EXPLORATION OF THE KOWAK RIVER, ALASKA. 



July 8, 1884. — The expedition for the exploration of the Kowak started from the Corwin 

 anchored off Cape Krusensteru, and headed in towards Hotham Inlet. The party was composed 

 of the following: 



Third Lieut. John C. Cautwell, in charge; Second Assistant Engineer S. B. McLenegan ; Quar- 

 termaster Horace Wilbur; Fireman Frank Lewis; James Miller, miner; Andre Fernda, guide and 

 interpreter. 



We iiad two small boats in addition to the steam-lannch of the Corwin, and in them were 

 stowed such articles of camp outtit and supplies as could not be carried in the launch. 



We made but slow progress against the brisk wind blowing from ahead, and it was not until 

 near noon that we reached smooth water under the lee of (Jape Blossom, an^l began our search lor 

 a channel through Hotham Inlet. This proved no easy task, and tlie assistance of Piloi Douglas, 

 who joined ns at this juncture with the surf-boat, was most opportune and welcome. While we 

 sounded along the western edge of the shoal, which lies at the entrance of the inlet, Mr. Douglas 

 searched foi' the channel along the north shore, but at a o'clock we met, and neither party had 

 been successful. Soon after, the tide falling, the launch grounded and we were compelled to bring 

 to. The eastern side of the shoal still remained unexplored, and Mr. Douglas and I started in 

 this direction with the surf-boat, leaving the launch aground in about two and one half fi'et of 

 water. We stood well over towards the eastern shore of Hotham Inlet, and when about half a 

 mile from the beach suddenly ran into a deep channel, which evidently formed the entrance to the 

 inlet. We returned to the launch and lightened her of everything movable, and by dint of hard 

 shoving with oars and poles were enabled to reach the deep water, and at 7 o'clock selected a suit- 

 able place to remain for the night and pitched our tent on the beach. Mr. Douglas returned to 

 the Corwin after we had comiTleteil our arrangements for the night, and 1 took this opportunity of 

 reporting our progress to t!aptain Healy and to request him to send me a i)atent log and nautical 

 almanac which had been left behind. Distance made, 22J miles. Average temperature, 85°. 



July 9, 1884. — The day commenced with a fresh southeast wind and rainy weather, aud so 

 continued throughout. As I had to wait for Mr. Douglas's return, I employed the time in break- 

 ing out and restowing our supplies, and in repairing the frame of the skin boat, which had been 

 somewhat strained by being heavily loaded. Stepped mast in launch and bent sail, and fitted 

 awning so that it could be s)n-oa(l without unstepi)ing the mast every night. I read to the party 

 my orders to day and exi)lained to them the general objects of the expedition, the confidence I 

 had in its success, aud the desire that we would strive, by a strict attention to duty and a care- 

 ful consideration of each other's feelings, to make the trip as pleasant and as free from dissension 

 as possible. I assigned Wilbur to the general care of the boats and their gear; Lewis to Ihe 

 engine under the supervision of Mr. McLenegan, and to Mr. Miller the care and expenditure of 

 provisions was entrusted, he being the most experienced man of the party in this matter. .Vmlie 

 was instructed to heli) ]\Ir. Miller when necessary. At 2 p. m., seeing no signs of the surf boal's 

 return, we broke camp aud were about to stand (ni our way when the surf-boat was discovered in 



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