We sent for the postmaster, who listened most courteously as we told him of the books, magazines, and papers which we had ordered to be forwarded long before our departure. He politely explained that a very small mail had been sent in over the Pass, but that the greater quantity would come by the Alliance according to contract made by our Government. Long delays in getting American mail into the city were all too common. When the mail would finally arrive, the entire town turned out, hoping for a letter from home. Dear Clara, I hurried your other letter off thinking it would go out that night, but I think it has not gone yet.
Mail here is very uncertain.
For instance, a letter from Skaguay to Dyea goes back to Juneau, a hundred miles, and then is returned to Dyea. Distance from Skaguay to Dyea-five miles. Uncle Sam has not yet found out that there are two lively towns up here. In another year he may have his attention drawn to the fact. Letter from the collections of the Alaska State Library, Juneau.