REPORT 



SECOND CRUISE OF THE STEAMER CORWIN. 



The Corwin sailed from San Francisco on May 4, 1881, at 1 p. m., accompanied out of the 

 harbor by the revenue steamers Bush and Hartley, and a number of vessels of the San Francisco 

 yacht fleet, under command of Commodore Harrison. 



Moderate weather prevailed until the 15th instant, when, within 50 miles of Ounalaska Island, 

 heavy gales and snow storms were encountered. 



On the morning - of the 16th the island was seen bearing northwest, distant 40 miles. Soon 

 after it began snowing and the weather became so thick that we were compelled to proceed with 

 great caution, and did not reach the entrance of the pass between Ounalaska and Onalga Islands 

 until noon, when, owing to the rough state of the sea caused by a strong current running against 

 the northwest gale which was blowing, we weie glad to turn back and run into Beaver Harbor, 

 barely escaping the loss of our boats. 



The Oualga Pass, although very rough at times and subject to strong currents, is in many 

 respects preferable to either the Oumiuak or Akoutan Pass, especially to vessels bound to 

 Ounalaska. It contains no hidden dangers, and is safely navigable by all classes of vessels except 

 as mentioned before, when a strong gale is glowing against the current. At such times the sea 

 truly boils and foams, and it is advisable to wait until slack water before attempting to go through. 



Beaver Harbor affords ample protection for a vessel under such conditions. Although the 

 water is deep, several good anchorages may be found near the shore, where vessels can lie in 

 safety. 



On the 17th of May we arrived at Ounalaska and hauled the vessel on the beach to repair the 

 oak sheathing which had started off in many places. The oak being very dry when put on and 

 closely fitted, had bulged off upon becoming wet and swollen. After repairing it we took on 

 board a supply of coal and water and nine months' extra provisions. The latter were purchased 

 from the Alaska Commercial Company with the understanding that, if not used, they were to be 

 returned without cost to the Government. 



The past winter was reported to have been unusually mild, although at this time the weather 

 was quite cold and the island covered with snow to the sea. The natives were suffering from an 

 epidemic of pleuropneumonia, which proved fatal in a great many cases. 



Ounalaska settlement, or Illuhick, has been so often described that a repetition is unnecessary, 

 but to those who are not familiar with the subject the following reference to it by the late Capt. 

 George W. Bailey, U. S. B. M., will be found of interest : 



Ounalaska is the largest commercial port of the Aleutian Islands, and now a port of entry. * * * It is also 

 the principal depot of the two large trading companies, the Alaska Commercial Company and the Western Fur and 

 Trading Company. There is a full priest resident at Ounalaska. and the church building presents a creditable 

 appearance, church matters being conducted at this station on a seemingly more proper basis than in any other part 



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