The Cordova daily times., 1921-06-23

chrOnometer error was determined on several occasions.
 We sailed from the harbor of Un- alsak on the Sth of June, expecting to arrive at St. Michael island in about week. The weather was, however, generally unfavorable, and on the 18th we encountered extensive fields of ice which had been detached and driven off from the northern coast. To es- cape this danger, we were compelled to turn back several times, and fin ally to make considerable casting in order to pass between the ice fields and the coast. Much delayed by these obstacles, and also by a severe north western gale which lasted for several days, we arrived finally at St. Mi chael island on the 18th days of June, after voyage of "A days.
 We remained at St. Michael island four days, making the necessary pre- parations for our journey up the river. On the 1st of July the little steamer Yukon was successfully launched, and short trial trip gave excellent re- suits. Sextant observations for the determination of time were made at this station. left here a set of mete- orological instruments, with which Captain Riedell, the chief trader of the station, kindly volunteered to observe.
 Having obtained two large open boats, which we loaded with supplies and trading goods, and having con- structed small rough pilot house upon the steamers deck, we were pre- pared for departure. Early on the morning of the Fourth of July 1s69) taking our boats in tow, with flags fly ing and guns firing, we started on our voyage to the upper mouth of the great river. Our party was composed of Captain Benjamin Hall, master; John R. Forbes, engineer, Frederick M. Smith, superintendent; Ferdinand Westdahl, chief trader; Michael Le- barge, chief trader; John Godfrey and Robert Bird, traders; Lewis B. Par rott, passenger; Captain Charles P. Raymond, John J. Major. Michael Fo- ley, and two laborers. Our course lay through the narrow channel which separates the island from the main land and along the coast for about 70 miles. We accomplished this portion of our journey without much difficult ty, although our little vessel was hardly fitted for this sort of naviga- tion, and early on the morning of July 5 we entered the upper mouth of the Yukon.
 A native, well acquainted with the lower portion of tae river, had been engaged at St. Michael and under his guidance we groped our way among the islands and shoals, occasionally grounding or turning back to seek more favorable channal AS there was d Dl1SHI LWISHI uul tLl5 SuOII Llulc that the sun was below the horizon, we travelled night and day, only stop ping occasionally to cbiain wood or to purchase few skins or little game at some native village. Our approach was usually the occasion of consider able excitement As we drew near a village, we were accustomed to herald our coming by vigorous sounding of the whistle, and this was usually fol- lowed by general stampede of men, women, children and dogs. Our little steamer, which, puffing about the bay of San Francisco, had seemed a mere toy, appeared to them a huge monster, breathing fire and smoke. Curiosity would, however, bring the more dar- ing ones to the rivers bank, and, hav ing won their confidence by Q few ju- diciOuS presents we would soon find