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Natural History work of moment.

They have however been energetic and successful in the prosecution of their duties as Explorers; so much so, that when it was proposed to detach Mr. Elliott for service during the coming season, on the main Expedition, in hopes that his leisure would afford material aid to the scientific work; Maj. Conway refused to comply with the orders of the Engineer in Chief, saying he could not be spared.

Mr Kennicott on the Wright, as head of the Russian Am. Exploring party, Mr Bischoff on the Golden Gate as Explorer and myself as Acting Surgeon with the rank of second lieutenant, started July 14th, from Drakes Bay for the north.

Upon our arrival at Sitka Dr. Fisher at once took charge of the medical dept. and I was transferred to the marine corps

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as purser to the Golden Gate.

Mr. Bischoff being dangerously ill was left at Sitka in Hospital, since which we have had no news from him; and it would be highly desirable if arrangements could be entered into, by which he might be taken to some one of the northern stations where our vessels touch, by the annual expedition or tour of the Governor from Sitka.


I mention this as I understand that none of the Company vessels will touch at Sitka.

Mr Bannister was brought from New Westminster by the Milton Badger having been transferred from Maj. Popes command. He was left as assistant storekeeper with Mr. Bean at St Michaels and was supplied with instruments to make meteorological observations which his previous experience at the Smithsonian Institution will render very valuable