Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-25
RESCUED MANY MINER
Work of the Revenue Cutter Service in
Alaska.
Stranded Gold Hunters Saved mt
HOtham Inlet, kOtzebue Sound
DestitutiOn and Death.

Lieut. David H. Jarvis of the revenue
cutter service has reported to the Treas
ury Department the rescue of eighty-three
gold miners from Kotzebue sound, Alaska.
He also reported that forty-eight men died.
The report says, in part:
'In the summer of 1898 more than 1909
people were attracted to that region by
reports of gold being found there.
Since arriving in the vicinity of Mering
strait many stories had come to me of the
terrible suffering and condition of many of
these people. Scurvy had broken out among
them in the spring, and many deaths were
reported from it, and though as many as
could had left there in the numerous small
vessels that wintered there. some 300 more
people were said to be camped a Hotham
inlet In a distressed condition.
Destitution at Hothnm Inlet.
Il had not intended visiting kotzebue
sound until completing the work of the YES
sci south of Boring strait, but on account
of the above report sailed for there on the
21st. arriving the 22d. First Lieut.
Bertholf and Surgeon Hawley were sent to
the camp at Hotham inlet. about twelve
miles from the anchorage, to investigate
1hey returned on the morning of the I'D
with thirty-two sick and convalescent, all
affected with scurvy. Some of these were
in very low condition, and the chances
without medical attendance. From 30 to
go people were still in the camp. Some
had plenty of food and means of paying
their way out, while others had little or
no food or means and must be taken OUT
Too Many to Carry Away.
Returning to the camp, Lieutenant
Bertholf and the surgeon brought off all
those in a destitute condition, or without
means; AZ men, , women and an infant
r,aking SO persons in all taken from the
camp. The vessels space below decks was
completely filed with stores for the United
States steamer Nunivak and the relief ex-
petition, and the men in good health We're
compelled to sleep about the decks. 1t
was not possible to take any more at that
time, but assurance was given the people
ashore that if they did not succeed in get
ting away before the vessels return, they
would be taken out by the Bear. There
were plenty of provisions for the use of
those remaining, many of them having a
years outfit, and the only sick person re-
naming was Mrs. Smith. whose case was
so serious that she could not be moved
and she was being cared for by Mr. Robt.
Samms and wife, Quaker missionaries at
that place. Lime juice and medicines and
fresh provisions We're sent to Mr.. Samms
for distribution If needed"
Lieut.. Jarvis Relieved the WhaIers.
Lieut.. Jarvis, who accomplished the res
cue of the gold seekers at Kotzebue sound,
is the revenue marine officer who distin-
guished himself in the winter of 1S97-9S by
leading a relief expedition from Tunnuak
300 miles below ST. Michaels, to Point Bar
row. Over 1 500 miles of snow and ice in
the dead of winter, he pushed an expedi-
ton for the relief of the ice-imprisoned
whaers at Point Barrow. He arrived there
with about 800 reindeer, after four months
of almost Undesirable hardships. 1t was
the only arctic relief expedition ever at
tempted in midwinter. For his heroism
that occasion the President recommended
that Congress give him vote of thanks
and award him a gold medal.