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6.

Markova Febr. 4th. I sent instructions to Lt. Macrae to engage any of  the crew of the Golden Gate who wished to join the land service, and to bring up a supply of salt, provisions for the month of June during the freshet when it will be impossible to procure fresh supplies.

Lt. Macrae engaged Mr. Frost the lst Officer of the "Gate" and 4 of the seamen and left the station on the 6th-18th February accompanied by Lt. Baxter, Mr. Frost and six constructors. On the 21st February at Tel. Bluff yurta one of the men, John Robinson, constructor, died of inflamation of the Bowels. (see Lt. Macrae's report which accompanies this.)

They had a very stormy journey, and the loss of their companion cast a gloom over the whole party.

They arrived at Crepast March 3rd and on the 4th Lt. Macrae came to Markova. I had sent instructions for him to go to the Myan river with his party as we had no