the various different tribes living in
the country which we met.

The word '• Aleut" is of obscure origin, not belonging, it is said, to their
language, but derived from some other dialect, how or when it first
came into use being unknown. The name formerly used by themselves
in being translated signifies " men of the east." Among all of the tribes
throughout the Territory of Alaska this one family has not only been
longer in direct intercourse with white men, but has been more throuoghly
changed from their original condition than any others. Before the arrival
of the Eussiaus among them they are said to have been full of life and
spirit, and fond of all sorts of enjoyments; whereas now on account of the
cruel treatment to which they were subjected, being looked upon and
treated as mere slaves, their spirit seems broken and their character
completely changed. With all this came likewise a complete change in

112 MILITAHY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

habits ami custoiiKs and ivlij^ion even, for they are said to have liad cer-
tain ceremonies which lesembhMl a relijiion more eh)sel.v than that of
any other tribes. Their condition indeed is bettered no donbt by the
civilizinji: inflneuces, bnt the same resnlt might have been accomplished
by less heroic measures. They were savages undoubtedly before their
tirst intercourse with tlie Kussians, and had manners and habits, which
could not be considered otherwise, as for instance, their dwellings.
These were built entirely under ground and of a suflicient capacity to
accommodate as many as two hundred or more people, families being
divided oft" from each other by means of very rude partitions. Entrance
was effected thnmgh the roof, by means of ladders, one house being
provided with several such uieaus of entry. IJeing so protected from
the wind and cold, these houses were necessarily very warn), so confined
in fact that no clothes were required, and the inhabitants are said to
have gone about for the most part entirely naked. Their food consisted
of fish of various kinds, flesh of the seal ami sea otter, whale blubber,
sea-weed, wild parsnips, different sorts of berries, &c.

Certain records and legends of the liussiaus and the people them-
selves would tend to show that they numbered at one time as many as
25,000 souls, which is probably a too high au estimate, the best authori-
ties considering that at no time could they have numbered more than
10,000 at the most. Their many dances and peculiar festivals, as de-
scribed by Bruiaminov, a very earnest and hard-working Russian
bishop, are especially interesting, inasmuch as all the masks and
other relics used in their celebration have been destroyed, whenever
found, by the Russian priest, so that now the object or idea involved is
more or less wrapped in obscurity. The Aleut is of average size, per-
haps rather below the medium, with au expression of countenance gen-
erally described as pertaining to the Japanese. The complexion is of
light brown, hair black and coarse, and the beard generally scanty.
As a general thing their chests and arms are well i)roportioned, while
their legs, from the i)osition which they assume so constantly in their
skin boats, are often somewhat curved. They are willing to work, and,
excei)t when under the influence of liquor, the desire for which is one
of their failings, they are mild, good-tempered, and in every respect
pleasant to have dealings with. Though much addicted to the use of
liquor, and as a general thing craving it on all occasions, crimes of a
serious nature are of very rare occurrence, and that of murder is scarcely
known. Formerly the number of wives w^as not lin)ited, the most in-
fluential and respected (and they were the best hunters) having the
greatest number. Their ideas of anything like marriage, as is the
case with almost all the Innuit tribes as well, were very crude, and the
wife or wives were generally at the disposal of visitors or guests. At
the present time they have only one wife, and they live together with
their families in separate houses. In settlements where there are white
people dwelling as well, small huts of civilized build are generally used,

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 115

tliougli the barrabara or underground house is very much in use, espr
cially iu remote villages.

Their original native dress is described as consisting of a coat or parka,
made with tight sleeves, and sutticiently long to reach below the knees,
of some sort of fur or bird skins, ^o trousers were worn, but the boots
came up to tlie knees. In wet weather a sort of water-proof shirt, made
of the intestines of the sea lion, is still worn by them. Besides this last-
mentioned garment, the original native dress has everywhere been dis-
carded and civilized clothes adopted, except iu a few instances, where
the poverty of the individual will not admit of such an expenditure.
This is especially the case at those villages where the whites have set-
tled. And as it is through the efibrts of the natives that the fur-bear-
ing animals are secured, every aid and encouragement possible is given
them.

Schools were established among them years ago by certain Russian
priests who were more earnest in their w^ork than some others, so
that some few learned to read and write. Bishop Vruiaminov made
an Aleutian grammer,and through this means many have been partially-
educated. Of late years, though several educated members of their own
family have been admitted into the priesthood, no very rapid strides
have been made in the way of education. The inordinate desire for al-
coholic stimulants of some sort, as stated before, has been their very
worst fault and the greatest drawback toward their making more rapid
progress in the right direction.

The introduction of liquor of any sort is prohibited, consequently in
order to properly celebrate festive occasions resort has to be had to a
decoction of domestic manufacture. This is made from sugar as a prin-
cipal ingredient, with the addition of flour, and hops if they can obtain
them. The whole is placed in a barrel, tightly closed and then allowed
to ferment. As the drink resulting is only made when required, time
is not allowed for the fermentation to be completed, but they consume
it just as quick as the proper strength is attained, with all its horrible
taste.

When an individual returns from a successful hunt he purchases
whatever articles he may need in the way of food and clothing, and
then invites his friends in to partake of his hospitality, in the form of
this home made beverage. This is the occasion of a big spree, which •
invariably terminates with violent disputes, though, as stated before,
it is said that there is not a single instance recorded of a life being lost
or of any one sulfering severe bodily injury, except as a result of a fre-
quent repetition of the same dissipation, and the exposure consequent
upon having their sensations so blunted as to fail to protect themselves
against the weather.

The chief article of food of the people is undoubtedly fish ; the va-
rious kinds, such as cod, halibut, salmon, and trout, being obtained as
they come in season. Besides these there are many water-fowl and
S. Ex. 2 8

114 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

ebell-tish as well, wUicU serve to vary their diet. Many articles of food
are also obtained from traders, such as tea, hard bread, flour, sugar, and
other little neessarie.s, and these have been so long; in use that the peo-
l)le would find it very embarrassing to do without them now.

The eountry inhabited by these people consists, as i)reviously stated,
of a long chain of islands extending out into the open sea far to the
westward of the mainland of America. The islands vary in size, but
resemble each other in their very mountainous character. All are un-
doubtedly of volcanic origin, on several of which there are craters,
whii'h are, at the present time, considered as active. The various set-
tlements of the people are scattered throughout the group of islands, the
most western of all being Chichagov, on the island of Attoo. In for-
mer times this village was very prosperous, but is now one of the poor-
est, in a i)ecuniary view, of all the settlements, on account of the gradual
falling off in numbers of the sea otter. This animal which furnishes the
beautiful and very expensive fur, was originally caught in great num-
bers in the vicinity of Attoo, and as the exchange of its skin for neces-
sary articles was the only means of living to the n atives, they have
consiMiuently suffered, having no other resource to fall back on. Had
it not been that they are amply supplied by nature with the actual
necessities of life in the way of food, such as different kinds of fish,
starvation would have been imminent. The capture and sale of the sea
otter skins being one of the utmost importance to this section of coun-
try, the means of taking them is very interesting, as sho wing a promi-
nent trait in the Aleutian character as well, namely', unseltishness.

The animal is generally found on certain banks some distance from
the land, and is hunted by a number attacking him on different sides.
They start out in their skin boats with provisions sufficient to last them
for several days, and when arriving at the place generally frequented
})y the otter, a long line is made of boats, and a slow and quiet advance
is made. When the animal is discovered, either asleep or quietly swim-
ming about with his nose just above the water, an effort is made to sur-
round him, so that in coming up after diving he may come within the
circle of boats. Spears are the weapons used against them, as it is
thought the tiring of guns would frighten them away entirely. It is
rarely the case that the first wound kills him; but the animal soon be-
comes tired out with the continuous diving, and is then readily secured.

In illustration of the unselfishness of the Aleut it has been the custom
to give the skin to the man who strikes the first blow, so that after this
the others can have no interest, but nevertheless devote themselves in-
defatigably in trying to secure the prey. If it cannot be determined
about the time of the first blow the one hitting nearest the head obtains
the prize, and if they are of equal distance, the one on the right is
granted the skin.

Between the islands of Attoo and Atkha, where the next settlement

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 115

now stands, there were formerly several on the different islands inter-
veningf, but these now have all been abandoned.

The island of Atkha was originalh' a boundary line between two so-
called divisions of this tribe, which at present, on account of the ad-
mixture of Russian blood and other causes, do not exist; the chief dis-
tinction in former times was a difference of dialect, there being certain
terminations and words not common to both. This must have been
quite marked, for the originator of the grammar, previously spoken of,
was obliged to form two, one for use among the residents about Oon-
alaska and the other for the Atkhans.

Quite a large settlement is found on the island of Atkha, and the
inhabitants are i^rosperous in consequence of the number of sea otter
captured annually in their neighborhood, being thus, as it were, wealthy.
They buy many articles of the traders and indulge in many of the civ-
ilized luxuries, such as clothes, &c. Among other industries, besides
being considered the best and most successful hunters after the otter,
they are said not only to surpass every other settlement of this family,
but every other race in the world in the manufacture of various baskets
and ornaments out of grasses.

During the occupation of the Russians Atkha was a place of consid-
erable importance as a central point, but since the transfer of the Ter-
ritory, other interests have made a change necessary.

The next settlement to the eastward is situated on Oomnak Island,
and is known as Nikolsky. The inhabitants devote themselves chiefly
to hunting the sea-otter; they are generally quite successful, and in
consequence prosperous.

Proceeding in the same direction, Oonalaska Island is next met with,
the largest and in many respects the most important of the entire group,
inasmuch as on the northern shore, in a very beautiful inlet called Cap-
tain's Harbor, is situated Ilinlink, or Oonalaska, the headquarters of all
the commercial interests of this part of the world. There is a settlement
here of about four hundred people, which includes a school-house,
church, residence of the priest, custom house, traders' warehouses and
dwellings, and many frame buildings, erected for the use of the natives,
besides numerous barraboras. Here is seen almost every sign of civil-
ized improvements, and among other things the novel sight of domestic
cattle was i)resented to us.

The climate is by no means severe in this part of the country, and
sufficient grass is found almost all the year through to support stock
of any sort. The natives in the vicinity are very much improved by
long intercourse with the whites, and it is said that almost half their
number are able to read and write — the Aleutian language principally.

Besides this large settlement there are several others of less impor-
tance, chiefly on the northwestern coast. The island being so indented
and cut up with bays and inlets affords ample space for numerous ex-
cellent village sites. Makushin, Koshigin, and Cheruovsky, three small

116 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

villay:cs to the west of lliuliiik, are closely allied iu interests, as sending
out each season hnnters along with those from the. last-named place.
The natives are conveyed on one of the company's vessels to Sannakh
Island, which is the principal resort for the otter, and when the season
is over again brought back to their homes.

To the south of ( )onalaska is a small island, on which is the settlement
of Borka, wliose inhabitants are considered the neatest, most orderly,
and cleanest of the whole family. This condition of affairs is said to be
due to the inlluence of an old Kussian trader and his wife, who have
lived among them for some time and set them this good example.

lietween Oonalaska and Oonimak Island on the east there is a pass
generally resorted to by vessels in going north. This is sufticiently wide
and deep, but on account of numerous small islands and the great rate
at which the tide rushes* through vessels are often thrown in great
danger, especially when wind and tide are opposite. In the vicinity of
this i)ass are the settlements of Akutan, Akoou, and Avatanak. Each
is situated on an island of the same name.

An industry among the inhabitants, besides hunting the sea-otter,
is the capturing of the sea-lion, the hide of which is used in making the
bidarkas.

The next settlements are in close proximity to the peninsula of Aliaska,
being distributed among the different small islands, principally along
the southern coast. The largest is called Belkoosky, situated on the
peninsula and iu close proximity to the best seaotter grounds found
throughout this region. The other villages in order of size are Ounga
Protassov, Korovinsky, Nikolaievsky, and Vosnessensky. Almost the
sole industry is the capture of the sea-otter, which is obtained in such
uun)bers as to make the inhabitants too luxurious, so that almost all
their earnings are sciuandered as soon as obtained.

Directly north of the island of Oonalaska, a distance of about 200
miles, is situated the Prybilov group, consisting of the islands of Saint
George and Saint Paul. These are inhabited by members of the Aleu-
tian tribe, and their chief occupation is in connection with the capture
of the fur-seal. All rights, privileges, «&c., in regard to the taking of
this animal on these islands are under the control of the Alaska Com-
mercial Company, Avho, in turn, are restricted both in the methods em-
ployed and the number annually killed, agents are employed to carry
out the laws of the Government in this respect, although the interests
of the company are so closely linked with the killing of a judicious num-
ber that in reality the cori)oration becomes its own guard. The limit
of the law is 100,000 young males, but as the demand of the market
will not always justify this amount, the number actually killed falls con-
siderably below this each year.

The natives living on these islands have become very civilized, and
have adopted many of the improvements of modern life. Their villages
are laid out iu streets, and besides the school-house, church, and other

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 117

buildings, consist principally of cottages, which have taken the place,
to a great extent, of the barraboras, ami a fair condition of neatness
everywhere prevails. It is said that the natives now living there are
descendants of those formerly brought from the Aleutian group proper
by the Russians to conduct their seal interests, as the Prybilov Islands
were originally uninhabited. From constant practice and training from
their very youth the capture of the seal and skinning and preserving
of the skins have been reduced hx them to almost a science, so that
were the whites deprived of their aid considerable embarrassment
would be occasioned.

In regard to the entire number of people included under this head-
ing they have been estimated at 1,890. This does not include the half-
breeds or Creoles, as ihey are called, who of themselves are numbered
at 479. Their entire number has slowly decreased since the advent of
the whites and the introduction of intoxicating liquors.

On account of the dampness of the climate, though never very cold,
many of the adults die in the winter of pneumonia, brought on by ex-
posure; and the various other lung diseases are especially prevalent
among the children.

In regard to communication between the different islands, their only
means, except through the aid of the whites, is their skin boats, which
are the only kind used. These, like those in use among the luuuits,
consist of a frame work of some light wood securely bound together
with thongs, and everywhere covered in with dressed skin of the sea-
lion, a hole being left in the center large enough to accommodate the
occupant. Some are built with two or three holes, and resemble
the one previously described, except in the number of occupants they
are able to contain. These bidarkas, as they are called by the Rus-
sians, are very light, and are propelled with great ease and at a consid-
erable rate of speed by means of paddles with a single or double blade,
according to the fancy of the individual.

As stated at the beginning of this description, the Aleuts are of little
importance in a military sense, as the question of active hostilities is
one which will probably never come up, simply on account of the nature
of the race. They were so long under the sway of the Russians and
were so completely subdued that now no indignity could be put upon
them sufBcieutly harsh to occasion serious resistance.

The men are, as a rule, well provided with arms of some description.
Those most frequently observed are a double-barreled shotguu, of small
caliber, in which shot or a bullet may be used. Should it ever become
necessary to carry on a campaign against this people troops would
necessarily have to be brought to the country in vessels, and as the
villages for the most part are situated in the deep and sheltered inlets,
a very near approach can, in almost every instance, be effected. Noth-
ing in the way of unusual supplies would be needed, except, perhaps, a
number of small boats, which would be greatly aided by a small steam

118 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

launch as well. Very few of the houses are substantial enough to re-
sist tlie passajje of bullets, and should heavier missiles be employed
their destnietion would be only a matter of a short time.

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT.

Vancouver Barracks, Washington Territory,

May 12, 1884.
After a careful arrangement of the data on the topography of the
country passed through, with special reference to the bouiulary line
between tlie Territory of Alaska and British America, it has been deter-
mined that the main village of one tribe, Klat-olklin, supposed to be
in Alaska, is situated withiu the English possessions; consequently that
tribe will not be included in the following summary of the names and
members of the tribes met with in this portion of the United States:

Tongas, about 600

Cape Fox, about 250

Stickeens, about 800

Sitkas, about 1 , 000

Ilootznahoo, about 700

Hoonahs, about 700

Auks, about 700

Cbilkats, about 980

Tadoosh, about 50

Fort Yukons, about 100

Tananabs, about 500

Ingalik tribes, about 1,350

Inuuit tribes, about 1,900

Aleuts, about 1,890

11,520

Only those Innnits living along the Y'ukon River within the delta and
northward along the coast to near the Oonalakleet River are included
in this list, and about 400 half breeds (Aleut and Russian living on the
Aleutian group are also excluded.

The whole number of natives met with is, therefore, about 11,520.
The tribes met with along the river east of the boundary are :

Tabkeesh 50

Ayans 200

Takons 100

Klatolklins 100

Concerning the last named tribe it may be stated that their village is
but a short distance from the boundary line as determined, and that the
trading station about a mile further down the river, and now abandoned,
is within the Territory of Alaska.
Respectfully submitted.

GEO. F. WILSON,
First Lieutenant and Assistant iSurgeon, United States Army.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 119

APPENDIX.

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,

Vancouver Barracks, Washington Territory, April 7, 1883.
First Lieut. Fred. ScH^YATKA,

Third Cavalry, Aid- de- Camp ;

Sir : In view of the frequent reports of the disturbance of the peace
between the whites and Indians in Alaska, and the indications that the
present condition of atiairs must lead to serious hostilities between the
two elements in the near future, you are hereby directed to proceed to
that Territory for the purpose of gathering all information that can be
obtained that would be valuable and important, especially to the mili-
tary branch of the Government.

You will ascertain as far as practicable the number, character, and
disposition of all natives living- in that Territory, how subdivided into
tribes or bauds, the section of country they inhabit, their relations to
each other, and especially their disposition toward the Eussian Govern-
ment in the past, and the feeling that exists among them towards the
present Government and the white people that are making their way
into that Territory.

You will further examine and ascertain their modes of life and means
of communication from one part of the country to the other, the amount
and kind of weapons of war in their possession, and from where ob-
tained.

You will further obtain such information as jjracticable of the char-
acter of the country and the best means of using and sustaining a mili-
tary force, if one should be needed in that Territory.

Y''ou will make especial inquiry as to the kind and extent of the native
grasses that would sustain animals ordinarily used in military opera-
tions, also the character of the climate, especially inland, the severity
of the winters, and any other information that would be important to
the military service.

Y"ou will endeavor to impress the natives with the friendly disposi-
tion of the Government, and in no case will you move in any section of
the country where you cannot go without provoking hostilities or in-
citing the natives to resistance, as you are not authorized to exercise
any control of affairs in that Territory.

You will consider this duty especial and confidential, making your
reports to me, accompanied as full as possible with itineraries, maps,
traces, and field-notes.

Asst. Surg. George F. Wilson, and four enlisted men, will be directed
to report to jou, and such Indian scouts as may be hereafter authorized.

120 MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA.

Voii ;uv ;intliori/A'cl to employ iiu interpreter wlien needed, and you
will exeirise strict economy in yonr necessary expenditures.

In nudvin<; yonr investisiition you will endeavor to complete all iiilbr-
niation in each section of the country before proceeding to another, in
order that, should time not permit yonr full completion of this work, it
may be taken up the following season.

The chiefs of the several staff departments at these headquarters
will, on presentation of this letter of instructions, furnish you with the
means and necessary equipments to enable you to accomplish the duty
assigned you.

Upon completion of this duty you will return to these headquarters.
Very respectfully, jour obedient servant,

NELSON A. MILES,
Brigadivr- General^ Commanding.

[First indorseraeut.] '

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,
Vancouver Barracls, WaHhmtjton Territory, May dth, 1884.
Kespectfully referred (through Lieutenant Schwatka) to Asst. Surg.
George F. Wilson ; the department commander calls upon Dr. Wilson
to report as near as practicable from the data furnished in this re-
port and from any informaiion he may have, the names and numbers
of such of the Indians within referred to as are inhabitants of the
United States Territory of Alaska, and to locate as nearly as he can on
a map of that Territory, to be furnished by the chief engineer officer of
the Department, their places of habitual abode.
By order of Brigadier-General Miles.

O. D. GREENE,
Assistant Adjutant- General.

[Second indorsement.]

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,

Vancouver Barracks, Washinyton Territory.
EespectfuUy referred to Asst. Surg. George F. Wilson. Attention
called to preceding indorsement.

FEED'K SCHWATKA,
First Lieutenant Third Cavalry.

[Tliird indorsement. J

Vancouver Barracks, May 12, 1884.
Respectfully returned to the assistant adjutant- general Department
Columbia (through Lieutenant Schwatka), inviting attention to the sup-
plementary report, marked such, and transmitted herewith.

GEO. F. WILSON,
Assistant Surgeon, U. S. A.

MILITARY RECONNAISSANCE IN ALASKA. 121

[Fourth indorsement.]

Headquarters Department of the Columbia,

Vancouver Barracks,, May 15, 1884.

Eospoctfully forwarded to division headquarters.

Ui)oii being assigned to this command, I found tbat the Territory of
Ahiska, although embraced within the geographical limits of this De-
l>artnu'iir, with an area of 577,31)0 square miles, was practically an un-
explored and unknown country, but little being known of its topograph-
ical l'e;ttnres, number and character of its inhabitants, its resources,
or its climate.

On November 2, 1881, 1 forwarded a communication recommending a
special appropriation from Congress of $G8,000 to explore this Territory.

Although the bill to that eftect was introduced into the United States
Senate it failed to become a law, and (»n the 3d of April, 1883, 1 sent one
of my aids-decamp. Lieutenant Schwatka, with Assistant Surgeon
Wilson, Topographical Assistant Homan, and three enlisted men, to
Alaska to obtain information regarding the interior of that Territory
under instructions contained in letter of 7th of April, 1883 (appended).

The accompanying report is the result of this reconnaissance, and
contains much information, especially regarding the section visited, the
character of the country, and its inhabitants.

That part of the report which embraces a survey of a portion of
British America, with description of the same, was not called for by
the letter of instructions, and the publication of so much of the sub-
stance of this report as has appeared in various newspapers and maga-
zines of the country, prior to its being submitted to the military author-
ities, has been disapproved.

With these exceptions the reconnaissance has been successful, satis-
factory, and accomplished at little expense, and the report is interest-
ing and valuable, and contributes an important chapter to the descrip-
tive history of that remote and extensive country-.

Lieutenant Schwatka and his assistants are entitled to much credit
for the energy and zeal disi)layed in overcoming apparently insur-
mountable obstacles in their long, hazardous, and laborious journey.

NELSON A. MILES,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.

Fifth indorsement.]

Headquarters Division of the Pacific,

Presidio of San Francisco, California, July 26, 1884.

Kespectfully forwarded to the Adjutant-General of the Army.

JNO. POPE,
Major- General, Com manding.
Official copy.

E. C. DEUM, Adjutant- General.
Ad jut ats^t -General's Office,

Kovemher 4, 1884.
S. Ex. 2 9 O

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RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED

EAr.TM CCICNCEG LIDRARY

This book is due on the last date stamped below, or

on the date to which renewed.

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