INVKSTir,ATIOXH OF THE ALr.ATnOPR 25 



(April 5) in latitude 50'^ 01' north, on the outer maraiu of Portlock 

 Bank. A lieavy northwesterly gale kept them moving constantly; 

 they were seen by twos and threes during the afternoon, and while it 

 was impossible to distinguish sex, there was no doubt whatever as to 

 the absence of old bulls. 



The Barren Islands and high lands of the Kenai Peninsula were 

 sighted at 3:15 p. m., and as we did not wish to approach the coast 

 until daylight next morning, the engines were slowed and finally 

 stopped while an abortive attempt was made at cod-fishing in 28 

 fathoms— latitude 58° 22' north, longitude 150^ 09' west. The depth 

 was much less than had previously been found in that locality, and as 

 we had ample time on our hands a line of soundings was extended 

 across the bank during the night, the depths gradually increasing to 

 118 fathoms. 



The officers and men on deck were startled about 10 :30 p. m. by the 

 passage of a brilliant meteor, which was followed a little later by a 

 remarkable display of aurora borealis. 



Steaming ahead at early daylight against a fresh breeze, we reached 

 the landlocked harbor of Port Graham at 11 :26 a. m. The entrance is 

 narrow, tortuous, and to a stranger dangerous; but once inside ample 

 room and perfect protection will be found. Fort Alexander, as the 

 Aleut village here is called, lies on an exposed point near the southern 

 approach to the harbor, and contains a population of 120 souls, all 

 Aleuts except Mr. Cohen, agent of the Alaska Commercial Company. 

 The whole face of the country was covered with snow, which buried 

 the log cabins of the natives nearly to the eaves. The past winter was 

 the most severe that has been known for many years, and there were 

 few evidences of approaching spring at the time of our arrival. The 

 usual winter's hunting was almost entirely prevented by inclement 

 Aveather, and the people were ver^^ poor in consequence. 



Mr. Cohen came on board soon after the anchor was down, and being 

 informed of our mission, rendered valuable aid in getting the native 

 hunters together and acting as interpreter. His experience of twenty- 

 two years in the Territory, engaged in the fur trade, gave special value 

 to his statements. His intimate acquaintance with the people and their 

 language made free communication comparatively simple. 



Affidavits relating to seal life w^ere procured from Mr. Cohen and all 

 of the native hunters, and at 2 : 45 p.m. on the 9th (April) the Albatross 

 left the commodious harbor of Port Graham and anchored two hours 

 later in Chesloknu or Soldovoi Bay. The village locally known as Sol- 

 dovoi lies on the northern shore of the harbor, the log cabins in which 

 the natives live being scattered irregularly from the beach over low 

 wooded mounds, and fairly protected from prevailing winds. It has a 

 population of 103 Aleuts and Kenai Indians and 4 white men. The 

 North American Commercial Company has a station here in charge of 

 Mr. John W. Smith, who has been twenty-four years in the Territory, 



