ORDERS TO LIEUT. J. C. CANTTVELL. 



U. S. Revenue-Maeine Steamer Corwin, 



Koizehve Sound, July 8, 1884. 



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

 the ohanicter of the country through which it runs, the number and extent of its tributaries, the 

 number, condition, habits, and customs of the inliabitants, and, iu general, everything of interest 

 to science and commerce relating thereto, you have been selected to take command of an adequate 

 parly from this vessel, and to proceed to the mouth of the said river ami begin the compilation of 

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

 with boats, aud until the 20th day of August, 1884, when you will rejoin the Corwm 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 notes of its width and depth, and force of tiie 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 you will be particular to see that such a recor.l is kept as will furnish the 

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

 practical miner, and you are directed to give him every opi)ortunity for prospecting the country, 

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



In this connec'tion 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 Coricin at Hotham 



Inlet. 



Should the Kowak Uiver prove not of sufhcient length to warrant a survey, you wdl turn 

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

 "may discover in tlie neighborhood. As many specimens as iwssiblo will be collected. They wdl 

 belong to the Governmeut, but where duplicates are obtained 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 iiermitted to do so ibr 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 collisiou take place between your people and the natives 

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

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

 abandon the expedition and return t<i Hotham Inlet, and there await the Concin'H return. Iu case 

 she does not return before September 19, 1884, you will take her absence as an evidence of acci- 

 II. Mis. (502 4 *^ 



