Viewing page 35 of 48

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

One skin boat in charge of Mr Westdahl the Astronomer, was swamped but luckily all the stores were saved. 
In October I promoted Chappel, Adams and Smith, to be Pioneer 1st. Lieutenants.  I was induced to do this for the splendid manner in which they brought up the goods from St. Michaels in frail canoes amid floating ice, snowstorms and extreme cold weather, and the noble manner in which these gentlemen performed their duties during the year, evinced an appreciation for promotion. 

For this act I trust I shall receive your approval, I enclose with this the order announcing their promotion.

October 14th, finished the winter quarters, and arranged messes.  Waiting patiently for the formation of the ice on the seacoast, to allow me to transport provisions with dogs and sleds.  Not until Dec. 5th, was I enabled to send men and sleds on the road to transport.  On this day I despatched Lieut. F. M. Smith with five men, five sleds and twenty five dogs (all having hired from the Indians, my own dogs not having arrived from Cape