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to proceed to Fort Youkon in Winter, preyed so much on the mind of the late Commander, that I am certain it in some measure hastened [[left margin note]](20)[[/left margin note]] his untimely death. From personal Knowledge I state that, everything that was in the power of man to do, he did, to try and overcome the numerous obstacles that impeded his road. The trip to Ft. Youkon by means of dogs and sleds was a long and arduous one; this however was a matter of little moment with him, it was the lack of Indians on the road to supply him with either provisions or dog feed. The bad roads, soft snow, poor dogs, and in fact every thing that [[left margin note]]30[[/left margin note]] could be conjured up, conspired to blast his every plan.

The two boats were safely conveyed to Nulato and all hands placed to work to have them ready by first open water. In the meantime, I had everything ready for my start. I had secured both a guide to accompany me to Behring Straits; and also one for Messrs Dyer & Coller for the Koyukuk country, one who knew a route that would lead them through the mountains to Nulato. It was my intention to leave on the 1st of April 66[[?]], but heavy snow storms and drifts delayed me until the 3rd, when the weather proving propitious, I left.