30 Sketches of an Excursion to Southern Alaska. 



Stahkeen, Hanega and Tongass. The Hydahs are confined to the Prince of 

 Wales' Archipelago, whither they came from British Columbia. 



I had interviews, long and short, with members of almost all these tribes- 

 I aimed to get at their real feelings, and believe that I succeeded. Withou 

 a single exception, the desire was expressed for teachers and missionaries. In 

 the overture of the Synod of the Columbia to the (General Assembly, 1877, 

 the belief was expressed that the spirit of God had in a remarkable manner 

 inclined the hearts of these people to inquire after Him. No man could 

 have stood where I did this summer, without being impressed with the same 

 thought. My report No. I, gives many evidences to the same purport. 

 The same impression has been made upon persons who belong to civil and 

 military life. I have therefore traced nut an almost universal ctmcurrence in 

 this particular. 



I have examined all estimates of numbers within my reach — some printed, 

 others made by persons on the ground, interpreters and traders. The greatest 

 diversity exists. The highest estimate was that which the Russians reported to 

 Gen. Hallock, namely, sixty thousand for all Alaska, twenty-five thousand be- 

 ing Tlinkets. No such numbers can now be found there, nor did they exist 

 when our nation took possession of Alaska. I take an average number, and 

 place the whole Tliiiket population, including Hydahs, at ten thousand. 



If this population were scattered along the coast, their civilization would be 

 impossible. But providentially they are gathered in patriarchal or tribal groups 

 in localities, some of which have been fixed from time immemorial. The na- 

 tives are social, affectionate and attached to their homes. These propensities 

 draw them into circumstances very favorable to their enlightenment. 



DESIGNATION OF LOCALITIES. 



We now proceed to designate the most desirable points for beginning opera- 

 tions, with this predominant end in view. This has occasioned a great deal of 

 investigation. Two points have already been determined, Sitka and Wrangel ; 

 another should be among the Chilcats ; and a fourth, among the Hydahs on 

 Prince of Wales' Island, probably Cordova Bay; the fifth, is less easily select- 

 ed. Tongass River near 54° 40', Hoochenoo Island in Chatham Straits east o' 

 Sitka, and Takoo River; each has claims and advantages. But the Hoonyas, 

 in numbers and natural advantages, have superior claims. 



The difficulty of .settling upon points for new missions explains my great de- 

 sire to visit the different localities. But I was able to arrive at conclusions 

 which I cannot doubt will be soon verified. The missions among the Chilcats 

 and Hydahs, should be founded as soon as possible. A great advance will 

 thus be made along the whole line. 



Again turn to the m.ap. Observe the points indicated — Lynn Canal, Sitka, 

 Wrangel and Prince of Wales Island. I incline to place the fifth mission in 

 he Hoonya town on Tchichagoff island, or between Wrangel and Lynn Canal. 

 In this case, Takoo River and Admiralty Island should be inspected before i 



