240 ALASKA. 



part, and, at the same time, auiioiuiced tbeir determination to 

 do so no more, iu consequence of its liability to misrepresenta- 

 tion. Tliis Government a^ent left the Seal Islands in 1872, at 

 his own request, on account of the isolation and distance from 

 his family, and has been in Washington, employed in the Treas- 

 ury Department, ever since. Most likely, in this matter Mr. 

 Dall refers to transactions that took place on the islands before 

 the granting of the lease, and of which I have no knowledge 

 other than that of hearsay ; but as to what has transpired on 

 these islands since the inauguration of the present state of 

 affairs, I am fully cognizant j that which took place previous 

 to this is now of no importance. It was a disorderly medley 

 of civil and military authority, and, as near as 1 can learn, 

 reflects no special credit upon any of the ofiicers concerned on 

 the part of the Government. 



