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Indian living on the river.
At any ordinary time the current in the river is not more than four miles an hour. A vessel, drawing four feet, can proveed to Fort Youcon, and beyond as far as Fort Selkirk. Mr. McDonald informed me, that the Hudson Bay Co had a flat bottomed Stern Wheel Steamer, 420 feet keel, drawing only two feet water, carrying 60 tons, running [[marginalia]](10)[[/marginalia]] on the Red River; such a boat would be suitable for the Youcon. In my opinion, from what I have seen of the Indians in that section of the country, it will be very difficult to secure a small number to prosecute work on the line; their habits etc. render them totally unfit for anything like hard work.
We remained at Fort Youcon three days to rest ourselves, and await the return of the commander, Mr McDougall, whom I found absent, but he not returning in that time, I commenced my return with LeBarge and Lukene, unaccompanied by Indians. I arrived at Nulato after eight days travelling, and eight days from the date of [[marginalia]](20)[[/marginalia]] leaving Nulato I reached the point.
I would here mention, that I received most valuable assistance from Michael LeBarge, who has a thorough knowledge of river-travelling in canoes.
I remain
Sir
Very respectfully yours
(signed) F. E. Ketchum