Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-11-19
LETTER FROM ALASKA.
Augusta Youas Men Enjoying Good Health.
Though Getting Lille Gold.

Miss Carrie Mason of this city. received
a letter one day this week, from her men,
hew. Harry Fitch, who Is III the Alaska
gold region with Bert Hamlin. Fitch IL
well known in Augusta, as he once lived
here. lie Is an especial friend OF Bert
Hamlin, and was in Montana with the
latter. Hamlin Is in good health.
| The following Is the letter in mart.
Scaretown, Oct. 2. 1898.
| 1t has been a long time since / have
had chance TO write to you, but now
have time. will try and make up for the
my travels. We left here at the head ~
the rapids of the Klutina river, and RAJ
down to the Copper river, 80 miles from
per river 1853 miles to the mouth Of The
Slane. Thence up that river, IS miles to
Lake Mantasla, when we packed to the
head Of the Toks, down that on raft
| l25 miles, to the TaWnana. Down that
50 miles to where the Indian trail
crosses. From there we packed to the
| 40 mile river, lbs miles, and down that 10
| the Yukon. In round numbers, we trav-
eled straight away, over SOP miles and
back, besides the extra walking we did,
by double tripping and going to other
since the first of last June. although
some 500 miles was made on the rivers
either up or down. On our way home,
we ran down the Copper river 40 miles,
judge how these mountain streams run
and what it must be to tow a loaded
boat up them. We had to take good
many chances at times, but with the ex-
ception Of losing a few goods, we al
ways came out all right. This seems to
be wonderful healthy country. and no
amount of wet and cold, will affect one
in the least. From the Sth of June, to
the 4th of July, | was wet every day up
to my waist, and some days all over.
During that time, never changed my
I,,rf e-1n 81,
they never dried thoroughly during the
night. Some nights we found good camp
ing places. others we slept on sand bars
in the river. or swamps on the banks
We always camped on sand bar when
we could, even if it was a low wet one
on account of the mosquitoes, which were
terrible. night or day. You can believe
everything you hear about the mosqul-
toes and flies of Alaska, as they could not
be exaggerated. Every thing else you
hear about this country. consider lie,
place in my life that has been so much
msrepresented as Alaska. in fact, moth
ing that / ever heard before coming here,
has proved true.
have not had a cold, or missed a meal
since ! came here, and have gained in
weight from 176 lbs. in Great Falls with
my winter clothes on, TO 1880 here in my
shirt sleeves. So you need not worry
about me on the score Of health.
In regard to the financial possibilities. /
must say that it is not quite as bright
do eApcCttu, Dut liliHk llltt Il 1nIn
can come in here and stay few years. |
and If he Is enterprising and Industrious |
and has fair run of luck. he will come |
out all right in the end. Last week we |
built two cabins on Quartz Creek. head |
water of the Tonrina. We will move |
over there as soon as snow and ice |
comes and then we will say good bye to |
camp fires and take some comfort for the |
winter. We have a fair prospect to at |
least take out a grub stake during the |
winter. / should like to go home but |
believe that "he who putteth his hand to |
the pillow and looketh back" is not worthy |
to get any. gold. so ! propose to give. this |
is not the gold in the country that has !
been represented. but there is some here |
in places, that is certain, and if any one |
gets any, l am bound to have my share.
HARRY.