28 OEUISB OF STEAMER COKWIN EST THE AECTIC OCEAN. 



warks were gone in many places. The jib-boom was the only spar remaining in place, and on its 

 end were a pair of deer's horns. Four corpses, three in berths and one floating in the water, were 

 seen in the cabin. They liad no beards, and their skin was dried up, black, and drawn tightly over 

 the bones. Being afraid to stay long on board, they gathered a few articles and left the ship, 

 leaving all papers and books, such things being of no use to them. The following night the wind 

 changed to southwest, and the wreck, drifting off-shore, was seen no more. 



The articles in possession of these people were one whaling-iron (Moy's make) marked "B.K. 

 O.," two wood-saws, one ax, one marline-spike, one carving-knife, one jack-knife (Rodgers), two 

 table-knives, one chisel, one saw-file, one soup-ladle (K. N. M. No. 10), one chopping-knife, one pair 

 marine glasses, one bottle laudanum, three spades, one pump-handle, one shovel, two stove-pans, 

 made in Philadelphia, one razor, one pair silver-mounted spectacles and case, one sailor's ditty- 

 bag, containing needles, thread, &c, one linen jumper, one truss, one brace and bitt, one tack- 

 hammer, one pair bullet-molds, one drawing-knife, one small lamp, one meat-saw, two pennies 

 and one five-cent piece, two pieces of two-inch manila rope, one square lantern painted green, one 

 adze, and one tin candlestick. 



From the nature of these articles it is evident that the wrecked vessel was a whaler, and that 

 the natives got into the galley and carpenter-shop. The absence of the boats and the fact that 

 but four men were seen on the wreck would indicate that possibly a part of the crew tried to escape 

 by taking to the boats. The masts had probably been cut away for fuel. The Vigilant had, when 

 last seen, a pair of deer-horns on her jib-boom, as no other vessel in the fleet had, so far as known — 

 a fact which goes far towards establishing her identity with the wreck. The natives were willing 

 to part with any or all of these articles, but only those were selected which would be most likely to 

 be identified, which were paid for with bread and tobacco. Having learned all the facts in regard 

 to the discovery of the wreck, and having, through traveling parties of natives who had come from 

 the vicinity of Cape Yakan, learned that no white man had been seen or heard of in that direction, 

 it was deemed by our party useless to proceed farther to the west so late in the seasoD, as they 

 could not hope to extend their search as far along the coast, as they had already heard through 

 the traveling parties, and, rightly judging that their services would be more valuable on board the 

 vessel, they did not attempt to go farther, but started on their return trip. 



The coast between Cape Wankerem and Onman is very low, but about 10 miles west of Cape 

 Onman and 5 miles from the coast a mountain rises abruptly from the level tundra, presenting a 

 splendid landmark. At this season the sun remained above the horizon throughout the twenty-four 

 hours, and although its heat was not great, yet it shed warmth enough to prevent the snow 

 becoming hard. An almost daily fall of snow or rain put fresh difficulties in the way of the travelers. 

 At 8 a. m. the following day they reached Cape Onman, traveling 52 miles in twenty-four hours. 

 On the morning of the 9th a start was made, but a severe snow-storm prevailing rendered traveling 

 impracticable. The dogs were very hungry, but no food could be found for them at Onman. A 

 boat belonging to the natives was nearly destroyed, the poor half-famished animals eating the 

 cover and lashings in many places. The owner was pacified by a present of bread and tobacco, 

 and about mid-day traveling was again undertaken. The new snow, which was well packed, had 

 improved the traveling, and progress was quite satisfactory, a strong wind also being favorable ■ 

 Late in the afternoon the herd of reindeer which had been seen a few days previously was over- 

 taken. As usual, some trouble ensued with the dogs, but fortunately no more w r ere lost. The west 

 shore of Kolintchiu Bay was followed, and the party were anxious to reach the eastern shore of the 

 bay before camping. A number of seals were seen on the ice, but could not be approached near 

 enough for a shot. During the morning the party met the Koliatchin chief, who returned the letters 

 left with him, which he declined to keep any longer, as he was afraid they might contain unfavor. 

 able accounts of him. At noon Pelouin was reached ; it is a settlement of three huts on the east 

 side of Koliatchin Bay. Up to this time at least 65 miles had been traveled without camping, and, 

 as all the party were much fatigued, it was decided to remain here for a long rest. The people 

 were, found to be as eager for presents of bread and tobacco and as curious in regard to the white 

 men as all the others which had been met. Here the interpreter, Joe, succeeded in killing three 

 ducks, the first which had been seen since the start. In the evening a start was made, and the morn- 

 ing of June 12, the snow falling and sleighing being very bad, camp was made near a fine stream, where 



