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as to the reason for this scarcity, and they informed me that it was owing to the Americans planting [[strikethrough]] planting [[/strikethrough]] poles through their mountains, which act, they believed, frightened the reindeer off.  Fish, likewise could not be obtained owing to the ice remaining so long.  The Indians were suffering much from hunger during the summer months.  Finding that meat could not be obtained, I contracted with Mr. Stephanoff to supply me with flour, which he kindly did, until the arrival of the "Clara Bell".  The Company accounts with the Russian Fur Company are in the hands of the Quartermaster Mr. Denison.

The 20th of May Capt. E.E. Smith left Unalachleet for St. Michaels where he was to obtain a three hole skin canoe with one Russian and one Indian, and proceed down the coast with the view of explore the mouth of the Kirchpak River.  He has submitted his report which will explain everything relative to his expedition.  Capt. Smith during the winter also made a trip to Mulato for the purpose of selecting a good harbor to winter the Steamer, and upon his return kindly volunteered to transport provisions from St. Michaels to Una-

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