CEUiaE OF THE STEAMEK COKWm. 27 



REPORT OF LIEUT. J. W. HOWISON. 



U. S. Eevenue Mabink Steamer- Cobwin, 



August 21, 1884. 



SiE: I Lave the honor to make the following report concerning my stay at Point Hope, 

 Alaska, while acting in obedience to your orders of Jnly 24, 1884. 



Lauding at 10.30 a. m. of that date with the dinghy of this vessel and a detail of two men, I 

 camped at a convenient place for boarding such vessels as might arrive in the vicinity and for 

 preventing illicit trafiQc with the natives. 



The following whalers were boarded and examined: 



July 25, bark Abraham Barker, of New Bedford, Tobey, master, sailed July 26. 



August 1, bark Mabel, of New Bedford, Cook, master, sailed August 1. 



August 3, baik Arnohla, of New Bedford, Marvin, master, sailed August 4. 



No contraband goods were found on either of these vessels, and although closely watched I 

 detected no attempt at illicit trade. 



On July 31 1 sounded around the Point and found not less than three fathoms of water until 

 within two ships' lengths from the beach. I found the current about the Point to follow the trend 

 of the laud out of Kotzebue Sound and to the northward, and to vary in velocity from one to two 

 knots as the wind was against or with it. 



At C.30 a. m. of August 14 the steam-whaler Narwhal, Captain Millard, anchored off the camp 

 and reported the loss of the steamer Bowhead, Captain Smith, which had been crushed in the ice 

 near Wainwright Inlet, and had become a total wreck so quickly as not to ailuiit of the saving of 

 stores. 



Captain Millard informed me that he had not provisions enough to feed the wrecked men, and 

 that he had come to the Point for the purpose of obtaining the assistance of the Gorwin. I 

 informed him that I would report the wreck to you immediately upon the arrival of the Gorwin. 

 He then left for the northward with the intention of leaving some of the wrecked men at the coal 

 mine near Cape Lisburne. 



In the two villages at the Point there were but about tifty natives, the rest being away hunting. 

 I could find no traces of liquor in their houses, and I did not see one of them under the influence of 

 liquor. Tliey evidently knew that I was there to prevent liquor being sold to them by whalers 

 and traders, but notwithstanding this my relations with them were pleasant, and I can report 

 them friendly and honest. 



On August 20 I rejoined the Gorwin. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



J. W. HOWISON, 



Second Lieutenant, U. 8. Revenue Marine, 

 Capt. M. A. Healy, 



Gommanding Revenue Uteamer Gorwin. 



