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to the mouths of the Youkon to examine for a practicable channel for a Steamer or other large vessel.
At the same time Messrs. Dall and Whymper will start up the river in a bidarra. There would not be a sufficient amount of provisions for their subsistance at Nulatto during the Summer, and meat is plenty up the river. A coal seam above Nuklukahyet is worthy of examination, and I am in hopes Mr. Dall will be able to explore it to advantage.
Mr. Pickett will remain to assist in securing timber for quarters and afterwards proceed to St. Michaels.
Mr. Dyer has my entire confidence, and understands the situation of things here. He can advise about any doubtful matters. If no one else has already been appointed, I should prefer that Mr. Bean be put in charge of the working parties from this point.
If the supply of provisions and trading goods had been at all adequate, some progress might have been made on the line, even