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^[[8359/1]]
^[[Sep - 10]]

[[circular Stamp]]
Smithsonian
AUG 7 1866
Institution
[[/circular Stamp]]

Frt St Michaels Norton Sound
Dec 5th 1865

Dear Prof Baird, 

An unexpected opportunity occurs for me to send a letter to Kodiak where it may happen to reach San Francisco in an ice vessel - But I've only a few hours in which to write to Col Bulkley and settle important matters here - I arrived here late last night from Unalakkleet some 60 miles above here on the coast where I have made headquarters. In a scrawl at end of Bannisters letter I've told you the outline of the present situation. -- It is horrible to be so tied up here as we are. If I had a decent outfit I might [[strikethrough]] by [[/strikethrough]] perhaps have had it packed across to the Youkon on Indians backs - But I dare not expend what little I have of [[strikethrough]] proper those [[/strikethrough]] goods the Indians will buy to pay them for so extensive an operation --

I trust the man who sold Col Bulkley the little steamer will build another, and that it will blow up with him in it. [[strikethrough]] But [[/strikethrough]] Had I not been delayed by this cursed steamer I should have reached Nulato in our large launch [[strikethrough]] and [[/strikeout]] by open water and thus been able to go to Frt. Youkon on the

Transcription Notes:
jeni92127 transcription 23 Sept 2017 - Fort St. Michael's, Norton Sound mentioned - Frt. Youkon = Fort Yukon - Colonel Charles Bulkley is mentioned carla burgess: I think "Unalakk lut" is an attempt at spelling Unalaklik Re: Indians hacks (as opposed to packs) -- I think hack in this context might mean horses -- or a horse and rig/coach ??? Also changed "packed" to "hacked. I doubt the horses. Changed hacks to backs - nwmath