THE AURORA BOREALIS (Our Motto "Kaiome") Healy, Alaska Vol. 2, No. 2 Wednesday, February 1st, 1899 Page 1. PAGE CONTENTS 2 CAPE NOME NEWS POLAR MINING & DEVELOPING COMPANY 3 YUKON MAIL HAMILTON FIRE 4 CAPE NOME 5 SERMON BY REV. A. E. KARLSON SCARCITY OF FRUIT 6 ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES 7 ST. MICHAEL 8 LETTER FROM PARIS 9 FORT ST. MICHAEL DR. KITTILSEN'S DEPARTURE 10 HOLIDAYS AT UNALAKLIK 11 PEN-DENNIS MINING ASSOCIATION ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LATEST NEWS FROM CAPE NOME. TWO NEW DISTRICTS FORMED FAVORABLE REPORTS Frank McQuillan, who left Healy in December for Cape Nome, returned January 31st, making the trip down in six and a half days from Snake River. He reports the claim jumping very much exaggerated and that practically all is peace and quiet. He made some good locations for himself and no less than twelve others by Powers of Attorney. These locations were made on Little Glacier, Mountain Creek, Rabbit Creek, Walker Creek and Polte Gulch, Silver Creek and Penny, Sinook, and Charley Rivers. A district has been organized known as the Sinook Mining District, including the Sinook River territory. This river is 30 miles west of Snake River and what is known as Charlie's place is located at its mouth. There is a sand bar in this river near where it forks, which prospects remarkably well and promises to be very rich. At the time the Cape Nome excitement it seems there was no rush made form the Sinook. The 30 miners there at that time evidently were satisfied with their prospects. Another district east of Snake river has been organized by H. J. Harding and D. B. Libby and called the Bonanza Mining District. This covers all the country lying between Cape Nome and Golovin Bay Districts, running to the reservation and including the head waters of streams flowing through the reservation. Mr. McQuillan further states there is no abating of travelers in that direction. That prices are very high owing to the scarcity of provisions and the inability of transporting more than a few hundred pounds at one time during the winter. The camps are very busy whipsawing lumber for cabins, sluice boxes, rockers, etc., and considerable progress is being made, so there will be no delays in beginning the work on the claims as soon as the weather permits. ------0------ POLAR MINING AND DEVELOPING CO. The employees of the Alaska Commercial Company have organized a mining company under the above title. Parties interested are as follows: W. B. Hastings : R. W. Ross : J. G. Miller : J. Gebhardt F. Mcaffferty : Jas. Feely : C. L. Hooper : W. Willett J. B. McAlister : S. McFaull : A. G. Stevens : C. E. Trezona J. A. Dufresne : Al. Zwicker : C. Thompson : W. A. Hudson Messrs W. Alex. Hudson and Chas. Thompson started for Cape Nome Mining District early in December. While there locations were made on N. Fork of Snake, Cold Creek, St. Michael's Gulch, Grub Gulch and Cape Nome Gulch. Mr. Hudson returned January 18th leaving Mr. Thompson in the District to represent the properties. ------0------ A. Kaleman from Cape Vancouver arrived January 31st, bringing a large lot of furs. He had three teams consisting of 29 dogs. A Belkoff from the Russian Mission; also Komkoff and George Dunn from Kutlik came in at the same time. There were six teams in all - the longest trains seen here this winter. The N. A. T. & T. Co.'s team also arrived on its return trip from Hamilton. ------0------ Mr. Lackstrom, who starts for Seattle tomorrow via Kadiak, will carry letters at $1.00 each. ------0------ We are advised that Dawson was destroyed by fire. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 3. THROUGH MAIL FROM DAWSON. Post Office Force at Work Until Midnight Sorting. Deliveries made up to 10 o'clock. Mail (perhaps all of 12 or 14 letters) arrived January 29th from the upper river points, with a few letters from Dawson and vicinity dated in September, - and Yukon River points dated as late as October 25th. Advices were received that arrangements are made along the river to bring the U. S. Mail for this place - when it can be found. ------0------ We are indebted to the above mail for the following information: Steamers Healy and Victorian are in winter quarters at Ft. Yukon in good shape. Steamers Robert Karr and Seattle are aground on the flats and the Str. Tacoma is aground above Circle City. These three boats are said to be in dangerous places. Steamer John C. Barr was on a sand bar at the mouth of the Pelly River late in September, but it is probable that she made Dawson before navigation closed. ------0------ The monthly mail from St. Michael leaves today. ------0------ A messenger arrived Sunday, January 29th, from Hamilton bringing news of the fire which occurred there on the 25th. The North American Transportation and Trading Company owns two warehouses at that place, and it was the smaller one with office and living rooms connected that was destroyed. The actual loss was small. Mr. D. E. Huyck, the Agent, had left the previous Monday for Healy. At Kutlik he was overtaken by the messenger and learned of the loss. They pushed ahead as rapidly as possible and arrived here at the same time. Mr. Huyck's personal affects were entirely destroyed. He will spend a few days at Healy before returning to Hamilton. ------0------ DOGS DYING OFF. It is a serious proposition when the only means of transportation in the country is attacked by disease. Less than two weeks ago it was rumored that the dogs were dying along the Yukon, and recent arrivals confirm the report. The teams arriving from the river districts are in poor condition. The distemper is now taking hold of the dogs on the Island. It is to be regretted that the disease had to be brought here as it will undoubtedly proceed up the coast. There has been a scarcity and a large demand for dogs with prices steadily increasing up to this date. The asking price has reached $100.00 up the river. The demand still continues here, but dogs are now offered at a low figure - if for sale. Customers are holding back waiting for the disease to vent itself. ------0------ The mumps have arrived on the coast and extend for several hundred miles. Incoming travelers report a few cases at nearly all the villages as far north as the Kotzebue country. Also that there have been delays in traveling owing to the guides becoming victims and a few of the white men, causing stopovers from one to five days. At present the mumps are quite prevalent at this place. There is scarcely a family among the native Islanders without one or more cases. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 4. Terms of Subscription. Per Copy $1.00 Issued Monthly Delivered at expense of subscriber either by dog team or reindeer. Advertising Rates. Full Page $10.00 Half Page 6.00 Quarter Page 4.00 Per Line .50 Payable in advance. SWORN CIRCULATION 4-11-44 as can be shown by affidavit of the cashier on file in this office. The strength of the "Bouse: - Wyckott - Seamans & Benedict press (long names seem to be an Alaska fad) has been taxed to its utmost. ____________________________________ CAPE NOME: The news from this prospective Mining District since our last issue has been plenty and very encouraging. Many of the outfits which left St. Michael for the purpose of prospecting and staking have returned. They confirm the reports heretofore made public, and add coarse gold to have been found by them in the streams where there was still running water. However it is difficult prospecting in the vicinity at this time of the year as they all agree in the statement that there is hardly wood enough to cook meals. Several new creeks were located which have very promising appearances. Each outfit was well equipped with Powers of Attorney from their associates at this place. This means of locating, notwithstanding the fact that the United States General Land Office permits them and the Local Law of the district provides for such proceeding, seems to have created no little difference of opinion between those who refused to believe in the discoveries reported to them and consequently did not reach the field until all the streams near the salt water had been located. Many of the influential residents near Golovin Bay fearing trouble and for the protection of the owners of locations, joined in a letter to the officials here asking for protection of life and property. With this end in view the United States Commissioner decided to hold Court at Golovin Bay about March 1st to settle any questions that may come before him; and the Commanding Officer of the Army at this Post notified the petitioners that a military force would also be sent to the District about the same date to preserve order. It is sincerely hoped that all differences may be settled at that time and that peace, quiet and the general harmony that usually exists among miners struggling for home-stakes in a frontier country may be realized. None of us should overlook the fact that we cannot all be owners of 'Million Dollar' claims. This has been the experience of all prospectors even in the Klondyke. Employees of the Alaska Commercial Company, also of the North American Transportation and Trading Company, have formed associations with ample capital to thoroughly prospect claims located for them. Competent men have been selected for the work which will be commenced as soon as practicable. The creeks located at this date are Dry Creek, the first one running into Snake River from the east, Anvil next, then Mountain, Glacier, Rock, Blatchford, East Fork and Snow Creek, a tributary of Glacier. From the west Prospect Creek, Boulder and Grand, which empty into Snake River opposite and between Glacier and Rock. Specimen Gulch, Ericksen, Bryntson, Burns and other gulches or draws have also been staked as well as from 30 to 40 claims on Snake River. Willow Creek west of the divide between Snake and Charlie Rivers was also prospected and staked. The latter creek contains many warm springs in which it is reported eggs could be boiled if --- they had the eggs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 5. Service at Healy. Rev. A. E. Karlson of the Swedish Mission at Unalaklik, spent several days at Hotel Healy last month, his first visit since navigation closed. Rev. Karlson is highly respected by all and much beloved by the natives along this portion of the coast, and his face is always a welcome one at St. Michael Island. Rev. Karlson was invited and kindly accepted to preach Sunday Evening, January 8th. Service was held at the Hotel. The parlor was crowded and we were especially pleased to see the large attendance from St. Michael. He took for his text "Though the night be spent in weeping Joy something with the morning." He gave a very interesting talk which was enjoyed by all. It is to be regretted that he cannot be with us oftener. A mission service once in two weeks, or even once a month would be thoroughly appreciated and receive strong support. Let us hope that next winter may see a Protestant church of some denomination established on the Island. There are now a sufficient number of white people and no small number of children on the Island to entitle us to some of the advantages of civilization. While mentioning church work, it might be well to add that a school for white children is not a far distant necessity. ------0------ The United States Mail. By which, of course, is meant the mail from the States. Well the story (Yukon) was something like this: "In the North Seas lived a whale - Large in bone and large in tail." This whale is said to have been shipwrecked on a cake of ice near the mouth of the Yukon. In a blizzard he lost his bearing and perambulated up the Yukon. Upon reaching a certain place (unknown to the writer) he met the trolley car carrying the U. S. Mail. Food being scarce he swallowed the mail "a la Jonah" - but this whale, unlike the story in the good book, must have digested the meal. The mail has not been seen since - nor the Yukon Whale. Probably the correct conclusion at this date is that any possibility of receiving a mail is as "fishy" as the above. ------0------ Scarcity of Fruit. At this season of the year strawberries are usually plentiful, though expensive in some localities. We have seen n0one in the market as yet this season and from the price of oranges, pineapples & c., it confirms our latest telegraphic news that there was an extremely old snap in Florida. However, we have plenty of onions, carrots, potatoes and other hardy fruits still and for those who must have berries we suggest the Alaska Starberry (*the large brown bean) renowned for its flavor, strength producing powers and the many palatable ways of preparing it for the table. ------0------ The work on the new store of the North American Transportation and Trading Company has been delayed the past two weeks owing to the immediate urgency of enlarging the guard-house and laundry. The carpenter force is small and immediate necessities receive first attention. The laundry accommodations have been doubled and the public may look for first class work and prompt service. ------0------ There was a small importation of live stock this fall. Five hogs were fattened for sixty days and increased from gross weight of 1035 pounds to 1636 pounds dressed. How is this for the Arctic? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 6. WEATHER for January: Lowest temperature 40 degrees below zero; Highest temperature 33 degrees above zero. From 12 - 25th cold; clear: 26th - 31st mild; soft; snow flurries. Snowfall this season unusually light. No heave storms nor gales. ------0------ ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES. From Cape Nome. Morris Johnson & Mr. Carlson, January 3rd; John Bryntson, January 5th; Mr. Blatchford, January 10th; Mr. Dowd & E. Engelstadt, January 11th; Mr. Brunnell, January 13th; J. L. Hagelin, January 14th; Alexander Hudson & S. H. Owen, January 19th. For Cape Nome. Dr. A. N. Kittilsen, January 10th; C. H. Sherman, Mr. Fredericks, & Mr. Morgan, January 12th; John Bryntson, J. L. Hagelin, no date given but in January sometime; J. C. Widstead, January 22nd. Rev. A. E. Karlson, Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Hatch, and Mr. John Bryntson arrived by reindeer January 5th. Mr. Bryntson is the owner of discovery claim on Anvil Creek. Mr. R. T. Lyng and Mr. John Gebhardt left for Andreafsky the 8th ult. and returned the 24th. Mr. E. E. Frazier, Purser of the Steamer 'Weare', after a two months stay, returned by dog team to the Steamer January 11th. The special mail courier of the N. A. T. & T. Co. left the same day for Kadiak via the Kuskokwim River. Messrs. N. V. Hendricks and S. O. Wilkeson arrived from Nulato the 14th with two teams. Mr. Hendricks previous to coming here made a trip to the Kuskowkwim for dogs. He secured fifty which he sent to Rampart. He reported a scarcity of dogs in that section. He came expressly to take his sister, Mrs. Pfeiffer, and her two children to Nulato. Word was received the 26th that they reached Unalaklik in safety. The weather was very cold and stormy when they left here and considerable anxiety was felt as to their reaching that point without accident or suffering from the intense cold. Reindeer caravan of 12 deer came in from Eaton the evening of the 19th. Mr. J. C. Widstead returned with them the 22nd. J. O'Brien, from the Steamer T. C. Power, came in the 26th. Capt. Thos. Lyle, Steamer Klondyke, returned from Hamilton the 28th, having traveled in company with Mr. and Mrs. George Dunn as far as Kutlik. Mrs. Dunn was thrown from the sled and obliged to stop at that point, where she is now very ill. Their team came in with Capt. Lyle. Capt. Halahan of the A. E. Company, made a trip early in the month to the Steamers 'Linda' and 'F. K. Gustin' which are wintering in the canal. He reports all the boats in good shape, including the Steamers 'Milwaukee', 'Campbell', & 'May West'. The North American Transportation and Trading Company's dog team left for Hamilton January 22nd for a load of fish, etc. H. O. Beckley returned from Hamilton on the 28th. Wm. Hunter arrived from Andreafsky the same date. Capt. Malynquist, Steamer Margaret, from Andreafsky the 29th. Stewart Menzies, Assistant Manager of Transportation, at Andreafsky, arrived on the 29th. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 7. ST. MICHAEL. January 25th, 1899. Editor "Aurora Borealis: - The assertion that the spirit of avarice is abroad in the land brooks no contraction. We, of St. Michael, possess in the aggregate fifty-four claims in the promising (?) Cape Nome District. Messrs. Hudson and Brunnell returned and to their efforts is due this gobbling of mother earth. Both reports savor of the stereotype -- All ground in the vicinity of the prospected creeks staked, and the utter impossibility of accomplishing anything now in the line of prospecting or working to advantage. Lake of wood is the one great drawback, and the tendency off the 'mercury column' to haunt the depths below '0' is not the least comforting obstacle. Properly speaking, we are divided into two parties. One is composed of the clerks in the Alaska Commercial Company's employ at this station and was represented and staked by Mr. Hudson. The other embraces most of the general employees here and sent as its agent Mr. Brunnell. Party No. 1 is located on creeks forming the head or heads of Snake River - a beautiful, and I might add appropriate site for a "gold cure" establishment. Party No. 2 made a specialty of bench claims and driftwood, and I have just learned that Sledge Island was taken up for the blacksmith. He certainly can find no fault with that. It is really wonderful how quickly communities spring into existence in this eerie land. When Hudson and Runnell arrived at Cape Nome, neither house nor tent was to be found. Needless to tell that they left a Berg behind. Just at present we, Party No. 1, are thinking seriously of incorporating and perhaps are the next issue of your valued sheet we shall be reveling amid the 'Halls of Hope', otherwise the 'stockholders' heaven.' ------0------ CURIOS "You have never seen Kissing Cup, have you?" He's hauling ice. Strange that when the 'professor' asks for Cy Noble, the angel in charge gives him the 'glassy eye'. As a result he takes another tack - port - for instance. Dogs are the fad now - Lap dogs excepted. Messrs. Miller, Mcafferty and McAlister have a team of pups worth nearly one hundred dollars. Won't the mumps suffer if pickles catches them? Messrs. Feely, Zwicker and Hooper in the "Coughing Song" are very realistic. Mr. Stevens should join them with his guitar. Mr. Ross smiles beautifully when the ladies are present. When Mr. Biggs and Powers of Attorney are mentioned simultaneously, his smile is parted in the middle - like his whiskers. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 8. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. Paris, Oct. 15, 1900. Dear Aurora:- We arrived two days ago and took up our quarters at the Hotel Imperial, very glad to seek an early repose in order to recuperate for our introduction to the world of visitors now thronging this beautiful city. My two fellow travelers and myself were fresh from Cape Nome, quite fresh, although a short sojourn in Seattle, Chicago and New York had removed some of the largest humps, still we could line up with the average Reuben and escape detection on account of the small particles of tundra still clinging to our whiskers. The following morning we awakened early, and in order to fortify ourselves against the day's fatigue, consumed a few quart bottles of French Appolinaris water for which our taste had rapidly increased since leaving Snaketown. Upon going to the breakfast room we passed several apartments from which came the clinking of glasses and morning greetings, we paused, could we be deceived - no - not the wide world over - it was the inspiring strain which we heard of our Snaketown war dry "How Dry I Am." Approaching with reverence the familiar melody we quickly recognized the voices of friends and advanced to a mutual surprise, - 'twas Nash, Zook and Clinty Allen, whom we learned were not dry at all, but were chanting this beautiful theme in memory of days gone by. Shortly afterwards we bade our friends Bon jour after promising to meet them at 11 p.m. at a sacred concert and ball called the 'Jordin Mabille' which Nash had 'discovered and claimed' the previous evening. We were destined for a day of surprises. On passing through the hotel rotunda whom should we see but out old friend Lane, having a spirited argument with a Frenchman as to the legality of Power of Attorney papers in various countries and as we knew the language but imperfectly we postponed our visit pending our summer at Skowhegan, Maine. Elbowing our way carefully amongst the throng we came face to face with Dr. Kittilsen and wife, whom we embraced eagerly (that is the Doctor), as by this time we had become accustomed to the French custom of greeting one's friends. At the invitation of the Doctor, who had a prescription, we entered an adjoining cafe and over a few glasses of the renowned Appolinaris water, listened to a short account of his visit to Sweden where he was entertained by his majesty King Oscar II. We bade the Doctor a tearful au revoir, he was about to depart for Cape Nome as the warm weather had seriously affected the health of Mrs. Kittilsen. We had not progressed far when we were greeted by our jolly old pal - Gebhardt. After the customary 'How' Johnnie of his travels in Ireland where he feasted with art and literature and gathered many ancient songs, to which we gladly promised to listen at some distant date. Again we resumed our sight seeing, but our attention was soon attracted to a crowd gathering near us, in the center of which was a tall man who had a dog attached to the end of long rope and who appeared to be in trouble with a police officer. We were shocked upon recognizing Capt. Nesbitt as the possessor of the dog. We grasped the situation at once and in our best French explained to the officers that he meant no harm, that was just a way he had of acquiring dogs, upon which he was released much to our relief. We journeyed on but soon were challenged by our trusted compatriot Dufresne who, with 'considerable effort', induced us to pledge our friendship in several quaffs of the sparkling water. He gave us many interesting pointers concerning the city, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 9. its historical places, famous art galleries, etc. He then very kindly offered his carriage to convey us to our hotel, where we soon arrived. After our 'siesta' of several hours, and more of the inspiriting water, we set out for the sacred concert and ball, found the boys and soon became acquainted with all through the efforts of Mr. Nash, who knew everyone, or thought he did, and seemed to own the place, at least he was paying for it on the installment plan. This occasion or portions of it will long be remembered as a most joyous one. Of the remainder of our sojourn I must write anon, as I gather our movements from hearsay only. But I am told that people from Alaska unaccustomed to partaking freely of the Appolinaris water are subject to lapse of memory for days, hence we are not alarmed at our situation and hope in due time to be able to write you of the wonderful things we could not see at the World's Far of 1900. Snaketown Bill. ------0------ FORT ST. MICHAEL. The peace and quiet of the garrison was lately broken by an invasion of the mumps. The sick list headed by Lieut. Spaulding has been quite large. The only calls on the soldiers in behalf of law and order were for the arrest of one native for making 'hootch' and of another for drinking it and afterwards indulging in a free fight with his wife. The guard house has been enlarged and will now afford ample accommodation for both military and civil authorities (?) ------0------ Dr. Kittilsen Departs. Dr. A. N. Kittilsen left January 10th with the reindeer party in company with the Rev. A. E. Karlson for Unalaklik. He will return to Cape Nome as soon as it is practicable to begin work on the placer claims. He spent more than a month at Hotel Healy and his departure is deeply regretted by the host of friends whom he made while here. The Doctor is tall, of strong physique, young and good looking, with an affable manner, which established his popularity at once. He came to Alaska three years ago to take charge of the Reindeer Station at Port Clarence. At his request he was relieved of his government duties this fall and will now devote the coming summer to developing his valuable Cape Nome property. At the end of the season he will return to the States and make a trip abroad. But promises to stop here long enough to say good bye to those who will be left behind - and demonstrate his system that he intends to use to break the bank at Monte Carlo. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 10. HOLIDAYS IN THE ARCTIC. MR. AND MRS. E. T. HATCH VISIT UNALAKLIK. There is always real pleasure in anticipating the enjoyment of novel experiences, so the early part of the winter passed lightly, looking forward to a trip to Unalaklik by reindeer and sled to spend the Holidays. Winter traveling in Alaska had never been tried by us, and some advice was needed. If all that was offered could be written it would fill a big book. It might be interesting by its value to future generations would be doubtful. Usually those who give poor advice give large quantities. One man would have us understand that on becoming a 'traveler' a transformation at once took place which enabled one to run fifty or sixty miles in a short winter day, wear only a drill parka in addition to his summer clothes, sleep under a light fur robe on the lee side of an ice cake and live on tea and salmon straight. On December 21st, the day set for starting, it was very cold, (30 degrees below), and at 1 p.m. Mr. Paulsen and Mr. Kjelchberg, both Norwegians of education, arrived with five reindeer, a sled each to ride on and a pull for our baggage. In a half an hour all is ready. Mrs. Hatch is nearly out of sight in lynx robes, fur hood, et. The drivers drop on their sleds and away we go, each deer trying to go in the wrong direction as fast as possible. They finally strike the trail on the open ice and trot along at a rate of about five miles an hour. A reindeer start cannot be described. The on-looker sees a wild effort to escape and a sort of general confusion. A passenger hands on and hopes, and the driver with unbounded patience untangle every kind of mix up. My! how cold it was on our faces! A short run would warm feet and hands but our faces suffered. The interior of a native house if not an ideal stopping place, but we were only too glad to reach the 'Hotel Munich' at Klikatourik. Its smells of various degrees of disagreeableness were forgotten in the enjoyment of its genial warmth and real hospitality. The whole village called to see the white woman who had arrived driving her own reindeer; - cooked supper, spread a table cloth in lieu of a table, and persisted in being well and happy in spite of cold and weariness. At 10 a.m. on the 22nd we started for Golovin, arriving at 2:30 p.m. This was the coldest day to date of the present winter. Traveling near the beach we were in the shadow almost all day, but kept reasonably warm till the last half hour. Just before reaching the village my face was frozen and for a week I wore a large addition on one side of my nose. The weather on the 23rd was quite mild till nearly dark. We started before light and in crossing the portage had some thrilling experiences. Two deep ravines had to be crossed. Going down the first hill the drivers, after letting Mrs. Hath off, started down at break-neck speed and pulled up on a little bench near the bottom, sleds, deer and men all in a pile. It seemed a wonder that all came out safely. Going up a hill is easy enough, but going down the deer keep ahead of the sleds as long as they can, then turn to one side and the sled comes round with a tumble like the small bow at the end of the 'whip-cracker.' On the next hill the deer was taken off of the front sled and tied to the rear one, and each deer was tied to the sled ahead. Mr. Kjelchberg sat on the front sled to guide it. Mr. Paulsen held back on the line of the deer tied behind and they all went gliding down in fine shape. Mrs. Hatch cheered them heartily and Mr. Paulsen declared his willingness to take her to the North Pole if she wished. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 11. To get down to the beach was another steep hill, but all was safely accomplished, though a former party had smashed a sled, broken a deer-s leg and dined on venison at the point. A walk of eight or ten miles was now necessary as there was no snow on the gravel beach, and the sea had piled broken ice high and close in so that the road was narrow and rough. For twenty miles there is a high bluff at the right and a continuous pile of broken ice, often fifteen feet high, on the left. Most of the afternoon we traveled rapidly with a howling gale rather helping us along. As it grew dark the cold and wind increased, the snow blinded us and we could not help wondering if warmth and comfort would ever be found again. Suddenly we rounded a point and there were the welcome lights. We shot out on the glare ice of the Unalaklik River. The deer simply flew and did not stop when they came to the rough bank but went up and down over the ice and drift logs till we came to Mr. Karlson's door (right side up). A warm welcome is always a joy and the way we were received and our every want provided for made us forget any thought of the hardships of the three shortest days and two longest nights of the year 1898. Away up here near the hope of Santa Claus, Christmas means "Peace and Good Will to All." Mr. and Mrs. Karlson and Miss Johnson were busy early and late and seemed happy in the joy they were giving to all around them. A pretty three for the household at the home Christmas eve, a service before daylight at the schoolhouse Christmas morning and two threes with presents for everyone, were especially praise worthy. The days passed all too quickly in song, story and good things for the inner man! All enjoyed visits to and from jolly Mr. Engelstadt who is happy at home as elsewhere. Dr. Gambell, Assistant Superintendent at Eaton, the Government Reindeer Station, seven miles up the Unalaklik River, gave a party of us a very delightful trip to that place, and two days of his royal hospitality. The herd of about 700 reindeer were driven down for inspection and it was a grand sight. There were many fine specimens with splendid antlers - some being pure white. The Laplander families, living as they do at home, are well worth a visit. A forest of evergreen trees covering valley and hillside and was a delight to eyes grown weary of a treeless country. Talk about shooting the 'chutes', it is tame compared to the way we came down a steep hill off the tundra, over the river bank and out on the ice of the river, deer and sleds only touched the high places and previous records of fast time or high jumps are not in it. The whole trip was full of lively interest and will ever be bright in memory, as the arctic night is brightened by the brilliant Northern Lights. Mrs. Hath has tested the merits of Eau de Cologne and Perry Davis' Pain Killer as restoratives and disinfectants when patronizing native hotels and recommends the latter. ------0------ PEN-DENNIS MINING ASSOCIATION. Recently the clerical force of the North American Transportation and Trading Company organized the Pen-Dennis Mining Association of Alaska, formed for the purpose of prospecting and developing the placer mining claims and other valuable properties owned by the association in the Cape Nome District and elsewhere. The association is composed of 15 members with a capital stock of $1500.00 divided into shares of $100.00 each. The following officers were elected: R. S. Nash, President; B. B. Earle, Vice-President; N. P. R. Hatch, General Manager; C. H. Allen, Treasurer and A. Helmich, Secretary. Board of Directors: N. P. R. Hatch, C. H. Allen, B. B. Earle, W. S. Lane and R. S. Nash. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 12. THE NORTH AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION AND TRADING CO'S. Wholesale and Retail Store Still continues to offer unsurpassed Inducements to incoming prospectors, Miner's Outfits a specialty. A full and complete line of Dry Goods, Clothing, Parkies, Mucklucks, Shoes, Moccasins, Native Curios, Hardware, Stoves, Yukon Stoves, Fancy Groceries, Cigards, Tobacco, Guns and Cutlery. SNOW GLASSES, DOG CHAINS, POCKET GOLD SCALES AND MAGNETS. Always to be found in stock. GRAND REMOVAL SALE now on - preparatory to the Opening of our new Store. ------0------ Established 1898. HOTEL HEALY. HEALY, ST. MICHAEL ISLAND, ALASKA. FINEST HOTEL IN ALASKA and the SOCIAL CENTER OF THE ISLAND. Rate $3.00 per Day. Capacity 280 Beds. Unsurpassed Cuisine Rapid Service Electric Bells Polite Attendants. Extensive Alternations and Improvements will be made preparatory to the summer's business. NORTH AMERICAN TRANSPORTATION AND TRADING CO. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Page 13. SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL DISPATCH UNALAKLIK, MARCH 1st: - The Court reached Unalaklik Sunday ahead of the Troops. The first Division stopped at Eaton Station Saturday, 11 p.m. Second and Third Divisions arrived today and whole detachment proceeded with fresh reindeer at 3 p.m. Arrivals from the north passed Civil Authorities forty-five miles beyond here yesterday. The Court is 100 miles ahead of the Troops. The Commissioner froze his face, but the Barrister is still in tact. If it takes the Troops six days to pass Unalaklik, how long will it take them to reach Golovin Bay? Seven outfits of Cape Nomers are headed for St. Michael.