I explained how one might, through symbols drawn on paper, record experiences & ideas so that they will not be forgotten. I described it as akin to the stories they tell each other in the evenings.
He understood that the Russians had also kept such records. He asked if I would give the books to my tyones, as the Russians had. I said that while I write reports & a journal for my commander, I also have my private diary.
He asked if he could learn to make these symbols. I assumed so. How could he go about learning such a thing?
?—?You ask a lot of questions for such a young man, I said.
The tyone nodded seriously, then saw my joke & laughed.
From all I have observed, these people seem to have a quick sense of humor, which is a pleasant trait.
Received at Vancouver Barracks, August 15, 1885
REPORT TO HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE COLUMBIA,
VANCOUVER BARRACKS,
Attention General John Haywood
June 4, 1885
Dear Sir,
Our party is in good health, our expedition so far a success. We are near the confluence with the Trail River at or near 62°14'N, 145°23'W, and prepare to continue our travels north up the Wolverine River. We estimate we have traveled approximately 340 miles from the mouth of the Wolverine River. I am hopeful that you have received my previous reports.
If all continues according to plan, we should pass through the mountains within the month and begin our journey down the river system to the western coast of the territory.
Our encounters with the Midnooskies have so far been amiable and informative. They are a poorly armed people. Mostly they still use bow and arrow, although some small-bore muzzle-loading shotguns are present, out of which they fire pebbles or bullets hammered from copper. Judging by their peaceable, jovial character, I would not deem them warlike.
In the future, good relations with the Trail River tyone Ceeth Hwya will be of upmost importance in securing the trust and cooperation of these tribes.
Strong evidence exists of gold and copper along the Wolverine River Valley. The Indians are adorned with the metals and use them to make a variety of tools. Two trapper/prospectors who accompany us believe there may also be silver deposits nearby. The Indians are not particularly guarded or secretive about these minerals. I believe they will easily reveal their specific locations when pressed.
As to other resources, game is not as plentiful as one might expect. We have seen but a few caribou and moose. Salmon, however, are said to be abundant in the Wolverine River throughout the summer. The tribes migrate to the river in early June for the fishing season. Any military endeavor would be best planned with the annual return salmon in mind.
The main deterrent to a military presence in this territory is the rough terrain. Even the Indians are stymied in their attempt to navigate the river. The hardiest traders amongst them make journeys to the coast, via skin boat in summer, over the ice in winter, but it is a rare few. This accounts for my scant reports so far this journey.
Due to stretches of boulder-strewn rapids, steamboats will never ascend the Wolverine River. Other than native dogs, pack animals are not suited for this country due to poor footing in the mountains and deadly winter conditions. The only feasible means of bringing a military force into the country would be to march soldiers across the ice in winter. Even with well-packed sledges, however, food stores would be exhausted well before any regiment could reach the headwaters.
In the event of conflict, the Indians would best be controlled by halting the sale of ammunition and arms, then by patrolling the river and restricting their access to salmon during the summer season. A large number of the natives would thus perish from starvation the following winter. It is my firm belief that the destitute nature of these peoples will ensure their quick obedience if threatened with the loss of shelter or food.
This is a demanding country. Any man who ventures here must be strong of body and mind, with great endurance and the ability to live on very little food. He must be warrior, hunter, packer, and diplomat all in one. In my experience, the only class of men to meet such requirements are mineral prospectors and fur trappers.
I anticipate that I will not be able to send another report until we have cleared the mountains and entered the Tanana River drainage.
Very respectfully,
Lieutenant-Colonel Allen Forrester
Dear Walt,
I have just come across the name of the baby the Colonel found under the spruce tree, Moses Picea?—?I know him! Or I should say, I know of him. He died before I was born, but he is a hugely important figure here in Alaska. He helped organize the first Tanana Chiefs Conference in 1915. Many Natives didn’t want the federal government to bring the reservation system to Alaska. Moses Picea served as a translator for those who came to testify before the government officials.