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and a smattering of engineering; had placed himself in such a position, that though without any real rank in the Service, he held positions of some responsibility and without doubt, expected to receive the appointment of second in command, or Ass't. Eng. as soon as the active operations were commenced. Bob has very little method in his work, and by over confidence soon laid himself open to attacks from the enemy; which were at once commenced and vigorously kept up, not sparing falsehood and deceit in many instances.  A party was started up the Frazer to work their way through British Columbia to Fort Youkon. Some of our party, dreading a direct break with Bulkley, eagerly snatched the opportunity of putting themselves on safe ground and worked upon poor Bannister till he lost all faith in K. and joined them. I am sorry to say he has never been the same fellow since, and I fear he must have some pretty hard usage with them, which he will not tell of, for he has become si^[[n]]gularly obstinate and unreasonable, and seems to have lost much of his old enthusiasm. From that time till we started in July, it was one, long, weary, fight. You have already most of the particulars. It ended by K's being allowed to choose ten men to accompany him up the Youkon on an exploration. He spent at least two thirds his years