The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-03
THE COPPER RIVER EXPEDITION
Reports from Capt. Abercrombie. who Il
on n Reconnaissance from Port valdez.

Reports from Capt. Abercrombie, Who Il
on n Reconnaissance from Port VALDEZ
WASHINGTON. June THE War Department
has received two REPORTS from Cant. W II.
Apercromb bic Second Infantry. commanding
a reconnaissance 10 the Copper River from
Port Valdez. Alaska, one dated May and the
other May TO-
Cant. Abercrombe reports that upon dis.
embarklng his expedition at Port Valdez no
organized two surveying parties the first con-
eistinR of Oscar Rohn. tupoRrapher. and J.. c.
Worthington as assistant. together with axe
men and chanmen. whose duty Is the mean
dering OF the shore line OF Port Valdez and
Swan Port east for the purpose OF determine
ing tide limits and the summer flow OF glacial
streams emptying into the head OF the bay
from the Valdez glacier and Lowe River coun-
try and also to take soundines to determine
tho best anchorage and the most desirable
ground for the terminal OF the trail. Tho
second rarty was placed under Oscar Palmer.
topographer, who was sent UP to the mouth OF
Keystone Canon to pick up the topography
through that cahon and over the ridge form
ing rs northern wall. Neither party. he Gays.
has NJ yet made q preliminary report, but,
barring the SHOWS. which were then still fall
ing of and on. he expects In short time to
have n preliminary report with Held sketches,
ready to submit to the Secretary OF War.
Cant. Abercromhie has relocated his camp
station No. L. lie has -dsciaIed a reservation
OF one mile square which m, may hS retained Inc. Hs
| thinks it doubtful whether II can be so re-
tanned. because the now Of glacial water and
the denosi OF glacial flt few miles above tho
On the north side Of Port valdez Cant, Abcr.
sSrombie has reserved all the ''hnyland1 from ON
being to cut and bale q u the hay required next
winter for gil the stock Of his exGedliiton and
Can't Glenn, which Can't. Abercrombe con-
sidsrs will be. quite an item Of economy. At
IL by 30 feet In the clear. has been built. and
IN it has beer, hacked luantitv Of stores.
On nc GraylinS Creek. q triIutGry Of the Klntcna
River Just. above Amys Landing. u third sta
81 been
Quartermasters clerk. in which has been
PLACED small quantity OF subsistence stores.
SeHtre looking for the best route thTSugh tSSt
| OF June he will be in position 10 report IN
! detail a desirable location fora MILITARY trail.
| with low gradient. from Port valdez to Copper
Cart Ahercr9mbe Gays that on l his arrival
to be those usually attending the openinG OF a
J new country. Many Of the miners were en-
Ts 5rsn m hr ana Mem MoSi
| break down and cry when free TRANSPORTATION
out OF the country was refused them. while the
scurvy had Thoroughly dcmoralized almost
every one. Capt AbercromRie at once rented
| and cleaned three filthy cabins. the stencil
| from which was horrible. and organized Il re;
| lief hospital. with cookhouse. bunkhouse and
stricken persons over the Valdez Glacier:from
| the interior. lie also employed the destitute
| as far as his authorization would allow him.
and IN this way injected feeling Of confidence
| and security into the men that was magical in
| its effect.
| On April 90 CAPT. Ahercrombie sent out an
| organized trail crew to the mouth III Keystone
| Canon where he built n storehouse and placed
| supply Of stores. In order to further en-
| ploy the destitute Capt Abercrombie has es-
| tablished a temporary hay reservation whore
| he will cut and bale hay