LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. 
Department of the Interior, 
United States Geological Survey, 
Washington, D. C, May 5, 1904. 
Sir: I beg to submit herewith the manuscript and illustrations of 
a report entitled bl The Petroleum Fields of the Pacific Coast of 
Alaska, With an Account of the Bering River Coal Deposits," by Mr. 
George C. Martin, assistant geologist, and to recommend its publi- 
cation as a bulletin. 
This report contains the result of a hasty examination of the struc- 
tural and economic geology of the localities where indications of pe- 
troleum have been found. Though only a few wells have been drilled 
and it is too soon to predict an important future for the region as a 
petroleum producer, Mr. Martin's studies have shown that there is 
ample justification for further prospecting and that the region may 
yet be an important source of illuminating oil. In this connection it 
is of interest to note that the Bering River coal is the best that has yet 
been found on the Pacific coast of North America. 
These coal and petroleum fields have been deemed of sufficient 
importance to justify the further investigation already begun, and it 
is hoped that this, together with the commercial development, will 
soon permit of more definite statements regarding the economic im- 
portance of this field. 
Very respectfully, 
Alfred H. Brooks, 
Geologist in Charge Division Alaskan Mineral Resources. 
Hon. Charles D. Walcott, 
Director United States Geological Survey. 
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