The times., 1899-07-26
EXPLORATIONS IN ALASKA.
News From the Commander of the
Cook Inlet Expedition.

COOK Inlet Expedition.
Assistant Secretary of War Meiklejohn
has received the following communication
from Capt Edwin T. Glenn, commanding
the Cook Inlet Exploring Expedition in
Alaska:
"Tyoonok. Alaska, June 26. 1899.
81 started with the steamship Duchesne
from Ladd's Station. Cooks Inlet Alaska
for the first trip up the Sushitna River
My objective point was Indian Greek. which
is tributary of the middle fork that en-
ters the same from the north or west about
thirtyseven miles from the forks of the
main stream. l had on board as far as the
Sushitna Station a detachment of twelve
men, twenty horses. and rations for same
up to and including October 81. 1889. On
account of the low stage of the water
dropped OFF portion of the outfit at this
place and proceeded with the remainder on
the afternoon of the 17th inst UP the river.
"On the morning OF the goth inst.
reached a point on the middle fork of the
Sushitha River about fifteen miles below
Indian Creek, where l discharged the de-
tachment- l did not proceed farther with
the steamer because at this place found
the river so thickly studded with large
the then extremely low stage of the water
was too perilous to warrant my doing So
Notwithstanding this very low stage of
water. the Indians and agents of the trad
ing companies familiar with the river tell
me that it is lower than they have ever
known 1t before, and account for this by
reason of the unusually small amount OF
snowfall during the past winter and the
continued ccol weather in this region dur
n ha a1fi crRriYn and 1asA
managed to reach the point mentioned with
comparatively little trouble.
Il left that camp on the afternoon OF
the 22d. and would have reached the
Sushitna station that evening but for the
fact that the boat ran aground en- a sand
bar at point where the channel split into
two parts and where the current was so
swift that il was next to impossible to
avoid striking this bar. This caused Us
delay OF about eight hours and the loss
of our eapstan, which We broke in spar
ing oil this bar. Due to the loss of the
capstan l was forced TO come down into
the inlet to Ladd's station, where We
found lying on the beach, left by a pros
pecting outfit last season, a steam winch,
which We can and will make use of until
the steam capstan called for on a recent
requisition reaches me. This should be
shipped so as to reach me not later than
August 20 next.
''As a result OF this trip l feel satisfied
in stating that the Sushitna River is navi-
gable for a distance of nearly 135 miles,
which means practically a distance OF
from 100 to 165 miles due north from Tyoo-
nok, or the North Foreland, Cooks Inlet.
The only boat that can be used for nayi-
eating the river is light draft stern
wheeler with sufficient power to propel
her at the rate of from thirteen to fifteen
knots per hour.
The results of this experimental trip
are certain 10 be of great benefit to this
section of Alaska and probably Of great
benefit TO the entire Territory. The latter,
in case | succeed in finding an overland trail
from the head OF navigation of the river
TO the Tanana River and Circle City. which
have every reason TO believe, from pres
ent information. l will succeed in finding.
This trail will not only be available during
the season of navigation. but will be avail
able for winter use as we'll, because the
Tanana Indians as well as the Skittig Ma
tion Indians located at the head OF the
Sushitna River. make use of it in bring
ing their furs down to market during the
winter or closed season.
1T Will be OF value to this section OF
Alaska first, because the valley of the
Sushitna River is very wide and contains
a large amount of arabic land, which the
season in this portion OF Alaska permits the
cultivation of with profit TO the producer
whenever there is a market for his pro-
ducts: second. because 1t Is now known that
the section of the country near the head of
navigation, together with the range of foot
hills lying between the Sushitna and Mat
anuska Rivers. and between the head OF
navigation and tide water. with the small
amount of prospecting already undertaking
there, contains gold in paying quantities.
This gold. in so far as present information
goes, has been found in placer ground only,
yet l have personally seen gold that 1
knew came from the section OF country
mentioned. of sufficient coarseness and
quantity TO indicate to my mind clearly
that 1t will be. when developed. one of the
best mineral producing sections of this por-
ton of Alaska.
Il beg to inform you that weather per-
mitting, / will sail this date for Sushitna
station. and from there up the Yetno River,
the first or lowest tributary of the Shu-
shitna River coming in from the west
about three miles above the station. and
which was followed for a certain distance
last year by Mr.. Spur. of the United States
Geological Survey, with Lieutenant Her
ron's party, that / hope to land on the
west bank of this stream about 40 miles
north of the station, from which point
he will proceed overland to the mouth
of the Tanana River, leaving the
Mount Mckinley group of mountains to
his right. or east. thence to Rampant
City, thence north across the portage
season permitting, to the town OF
Peayy. on the Koyukuk River. After land
ing his detachment I will return TO
Sushitna station and proceed from that
point TO the head of navigation on
Sushitna River. From that point l will
nroraed in persOn overland on the trail
followed by the party I landed on the
2ist instant. and whom l hope to overtake
at the Tanana River. Should l reach this
river shall proceed across the same and
to Circle City. via the trail indicated up
the Saliacket Greek and Cheua River I
will probably return to this place down
the Yukon via st. Miehaels assuming that
/ get through to Circle City.
The health OF the command has been
excellent up to date. and barring few
| minor articles. well supplied for the work
81