ARCTIC ALASKA. ^^-jj 



the gifts on board. The following July they were distributed 

 from that vessel. Continuing on her cruise, the Corwin arrived 

 in Kotzebue Sound, northwestern Alaska. Hearing through the 

 Indians of a great stream emptying into Hotham Inlet, Lieuten- 

 ant Stoney spent two weeks in searching for this river, and ascend- 

 ed it far enough to ascertain that it was a stream of considerable 

 magnitude. Upon his return, he reported his discovery to the 

 Secretary of the ISTavy, and requested leave to continue its explora- 

 tion. The following spring a small party, with Lieutenant Stoney 

 in command, was sent to survey this river. They succeeded in 

 ascending about four hundred miles, when they were obliged to 

 return, owing to the shortness of the season. 



In the spring of 1885, a fully organized and equipped expedi- 

 tion left San Francisco, for the purpose of completing the survey 

 of this river and exploring northern Alaska. The party was 

 composed of Lieutenant George M. Stoney, in command ; Ensigns 

 J. L. Purcell, M. L. Read, W. L. Howard ; Past Assistant Engi- 

 neer A. V. Zane ; Past Assistant Surgeon F. ' S. ISTash, and ten 

 picked men. A vessel was chartered to land the party, with pro- 

 visions for two years, at Hotham Inlet. The expedition sailed 

 May 3d, and reached the inlet July 12th, where everything was 

 safely landed, and the vessel returned. A small stern- wheel 

 steamer had been built in San Francisco, and carried on the 

 schooner's deck, together with a* powerful steam-launch. These 

 were to be used in transporting the party and outfit up the river. 

 Half of the provisions were cached or buried at the landing-point. 

 Only a winter's supply was carried up the river. 



The boats were loaded and started up the river, leaving half of 

 the party at the landing-point. At night the boats were secured 

 to the river's bank, and wood was cut for the next day's run. After 

 ascending one hundred miles, the advance party encamped and 

 the boats returned, bringing up more stores and the remainder of 

 the party. In this way the river was ascended three hundred 

 miles, when the winter-quarters were established. A large log- 

 house was built, and around it the dirt was piled to the eaves. 

 Inside, the house was partitioned off, lined with painted canvas, 

 and the floors covered with bear-skins. The steamer's smoke-pipe 

 was used for a chimney. With three wood-burning stoves, there 

 was never any difficulty in keeping the house warm, even at the 

 lowest temperature, 70° below zero (Fahr.). 



During all this time we were materially assisted by the na- 

 tives, a number of whom followed up the river and built their 

 winter huts near. They appeared very friendly and pleased with 

 us. During the month of September a trip was made to the neigh- 

 boring mountains. The party, consisting of two white men and 

 three Indians, left in a large skin-boat, taking five dogs and pro- 



