ORDERS TO LIEUT. J. C. CANTWELL. 



U. S. Revenue-Marine Steamer Corwtn, 



Kotzcbue Sound, July 8, I8S4. 



Sir: The Department desiring to ascertain the extent of the Kowak River, together with 

 the character of the country through which it runs, the uumber and extent of its tributaries, tlie 

 number, condition, habits, and customs of the inhabitants, and, in general, everything of interest 

 to science and commerce rehiting thereto, yon have been selected to take command of an adequate 

 parly from this vessel, and to proceed to the month of the said ri\er and begin the compilation of 

 the data required, extending your explorations as far toward the source of the river as is jjossible 

 with boats, and until the 20th day of August, 1884, when you will rejoin the Cortcin at Hotham 

 Inlet. 



In pursuit of the object mentioned you will make as accurate a survey of the river as is 

 possible with the instruments furnished and the time allowed you. 



You will keep exhaustive not'^s of its width and depth, and force of the current, as well as an 

 accurate account of the position of obstructions to navigation, such as rocks, shoals, sand-bars, 

 or rapids, occurring in the course of your survey. 



All information touching the fauna and flora and the general resources of the country is of 

 the utmost value, and yon will be particular to see that such a record is kept as will furnisli the 

 substance of an accurate report on these subjects. Mr. Miller, who is to accompany you, is a 

 l)ractical miner, and you are directed to give him every opportunity for prospect ng the country, 

 and to embody in your report the result of his investigations. 



In this connection it may be well to call your attention to the supposed existence of jade in 

 this region ; if this supposition should prove true the discovery would be one of great value. 

 Frequent reports of your progress will be sent by native messengers to the Gorwin at Hotham 

 Inlet. 



Should the Kowak River prove not of sutHcient length to warrant a survey, you will turn 

 your attention to the survey and exploration of Selawick Lake, or any navigable stream which you 

 may discover in the neighborhood. As many specimens as possible will be collected. They will 

 belong to the Government, but where duplicates are obt;iiued there will be no objection to the 

 members of your party procuring them, providing that in case of a preference by selection the 

 Government shall have the precedence. 



It will perhaps be found necessary in your communication with the natives to engage in trade 

 in order to secure their help in case of need, and consequently you are i)ernutted to do so lor that 

 purpose; but you will understand that this permission is restricted, and on no account are you to 

 make a display of goods in a manner calculated to excite their cupidity or awaken their distrust. 



In dealing with the natives you will be careful to enforce the strictest integrity on the part of 

 each member of your party, and should a collision take place between your people and the uati\es 

 you will try and make good your retreat without bloodshed. If, however, this be impossible, act 

 with firmness, decision, and moderation. Should any of your party become seriously ill you will 

 abandon the expeilition and return to Hotham Inlet, and ther^f^wait the Coriciiis return. In case 

 she does uot return before September 19, 1884, you will take her absence as an evidence of acci- 

 H. Mis. 002 4 ^9 



