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he in company with two Indians, packed over the mountains, and struck through a pass, that was seen by the late Major Kennicott, the Major supposing that it led to the Shakhtolik valley, on the eastern shores of Norton Bay;  but after striking the pass, Mr. Cotter found continuous ranges of high mountains between him and Norton Bay;  and was compelled to proceed to [[?Athe-mute]], at the head of the Kangynage River, in a northerly direction.  
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This pass, although in some places good, and much shorter than the other, is not, I believe, practicable for the building of the line.  The first route explored affords transportation, the second does not.  The country, as you will perceive, is mountainous in the extreme;  affords but little subsistence, and the Indians are lazy and worthless.  
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Looking at these difficulties, I would respectfully suggest that the line, in leaving Nulato on the [[?Kuikhpak]], should run through the Pereval;  from thence down the Ulukak River, and strike through the pass at Ivan's Burabara, which I think leads to Norton Bay;  while the line is being built from Nulato down, a small part could be despatched through this supposed pass, which could be accomplished in the least calculation in from 7 to 10days.  Even should the pass not exist, the line could run down
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