Alaska State Library - Historical Collections, PO Box 110571, Juneau AK 99811-0571

ASL-MS0107-Diary01-1900

James Wickersham diary, 1900.

[Printed on cover:]

Daily

Reminder

          1900

WICKERSHAM.]

[written diagonally over printed calendar:]

James Wickersham

 

[page break]

 

[Jan Mon 1]

Debbie reached home from Annapolis

yesterday.  Plan of permitting Darrell

to resign and be re-appointed in time to take

the May examination adopted.  Received letter

from Congressman Cushman today saying that he

would carry out our wishes in that matter.  Darrell

will now reenter Wilmer’s Prep. School. until May.

Have been endorsed for Judge District  Court of

Alaska by Senator Foster, and at his request

have sent in endorsements from the following mem

-bers of the Bench and bar of Washington.

Pierce County Delegation

in last Legislature.

Wilson R. Gay, U.S. Atty.

Hon. John B. Allen.

Hon. John L. Wilson

Judge John P. Hayt

Hon. Edward Brady.

John P. Hartman

E. P. Kingsbury, U.S. Sur. Gnl.

Fremont Campbell.

Judge Frank Allyn.

Williamson     \  Sup. Judges

Carroll        }    of Pierce Co.

Kean.              /

Judge Elmon Scott.

Judge T. L. Stiles

Hon. S. A. Perkins

Judge Wallace Maint [?]

Hon. Ira P. Mylehart

Banks of Tacoma.

[second column:]

Hon. D. J. Crowley

    “    B. S. Grosscup.

    “    P. C. Sullivan

    “     W. H. Pritchard

    “     W. H. Snell

     “     C. C. Gose

     “     John B. Cromwell.

Judge B. O. Dunbar

    “      Reavis.

     “     Fullerton

      “    Gordon.

     “    Supreme Ct.

There is a contest – a scramble

for the office on act. gold dis

=coveries at Cape Nome – it

may come to Washington  & it

may not.  I declined to

be a candidate, but yielded on

request of Foster & delegation

 

[January Tues 2]

Sent pictures of house &c to Darrell.

Sent him Cape Nome pictures

and also Fifty dollars

Charly Joynt called and talked a long

time about Skagaway, Lake Bennett, and

the White Pass Ry. for whom he has been working.

He says the chances for investments are good in

that country, and urges me to go up there as judge

if appointed, as attorney if not.

     John. P. Hartman, Jr. of Seattle called

also, and is anxious to assist me in Judgeship.

He is against Humes, and is going to Seattle

this afternoon and then to Washington, where he

will do what he can for my appointment.

     Hughes telegraphed to Perkins who will go

over to see him tomorrow; Hughes, McMicken

and Wilson control the “P.I.” with whom Piles

& Humes are at war – under the new management

They are inclined to support Humes for Judge to

get him out of Seattle, and also to induce the

Humes-Pile faction to enter into trial of peace.

They cannot win by surrendering to the enemies.

 

[January Wed 3]

Saw Judge Hanford today, who

gave me an endorsement for Alaskan

Judge ship, but with some reluctance.

It seems hard for Seattle to realize that

Tacoma has a Senator and she has none.

Brought suit for News Pub. Co. v. Lewinstein.

Ledger this Surveys of Farrague claim at.

Gig Harbor show his house off land about ten

feet, but improvements on his claim.

 

[January Wed 4]

Forwarded several endorsments

To Senator Foster in the matter of the

District Judge of Alaska.

Ledger this morning says probability that

Foster will name the man – dispatch from

Washington.

I learn from Grosscup that Hughes came

over to see him & said that as owner of “P. I.”

&c. he desired to see Humes receive the appoint

=ment as Judge in Alaska.  He urged Gross

=cup to assist – but G_ told him no, he was

in favor of my retaining my stand and would

not consent to endorse Humes at all.

Hughes abused Foster.

 

[January Fri 5]

Ledger this morning contains

an extended notice of my candidacy

for District Judge of Alaska. – it is

ostensibly friendly, but really hopes to

stir up opposition.  Forward Judge

Hanfords endorsment which arrived

Last night too late for the mail.

 

[January Mon 8]

Received back from Senator Foster

all endorsements sent him, with a

letter saying to gather them all together,

index and brief them, and return them

when ready.  That no appointment would

be made until in February or March &

then only a Stephen T. Fields. – I

regret to see the West barred out which

it must be if that ideal is insisted on.

Honeyman v. Rudnick Bros.

defendants want me to appear & Crowl

who appears for Fisher came to office &

wants me to assist him & fees are

to be evenly divided between us.  I

consented to do so on those terms

Ezra Meeker & Dr. Goble are objecting to

Foster & Cushman against my appointment.

 

[January Tues 9]

Devlovich v. Dorotich: hearing.

Hearing in above case: court held

with me on barring all inquiry into

fraudulent conveyance of real estate

in this proceeding & in the absence of the

persons who claim to be owners.

Amended answer served in case of

Beggs Co. v. Perkins.  No return from

deposition of Beggs.

Beggs v. Perkins decided in our favor.

 

[January Wed 10]

Beggs v. Perkins. trial

Beggs v. Perkins tried before Judge

Carroll and decided in our favor.

Received telegram from Louis D. Campbell

asking me to forward briefs in Million Dollar

Sent to him at Philadelphia – care Jones &

Carson. – sent them as requested.  He

desires to use them in talk with Atty. Genl.

Grosscup sends me copy of a strong letter

written to the Hon. Daniel S. Lamont, asking

him to help my candidacy – Lamont is the

N.Y. [?]  head of the N.P. Ry.

Perkins threatened by suit from C. McDaniels

Fletcher says he served papers on Perkins 2 yrs

ago. Telephoned to court house & asked

Judges Carrol & Williamson to be notified

before signing judgment. Frazier, bailiff

 

[January Thur 11]

Dictated finding, conclusions,

& decree in Beggs v. Bomery [?].

Went to Seattle on 11 oclock train.

Saw Gay, who promised to write personal

letter to Atty. Genl. about Judgeship-

Exhibited Woods, Port Townsend, letter

to Hughes.  Saw Wilson and had

long talk with him.

     Gov. McGraw pleased me very

much by saying that he would endorse

me for Alaskan Judgeship “if every [?] man

in Seattle wanted it,” &c.  he was very

kind – he evidently has not forgotten

that the old Harrison Republican Club

was organized in my office, when he

was the nominee for Governor, & how I

worked for him then, almost at a risk

of personal violence.

Perkins was in Seattle & came home on

6 p.m. train with me.

Service of Garnishment on News Pub. Co.

 

[January Fri 12]

Astonished this morning to find

judgment entered against Perkins yesterday

in McDaniels suit for $12,599.50 by

order signed by Judge Kean.  $17,951

Filed findings of fact & conclusions of law in

Beggs case, & gave Christian notice.

Filed affidavit & demand security for costs in

Honeyman v. Rudnick.

 

[January Sat 13]

Began suit today to vacate

judgement rendered 11:00 in suit

of C. McDaniels v. Perkins.  Served

papers this day: George served & reports

personal service on both.

 

[January Sun 14]

Visited U.S. Transport “Sheridan”.

Received fine letter from Darrell.

He evidently feels better now that he has

a breathing spell.

 

[January Mon 15]

Prepared endorsments in shape

requested by Senator Foster, with an

index on front pages, fastened them

together and returned them to him this

day – that matter is now off my hands

Compromised the suit of Baird vs.

Ledger Pub. Co: received $2000.00

from Shultz, dismissed suit &c.

Baird kicks about paying us the

amount due – on his note.

Did not send endorsments to Foster,

because Judge Hanfords is not yet received.

 

[January Tues 16]

Received letter from Senator Foster

today containing Hanfords letter, and

I attached all letters, briefed them

on front page, and sent them back to

Senator Foster by Registered Mail

Wrote Dr. House, Port Townsend, that I

would not ask Senator Foster to endorse

Wood for Shipping Commissioner

 

[January Wed 17]

McDaniels v. Perkins.

Above case came on for hearing today

& we won, in that the court struck out three

paragraphs of petition but held others

sufficent: but I have discovered that

an error has crept in & that if Carroll

sustains our petition and vacates the

judgment before Mch. 1st they may

make new service & begin again

as notes are not outlawed prior to

Mch 1st 1900.

 

[January Thur 18]

Beggs v. McDaniels.

Finding & Decree signed in above

case – ended except by Appeal

which is not likely.

Sheeks & I are having a dispute about

division of money obtained from Baird case.

Today for the first time he claims that he ought

to have a greater part of the fee than I –

     He also insists that he ought to have a

division of Russell & Co. accounts – this

claim he first made since our dissolution.

On this 18th day of Jany 1900, in Sheeks office we agreed on something

On the face of our partnership books at this date I owe him $46.00

I agreed to accept act. against Jones, Russ & Enos as cash $500.

½ of this belongs to Sheeks: subtract $100 which I loaned him

Nov 29, and it leaves due $150, on that matter.

He collected and has in Bond case $180, ½ of which is mine

subtract $90 from $150 = $60. yet due him.  Add to

this 46.00 due on face of books and I owe him $106.

Sheeks collected from Baird suits $1107, ½ of which is

mine = $550.50  He paid me $150. = leaves $403.50.

subtract $106. = leaves due me $297.50: he collected also

$7.00 costs paid by me in that matter, which makes total

in Sheeks hands due me of $305.00 at this date.

He refuses to pay it, holding it to force settlement of

Russell claims &c.  I do not owe him a cent.

            James Wickersham

 

[January Fri 19]

In the case of McDaniels v. Perkins

I have advised Perkins that we must not

win the case now pending before March

1st and he is talking about a compromise.

Do not think that will materialize: have

Also intimated that bankruptcy proceed

=ings would be a fitting end to such a

judgment.

Got a settlement with VanSlyke & Stewart

for mother on timber sold, also for

Case for hauling.  Mill sold

to Basse, who accepts orders out

of run, due on delivery of mill.

 - mother 59.00 

    Case    60.00

 

[January Mon 22]

Recd letter from John P. Hartman

of Seattle, who has just returned from

Washington; went over to see him; he

says Senator Foster went with him to see

Senator Fairbanks, who agreed to withdraw his

candidate for Alaska Judge, and take second

place, or even a consular place:  Senators Bev

=eridge & Fairbanks agreed to support me

as did Senator Perkins of California.  H_

thinks I will be appointed.

Went to see Hughes, in Seattle, about what he

told Perkins, in McDaniels case:  he agrees to

consult and assist in trying the case.

Called on Walker & Munn – Munn told

me that a party – not named, had been making

inquiries about me – had been asked to

“look my up” as Judge in Alaska.  He gave

a strong endorsment.

 

[January Tues 23]

Collected $119.55. from Bosse [?] today

[rent?] Case:  Buckley  $55.55 and to mother

$34.00 – first taking from Case $5.00 & from

mother $25.00 loaned her Saturday – sending

them net amounts above mentioned.

Filed demurrer in Rudnick matter.

 

[January Wed 24]

Honeyman v. Rudnick: Ans

Recd telegram from Cushman asking

if he might name Comr. at Cape Nome

in case I am appointed Judge:  Answered

by saying his endorsment sufficient provided

distinctly [?] party is competent & worthy.

Sent Wood-House correspondence

to Senator Foster: so that if they attempt

any tricks he may be posted.

 

[January Thur 25]

McDaniels v. Perkins. trial

Tried the above case this forenoon and

we demonstrated that no service had been

made on Perkins in Aug 11, 1897, yet they then

testified positively that it was a day before

or a day after and the court finally

held that service was made on Perkins “some

time in August 1897” but also held that we

were entitled to a vacation provided we

offer a defence on the merits, & gave us five

days in which to file answer on merits

Gave opinion on Tinner[?] & Forck abstracts

- procured deed for them and had same

recorded – deed from N.P.R.R. Co

            {$2.00 recording}

Wrote to land office for Oleff Petersons

patent for Timen [?] & Forck

 

[January Fri 26]

Wrote to Tom Sammons about

Union account – to Cushman

about Malson pardon.

     Also letter to Dr. Armstrong

about Oakley case.

[January Sat 27]

Recd. telephone message from John

P. Hartman to go to Puyallup to meet

Brackett, who is on his way to Washington.

He is officer of White Pass Ry & interested

in appointment of Alaskan officials

Met Brackett and had a few minutes talk.

He is a personal friend of Senator C. K. Davis

of Minn. and also personally acquainted with

the President.  He is a long time acquaintance

and friend of Senator Foster: he wished to meet

me – as he is on his way to Washington, and

he assured me of his hearty cooperation

and support.  He desires me appointed at

once in Judge Johnsons place, who is

imperatively demanding his release so

that he can go to Cape Nome.  Brackett

desires my appointment in the Southern

Division, or Juneau division,  if the

Ter. is divided into districts.

 

[January Sun 28]

Theodore Hosmer, for a long time

the President of the Tacoma Light & Water

Company, died today.  He died at

56, broken in fortunes, and possibly that

fact and the gloomy financial future

had more to do with his death than disease.

Isaac W. Anderson, Mgr. Tac. Land Co. is

a bankrupt, and Paul Schulze, committed

suicide after embezzling $200,000 of trust funds.

These men ruled Tacoma for 20 years with

a rod of iron: they bankrupted the city, in

the light & water deal, and other ill advised

and dishonest matters – and gained

nothing by it in the end!  They fought

one politically and otherwise, and often

and loudly threatened to run me out of town.

Comment is unnecessary!

 

[January Mon 29]

Letter from Senator Foster acknowledging

receipt of my endorsements and saying

that no appointment would be made until

the bill redistricting Alaska passes.

Letter (copy) from Fogg. endorsement.

[January Tues 30]

Ans. due in McDaniels vs. Perkins.

this case continued until tomorrow.

 

[January Wed 31]

Devlahovich v. Dorotich before

Judge Caroll.

[written over previous lines:]  Postponed 10 days.

McDaniels v. News Pub. Co. Garnishee Dept.

Judgment in McDaniels v. Perkins

            vacated.

Moved to quash Writ in Garnishment

to be heard Saturday.

Recd. letter from Louis D. Campbell, who

was in Wash. D.C. where he wrote saying

that he and Senator Foster had called

on the Pres & Atty Genl. on 26th and that

my appointment was thoroughly discussed.

He writes that he & Senator F. feel greatly

encouraged that I will be appointed.

 

[February Thur 1]

News Pub. Co. v. Lewenstein.

10 days time granted from 29th last.

Mrs. W_ very sick – Drs. Misner & Hill.

Wrote Fogg thanking for endorsement.

Bedford recd telegram from Senator Foster saying

that Cushman & F. H. Murray had just called in

Wash. D.C. to urge Murrays candidacy for Alaskan

judgeship.  Whitehouse called up and took

telegram to McDonald, Pres. Cham. of Commerce,

which body sent Murray to Washington in interest

of Tacoma’s trade:  Hamilton sent telegram

to Cushman denouncing Murrays action as bad

faith.

     The Chamber of Commerce have just

telegraphed to Murray to come home on

first train!

As soon as he leaves they will telegraph

Foster repudiating Murrays candidacy

 

[February Fri 2]

Read paper at High School as follows:

[clipping:]

“           February 2, 1900

The Hudson Bay Company,-

                                    Hon. James Wickersham.”

Wrote to Darrell & sent him Copy of Campbells letter

      about Judgeship in Alaska.

 

[February Sat 3]

McDaniels v. News Pub. Co. Garnishee

Case continued to Tuesday

by consent.

Had dinner with Senator Wilson, Ide, Snowden,

Perkins, and Major Hayden.   Worked to get

Wilson in line for Cushman.  Ide helped

hard:   Things look first rate:  Plans were

suggested & Ed. Cushman called in & long

talk.  Wilson interested & suggested ways

& means of pushing candidacy along.

We are to write Cushman on Monday.

[February Sun 4]

Thomas W_  came out and spent an

hour with me Sunday (last) evening, and

informed me that he intended to run for the

State Senate in the 19th Sen. Dist. this fall.

He confided to me that he intended to support

Ankeny for Senator (U.S.), and was against

Wilson.  Knowing my friendship for Wilson

[Under pasted photo:]

I cannot tell which to admire most

his frankness or his supreme impudence.

He will not be elected.

[photo caption:]

Thomas Wickersham

Tacoma, Wash

 

[February Mon 5]

Wrote to Cushman the conditions here

and urged him to stand in with the

effort to nominate a governor (Frink)

from Seattle.

 

[February Tues 6]

McDaniels v. News Pub. Co. Garnishee

     10 oclock – no judge; 2 oclock

Telegram from Neff, Chicago, asking me

to push his matter: replied that I would

do so –

 

[February Wed 7]

Wrote long letter to Darrell.

McDaniels v. Perkins goes over till Saturday.

Weyerhouser syndicate people here,

and it is suggested by Perkins that they

would be good clients – I agree.

C. McDaniels.  \

- v -                   \   Suit begun & papers

W. P. Bonney      } served on Perkins

S. A. Perkins      /   handed to me.

Louis D. Cambell  at home – knows

no more about judgeship than what

he wrote me from Washington.

 

[February Thur 8]

Wrote to F. H. Brownell, Esq. Everett,

to write personal letter to Atty. Genl. Griggs –

Sullivan suggests this action

[February Sat 10]

Rudnick bankruptcy = filed Answer today.

McDaniels v. Perkins.  Motion to quash.

Motion sustained & Garnishment pro

=ceeding dismissed:  This leaves them

with only their note – and we hope to get that.

There is a bitter contest waging between the

Sullivan-Ashton people, and the Hamilton

-Grosscup faction over the delegate to the

next National Convention.  I am advising

the nomination of Senator Foster, as a peace

measure, - and also as a defeat to the Sullivan

-Ankeny crowd.  Involved in the fight

as a side issue, also, is whether Grosscup

or Chapman – Ashtons partner, shall have

the U.S. District Judge in this district if a

division is had at the passage of the bill

to divide the state on an east & west line.

Wrote to Cushman today to keep out of the

above fight: also to write to Grant C. Angle [?].

of Mason Co. Journal.

 

[February Mon 12]

Served complaint Summons on Winyias

Lincolns Birthday =  Holiday

Took dinner at restaurant with Hamilton

and Bedford.  I advised Hamilton to

withdraw from the fight for Delegate to

the National Convention, as it would

take both money and time to win, and

in his financial condition he could spare

neither.  Bedford and Grosscup having

been engaged, personally, in the difficulty

did not seem to care to advise him as I

did, but both acquiesced in it – and he

consented in his own interest to do so.

This leaves Ashton a clear field.

The remarkable feature of the contest was

that Sullivan, Bates, Warburton and the

Anti-Wilson crowd had the active support

of Ide, Hayden and all of Wilsons friends

Sligh. from Whatcom says his Co. is for Cushman,

   “      is for Ankeny & is looking for “the sack.”

 

[February Tues 13]

Hamilton announces his with

drawal from contest for Delegate

to the Nat. Con. this morning in Ledger.

My judgment is that this victory aids Sul

=livan and hurts Wilson very much.

I learned from Sligh yesterday that Weisenberger

is a candidate for Governor – and that “his expenses

have all been provided for.”  The intimation is that

he is to be Ankeny’s candidate.  Ankenys

son was in Weisenbergers regiment in the

Philippines & Ankeny wants a governor.

 

[February Wed 14]

Nice letter from Darrell today.

Package of flower seed from Senator

Foster!    Wrote him sending Brown

=ells endorsement.

 

[February Thur 15]

Stackweather presented old demand

against D. O. Smith and me for about

$80.00 or thereabouts, for newspapers furnished

to members of Legislature in 1895 by the Union

[February Fri 16]

Served on J. Easterday

Motion and affidavits to compel the

Union Pub. Co. to file Complaint,  Summons

&c. in court, to dismiss for want of Jurisdiction.

 

[February Sat 17]

Meeting of the Bar Association to

accept resignation of Pres. Sharpstein

who leaves here on Monday for San Francisco

I drew the resolutions – adopted.

 

[February Mon 19]

 Went to Seattle to see Frink.

 With Ide saw Frink at room #420

Ranier–Grand Hotel, and talked over

the political situation.  Agreed to go to

Spokane next Saturday to see Wilson

& further arrange things.  Frink is willing

to make the fight & will put $25,000 into it.

Cushman is to be considered in the slate

Frink for Governor

Eaton, of Spokane for Treasurer.

Cushman for Congress.

 “P_  I.” will support Cushman & so will Wilson

 Saw John P. Hartman:  He is for Cushman strong.

 

[February Tues 20]

Wrote Cushman fully today.

Prepared Ans. for Bonney & Perkins.

Recd. mail bag fill of franked garden seeds

from Foster.  For distribution.  Its a

great thing to be a statesman.

 

[February Wed 21]

Papers in Muhlman v. Hofstad

cases delivered to me by Selvig

Delivered original petition & copy, & the

letter to Dornin, & claim, all to Grosscup

asking him to send them to Dornin in

San Francisco – In Neff case.

 

[February Thur 22]

Washingtons Birthday.

 / Elks Parade.

{    “     Entertainment

 \   “     Banquet.

[February Fri 23]

     Ledger

Served notice on Tacoma Newspaper

Company to retract libel against

Lyceum Theatre – fire trap. &c.

Began suit for Allan Robertson to quiet

title to lots in Tacoma.

Recd. telegram from Neff – usual

trouble – nervousness.

 

[February Sat 24]

Will not go to Spokane with Ide.

Ledger retracted libelous attack on Lyceum

Theater – in part. – they rather make it worse.

Rec. from Tinine [?] & Forck, examining [?] abstract $20.00

Served Ans. & Int. on C. McDaniels in

case against Bonney & Perkins.

 

[February Mon 26]

Settled case of Union Pub Co.

            -vs-

Wickersham & Smith.

[February Tues 27]

McDaniel v. Bonney & Perkins

      Answer due today

E. C. Bellows, of Vancouver, came in to see

me:  Frank Richards sent for him & Bellows

went to Seattle yesterday to see Richards &

his friends.  Richards is showing letters

and telegrams from Senator Foster endorsing

him for Collector in Alaska, & Bellows is

also endorsed for same office.  Richards

threatens that if he is not endorsed & given

the appointment even ahead of me – he will

file charges of my old troubles there to prevent

my appointment.  Bellows offered to withdraw

but I said no; Let them file anything they please

but none of my friends shall suffer for it.

Judge Gordon announces that he

will not be candidate for reelection

as Judge Supreme Court.

Recd letters from Senators Foster & Fairbanks.

 

[February Wed 28]

Bellows & I saw Bedford.  Bellows

told Richard that his threat against me

would destroy his last chance for appointment

and as Bedford telegraphed it to Sen. Foster

I am of opinion it did.  Bellows declined

to withdraw, - and the fight goes merrily on.

Saw Saml. Piles and told him of  Richards

threat & he denounced it in strong terms

& said he would see Richards & put some

other thing in his mind: Ditto with Gay.

 

[March Thur 1]

Recd. letter from Gay written in

presence of Richards & Claypool,

saying that Richards would do no such

thing as threatened &  really never meant

to do it, but it slipped out in political

intrigue & in self defence.   !!!

 

Decree entered in Robertson Case.

Have worked for two or three days to fix

title in Robertson case 18010, to suit

Powell, of Campbell & Powell, but today

he says he wont have anything more to do

with it – that Irving wont pay for the trouble.

 

Served papers on Ledger in Heilig

Libel suit. – served yesterday.

 

[March Fri 2]

Wrote Senator Foster long letter this a.m.

Received a letter from U.S. Pros. Atty. Gay, of

Seattle about Richards & Bellows, collectorship.

Wrote him about three collectors for Alaska,

as an explanation of Fosters endorsing

both men. – mere suggestion.

 

File & serve answers to Interrogatiries

Amended answer, &c. in case of

McDaniels v. Carrothers & Perkins.

 

[March Sat 3]

Rudnicks declared bankrupt in U.S.

court:

 

Capt. Paude came in & brought letter from

I. Myhre Hofstad asking me to come over

to see him at Ballard, on settlement of

New York mining deal of Muhlman &c.

 

[March Mon 5]

Answer due in Winyea case

 

[March Tues 6]

Went to Seattle to See I. Myhre Hofstad

about Muhlman matter – he was not

at home & did not see him.  Learned

that Dept. had decided Farrague case in

my favor.

 

Judge Brown of Wyoming appointed

U.S. Dist. Judge in Alaska to

take Judge Johnsons place.  Recd

telegram from Senator Foster saying

that 3 new judges would be appointed

as soon as the Alaska bill passes –

 

F. H. Murray is pushing his candidacy

for U.S. Atty. in Alaska.  My friends are

refusing to endorse him.  Foster

will not endorse him.

 

[March Wed 7]

Humes elected in Seattle – 1507.

Wrote to A. T. Van Deventer as did Sullivan

asking him to endorse me for U.S. Judge.

 

Saml. McAnally appears for Winyeas

& files objections to service, but says

that these are intended only as a special

appearance until he can see Henry

Winyea & make arrangements about

fees.  He has been instructed to appear

for the government & object to the

jurisdiction of the State Court.

 

[March Thur 8]

Neff matter settled by Judge

Kean holding that the funds should

go back to the Kennedy trustees, &  that

Dornin had no right to their custody

under Kennedy wills.

 

Grosscup starts east to go to bedside

of his father who is seriously ill.

He will go to Washington before his

return & present my matter to the

President.   Bogle is also on his

way east. – I wrote to Senator Foster

today saying that he might suggest to

Bogle to call on atty general.

 

Was elected delegate to Co. Con. to select

delegates to Ellensburg to select 4

delegates to National Convention.

 

[March Fri 9]

Filed amended Complaint in

Armstrong v. Oakley: demurrer

filed & on argument court overruled

demurrer and held complaint good.

 

Attended caucus in Sullivans office

Platform talked over:  Taylor of Orting

attacked Cushman covertly.  Convention

will endorse Cushman.

 

[March Sat 10]

Attended County Convention and was

elected delegate to Ellensburg Con

=vention.  Instruction for Ashton

 

Case of McDaniels v. Perkins set

for Mch 26 for trial.

 

I. Myhre Hofstad and Capt Paude

came in to see me about the Explor

ation Co. matter.  They refused to pay

the $3000. to deed claims to Co.

or to work during this season.

 

[March Mon 12]

Wilson has been here since Saturday

and have had several talks with him.

The  P-I will be friendly to Cushman

and Wilson expresses the decided

opinion that he ought to be renominated.

He is anxious about the nominations

for hold-over Senators in the 19th

21st  [22nd] and 23rd [24th]districts where

Warburton, Linc, Davis and Taylor

of Orting are pushing – they are

his bitter enemies & he desires to

procure the nominations there

of friends. 

 

[March Tues 13]

Tried to get case of McDaniels

vs Carrothers & Perkins at issue

but Carroll postpones action.

 

Bringing suit on Hofstads agreement

to pay $3,000 for release.

 

[March Wed 14]

Went to Seattle yesterday.  Served

Complaint and Summons on Capt.

Paude and I. Myhre Hofstad & also 

left with Capt. Paude in person a copy

for Edwin Hofstad who was in Seattle, 

but whom I did not see personally.

 

Consulted with Hughes about Perkins case.

He will send me amended answer after

his view –

 

Saw Senator Wilson, Gay & others - &

learned from Hughes that F. H. Murray was

there to get endorsements.  Cannot learn

that he got any.  Hughes refused & Gay

Wilson & others will refuse & prevent it.

 

Visited all people on Cliff Ave. last night

in interest of our primary ticket – for

Holgate.

 

[March Thur 15]

Primary Election Day.

Fight in our precinct between Hacker

and Holgate.  I am for Holgate.

 

Our ticket won out handsomely

 

[March Fri 16]

Riled Amended Answer in case

of McDaniels v. Carrothers and

Perkins.  Court allowed filing.

Demurrer filed, overruled and

exceptions allowed McDaniels.

 

[March Sat 17]

                      /Campbell.

City Convention { Lister

                      \ Harc.

Fremont Campbell informs me that

Sullivan demands that he go to

Ellensburg as Chairman of the

delegation:  Ashton is for George

B. Kandle.  Fight is on by Sullivan

against Wilson, & in favor of Ankeny

 

Recd letter from Cushman directed to

Darrell, saying that he desired to reappoint

him at Annapolis at once.  Wrote him to

do so, & sent his letter to Darrell.

 

[March Sun 18]

Meeting Saturday night at Ides

house between Bedford, I, Fairweather,

Reynolds and Ide, to defend against

Sullivans threatened dictation of policy

at Ellensburg – We will support

Kandle.

 

Fairweather saw Kandle who agreed

to stand for Chairman, but who does

not want to take burden of a fight.

 

[March Mon 19]

In matter of Sullivan for Ch. of

Pierce Co. delegation to Ellensburg

we have secured 28 out of 44 against

him.  Bedford represents our side &

Sullivan has agreed to withdraw &

support Kandle.

 

[March Tues 20]

Motion to settle interrogatories in

     McDaniels v. Carrothers.

 

Recd postal card from “Bob McHaney,”

saying that he and family will arrive

here from Illinois on 23rd.

 

Have just recd letter from Senator Foster

saying that he had just had a talk with

the President & had received “very encour

=aging assurances from him regarding

our Alaska Judgeship”

 

[March Wed 21]

Debbie sick –

 

[March Thur 22]

Answer due in McDaniels v. Perkins

 

[March Fri 23]

Bob. McHaney & family arrived

Motion in McDaniels v. Carrothers

for judgment &c. set for Monday.

 

[March Sat 24]

At Buckley.

 

[March Mon 26]

Trial McDaniels v. Carrothers.

  “     postponed until 28th

 

Made speech at Old Town for

Campbell for Mayor.

 

Sent Darrell $15.00 for Kodak.

 

[March Tues 27]

Went to Olympia for

Perkins – evidence in McDaniels

case.

 

[March Wed 28]

McDaniels cases all settled

& paid - $2250. compromise.

 

[March Thur 29]

Recd. letter from Cushman

asking me to look after the 

Puyallup P.O. & get Stewart

& Hollenbeck to join forces.

 

[March Fri 30]

Just received telegram from

Senator Foster saying that

Alaska Code bill is to pass – to

see H. C. Wallace.  Wallace

wants assistance in his Alaska

schemes from Foster.

 

[April Mon 2]

speech at Opera House for

            Campbell.

Grosscup just returned from Washington.

Says that he talked with President in Senator

Fosters presence – about my appointment to the

Alaska Judgeship.  The President expressed

satisfaction as to my qualifications & inquired

if I would take the Dist. Attyship.  After

further conversation he bluntly asked

Grosscup if I would accept the place of

Consul General at Kanagawa, Japan.

G_ promised to ascertain.  At his suggestion,

I have just mailed letter to Senator Foster

refusing to accept Atty. in Alaska, but saying

that I would consider it an honor & compliment

to be appointed U.S. Judge in Alaska or

Consul General in Kanagawa.

 

[April Tues 3]

Election – Bryans speech

Campbell elected, majority 117.

 

[April Wed 4]

Go to Ellensburg to State

Convention – go in interest

of Cushman only.

 

[April Thur 5]

            Attended.

State Convention at Ellensburg.

 

Friday.

It was the grandest aggregation of soreheads

that ever met in the State of Washington.  Every

man whom Wilson has denied office for the

good of the party was there for revenge, and their

forces were able to Give Ankeny the majority.

Hopkins, the Wilson manager from Spokane Co.

was defeated, as was Hughes, the P.I. manager

from King. Co.  Spokane Co. was not allowed

any representation whatever, and to add

insult to injury Pierce Co. “stood in” with

the “sorehead” – Ankeny forces.  I protested, but

in vain, for Sullivan, Bates &c were in the

majority.  I am afraid that a factional

war in the part will be the outcome of this

action, and it may give Cushman

much trouble.  Have just written him

in great detail about the result.

 

[April Sat 7]

Have been urging Mayor elect Louis

D. Campbell to appoint D. O. Smith

Chief of Police, but do not think he

will do so.  There are many persons 

objecting to Smiths appointment.

Campbell offers to appoint him Chief

of the Fire Dept. but Smith thinks his

loyalty to Poyns will not permit him

to accept it – although he otherwise

would accept it.

Sullivan people are urging Croake

for Chief of Police – but will not get

him.

 

Campbell asked me to attend

the Council canvass of Election

returns on Tuesday & I promised

to do so as his representative.

 

[April Sun 8]

Candidates for Consul. Genl

at Kanagawa, Japan, are

Johnson Nickens, mayor, Tacoma, with

Cushman as his backer.

Senator L. B. Andrews, of King Co. with

Ankeny & King Co. delegation as backers.

     The papers announce that Senator

John L. Wilson is in Washington

seeking it – he is in Washington

but I do not believe that he would

accept the appointment under 

any circumstances

 

[April Tues 10]

Attended the count of City

Election returns at request of

Mayor elect Campbell – every

thing went smoothly – certification

granted & no trouble

 

D. O. Smith is not be Chief of Police

- but is to be Chief of detectives.

 

[April Thur 12]

Grosscup thinks that Andrews 

of Seattle may get such a mass

of endorsements that it will embarrass

Senator Foster in the appointment of Consul

General at Yokahama, & suggests that

he and Bedford telegraph urging my

immediate appointment.  I consented.

 

Sent Darrell $50.

 

[April Fri 13]

P. D. Norton died last night.  He is

the manager of the Tacoma & St Paul Mill

Co; President of the City Council, and was

Senator Fosters manager last winter

in his contest for the election to the U.S. Senate.

His death is a sad loss to the business

interests of Tacoma, and especially to his

associates in the St Paul Mill Co.

 

[April Tues 17]

Affairs in Alaska judgeship are in

chaotic state.  It looks as if the President

intended to pay all debts due this state by

giving us the appointment of Consul General

to Japan, which we are entitled to anyway.

The age limit in the Alaskan Code bill has been struck

out in the Senate, which leaves Judge Brown eligi

=ble, and Senator Carter has the promise of one

which leaves but one other judge to appoint &

all the states grasping at it.    Wilson is in

Washington urging the appointment of Shaw of Spokane

Cushman is endorsing Nickens, and Foster is

telegraphing to Grosscup to keep his friends from

endorsing Nickens.    In reply Grosscup urged

Foster to secure my prompt appointment, to the 

place.  I telegraphed Foster saying, “Much

prefer Japan, but leave everything with you”

Evening News announces desperate fight on between

Nickens and Wilson – Nickens will not be

appointed.   It looks at this time as if I could

not get Alaskan Judgeship

 

[April Wed 18]

Case of

Bird v. Winyer

filed in court.

 

[April Sat 21]

Bird v. Winyer : Argument.

sustained – 10 days to answer.

Made new service on Sallie & Frank

in the name of “Winyer”

 

[April Mon 23]

Trial Armstrong v. Oakley.

continued until Thursday

 

[April Wed 25]

Answer Hegele v. Pierce County.

 

[April Thur 26]

Armstrong v. Oakley. trial

continued until Monday.

 

[April Sat 28]

Bird v. Winyer:  Argument of

Motion to Quash service

 

[April Sun 29]

The matter of my appointment to the

Alaskan Judgeship or Japanese Consul

Generalship is in process of evolution –

On Friday Grosscup received telegram from

Senator Foster saying that he had just inter

=viewed the Attorney General and had assurances

of my appointment as Judge, and that he

was inclined to appoint Bellows to Japan.

On consultation between Grosscup, Bedford

& I, we sent telegram saying that if my

appt. to alaska was assured beyond doubt

to appt. Bellows, otherwise appt. me to Japan

and Bellows, Marshal in Alaska.

Col. Griggs sent Foster telegram urging my

appt. to Japan, & yesterday received ans.

saying that everything was being done to get

appts. arranged satisfactorily – which means

in accordance with Foster – Grosscup telegrams

 

Col. Griggs tells me that Foster told him a week

ago at St. Paul that I was to have either the

Judgeship or Consul Genl.ship – that

I was first in line & should have the

appt. if only one could be secured.

[April Mon 30]

Trial of Armstrong v. Oakley

before Judge Williamson –

under advisement.

 

[May Tues 1]

Committee of Gig Harbor Squatters – Hunt,

Fonda, Moore, Collins, Schillein, Kimball &c

came to see me about settlement of the

Jeresich and Farrague claims.  I have

offered, as attorney for Jeresich & Farrague,

to compromise by allowing each actual

settler from one to four acres of land where

his improvements stand, to be sold to them

after final proof, at $25.00 per acres.

They are in the main satisfied with this,

but some of them want more land - as

much as ten acres in some cases.

I have said to them that no one will be

allowed water front, and that no one

on water front north of Jeresich’s house

will be given any privilege of holding

land.  I have said to them plainly that

neither Jeresich nor the other claimants

would agree to any thing – that I alone

would make the agreement and that they

must look to me to have it consummated

after final proof – they agree to that.

 

[May Fri 4]

E. C. Bellows was today

appointed Consul General to Japan.

I desired this place very much, but

my endorsments were all for Judge

in Alaska, and evidently Senator

Foster thought I ought not to have two

choices – so Bellows was appointed

 

Recd. telegram from Senator Foster

saying Bellows was appointed but that

he was “watching Alaska Code bill carefully” –

His former telegrams are that Bellows

should only have Japanese place when

he was sure of my appt. to Judgeship

 

It looks as if Alaska bill would

fail to pass on account of amend

-ments in the House.-

 

[May Sat 5]

Motion to strike Am. Comp. in

Hegele v. County. overruled.

 

Bird v. Winyer set for Friday

next for argument of demurrer.

 

[May Mon 7]

Compromised the case of

Basse[?] v. Tacoma Ry & Motor Co.

for $350.00

 

Submitted to Sullivan a statement

of the matter of claim to $275. in Sheeks

possession.  Sheeks to submit

his argument, and both to make

any additional argument nec

=essary after examining the others

papers.

 

[May Tues 8]

The case of State vs.

McGrath set for hearing at

2 p.m. at Fern Hill.

            {Fined $10 & costs.}

 

Meeting at my house : George Boardman,

Bedford, Fairweather, Ed. Cushman

& I. to take steps to organize a

Republican Club:  Nickens, Paulhamas

&c. object to my taking a prominent

part in Frank Cushmans campaign

- they desire to control in the interest of

Ankeny.

 

Bosse[?] v. Tac. Ry. Co. settled for $350.

 

[May Wed 9]

Gig Harbor settlers on Jeresich & 

Farrague lands in to see me for a

compromise : Have given them in

ultimatum as follows: they to withdraw

all objections to proof.  Proofs to be

made & title obtained by my clients

& then will sell them land [?] containing

their improvements and homes at

$25.00 per acre.  They are fighting

now among themselves : Those on the

Farrague tract are opposing those on the

Jerisich land. – Let em fight!

 

[May Fri 11]

Bird v. Winyer: Argument

of general demurrer

 

upon a full argument before Judge

Williamson he sustained the

complaint in the case of Bird 

v. Winyer, and also my theory 

of the case.

 

[May Sat 12]

Judge Williamson decided

case of Oakley v. Armstrong v 

Oakly against me – for Oakly.

 

[May Thur 17]

Meeting of Boardman, Fairweather,

Bedford, Ed. Cushman and I at

Boardmans office to take further

steps in organizing Rep. Club.

Meeting concludes to support me

for Pres.    Bedford for V. P.   Boardman

for Treas & Heilig for Secretary.

 

Organization is to be entirely in the

interest of the renomination of

Frank Cushman for Congress.

 

Meeting fixed for Wednesday 23rd

at Chickering Hall.

 

[May Fri 18]

Bedford called me up & I went

to his office at his request to see

him.  He said that he had consulted

with Grosscup and they concluded

that I ought not to be Pres:  I suggested

Albie & said that he was an Anti Wilson

man – Bedford said he would be satisfact

=ory – although he did not seem to be very

well acquainted with Albie.

     I told Cushman & Fairweather & they

were both disappointed in Bedford

We postponed meeting for two weeks.

 

[May Sat 19]

 Telegram from Darrell saying

that he had passed all his examinations

mental & physical at Annapolis,

& sent him $100. by telegraph

 

Meeting of King Co. Rep. Club to

determine whether that Co will

support a candidate for Governor

or Congressman.

 

[May Sun 20]

Wrote letter to Cushman & sent

him report of King Co. Club last

night – in which they determined

to support Governor, & not Congressman

 

[May Wed 23]

Had interview with Gov. Brady

of Alaska.  He assures me that

the Alaska Code Bill will pass and

says also that in “looking up” the various

candidates out here the Atty. General

got a very flattering report about

me.  Gov. Brady is stout, short,

straight, and vigorous:  he has a

clear eye and is a fearless man.

I judge that there is never but one

side of any case, to him, and that

he sometimes makes mistakes.

 

Court overruled defendants motion

to strike and to make complaint more definite

in Muhlman v. Hofstad.

 

[May Thur 24]

Recd. from Cushman a

corrected copy of Alaska Code,

so far as it has passed the house

of Representatives.

 

Jeresich and wife made power of

attorney to permit me to compromise

with settlers at Gig Harbor – in compliance

with United States Court.

 

[May Mon 28]

Deposited papers in a

compromise of Jeresich

case with Judge Carroll

 

[May Tues 29]

Took appeal for 50 Japanese

from Inspector to Commissioner General

Washington, D.C.

 

Inspectors refuse to entertain

appeals until each appellant

puts up $12.00 – 19 refuse to do

this – 31 put up the money.

     Appeal from this action also.

 

[May Wed 30]

Spoke on Memorial Day

at Puyallup Indian school.

Called attention to their heroes,

soldiers &c. and that Kantz,

Ord, Keyes, Grant, Pickett &

Sheridan fought their warriors.

 

[June Sat 2]

Papers report that “Annapolis”

and “Chespeake” are to take the

Annapolis classes, including the

May entrance cadets, on voyage

This takes Darrell, I hope.

 

[June Mon 4] Served Brief & Argument in

case of 31 Japanese on

appeal to Com. Genl. Wash. D. C.

Appeal &c in case of

 Armstrong v. Oakley

 

Just received this telegram from

 Senator Foster:  “I called on Pres

=ident and Attorney General this morning

your case is not dead yet by any means.”

Sent the following answer:

“Thanks for assurance have had no

fear  doubt of your success.”

 

[June Wed 6]

Just received telegram from

Senator Foster as follows:  “Your

appointment just came to Senate for

Judge in Alaska. I congratulate you.

            A. G. Foster.”

 

Sent Senator Foster telegram: “I

thank you for my appointment. It

places me and my family under

deep and last obligations to you.

Where am I assigned by the President.”

 

Other telegrams from Foster saying that

appointment confirmed by Senate, & that

Noyes of Minn. & Brown of Wyoming

are also appointed:  he requests me

not to commit myself on appointments

of court officers until he can write.

 

[June Thur 7]

Telegrams of congratulation:

Senator Charles W. Fairbanks, Wash, D.C.

Senator Addison, G. Foster,     “    “

S. H. Piles, Seattle

John P. Hartman – Seattle.

Charles E. Claypool,  “

Hugh C. Wallace,  San Francisco

John Arthur        Seattle

C. B. Hopkins,   Spokane

C. L. Stewart     Puyallup, {& others}

            office full of callers all day.

 

Recd many letters of congratulation.

 

Senator Fairbanks of Indiana

telegraphed me as follows:

“I cordially congratulate you

upon your appointment and unanimous

confirmation”   Charles W. Fairbanks”

 

[June Fri 8]

Telegram from Senator Foster saying,

“Indications you will be assigned to Eagle City

Tremendous pressure assign Brown

Juneau and Noyes Nome.  Eagle City

district will be {by} far easiest.

            A. G. Foster.”

 

            Also this!

“I endorse Nickens for Court

Commissioner Alaska.”

            A. G. Foster.

 

[June Sat 9]

For Cushman telegram &

Nickens matter see June 11.

 

Charles Bedford came in to

see me today, saying that he

had a telegram from Senator Foster

about Nickens.  I said, “Well

stop right there for I will not

appoint him.” &c

     He laughed & produced his

telegram – it requested me

not to appoint Nickens –in

effect – but not in words!!

 

[June Sun 10]

Sent Senator Foster this telegram

in Answer to one saying that I

was assigned to Eagle City Dist.

 

“Assignment perfectly satisfactory.

Wife specially pleased.  Hurry Com

=mission and instructions.  Am

ready to go.  Will not appoint

Mayor.”                       James Wickersham”

by “will not appoint Mayor” I meant

that I would not appoint Nickens-

 

{H. C.} Wallace made strong objection to

my assignment to Eagle City saying that he

had promise that I was to go to St. Micheals.

He went to Washington for that purpose as

he desired Dautrick to be my clerk.

Upon telegram from Foster I practically

promised to appoint Dautrick – but

now it is off!

 

mistake in date

[June Mon ]9        

Telegram from Cushman

June 9th

“I wish Johnson Nickens appointed

Commissioner either at Nome or other good

place.  Please consult with him about 

this       Francis W. Cushman”

 

Nickens was evidently informed that Sen

ator Foster & Congressman Cushman had

sent telegrams & he called to see me.

Told him that I had already promised

not to commit myself – he declined to

talk of Comr, and said that Foster &

Cushman had promised him the

Clerkship in my court.  I told him

that I had promised to appoint another

man – provided Foster had not

already promised the place to secure

my appointment as Judge &c.  He

assumed an injured tone and went

away saying that he would have Foster

& Cushman telegraph me further

requesting his appointment as Clerk.

 

[2nd page  of June 9 on “June Tues 12”:]

Foster telegraphed yesterday that my commission

had been forwarded and that salary would start

from taking oath & assuming duties of office.

I took oath and assumed duties at once.

Telegrams from Foster asking for Perrys

address  - (did not know), and saying

to send in requisition for supplies.

Answered by telegraph.

 

Recd. long letter from Senator Foster

asking me not to commit myself

on appts. until he could reach me 

by letter again:  Also congratulating

me and telling me about efforts to

procure my appointment.

     Enclosed telegram from E. A.

Henderson, of News, asking to be

appointed Clerk of court.

[See next for transcription of over 

writing.]

 

[written over entry, in red:]

Took the oath of Office

and assumed the duties of

my office as Judge of U.S. District

Court 3rd Judicial District

of Alaska today.  Commission

forwarded today from Washington.

Arrived in Tacoma 17 years ago

today.

            James Wickersham

I will not appoint him!

 

[June Wed 13]

George {A. Jeffery} went over to Seattle

to get specimen pages of

court record books, from

Clerk of U.S. Court.

 

Requisition for desks, records

furniture, office supplies &c

made and forwarded to the

Attorney General, with bids

from local dealers.

 

[June Thur 14]

Made requisition on Atty. Genl

for desks, chairs, records, and

general court supplies.

Submitted bids from local

dealers, and asked permission

by telegraph to purchase same.

Wrote to Foster asking him

to go to Atty. Genl. & urge the

matter by telegraph.  Also

wrote him that I desired to

appoint Heilig or Arkley:  Recd

letter from Senator Fairbanks asking

me to make appt. Comr. at Nome, for

him.

 

[June Fri 15]

Grosscup gave a dinner

to the Pierce Co. Legislative delega

-tion, at his house tonight.  There

were present all but Barlow.  We

ate and drank and talked.

 

While at dinner Grosscup told

me that he had a confidential com

=munication about my Clerk

from Wash. and would talk it

over with me tomorrow.

 

[June Sat 16]

Received my commission 

as District Judge of Alaska

 

Grosscup has a confidential letter from

Thos. Sammons, Senator Fosters private

secretary, requesting Grosscup to use his

efforts to secure Harry Fosters appointment

as my clerk.  Harry is not an expert

clerk or accountant:  he is a frank,

clever, big hearted boy, but I fear

that he lacks many of the necessary

qualities of a successful clerk.

 

This request is likely to prove very em

=barassing to me.

 

Well what fools these mortals be!

I was, I have no doubt, really assigned or

intended to be, to St Micheals:  Wallace went on

to Washington & pressed Dautrick for Clerk

at that place: - I was then assigned to Eagle

City where Dautrick could not go – and Harry

Foster is pushed ahead as Clerk!!

            Wallace is green!

 

[June Sun 17]

Had a talk with Heilig on

yesterday afternoon & told

him of situation, told him that

I preferred him for clerk –

he has procured endorsement

of Pierce Co. Legislative delegation

& is very desirous of going

with me.

 

[June Mon 18]

Tried case of Bentzene v. Bentzene

before Judge Carroll – left with

Reid for final disposition.

 

Telegrams from many persons over

the State in favor of Heilig

Talked with Grosscup and Bedford

who agreed with me that Heilig ought

to be appointed – telegraphed to the

Senator at Philadelphia asking

if he objected – but no answer

[June Tues 19]

No answer to telegram to

Foster at Phil – so again

telegraphed to Washington.

I cannot get requisition for

for court supplies, records, &c

honored until Clerk is appointed

& it is imperative.

 

[June Wed 20]

Have just received telegram from

Senator Foster consenting Heilig’s

appointment as clerk.  This relieves

me from much embarrassment.

 

Telegram from Attorney General

authorizing me to purchase books

& records, but saying furniture

& supplies would be forwarded

from Washington

[July Mon 2]

Left Tacoma at 4:30 p.m. on the

Str. “Flyer” for Seattle: many friends

at dock to bid us good by:  Heilig’s family

& George A. Jeffery, stenographer in party.

Met Judge Noyes & party at Seattle, where

we boarded Str. “City of Seattle.”

for Skagaway.  Good accommodations

 

[July Tues 3]

Rolled across Queen Charlottes Sd.

 

[July Wed 4]

We crossed Dixon Entrance today &

entered Alaska -. passed by a

fish camp – Ketchikan.

Set off fire crackers &c for

Howard & some other children.

 

[July Thur 5]

Reached Juneau – Judge {M. C.} Brown

holding court – had conference

with him.

 

[July Fri 6]

Reached Skagway at 12 m.

and went to the 5th Ave. Hotel.

Took rooms and remained

all night.  Train tomorrow

morning.

 

[July Sat 7]

Train from Skagway to Bennett,

where we transferred to the boat,

-the Australian – for Cariboo

Crossing.  There we again took

the train – road just completed –

rough – trains run over only this

week, and reached White

Horse at midnight.

 

[July Sun 8]

Came on “Yukoner” last

night at midnight, and at

9 oclock this morning we

started down the Yukon for

Dawson.

<br>

[July Mon 9]

Met Perigree on sandbar

and are pulling to get her

off – broke iron cables.

Perigree has landed larger band

of sheep on west shore and cattle

on east shore of Yukon.

 

[July Tues 10]

Got Perigree off about 10 oclock,

and started on our way down 

the river.

 

[July Wed 11]

Mr. Ed. S. Orr, who as Mayor

of Tacoma, appointed me City Atty,

is a resident of Dawson, and the head

of the firm of Orr & Tukey[?], freighters

to the mines.  He invited our party to

go out to El Dorado and Bonanza

Gulches as his guests : went in his

stage coach with four horses,  Orr

driving.  Went to Grand Forks, &

put up at Hotel.  Visited mines,

explored tunnels &c. “sniped” from

bedrock, washed gravel, and

all hands were treated everywhere

as royally as American miners

treat visitors.  Gold & CheChaco

Hills are the most interesting mining

camps I ever saw.

 

[July Thur 12]

After visiting mines and

talking with people, seeing

operations and generally

surveying the plan of mining

at this rich and interesting spot

we returned to Dawson by Orrs

coach this afternoon.  We were

treated right royally by Orr, who

is voted a prince by every one

in our party.

 

July Fri 13]

Entrance mining tunnels on

Chechaco Hill

1900.

 

[July Sat 14]

Back to Dawson & took passage

            for Eagle City.

                        on

            Str. “John Cudahy”

 

[July Sun 15]

Reached Eagle City on this

day, on the Str. “John Cudahy”.

We were met by the entire popula

=tion, headed by Mayor Querry –

who kindly undertook to get us

settled.  We took possession

of a log house on the post reserve

(corner D & First Ave), for sleeping

& take our meals at the Eagle Res

taurant, proprietor, Miss Thompson

 

[card:]

JAMES WICKERSHAM

U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE.         EAGLE CITY, ALASKA

 

{D and First Ave where Airfield now

            11/5/69 RCA[Ruth Allman]}

 

[July Mon 16]

Issued call for court at

Rampart on August 20th

Rented log cabin (corner B.

& First Ave.) for Clerks office.

 

[August Thur 16]

Ketchumstock Billy & his family

            from the Tanan River.

 

The Indians shown in the picture

on the opposite page were from the

Tanana river & had crossed the

divide to visit their relatives &

friends at the Indian village

2 miles above Eagle.  This picture

was taken by myself as the Indians

children & dogs came into Eagle –

The dogs were all packed, but it

may be noticed the women have the

heavy loads.     J.W.  Aug 1900

 

[Aug Fri 17]

Left Eagle today at noon for

Rampart.  Debbie & Howard

go with me.   Str – “Susie”

[Photograph of Athabascan family and their dogs.

People and dogs are heavily laden with packs.]

[photo caption:]

Ketchumstock Billy & his family.

Tanana Indian family, on the

parade ground. Ft. Egbert, Alaska.

 

[August Sat 18]

[Photograph of wooden building.

Signs read:

Edmund D. Wiggin,

Register US Land Office,

Groceries.

C. H. Knapp, 

US Commissioner,

Justice of the Peace.

U.S. Land Office.] 

[photo caption:]

Higgins Store – Rampart

1900

 

[August Mon 20]

Court convened at Rampart

Present. Judge – Heilig, Clerk.

Perry, Marshal.  Post, Pros. Atty.

Reynoldson, Dep. Marshal.

Je    No case ready for trial –

no lawyers here to get cases ready.

Many messy controversys – but nothing

ready for court.  Heard license

applications  & one small

motion. –

 

[August Tues 21]

Application for license –

nothing ready.  Prisoners sent

to Circle City, where I will hold

jury term.

 

August Wed 22]

Left Rampart.

Str. “Sarah” 7 a.m. for Eagle

        – Fare  $40 to Circle

   Add -  “      20 “  Eagle.

60.  home

 

[August Fri 24]

[Photograph of skin tent, partially dug into the earth.]

[photo caption:]

Tena Indian winter skin house

            at Fort Yukon.

 

[August Sat 25]

The picture on the opposite page

was taken by myself at Fort

Yukon, in the winter – on my trip

to Rampart – It shows the old

type of tent house used by the

Tena Indians – it is made by

bending poles & covering them with

cariboo skins – a flap door

and an open small hole

gives entrance, light and a 

place for the smoke to escape.

Banked around it serves as a

home for these people in mid-

winter – they keep the fire going &

with plenty of untanned cariboo

skins they manage to survive

the coldest weather.

                        J.W.

 

[August Sun 26]

9 P.M.  Have just returned from

Rampart on the “Sarah”, A. C. boat.

Met Major Tucker, Paymaster U.S.A.

 

[August Mon 27]

Home getting in winter’s wood

and working on house.

[Photograph of a man in a narrow canoe]

 [photo caption:]

Indian in birch bark canoe poling

     up Yukon-Eagle.

 

[August Tues 28]

Same as yesterday.

[Photograph of Athabascan family, including two children, and their dogs.

Adults and dogs are heavily laden with packs.]

[photo caption:]

Ketchumstock Billy & his family.

 

[August Wed 29]

Same as yesterday.

 

[August Thur 30]

Str “Hannah” went down

the river: Co. “L.” went to Ft.

Gibbon:  Mrs. Capt. Wright,

Van Hook & Major Tucker

were passing us.

 

[August Fri 31]

Left Eagle City on Str. “Sarah”

for Circle City – Dept. Marshall Reynoldson

Stenographer, and 8 jurymen on board.

            Fare $15.00

Stuck on sandbar opposite

            Coal Creek

 

[September Sat 1]

Stuck on sandbar hard & fast.

Str. “Powers” passed with barge

“New York” in tow.

 

[September Sun 2]

Stuck on sandbar 60 miles from

Circle City – now for 24 hours.

Will take to the small boats with

jurymen and drift down the river.

We can make the trip in 12 hours &

will reach there at midnight or later.

 

Left “Sarah” at 1:00 p.m. in two boats

- 5 men in my boat, 6 in the other.  We

reached Circle City at 9 oclock, by

good rowing.  I steered boat, &

we took lunch on beach about

6 oclock.  Rather cold and stiff.

 

Was received and quartered in very

comfortable apartments by my friend

Mr. A. B. Hamilton of the N.A.T. Co.

 

[September Mon 3]

Court at “Circle City.”

Court met at 11 a.m.  Grand

jury called, examined & sworn,

appointed Mr. F. M. Brown, foreman.

Call of petit jury, but nothing else.

Recess until tomorrow at 10 a.m.

 

Read instructions to the Grand Jury.

 

George A. Jeffery paid me what I

had advanced to get him into the

country.

 

Grand jury found indictment against

one prisoner for larceny.

 

[September Tues 4]

Grand jury trying cases as

would a petit jury, and utterly

refuse to indict Hubbard for the

murder of McNamee[?]:  Called them

in and gave them very pointed

instructions as to their duty.

 

Will hold Hubbard over to next

grand jury if no indictment found.

There is an evident inclination on

part of the grand jury to refuse to

return indictments.  Stringent measures

may have to be resorted to.

 

[September Wed 5]

Bentz (Chas. W) pleads guilty

of larceny & petit jury excused

until tomorrow.

     Judge Post tells me that the Grand

Jury is giving way and is more

tractable to the rules of law.

Indictments returned against

Chas. Hubbard, murder 2nd degree

Danl. Callahan, rape.

Prisoners arraigned:  tomorrow to plead

 

[September Thur 6]

Callahan rape case called.

Claypool appeared as his attorney

I refused to permit him to appear

as he was the committing magistrate

before whom Callahan was examined.

 

Sherman brought into court:  arraigned:

U.S. v. Daniel Callahan – trial.

Kellum for Deft.  Jury trial.

            Verdict “Not guilty”.

 

[September  Fri 7]

U.S. v. Charles Hubbard.

Murder 2nd degree.  Claypool and

Kellum appeared for defendant

            Trial:  Jury.

 

[September Sat 8]

U.S. v. Hubbard.

            Verdict. “Manslaughter”

                          

Allen v. Garrett.  Injunction in

mining case.  Argument.

[September Sun 9]

Held this term of court in

Eagle  Circle City in the church.

 

Attended Episcopal Church – when

Charley Claypool passed the plate he

stood for an unusual time by one

parishioner – and finally moved on

to other contributors – He told me:

When I presented the plate to him he

put in five dollars – I whispered to

him “come again”. He squirmed but

soon put in another 5 – I said Ante

the whole 25, old man” He replied “go

on you blackmailer” – but I stood pat

He then said “What in hell do you want,”

& I replied “I want the 25 dollars you

beat me out of in the poker game

last night,” - & stood waiting.

He soon yielded & fished up the other

$15, and then I moved on.  He passes

the plate next Sunday but I’ll not

be there.”

 

[September Mon 10]

Motion for new trial & in

arrest of judgment, denied.

While I have no doubt but there

was error in excluding some

testimony offered by defense, yet

it was immaterial, and there

was abundant competent testimony

            Sentences:

Bentz, 2 years to McNeils Is. Wash.

Hubbard 10  “  “       “         “        “

Appointed Baker, Sr.[?] Rampart,

receiver in Allen v. Garrett.

 

Court Adjourned.

 

[September Tues 11]

Waighti Waiting for steamer.

 

[September Wed 12]

Waiting for steamer.

Wrote nice long letter to Darrell.

 

[September Thur 13]

Still waiting for steamer.

[map:]

Circle City saloons in 1896.

Front Street.

1. Jim Chronister’s Saloon.

2. A. C. Co’s Store.

3        Harry  Ash’s  Saloon

4. Frank Knights   “

5. Jim White’s       “

6. John Burke’s Dance Hall.

7. Bob English’s Saloon

8  Jim McCarty s Saloon

9. Dinsmore Spencer and

            McPhee’s saloon

10. Leak, Ashby Bonnifield

            & Holden’s saloon

11. Bonlay Bros.          “ 

 

[September Fri 14 ]

[See next]

 

[September Fri 14 ]

Steamers Weare and Seattle No 3.

went down river : Also Bella

Reynoldson and McAull[?] were

down with prisoners Hubbard

and Bentz, to St Micheal &

will then take steamer for

Seattle & McNeils Island.

Waiting for Steamer up stream

 

[September Sat 15]

Still waiting for steamer

 

[September Sun 16]

Still waiting for the -------- steamer.

There are waiting:

James Wickersham, Judge

A. M. Post, U.S. Pros. Atty.

A. R. Heilig, Clerk

G. G. Perry, U.S. Marshal

Mrs. G. G. Perry,

Geo. A. Jeffery, Stenographer

Geo. K. French, Asst. U.S. Pros. Atty.

Col. Plato Mountjoy, U. S. examiner

 

[September Mon 17]

No steamer.

 

[September Tues 18]

No steamer yet -

Heard argument for receiver in

case of N.A.T. Co. v. McDill-

the applicant being intervenor

A.C.Co.                       Denied.

 

September Wed 19]

No steamer yet –

 

[September Thur 20] 

Waiting for blinkety blank steamer

[September Fri 21]

No steamer yet.

Making arrangements to go up

the river afoot:  will take a boat

& two men to pole her along

shore to carry provisions, tent, &c

Snowing hard, and will wait

day or two until weather settles.

Will take 10 to 15 days to Eagle!

 

[September Sat 22]

     “Steamboat!!

The “Rock Islander” and “Susie”

both came into Circle this forenoon.

We took passage on the “Susie”.

 

[September Sun 23]

En route to Eagle.

 

[September Mon 24]

Eagle City –

Judge Post and Col. Mountjoy

will continue on to Dawson on the

“Susie” in morning, and thence to Seattle.

 

[October Fri 5]

            Caribou Hunt. !

Went caribou hunting on head

of Mission & Forty Mile with

Capt. Farnsworth.  I rode a gray

horse from Post, belonging to or  used by

Lieutenant Cragie.  Capt. F. rode his own

horse:  we had pack train of 5 mules, two

packers on horses and Frank Lee, the

hunter as guide.  Went out to American

Creek and across, up to the summits of

mountains and went south west on

-the divide between American and Mission

to the head of Calten[?], at head of Bear

& Champion, forks of Forty Mile.  Lee

and Webb have a camp here on the

extreme end of Mission and there we

camped at dusk.  Capt. F. brought

a large Sibley tent which was quickly

put up, a Yukon stove which was soon

blazing, and Dawson, a first class

cook who soon got us a fine supper

of caribou steak.  Webb and Lee have

about 50 caribou hanging here on pole.

 

[October Sat 6]

This day we remained about camp

arranging beds, &c. and getting ready for

a caribou hunt tomorrow.  Went out

hunting ptarmigan and killed several

Burt Bryant and an old western

hunter named Tracy reached camp

today.  They have some caribou out

here to take in.  Tracy will remain.

Our camp is in small bunch of timber

just at head of gulch and on side

of divide between here and Champion

-         with Bear Creek just over mountain.

 

[October Sun 7]

Lee took Captain and I me

out hunting this morning.  Went

horseback.  Saw two wolves near

camp.  Foggy and snow on ground

and could not tell at first what they

were – one was a splendid big black

fellow and I followed him for two or

three miles – but could not get a shot.

Rejoined Lee and Capt. F. and we rode

over mountains, along precipices, over snow

-fields and a thousand places where a

Sioux Indian would have hesitated.

Cap F. saw band of Caribou feeding on a

high steep mountain side, and Lee con

ducted us around and near them on horseback

We dismounted and F. and I approached them

creeping, while Lee held the horses.  We had to

climb mountain. Lee gave me his gun – not

used to it and nervous – I missed but by the

Capt. killed one buck caribou.  If I

had kept my own gun think I could have

shot the whole herd with buck shot – they were

so close.

 

Killed more ptarmigan

 

[October Tues 9]

Killed 4 caribou on

head waters of Bear Creek,

on Forty Mile River.

 

[October Wed 10]

Wrote Darrell fine long letter

all about hunting camp, caribou,

ptarmigan, &c. &c.

 

[October Thur 11]

Returned from Caribou hunt.

Killed 4 caribou

            36. ptarmigan

and saw 2 wolves – one

black and one gray

 

[October Sun 14]

Issued temporary injunction

in the case of Sawyer v Van Hook.

Set hearing for tomorrow 10 A.M.

 

[October Mon 15]

Hearing in Sawyer v Van Hook

            : adjourned until tomorrow

 

[October Tues 16]

Trial of Sawyer, Van Hook,

            finished

Took the matter under advisement.

 

[October Wed 17]

Str “Quick” arrived from

Dawson with beef for

Ft Egbert.

 

[October Thur 18]

Decided Sawyer v. Van Hook

     for plaintiff.

       Opinion.

Snow storm: river closing up fast.

Str. Quick went up the river

      to Dawson.

Steamer only 40 miles up river

where she froze in and remained all

winter:  McGowan and others & crew

waited until ice thick enough and

then went to Dawson over the ice.

 

[October Fri 19] 

Howards birthday.

candy, nuts, presents.

 

[October Sat 20]

10.° below zero:

heavy masses of ice moving

in the Yukon:  people out

sleighing with dog teams.

 

[October Sun 21]

15.° below zero.

 

[October Fri 26]

Beautiful day – clear

sunshine – mild week.

 

[October Sat 27]

20th Anniversary of

our marriage; married in

Rochester, Sangamon Co. Ill. 1880.

Mail from outside – came

down from Dawson in a

scow. – Letters from Darrell

Mrs. Mc MClain[?], Mave, Aunt Kate &c  

 

[October Sun 28]

Valdez mail goes out.

Sent out receipt for salary for

months of July, Aug, Sept and

Oct.  Have not been paid a cent of

salary yet, and will not until this

receipt reaches Washington, when

I will receive in due course of

Alaska winter mail a check!

When this is somehow exchanged

- about spring I may expect to get

the money.

 

[October Mon 29]

Telegraph line was completed

into Eagle City today, and Capt.

Farnsworth sent his compliments

& notice that I might send the

first telegram out of American

 

Alaska – the Yukon valley part.

I sent telegram to Senator Foster

the Tacoma Ledger and Ed. S. Orr,

at Dawson.  Telegrams to

the Sound, go to Skagway, and

thence down by boat. – 4 days

time!

 

[October Tues 30]

[Rcv]d telegram from Orr at

[D]awson – first telegram

[r]eceived in the Yukon valley. [Photograph: Portrait of sailor on the deck of war ship, with large guns.]

 

[October Wed 31]

[November Thur 1 (torn away)]

The posts on which the cache

rests is covered with tin which

prevents rats, mice, dogs and other

animals from climbing them!

 

[November Sun 4]

[photo caption:]

Howard – 1900.

 

[November Mon 5]

30° below zero.

Have just discovered that in

making up his quarterly accounts

Heilig has credited government with

much less fees in some cases than he

received, and that he has quietly retained

the same – amount only about $18 – but

he swore to the correctness of the items

knowing them to be incorrect.  Wrote

him a letter giving the facts; and instructed

him to report the matter to me, and gave

him plainly to understand that another

such an occurrence would result in

his removal.  In his report he

admits the peculation, but offers to

turn the money over either to the government

or to the party paying same.  Will

determine this matter as soon as I

hear from Attorney Genl. about amendment

of fee bill.

            See my letter to Heilig in lette[rs?]

 

[November Tues 6]

Yesterday:

33° below zero. this a m=

sky clear – not a cloud

nor a breath of wind.

River  running, but fog 

rises like at Niagra.

Election day: owing to

completion of telegraph line

between Eagle & Skagway

we can get returns as soon

as they reach Skagway by

boat – probably within 10 days.

 

Warmer today.

 

[November Wed 7]

We held sham election

yesterday in Eagle: 141 votes

case, and McKinley won

by 7 votes.

            McKinley   74.

            Bryan        67.

[November Thur 8]

The ice in the river is

“jammed” or blocked opposite

the Eagle bluff, and has ceased

to run.  The river is rising

rapidly and may break the

jam and continue to run

 

Nothing yet from Election in

the States.

 

Mrs. W_  gave her first “afternoon”

to the ladies of Eagle.

 

[November Fri 9]

Man crossed river today – frozen.

25° below zero, windy.

Wrote to Mother.

 

[November Sun 11]

Developed my first Kodak

films & made a success

of it – will not try making

prints.

[captions:]

Howards pup “Yukon”.

Ed. Crouch, Debbie, Howard.

     starting out sleigh riding

          on the Yukon.

[November Tues 13]

McKinley Elected!

 

Today we received telegram 

from Skagaway saying that

McKinley was elected over Bryan.

 

Names of slates given for McKinley

&, Bryan, and a few details.

            Good.

 

[November Fri 16]

My friend Hamilton, at 

Circle gave Howard a Malamute

pup when we were in Circle – He is

very proud & it grows fat & fast.

[photo caption:]

Howard and - “Yukon”.

 

[November Sat 17]

Sunday – 18th

Warrant received from Circle City

to arrest one Donlan for grand larceny.

Messenger – constable, came in from

Circle afoot – 6 ½ days walk.

Donlan arrested & put in jail.

 

Have finished the storm door, and

this finished the house back to the

tent.  Have done nearly all the work

myself – made doors, shelves, nailed

on cloth, ceiling, tent walls on storm

door &c. nailed down carpets, &c. &c.

 

[November Sun 18]

Donlan arrested – see

opposite side of this sheet.

            Mistake in stating

it yesterday –

 

Took another film of Kodak

views – developed same tonight

 

[November Mon 19]

Donlan escaped from jail

last night – took hinges off &

opened door.  Perry sent

messengers up river & is hunting

the town over –

Jessen returned from Mission Creek

mines – filed or located No. 28 for

Mrs. Wickersham

Made about 2 doz Kodak pictures

of my own development – success-

 

[November Tues 20]

Taylor v. Berg, for hearing

but postponed until Saturday

upon telegram from Berg asking

for time: telegram from Forty Mile.

[photo caption:] Howard, “Yukon” & I –

 

[November Wed 21]

Began preparation of Court

Rules.

[caption:]

Commanding officers Quarters.  Ft. Egbert. 1900.

 

[November Thur 22]

40° below zero this morning.

Difference in temperature between

earth and air causes a fog to rise.

Sun just resting on summit of horizon

- the long night will commence in

a few days.  Sky always clear.

 

Valdez mail came in:  We

got pk. of photograph from

Darrell – fine one of him!

 

It has been very cold all day – not

warmer than 35° below zero

 

[November Fri 23]

Working on Court Rules.

Donlan, escaped prisoner, not

heard from – carelessness.

 

[November Sat 24]

Taylor v. Berg.

Granted temporary injunction.

 

[November Sun 25]

Worked on Court Rules

            all day.

 

[November Mon 26]

Worked on Court Rules

 

[November Tues 27]

Work on Court Rules.

Sent George T. Reid $51. to pay

my life insurance on Jany 9th

 

The sun was seen just along the

ridge south of Eagle yesterday – its

copper rim only – today it is “out

of sight”, and we will not see

it any more, from where we live

until about Jany 16.  It

can be seen from the mountain

summits, however, most if not all

that time.

 

[November Wed 28]

Ball at Ft. Egbert.

At work on Court Rules.

Sent out my receipt for Nov. salary.

Attended ball at Ft. Egbert and

wore my dress suit!  Think of

it – a swallowtail &c. in 

Alaska!

[photo caption:]

“Barracks” – Drill Hall, Ft. Egbert, where we danced

 

[November Thur 29]

Thanksgiving Day

Worked all day on Court Rules,

and screen[?] - & attended Mr. Kirks

reception in the evening.

            Warm and slight fall

                        of snow.

 

[November Fri 30]

Now get bulletins from telegraph

office – most interesting news

that reaches Skagway.

 

[December Sat 1]

Mail!  The first

outside mail via Dawson

reached here tonight.  Letters

from Darrell, Jennie, &c. &c.

Last mail before this reached us

Oct. 27 – 5 weeks. ago!

 

[December Sun 2]

Attended Indian mission services at

Pres. Church today. Rev. Mr. Kirk.  Indians

came down the river from their village afoot

and on dog sleds.  Services in English by Mr. Kirk

translated by Enoch – who read also from their

Taku Takudh bible –

 

Attended the funeral of “Ketchumstock

Billy” at Indian village today.

Burial service conducted by Enoch

who read the entire Episcopal service

from the Takudh prayer book, and

the other Indians gave long responses

in their own tongue!  But two white

men present – Mr. Merriman, agent

N.A.T.C. and I.  It was a remarkable

scene to me – Athapascan Indians

reading the entire burial service in

their own tongue – fluently and

intelligently, and all responses

made quickly and in unison.

The widow, with a child on her back –

simply knelt in the snow.  I was sorry

(v)[?] for her – she looked so poor and unhappy.

 

[December Mon 3]

Mail in from Circle City

goes on to Dawson in the 

morning.  Answered all my

correspondence in time get it

on the way

 

While the sun has wholly disappear

=ed, the moon continues, like the Irish

man said, to shine in the night where

we need light.  It shines as long

and brightly now in mid winter as

the sun does in mid summer, and

seems never to set – It probably

shines all night if we and all

day – if we could be see it from

the level of Ft. Yukon.

 

December Tues 4]

Jeffery, stenographer, did

not attend to my correspondence

- neglected it, and it did not

get into the mail in time to go

out this morning.  I notified

him that, in consequence, I

would not allow him but a

half month for December.

 

Went out to edge of town hunting

ptarmigan with “Sam”, an Indian.

 

[December Wed 5]

Another mail from Circle City

            today

 

[December Fri 7]

Justice of the Peace Prescott Sawyer

has caused warrants for the arrest of

two notorious keepers of houses of ill

fame, and of the keepers of gambling

houses, to issue and the arrests have

been made.  His idea was to fine them

a reasonable amount each quarter in

vindication of the law and as an

aid to the fund to maintain the police

department.  Last year they were

arrested by Thomas McMahon, then

the Comr. and J. P. and they engaged lawyer

and owing to the lax conditions procured

the jury to acquit in the face of overwhelm

ing evidence, and this they are now again

to attempt.  Sawyer and Marshal Perry

are both troubled about it, but I have

instructed them to enter upon the fight to

win, that they must employ the whole power

of the government to convict since it is a

case of defiance of the courts by the criminal

class.  French has just received his

commission as Asst. Pros. Atty, and says he

will aid them earnestly – I hope he will.

The first case is that of a keeper of house

of ill fame and it is set for Monday.

 

[December Sat 8]

Heard the matter of incorporation

of Eagle:  Mr. Phillips of the A.E.

Co. and Mr. Mills of the S. Y. T.

Co. opposed incorporation.  Mr.

Merriman of the N.A.T.Co. was

indifferent while Crook of the 

A.C. favored incorporation

Bevington is very much in

favor.

 

Howard asks that it be and it

is hereby noticed that the A.C.Co

this day opened a lot of Christ

mas toys. – most of which he

wants.

 

[December Sun 9]

Mrs. Farnsworth just sends us down a

note from Ft. Egbert saying that the Captain

has telegram from General Greeley saying

that at fast ball game Dec. 2, Annapolis

11 and Westpoint 7 –

 

            Mail!

Just in from Dawson & the World.

Frick defeated for Gov. of Wash.

by 2700 – just about the Ankeny

force.  Letter from Darrell –

he passed 2nd in Math. in Oct

and generally high.  Letter from

Tom Sammons & Senator Foster.

 

Prepared a form of instructions to jury

for Sawyer in his criminal case,

and assisted him with general

advice.

 

[December Mon 10]

Sawyer gave the woman of the town two

trials – one a jury of 12 – 8 for acquittal

4 for conviction, the others of jury of 6, – 4 for

acquittal, 2 for conviction.  The saloons

are going their bond and are making a

hard fight.  It looks as if it were a fight

of the saloons vs. the courts.

 

Heard the matter of the incorporation and

ordered the election to be held on Jany

8th 1901.

 

Went out hunting – Killed 3 Ptarmigan.

 

[December Tues 11]

Case before Judge Sawyer of U.S. v. Grace

came up at 10 oclock for third trial – but he

declined to call another jury and bound her

over to court in the sum of $1000.  This gave

the defence trouble; Sawyer would only accept

good bond and they were unable to get such

bondsmen, - finally Phillips of the A. E. Co. put

up a $1000. in cash (said to belong to the prostitute).

Before the other case was called against the

other woman they concluded that the officers

were in earnest and meant to make them

bow to the law, and they came in and

offered to plead guilty and pay all the

costs and a fine.  Sawyer consented

and that class of law breakers will no

doubt respect the law hereafter.  The

gamblers come next.

 

Later:  Gamblers have also come and asked

to plead guilty & pay fines & costs.  The

War is over:  I have been much surprised

at the weakness and cowardice of the men

of Eagle in this matter.  Men who ought to

have stood by the courts have joined in abusing

them, and have returned verdicts in the most

flagrant violation of the law and their oaths

 

Very warm day – 14 above zero!

 

[December Wed 12]

Jessen returned today from

Dawson – by his dog team & sled.

Nesbit of the “News” sent me a letter

with some details of the Washington state

& county elections, while he also sent

me magazines and papers – no

outside paper, however, later than

October.

     Jessen also reports that the

escaped prisoner is said to be at 

the coal mines, 10 miles this side of

“Forty-Mile.”

 

[December Thur 13]

Bradley appearing for Leighton

and Bowric appearing for himself

sought to get me to arbitrate the case

of Leighton v. Bowrice – but they could

not agree upon the facts, &c. so I

declined to act – Bowrice must

answer The Complaint on file.

 

[December Fri 14]

Went hunting and killed 5 ptarmigan.

 

Ball at Fort Egbert, but we did

not attend – too old, I guess.

 

[December Sat 15]

Mail from Circle City & Rampart.

Claypool sends up complaint for

Writ of Mandate against Teeter to compel

him to deliver up ming  records at

Birch Creek.  Mandate issued,

& sent to Claypool by mail 

for service –

 

[December Tues 18]

Marshal Perrys account

presented – All correct except

that all of his house was charged

to government – he lives there as

well as keeps his office there

- but I finally allowed it

after much argument.

 

Study Club met at my house tonight

 

I read paper on history of Alaska – discussion

Present, Bevington, Mills, Farnsworth, Wilson

Hess, Chamberlain, Myers, Davenport, Wick

=ersham.

 

[December Wed 19]

Preparing decision and orders in the

case of Allen v. Myers, et. al. from

Rampart.

 

            Mail! from the World,

via Dawson.  Rec. letters from

Darrell, Jennie &c. and clippings

& letter from Jont Crouch.  Clipping

about election – giving details

in Pierce Co. & Washington.

 

Recd letter from Atty Genl. enclosing

permission from Sec. of War to use

the Govt. Saw mill in cutting lumber

for Courthouse and Jail.

 

[December Thur 20]

Saw Bevington today and he

promises to assist in taking

Perrys house off the hands of Govt.

If he does I will require Perry

to keep Marshals office in Heilig’s

Office, and give up his office.

 

Wrote Edwards at Rampart

suggesting that a petition be sent

to Foster praying for direct mail

service from Valdez to Rampart

& Koyukuk.

 

Capt. Farnsworth will assist me with

sawmill in getting lumber for Court House

and Jail – as per letter of Sec. of War.

 

[December Fri 21]

Shortest day of the year.

Broad daylight at 8.30.  Light fall of

snow last night.  Thermometer at zero.

Light clouds.  Sun below horizon.  A

beautiful winter day- Dusk at 3. p.m.

Six hours and a half of day light, and

yet it was cloudy.  So far we are both

surprised and pleased that the climate

here is so much better than it has been

represented.  While it gets cold, yet

it is dry, and barring long trips and

accidents there is little danger from

the cold.

 

[December Sat 22]

Talked with Perry, Heilig and

French about building Court

house and Jail.  Perry agrees

with me that everything ought to be

let by contract, and agrees with

my plan for jail. [Drawing: plan view of building.]

            Plan

            of

            Jail.

“A” Female ward. “B” Male ward – 4 cells.

General plan cells surrounded by corridor.

We have but $3,000. for jail and $5,000

for court house.

 

Went with Capt & Mrs. Farnsworth

& lot of other ladies and gentlemen

to see Indian dances at the

Indian village – usual barbaric

athletics and sing song – “Ki – ya.”

 

[December Sun 23]

Mounted two caribou horns

today on round boards and

hung them on the wall.

 

     Mail in from both

ways – two more applications

from Claypool for Mandamus

against Recorders:  Letter also.

 

[December Mon 24]

Howard and I got Christmas

tree and set it up.  Loaded it

with apples, oranges, nuts, candy,

and Howard will invite all the boys

(5 in number) in Eagle to assist him.

Fred. Crouch reached here this

evening having walked from Dawson.

He carried a 12 # turkey all the

way – afoot – for us, and we have

it tomorrow.

 

Mail in from both ways –

 

[December Tues 25]

We had a splendid Christmas

Day – clear, warm and fine.

We had a splendid Christmas

Tree, for the boys, all five boys in

Eagle attended.  We had Father Monroe

-Catholic priest, and Ed & Fred Crouch

to dinner.  Reception at Rev

Mr. Kirks in evening.

     A gardener across the river had

raised some cabbages last summer

& put some of them out in the cache

where they froze – and where they be

frozen solid now.  I bought a couple

Mrs. W. cleaned them, I sawed them

into quarters & she dropped these

quarters, still frozen solid, into

boiling water & cooked them – They

were perfectly delicious & helped

out our  turkey dinner very much.

 

[December Wed 26]

Deweys & Aunt Nans Birthday

Recd. pair of fine Indian

made gloves from H. J. Sherman

at Circle City – he is under indict

=ment for a minor offence – the gloves

are worth not to exceed $5.00 or $6.00

Will pay no attention to the matter –

 

Teeters, mining recorder from near

Circle City, arrived here today, and the

Marshal served him at once with the

writ of Mandate to deliver books to

Claypool.  he came to complain

but the writ seems to have astonished

him.   Says he will comply with law.

 

Have agreed to go to Seventy Mile

Riv.  Jessen, Ed, & Fred. Crouch

on a hunting expedition on 28th

 

Preparing call for bids for lumber

for courthouse and jail at Eagle.

 

[December Thur 27]

Signed order for bids for lumber

for the courthouse and jail.

 

Mail from outside via Dawson.

Recd. letter from Darrell.  Passed

satisfactory examinations for Nov.

 

[December Fri 28]

George Curtis, a mail

carrier for Fish, on Valdez route

committed suicide last night in his

cabin two doors west of our cabin.

He seems to have been drinking for some

days – so grew despondent and hanged

himself.  He left letters – one to W. K.

Brandon, one to Fish, and one to his

sister, a Mrs Pitkins in Boston, Mass.

He is said to have cashed a draft a

few days ago for Fish, and a package

supposed to be money is in Sawyers

hands.  Coroners jury – suicide.

 

Have abandoned our hunting trip.

 

Issued two more writs of Mandamus

to Recorders of Mining District near

Circle City, upon application of 

Claypool.

 

[December Sat 29]

Issued Order calling a 

Special February Term of Court

at Rampart, on February 18th

Will also hold term at Circle City

in March, as I return from Rampart

 

Went to the Indian village to get

some one to assist me in philological

work : Enoch is aiding me at present.

He seems very competent: he can write

the Indian words in English letters & 

seems to be very intelligent.  Found a

young Indian boy playing ball

with a club like a golf stick –

was informed that it was an old

game.  5 players on each side,

and played on the ice.

 

[photo caption:]

Florence Heilig, Leonard Heath, Reid Heilig, Robt. Farnsworth, Howard Wickersham, Lt. Craigie

 

 

[December Mon 31]

Changed date of Court at

Rampart to March 4th

 

Wrote Atty Genl. offering to hold 

term of Court at Unalaska

and Valdez

 

Christmas tree at Capt

Farnsworths – from left to

right:  Florence Heilig,

Leonard Heath, Reid Heilig,

Robt. Farnsworth, Howard

Wickersham, Lt. Craigie, U.S. A[rmy?]

 

Ball at Ft. Egbert. =

 

[Memoranda]

1900

Jany 22. Rec. from Storror Pac. Post. Tel. Co.   $37.50

                        $25. is S & W bal. Ex[?]

   “           Sheeks paid 3 months rent  -  -  -       $60.00

 

1900        Govt. Acct.

June 14th  Ex. to Seattle to inspect Creeks records &c $1.60

 

[printed “RATES OF POSTAGE”]

 

[printed “SUMMARY OF STAMP TAXES”

and “CALENDAR, 1901”]

 

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