The Wrangell sentinel., 1922-10-19
WHEN OLD GLORY WAS
 UNFURLED IN ALASKA
Interesting Happenings of Fifty Five
 Years Ago Told By One Who Was Here
(By A. P. Kashevaroff)

On the anniversary of the day when Alaska became territory Of the United States one should remember the events leading thereto and en- deayor to refresh ones memory of all the events taking place on that day. With very few exceptions all citizens of Alaska know the story of the ceremonies that were enacted on the Baranoff Castle Hill on the 18th day of October, 1867. Yet there are other bits of history that are only known to those who make a special study of the Alaskan history as a whole.
 There is a very interesting history of the raising of the American nag at Chilkat that very few people know about.
 On June 1, 1867, Captain w. A. Howard of the revenue cutter service was ordered by the secretary of the treasury, H. McCulloch, to take charge of the revenue cutter Lincoln | and proceed to Sitka and the Rus sian possessions in America lately ceded to the United States, for the purpose of affording protection to the revenue during the period of doubtful and uncertain jurisdiction between the ratification of the treaty and the formal occupancy of the country.
 Captain Howard arrived in Sitka in September where he waited many weeks for the steamer "Ossipee which had the commissioners on board. The 'Ossipee" being very slow steamer, made very slow prog ress. As there was no word of the steamer, Captain Howard determined to visit the Chilkat country where he heard there was a war between the most powerful chief of the Chil- kats and the minor chiefs. Captain Howard hoped to return in time to receive the commissioners and to as- sist them in the ceremonies of hoist ing the flag of the United States.
 On October 17th the revenue cut ter Lincoln, after cruising about the Chatham Straits and Lynn Canal ar rived at Chilkat anchorage. At l: 80 p. m. Afye large war canoes came alongside, one with the Hudson Bay Company's flag flying, and Jack, the interpreter, in full British officer s uniform, came on board. The head chief soon arrived with his wife and were received in the cabin, where the captain had a long talk with him. This chief had the reputation of being very quarrelsome. He de- manded to be given whisky which was refused. He said: "If you had no presents to give me, no coats, trousers and shirts, why you call me? Talk without whisky no good; s'pose plenty whisky and presents, then talk good"
 Captain Howard had heard of the character of this chief and knew that it was necessary to secure the good opinion and friendship of this chief for the good of the future Americans who might visit there.
 After an hours talk the chief was convinced that the ship was not a trader, but the great American Chief had sent the vessel to talk with him. The captain promised the chief that presents would be given him pro- yided he was true to the new flag. He made him present of a hand some new overcoat, fully trimmed with braid; tobacco, molasses and biscuits. He gave him an American flag which he promised to respect i Several of the minor chiefs were also honored by presents. All departed feeling much better disposed towards Americans.
 The United States flag was hoisted at Chilkat within a few minutes of the time it was hoisted at Sitka. as it was afterwards ascertained. At 1:3O p. m. on the 18th of October. Captain Howard arrived at Sitka. where he found the flag of the Union flying over the Government House.