Begin:

ASL-MS0107-Diary01-1900

James A. Wickersham diary [01], 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. 1^st they may

make new service & begin again

as notes are not outlawed prior to

Mch 1^st 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 18^th 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

1^st 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 26^th 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 29^th 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 19^th 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 19^th

21^st [~~22^nd~~] and 23rd [~~24^th~~]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 23^rd.

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 28^th

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 23^rd

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 9^th

“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.

[2^nd 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 3^rd 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 5^th 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.

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 20^th

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,

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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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]

20^th 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 – 18^th

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 9^th

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 2^nd 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

8^th 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

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 28^th

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 18^th

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 4^th

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

[printed “RATES OF POSTAGE”]

[printed “SUMMARY OF STAMP TAXES”

and “CALENDAR, 1901”]

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary01-1900

<http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary01-1900.htm>

Return to Top

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary02-1901

James A. Wickersham diary [02], Jan. 1 to Sept 29, 1901.

[Printed on cover:]

Memo ^m

1901.

Jany 1st to Sept. 29th.

[page break]

[Inside front cover:]

Nome. Thomas F. Bayard.

/ Frank McKay, Capt.

/ John Larson (Ballard, Wash

{ Frank White.

\ Wm. Fitley.

/ Schuldt.

\ John Brannon {June 25.

These men saw two men on Unimak

Island – where Sullivan Bros & Rooney

were killed.

[page break]

[January 1901]

1901.

January 1st 1901. Eagle City, Alaska.

We attended the ball last night at the

Drill Hall at Ft. Egbert, and enjoyed it

very much. Present: Captain and Mrs.

C. T. Farnsworth, Lts. Tillman & Cragie

Judge & Mrs. W_, Heilig and wife, Crook

and wife: Mrs and Mrs. U. G. Myers,

Mr & Mrs Heath, Mr & Mrs Myers,

Mr & Mrs Adams, & others. I am now

taking long walks daily and preparing to

go to Seventy Mile River – on 3rd with

Jessen & Ed & Fred. Crouch. Am going

to look at Coal mine on Washington Creek

& bar diggings on upper Seventy Mile.

January 2nd Chopping wood, repairing

leggings and getting supplies, ammunition

&c. ready to go hunting with the boys.

Jany 3rd We are waiting for Ben Downing

[wi]th the mail – Jessen wants to see him [and?]

[page break]

get a dog before we go to 70 mile river.

He will not get in from Dawson (so we hear

by telegraph today) until tomorrow night.

Have had two Indians writing vocabulary

- they write their own words in English

letters. They also gamble – play the

“bone gamble” like the Puyallups,

and other games.

Jany 4th 1901. The new post

physician and his wife reached

Eagle today by dog team. They

are young, and were just married

the day before they started on this trip.

Mail in from Dawson. Orr

and McGowan sent me a fine roll

of papers. Signed an order calling

for bids for erecting new Courthouse

and jail. Claypools report for

quarter ending Sept. 30. received

examined, and approved. Go on

hunt to 70 Mile Riv. in the morning.

[page break]

Jan 5th Left Eagle at 6 oclock a.m.

with two sleds and six dogs. Went up

Mission Creek – Killed 8 ptarmigan just

at day break. Reached the mouth of

Excelsior at noon and ate lunch at

Allen Stewarts cabin. Crossed the

divide from Excelsior to Rock Creek

& down to Seventy Mile. Reached

cabin near Fox Creek – Fred and

I one hour ahead of dogteam -

Found one big cabin full of miners

but a small one was placed at our

disposal. Borrowed a stove and

set it up, and had a big fire when

the sled came in. Fred cooked us

a good supper and we made our

bed on the ground and slept well -

Jany 6th Left Fox Creek with the temperature

below 30° and reached a cabin just below

the Falls on 70 Mile – near Washington Creek

[page break]

soon after noon. We remained here

for we go up Washington Creek about

five miles to visit a coal vein. One

feature of Seventy Mile River strikes me

as peculiar: - the valley bed rock is

everywhere higher than the river – every

bar can be worked by the hydraulic

method – water plenty, and the entire

valley is said to have fine gold in the

earth.

Jany 7th The days work consisted

in 10 miles of snow-shoeing. We went

over the ridge, through the brush, up and

down hills, - up Washington Creek – but

did not find the coal mine. I wore

moccasins today, also, for the first time.

I had no trouble with snow shoes, and

kept up – but my two second toes are

blistered and sore. We found a great

moose horn at a cabin five miles up and

carried them in to camp.

[page break]

Jan 8th Left Camp at Falls of the

~~Forty~~ {Seventy} Mile at 8 oclock, and reached

(70 Mile)

the Barney creek Cabin at noon: heavy

snow storm prevailing. Robertson

and Carr reached Barney camp

and put up with us: cabin 12 X 16.

inhabitants 6 men & 5 dogs inside

- 10 dogs outside. Wrote a note

home.

Jany 9th We left Barney Creek Cabin

at 7:30 am. The moon shone brightly, the sky

was cloudless and a faint tinge of dawn

just appeared in the east. Within half a

mile – at Placer Creek, we struck water

- or “glacier” as it is called by the old “mushers”

The river freezes to the bottom, yet the springs

continue to send out fresh supplies ~~of water~~

which failing to find a channel under the ice

break through and spread over the surface,

where it continues to freeze and build up the

ice until it assumes the appearance of a

[page break]

glacier. Sometimes a heavy fall of snow

covers the ice and protects the water from freezing

When the thermometer gets down 50° or 60°

degrees below zero, and you suddenly break

through the snow or ice and into water it

becomes dangerous. We struck several

such places, but had provided against just

such accidents by pulling flour sacks of

heavy drilling on our feet, and tying them

around the foot and below the knee. Our

dogs were not so well booted and old Dick

and one other dog reached the end of the days

trip with frozen feet. “Glaciers” and deep

snow retarded us very much – it was bout 25°

below zero when we started and 43° below

when we reached Robertsons cabin at night.

We had two sleds and 6 dogs – the load weighed

600 to 800 lbs. and we often found it necessary

to assist in pulling the load. About 11 oclock

the sunlight first lit up the mountains to the

[n]orth of the river. At noon we reached the

[page break]

Granite Fork, coming into the river from the

south, and just above the junction stopped

at the cabin of Messrs Laughlin, from Bloom

ington Illinois, and Wheeler from California. They

represent a Peoria, Ill. Co. in mining work at

Dewey Bar, across the river. We took lunch

with them in their warm cabin on the banks of

the 70 mile. Seventy Mile is a peculiar

mining region. Generally the bed rock lies

from 2 to 16 feet above the bed of the river, and

is covered with gravel from 6 to 10 feet thick

in which is said to be found paying quantities

of placer gold. If so it affords an ideal

hydraulic mining region. We stopped

during the afternoon at the mouth of Nugget

creek, where I saw Yost and told him I

could not go to Sheep Creek with him, and also

invited Sorinson, a guide Hunter to go with

us up the river, which he agreed to do tomorrow.

With a bad trail and colder weather we reached

{43° below zero.}

Robertsons cabin at Flume Creek at dark.

[page break]

Jan 10th. Jessen and Ed Crouch left

Robertsons cabin this morning, and took

one sled to camp ten miles up the river

so that when we move the load will be lighter

Thermometer 52° below zero all day &

we will not go on from this place until

it gets warmer. Sonerson will come on

today – reached here at noon. Boys came

back this evening – “Dicks” feet frozen and

the boys noses are “touched”.

Jany 11th The thermometer stood about 58°

below zero all day, and we will not leave

Robertsons cabin while it is so cold. Jessen

and Ed. brought in two loads of wood with the

dog team – we sharpened knives, cleaned

guns &c.

Jany 12th. This morning at 4 oclock the thermom

eter stood at 60° below zero, - during the

day it became warmer and tonight it is

but 40° below – hope to go on in the morning

everything ready for the run.

[page break]

Jany 13th Thermometer up to 35° below

this morning and we start on our journey

to the highest cabin on the river, where we hope

to hunt and prospect. Soon after leaving

Robertsons we struck the tracks of five large

wolves, who followed up the trail for miles.

Passed a splendid frozen waterfall on north

side of the river – came down off the mountain

- spread out like a miniature Niagara – the ice

is about 30 feet wide – and probably 50 feet or

more high. It is heavily glaciered on the hill

below, and also on the river. The ice is colored

- yellowish, and looks like yellow variegated

marble – or limestone. About 8 miles above

Flume Creek, on the south bank of Seventy Mile

stands a rock which I have called “Portico Rock”

It is a lone rock the front of which projects very

much like the heavy stone portico of of a over

the entrance to a great stone building. The

projecting front is formed into what appears

to be a carved outline of the human profile.

[page break]

Afternoon we reach the forks of the river.

Dearmond Fork is the south branch while the

main river comes from the right – up which

we labored. We saw great bands of Cariboo

on the mountains just above us, - the river

was beaten like a highway and trails ran

across it like heavy cattle trails on the

Prairies of the West. There must have been

innumerable cariboo here, - we ran them

off the river ice – they walk on ice and

frozen snow without slipping. Sorenson

Fred and I reached McNeals cabin – Fred nearly

frozen – thermometer 50° below zero. Jessen

and Ed. reached camp after leaving one sled

5 miles below.

Jany 14th – Thermometer 54° below – boys

went and brought up second sled. Sorenson

went up river three miles, climbed high mountain

&c. but saw no sign of mountain sheep.

We cleaned and fixed up cabin – but it is too

cold to go out hunting.

[page break]

Jany 15th. Sorenson and I climbed the

mountain at the south of Friday Creek, a

mile down the river from our camp. We

reach the summits probably 3000 feet above

the river, and just as we reached the dome

the sun shone on us from over the mountains

to the south. It was a beautiful morning

- clear and cloudless, and the sunrise

was gorgeous. Seventy-Mile rises within

an amphitheatre of snowy mountains

beyond whose rims we could not see – they

were all touched with the red sunrise and

they had the appearance of reflecting a great

fire just behind the whole great amphitheatre.

It was a glorious sunrise. From my high

perch I could see across the divide to the north

and down upon the distant Yukon, down

the whole valley of the Seventy Mile again to the

Yukon. Far to the east, across the Yukon one

could see the steep end of the great Rocky Mt.

range. We hunted carefully over the summits

[page break]

visited Sorensons sheep peaks – but not a

sign of sheep. It was 50° below zero at

camp all day – at times even colder – but

on the summits it was much warmer – I think

at least 10° warmer. When we came down

off the mountains into the river we immediately

became much colder – this seems to arise

from the heavy cold air settling in the low land

and the light {sun} warmed air playing round the mount

=ain summits. We followed cariboo trails

over the highest summits. The boys killed

7 ptarmigan today – S~~onerson~~ orinson and I will

go up river tomorrow.

Jany 16th. Went up Seventy Mile to its very

head and climbed the great mountain at

the right – about 6000 feet. We found fresh

sheep tracks and finally I saw the sheep –

but alas! at half a mile and running.

Will go back in the morning – the view

from these high mountains was sublime.

We took the thermometer along, but on

the mountain top it only went down to

[page break]

30° below, although it was 50° below

when we left camp, and 47½° below

when we returned at night. From

our perch on this high mountain we could

see the course of Charlie River and its

tributaries, and 50 miles away the

Yukon lay like a great serpent.

Saw Indian camps (old) on the

right side of right fork of river.

Jany 17th Went out with Sorenson & Jessen

and had just reached the point of the mountain

when we saw the sheep yesterday when Jessens

pack of dogs came up wagging their tails

and looking perfectly happy. Jessen had to go

back to camp with them. Sorenson and I

went on to the summits, climbed the highest peak

on the north side of Seventy Mile, from which

I saw the flats at Circle City – the whole

sweep of Charlie river, and the whole of

the Yukon from near the mouth of Seventy

Mile to the Yukon Flats. The country

[page break]

lay before me like a great relief map, -

but not a sheep could we find. We found

tracks and fresh sign in abundance, but

the day is too short to give time to reach

the summits and hunt before night. I

cannot hunt longer – business is being

neglected and I must go home tomorrow.

I only came to stay seven days, and am

now out fourteen, but the frightful cold

has prevented us from reaching the summits

except for the last two days. There are

sheep here, - signs are abundant but it is

a question of more time. We start home

in the morning. I name the high mountain

on the right – at the head of ~~Sixty~~ Seventy Mile,

and between that and the Waters of Charley River

- Mt Sorenson, in honor of my guide who

first reached its summit. From its lofty

summit we saw the outline of the Yukon

and Charlie and even the end of the mountain

at Circle City, and the Yukon Flats

[page break]

The peaks at the head of Seventy Mile are

rounded, but Mt. Sorenson and attached

peaks are perpendicular on the Charley

Rivers side – like this.

[captions with sketch of mountains:] Seventy Mile Charley River

I cannot give a correct map, but the

following is an approximation of that

of Seventy Mile, at its head, and Charley River

[captions with sketched map of rivers:] Mt. Sorenson Circle City

70 Mile River Charley River

[page break]

Charley River runs around the head~~quar~~w[aters?]

[o]f Seventy Mile and heads with Forty

Mile. We saw a beautiful sunset

from Mt Sorenson. The sun was set

and its rays just touching the summits o[n?]

our range passed over the Yukon and

just touched the summits on the eastern

range. In a short time they ceased

to rest on the snowy eastern mountai[ns]

but struck the sky line above –

The {distant} summits were snowy white, the

space ~~between~~ {Just above} the summits blue, and

the whole sky above was filled with the

[r]osiest of sunlit hues. It made a

[g]orgeous picture, but to be appreciated

[i]t must be seen.

[Jan]y 18th We left our camp this morn[ing]

[to go?] home. Sorenson, Fred and I ahead

[?]ot. We passed through a great her[d]

[of c]ariboo, - a hundred yards away [?]

[page break]

[si?]mply gazed at them which comp[?]

[?]y returned in kind. When Ed & Jesse

[c]ame along however they killed a fine

fat one and brought into Robertsons

cabin at Flume Creek, - we intended

when we started to reach Sorensons

but when we arrived at Robertsons

it was late and growing very much

colder so we remained over night [?]

Robertson. Maine hunter and guide –

21 years in Maine militia, Captain

miner, cook, watchmaker – his [?]

saw mill &c. Thermometer 56° below

Jany 19th Thermometer this morn[ing]

60° below zero. Ed and I are

going on with one sled. Fred and

Jessen remain with the other sled

We reached Sorensons at the mouth of [?]

[g]ulch about 10 oclock and left him [?]

[?] went on to McLaughlins at [?]

[page break]

the Barney Creek cabin [?]

having ~~traveled~~ {walked} 25 miles with the thermometer

below 50° below zero. It hurts ones

lungs to breath such cold air, but

otherwise we are no worse for the trip

Late this evening the weather seems to be

changing – it is now – 9 oclock, but

45° below zero, and we hope it will

be warmer in the morning. Have had

a long talk with Ed. Crouch and have

persuaded him to go with me on the

journey to Rampart and then to give

up mining and go home. He agrees

to do so, and it is much to his advantage.

Saw moose, cariboo and wolf sign in

abundance across our trail today.

Jany 20th There is a complete change in

the weather this morning – it is cloudy

windy and the thermometer is only to zero.

Barring drifted trails we ought to get

along well today. Robertson told

[page break]

me about a moose killed two years ago

just below here by two wolves. They

attacked the moose some miles to the

south of the Seventy Mile, and ran him

to that stream, having drawn blood

before reaching there. As soon as they

could run him on the ice they did so

whereupon they both seized him, he

fell on the ice, and slipping and fighting {sliding}

he fought them for half a mile, the wolves

all the time cunningly keeping him

on the ice, where they finally killed him.

The moose is a tremendous animal,

weighing 1200 to 1800 lbs. and can kill

a wolf with one stroke of his front hoof

yet they are able to hunt him successfully.

A miner told me this story about cariboo

hunting, which is not quite as correct possibly

Finding a herd of cariboo he crept carefully

near and fired. The report of the gun caused

the animals to start suddenly, leap away

[page break]

and pump quickly; it was at the season

when they were shedding their horns, and

the only result secured by his shot was

an acre of cariboo horns which they

shed in the shock. Both moose and

cariboo are know sometimes to shed their

horns upon such a start, hence the story.

A hunter told me that neither the moose,

cariboo nor any other animal which

shed its horns, has a gall bladder!

There are two varieties of the wolf in this

neighborhood – or rather two colors

common to the same variety – the black

and gray. They are large timber wolves

and look so exactly like the native dog

that, Sorenson tells me, he met four – two

black and two gray, one day here in the

Barney cabin canyon and he hesitated

to shoot believing them to be dogs – when

hist! they were gone. Often when the

female dog is in heat the Indians tie

[page break]

her out near the haunt of the wolves, and

the male wolf visits her, and the offspring

is said to be an improvement on the

Indian dogs. “Jack” the leader in

our team sits on his haunches, now,

before me, his great teeth and wolfish

eyes glistening, his figure and black

coat proving beyond doubt his near

kin to the wolf. The Indians sometimes,

it is said, procure a cross between their

dogs and the fox – a fact for which I

cannot vouch. # Ed woke up this

morning early and having no watch he

got up about 3 oclock, we had breakfast

prepared to travel and yet it was too dark

I went to bed again and took another nap

but afterwhile it became light enough to

see and we started. The change is tempera

ture brought a wind which filled the trail

full and I walked ahead of the team

all day long with the wind on my face

[page break]

breaking trail. The constant rolling

all day pretty nearly lamed me in the

ankles, and I can hardly walk tonight

We reached Fox Creek cabin early, having

travelled 25 miles since morning.

Jany 21st We left the Fox Creek cabin

this morning – thermometer 20° below

trail up Rock creek good, growing

warmer: reached Eagle bout 3:00

oclock, having traveled 21 miles in

7 hours. Every thing all right.

Jany 22nd. Mail today from both

directions. Darrells letter is much

more hopeful than formerly. Signed

judgment in U.S. v. Teeters – that left

pay costs of proceeding – Recd. salary

voucher {check} $407.60 for Nov. vouchers for

July to Oct. not yet received (Dec 27.) in

Washington. Valdez route is a fraud.

Jany 23rd Wrote Geo. T. Reid, and sent

him $224.00 to pay $166.66 on additional

[page break]

twenty (20) acres to be purchased

in Indian reservation at Tacoma

also balance on Buckley lot taxes.

Jany 24th Worked all day and evening

on Allen v. Myers. In evening

Walters came over and assisted me

in preparing specifications for the

Courthouse.

Jany 25th Worked all day on prep

=aring specifications for Courthouse.

In sending George T. Reids letter

the $224. was left out – sent it

today but it will be a week behind.

Jany 28th Working all week on plans

and specifications for Jail and Court

House, also case of Allen v. Myers.

Made agreement with Fred & Ed. Crouch

and Ed. Jessen by which Mrs. Wickersham

and I pay 2/5 of amount for supplies

($70. paid, supplies bought of N.A.T. Co.)

and agree to pay our share of a reasonable

[page break]

amount for working claims. Fred,

Ed. & Jessen go in morning with a

load of provisions to bar [far?] below the falls

on Seventy Mile River, to stake claims

inspected by us while their. Five claims

are to be staked, and we are to own the

same in common.

Jany 30th At a meeting of the Study

Club last night, upon my suggestion

a Committee of Three consisting of Messrs

Bevington, Mills and Chamberlain

was appointed to consider the establish

ment of a Public Library in Eagle.

Called for bids from the four

Company stores for supplying all the

hardware, nails, and paper for the

courthouse and jail.

Jany 31st. Upon request I met with

Committee on Public Library; formulated

plan for organizing the library -

[page break]

[February 1901]

Febry 1st Opened the bids at 1 oclock

at the Clerks office for erecting the

Courthouse and jail: bids as follows.

Howard & Drebelbis $2000.

Jackson 2260.

Walters 3400.

Heath 3900.

Widman 3925.

The bid for lumber is $65.00 per M.

and other bids have been received for

other materials. Marshal and Clerk

and I will meet at 7 oclock to

determine if $8000. will finish

both building, and if so the contract

will be immediately let.

Febry 2nd Contract made with Howard

& Driebelbis to build Court House & Jail

also with Johanson for all lumber at

$65.00 per M. Fred. Crouch filed on

placer claim for himself, Debbie

[page break]

and me, just below The Falls on the

Seventy Mile River. Locations

recorded today. Supplies will

all reach there by next load by

dog team tomorrow: Jessen &

Ed. Crouch will not file until after

they prospect the ground in the summer

Fred will file a water claim and

mill site on the falls.

Febry 4th. Mail in today from

outside. Recd. check for salary

for July – Oct. = $1671. From

Darrell & others. Sent out for the

stores &c. to make out accounts

for my last six months bills.

Febry. 5. Paid the following accounts

A. E. Co. to date $142.60

N. A. T. Co “ “ 289.61

Johansen “ “ 155.85

A. C. Co. “ “ 209.70

S. Y. T. Co. ” “ 167.50

[page break]

Febry 8th I have several important

cases involving valuable mines, and

the organization of the civil authority

in Rampart, as well as some important

cases relating to mandamus of mining

recorders at Circle City – in short a

large amount of business of great

public importance in the most distant

parts of my district that ought to have

immediate attention. If I wait

until the river opens I cannot get

down to Rampart and back by July

1st the date when the regular term of

this court must meet at Eagle City.

So I have called a special term of Court

to meet at Rampart on Mch 4, and I

start for that place in the morning accom

=panied by Ed. Crouch and a dog team

- a journey of 519 miles afoot over the

Yukon river ice. No other official

{supplies $12.00}

goes with me, - no one wanted to go!

[page break]

Feby 9th It was a beautiful sunshiny

morning – thermometer 30° below zero –

we left Eagle at 10 oclock having deter

mined on going only to Star – at mouth of

the Seventy Mile River. Trail along side of

Yukon river ice, but filled with snow, and

broken and bad. We reached Star at 4:00

oclock in pretty good shape – 5 dogs with

3000 #s on sled. We put up with Ed. Jessen

in his cabin – first class accommodation

and splendid supper – beans, bread, {butter}

and Hamburg {Moose} steak. Distance 20 miles.

As we came down the bank of Seventy Mile

Riv. I held back on the handle bars, the sled

upset, caught me and turned my heels

where my head was and threw me several

feet out into a snow bank. 40° below zero.

Febry 10th It was 52° below zero this

morning when we left Star – a bright

clear morning – cloudless but cold.

At noon it was 42 and tonight 43° below

[page break]

The trail was heavy and bad all the way

to Montauk. It had not been traveled

since the last snow and I walked ahead

and broke trail part of the day. The trail

ran along the edge of the shore ice, upon

shelf and we had to lift the sled up and

sometimes down – often it ran off sideways.

We reached Montauk at 3 oclock, and

could have gone on to Nation river but

it was too cold and I was too sore and

stiff. The road house here is kept by

young White, a Long Island, N.Y. boy,

who came into the country after a fortune

in 1898. Distance traveled today 20 miles.

Febry 11th We determined last night

not to leave Montauk until late in the

morning and only go to Nation River –

14 miles. Trail very bad – unbroken and

heavy with snow, - thermometer 40° below

all day – load heavy. Thermometer tonight

52° below – we may not move from here tomorrow.

[page break]

Feby 12. Thermometer this morning was

56° below zero, and we remained in camp

today – tonight it is up to 35° below

and we hope for warmer weather by

morning. Nation city is three miles

from Ivy City – both are “busted booms”

- mining booms. Hank Pennoyer is

an inhabitant of Nation City – he is

a Mt. Vernon, Wash. logger and a

good citizen. A trapper over on

Nation River by the name of Smart

- has several cabins and tents along

river – has 150 marten skins – several

black and some white wolf skins.

Febry 13th It was 45° below when we left

Nation this morning, but within an hour it

had gone down to 50°; it was 35° at noon

and 40° below when we went in for the night.

We broke trail, and it was bad to half the

distance between Nation river and

Washington Creek – where we met

[page break]

the first team on the river – the up

river mail carrier – at noon today.

His trail made mark for our team

to follow and we went much faster

in consequence. We reached Wash

=ington Creek at 2:30 and went on

to Charlie creek – having traveled

34 miles according to Downings mail

route. Staid all night with the

Indians – gave each little fellow 10¢

- 14 smaller than ten years old.

Febry 14th Left Indian camp with

thermometer 42° below, dropped to

25° below at noon - 40° below tonight

Good trail today, and we reached

Coal Creek for night – 24 miles.

My ankle is bad – paining me every

step and badly swollen. Made

a big blister on my well foot while

trying to aid the other. Just two

days out from Circle City now.

[page break]

Febry 15th 50° below this morning &

we did not leave Coal Creek until 10

a.m. Bray, who is prospecting for

coal up that stream came down to

Mocks – keeper of the roadhouse, before

we left. Says he has good bituminous

coal 9 miles up the creek. I left the

cabin half hour ahead of dog team

and traveled 12 miles before Ed. caught

up with me. Thermometer rose to -30°

and a wind sprang up, and was much

more unpleasant and uncomfortable

than even -40°. We reached Webbers

at 2 oclock and owing to the bitter

wind and distance to next roadhouse

put up for the night at Webbers – 16 mi

from Coal Creek – and long ones, too.

“Pete, the Pig”, lives at mouth of Wood

-chopper Creek, about 6 mi. this side

of Coal Creek. Pete, the Pig, “Mag, the

Rag” - live at Circle, & “Windy Jim” are

[page break]

characters. Webber is in a way

another. He is irascible and cross,

the world is upside down – the mail

couriers know his weakness, and have

combined to annoy him. He has a

fine body of the timber at his cabin that

he has been protecting against fire

for two years intending to cut it into

cordwood next year. They have

informed him that Downing the

mail contractor intends to establish

a mail station and a large wood

yard here to cut the timber - a word

each trip, - some new item of lie

carefully and artlessly dropped keeps

him in a continual rage – and

Downing knows nothing of it and

has no intention of taking his place

How much trouble we do borrow in

this life.

Febry 16. We left Webbers at 9.

[page break]

- the thermometer at 38° below and the

wind blowing a gale. Luckily it

blew down stream, and rather gave

us aid. We made a mistake in not

starting at 6 oclock, for we could

have made Circle if we had. We

reached Johnsons but 22 miles

from Circle at 2 oclock, and will

start early in the morning so as to

reach Circle early. Johnson is a fat

goodnatured son of Scandinavia

Weather tonight is much moderated

- only -20°. Trails are now good

- my feet are growing strong and with

moderate weather we can go rapidly.

Febry 17th Left Johnsons at 7 a.m.

and reached Circle City at 1 p.m. -

distance 26 miles. Thermometer at

daylight 30° below. Took dinner

with Lizzie & Edgar, wrote letter to Debbie

visited with Claypool, Hamilton &

[page break]

met Bishop Rowe – attended

church tonight. We leave in the

morning at 6 a.m. & will try to make

Halfway Roadhouse – ½ way to

Ft. Yukon. Everything here seems all

right: two parties to declare their intentions

- Becker recorder appeared before me

in mining recorder case. Bishop Rowe

appeared in the pulpit in full Episcopal

vestments – wearing moccasins. He talked

to me about conditions at Tacoma – said

soldiers were forcing their way into Indian

cabins &c. that things had improved very

much at Circle & criticised Gehmle.

18th Febry. Left Circle this morning at

6.30 about half hour ahead of Ed & his

team – he did not catch up with me

until I stopped at the 20 Mile Roadhouse

at noon. We left there at one oclock

and reached the Half Way roadhouse

at 6.30 – distance today 45 miles

[page break]

Sun rose at 8 a.m. set at 4 p.m.

Magnificent day, clear, cloudless and

20° below zero. Trails just a little

rough.

Febry 10th -35° below this morning.

Left Halfway Roadhouse at

7 oclock and reach Seventeen

Mile Roadhouse at 2 oclock.

We could easily have reached

Ft. Yukon, but our feet are

sore, and we can get in tomorrow

before noon anyway. I want to

stay half a day there and this

just makes it right. My right

foot is badly blistered on the

bottom. Mirage to the

westward yesterday and today

- church – elevator, flouring [?]

& rolling mill. Today bris[?]

like clounds[?] on summits – sp[?]

- bridges – cannons -

[page break]

We passed much open water

today, the main channel is open

along here and running fast and

deep. We cross and recross it &

it seems very dangerous – the

ice is breaking & falling in.

New moon – thermometer

-25° below tonight.

{Distance 22 miles.}

Cash at Circle, pd. provisions $12.75

“ “ Ed. Crouch 25.00

Febry 20th Reached Ft Yukon

at noon & remained rest of day

Magnificent day – mirage from

Ft. Y_ grand, northern lights.

Entertained by Mr. Mountifield

& took supper with Rev. Mr. Wo[oden?]

Distance today 14 miles.

This – morning -25° - night 2

Pd Ed. Crouch on act. $50.00

Febry 21. Left Ft. Yukon at

6:30 afoot, and walked without

[page break]

sitting down, into Bretts Cabin at

Willow Point, distance 35 miles

time 9 hours, condition, crippled

up in the ankles. Ed. Left Ft.

Yukon half an hour after I did

and came into Bretts an hour

after. Thermometer this morning

at Ft. Yukon - 35° below, but

clear and warmer during the day

Ed. is all broke up in his ankles

and feet, and the dogs are footsore

- I stand it better than they do.

Febry 22. Left Britts at 6.30 a.m.

Magnificent camp: Thermometer -30° below

Walked 20 miles before Ed and team

overtook me. Knee sprain somewhat

but feel better today than any day

since we left home. Met the

A.C. Co party on their way from

St Micheal to Dawson – Menzies

the Auditor, Hill, Marion and

[page break]

Trump – they had three dog teams

with six dogs in each, - 18 dogs.

Peterson and McDonald, mail

carriers staid with us at Bretts

last night. McDonald carries

the mail from Bretts to first cabin

south of Ft. Yukon: Peterson takes

it from Britts down to Smiths &

came out with us today. Sent a

letter back home by McDonald.

Julius cabin 25 mi. from Bretts.

Febry. 23rd From Julius’ cabin to

Victors is 30 miles – we left first

place at 6:30, or rather I did for

Ed. team and the mail man left an

hour later. I walked 25 miles

before they caught me at 2.30. At

Victors cabin I found Mr. Lewis

whom I met last summer at his

wood yard 12 below Britts cabin,

and who went {duck} hunting with me

[page break]

while the “Susie” took on wood.

Ed. is completely exhausted and

his ankle is so badly swollen

that he thinks we must lay off

tomorrow to rest. So far I

have walked all the way and given

him the entire sled – but he still

grows worse and it may be the

best to lay off one day – will

determine in the morning.

Febry 24. I walked 22 miles

today, from Victors to Smith Cabin,

reached the latter place about half

an hour ahead of the team, - 30°

below this morning, but much warmer

tonight & looks like rain or snow.

Eds ankle is better and he now

thinks he can make it in. Write

home and Peterson will take

it back with him – this is the end

of his run. Shaved & washed.

[page break]

Febry 25th Wrote home {last night} to Howard

saying what beautiful weather we had

been blessed with so far – and then

last night it snowed! This morning

when I left Smiths Cabin the wind

was blowing keenly from the north,

the trail was filled and traveling very

bad. Reached Carsh’s Cabin 15 mi

from Smiths, - the next cabin is 22

miles farther – and was glad to rest.

Walked an hour ahead of the team

which seems of no advantage except

to haul its own feed. Thermometer

this morning 5° above zero! the

warmest weather so far on our trip,

but a bitter north wind blowing.

Feb. 26th Left Carsh’s cabin at

8 oclock this morning and “broke trail”

through badly drifted snow on the

river for 2 miles. Poor trails today

- wind and clouds of fine snow -

[page break]

Reached Ross cabin – 22 miles

from Carsh’s, - traveled all day with

Salmon, the mail carrier, who

drove ahead at noon and “broke

trail” this afternoon. Met a lot

of Indians going out to hunt

moose. Ross, the roadhouse

man, is from Puyallup, and is a

brother of E. W. Ross, of Castle Rock

Wash. one time a candidate for Atty.

Genl. on Rep. Ticket, & later one of

Ankenys managers. Will reach

Ft. Hamlin tomorrow. Temperature

this morning -17° below zero. 22

miles today – walked.

Febry 27th We left Ross’ Cabin this

morning with Salmon, the mail carrier,

and ran into Ft Hamlin at 2 oclock

- 30 miles in 7 hours. Wrote to Howard

tonight. Hurricane of wind and snow

at our backs all day. Walked all day.

[page break]

We were kindly entertained at Ft. Hamlin

by Mr. Schidel, who set us a fine supper,

and gave us good bed and lodging.

Febry 28th We left Ft Hamlin this

morning in a frightful Dakota bliz

=zard, - wind coming into the Water

Gap off the flats at 30 miles per hr.

and {accompanied by}

dense clouds of snow. After 5

miles down the river we found it some

better but a hurricane of wind and

snow at our backs pushed us along

all day. About 8 mi from Ft Hamlin

we met “Jimmy” Oldfield, the mail

carrier going in, accompanied by

Kimball, one of the intervenors in

Allen v. Myers. He was on his way

to Ft. Hamlin to meet my party hoping

that either French of Claypool would

be along, but he was disappointed.

Ate lunch at Andersons, 15 miles

out of Ft Hamlin when Kimball

[page break]

remained for the night while we

went on to the mouth of Salt Creek –

It is now snowing again, but the

wind has died out. Distance 23 mi.

[March 1901]

Mch 1st. Our accommodations at

Salt Creek were bad – small cold cabin

- etc. Left there ahead of the team

- 10 miles down the river I met the whole

tribe of Athapascans from Rampart

out on a moose hunt. Nine large

sleds – 30 people including men

women and papooses, snow

shoes, &c. They moved across the

river and went into camp at noon

intending to hunt a day or so out on

the divide – the Indian kills a

moose & then moves to it & camps

after it is eaten he hunts, kills

another, moves to it, eats it, &c. &c

Reached Tuckers cabin for the

night. 25 miles traveled.

[page break]

The mail carrier - Jimmy Old

=field & Kimball came in &

we remained with them in the mail

cabin.

Mch. 2nd Left mail cabin with

Kimball at 6.30 - 2½ miles to

Drews Coal Mine, opposite Mike

Hess Creek. Ed. Caught up

with me, & we reached Rampart

at 2 oclock - Distance 30 miles.

People are surprised to see me

- say that they had no idea that

I would come - that I made a

very quick trip, &c Bath, shave

- lunch, &c. &c. Room in the

rear of N. A. T. Co Store - It

looks as if the business of the

court would not be heavy, but

I have done well to come -

Will write home tomorrow -

Take breakfast with Wiggins in morning

[page break]

Mch 3rd Took 12 m. breakfast

with Col. & Mrs Wiggins. Wrote home.

Mch. 4th Court convened at 11 a.m.

appointed James B. Wingate, deputy

Clerk. Parties in Allen v. Myers not

ready – but I announced that I

would present my views on the jurisdic

=tion of the court tomorrow at 10 a.m.

Shall dismiss the action. Business

of court in poor way – for want of

competent lawyers to handle it.

Mch 5. Rendered a decision in

the case of Allen v. Myers, et. al. this

morning, holding that court had no

jurisdiction in equity to quit title

to mining claim against adverse claim

=ants, but that the remedy was legal under

special proceedings provided in Secs. 2325

-2326. R. S. Will dismiss case tomorrow

- dissolve injunction & provide for payment

of Trustee Baker. Took dinner

[page break]

with Mr. P. Kaffenbaugh, & visited

during the evening at Col. Wiggins -

Mch. 6th - Allen v. Myers goes over

until Saturday on motion to amend.

Other business will be wound up then

and I can go home on Monday.

took dinner with Col & Mrs Wiggins

tonight - present Mr. & Mrs. Edwards,

Judge Balliet, Mr Young [?] & Lt.

Rogers & Dr. Twedie, U. S. A.

Mch. 7th. Went out to Little Minook

Creek, today - 8 a.m. this day - Dog team

went also. Visited "Idaho Bar", and

met Mr. Wm G. Atwood, U.S. Min. Sur.

and Mr. Crowley, manager in chard

"Idaho Bar" belongs to Erastus Brainerd

Esq. & associates of Seattle. They have run

a terminal in from the hillside on bedrock

500 feet above valley, and have sunk

3 shafts to bedrock, all of which

will be connected by the tunnel.

[page break]

12 men working there: two steam

thawers, &c. It looks prosperous

and more like mining than any

thing I have seen this side of the

"Gold Hill" mines at Bonanza Creek

Dawson. Visited McGraws claim

on Little Minook - they were unfortunate

enough a few days ago to drift too

near some old diggings – tunnels,

and water broke through and filled

all their shafts and drifts, and they

are now fitting up a steam pump to

clear them out. Did not go over to

Minook, Jr. as I intended. This is

an interesting locality aside from its

mines. Ore miner has removed from

his mine the long 9 ft. tusks of a

mastadon with teeth & other remains.

Out of No. 24, they recently took the

tremendous horns of an extinct

and fossil buffalo: Mr. O. P. Thomson

[page break]

tells me of one of these which he &

his partners dug out on El Dorado

on the Klondike. Its back was

22 ft below the surface: it stood

on its feet, and was 9 feet high.

Their shaft was sunk into it &

the smell was yet so strong that

they were forced to sink another

shaft and drift them together to

clean the first shaft of the smell.

I am also told that on the Koyukuk

there is a bank which is being

undermined by the river and from

the mass of these ancient remains

and their scent is know as the

“Stink Bank”. I have seen some

large bones from that locality.

Mch. 8th Took pictures of “Buffalo” horns

& Mastadon tusks. Nothing particular

except conference with Commissioner

[page break]

Balliet, Dept. Marshal Gehmle

& Mr. Knapp about vigorous enforce

-ment of the law in relation to

selling liquor to Indians, &c.

Spent the evening at Mr & Mrs.

Billy Edwards (Rec. U.S. Land Office)

Mch. 9th Had a hard day in

court: dismissed the case of

Allen v. Myers, et. al. and Myers

began a new suit: injunction

granted &c. Courthouse was

on front street, log house, one

story - jail on second street

back - log house - one story.

Recd. letter from Debbie saying

that she had letter from Darrell

& he was O.K. Good. I start

home Monday morning in

company with mail carrier &

Lt. Camden, of the "Nunivak"

everything ready, now, to go.

[page break]

Mar 10th Spent day in preparing

orders and correcting record

of term & putting it in proper

shape. Have pd. Ed. Crouch

on account to date $175.00.

Made some Kodak views.

Took dinner with Col. & Mrs. Wiggins

After dinner Mr. Fleischman & Mr.

Lawrence gave us music - violin & piano

Lt. Rogers, Dr. Twedie, U.S.A. & other

gentlemen came in & we spent

pleasant evening. Am packed

to go on trail in the morning.

Appointed J. Lindsey Green a Notary

Public. on Mch 9th Gov. Brady having

sent me blank commissions for

that purpose before he left Alaska

for Washington. Bond will be

taken for approval : Fee $10.00 paid to me

[page break]

Mch. 11th In company with Lieut.

B.H. Camden, U.S.S. "Nunivak", I

left Rampart at 7:30 and we

walked 18 miles before the dog teams

caught us. Oldfield, mail

carrier came with dog team and the

mail along with Ed, and our team

Gehmle, Dep. U.S. Marshal also

came out to Drews Coal mine to

serve papers in some lien cases.

After a long, hard days work we

reached Tuckers cabin - 30 miles from

Rampart for the night, to find the small

cabin already inhabited by 13 wood

choppers on their way up to Dall River.

Lieut. Camden and I slept in an ad-

-joining cabin. Today was very windy

- it blew in our faces most all day and

it is getting worse. The owner of our

cabin tonight is a Mr. Clinton, who

[page break]

went from Alaska to South Africa

to mine, thence he came into Asia and

wound up at "New California" a

mining region on the Amur river: A

guard of Chinese troops put him

out of the country: he went through

Corea, and Japan - and is now in

his gray-haired years catching fish

and cutting cordwood on the banks of

the Yukon - a typical prospector.

Mch. 12th. Left Tuckers cabin at

7.00 a.m. with Mr. Camden, and faced

a blizzard for 20 miles before the team

caught me. Reached "Andersons

Cabin at 7 oclock - 32 long, weary

windy miles - The storm is increasing

in force - cloudy - dark and snowing

a little. Slept on the floor again,

- but slept like a log.

Mch. 13th Mr. Camden and I left

[page break]

Andersons this morning in a perfect

fog of compressed air and snow.

It came into our faces, the snow blew

into our eyes and faces and froze &

we were forced to walk backwards when

the trail was solid enough to bear us up.

As our cavalcade approached Ft

Hamlin we could not have stood

up but by holding to the handes of

our sleds. We held on blindly

and our teams guided us in to the

A.C. store at 1 oclock – Here we

found Downing, the mail Contractor

and a carrier: we had a warm

lunch and Ed and I started out

for the “Nunivak” leaving Mr. Camden

to come on tomorrow when Downing

returns up the river. As we came

out the Yukon Water Gap, where

the Yukon leaves the wide flats

[page break]

and plunges into the mountains the

gale increased to a hurricane &

the snow and ice cut our faces.

We could only hold on and run

and in three hours – at 5 oclock,

we found ourselves floundering

in the drifts at the mouth of Dall

River. When once we overcame the

drifts and violent wind and entered

behind the banks of the Dall, we

found comparitive calm, and a good

trail up the river a mile where to our

relief we saw the welcome lights of

the vessel ahead of us. Sent my

card in to the commander and was

heartily welcomed by Captain

Cantwell, of the U.S. Revenue service

He took his vessel into the Dall last

summer – or fall, before the freeze up,

and let her freeze here for the winter

[page break]

She has a crew of 36 men and 5

officers, among whom I found

Dr. White, whom I have hereto

=for known as a student of ethnology

Had a good supper with Capt. Cantwell

and a good warm bath – and a

clean bed and sound sleep. The

storm is increasing – the wind

howling and whistling overhead.

Mch. 14th I intended to leave the

Nunivak this morning in time to

stop an hour at the Indian village

5 miles up the Yukon, before Downing

and the mail carrier came along, but

was persuaded by Capt. Cantwell &

Ed – and the storm, to wait until

Downing and Camden came in

from Ft. Hamlin, which they did at

10:30 They reported the worst wind

and snow storm of the winter

[page break]

raging and howling down the

Yukon and Downing suggested

that we lie by until tomorrow as

it was almost impossible to stand

in face of it, and all trails were

entirely lost and that the snow and

terrible wind blinded the dogs. After

convincing myself that it would be

foolhardy to go, I agreed to remain

over a day, - Downing and the mail

carrier went a short distance above

us – on the Dall river, where the A.C.

Co.s steamer “Alice” is wintering, and

put up for a day, - we go out together

in the morning if the weather permits.

Visited the Indian village at the

mouth of Dall river today with Capt.

Cantwell, - most of the Indians are

out hunting moose, only the sick &

their attendants remain, - bought

some “iktas” – stone knife - bone scraper

[page break]

Lt. Camden was “bilger” from Annapolis

while Sampson was commandant.

Mch. 15th Downing and Salmon the

mail carrier came by the Nunivak about

7.30 but we were slow and did not get

out until an hour later. When we

got out of Dall river on the Yukon

we found the wind still blowing, but not

like yesterday. We stopped at the

Indian village 6 miles above the

mouth of Dall river – there were but

two families at home, all the rest being

out moose hunting. Reached Ross’

cabin for the night; 26 mi from Ft. Hamlin

Mch 16th On trail from Ross to Carsh’s

- bad trail, deep snow with the light crust

through which we are continually plun

=ging to our waist. At one crossing

of the river {we} broke through into the water

but escaped with only slight wetting

Met Manchester {Wood} agent of A. E. Co.

[page break]

traveling in state: he had an Indian

ahead with 4 dogs and a tobaggan

locating trail: he followed with sled

and 9 dogs and a driver. He

had nothing in his sled but robes

and is reported to have said that

his expenses from White Horse

to that point were $2000! By the

side of the turnouts of these Co. agents

my outfit is poor. Trail very bad

today- Found Waldron at Carsh’s

roadhouse – he is a longhaired

genius and is on his road to

Nome. He walked 4 miles ~~yester~~ {today!}

He started from Eagle on Feb 14, and

has traveled 375 mi in 30 days or little

more than 10 mi per day. He will probably

get to Nome on a boat after the river

breaks up. Downing and carrier went

~~Mch 17~~ {4 miles on} to mail cabin, while Ed & I

stopped for the night with Carsh.

[page break]

Mch 17. A beautiful day – morning

noon and night. Clear, mild and

without wind. Left Carsh’s cabin

at 7.15 – reach Smiths relay cabin

at noon where we got lunch: met three

Indians {William, Harry & Dick}

with 4 moose and 4 cariboo.

Reached Victors at 6.30 – distance

traveled today 37 miles – walked,

and assisted in managing the sled -

was a two days journey in going down

At Victors tonight are Downing, the

mail contractor, with Salmon and

Peterson, carriers. Lewis & Victor

Ed. and I, and 26 dogs. I took

Lewis watch down to Rampart for

him and had it mended & returned

it today – Dog “Nelly” & Downings leader

in house – 23 dogs at door – during night

pandemonium – Downing called but no

answer – then felt in dark – their dogs out & a

great dog fight resulted – {wounded dogs in the

morning

[page break]

Mch. 18th Left Victor’s at 7. and had

a splendid days walk to Julius’ cabin

30 miles. Rode on tobaggon about a

mile: Peterson, mail carrier uses one & it

is a splendid way of traveling. He had five

dogs attached tandem, and they went as fast

as a good horse trots. Also rode four

miles with Downing on mail sled. I

enjoyed days walk immensely and we

reached Julius’ to find three other dog

teams ahead of us, with eleven dogs.

With our teams there were 28 dogs present

Julius cabin is about 10 X 12 – 6 foot high

at eaves – in it slept 9 men and 3 dogs.

Mch 19th I left Julius cabin at 7.30

and spent half an hour at Indian camp

at “White Eye”, at tepee of “Jim” who has

a wife and four children. In the same

tepee resides the widow and child of old

“Simon” who died about a month ago -

[page break]

As the tepee is a typical {old} Athapascan

tent I give an outline of it.

[plan view of tent]

[captions:] Bed place door (a. stove)

The tent is ~~about~~ oval shaped in ground

plan, about six feet wide and ten feet

long. “Jim”, wife and 4 children occupy one

end, and the widow and child, and a half

grown boy staying with her occupy the other

end – A stove in the center furnish a fire

for cooking. Beds of cariboo skin, on

the ground. Tent on bent poles, made of

old tent cloth and cariboo skin, while

door is peice of cariboo skin with heavy

stick on bottom. Four dogs also occupied

the house with the two families. Smoke hole in

center – stove pipe in it. A pile of new

moose skins lay on the floor, and joints of

meat lay on bed in the pan.

{No relics – nothing but tin pans &c.} I walked

15 miles along trail before Peterson on his

[page break]

tobaggan caught up with me. Ed &

Downing caught up with me about 20

miles out, but I walked the full 25 miles

to Britts cabin, without sitting down or

resting in 7 hours. Beautiful day –

warm – about 25 above zero – and I

was too warm and wore no outer covering

but vest and light sweater. Ft Yukon

tomorrow – We met “Billy” Leake and

two other men last night at Julius. They

are on their way to Nome and left down the

river early-

Mch. 20th Left Britts at 5.30 and took

lunch at “12 mile” island and reached

Ft. Yukon at 4 oclock – 35 miles.

Was the guest of Mr. Montifield, agent

of it. A. T. G. Appointed Mountifield

a Notary Public and delivered him a

commission - recd. $10.00 ~~affo~~ Lauchran

McDonald took out his first papers $1.50

Mch. 21. Wooden, the Episcopal

[page break]

minister at Ft. Yukon made complaint

against Beaumont and a woman

by the name of Bertha for unlawful

cohabitation. We left Ft. Yukon late

ate our lunch at roadhouse where

Arctic Circle crosses the Yukon, 14 miles

south of Ft. Yukon – and reached the

“Halfway Island” at 7 oclock.

We will reach Circle City tomorrow.

Mch. 22nd We met many sleds yes

=terday and today on the way into the

Koyukuk – among them a party

from Geological Survey going into

that country – but mostly miners. Ate

dinner at “20 Mile Point” and ran

into Circle City for supper at Edgars.

There is so much work to be looked

after here that I find I must remain

over one day. Downing will go

on but we have arranged the

runs so as to overtake him.

[page break]

Mch. 23rd Removed Claypool as

Commissioner at Circle and appointed

Mr. James Stuart. I do this at Claypools

suggestion on account of his enforced

absence in the “States” for some months.

Will reappoint him when he returns.

Suit begun by A. C. Co. vs Raymond

& issued warrant for absconding debtor.

{$10.00 paid to me for Clerk.}

Warrant by Judge Stuart against

Beaumont & Bertha for unlawful

cohabitation. Signed judgment in

N.A.T. v. Bartlett. Took dinner

with “Edgar’s Lizzie”, as Howard calls

her, and Mrs. Carr. Good letter from

Debbie –

Mch 24th Left Circle early &

we reached Webbers at dark –

40 miles, and bring two stages

on our journey down the river –

Weber is a crank – Fine day –

and good trail.

[page break]

Mch 25th. Today we traveled

from Webbers to the Washington

Creek road house – 44 miles &

6 miles more than two stages in

going down the river. We passed

two sleds with horses and

several with dogs going to the

“diggings”. We passed Downing

this evening 6 miles below here

at his Charley Creek cabin. He

will come along in the morning

& go with us to Eagle.

Mch. 26th I left Washington Creek

road house at 6 oclock, and the teams

came on an hour later. We took lunch

at ~~Charley riv~~ {Nation River:} Clark and Pennoyer

report rich diggings on Fourth of July Creek,

and Clark exhibited a glass jar with 50.oz.

or $1000. in f coarse gold dust which came

from there. Reached Montauk for the

[page break]

night, - distance 34 miles.

Mch. 27th Left Montauk early and

ate dinner at Star City – bought a

handsome Navajo Indian blanket

from Mrs. Mathews – reached Eagle

City at 3 oclock – distance 36 miles

- 4 days from Circle City – average

43 miles per day – 6 days from Ft.

Yukon. We reached Eagle with Downing

the long legged mail man, having traveled

with him from ~~Rampert~~ Ft. Hamlin. We were

22 days in going from Eagle to Rampart

- less one day not traveled & two half days

= full traveling time 20 days – distance

520 miles – average, 26 miles per day.

Returning 17 days – one day spent on

“~~Nunivak~~” and one at Circle left

15 days – distance 520 miles = average

34 miles per day. Read my mail –

but cannot begin work before tomorrow.

So glad to get home – all well.

[page break]

Mch. 28th I made a full settlement

with Ed. Crouch & paid him the balance

due for services in transporting me to

Rampart & back. = $505 – or $705.

in all & took his receipts in full.

These I must send to Washington, D.C.

& trust to luck to be reimbursed.

Recd. letter from Atty. Genl. directing

me to hold special term of court at

Unalaska – Dutch Harbor – in Judge

Noyes district, providing he makes

no objection. Wrote Judge Noyes

about it today – also to Atty. Genl.

Recd. letters from Senator Foster & Cong. Cushman

Also copy of Governor Rogers Inaugural

address in which he pays me a compliment

for services in State v. Rogers. Court

house is getting on fine – good letters

from Darrell – he stands 6 in Math.

for the term – a splendid place and

one highly gratifying to us.

[page break]

Mch. 30th Made out my personal expense

accounts against the government in com

=pliance with letter of the Attorney General.

Repaid Marshal Perry $256.40 which

he formerly paid me on expenses &

sent in accounts from the date of my

appointment to the present in the sum

of $1279.15.

[April 1901]

April 1st Wrote Atty Genl about the

reports of Claypool and Sawyer, returned

on account of minimum charge of $2.50

for recording. Charley Taylor came

in today – came down from Dawson to

get some affidavits – goes back tomorrow.

Wrote to mother: working at home.

April 2nd Working on Court Rules

& reading “The Christian”.

April 3rd Finished Court Rules,

made order adopting them to be in

force July 1st & forwarded copies

[page break]

to the Attorney General and to

the Clerk U.S. Circuit Court of

Appeals, 9th Circuit, San Francisco.

April 6th Mr. D. A. McKenzie, who

resides at Coldfoot, on the Koyukuk

river, came into Eagle yesterday from

Seattle. Have many letters urging his

appointment as Commissioner and

have this day appointed him, and created

the Koyukuk Precinct, with his

official residence at Coldfoot,

at the mouth of Slate Creek. Mr.

Schrader, geologist and the leader

of the U.S. surveying expedition into

the Koyukuk is here: he and McKenzie

take dinner with us at the “Cabin”.

April 8th Mr. John T. Reed, first assistant

clerk of Judge Noyes court at Nome is in

town: he says Judge Noyes is overwhelmed with

work – 600 cases on the docket, - and that

he desires me to come & assist him next

[page break]

winter. He is on his way to N.Y. to visit

his people. Judge Noyes also suggests

exchanging with Judge Brown so that

he could have time from Juneau to go home.

Have agreed with Harry B. Alldis to

go into contract with him on #28 and 29

above Discovery on Mission Creek. He

goes tomorrow to complete the filing

on 29, & Mrs. Wickersham has hereto

=fore filed on 28.

April 9th – Appointed B. D. Mills, Jury Commissioner

& ordered notices of Court for July 1st 1901. –

April 11. Mail from outside: recd

copy of opinion in Bird v. Winyer

arising on Puyallup Indian reservation

We won case in Supreme Ct. Washington.

Darrells letter & report recd: he is

doing splendidly & seems reconciled.

April 12th Trial of Walsh v. Ford:

This case discloses that Eagle townsite

is to be disposed of as abandoned military reser

=vation!!

[page break]

April 15th Decided Walsh v. Ford in

favor of defendant: it appears that in

placing the 400 acres of Eagle townsite

under land department control the President

ordered it disposed of under Act of Congress

of July 5th 1884; effect if valid: it will be

disposed of only to those who were on lots

prior to reservation in July 13, 1889 &

to the highest bidders for cash upon survey

Appraisal and Sale! As the people of

Eagle have raised a large sum for surveys

&c. under the Townsite Act, this must be

somewhat of a disappointment & it

comes from their attorneys not taking

the Execution Order as part of their title.

April 18th Howard sick yesterday

& today: Dr. Truholtz came – fever.

Filed my location notice for Mining Claim

No. 4, below Lower Discovery on

Heu{e}me (Wynema) Creek, near Fourth

of July Creek. Pennoyer thinks it

[page break]

is a good claim. Also ordered from

N.A.T. Co. for use by Harry Alldis

$95.00 worth of supplies for use of

Aldis in prospecting Nos. 28 and 29. above

discovery on Mission Creek. Made

contract with Alldis by which he & Mrs.

W_ become owners, undivided, of

both 28 & 29. We furnish provisions

Alldis does work: Paid for recording

Alldis contract, location on #29 & location

of No. 4, below Lower Discovery on Heueme

the sum of $5.00 to recorder.

April 22nd Heilig, clerk, and

Perry, marshal, moved into their rooms

in our new court house. Building

will not be finished for two weeks yet

but their rooms were specially furnished

on account of possible rain which

would spoil their books & papers in the

old cabin now occupied. Mail in

from down the river: Letter from Judge

[page break]

Balliet in which he says that he

has no further confidence in Gehmle

{Dep} Marshal at Rampart, - thinks he was

“fixed” by saloon men on trial: Told

Perry, after he informed me that he

had received letter from Gehmle saying

that he could not get along with Balliet,

and asking for removal to Circle or

Eagle. Await further facts.

April. 25th Mail in today from the

outerworld. Recd. 3 letters from Darrell.

He has fallen down on Mathematics for

March, but came up well in English.

Will go on summer cruise on “Chesapeake”.

Torrance, mining expert, &c. with his

men came in today for work on Mission

and other creeks. Reynoldson, Dept.

Marshal, came back from Forty Mile,

“Jack Wade” where he went to serve

subpoenas for jurors. Recd. voucher

for my June, 1900, back salary.

[page break]

- - did not receive it before as there was no

appropriation out of which it could

be paid. Sent out $6.00 to pay cem

=etery tax for year. Also wrote to

mother & send her four pictures of

the interior of our cabin.

April 29th Wrote to Judges Noyes

and Brown today offering to enlarge

my district so as to include the Copper

river country and the Aleutian Islands,

and thereby relieve both their courts to that

extent. Wrote Atty General about it &

sent him copies of both letters also a

map, - Sent Senator Foster copies of

all their letters. Ducks & geese

in plenty flying today – Spring.

[May 1901]

May 10th 1901. Court house finished

today and Howard raised the flag – the

most northern flag on an American

courthouse! Have been spending

[page break]

my time for two weeks and more

in examining the papers, studying the cases

which will come up for trial July term.

Going duck hunting with Mr. Johansen

& Cramer tomorrow. F

May 11th First robin singing this morning

Inspection drill at Post.

May 14th Came back from duck hunt today

- We walked up Yukon shore to lakes about

8 miles & camped in Walshs wood cabin

near south end of largest lake – only the smallest

and most southern lake was open – all others

frozen up solid. We hunted Saturday night

& Sunday & Monday – Killed 20 ducks before I

came in. Left Johansen & Cramer there,

and am to send some one back with horse for

packs, ducks, &c on 16th.

May 15th Heard motion to vacate warrant

of arrest in civil action in A.C. Co. v. Raymond

denied motion after full argument: This

is the second hearing of this same motion

[page break]

May 15th 1901.

Ice in the river began to move out from

front of Eagle today at 2:30 p.m.

A guessing contest at N.A.T. Co. store

resulted in guesses for every day from the

5th to 21st of May. I guessed this

day – 15th at 1 oclock. Another party

guessed this day at 3 oclock, and

the first general movement began at

2:30, so I lost and Jim Dubois won.

This great event also makes us all

“Sour Doughs”

as all Yukoners are called who

have seen the ice go out in the spring.

May 17th Ice ran out yesterday & day before

for 9 miles up river & then river fell & we

heard by telegraph that a great jam had

formed at Forty Mile: This afternoon

it began to come down – it broke about

noon at Forty Mile, and tonight the river

is rising rapidly & is filled from shore to

[page break]

shore: A jam formed here yesterday

at Eagle Rock for an hour or so, but

soon went out. This afternoon a

big water spaniel “Major” sprang

into the river, and could not again reach

shore for the masses of ice. The last we

saw of him he was on a cake of ice in

the middle of the river, about two miles

below town. River rising rapidly.

May 18th. River continued to rise

until about one oclock last night from

which time, as the mass of Forty Mile jam

had passed it fell. This morning it

looked like river of crushed ice and

snow moving rapidly onward, - little

water to be seen, but at noon the ice

is past and the river nearly clear but

high. Tonight the river has fallen about

10 feet or more – leaving high wall of ice

on each bank. “Major” the dog who sailed

away on a cake of ice returned home at midnight.

[page break]

May 21st After the flood tide which

carried the ice jam out, of the 18th the river

fell leaving ice walls 12 or more feet

high on each shore. During the

last 24 hours, however, it has been rising

and now flows high: During today a

scow and their small boats reached

here from Dawson: they brought news

about the flood at Forty Mile, which

seems to have been unprecedented and

disastrous. The town was almost

destroyed on the 18th – or possibly 17th

by the ice and high water resulting

from a jam in the river. The houses

and stores were flooded and torn

to peices and the stock in the A.C &

N.A.T. stores ruined – loss heavy

but luckily no lives lost, although

many narrow escapes. We are not

expecting steamboats from Dawson – no

mail there yet – owing to a jam

[page break]

at Five Finger Rapids.

While Clerk, Marshal, Recorder

& my stenographer have been in the new

courthouse for some days, I only moved

in today. Library in – desk tomorrow.

Scow from Dawson loaded with potatoes

onions &c: had a supper of same

tonight = 25¢ per lb. Scow went

on down the river tonight – to Circle.

May 23rd Valdez mail came in: 3

letters from Darrell & bundles of clippings

from newspapers & one newspaper.

No mail from up river for over a month.

May 24th Denied temporary restraining

order in N.A.T. Co. v. Gardner. Trial

of Thomas A. Wilson, insane: order that

he be deported to and confined in Oregon

State Asylum for Insane. Several

small boats & scows down river, but

no steamer or mail: Learn that steamer

& mail will come tomorrow.

[page break]

May 25th – Local mail from Dawson

this morning. Days last Valdez mail

contained outside Skagway mail of

1st & 15th mail may come down river

on steamer. River still rising rapidly.

May 26th 1901. Sunday.

Yesterday Ora Lomax came down from

Dawson in a small boat with the information

that the “Clifford Sifton” would follow in the

evening with 50 or 60 members of the “Arctic

Brotherhood” with a view to establish a lodge

of that order in Eagle. Heard Mr. French

and Lt. Cragie are the only members here

and they requested the use of the new court

room, which I granted, as a lodge room.

This day is the birthday of both Lt. Cragie

and Lt. Erickson: they gave a birth day dinner

present. Hosts: Capt. & Mrs Farnsworth, Lt.

Tillinans[?] and Miss Florence Heilig, Mr. & Mrs.

Heilig, Mr & Mrs. U. G. Myers, Mr & Mrs Kirk

the Presbyterian minister: Dr. & Mrs. Truholtz

[page break]

(Dr. Truholtz is acting Asst. Surgeon, U.S.A.

Ft. Egbert). Mrs. French, & Mrs. VanHook: Miss

Thompson and Cora, & Mrs Wickersham & I.

We had a royal good dinner & plenty of

good cheer: music &c. During dinner

received telegram from Forty Mile, saying that

Mr & Mrs Orr are on Clifford Sifton & that

the boat would arrive at 11.30.p.m. After

~~May~~ supper (or dinner rather) went to the

courthouse & waited for boat; at 11:30 it

arrived, the first steamer for 6 months

to appear at our levee; the Tacoma crowd

was surprisingly large: Mr & Mrs Orr and

son: Richard Roediger, Ed. “Dawson News”:

R. J. Davis, Charles E. Taylor, C. B. Zabreska[?]

Mrs. Lockwood, Mr & Mrs. Crawford.

We took them in & gave them lunch & did

best we could to entertain them. About

3 oclock, Mrs. W & Mrs. Orr went to bed &

Orr, Davis & I, made a bed on the floor with

robes & slept until 7 oclock. They rema

[page break]

until 9 oclock this morning when

they took the “Clifford Sifton” for return

trip. They brought us papers & magazines

& were pleased with our town. Mrs. Orr

& Captain Farnsworth are old schoolmates

& seemed delighted to meet again in this

far away country.

The “Clifford Sifton” brought the outside

mail of the 15th bringing our mails up to

date: it was not opened until after

the steamer returned: Very happy letter

from Darrell: he seems to be regaining his

courage, has gained greatly in his standing

and is going on summer cruise on the

“Chesapeake” and “Indiana” north to

Maine and New Brunswick. Received

leave of absence after July term of court

from Atty. General, for 30 days to visit Tacoma

also intimation that the leave would be with

drawn if public exigency demands my presence

in Alaska. I also received letter from J. G.

[page break]

Heid, Juneau, Alaska, saying that

he had it on good authority that I was

soon to be directed to go to Nome

to hold court: Roediger told me

that dispatches just received as he

left Dawson stated that Judge Noyes

was to be cited before U.S. Circuit Court of

Appeals, S. F. for contempt, in McKenzie

matter, - it may be that Atty. Genl. means

to send me there, - Nome to hold court. Well

it is satisfactory to me, but now for many

reasons I prefer to remain in Eagle City.

May 28th Steamers “Rock Islander” &

“Gold Star” passed down the river this morning.

River has been rising steadily ever since the

ice went out.

May 30th Decoration Day.

Delivered the Addess today – Services

held in court room: Singing, prayer

Kirk, recitation by Miss Thompson, &

Address – Decoration graves at 1:30

[page break]

[typewritten program:]

“DECORATION DAY EXERCISE

Eagle, Alaska May 30, 1901.

Court House Square.

10:30 A.M.

Programme.

1. Singing Male Quartet.

2. Prayer Rev. James Wollaston Kirk.

3. Recitation Miss L. J. Thompson.

(The Blue and the Gray)

4. Singing Male Quartet.

5. Address Hon. James Wickersham.

6. Singing Male Quartet, leading.

(America)

7. Firing Salute Company E., U.S.I.

8. Taps Bugler, Co. E.

All places of business are kindly requested to close at

10 o’clock A.M.and all citizens are urged to make the day a

holiday.

[signature] U. G. Myers

Mayor of Eagle.”

[page break]

[June 1901]

May 6th [June 6th] Steamer Louise with three

barges came down river this afternoon for

St. Micheal – no mail.

May 7th [June 7th] Snow storm for an hour

this morning, - and rain. Working for

two days on opinion as to whether pros

=ecutions for crime may be begun by

criminal information – held that they

are good in cases of misdemeanor

U.S. v. Powers and Robertson.

May 11. [June 11] “Leon” arrived from Dawson on her

way to St. Micheal, - no mail. Met Mr

Mendanhall of U.S. Geol. Survey, who is going

via Dall river, across Koyukuk country & thence

to and down Kowak. Decided yesterday

- made order today – that Powers & Robertsons license

be transferred to waterfront – first saloon there.

May 12 [June 12]. “Robert Kerr” arrived this morning from

Dawson – no mail. Reports mail will be in Dawson

last night or this morning. Telegram from Mrs.

Reynoldson from Whitehorse – will be here abou

[page break]

Sunday. Nothing yet from Judge Post, who

has neither written to me nor to any one else

since last fall. Am pretty much out of patience

over failure to be here – he has been badly needed

- officially – and I will certainly protest vigorously

if he is absent much longer, or another winter.

Mail in this forenoon from Circle – for Valdez-

all wet from overturning in river.

May 13th The Str. “Tyrell” this morning

with mail. Letters from Darrell – O.K!

Also clipping from S. F. “Call” sent me by

“Quarre – saying that Judge Noyes has

been cited to appear before the Circuit Court

of Appeals at S. F. for contempt in relation

to the difficulties at Nome, and that I had

been directed by the President to go to Nome

in his place – temporarily at least. If

such action has been taken it is unpre

-cedented – the whole matter to date is that!

President McKinley consulted with the

Judges of the Circuit Court of Appeals at

[page break]

S. F. while there in May, and upon the showing of

ill health of McKenzie. Judge Noyes receiver, and

that he had a paid up the $10,000 alleged shortage,

{and his earnest apology to the Court,}

commuted his sentence and he was discharged.

McKenzies attorney, Judge Dubose, however,

has also been sentenced to six months in the

Alemeda Co. Jail, and Judge Noyes and Geary

another attorney cited. The “Call” says that

Noyes has been suspended pending his trial

and that I have been appointed – or directed

to take his place. I cannot help but feel

a deep sympathy for Judge Noyes, for I am

sure he is more sinned against than sinning

Received a copy of printed rules from Judge

Browns court at Juneau, and in spite of

my modesty I am quite sure that those which

I have prepared and forwarded to the Attorney

General are much more complete.

Dinner party tonight to Capt & Mrs. Farnsworth,

Mr. & Mrs. U. G. Myers, Robert Farnsworth

Howard, Mrs. W_ and myself -

[page break]

June 16 Steamer [ ?ion] down

from Dawson. Mrs. Capt. Wright on board

bound for Ft. Gibbon. Mrs. Reynoldson & son

(Depty. Marshals wife) from Dubuque, Iowa

arrived; Reynoldson at Rampart after

prisoners. Am all ready to go hunting

mountain sheep. George Jeffery is going

with me. Torrance takes our packs

on his mules as far as Colorado Creek,

we then go on up Mission to No. 28.

where Harry Alldis is working our claims

& from that point George Dribelbis tells

me it is less than half a days walk

to the summits and sheep pastures.

Reports all confirm Noyes suspension

and my transfer to Nome, - well I

must hunt and play now, for that means

very hard, - hard work, but I am

ready and prepared for it.

Left Eagle at 3 oclock afoot and reached

Torrances mining camp at 6:00 for supper

[page break]

He is doing placer mining at the mouth of Colo

=rado creek, - employs several men and is

making quite a show with the water from the creek.

Torrance and his packer reached camp late

with packs and mules: 12 miles to Colorado

- swamps and no roads: crossed American

& wolf creeks – waded and got very wet.

{June} 17th

My bedfellows last night were George

Jeffery and “Bill Blankinship” – an old

time plainsman, miner and cowboy.

“Bill” went west in 1865 – was a Union soldier

- hunted buffalo, ran a Montana cattle ranch,

became well off, put it all in a sure thing

Butte. mine – the pay streak pinched out

- and “Bill” has tramped from Montana to

the mouth of the Mackenzie river looking for

it in vain. He is an exact image of

[page break]

Nelson Bennett, of Tacoma. Bradley, the

packer, who is at Colorado creek hunting

bear is going with us – Torrance offered us a

pack mule, which we accepted. We left the

mine early with our caravan, went up the south

side of Mission a mile, thence climbed to the

summit and keeping along the top reached

a point opposite Harry Aldis claim near

the head of Mission late in the evening. Staid

all night at Harrys house – he left for

town before bed time.

18th

Left Aldis claim early and went up Mission

creek to the “Cariboo Camp” of last fall. On the

way we passed Shorts cabin – Aldis killed

a fine buck cariboo on the mountain a few days

ago, and the fine new horns, half grown and

in the velvet lay at Shorts. They are beauties!

At Cariboo camp we found a large canvas

tent cover, a platter, knife, two carrying

bags, a cup and some oats, all of wh[ich]

[page break]

belong to the government. We took them

intending to turn them in at the post on our

return. Had dinner at Cariboo camp – then

crossed westward, climbed to the summit of

Mt. Wolcott, at head of Mission Creek –

height of Wolcott 5,500 feet, and thence

set out northwestward across the valleys

and mountains towards Glacier Mountain

- Mt. Eldredge. Saw a small species

of marmot on Mt. Wolcott, - striped,

and about the size of a small squirrel.

Crossed head of Bear creek, and down

into head waters of Comet, both tributaries

to Forty Mile river. We reached the valley

at the foot of Crater basin, in Comet Creek

valley, and camped at 12 oclock mid

night. Glacier mountain seems at

some time to have deserved that name

for Comet creek valley is crossed by a

large terminal moraine, while

[page break]

smaller lateral moraine lies close along its

east side down to the terminal: morainic

deposits have made several small lakes

on a second terrace, and altogether it

is, to me, an interesting spot.

{June} 19th

Were very tired this morning but rather

late George and I started out to explore

Crater basin, whose mouth opened a

quarter of a mile above our camp.

Found it completely walled, except at

outlet by such perpendicular granite

walls that nothing but a goat or sheep

could get out. Walls from thousand feet

at mouth to 800 feet at head of valley:

valley two and a half miles long – half

mile wide. A beautiful place, filled

with flowers, streams, grass lands, and

on sheltered spots with some snow banks

No game, - many trails – found a beautiful

pair of cariboo horns – shed this spring

[page break]

20th

Today we concluded to try the summits around

Mt Eldrege for sheep. – George and I climbed

the south-eastern point and thence to the summits.

We passed the whole day along the sharp

comb of the mountains, passed over the

summit of Eldrege, stood by the cairn

built for triangulation by the Geological

Survey, but concluded that that was not

the highest point. Passed over a difficult

and dangerous place and reached a high

sharp ridge, where we built a cairn of

of our own. It rained, hailed and thundered

terrifically while we were there. A splendid

prospect lay in all directions from

this overtowering perch. We could trace

the Yukon for fifty miles or more, while

Eagle was in plain view. Found our

[page break]

way down into the Crater basin from

this summit over a long, steep slide of

granite boulders, into Crater basin and out

that way to camp – no sign – no fresh

signs of sheep on these summits. We now

conclude that they must be on the lower

meadows with lambs.

21st

While at breakfast this morning Bradly

suddenly stopped and said “Why there is a

sheep” – pointing toward the point of the

mountain up which George and I climbed

yesterday. With my opera glasses I

saw plainly that it was a young buck.

By virtue of seeing it first Bradley climbed

the big mountain and reached the summit way

above and behind it: after seeing him

to the top I left camp and went out on the

side hill in front of the place where the sheep

lay resting in the sun. He saw me at once

[page break]

and began to watch my movements closely.

I kept in plain sight, moved along leisurely

gradually rounding the hill and approaching

nearer to his resting place. He arose and

climbed a hundred feet or so higher and

lay down on a point where he could more

easily keep his eye on me. All this time

Bradly was slipping down upon him

from above guided by my motions and

signs. He reached a ledge just above

the sheep, and shot him, while yet

watching me, and entirely unsuspicious

that Bradly was above him or even on the

mountain. After hearing Bradley shoot

I struck out alone across the granite bluffs

between Seward and Utah creeks, and

hunted all day. It had been agreed that camp

should be moved way over on Seward and

about noon or after I saw Bradley & Geor[ge]

[page break]

leading the mule over the mountains in that

direction. About 6 oclock in the evening

as I was slowly making my way down

towards Seward creek, looking for smoke

or other sign of camp, I saw what at

first appeared to be snow on the very top

of a high limestone ridge across on the

north side of Seward creek. Time after

time I examined the spots with my eye and

opera glasses – after while, while gazing

intently through the opera glasses at the

white and distant spots, I distinctly

saw one push the other with his head! and

I knew it was a sheep and not snow spots.

I climbed down the mountain side, crossed Seward

creek on great ice cakes, remnants of last

winters glacier, and then after much labor,

reached the mountain summit behind and above

the sheep. I had watched them carefully to

see that they were feeding slowly down

[page break]

toward some limestone pinnacles above

Seward creek: so when I got above them I

came down upon these rocks. From the

summit of a great flat limestone pinnacle

I looked down upon a fine flock of wild

sheep – but to my great disappointment

it consisted only of ewes and lambs –

last years lambs and this springs flock.

I shot two – a yearling buck and a

buck lamb, and then four shots a a

large ewe with good fair horns – when

to my surprise I found myself out of

cartridges! The ewe escaped although

wounded. I cleaned the two bucks and

after much trouble got them down to the

creek where I packed ice over them.

These limestone cliffs are honeycombed

with caverns and holes : sheep trails lead

to them, and from the deep cut trails, the

[page break]

smell and other signs I judge that here

is the old homestead for the wild sheep of

this locality. At this season the old

bucks, the fellows with big horns are not

with the ewes and lambs, but lead a

solitary life along the high ridges. I

killed my sheep at 9 oclock – just before

I shot I heard George shooting his

gun – thinking I was lost he was

out on a slope to the south of me

signalling the location of the camp.

Before I shot the sheep I dared not

give an answering shot for fear of

frightening them, afterward I could not

for I had used my last cartridges.

Leaving the sheep standing all around

me – only 100 yards way, I started out

- up stream to hunt camp. Soon

saw the smoke, but owing to the deep

moss, dense brush and rocks it was

[page break]

11 oclock when I stumbled, tired and

footsore, into the tent, but happy with having

killed two more small but fine bucks.

-22nd-

This morning we saw sheep on the summits

above us. Bradly went up but did not succeed

in getting one. George and I undertook

to get the mule up the rocky mountain side

north of Seward creek: he stepped between

two granite rocks, fell over and hurt

his left hind ankle. We reloaded him

and finally reach the summit. With Bradly

we went down the mountain and carried

my two small bucks to the top, loaded

the mule and started homeward. All

went well enough until within four or five

miles of Torrances, when Bradly left the

right trail and got entangled in the swamp

and canyons on Excelsior Creek. Here he

hurt the mules leg worse – so badly that it

was – or seemed to be, out of joint at the

[page break]

ankle. We finally left him, after unpacking

about half a mile from Mission Creek &

about a mile from Torrances camp.

Having on high rubber boots, and finding

a place where Mission creek divided

Bradley waded across – not without difficulty

and danger, while I kept along up the

bank to a point opposite Torrances.

I called and they came down opposite

to me, threw me a rope and gave me

instructions to wade up stream toward

the lower end of their wing[?] dam. I tied

the rope tight around my body under my

arms, strapped my gun on, and loaded

with a pair of cariboo horns, and all my

hunting outfit boldly waded into the raging

mountain stream, swollen high with ice

cold water from the summits. Three men on

the opposite bank pulled the rope, and I

got along nicely until just below the wing

dam. I stepped into a deep cut, and over

[page break]

I went. The rope pulled from above, the

great weight of the torrent pressing me

down, the gun, horns &c. all prevented

me from assisting myself in the slightest

and over and over I went until the

miners finally landed me on shore by

the strength of the line. A good drink

of whisky, a dry suit, and in a few

minutes I was eating a hearty supper.

Later at night Bradly and Torrance

went out and got the mule and packs.

-23rd-

I had bought Bradleys interest in the

first sheep we killed, and gave Torrance

¾ of it. The mule still being too lame

to go on to Eagle I went in alone: and

soon had a good bath and clean clothes.

-24-

George and Bradly came in at 5 oclock

this morning with the sheep. Ed. Crouch

Jessen came and cut it up for me & we

[page break]

immediately “potlatched”, or gave away

about all of it. Sent steaks, roasts

&c. to nearly every body in town.

-26th-

Steamer “Susie” going down the river.

Had a pleasant call from Sam. C. Dunham

Mr. Wilson, late of A.C. Co: Miller, late

of Tacoma police force: Mr. Maloy U.S.

Stamp department (war revenue): Mr &

Mrs VanHook leave for down river: Mr.

Emelie Quarre arrives to remain.

Mr. Sloss, of A.C. Co. with Messrs. Wash

=burn and Menzies reached here yesterday

with Mr. Stone whom they duly installed

as agent of the new N.C. Co. at this place.

Met all parties, am pleased with Stone.

[July 1901]

July 1st 1901.

First day of regular July term.

Judge Post, U.S. Dist. Atty. not here

and have had no word from him since

last September: his end of the

[page break]

court business in Alask has been

badly neglected. His assistant

Geo. K. French. is down at Rampart,

so there is no one here to attend to the

Grand Jury which is called for today.

Write Attorney General fully about it.

Dismissed case of U.S. v. McConnell &

Gilpin, and ordered bond returned to

Mrs. McConnell who put it up: Ordered

a special venire to fill up Grand Jury

- but as yet there is no boat up the river.

No prisoners, witnesses or litigants from

either Rampart or Circle: French is

yet there, and we can do nothing until

he and Reynoldson get back: Last

year the first boat up river reached

Eagle on Fourth of July: it may be later

this year owing to the season being later.

Its bad, and expensive, but the govt.

must stand it: Jury ought to have been

called for July 15th and not sooner!

[page break]

July 2nd

Grand jury empanelled and sworn,

gave them instructions and appointed

Mr. E. J. Chamberlain, foreman. Heard

argument notion in N.A.T. Co. v. Gardner.

“ 3rd

Grand jury returned “not a true bill”

{U.S. v. Neeley.}, were

engaged yesterday and today in examining

courthouse jail, and official books.

There is but little business ready, and will

be nothing to do until the boat comes in with

French, U.S. Asst. Dist. Atty. Reynoldson,

Dept. Marshal with prisoners, witnesses,

&c. from Rampart and Circle – Dont

know when this arrival will reach us.

Tomorrow is the glorious 4th, a holiday

and there will be no court. Things are in

a bad shape owing to failure of boats to

get up the river! it will probably detain

me two weeks or so in getting down to Unalaska

or Nome – if ordered then to hold court.

[page break]

3rd continued

Son born to Joe, Crook, Agt. A.C. Co.

last night - 8 ½ lbs. mother doing well.

On July 1st as Orin Merriman and

companion were poling boat up the Yukon,

and about 15 mi above Eagle, it overturned

and Orin was drowned. He is a young man

and cousin to Agt. N.A.T. Co.

July 4th

Fire crackers, national salute of artillery

at Ft. Egbert, base ball, races, &c. &c. and

ball at barracks in evening.

July 5th

Outside mail gets in: Darrell is on

his annual cruise, first on “Chesapeake”

and then on “Indiana” No information

whatever about the rumor that I am to be

transferred to Nome. Received amended

fee bill for recorders – it is satisfactory

and will add much to the stability of the

Commissioners office. Recd salary

[page break]

voucher for April, $412.10. and for

bal. on June 1900. $274.73. This leaves

due me for months of March, May & June.

Indictments returned against Gay &

Mrs. Woodcock: illicit cohabitation.

Arraigned – bail $500 each

-7th-

The court business for the week has been

nearly nothing on account of the absence of

Dist. Atty. and failure of boat to come up the

river with prisoners, litigants and witnesses from

Rampart and Circle.

-8th-

Telegram from Dawson that Bain arrested

& will be sent down to boundary line: also

telegram from Claypool that he will be down

{fine $100.00}

on next boat. Powns & Robertson plead guilty.

-9th-

Case of Koegle v Alaska Co-op. Min Co. tried

before court, verdict for plaintiff about $770

[page break]

-10th

Madden, from Dawson came into Eagle

this morning with three friends, on gasoline

launch, en route to Nome. Called, says he

left Nome in May, went to Sound and is now

on way back. Says Nome country is solid -

mining interests great and promises to be a

permanent camp. Jury in case of

N.A.T. v. Gardner, et. al. find for Plaintiff.

-11th-

Dep. U.S. Marshals met N.W.M.P at

the boundary line last evening at the

Canadians delivered Bain, and he is now

in jail here. North West Mounted Police

came on down & will wait for first boat

back up river. U.S. Marshall assists

them in every way practicable to catch

escaping criminals on this side of line.

-12th-

A small boat came down from Dawson

this morning bringing Seattle papers of

[page break]

July 3rd from which we learn that the

Nome steamers just arriving in Seattle

report that on June 20-22 the ice yet

remained solid about St Micheal &

that steamers could not get within 35 mi

of that place. From this information I

conclude that the river steamers will be

correspondingly late in getting away to

return up the river, and that the first one

may yet be a week or more in reaching this

place. The grand jury is finished and

can do no more until the arrival of the

prisoners, marshals & others from Rampart

and Circle: I have therefore excused

such of the grand jurors as find that

they cannot longer neglect their private

business, and will only hold the balance

- will fill up the jury when we need to.

Trial jury was excused from appearance

for trials until Monday, at which time

I think we can begin to keep them busy.

[page break]

-13th-

Yesterday evening Torrance told me

that he would soon probably want claims

on Wolf Creek, and advised me to file there.

This morning I sent out Jeffry and Ed.

Crouch to locate claims for themselves &

Jessen, Fred, Debbie and Darrell, with

an agreement to put them into a pool &

divide the proceeds if any. Opened

court, called juries &c and adjourned

until Monday, when criminal trials

will begin.

-14th-

The “John C. Barr” came down from

Dawson this morning, on her way to St. Mich

-eal, and Charles E. Claypool, wife, 2 chil

=dren and Mr. Tod. Cowles, arrived and

will remain here during the balance of

court time. Also, and much to my

surprise, Mr. V. L. Harlan, wife and

son arrived: He was appointed U.S.

[page break]

District Attorney, June 22, in

place of Judge Post, resigned, and

left his home at York, Nebraska,

on July 4th in the afternoon – not quite

10 days ago. I am pleased with his

appearance and think that he will do

very much better than Post, for his health

is good – he is over 6 feet tall, strong

and vigorous – about 50 years old.

Assisted Claypools into Johansons

house – Harlans took possession of

Frenchs cabin. Hope things will go

better now with a good district Attorney.

-15th-

Harlan, Dist. Atty. sworn into office:

Case of U.S. v. Gay, illicit cohabitation,

tried: verdict not guilty. Mr. Tod,

Cowles admitted to the bar. Case of U.S. v.

Gay is another evidence of the leniency

with which juries view the promiscuous relations

of persons of different sexes in this country.

[page break]

-15th continued-

The proof was ample and clear that they

had resided together after the manner of

husband and wife for two years, yet the

jury found no evidence to convict – because

no one saw an actual copulation.

-16th-

Case of U.S. v. Woodcock – against Mrs. Wood

-cock. Gays mistress, dismissed as it is

a waste of time to prosecute her if he could

not be convicted. No more business until

the boat arrives from down river. Called

to the attention of Dist. Atty. Harlan, in the

most particular manner violation of the law

by the N.A.T. & T. Co. in failing and refusing

to file its articles of incorporation & authority of

attorney: also failure of business houses to

pay license fees promptly.

-19th-

The “Lorelei”, a small steamer came

down from Dawson this morning with

[page break]

the mail, and after remaining until noon

returned with passengers. I received a

telegram by mail from Seattle sent to me

on July 2nd by Dist. Atty. Harlan – who

arrived here in person and with his family

on the 14th! - five days ahead of his

telegram – also letter today from him dated

July 1st! Good letter from Darrell but

no official mail whatever. No boat from

down the river yet: Court at a stand

still until the boat does come: but today

I overruled defendants motion in U.S. vs.

Puckett, et. al. for continuance & set the

case for trial tomorrow morning.

-20-

Trial U.S. v. Sam Puckett, Ole Anderson

and Walter B. Allen, for assault & battery,

verdict guilty: Fine $200. each. = $600.00

Allen is son of Lawyer Allen of Seattle – he

is too smart & brought on trouble thereby.

[page break]

-21st-

And no boat up the river yet!

-24th-

Steamboat!! “Susie.”

The long looked for steamer up the

river reached Eagle this morning at

1:30 and was met by the whole town.

Reynoldson, Sawyer, prisoners, witness

=es & parties from Rampart, Ft. Yukon

and Circle reached here: French also

with cases worked up. Mail. 2nd

class by the wagon load!

Capt. & Mrs. Farnsworth, Mrs.

Heilig and daughter Florence, and

Lt. Cragie went up river on the

“Susie”, - the Capt. bound for Ft. Vancouver

Cragie for the Phillipines & Mrs Heilig

& Florence for Tacoma.

Panel of Grand Jury filled and

set to work. Indictment against Carolan

who was arraigned. Trial Saturday 27th.

[page break]

Heard case of Est. of Evan Williams.

-25th-

Full settlement this morning with

Prescott lawyer: paid him $400.00

in full of all I owe him: also full

settlement and payment of G.G. Perry.

I owe neither of them a cent – nor

do I owe any one in Alaska.

-27 [previous word struck through] 26th-

U.S. v. Beaumont, trial and

conviction: verdict guilty of

Adultery. There was what seemed to

me in this case a current of bribery

and perjury. – Kellum his lawyer

used vile language in his argument

and Mr. Harlan gave such a

“hiding” as a man seldom gets in

court.

-27th-

Case of U.S. v. Dan Carolan on

trial – jury impanelled & prosecution

[page break]

put its case. It was a

case of murder in first degree,

but defence is rape on Carolans

wife on Nov 29th, confession and

charge to her husband on Dec 15th

and his shooting Muldowney on

Dec. 17th and jury will not convict.

(I do not think so at least) of any

thing higher than manslaughter.

-28th-

The “Whitehorse” a beautiful new

up-river steamer came in today

from Dawson with an excursion, and

Mrs. Wickersham and Howard went

up on her. They will only stop at

Dawson for two or three hours and

will keep on to Whitehorse on

this boat – she had a fine state

room and will have a splendid

trip. “Yukon” {Howards dog}

sat on the bank and

howled, & I felt like it.

[page break]

-29th-

Have tried case of U.S. vs. Carolan

all day – instructed the jury at 8 oclock

tonight and jury is now out deliberating

The Grand Jury returns indictment

against Kellum, Beaumonts lawyer,

for subornation of perjury! The

letter sworn to by Beaumont in his

case, was a forgery made by Kellum.

There are other indications showing that

Kellum and Powers committed bribery

or tried to do so, of the jury in the Beaumont

case! Have asked Mr. Harlan to

push the case to the very end.

Took dinner with Dr. and Mrs. Truholtz

- Mr. McGowan of Dawson present.

Am kept up nearly all night! Kellum & Powers

indicted for subornation of perjury & bribery in

the case of Beaumont.

“Tip” bit Reed, - and is yet alive!

The jury in the case of U.S. v. Carolan came

[page break]

in at 11 p.m. with verdict of murder in

first degree! – but without death penalty.

This is a sentence to the penitentiary for

life, and is a heavier sentence than I

expected – but is justified by the law and

the facts. It is a sure sign that the juries

are going to assist in the prosecution of crime

without favor or sympathy.

-30th-

“T. C. Powers” coming up river: she has 10

tons of U.S. mail aboard & possibly all our

supplies. Kellum and Powers arraigned

for subornation or perjury and bribery –

Bion A. Dodge admitted to the Alaska bar.

-31st-

In the case of U.S. v. Kellum overruled first

motion to postpone or continue his case

until next year: On second motion and

affidavit this morning I declined to grant the

continuance without he filed new affidavit: the

one upon which he based his second

[page break]

motion only says that “I believe I can

prove”. “I believe they will testify” so & so,

but I said I would not grant the continuance

without he filed a new affidavit setting up

the facts within his knowledge positively,

certainly and unequivocally, and

so clearly that if he swore falsely a

conviction for perjury could be based

upon the statements therein, gave them

until one oclock to do so. In passing

upon it I referred to the fact that Kellum

was a lawyer and that his act, if true,

attacked the very life of society and the courts,

and condemned such matters severely,

- yet said that he was presumed to be

innocent and was entitled to a fair

trail and his witnesses in defense.

I will grant the continuance upon the

positive affidavit being filed, and his consent

to take and use the depositions of the witnesses

for the government now here.

[page break]

[August 1901]

-Aug. 1st-

Sentenced Dan. Carolan to imprisonment

in the U.S. penitentiary McNeils Island,

for life, for the murder of Joseph Muldowney.

Sentenced Beaumont to 3 months in jail

- the very longest sentence possible!

Beaumont and witnesses for government in

U.S. v. Kellum were examined, depositions

written and signed. Decided case of

Taylor v. Berg, et. al. for plaintiff.

General Randall and party arrived here

on their special boat “Jeff C. Davis” yesterday

Was invited to dinner with them this morning.

Present, Genl Randall, Major Tucker,

Major Tutherly, Captain Bethel and Lt.

Tillman: Mr. C. B. Stone and I were the

guests, and enjoyed a bountiful dinner,

cigars and good talk – pleasant visit.

[page break]

-2nd-

Gen. Randall went down on his

Str. "Jeff C. Davis." Court about

through: decided several important

cases today - am very tired, and feel

almost ready to go to bed.

-3rd-

Str. "Powers" down river - letter

from Chas. E. Taylor saying that Debbie

& Howard were off safely from Dawson.

He also tells me that Rollin Scholes

died a week ago at Dawson after

only a couple days sickness - Poor

Jen - Rollin was a splendid young

man and I regret very much to hear

of his death. Steamer coming up

the river and the Perrys, and guards

will go out with Wilson, insane &

Carolan, convicted of murder in first degree.

The "Tyrell" came & Mrs. Perry, Wilson

& Carolan are gone, & a peaceful calm

[page break]

falls on the town. I have also

concluded to go tonight on the "Leah",

& leave George Jeffry here to come

with my mail on the first boat. I

sent Debbie a hundred dollars by

Ed Crouch who went as guard with

Carolan. Business of the court is

all finished and I can go without

leaving any unfinished business

This term of court has been of great

help to the people here and has,

from all expressions, given much satis

faction to them. I am satisfied that

much good has been accomplished

and a severe check given to crime.

Took passage on "Leah" for St. Micheal

Before we left wharf many persons came to

bid me goodbye - nearly every lawyer

had something to sign - forgotten until

the last minute. French told me, while I

was examining his accounts that his wife

[page break]

has sued him for divorce. He seemed

greatly to regret her determination &

said that he intended to go to Washington

D.C. (where I understand she lives) at

once – Good berth on Str. fare $65.00.

-4th-

Stuck on sandbar at 1 p.m. last night

and we are still here at dinner time -

Mrs. Rose Muller, whom I lectured in

the court room in the Beaumont case a

day or so ago, is on board with her husband

& child - she is happy & my lecture seems

to have had little effect. Mrs. Garrett,

whom I also somewhat disappointed

in her suit is on boad - but acts nicely

and not like so many narrow minded

women would. Steamer "Monarch"

passed going up river - loaded heavily &

gave us no attention - Men working

hard - broke lifting spars and went ashore

& cut and floated out new ones.

[page break]

-5th-

After incredible labor, lifting, heaving

and a double quantity of swearing

we are off!! On the bar for 32 +

hours - just a short distance

above Washington Creek - Mt. Washington

Passed the Louise & 3 barges at

Charley Creek. Reached Circle City

at 3 oclock - saw Edgar & Lizzie. Mr.

& Mrs. Claypool & children & Mr. Cowles

Mr. Hamilton, &c. At supper with

Edgar & Lizzie. Mrs. Smith & daughter

came aboard for down river

-6th-

We struck another sandbar in the

night - 5 hours and off. Passed the

Light-" (John P), and the "Lightning" just

above Ft. Yukon - one seemed on the

bar and out of her course, the other

tied by the woodyard and waiting for

her. Reached Ft. Yukon before

[page break]

noon and remained an hour - spent

it botanizing. Paid my respects to

Mountifield and Ketteler. Flying

down the river this afternoon -

[sketched map of Yukon River]

[sites on map:]

Porcupine River

Indian House graveyard

Church Parsonage Episcopal

N. A.T. Store

Indian Houses

Old Channel of the Yukon

Island

New Channel Yukon

[page break]

-7th-

Reached Rampart at 7 oclock

this morning - Mrs. Garrett left us

there. Other passengers came on.

Visited Balliet awhile who reports

things quiet. Passed the junction

of the Tanana river - the Yukon

is larger than either the Mississippi

or Missouri, - the Tanana-Yukon

equals the Mississippi-Missouri

Met Capt. & Mrs. Wright at Ft. Gibbon

& appointed Wm B. Rodman

Commissioner to date from this

day. Will write him fully from

St Micheal or Nome. [sketch of Tanana River]

[map sites:] Tanana Riv

east mouth west mouth

Yukon Riv

Previos[?], towne[?] & Ft. Gibbon

Junction Tanana with Yukon

[page break]

Str. "Linda" at Ft. Gibbon unloading

government supplies. Ft. Gibbon

is a thriving western town & military

post. Two companies of infantry

under Capt. Wright, engaged in building

telegraph line - which will be finished

this fall from St. Micheal to Ft. Gibbon

& next year to connect with outside

line at Eagle, when it will also

connect with Valdez line.

-8th-

Passed the mouth of the Koyukuk

river. It falls into the Yukon

from the north - junction is a

great level plain, but between

two peculiar mountains - one on

either bank of the Koyukuk.

They rise some 500 feet high,

run parallel with each other and

toward the south east: They

[page break]

form a striking feature in the

surrounding flat landscape

and may bee seen for many miles

in each direction.

[sketched map of Yukon and Koyukuk Rivers]

[map captions:] Koyukuk Riv.

Mt. Yukon River Island W N E S

High bluffs on northwest bank of

Yukon terminating at Nulato -

an old Russian trading station.

We stopped there several hours -

telegraph line from St. Micheal

overland to this place now in use.

Capt. McGinley of this boat is

here instructed by telegraph

[page break]

to await the return of the Str.

"Louise", whose Capt. – Dickson -

died at Circle City last week, &

to assume command of her. We

are to be transferred to another boat

at Andreanoffsky and "Leah"

will not go farther now. While

at Nulato I visited Catholic

Mission - but Father Jette was

not at home - Father Boss was

however, and was kindly attentive.

Gave me their only publication in

Indian "Prayers & Hymns in the

Tinneh Lanuage", 1897 - He wrote

in it "F. Crispin Boss, Nulato

Cath. Mission, 8 July 1901."

Went to visit grave of Lt. Barnard

who was killed in the Massacre in

1851, - by the Koyukuk Indians

The Yukon is now a lordly

river - greater than the

[page break]

Mississippi, - it is said to carry

one-third more water to the sea

than the “Father of Waters” – In

a century from now, I predict,

this great valley, rich in its lands

will contain a population of

a million people – they will

raise wheat, and other hardy

grains, and there will be railroads

mines, &c. – a live portion of

our great country. Two Indians

- rather old men – came up to me while standing

waiting for the steamer to go, and spoke to me in

their native tongue – a young man near trans

lated it, and {told me they}

said that they were old men and had

no tobacco – wanted me to give them some -

Having none, but charmed with their “gall”

I gave one a silver coin – half a dollar -

The jabbering began louder and more fierce

than before, and in a moment or two my

[page break]

interpreter said “No, they cant

do that” – “What?” I replied in

astonishment. “No” he replied “they

cant work {for} that. ~~way~~ – there are two

of them. You must give some money

to each. They cant work that way.”

In short, each of these precious beggars

demanded a coin! They could not afford

to buy the tobacco and divide it, - each

independent gentleman wanted his

own fund. It is needless to say that

they got nothing more, except a laugh.

whereat, too, they good naturedly laughed.

Father Jette is engaged in preparing

the grammar of the lower Tinneh tribe

& Father ~~Boss~~ Rossi showed me his Mss.

It is characteristic of the scholar

- orderly, diffuse, systematic –

and beautifully executed. He is

not hurrying its completion, but

rather seems anxious to reach

[page break]

thorough preparation. I hope

to see Father Jette at Holy

Cross Mission and talk with

him about the work. I shall

encourage him to have it publish

=ed soon – His Mss. is copper

plate in appearance – his gram

=mar systematically divided &c

with notes &c (Father Rossi)

-9th-

We tied up at a wood camp early

this morning and loaded wood for

6 ½ hours, - enough to bring the boat

back to wood again from Andreoffsky

Rained all forenoon and early part

of the afternoon – it is coast weather

and in striking contrast with the dry

climate of the interior. We stopped

at the “Holy Cross Mission for an

hour this morning. Visited the Fathers

- their garden, schools, and the Indian

[page break]

Father Jette was not at home – he

was on the “Susie” which we passed

some ten miles above “Holy Cross Mission

on his way up to Nulato. I talked

with another Father about him and

his language labors (the father was French

- dark whiskers & hair), and promised

to get the Bureau of Ethnology to send

their “Linguistic Map” and other

publications interesting to a person

like these two fathers. “Holy Cross”

Mission is the last Tinneh town

going down the river – the next

Indian camp is but 18 miles down

the river – but it is Eskimo! and the

Father (who speaks the Tinneh) tells

me that the difference between the

two villages is as distinct as

between any other languages – it

there is no connection either in

vocabulary or grammar.

[page break]

There are a few borrowed words

- and but a few – and no other mark

of relationship. He tells me

that the Kuskokwim is peopled

- on its upper waters by the Tinneh

and near the coast by Eskimo.

I saw at “Holy Cross” the birch bark

canoe so common among all the

Tinneh tribes, and also the “Kiak”

or skin canoe of the Eskimo, and

noted the Eskimo features in more

than one native – also the “parka”

hood & other dress features of the Eskimo

- but neither baskety (except the

Tinneh birch bark basket) nor carving.

-10th-

We reached Andreaffsky [Andreafsky] at 10 a.m.

and as we must await a transfer of

freight from the “Herman” to the “Leah” &

vice versa – we have a days time to spare

I will visit the Indian – Eskimo.

[page break]

camps to study their surroundings

to see what I can find.

[sketched map of Yukon River]

[map captions:] Andreanoffsky

Pitkas Camp Yukon River

Andreanoffsky is situated about a

mile and half up that stream from the

Yukon, and on the left or west bank.

It consists of warehouses, storehouse,

drop & hotel for the Companys men in winter.

It is the winter quarters of the A.C. Co. (now

the N.C. Co), - there are several loaded barges

now here waiting to go up river – “Hannah”

is laid up here also.

Soon after we landed at Andreanoffsky

a Malemute (Eskimo) came alongside

in his “Kiack” or one-holed-skin boat

and I bought a spear thrower (the

[page break]

Aztec atlatl) from him together with

a spear. He threw it for me several

times, from his boat, and I was surprised

at the skill and dexterity with which he

used it. At 50 yards he could strike

a small chip in the water, and his

exhibition was a practical demonstra

=tion of the value of this unique weapon.

I can well understand, from his use

of it, what a serious menace it must

have proved to Cortez and his Spanish

conquistadors, when thrown in clouds by

the ~~captive~~ desperate and courageous

Aztecs. Went down to Pitka’s village

in the afternoon in canoe with two

Eskimo boys. Pitka is a half breed

Russian from Sitka who came here,

as he puts it, “to stay tree mont [3 months] – twenty

thee year ago” – he is here to stay & He

has built a small Russian (Greek) church

at his village, where he rules with patriarch

[page break]

=al sway over a half breed crew of Eskimo

(- the old ones are full blood). Bought

10 or 12 beautiful baskets – a spear

thrower & a large mammoth tooth. As

well as some small carvings in ivory -

The difference between the culture here

and at “Holy Cross” Mission – the last

Tinneh camp coming down the river,

is as marked as that between night &

day – The Tinneh use the birch bark

canoe, (it may be an attempt to copy the

Kiack), make no baskets and do not

carve – they are thriftless and wandering

in their life, - without settled abodes.

On the other hand the Malemutes (Eskimo)

make the beautiful Kiack, splendid

baskets (both the spiral roll-work

and woven paternes) and are splendid

carvers in ivory and wood.

Pitka’s son is a bright young man

about 20 – he went to School at

[page break]

Unalaska for 6 years & he speaks

& reads both Russian & English, & can

speak four Eskimo dialects as well.

Left him in Russian bath house.

-11th-

Changed from “Leah” to “Herman” &

started on final stage to St. Micheal

at 3 – in the afternoon – It was

a beautiful afternoon and evening – the

“flats” at the delta stretched away as far

as one could see – looks like a piece

of rich valley land – suitable for

hay – above the overflow & now covered

in every direction with waving fields of

wild grass – ducks, geese & sand hills

cranes nest there, - and yet as the current

cuts away the bank it exposes the frozen

soil beneath.

-12th-

When we came out on deck at 7 oc

we were nearly up to Pt. Romanoff

[page break]

- out in Berings Sea. It is a

beautiful morning clear – without

a cloud, and the sun shining – warm

and delightful – yet just enough

breeze from the north to make the

- invigorating. Will be in

St. Micheal at noon. We

learn that probably the “Portland”

will leave St. M_ today or tomorrow

-hope it is tomorrow, so that I can

have today in St. M_

Arrived in St. M_ at 1 oclock. Mr. Stewart

Menzies met us at the gangplank – before we

were permitted to go ashore with the loud

inquiry “Is Judge Wickersham aboard?

Upon ~~an answering~~ {a satisfactory}

answer he took me to one side

and very quietly acquainted me with the fact that

his wedding was fixed at 3 oclock – and there

was neither minister nor officer at St. M_ to

marry them! He was in a cold perspiration

at the fear that I was not aboard, - which

[page break]

immediately upon seeing me changed

again into a hot one. Capt. Hibbard

of the N.C. Co invited me to go to the N.C.

officers quarters – I accepted and found

Capt Jarvis of the Navy there also-

Married Mr. Stewart Menzies and

Miss Adeline A Hill, at the home of

Mr & Mrs Royle, at 3 oclock. Among

those present besides the bride & groom

were Mr & Mrs. Royle, Mr & Mrs Washburn

Miss Hill & brother (sister & brother of the bride),

Mr. Louis Sloss, Capt Hanson, Capt

Hibbard and others whose names I have

not remembered. The bridal party

left at 4 oclock on the Str. “Sarah”

up the Yukon river – for Dawson & the

outside via Skagaway. At dinner

at Capt Hibbards were Mr & Mrs Wash

=burn, Capt Hibbard, Capts. Bethel,

U.S.A. & Capt Jarvis U.S. N. During

the evening General Randall & Major

[page break]

Tucker. U.S.A. Called and with our

dinner party we passed a pleasant

evening. After all had retired except

Capt. Jarvis and I we had a long

and interesting talk about the

N. W. Coast natives – the Aleuts & Eskimos.

-13th-

A beautiful morning – without a

cloud – sunshine and warmth. I

will take Str. “St. Paul”, tomorrow

night for Nome, – remain over one day

& reach Unalaska about Sunday night.

Visited Father Camille & other Catholic fathers

-procured book of sermons, prayers &c. in

Innuit – only one published by them.

Visited Indian camps for throwing sticks.

In the morning visited the new river Str.

“Will H. Isom” with General Randall –

took dinner with him at his quarters

in the evening. Present, Genl Randall,

Major Tucker, Capt. Richardson

[page break]

Bethel, Wheiler, & {Major} Brigham,

& Dr. Major Ebert. Spent a delightful

evening with them also.

-14th-

Bought my ticket yesterday for Unalaska

via Nome, on Str. “St Paul” which will sail

tonight. Also took a Russian bath in the

old log bathhouse – built by the Russians

when in possession of St. Micheal –fine!

Bought two large walrus tusks – 16 lbs. – from

N.C. Co. store, and leave them with Mr. Zip, agent,

to have them polished and etched this winter.

Paid $9.60 (60¢ per lb) for them – polishing & carving

extra. Have also bought curios – carvings &c.

Saw the Eskimo from Nunivak Is. trading in stores

this morning – also other natives, and am struck

with surprise at the confidence displayed in their

honesty by the employes of the Cos. They go behind

the counters, handle goods, upstairs & down, &

no attention whatever is given them – no watch

upon their movements or handing goods, even

[page break]

small and valuable articles, and when I called

the attention of the agents to these facts I was assured

that “they are thoroughly honest, we never watch

them.” They went where they pleased, handled

the goods as if they owned them, and when they

found what they wanted: brought it to the agent

or clerk, and if the piece suited the trade was

concluded. The agents say that they are

honest – until from long residence around

the town among the whites – some, a very few

become dishonest by acquaintance with

theft among the whites! ~~Left St. M. for~~

~~Nome on Str. “St. Paul” at 10 p.m.~~

-15th-

Str. St Paul is a day behind time-

spent today around St. Micheal visiting

Indians, stores &c. Str. for St M_

-16th-

Had a delightful trip over from {St. M. to}

Nome and reached here this morning

at 9 oclock – Bright sunny

[page break]

morning, water smooth & only a slight

swell. We anchored half a mile off

shore and went off in surf boats to

beach. Saw many Tacoma friends

- Judge Noyes left here last

Monday {Aug. ~~14.~~ 12.} for Washington and the

outside – San Francisco. There

is an intense, bitter and widespread

feeling here against him. The bar

held a meeting last night and sent

out strong petition to President

asking for his removal. It is signed

by the strongest and best members like

Judge Johnson – who impresses me

as a man of high character. It is to be

telegraphed to the President from S. F.

- about 50 members of the bar signed it.

Judge Noyes left without making

any arrangement for court here –

he cannot, probably, get back

[page break]

before July 1 of next year – and

the papers and people are abusing

him outrageously for leaving the great

interests in the district without settlement

so long. I have talked with both

the friends and enemies of Judge Noyes

today – from all I hear I conclude

that he is an honest but a careless

and rather weak man – one easily

led by designing people who assume

the tone and character of friends for

sinister purposes. He has been

imposed upon – and has weakly

yielded to the plots and designs of

persons who have not even defended

him after imposing upon his weakness

and credulity. I am not at all favorably

impressed with his appointees either.

The situation here is bad – last

night – 75 armed men went upon a

valuable claim, ousted the possessor

[page break]

shot one badly – and are now in

possession – claims are now being

worked out by the strong party in open

violation of injunctions of the court –

- the courts orders are treated with open

contempt and disdain. A reign of

anarchy exists – so far as it can exist –

in an American camp. Called on

Mrs Noyes – who is yet here but who will

soon go outside – and paid my respects

She is a good woman and feels badly

hurt over the attacks upon the judge.

Tacoma people with whom I visited

today: P. C. Sullivan, Sam Milligan

Sternberg – Perl – Joe. Easterday,

and many others, and also many friends

from Seattle and Olympia. Was informed

by Marshal Richards and Clerk Steel

that it would be impossible to get enough

jurors at Unalaska – and as it is

known that there are one or two

[page break]

murder cases there for investigation

& after due consideration of all the

conditions I have ordered the drawing

of a grand and trial jury here and

will take them on the St Paul with

me to Unalaska. The Marshal has

consequently summoned 16 grand

jurors and 18 – trial jurors all of

whom are now on board the St Paul

bound for that place with me – also

Dept. Clerk Read, and Marshal Richards

-17th-

On St. Paul off St. Lawrence Island – not

sea sick – ate a hearty breakfast & feel fine.

Sullivan and some other lawyers are going

out to Unalaska to try a civil case also.

-18th-

Sunday morning – 75 miles NE {of St Paul} or

midway between St Paul Seal Islands &

Nunivak Is., - Have not been sea sick

and am enjoying the trip – am surprised

[page break]

that I am not sea sick – but it is owing

probably to the smooth sea, and the steadiness

of the steamer. Have been carefully exam

=ining the only civil case which Judge Noyes

sent down to Unalaska for me to try. He

seems to have once been a stockholder

and Treasurer in the company plaintiff.

There are two atrocious murder cases to be

investigated also. Will reach Unalaska

tonight & open court tomorrow.

-19th-

When I awoke this morning the first

sound I heard was the bellow of a cow

and the crow of a rooster – we were at

the dock at Unalaska. Coming upon

deck I was delighted with the wildness

and picturesqueness of the scenery in the

harbor. High, round, grass covered mountain

islands; bays and bright waters; a clean

bright town along the waters edge, with

schools, churches, stores, docks, and

[page break]

several small vessels at anchor

the sun light struggling through the clouds

and a general wet mist such as we have

on Puget Sound, gave me the feeling of being

in a familiar climate – near home –

I am much pleased with Unalaska, it

is an attractive spot, historic and interesting

Everything is in good shape for court, we

have for court room a large room over

the A.C.Co. bathhouse and laundry –

but one well adapted to the purpose.

Court met at 11 oclock – present

James Wickersham Judge, John T. Reed,

Dept. Clerk, Frank Richards, U.S. Marshal

Mr. N_ Griggs, Dept. U.S. Marshal, and J. L. McGinn

Dept. Dist. Atty. Grand Jury empanelled & sworn &

charged: 2 persons charged with murder

brought before them: {One is accused}

~~Two are charged~~ with

killing ~~two~~ three miners

{Con & Florence Sullivan & J. J. Rooney}

on Unimak Island:

the other is an Indian (Aleut) charged with

killing his wife. Owing to the fact that

[page break]

the Dist. Atty. is not yet familiar with

the evidence in these cases it will take the

Grand Jury some time to get to work.

Before the “St. Paul” left here Mr. Wash

=burn, Genl. Manager A. C. Co. informed me that

when he reached S. Francisco his people would

immediately urge Atty. Genl. to transfer me

to Nome. I am very doubtful about this

matter – while I think I can manage

the Nome litigation satisfactorily and

probably make a good reputation –

yet things there are in a wolfish state &

the climate is the worst in America.

Appointed C. D. Folger, of Nome, formerly

of Tacoma, foreman of Grand Jury.

20th-

Grand Jury at work but nothing else

ready. Hardy, the man accused of the

murder of Con. and Florence Sullivan

and P. J. Rooney is accused of horrible

crimes besides these. He shot all three

[page break]

of these men on Unimak Island & their

watches, money &c. were found on his

person. McGinn is working hard

as Dist. Atty – doing well.

I visited Dutch Harbor – met Capt.

Nice and other people. Views here

& at Unalaska finest I ever saw.

The revenue cutter “Manning” came

into port yesterday and brought 3 cast

away Japanese sailors. The left

their sealing schooner near Copper

Island to hunt, drifted away in the

fog & landed several days after

on St Paul Island. Will send them

down to Japanese Consul at Tacoma

on Santa Ana.

-21st-

Another quiet day – grand jury working

on case against Hardy for Unimak

Is. murders. Nothing for trial jury

to do until trial of these cases.

[page break]

Large vessel coming into Dutch Harbor

now (5:30 p.m.) supposed to be the “Conem

=augh” which was unloading coal at

St. Micheal when I was there. We are

looking for “Santa Ana” every hour – she

is due. George Jeffery and my mail

may come on her. Bought some baskets,

and Russian cups & saucers for presents.

-22-

When I awake in the morning I hear

chickens crowing, pigeons cooing, cows

and calves bellowing, pigs grunting &

all the sounds of the farm – a pitched

battle took place yesterday morning

before I was up between two bulls – I

thought I was back on East Fork or Bentons

Branch. Unalaska is a beautiful place.

Climbed the high peak back of Unalaska

today, - abut 3,000 ft. Mountain

marmots abound from water level up for

1000 feet – none above that line. Saw

[page break]

tracks of foxes. Saw the raven flying from

high to lower levels, - every time he uttered

his call – “tlock-lock”, he turned over

on his back for a second – thus “[sketch of raven]”

with his feet uppermost. I was surprised

to see him – several of them – do this

repeatedly on lowering themselves valley

=ward. The “Challenge” a small

schooner is in port from “At{h}ka Island.

There are no settlements, even of natives

between Unalaska island and “Athka

island” and only Athka and Attou

~~have~~ to the west have inhabitants.

The schooner “Challenge” is owned by Capt.

Dirks, while her commander is Capt.

Peterson. They are both old Alaska

Commercial Co men, and came into

this region with the Western Union Tel Co.

in 1867 or thereabouts to build the line

via Yukon river and Berings straits

to Europe. Years ago they returned

[page break]

from active service, married native women

on Athka island, and are now lords

of Athka and Attou. The crew of the

Challenge consists of the half breed sons

of the two old sea dogs, and a daughter

attends as cook. Their cargo ~~was~~ {consisted}

of furs, fish and baskets, they take back

their supplies for the winter. No other white

men except these two live to the westward

of Unalaska.

Grand jury returned three indictments

against Fred. Hardy, one each for the

murder of Con. Sullivan, Florence Sullivan

and P. J. Rooney. They were murdered

on June 7th 1901, on Unimak island.

They and a man by the name of Jackson

were there prospecting. Leaving their

camp, the murderer approached, secured

their guns, and upon their return shot

killed and robbed them. Jackson escaped

after incredible hardship, and finally reached

[page break]

Unalaska & reported to the authorities.

The Revenue Cutter “Manning” went to

Unimak island with Jackson & officers

found and buried the three dead men

(whose bones had been cleaned by foxes), &

found and arrested Hardy, who had

the money and watches of the dead

men on his person. It was most an

outrageous and cold blooded murder &

the perpetrator ought to suffer death.

-23rd-

Grand jury now examining into Indian

murder on south side of Unalaska island.

The case of U.S. v. Hardy cannot be

tried until the “Manning” can go to Unimak

Island for witnesses, and certain guns

hidden there by Hardy. This will make

us very slow, apparently, in this term

but I have determined that nothing shall

be left undone to bring to punishment the

man who killed the three miners on Unimak.

[page break]

Dance tonight in the court room.

I am engaged now in preparing instructions

to the jury in cases against Hardy &

the Indian murderer. The British

~~cutter~~ {vessel} “Condor” is in port.

-24th-

This is my birthday – I am 44 yrs. old.

There was quite an interesting dance last

night at the Court room hall: Two

white ladies, and the rest Russian or

mixed Russian and Aleut. Some of

them good looking and quite graceful.

The Str. “Santa Ana” came in from Nome last

night – Jeffrey, stenographer did not

come. Since we left a massmeeting of

2000 people held and forwarded a

petition (by Santa Ana) asking for Judge

Noyes removal.. (On account of his

indecision & signing contrary orders he

is called by one of the papers – Judge No-yes

- No – yes – pretty good!

[page break]

Court today as usual. Indian Gregorie

Yetshmanoff {indicted and} arraigned: appointed Mr.

Howard, his attorney. Grand jury at work.

Visited officers of revenue cutter “Manning”

Capt Buhner, Lt. Landry, Lt. Edmunds, &c.

Spent evening at Mr. J. R. Whipples – present

Mr & Mrs J. R. W - Marshal Richards & Mr Gray.

We played “solo” and another new game.

-25th ~~26th~~-

Sunday. Attended the Greek (Russian)

Church this morning. The service was

very interesting, chanting and singing.

Two good clear voices in the choir. The

church is a fair edifice with all the

trappings, bells, paintings and bric-a-brac

of the type so dear to the impressionable people.

Schooner “Challenge” left port for Atka

Island, while the “Kodiak” from Bristol

Bay & the Kuskokwim river entered.

A rainy, bad day.

[page break]

-26th-

Court today. Hearing Mozollon Ex. Co. v. Richards

Howard for plft. & Sullivan for defendant.

My neck is hurting me badly & nearly disabling

me from work. I am wearing porous plaster &

will try hot water bottle tonight. Grand jury

trying to indict Comr. Whipple while McGinn is

absent. This is most wonderful climate

I know of – it does not get warmer than 10° above –

a range of only 55°! There are patches

of snow all summer lying not a thousand

feet above sea level. The Indians in the

case of the Indian murderer are about to fail

as witnesses for fear that if he is found guilty

he will be hung. They would be willing to

tell the truth if he was only to go to the penitentiary

but if he is to hang they will be dumb. The

Marshal has engaged Miss Mary Wagner,

a thorough Aleut scholar to act as interpreter

in the case – no one else competent.

[page break]

-27-

Trial Mongollon Ex. Co. v Richards.

“Manning” not in yet.

-28th-

Decided case of Mongollon Ex. Co. vs.

Richards, against Sullivan & for the

plaintiff. It has been hanging at Nome

for a long time – argued – but not decided.

Another dance at the courtroom tonight.

Ball was a great success – Unalaska

belles happy – and the younger and dashing

Nome members of my juries are likewise.

-29th-

Nothing from the “Manning” yet. She

ought to have been in not later than yesterday

but for two days a storm from N.W. has been

blowing, & as he has to land on north coast

of Unimak – on the open, - it is evident

that they are unable to finish the work for that

reason – it would be dangerous. We can

do nothing until she gets in, - all ready there

[page break]

I am at work industriously on my instructions

to the jury in the Hardy & Indian murder cases,

- the nonappearance of the “Manning” leaves

me time to do the work which I otherwise

could not do – without great haste, &c.

-30-

The British cutter “Condor” came in to Dutch Harbor

last night & reports heavy storm from north for 3

days past – the “Manning” could not be near shore

on north side of Unimak – but would have to put to

sea – Wrote long letter to Debbie, - mail will

go out on “Condor” Sunday morning.

-31st-

Sent out my voucher for Aug. $421.20 No sign

of the “Manning” yet. Nothing at court today.

Spent the evening at Mr & Mrs Parrish’s. Present

Mr. Gray, Marshal Richard, Dep. Ck Reed, Mr & Mrs P_

Miss Parrish and Miss Wagner, & I. Played whist.

The “Manning” coming into port at 9 oo

[p?] m.– Learn later that their trip was finally

successful – but no particulars.

[page break]

[September 1901]

Sept. 1st Sunday

The coming of the Manning last night

with Dist. Atty. and witnesses makes it possible

to go ahead with Hardy case tomorrow.

I left Unalaska this morning at 10 oclock &

climbed the mountain on the east side of the harbor

(about 2000 ft height) found that on Aug 24, two men

had preceded me and left a staff upon which they

had written “We, J. A. Ellis and William Sowerby [?]

have agreed to call this peak Wickersham Peak –

[?] govern yourself according – Aug 24, 1901.”

Saw two red foxes on top – one sat and barked at

me until I was within 100 yards – when he ran.

Went inland and S. E. and climbed high peaks

between Unalaska and Biorka harbor – spent

the afternoon gazing out across the blue Pacific

[fro]m the highest points – 2500 ft. Read an interesting

[nov]el “The Master of the Mine” by Buchanan. Saw

[an]other red fox and got within 50 ft. – above him

[?] a ledge. He lay curled up in the sunshine

[page break]

[?] flower beds below. When he saw me [he?]

came around nearer to examine the queer

specimen, but as soon as he gained the quart[er]

whence the wind carried the scent – pish! and he

[f]lew like an arrow of light. Beautiful meadow

filled with flowers – great variety even for spring

but surpassing in Sept. Waterfalls, flowers, balmy

breezes from Japan current, moisture, and an

absence of frost, make these high round volcanic

[i]slands interesting. “Wickersham” is a volcani[c]

[?] this island – about 5000 ft high. Reached

[ho]me at 5 oclock after a splendid day on the

[su]mmits, & in the interior of Unalaska.

Sept. 2nd

[?]st for continuance in the Hardy case.

[impo]ssible to begin trial – will begin it in the

[?]ing if application for continuance denied

U.S.S. Seward is just in from Seattle

[?] mail. I am in receipt of a letter f[rom?]

[Atty Gen?]eral to go back to Nome [& ? ]

[page break]

am disappointed, for I had made up my

mind that I was going home for a brief visi[t]

[an]d the disappointment is keen. If Judge

[N]oyes is detained by the C.C.A. and does

[n]ot get away from San Francisco earlier

[th]an the 15th of Oct, I will probably be

[c]onfined in Nome for the winter. My visit

[h]ome is gone – hard work – thankless task,

[to?]o, at Home. Hope the wolf wont rend

[m]y bones asunder as he has poor Judge Noyes.

Capt. Downing, of “Seward” just in – he says the

[p]apers roasting Judge Noyes. Sent Grand jury ou[t on?]

[? “Seward – Received the report & discharged

[the]m tonight at 10 oclock. Expense of Grand Jury

[?] is $3352.00 of court will be $15,000, or more

Sept. 3rd

[Beg?]an Trial of U.S v. Hardy. Jury empanel[ed.]

[Tes]timony of 3 witnesses including Ow[?]

[?]kson, main witness for prosecution to[morrow?]

[?] from 9 in morning until 9.30 toni[ght?]

[?]30

[page break]

Sept. 4th 1901.

Trial of U.S v. Hardy – all day from

9:30 in the morning until 9:30 at night.

-5th-

The Str. “Roanoke” came in this morning –

and will remain until tomorrow evening.

Trial of U.S v. Hardy all day long until

9:30 at night. Prosecution rested.

-6th-

Very plain earthquake shock at noon.

Instructions ready for jury in U.S. v. Hardy –

U.S. v. Hardy all day until 10 oclock

tonight. Will finish tomorrow – Met

Capt. Weaver of Str. “Roanoke” today –

-7th-

After a long, hard trial, from Tuesday

morning until 9 oclock tonight the

case of U.S. v. Hardy was finished by

a verdict of guilty of murder in the first

degree – without the case is reversed he

will be hung. The crime was committed

on June 7th on the north shore of the

[inverted, in pencil:] Charley River

[page break]

Unimak Island – at Cape Lapin.

4 prospectors – left one load of their

goods, including rifle, shotgun, revolvers

& all their ammunition and returned for the

second load. Hardy got into camp, got

their arms and when they landed with the

next load shot Con. Sullivan & his brother

Florance and P. J. Rooney – and came within

an inch of wounding Owen Jackson, who

after the most terrible hardships finally

escaped, and reported the murder – after

wandering nearly crazy for 20 days –

It was an atrocious, coldblooded and

horrible murder – there is one circumstance

however, in my mind, that I want investigated

and then I am beyond doubt in favor of

hanging the murderer Hardy, who

was found with all their property, money,

watches, &c &c. in his possession.

P. C. Sullivan, of Tacoma & John W. Corson,

of Seattle defended him – ably.

[page break]

Sullivan and Corson were very flattering

in their commendation of my instructions to the

jury – Sullivans commendation is particularly

gratifying to me – Both from Tacoma – longtime

warm personal friends – it was a real satisfaction

to have him say “I am proud of you.” On a

matter of so much importance – where a human

life is at stake, to have as good a lawyer as

he is speak so strongly is very gratifying – and

especially to a young judge – who now “goes

up against” the situation at Nome.

-8th-

Visited the Hotel Rutley at Dutch Harbor

this evening and took dinner with Mrs.

Rutley and her daughters. They are very

pleasant people – from San Francisco.

Capt. Nice of the North American Commercial

Co. – lessees of the Fur seal islands – is in

charge of that Co. at Dutch Harbor. A

store, hotel, dock, saloon, hospital

and few warehouses & coal pile is Dutch Harbor

[page break]

-9th-

Trial of U.S. v. Yatshmenoff, murder of his

wife, begun & tried all day. Str. “Senator”

came in this evening & will wait until tomorrow

evening for us. – We will finish court & go to

Nome on her. – court and jury. In the evening

at the Greek Church attended wedding of Ida

Newman, a Unalaska belle – creole – to Ralph

, a young assistant Inspector U.S.

Customs Dept. I was asked to assist by

leading the bride to the altar – but pleaded want of

apparel – but as the bride will become a mother

in about 4 months (and her silk ~~dressing~~ {wedding}

dress displayed expansive rotundity) I very

firmly but politely insisted upon my excuse – and

was excused. Attended the festivities at the

wedding feast and the house of Mr. N. Gray,

agent, A. C. Co. – who is a veritable patriarch

among these people (lacking only the age – for he is

but 40), - for he attends them at births, marriages & deaths,

and transacts all their business through life.

[page break]

-10th-

Aboard the Str “Senator” in Dutch Har

-bor. Finished the trial of the Indian – Yatsh=

=menoff, jury found him guilty of

manslaughter. Sentenced Hardy

at 2 oclock to be hanged at Nome

on Dec. 6th. He chewed gum and

was the least moved person present.

Also sentenced Yatshminoff to 20

years at McNeils Island Penitentiary

Washington. Court adjourned to meet

in Nome next 16th of this month

Met Mr. Joshua Pierce on “Senator”

also Mrs. Judge T. M. Reed of Olympia

I have a beautiful stateroom – No. “4.”

11th-

Came on board “Senator” last night – this

morning at 4 oclock we left Dutch

Harbor in a terrible storm – waves high

& sea very rough

8 oclock - sea sick

[page break]

Noon – Sicker

Evening – Sickest.

Midnight – Dying –

-12th-

Morning – Still dying –

Noon – Trouble with waiter.

Said something about a farmer going

to sea – and laughed – threw shoe at

him, - broke glass - $2.00 cheap –

Still trying to die.

Night – still have hopes of dyeing.

-13th-

Still alive but very sick –

Noon – Damn Noah – or Jonah

or Columbus – or whoever it was

who invented sea voyages. Over

-heard conversation {day before} yesterday in next room

between Sullivan (P.C) and John W. Corson

Seattle Attys. The night we left Dutch Harbor

they had a “good jag” on – were drunk in

plain English – When remorse &

[page break]

seasickness combined on them

next day – between spells of eruptions

and stomach retchings – both using the

same bucket – Corson said – looking

across at Sullivan with tears in his

eyes – “By God, Charlie, if I get out

of this alive I’ll swear off drinking” –

As soon as he could speak, Sullivan

replied – “No, John, we wont swear off

drinking – we’ll just swear off going

to sea! Whoop” – and together they

who-o-o-ped, into the same old bucket –

Noon – Nobody dead yet –

Night – Sea calm, and see no immediate

necessity for dying. Will be in Nome in the

morning – May conclude to live again.

-14th-

When I awoke this morning we were anchored

in front of Nome – the sea as smooth as glass

and that city on the golden sands stretching

away on either side of us. After inspection

[page break]

by the Health Officer we went ashore, and I

was never happier to set foot on land – I

am still sea sick tonight.

I have been very kindly received by the people here

and if I am not mistaken I have an opportunity

to make a high and honorable record for myself

as judge – if I am permitted to clean up the

very bad condition which exists here.

I adjourned the Unalaska term to meet here on

Monday. I will go at once to hearing cases

without jury. My decision in the Mongollon Case

at Unalaska, and the speedy dispatch of the bus

-iness of that court has produced a good impress

=ion, and I feel sure that I start with a good

feeling toward me. Whether Judge Noyes is

to blame or not for the unfortunate condition

here, the fact exists that the Nome court tangle

has been used even in National politics to show

the troubles likely to result to the country from

the McKinley policy of expansion – it ha[s]

[page break]

annoyed and distressed the National admin

-istration – and I have a chance to correct

the evil – if I am of such weight and char

=acter as to manage the immense and wide

spread questions and interests involved.

I feel absolutely equal to the emergency

and intend to take hold with an iron

hand – encased in silk. My greatest

task so far in life, begins Monday Morning

and I feel no fear. Saw the largest nugget

today yet found in this region – in possession of

Lindeberg – from “Discovery” on Anvil & work

$1552.00

Sept. 15th (Sunday).

Wrote letters today – public & private,

as mail goes out on “Roanoke” tonight.

Took dinner with General Randall {U.S.A.} on

U.S.S. “Seward” this evening: present Genl.

Randall, Capt. W. A. Bethel, U.S.A. W. A. Sternberg

Capt. Wm M. Pinkston, Capt. Omar J. Humphrey

& self: occupied the right hand seat & had

[page break]

a fine meal. – Tacoma goose & Yakima

watermelons with the rest.

-16th-

Court met in Nome courthouse at 10 a.m.

Large assemblage of lawyers & other persons

present. After looking

over the docket and studying

the conditions here I am

satisfied that there is no serious trouble ahead of me

in the management of their litigation. The conditions

are all new – there is no long line of local precedents

to follow – I will be able to able to blaze out the trails myself,

and with new conditions, new country, a population

gathered from the ends of the earth, and a bar from

every state and territory, and a new code without

any binding decisions under it. I am at considerable

liberty in my movements. It will only be necessary

to be careful. Keep within the limits of the statute and

the rules of equity – and work like a slave. The

pressure of the bar for immediate work is not

what I expected – I will have to push them along

[newspaper clipping:]

“ At the opening of court, before

proceeding to other business, Judge

Wickersham addressed the members

of the bar as follows:

“GENTLEMEN OF THE BAR: - Pur-

suant to the directions of the Attor-

ney General the Unalaska term of

court was adjourned to meet at

Nome at this hour. A special term

has been called for the 7th of Octo-

ber at which there will be a jury.

Before proceeding to the business of

the court I wish to make a request;

I wish to call the attention of the

members of the bar to a personal

matter. I respectfully request that

no member of this bar at any time in

private conversation with me refer

in any way to the difficulties hereto-

fore arising publicly between the

court and some members of the bar.

These matters are being investigated

by the proper tribunal, and I do not

want to hear them discussed in any

way except as they may become im-

portant in the record in the trial of

some matter in this court. I will

consider it an imposition upon my

good nature if any member of the

bar shall undertake to discuss the

difficulties mentioned with me at any

time, and will thank you to remem-

[page break]

[newspaper clipping:]

“ber this while I am here.

The court is required to hold its

sessions in public, and I respectfully

request that no member of the bar

shall in my private office or any other

place except in the court room or in

the presence of the opposing counsel

speak to me at any time upon any

matter connected with the litigation

in this court. It will be my endeavor

to be in court publicly every day and

give counsel every opportunity for a

full hearing of any cause pending be-

fore the court, and the court earnest-

ly requests that no member of the bar

will presume upon his good nature

by trying to engage him in private

conversation in relation to any matter

pending before the court.

“The clerk is endeavoring to pre-

pare a calendar showing the condi-

tion and character of every case

pending before the court, and each

member of the bar is requested to

prepare a list of all the cases in

which he is interested, and opposite

each case whether it is to be tried by

the court or a jury, and whether it is

at issue, and hand the list to the

Clerk of the Court as early as possi-

ble. If attorneys will do this it will

be of very great assistance to the

clerk and to the court in the prepar-

ation of the calendar and will tend

to expedite the business of the court

very materially.”

Court was thereupon regularly

convened and proceeded to the

hearing of several applications for

warrants for contempt against par-

ties who have been accused of voi-

lating injunctions heretofore issued

by Judge Noyes. After hearing the

attorneys in these cases court took

a recess until 2 o’clock P.M.”

[page break]

-18th-

Str “Queen” came into port this afternoon &

we are greatly shocked at the attempt to assasin

=ate President McKinley. We received the

papers of two days – the day he was shot & the

day after – we will not know the result but

must continue in painful suspense until the

next mail comes in. Expressions of sympathy

are heard everywhere, and the act meets with

universal horror and execration. A public

meeting will be held at Congregational Church

on Sunday night. – I am asked to respond

to resolutions condemning the horrible act

& will do so.

-19th-

Pushing court matters hard, - meet with

earnest support and sympathy from the business

people who seem to be anxious to clean up

the bad mess that the court is in. I am

deciding everything promptly – at least.

Will remain at “Golden Gate” Hotel.

[page break]

-20th-

Court all day – call for jury drawing tomorrow.

“Santa Anna” Str. in port today – nothing new.

Tacoma people today on Steet: Joshua Pierce,

Wm Hayden, Sullivan, Jos. Easterday, Sam

Milligan, and others. Rob. Walker is up the

coast prospecting.

-21-

Drew Grand & Petit Jury today. Mr. M. Perl

late of Tacoma, acted as Commissioner. Trying

cases all day – repairing & painting court

room. -22-

Spoke with others at a meeting at Congregation

=al Church in mass meeting over attempt to

assassinate President McKinley.

-24th-

Called Grand Jury yesterday but only today

was I able to get jury empanelled & to work.

Trial jury tomorrow. Boat in today with papers

of 11th which state that Pres. McKinly is

better – hopes are that he will now recover.

[page break]

The “Golden Gate Hotel” may fairly be called a

telephone building – you can hear a man kiss

his wife in the fourth room down the hall from yours

A young – newly married couple occupy the room

next to me, -they occupy a ~~rappy~~ {squeaky} spring bed

just through a thin partition – and they make

me nervous! Stormy for last two days &

all vessels had to leave the front of Nome,- they

cut & run behind Sledge Island – they came

back today & are trying to get their passengers

aboard tonight. No wharf, and they have to go

out half a mile to the steamer on a scow or

in small boats – its pretty dangerous.

-25th-

Took dinner with Dr. Call tonight – Capt. Jarvis

& US. Marshal Frank Richards also present.

I am very fond of Capt. Jarvis; he is a loveable,

honest and competent man – I think those three

words cover about all that is necessary in a

man, - and he is the typical citizen – that he is

modest goes without saying – having the other virtu[es]

[page break]

-26th-

In calling trial jury I relied upon statements

of attorneys that a few civil cases would be ready

for trial – but not one is ready – all put them off

until Oct. 7th term begins. Today I made an

order peremptorily setting all cases at issue

for trial beginning Oct. 7th & have prepared a

“Trial Calendar” with about 200 cases thereon &

gave notice that all such cases must be ready for

trial & tried when called – or dismissed!

I am satisfied that many of the greatest “howlers”

at Judge Noyes have the least business and the

smallest interest in trying what they have. I am

very favorably impressed with some members of the

bar – Judge Johnson is a handsome, courtly man

- a gentleman & a fine lawyer. Judge Brinker as[?]

Sullivan is a good lawyer: Of the younger men

A. J. Daly – Judge Johnsons partner is a good lawyer

Steele, Frank A. – Ira D. Orton, E. R. Beeman & others

are very clever young men – Ex. Congressman Thos. J.

Geary, of S. F. is not a favorite with me, - he lacks

good manly character.

[page break]

-28th-

Heavy storm raging for two days past, but

quieting tonight. Large steamer in the

front of Nome – flags at half mast. Word

also received from Kaltag, by telegraph

that President McKinley died on 17th.

General expressions of sorrow from all

classes of citizens.

Profs. Mendanhall, Schrader &

Peters, U.S. Geological survey came

in yesterday from the Arctic coast. Mend=

=enhall, from jaundice, is as yellow as a

pumpkin. His bald head looks like the full

moon – Two men in landing from schooner

drowned in front of town on beach. Steamer

off town is Portland. Papers confirm McKinly’s

death on 14th There is a general feeling of grief

-29th-

Strs. “Kimball” & “St. Paul” also in port. Worked a

day on suit to enjoin special election in Nome

preparing opinion (see Book “2” continu[?]

[page break]

[Inside back cover]

5.00 1.00 1.00

cigars 3.75 baths .50 Laundry

5.00

Unalaska Waiters Water St. M [St. Michael] 5.00 Meals Nome 7.00

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary02-1901http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary02-1901.htm

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary04-1902

James A. Wickersham diary [04], February 12 to December 31, 1902.

[front cover, blank]

[page break]

[Things Easily forgotten]

No. of Watch Case] 2070.

[No. of Works] 276772, Rockford

[My Weight on] Feb 12, 1902. 166 ½ [lbs.]

[This book belongs to] James Wickersham

Nome, Alaska

[page break]

[Wed. Feb. 12, 1902]

Heard application for return of

license money & other matters today.

Began to take regular physical culture

lessons: Writing & mailing letters –

Another mail reported at Port Safety –

in tomorrow – older than last one.

[Thursday 13]

Everything here is in a state of

doubt about the trial of Judge

Noyes, Woods, Frost & Geary at

S. F. All kinds of rumors are

afloat – that Judge N. has been

removed – sentenced to jail for

18 mo. &c. The Marshals office

here has exerted itself to prevent

my assignment to this district,

& sent out letters &c.

[page break]

[Fri. Feb. 14, 1902]

Another mail in today – but is

older than last – was passed

by last on road. Brought me

much Eagle City official mail.

Several cases for decision – the

old Case of Allen v Myers – &c.

Heilig send Comr. & his reports,

orders for expenses &c. - which

I am busy signing & returning.

No mail from home.

[Saturday 15]

Busy with official mail and

official matters from Eagle.

Am taking physical training

from expert & rub-down – it

is helping me very much.

[page break]

[Sun. Feb. 16, 1902]

Took dinner with Chinese

residents of Nome tonight

Capt. Hansen, Turners, Cranes,

Hoggetts, Dorhmans, Grigsby

Kelly, Call. Splendid dinner

- 17 courses in full Chinese

style.

Ready for court tomorrow

but still busy with mail.

[Monday 17]

First day of February Term.

Opened court today & made

a good start. Mail in

again – good letter from

Debbie – but older than

last one – it contained two

letters from the boys – one from

each. Darrells letter is very

satisfactory – he stood 2 in

Mech. Draw. in Oct & 35 general

Howard wrote me a beautiful

little letter – how anxious I am

to hear that he is well.

[page break]

[Tues. Feb. 18, 1902]

Am getting court to working

nicely – every thing going as I

want it – jury next week, but

trying cases without jury now.

Answering letters &c. Attend

Dr. S. J. Calls dinner party

tonight at A.C. Co. quarters.

[Wednesday 19]

Attended Calls birthday party last

night – Mr & Mrs Turner, Mr & Mrs

Strong, Mr & Mrs. Miller, Mr & Mrs

Crane, &c &c. Sent Heilig

money orders for $425.80 amount

of loan on Aug. 3, 1901- in full.

[page break]

[Thur. Feb. 20, 1902]

Working in court hard –

Great ball in hotel {last} tonight – it

was the “Chechaco” Ball – the first

hour was given up to the new scholars

from the dancing classes – and the

judges ~~are~~ were “fixed” to give Judge Crane

the first prize and Gordon of the

Clerks office the “booby” prize – They

are both “jolly good fellows,” but not

terpschicorean artists by any means –

Did not go – but went in a few

minutes when prize dances on.

[Friday 21]

Sent out mail today – nice long letter

to Debbie – with photograph & 2 pictures

of Cape Prince of Wales. Hearing

case of Spaulding v. A. C. Co.

Attended the musical of the

Philharmonic club – at Golden Gate

Hall – a splendid treat of music

[page break]

[Sat. Feb. 22, 1902]

Court all day – refused to grant

continuances in many cases –

- there is an evident inclination

to postpone them – Am making

them try them - or dismiss -

[Sunday 23]

Worked all day on paper for

Monday night – will also send

it to Magazine – descriptive of

my trip to Cape Prince of Wales.

Sent Debbie a photo of self & a

letter by carrier via Katmai.

[page break]

[Mon. Feb 24, 1902]

Jury today and have begun on

jury cases, - one tried today –

Am somewhat annoyed at

the fact (though I do not know that

it is surprising) that Stevens and

Marshal Richards are sending

out everything possible to prevent

my assignment to this district.

They both have reason to fear my

presence here – and are using the

opinions in the Wild Goose Min Co

v. Heman, the California Fraction

opinion & the fact that I went to

Cape Prince of Wales with Louis

Lane as evidence that I am under

the influence of that faction.

[Wed. Feb. 25, 1902]

Delivered address last night

(Monday) before large audience in

Standard Theatre on “Kingegan:

A Study of the Eskimo”.

Jury case today – and finished

Admiralty case Spaulding vs. A

C. Co. tonight. Judge & Mrs Reed,

Mr. & Mrs. Rinehart & Hannum

to dinner with tonight

[page break]

[Wed. Feb. 26, 1902]

There has been much talk this

week about the high handed proceed

=ings conducted by Fink and Daly

at Council City in throwing one Lena[?]

Walton & French employes off a

mining claim by force & bribery.

There has been much suppressed

excitement over it, and many

dark and mysterious hints of

controling the courts and juries.

Jury trial each day – one tried

and ended today.

[Thursday 27]

Jury trial today. Getting some

letters ready to go out to Heilig

& sending my paper on the

Eskimo to C. A. Snowden with

request to have it published

in magazine.

[page break]

[Fri. Feb. 28, 1902]

Two jury trials set for today

dismissed by parties. Affidavits

in Ophir creek cases against Fink

& Daly very true – but still bad

enough on matter of force. They

do not contain any assertions against

me as was generally reported. I

had McGinn prepared and intended

to go after them hard – but there is

so little to it! This is the meanest

town for small talk I ever knew.

Letter to Debbie & Snowden today

Also to Heilig.

[Sat. March 1]

Hell of a time in the case of Wild Goose Co.

v. Walton. I instructed Dist. Atty.

to prosecute Fink & Daly for contempt

& gave Bruner such a lecture that

he won’t forget it for many aday-

They brought out a scandalous

remark by Fink that the W. G. Co.

had money to control the court – jury

& everybody else, - & on top of it Daly

& Fink took forcible possession of

the mine. I ordered it restored &c

Hard at work trying cases – hope

this slap at Scandal will at least

make the lawyers more careful.

[page break]

[Sun. March 2, 1902]

McGinn, Dist. Atty. left last night or

early this morning for Council city to

get testimony in contempt cases vs.

Fink & Daly.

Worked all day on Allen v Myers

from Rampart. Invited to take

dinner with Capt. Hanson & friends

but declined – suit pending before me

& there is too much small talk

by long tongued narrow minded men.

They don’t seem to have anything else

to do in the winter season –

[Monday 3]

~~Outside mail in this morning~~

~~Telegrams from Heilig saying~~

~~that Howard died on Jany 1^st –~~

~~Oh my son, my son. Would to God~~

~~I had died for them and I would~~

~~as willingly have done it for the~~

~~light of my life is gone –~~

~~I held sweet Clydes hand until~~

~~she died – and am robbed the~~

~~last look from my sons eyes –~~

~~Oh Howard – Howard – will I~~

~~never see your sweet face again~~.

[page break]

[Tues. March 4, 1902]

Yesterday morning I called court

and adjourned & no one knew of

my loss. This morning I called court

& the members of the bar offered some

resolution of condolence & court

again took recess for a day.

Was to have gone to Mrs Turners

to a dinner tonight – sent my

excuses.

[page break]

[Thur. March 6, 1902]

Decided the Rampart

mining case of Allen v Myers

in favor of intervenor Garratt.

[Friday 7]

Sent out telegram today to

Heilig to telegraph from Eagle to

Mrs. Wickersham to come in on

the first boat.

Beautiful party at hotel tonight

in honor of Mrs Daggetts & Dr. Rin

=ingers birthdays – was invited to

sit at Mrs D right but did not

attend. Did look in while at ball.

Jury case hung until 12 oclock

midnight – discharged them.

[page break]

[Sat. March 8, 1902]

Worked all day like a slave

in court – Went over & called

on Mrs. Crane and spent the

evening with her.

Proofs presented to show that

the Wild Goose Co had returned the

possession of #19 Ophir Creek to

those from whom it was forcibly taken

by Fink & Daly – I made them pay

all costs & return every thing exactly

as it was when taken.

[Sunday 9]

Attended a meeting at Golden Gate

lodge room & assisted in organizing

Elks lodge. Worked all day on

opinion in admiralty case. Took

dinner with Judge & Mrs. Reed.

Mail in – received telegram from

Heilig saying that dispatches recd

at Eagle, Feb. 10, that I was transferred

to Nome – second division – but

no other or certain news of any

such transfer.

[page break]

[Wed. March 12, 1902]

Hard at work in court – but the

work this term does not compare

with that last – Am getting

toward the end of the cases.

More are going over till July

than I expected.

[Thursday 13]

Attended vaudeville show at

the Standard Theatre & was a

guest of Mr & Mrs Crane, with

Mrs. Turner, & Mr Daly

& Mr Orton. Then took lunch

with the Cranes-

[page break]

[Saturday 15]

Delivered opinion in “Louise” case

(Spaulding v. A. C. Co.) holding that

beachcombers who threw line to

barge coming ashore not entitled

to salvage. Hardest days work

this term today.

[page break]

[Sun. March 16, 1902]

Mrs. Daggett is surprised by

her husband today – this evening

with a dinner – I am to attend-

Afterwards the party are my guests

at box at Musicale in Golden Gate

Hall.

Capt. Hanson & others urging me to be a

candidate for Delegate to Congress-

Decline positively as I prefer the

Judgeship – Hanson is the best

man in my judgment.

[Monday 17^th]

St Patricks day – Held court

all day & tried jury case-

Another mail in yesterday, but

none from home – nothing important.

Looked in on the ball in Hotel

ballroom & had several friends,

Mr & Mrs Turner, Mr & Mrs Hoggatt

Mr & Mrs Crane, Capt. Hansen

Dr Call & others up to spend an

hour in my rooms.

Trial U.S. v. Thomasin.

[page break]

[Tues. March 18, 1902]

Trial McAlone v Smith.

W. F. Hiatt came in from Rampart

with papers in case of Garratt vs.

Belsea, - mining case asking for

injunction &c.

Went to bed early – No news,

in letters from Rampart except

private assurances of my transfer

to Nome – Judge Noyes, however,

had not been removed at last work

- The matter is not ended – He may

be sent back to Alaska –

[Wednesday 19]

Granted injunction and appointed

Dribelbis receiver in Garratt vs.

Belsea, from Rampart – receiver

to wash out “dump” only-

Will attend Capt. Hansens dinner

- public dinner to give him a

testimonial, tonight.

Hansons dinner a great success

and compliment to him. I was invited

to make a few impromptu remarks which

I did & pleased him very much – 75

representative men of Nome present.

Mrs. Daggatt had “Charlie” the Eskimo boy

whom I have assisted to hospital &c. where his

[page break]

[Wednesday 19 continued]

leg was removed to a dinner with his Eskimo

friends yesterday. I christened him Charlie

Daggatt, - and both Mr & Mrs D permitted

it, and seemed rather pleased over it.

He is getting well and strong & will soon be

able to go back to his own people.

[Friday 21]

Court business light this week,

but am massing it so that here

=after it will be better arranged,

and expect to keep jury busy for

three weeks more & then let it

go – Grand jury Monday.

Dinner tonight at CapHansens

Cranes, Hoggetts, Turners, Baldwins, self

+ Mrs Daggatt: Capt. Walker + R.S. Ryan

[page break]

[Sat. March 22, 1902]

Call of docket today – Am much

interested in an important case involving

constitutionality of license laws –

which will be appealed. I am studying

it to prepare a fair opinion.

A few days ago Capt. Hanson started

a talk in favor of my candidacy for delegate

to Congress if the Bill passes to permit it – the

movement seems to be growing and many

persons kindly urge it upon me – I fail

to see the advantage of surrendering the

judgeship for it: although it has an

alluring look.

[Sunday 23]

Slept till noon – prepared my charge

to the Grand Jury which meets tomorrow

called on Sullivan, who is sick, and

had long talk with him about the

Delegate to Congress – he advised

as my own judgment dictates – a

calm wait for the turn of events.

Am to take dinner tonight with

Mr & Mrs Turner, in honor of

Capt. Hanson.

[page break]

[Mon. March 24, 1902]

Grand Jury – charged & appointed A.E.

Sunderhof foreman – he is the manager

of French-Walton interests in suit of Wild

Goose Co. v. French & Walton & is to marry

Margaret Fink! Pretty near killed two birds

with one stone! Dinner to Capt Han

=sen in my rooms last night {(Saturday)}

was fine.

Ladies dressed in Danish peasant costumes

- Danish dinner &c to a Danish gentleman

Wild Goose Co v. French on trial.

Better feeling growing out of actions

of Fink & Daly at Council.

[Tuesday 25]

Wild Goose Co. v. French fight on.

Capt. Hansen left for St Micheal.

Elks ball – I must attend

being head of organization.

Papers (News) today announces my

candidacy – or rather their desire

that I be a candidate for Delegate

to Congress – I am going to

keep perfectly silent.

[page break]

[Wed. March 26, 1902]

Trial of Wild Goose Co v. French

being fought bitterly – I am,

of course, embarrassed very much

by Daly & Finks foolishness & talk

at Council & find it very hard to

be fair and unprejudiced in the

case.

Indictments returned against

half a dozen parties by Grand Jury.

[Thursday 27]

Trial Wild Goose Co v. French.

Was surprised to receive a call

from Mrs Magnus Kjelsberg at

noon asking to see me privately in

evening: She came & after a long

preliminary statement told me that

she & Magnus were not married

& asked me to meet them at McKays

-Hospital – on Monday evening at

6 oclock and marry them. I agreed

to do so – in presence of McKay &

wife.

[page break]

[Fri. March 28, 1902]

Wild Goos Min & T. Co. v. French – all day

Arraignment of criminals on indictments.

Sent Carpenter to Insane Asylum – frozen man.

“News” pushing my candidacy for Congress -

I fear that I must soon do something!

- but what I do not yet conclude-

Interviews by business men strong

for me – ~~but~~ and efforts to organize

a boom.

[Saturday 29]

Wild Goose Co v French

Trial all day – arguments till

7 oclock – then supper and then

instructed jury – verdict at 2

oclock for plaintiffs. A

hard weeks work.

[page break]

[Sun. March 30, 1902]

Seething, writhing, twisting blizzard

raging today – Took dinner with

Perkins, of N.W. Com. Co. & later with

Mr & Mrs Daggett, Mr & Mrs Kjelsbertg & Johnson.

Telephone message that mails are coming

- are at Solomon river – probably in tomorrow

several hundred pounds via

Illiamna & the Kuskokwim

tundra route.

[Monday 31]

Meinbrig[?] & McKnight plead guilty to

larceny – Meinbrig[?] 4 years, McK. 1 yr.

Married Magnus Kjelsberg

and Olga Riskin

in presence of Mr & Mrs Mc

Kay – at the Hospital bldg.

They gave me a beautiful diamond

stud – We had a fine dinner.

Attended the A. B. Ball.

[page break]

[Tues. April 1, 1902]

Criminal cases all day.

[Wednesday 2]

Darrells Birthday.

First of the Iliamna route mail in

and a letter from Debbie dated Jany 17

She evidently bears up for she started

to Annapolis to remain near Darrell

till spring. She went by San Francisco

& the So. Pac. & New Orleans. It is a great

relief to know that she did not break down

for I feared that more than anything else.

Much other mail – but not distributed yet.

Nothing official in this mail.

[page break]

[Thur. April 3, 1902]

Preparing opinion in U.S. v. Binns

involving constitutionality of license laws.

Decided a civil cause tried yesterday

without jury – Another mail coming

in from outside – will be here tomorrow

spend evening with Mr & Mrs. Crane.

[Friday 4]

Trial of U.S v. Shaugnessy –

all day – and at night.

“Oo-kwed-luk” – “the Rabbit” an

Eskimo boy from Shismaref Inlet

- “Ip-now-ruk” brought me pkg.

of Eskimo pictures & maps drawn

by his father – “E-too-ach-in-na” –

the Eskimo chief at “Ip-now-ruk”.

Sent the old man sugar – tea

& tobacco as a present.

[page break]

[Sat. April 5, 1902]

Shaugnessy case until noon &

then Law & Motion Calendar.

Jury out in Shaughnessy case.

Mrs. E{mma} D{oonbury} [Emma Doonbury] called, - strenuous.

she is dangerous – put her out!

[Sunday 6]

Jury in Shaughnessy case out

all night & came in with a

verdict today at 10.30 a.m.

Guilty assault with dangerous

weapon.

[page break]

[Mon. April 7, 1902]

Jury cases today –

Capt. Walker for dinner.

[Tuesday 8]

U.S. v. Leipp.

[page break]

[Wed. April 9, 1902]

Teipleman v A.C.Co.

2^nd trial and 2^nd

hung jury.

[Thursday 10]

Leipp v. Evn[?]

[page break]

[Fri. April 11, 1902]

Waterbury v. Ferguson

Hard at work all week – every

night – one night jury reported

at 2 oclock – next night

at 11.30.

[Saturday 12]

Waterbury v. Ferguson –

Instructed jury in Waterbury v. Ferguson-

to return a verdict for plaintiff.

At midnight there is a glow almost

of sunset in the north – so rapidly

does the sun travel north to gladden

& revivify the Arctic after the

long drear and cold winter.

[page break]

[Sun. April 13, 1902]

At work on motion for new trial

in Black v. Teeters.

Great black places on mountain

- noticed them today – snow melted

off in last two days – spring

day of warm winds.

Have determined, if I can, to get

papers here to support V. T.

Hoggatt, for Congress. he

resembles Frank Cushman

[Monday 14]

Prepared opinion in Black v

Teeters on motion for new trial.

Short cases in court today.

[page break]

[Tues. April 15, 1902]

Mrs. Daggett brot. “Charlie Daggett,” the

Eskimo boy in & I got Louis Lane to

let him sleep with other Eskimo at his

place & he eats in hotel Kitchen.

We are giving him instructions, tools

&c. to assist him in his native carving

and etching for which he shows a talent.

Gave him clothes &c. &c. his leg is now

healed – left leg amputated, & think

he will soon be self supporting.

[Wednesday 16]

Beautiful weather for some days –

clear, warm, and snow melting.

Spring has come –

Busy every hour in courts.

[page break]

[Thur. April 17, 1902]

Began trial U.S. v. Wright for

embezzlement – he was Postmaster

at Nome – defalcation $4000 & over

Beautiful – warm day.

Major & Mrs Strong took dinner

with me, - we talked about the

candidacy of Hoggett for Congress

Council City News editorially endor

=ses me for Congress, - sorry

I cannot run.

[Friday 18]

U.S. v. Wright for embezzlement

on trial – hard fight.

Dinner with Mr & Mrs Daggett,

Mr & Mrs Crane & her brother

Mr Kepner present also

- then went to vaudeville at

Standard Theatre.

Like young Kepner very

well – they degrade him by

calling him “Bud” –

[page break]

[Sat. April 19, 1902]

Trial of U.S v. Joseph H. Wright.

After cause went to jury – one hour – I

met McR in lobby of Golden G. H. He asked

me if I knew how jury stood – told me 8 to 4 for

acquittal – that he had list of talesmen a week

- sent Griggs out for 8 best – 5 “bum stews –

3 men put on those he had picked – was

in nature of apology – said McGinn

was mad – only thing I said that

I noticed they all came “from one place”

meaning Joe. Jordans saloon.

[Sunday 20]

Mr & Mrs Hoggatt for dinner last

night.

[page break]

[Mon. April 21, 1902]

Trial U.S. v Wagner

Verdict “guilty.”

[Tuesday 22]

Trial U.S. v Pratt.

Verdict “not guilty”

[page break]

[Wed. April 23, 1902]

Trials of various kinds –

Discharged the jury – will

now hear only equity cases –

until beginning of June term.

[Thursday 24]

Equity cases.

[page break]

[Saturday 26]

Equity Cases.

Attended Geise Banquet.

An exciting time – McGinn drunk

said to Cashell – speaking on “The

Consent Govt. of Nome,” – “oh s-down”

A row began - & finally Cashel called

Fink --- Fink threw wine glasses &c.

I talked on unity of Nome press on the

matter of delegate – but now fear that

there will only be dissension.

[page break]

[Sun. April 27, 1902]

I made no mistake about the

character of Mrs. E. D. [Emma Doonbury] (April 5^th).

She has had a delicate operation (?)

I only escaped blackmail by holding

her off - Her physicians

are Rininger & Grigsby !!!

{Dr. Grigsby}

[Monday 28]

Went out 4 miles to edge of “pack”

at 5 a.m. this morning with Louis Lane

Mrs. Daggett & Eskimo to hunt seals.

Ice jammed & no open water – no seals.

Equity cases.

Had talk with Dr. Reninger today

Looked him square in the eye &

told him of -- actions. Said she

treated him same way & admitted

the character of her delicate operation

- but said it was done to save her life

having already been brought on.

[page break]

[Tues. April 29, 1902]

Proofs of jury bribing & “packing”,

are coming in – Recd. today letter

from Jeffry, leading lawyer in the

case of Waterbury v. Ferguson,

saying that rumors of bribing in

that case, & that Cody, the detective

had proofs. Cody came to see me

- no arrangements – he said he would

look the matter over in his mind &

let me know – if thought could suc

=ceed would make proposition.

He gave me names of jurors he

thinks were “bribed” in that case &

says Lang – a member of the jury

was go-between – that Dell. Cleark

& Denny Brogan x x says D. B.

rules the Marshals office, which

corresponds with my judgment.

Another letter today from McGinn

saying that Pratt case was “packed”

by Marshall.

[page break]

[Thur. May 1, 1902]

May day ball at Golden

Gate Hotel - beautiful flowers

(paper), but really beautiful &

artistic.

Case of Reedy v Smith.

Dismissed Charley Herren from

Clerks office & appointed Sam

Taylor, a Tacoma man in his place.

This is only the first of many – the

gang must be “cleaned out.”

[Friday 2]

Reedy v. Smith – finished –

preparing opinion for pft.

Shea, one of the jurors in the case of

U.S v. Wright came in to see me this evening

- he said he was in court room when the

order for open venire issued to Marshal

Mike Sullivan invited him to go to the

“Lobby” saloon – he did so and was there

summoned as a juror along with others.

Said he had since learned from Swanton

that Wright was guilty. I am now

sure that this jury was “packed” by

[page break]

[Sat. May 3, 1902]

Marshal R and I intend to have

proceedings instituted to ascertain

the fact in a formal way.

Instructed McGinn to procure the

evidence & institute proceedings in

jury fixing cases. He has just notified

me that he has employed Cody, the detec

=tive for a {two} months at rate of $3000. per year

to gather testimony – told him to put his

communication &c in writing & I would

approve his action.

[page break]

[Mon. May 5, 1902]

Stevens of the “Gold Digger”

has recd. letter from Father Van Gorp

containing correspondence with

Marshal Richards about the

Father Jacquet matter. Advised

him to see Richards & Sullivan,

Father Van der Pols attorney before

he published it & he agreed to

do so.

[Tuesday 6]

Marshal has persuaded (?)

Stevens of the Gold Digger

not to publish Van Gorp cor

=respondence. Richards

acted the fool in the matter but

I am glad it was not published

as it would only created

a useless row.

[page break]

[Wed. May 7, 1902]

Notified U.S. Marshal that I did

not longer want Adam Johnson

to act as crier – see letter Book.

- one more of the gang gone.

[Thursday 8]

Marshal demands name of the

party who told me that Adam

Johnson said things in contempt

of court & for which I required

him to remove him to other employ

=ment. My informant was

S. T. Jeffrys, one of the most

reputable lawyers at the bar, but

I shall not disclose it, for the

Marshal himself is even worse

than Johnson & does not deserve

my confidence in any respect.

[page break]

[Fri. May 9, 1902]

Beautiful spring weather

for a week, - clear & warm.

Hearing equity cases all week

& working on those submitted

on trip!

[Saturday 10]

Decided case of Nome-Sinook

Min. Co. v. Simpson & others,

application of town of Nome

to intervene – allowed.

[page break]

[Sun. May 11, 1902]

Beautiful weather.

Spring is here to stay.

[Monday 12]

Fine day & north wind.

[page break]

[Tues. May 13, 1902]

Strong north wind blowing &

ice pack breaking away-

Dinner with Judge & Mrs Crane.

Mail from upriver – from

Edgar & Heilig – Judge Noyes

removed by Pres. Roosevelt

on Feb. 25. Nothing official

about myself yet.

[Wednesday 14]

Ice pack gone out – great

stretches of water

- rumor of boats!

General break up in sight.

The ice solid along shore, though,

two or three miles wide. It will not

go for some time yet.

[page break]

Thur. May 15, 1902]

Beautiful warm weather.

Ice gone from shore ice –

shore ice two miles wide –

but pack ice gone, –

- coming back tonight.

Dinner tonight with Mr & Mrs

Crane, & Mrs Turner

Hendricks v. Hendricks

a vile divorce case on.

[Friday 16]

Snake river is breaking

up at mouth & as the

sea ice had not moved it

jams and is keeping the

river high. –

Great part of pack ice

back – but drifting west

& north.

Hendricks v. Hendricks.

Gave both parties my honest

opinion of their vile actions

& a divorce – although it is

a shame to spoil two houses with them

[page break]

[Sat. May 17, 1902]

Busy day in court. McGinn

tells me he is acquiring evidence

to show that Richards was in

close corporation with Fink

to fix jurors & bleed gambling

houses.

[Sunday 18]

Went out hunting ducks with Louis Lane

& 2 Eskimo this a.m. at 3 oclock, across

the ice plain – streams, swamps, hills &c

all in front of Nome – three miles out to

open water. Killed eider ducks &

two varieties of smaller – 22 in all.

Boat on sled – and used in water off

the ice, came back at 4 oclock & ~~too~~

Took dinner with Mr & Mrs N. B. Solner.

[page break]

[Mon. May 19, 1902]

Heard & decided mining case from

Eldorado creek.

Duck dinner with Judge & Mrs Crane

& Orton. Eider duck fine eating.

Not the least bit “fishy”.

[Tuesday 20]

Hearing cases – demurers &c.

and preparing opinions in cases

heretofore submitted. Am about

caught up with my work.-

[page break]

[Wed. May 21, 1902]

Hearing cases & prepared

opinion in Ames v Kruzner,

on question of foreign corporation

to recover on contract made

before filing articles &c.

[Thursday 22]

Went hunting across Anvil & far up

snake river – poor luck. 1 duck 4 snipe.

McGinn tells me tonight that

Richards has discovered that he is

investigating him & that the Marshals

office and the Nome police force are

engaged in intimidating his witnesses

Adam Johnson came to see me

again at the command of the Marshal.

- I promised him I would permit

him to continue as crier – the Marshal

is seeking an excuse to dismiss Adam

& I decline to furnish it – let him

assume his own responsibilities.

[page break]

[Fri. May 23, 1902]

The matter of prosecuting Marshal

Richards and Joe Jordan for “jury

fixing” is being pushed vigorously

by McGinn, Jeffrys and Cody –

Evidence is being gathered, but the

Marshal is now aware of investigation

and he and his “gang” are now trying

to intimidate the witnesses.

[Saturday 24]

Saw Lang, one of Richards gang

taking Hayden, one of the witnesses

for McGinn, back of Pac. St. Whaling

Co. building on beach – evidently

to coax him to quit. McGinn

& Jeffrys tell me that they have the

affidavits, &c. of witnesses.

The Marshal wrote McGinn

a bitter letter today – only such

as a drunk man or a fool would

write – he also abused McGinn

& me to Jeffrys – the lawyer.

- Motion calendar today

light – things about cleaned up.

[page break]

[Sun. May 25, 1902]

Yesterday, one year ago, the “Jeanie”

- the first vessel of the year reached

Nome. There is yet no prospect

of a steamer. The ice is so thick

& such floating fields are in sight

that no vessel can get here – It

may be days yet-

Went duck hunting this morning

at 3 p.m. – back at 8 – no luck

but snipe and one brant.

[Monday 26]

In a talk with Lawrence, who was

bailiff at the last term of court I

asked him about acting the next term

& he said he did not know whether

he would or not – that the Marshal

- meaning Richards – had asked him

to go on the jury!! Evidently packing

it in anticipation of trouble.

Tried case of Foss v. Daw

decided for the defendant.

[page break]

[Tues. May 27, 1092]

Went hunting on the tundra this

a.m. at 3 oclock with Dr. Call

- no luck – only snipe.

Court in afternoon, but the

court work is about finished.

Nothing much to do until the

regular June term on 9^th. My

determination to clean up the

accumulated business left over

by Judge Noyes has been fully

carried out – to my entire satisfaction.

[Wednesday 28]

Wrote opinion in Anvil Gold M.

Co v. Hoxsie, today – for deft.

Went out riding with Louis

Lane – to “dumping station” of

Wild Goose Co. The plant will

throw a stream 700 {high} feet on the

mountains, - 200 miners inches

per 24 hours. It is intended to

work the high dry mines on the

head of Dexter and upper Anvil

with this water first

No boat yet – boat in 1899 on

May 29, in 1900 on May 21, in 1901 on

May 24 – 1902 – when???

[page break]

[Thur. May 29, 1902]

McGinn filed proceedings for con

=tempt of court today, against

Marshal Richards & Joe Jourden.

Appt. Dept. Marshal Griggs to serve

papers, & set case for hearing on

Monday June 2. McGinns

affidavit is strong & unmistakable

in its charges.

[Friday 30]

Went out to the “Mattie[?]” placer mine

with Louis Lane to see a “clean

-up” – assisted & we brought it

in - $6000. in gold dust &

$4000 – the day before!

Memorial day –

attended the services at the

Golden Gate Hotel.

[page break]

[Sat. May 31, 1902]

Motion calendar –

worked all day in court, hard.

[Sun. June 1]

A beautiful morning – clear,

warm & bright – but no boat

yet. The ice is about gone from

shore, the rivers are open and

waters running, but evidently

the boats are kept away by the

floating ice packs at sea.

The most beautiful day I have seen

in Alaska – the ice cleared from oppo

=site Barracks Square for miles {northward} –

the sea is open as far as you can see,

- and as still as a mill pond – no

boat yet.

[page break]

[Mon. June 2, 1902]

Steamboat!

The “Elk No 1.” anchored at 2 oclock

this morning. C. F. Hayes of Utah

reported appointed in Noyes place,

& assigned to Nome – Then

fresh eggs for breakfast.

U.S. v Richards & Jordan on

trial – packed audience.

Case all day and at evening until

9 oclock – fight for blood: on the

part of McGinn

[Tuesday 3]

Case of U.S v. Richards & Jourden

finished today – case argued &

submitted – I took time to write

my findings and judgment.

Arguments of Fink & Mc

Ginn very forceful and earnest.

Went boating with Dr Call & Mrs

Turner, Orton & Mrs Crane & Mrs Hoggatt

[page break]

[Wed. June 4, 1902]

All day in court.

Ice all broken and going

out – sea clear as far as

I can see of Nome shore

Midnight – “Steamboat”

Large steamer coming in

“Nome City”

[Thursday 5]

Letter from Debbie – all well

Am to go back to Eagle-

Fight on me in Washington.

I am disappointed only in one respect

- that my friends have made a strong fight

& have lost, and there is work to do here

and little there. Darrell is well & doing

nicely – mother – every body is well –

Debbie will be here on some of the early

boats – and I am to wait for her and go

upriver with her from here.

[page break]

[Fri. June 6, 1902]

Have been earnestly engaged in writing

my opinion, findings, &c, in the case

of U.S. v. Richards and Jourden for

contempt in “fixing” Wright jury.

Have reached the conclusion that they

are both guilty – the case will do me

& all of us much harm in Washington

when Nome matters have long been a

stench, anyway.

“Thetis”, Rev. cutter in today – con

firm appt. of Hayes to this place.

[Saturday 7]

Read my opinion finding Jourden

& Richards guilty – They are now trying

to beat the evidence &c. to Washington.

I sincerely hope the President and

Atty Genl. will stay by the new judge

and support him as they ought.

With the Marshals office in the hands

of a corrupt gang, - he will soon be

either a party to it or fighting for

existence.

[page break]

[Sun. June 8, 1902]

Steamer “Sadie” in from St

Micheal – no news or mail. Wrote

letters to Darrell & Mother.

Marshal Richards & friends furious about

my decision & threatening – Sullivan is

also – He does not know that I asked

McGinn to leave him out of prosecution!

Am sending Atty General full statement

of the case – Percy Parkinson goes

out with it – also to look after Assoc.

Press dispatches – I am going to

defend myself against blackmail!

[Monday 9]

Called Richards & Jourden for sentence

today – but upon application the matter

goes over till Wednesday – they to

file their motion for a new trial today

& affidavits by that time. They are

preparing to attack me, so I am

told, upon the old trouble of 1888.

Well, I must meet it with fortitude

and courage for it must come sooner

or later – if I shrink from duty on

account of that threat it proves

that I am unworthy to be a judge

[page break]

[Tues. June 10, 1902]

Motion for new trial in Richards

case tomorrow morning.

[Wednesday 11]

Case of Richards & Jourden

postponed until tomorrow.

Steamboats

Str “Ohio” & Debbie came on her!

Also this afternoon “Kimball” “Sen=

=ator” “Garonne” & “Centennial.”

= 5 large boats, & hundreds of

people. – Nome is alive again

after a long winter of hibernation.

[page break]

[Thur. June 12, 1902]

Arguments in U.S. v Richards

& Jourden. Attack me for

prejudice &c. it is the evident

purpose of Richards, Sullivan

& Fink to attack me with the

newspapers &c &c on account

of former difficulties. I

judge this from the allegations

in the motion for new trial &

affidavits in support thereof.

[Friday 13]

Working on decision in U.S

v. Jourden and Richards.

[page break]

[Sat. June 14, 1902]

Call of docket.

[Sunday 15]

Completed examination into

motion for new trial &c. in U.S.

v. Richards & Jourden: & have

determined to overrule same &

fine in sum of $300 each.

Before concluding as to Richards

I talked the matter over with Judge

T. M. Reed, Jr. and he fully urged

and advised the course I took

This was the only matter that I

ever consulted any other person

about in Nome.

[page break]

[Mon. June 16, 1902]

Delivered opinion, denied motions

& imposed sentences in U.S. vs.

Richards & Jourden, $300 each.

“Oregon” & “Valencia” in today.

[Tuesday 17]

Judge Reid. Conv. told me this day that U.S. M.

Frank H. Richards came to him yesterday and asked

if he would issue warrant for Eames – witness against

Richards – was told yes – but that case would be

tried fairly upon the merits. Richards asked if he

was going back on him & Reed told him that he

would only decide case on the law & evidence &c.

Reed was & is mad – it was a deliberate attempt

to get him to hold Eames whether justified or

not to destroy force of his testimony. No

warrant asked for on that proposition –

- only a conspiracy to hold Eames would

be difficult.

[page break]

[Wed. June 18, 1902]

The Nome “Nugget” attacks me

most viciously today on account

of finding {[?]} Richards & Joe Jourden

case. Have asked “News” not to

say a word. McGinn wants to

arrest for contempt but I will not

consent.

Have determined to go up Yukon

next week & not wait for new

judge who may not get here

for a month – cannot hold terms

up river much later.

[page break]

[Fri. June 20, 1902]

Gordon Hall, who just landed,

with C. D. Lane, from S. F. came to see

me & suggested a cessation of hostilities

in Richards case- they want to quit.

P. C. Sullivan also came on same errand

& urged dropping it – I told him

it was beyond me – I would do

nothing – nor would I fight – but

would let appelate court & the

dept. do as they saw fit – that I

would not make war – however.

[Saturday 21]

Much better feeling already

about Richards matter – they

are afraid of other developments.

Took dinner with Mr C. D Lane

-present “Charlie”, “Sallie” Louis

Tom, Billie Sternberg & Debbie

& I. C. D. admits – that his

presence in Washington, D. C.

as my supporter was fatal to

my chances for remaining at

Nome.

[page break]

[Sun. June 22, 1902]

“St Paul” went out today –

with Mrs. Crane, Margaret Fink,

Mrs. Dagett & 30 other women

& but 4 men! Most any kind

of a man could be popular on

that boat. Judge Crane

took dinner with us.

Just recd. notice from Atty Genl

of Judge Moores appointment to

Nome – also private notification

that my district had been increased to

include Valdez & Unalaska!

[Monday 23]

Court today & getting ready to

leave Nome. George will go

at once – letter from Harlan,

Dist. Atty. at Eagle – who is getting

court matters ready.

Met & talked with Judge Dubose

- & I like him very well – His sentence

to 6 mos. by Ct. Ct. of App. 9^th Ct.!

My new district is very satisfact

=ory & reconciles me somewhat

to the change – still if I could

have remained here 60 days longer

would have left a clean docket!

[page break]

[Sat. June 28, 1902]

Call of docket – hard days

work –

George A. Jeffry left via St. Mich

=eal for Rampart.

Am told today that lawyers are sign

=ing strong endorsment of my course

while in Nome – Marshal fighting it?

[Sunday 29]

Capt. Jarvis, Col. of Customs for

Alaska, arrived in Nome.

Took dinner with officers

at Ft. Davis. = Major Booth, Lt.

& Mrs. Knudson, Lt. Massie, Judge

& Mrs. T. M. Reed, & Mrs. W & I-

Did not see Jarvis today though

I called at his place twice and

he at my hotel.

[page break]

[Mon. June 30, 1902]

Court today – No appeal

yet in Richards case: - it is

now apparent that they intend

to wait until I am gone & then

file affidavits now withheld

& get new trial from Judge

Moore - ! They do not seem

inclined to file such affidavits

while I am here.

Jarvis called today & took

dinner with us.

[Tues. July 1]

Court today.

July 2 continued.

Gold badge is gold pan – pick & shovel crossed

“Judge James Wickersham, Honor.

“Justice, From Cape Nome Miners.”

Diamond in upper center. Present

Ed. Dunn, from Ophir Creek, Carlson

Jarvis, Call & Turner;

Clum Sp Agt. Post Office Dept. here

looking after U.S. v. Wright.

[page break]

[Wed. July 2, 1902]

“Portland!

At 2 oclock this morning the

long lost Str. Portland, having

escaped from the Arctic ice fields

into which she was carried, came

into the harbor amid great rejoicing.

“Jeanie” at 8.30 – Good!

Lunch to Debbie by Mrs Reed &

ladies: Lunch to me by Ed. Dunn

& others – presented with gold badge &c

from “Miners.” (continued on July 1^st)

[Thursday 3]

Had a talk with C. D. Lane & told him of

my embaressment in #19 case, in re Finks

acts & talk. Also gave him my side

with Marshal & Fink. I am satisfied

though, that they are acting with Marshal.

[page break]

[Fri. July 4, 1902]

Was asked to deliver 4^th oration

but declined! Long talk with

Jarvis who is not misled in the

Marshal matter. He advised me

not to notice their attempts to slander

me & dig up old troubles – but

upon all such matters – I agree.

[Saturday 5]

Court – motion calendar

Jourden paid his fine, $300.

in U.S. v. Richards & Jourden.

Jarvis went to St. Micheal on

Dora, but will come back Wednesday.

[page break]

[Sun. July 6, 1902]

Took dinner with Lindeberg

at Pioneer Bldg. Present Col.

& Mrs. Clum & Miss Clum: Lind

-eberg, Orton, Chilberg, Johnson,

Garrison, Mrs. W & self.

[Monday 7]

Nome City reached port

Parkinson back – but no judge.

- Judge Moore will be on Ohio –

Parkinsons mission successful .

He succeeded in getting correct accounts

on Assoc. Press wires & P. I Times, Ledger

News & Everett Herald – very friendly.

Letters from Perkins & Judge Ballinger

denouncing De Heiny & his mission.

Things look all right.

[page break]

[Tues. July 8, 1902]

Jarvis, Whitehead, Hanson,

& Mr & Mrs. Washburn returned

from St. Micheal.

[Wednesday 9]

Dinner with Whitehead, Jarvis

& young Mr. Bryant, of Brooklyn,

who comes to me with a letter

from ~~his~~ [previous word struck through] the Atty. Genl. who says

it comes at request of President

Roosevelt. Have introduced

him to Whitehead and Louis

Lane, & have asked them to

help him if he needs it.

[sideways in margin:]

Waiting for steamer and Judge Moore.

[page break]

[Thur. July 10, 1902]

No boat yet.

Learned today of C. & H. matter

Expecting “Kimball” with Judge

Moore on board every hour.

Borchsenius coming back as

clerk. “Ohio” in with news.

Dinner with Mr & Mrs Clum, present

Mr & Mrs. & Miss Clum, Mr & Mrs Wasburn

Mrs W & I, Capt. Hanson, Capt Hibbard

and Capt Jarvis.

[Friday 11]

Talked to Jarvis about C & H. matter.

He advises a dignified silence on my

part and will advise proper

authority of truth.

Busy packing, expecting boat hourly –

and hope to go tomorrow. Informed

that lawyers want to give me banquet.

[page break]

[Sat. July 12, 1902]

Court today: call of law calendar.

“Kimball” not in and cannot go,

to St. Micheal now for a week - !

People of all kinds visiting me

with regrets at my departure and

are very nice. Sentiment changed

strongly in my favor & against Marshal.

I have kept silent & kept my friends

- newspapers and all – silent - &

they have talked incessantly – with the

usual result.

[Sunday 13]

“Kimball “ Valencia” and

“Roanoke” in last night. Judge Moore landed, at Hotel. Long talk with him – he is very frank and con =fidential with me, and will be “square”. Dinner to him: Jarvis, Whitehead, Call, Carstens, Moore & I. The Marshal & his friends active but unsuccessful. Recommended that he keep Judge Reed, as Comr. “for his own sake”.

He is too confidential with strangers.

[page break]

St Micheal.

[Mon. July 14, 1902]

Turned over court &c. to Judge

Moore at 2 oclock. Full meeting

of the bar, introduced him to all.

Long and confidential talk with

him & Borchsenius, his clerk; he

agrees to keep Judge Reed, as Comr.

& Borchsenius concurs – We are

ready to go on Roanoke tomorrow

Lawyers presented me testimonial.

Many callers to bid us good by.

Mrs. Noyes arrived on Roanoke & we are

nice to her.

[Tuesday 15]

Left Nome on “Roanoke” for

St Micheal. Debbie not very

well – Nome was tiresome to her.

Turners, Hoggatts, Mrs. Hill, Crane

Call &c. down to see us off. Jarvis

promised to look after getting

Judge Clegg down to Bristol

Bay.

My opinion of Judge Moore is that

he is not strong and will not last

a year in Nome.

{(But he lasted 8 ! J.W.)}

[page break]

[Wed. July 16, 1902]

St. Micheal where we had breakfast.

Healy Hotel. Beautiful morning.

“John C. Powers” goes up river in 3 days!

Rested all day – went to see

Mr Millers Eskimo masks –

Sent telegram to Harlan &

Heilig, Rampart, adjourning

court until Friday following

the 21^st

[Thursday 17]

Waiting for boat –will not get

away probably before Saturday -

Took dinner at A.C. Co. with

Mr & Mrs Washburn. Mr & Mrs Capt

A. M. Healy, Capt Jarvis & Mr Zip.

“Thetis” came in today. Capt Healy

sent word to us at Nome to come over

with him, but it missed us – he also

wished us to go to Bristol Bay and

then to Siberia! I am very sorry

that my duty up the Yukon bars

me from such an interesting trip.

They take Clegg to Bristol Bay.

[page break]

[Fri. July 18, 1902]

All day at “Healy” Hotel –

Capt. Healy, of Thetis, Jarvis,

Capt & Mrs. Humphries, Mr Miller

& Mr Downs (these latter Agent

& Auditor of N.A.T. Co) took lunch

with us. Met Father Van Gorp

& Trecha, from Holy Cross Mission

Father V. G. tall, slender, gray, ascetic

Bought small Russian bell 1817,

fine round Fish river basket & one

like those from Puyallup. Called

on Capt. Healy & wife & officers “Thetis”.

[Saturday 19]

“Powers” will not go before tomorrow.

“Discovery” in from Nome. Capt.

Hibbard on board.

Barnette building boat for the

Tanana – asked him to name his

place Fairbanks – after Senator Fair

banks of Indiana – promised to

do so – will assist him all

I can

[page break]

[Sun. July 20, 1902]

Str. “Sarah” in from up Yukon Riv.

Mr. Stone, recently Mgr. for A.C. at

Eagle, Mrs. McGowan &c. on board.

“Sarah” brought Harlan, Heilig &

Perry to Rampart.

“Powers” to go this evening

10 p.m. Powers under way – a fine

evening – sea perfectly calm,

moving slowly. “Dora” not in

before we left. “Warren” in Nome

with Genl. Randall & Capt. Richardson

Capt. Hibbard took dinner with us.

[Monday 21]

~~Court at Rampart. (?)~~

Entered mouth of Yukon this

morning early, but we are

making very slow time on

account of boilers full of sea

water. 30 miles up river we

are tied up to clean boilers –

Passengers: 2 Russian priests

for Russian Mission, Also Russian

trader & Indian wife. Mrs. Currier[?]

for Tanana. Miss Ratcliffe for

Dawson & Dibbin & I for Rampart.

[page break]

[Tues. July 22, 1902]

Spent most all day yesterday tied up

to the river bank cleaning boilers but

this morning reach Andreafsky –

going at good rate – river fine.

Green fields & waving forests line

banks above Andreafsky –

Passed Seattle No 3^rd down river.

[Wednesday 23]

Russian Mission at 5 a.m.

Buildings log & good – plenty of

Eskimo – fine Greek church &

beautiful chime of bells – no garden

Met “Susie” going down river.

Holy Cross Mission at 5 p.m.

Good Log buildings – 60 children

in school – Catholic sisters gave

us treat of sweet fresh milk and

beautiful flowers – splendid

gardens – sent us lettuce, &c.

Catholic fathers Van Gorp

[page break]

[Thur. July 24, 1902]

Passed Anvik at night – timbers for

fuel fine above Russian Mission.

Passed Kaltag during the

night.

[Friday 25]

~~Court at Rampart.~~

Nulato – 9.30 a.m sent telegram

to Heilig adjourning court until

10 a.m. Monday.

Passed mouth of Koyukuk

river: Bishop Seghers Mt.

Called on Father Rossi at

Nulato.

[page break]

[Sat. July 26, 1902]

Passed Melizokakat river

early this morning.

[Sunday 27]

Ft. Gibbon – We are – Tanana

Reached here at 4 a.m.

Geo. Dribellis – Dep. Mar. & witness

=es &c. on board for Rampart

Telegrams from Heilig about going

on to Eagle.

3:30 p.m. reached Rampart.

Found jury had been discharged

& no cases that cannot be tried

as well at Eagle – Conclude to

go on – leaving Jeffery as

Referee to take testimony –

Boat remained 10 hours & took

Heiligs &c. witnesses to Eagle.

[page break]

[Mon. July 28, 1902]

Reached “Flats” at noon.

Boat on fire three times.

[Tuesday 29]

Carshs cabin &c.

Flying along on “flats”.

[page break]

[Wed. July 30, 1902]

Reached Ft. Yukon in the

evening - & went ashore for a

few minutes – Saw Mountifield-

and bought some fine marten

skins – he is to send them to me.

Read “The Cavalier” by George

W. Cable. Good.

[Thursday 31]

Passed “Robert Kerr” going up –

“Louise” going down ”Lavelle Young”

“Leah” and “Gustin” going up –

some stuck on bar.

Circle City & took dinner

with Edgar & Lizzie. Claypool

&c. came on board for Eagle –

Circle is suffering from financial

depression – busted boom –

Passed Coal Creek &c

[page break]

[Fri. Aug. 1, 1902]

Reached Eagle City – this morning

at 9 oclock – Everything here

looks clean & good – We worked

all day cleaning up & straightening

house – housekeeping at home.

Edgar made a great row this after

noon – jumped on Perry –

Later apologised.

[Saturday 2]

Getting ready for courts.

[page break]

[Sun. Aug. 3, 1902]

Wrote letters today – C. sent in

my voucher for July – &c.

Returned Edgars star to him

which I took away with his

revolver on Friday –

[Monday 4]

Court convened today – All

officers present except Harlan

Dist. Atty. at Rampart. Grand

Jury impanelled – Hess, assistant

Dist. Atty. Instructions given.

[page break]

[Tues. Aug. 5, 1902]

Court – grand jury at work.

[Wednesday 6]

Grand jury at work – nothing on

civil work, except working on

opinions in Equity cases.

[page break]

[Thur. Aug. 7, 1902]

Had talk with Perry about Edgar

He agrees to give him another

trial – I don’t blame Edgar

except for becoming drunk!

[Friday 8]

“Sarah” came in up river early this

morning with Harlan, George &

many others from Rampart.

Grand jury returning indictments

Have leased our cabin to

McGrath - $22.50 per month.

see letter book for receipt &

terms.

[page break]

[Sat. Aug. 9, 1902]

Grand jury about done, but will

keep them to await coming of offenders

from Koyukuk, - Opinions in

Thomson v Allen & Loeser v Gardiner

from Rampart – mining cases, done.

Examined reports Comt.[?] of Examination

of Abe Spring & S. M. Graff for admission

to the bar – Court. advise 65 & 64% respt

but ought to be raised – I intend to raise

their % and admit both.

[Sunday 10]

“Genl. Jeff. C. Davis” with Genl. Ran

=dall, Capt. Richardson & Mr. Hoyt,

came in this morning. Called today

& paid respects. Invited them to

dinner with us Monday evening.

[page break]

[Mon. Aug. 11, 1902]

Trial of U.S. v. Kellum – verdict

12 tonight – not guilty.

Took dinner at Heath Hotel

- Genl. Randall, Capt. Richardson & Mr.

Hoyt. –(General Scotts grandson). ~~took~~

~~dinner~~

Hubbard (recently from Nome)

here, representing Valdes railroad

- brings some suits & represents a

townsite scheme at Valdes to us.

Wants us to locate Court house & Jail

in the R. R. townsite!!

[Tuesday 12]

Spent all day in empanelling a

jury in U.S. v. Harry Owens for

murder of Carl Christianson, on

Hutchinson Creek, 40 Mile Riv. last Nov.

Fifty persons examined – jury obtained

& opening statements of counsel.

“Jeff C. Davis.” left for Dawson

with Genl. Randall & party aboard.

[page break]

[Wed. Aug. 13, 1902]

U.S. v. Harry Owens – murder –

Hearing evidence. 10.a.m. to 10.p.m.

Rented house to McGrath

for $22.50 per mo.

Moved from our cabin today &

McGrath moved in = $22.50 per mo.

[Thursday 14]

Hearing continued in U.S. v. Owens

10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

[page break]

[Fri. Aug. 15, 1902] Hearing continued in U.S. v. Owens from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. [Saturday 16] Case U.S. v. Owens finished & given to jury at 1:30 before dinner – Delivered opinions in Thomson v. Allen & Loeser v Gardiner. U.S. v Owens: Verdict Murder 2^nd Degree Sentenced Zellar 6 mo. Corning and Craven – 4 mos. each. [page break] [Sun. Aug. 17, 1902] Working to clean up details in office – also on #4 mining case from Glenn gulch – Rampart. Debbie had a hard chill again Friday & suffering yesterday & today – she thinks with Pleurisy? [Monday 18] U.S v. Tim. Timmins, “not guilty.” McKinney v. Tebbs[?] – for defendant. Motion for new trial in case

of U.S v. Owen.

[page break]

[Tues. Aug. 19, 1902]

Motion for new trial in U.S v

Owen, overruled – sentenced 25 yrs

A.C.Co. v. Raymond – long jury

trial – jury out all night.

[Wednesday 20]

Jury in A.C v. Raymond disagreed-

& discharged.

Began Garratt v Belsea - $4.

on Glenn Gulch Rampart.

Continued to 9:30 at night – Jury-

[page break]

[Thur. Aug. 21, 1902]

Cont. Garratt v Belsea

all day till 11 oclock, p.m.

Have sold a large number of

my law books – at original cost

price, and am glad to leave them

on the Yukon river. Sold U.S. Rep.

Co-op. Ed. 45 vols & 4 Dig. for $290

to Barnes – payments to be made

to L. C. Hess $150 cash, rcd, $140

six months without interest. All

others brought cash on delivery.

[Friday 22]

Garratt v Belsea, closed at

2:45 p.m & arguments began –

The “Zelandian” is here to take us

to Dawson as soon as jury agrees.

Jury decided

Garratt v Belsea for the

plaintiffs and “laymen”!

Held court until 11.30

[page break]

[Sat. Aug. 23, 1902]

Signed judgment on Garratt v

Belsea, & other cases, wound

up all matters before the court

and everything is fully done

Present in courthouse all day –

& everything fully completed.

Left Eagle for Dawson on

Str. “Zelandian”, at

[Sunday 24]

Forty fifth Birthday

Forty Mile at 8 o this morning

Visited Bishop Bompas –

[page break]

[Mon. Aug. 25, 1902]

Reached Dawson last night,

at 11 p.m. Regina Hotel.

Saw Orr & wife & boy – Charlie Taylor

Charles Joynt, John Scott,

Ben Everett. &c. Left at

2 oclock on “Columbian”

for “Whitehorse.”

Room 30.

[Tuesday 26]

En route Dawson to

White Horse on the

Str. “Columbian”.

[page break]

[Wed. Aug. 27, 1902]

Volcanic ash from Selkirk to

Five Fingers. Rink[?] rapids

Five Fingers & accident of

attempting to go through without

the wire rope –

“Columbian”

[Thursday 28]

Prof. Macoun – botanist

Ottawa

Ex. climate of Yukon –

warm & dry because all

moisture deposited on Mt

range –

[page break]

[Fri. Aug. 29, 1902]

Arrived at Whitehorse at

5. this afternoon – Stopped

at Windsor Hotel.

Met Gov. Ogilvie – he is

building a dredger for Stewart

river.

Learn that strong effort

to secure rehearing for

Richards at Nome –

[Saturday 30]

Train for Skagaway-

Arrived in Skagway

in evening – Went to 5th

Av. Hotel-

[page break]

[Sun. Aug. 31, 1902]

No boat in yet

waiting & fuming-

Took dinner at Pullen

House – Knew her at

Quillayutte in 1895.

[Mon. Sept. 1]

City of Seattle – Dolphin

& Santa Ana, in. We

will go out on City of Seattle.

Harlans caught up with

us & came on City of Seattle.

[page break]

[Tues. Sept. 2, 1902]

Juneau to Wrangel –

City of Seattle.

[Wednesday 3]

Laid at Wrangel wharf all night

& loading salmon all this forenoon

at Cannery – 18 hours lost.

[page break]

[Thur. Sept. 4, 1902]

Ketchican

[Friday 5]

Gulf of Georgia.

Vancouver-

[page break]

[Sat. Sept. 6, 1902]

Reached Seattle at 2 a.m.

& Tacoma at 9: Went to

Buckley on evening train

Donnelly Hotel.

[Sunday 7]

Home with Mother & Darrell

today.

Buckley

[page break]

[Mon. Sept. 8, 1902]

Came down to Tacoma

and we stay at the Hotel

Donnelly.

[Tuesday 9]

Convention tomorrow

Important fight over the

R. R. Com. plank – Cushman

involved & R. R. fighting

him.

[page break]

[Wed. Sept. 10, 1902]

Convention at Lyceum

Theatre – Anti R. R. plank

Cushman, Jones & Hum

=pries nominated.

[Thursday 11]

Went to Seattle – and to

Navy Yard at Bremerton

with Debbie & Darrell.

All night in Seattle.

Dinner with Mr & Mrs

Perry-

[page break]

[Fri. Sept. 12, 1902]

Met Judges Morrow,

Ross & Gilbert, C. C. A &

Judge Hanford, D. J. Was

well received & highly comp

=limented on my Alaska

work.

[Saturday 13]

Debbie & Darrell at Olympia

Sorting out my “iktas”

& put baskets &c. in Ferry

Museum. Grosscup

gave me transportation

over N.P.R.R.

[page break]

[Sun. Sept. 14, 1902]

Dictated letters to George. Also

sent orders &c. to Heilig –

Apptd. Green Comr. at

Rampart.

[Monday 15]

Donnelly Hotel.

[page break]

[Tues. Sept. 16, 1902]

Lunch at Tacoma Hotel

Mr. & Mrs Perry, Mrs. T. M Reed,

Florence Heilig, Darrell, Debbie & I.

[Wednesday 17]

Donnelly – getting ready

to go to Buckley-

[page break]

[Thur. Sept. 18, 1902]

Buckley.

[Friday 19]

Buckley

[page break]

[Sat. Sept. 20, 1902]

Buckley

[Sunday 21]

Buckley

[page break]

[Mon. Sept. 22, 1902]

Buckley.

[Tuesday 23]

Darrell & I left Buckley

4:30 p.m. for the East.

[page break]

[Wed. Sept. 24, 1902]

Spokane, Idaho,

Helena.

Cal. Heilig from Tacoma

& Chas. Sweeney from

Spokane on train.

[Thursday 25]

Yellowstone River

Bad Lands

Mandan

Bismark.

[page break]

[Fri. Sept. 26, 1902]

St Paul: West Pub. Co & pd.

$15.00 for Green, Rampart.

Dinner with Sweeney at Ryan

& long confidential talk

about quartz mines &c in

Alaska.

C. M. & St Paul Ry for Chicago.

[Saturday 27]

Chicago: #810. Auditorium

Darrell went on east – Penn. Ry.

Took dinner with Mrs. Barber

4507 Forrestville Ave – Mrs. Crane

left on Sep. 2 for Seattle, met

her mother & P. B. We are at the

dinner & Indian girl from

Unalaska. Wrote to Debbie.

Will go to Springfield on C & A

R.R. tomorrow.

[page break]

[Sun. Sept. 28, 1902]

Springfield. Leland Hotel.

Called on Mrs. Clark –

Ill. State Fair begins tomorrow

[Monday 29]

Called & saw John & Mrs. Kenney.

Met Mrs. Webber – Bill Berry

Jim Maxey, Dr. Dresser, Jim Horning

Tel. Geo. T. Reid about Debbies health,

Recd. reply saying all well.

Chattertons opera with Mrs. Clark.

[page break]

[Tues. Sept. 30, 1902]

State Fair – Em & Mr. K.

Electric illumination fine

on streets. Street Fair =

Dinner with Mrs. Jessie Webber

& Mr & Mrs. Crabbe. Linda

Mrs. Price (Hallie Crabbe) –

Jessie & Debbie:: Linda & Darrell.

[Wed. Oct. 1]

Pana – Patoka 1:30 p.m

Southern Ill. looks better

than I ever saw it before –

good crops - & fine orchards.

Plenty.

Visited Bob & Hester, Squire

Farmer, Mrs. Nichols, Aunt

Becky Carter, Mrs. Doris.

[page break]

[Thur. Oct. 2, 1902]

Patoka – Sandoval &

then to St. Louis on the

5 p.m. train.

Lindell Hotel -

Saw Jim. Wickersham (Comanche)

at Sandoval, & Rolla[?] his

second son.

[Friday 3]

Called & had pleasant visit

Senator Carter – La. Fair. Comr.

Dawson – Clerk Dept. Int.

[page break]

[Sat. Oct. 4, 1902]

Bridge – Fair &c.

[Sunday 5]

Read “The Eternal City” by

Hall Caine.

[page break]

[Mon. Oct. 6, 1092]

Left for Cincinnatti – expecting

to stop at Salem, but

owing to freight wreck the

train went by Vandalia,

so I was obliged to go on

to Cin

Palace Hotel.

[Tuesday 7]

Cincinnatti all day-

Howard C. Johnson – old

schoolmaster – decorator –

drinks – 6 children – have not

seen him for 26 hears.

Spent day in buying books

in Old Book stores, and

found some good ones.

[page break]

[Wed. Oct. 8, 1902]

Arrived Wash. D. C. 1:30 p.m.

#523, “Raleigh” –

sick with bowel trouble

- City filled with G.A.R.

- thousands of them & Hotel

full – got room finally.

Grand parade – could

not see it – 20 G.A.R. from

Alaska & Wash –

[Thursday 9]

Still sick – afraid must

go to hospital. Went

to drug store & got prescription

Equal parts: tincture, - Capsicum

gum myrrh lobelia and

valerian. “Hot stuff”.

[page break]

[Fri. Oct. 10, 1902]

Some better today – went

to Dept. Justice – but

cannot see Atty. Genl. on

act. of Coal Strike troubles &c

in Pa- President also

sick with sore leg & cant

see him –

Bot lot of books at

Lowdermilks, 1424-26.

F. St. N.W.

[Saturday 11]

Came over to Annapolis

Darrell has letter from

his mother – she is O.K.

Foot ball game with Princeton

Princeton won!

Good visit with Darrell – he

took dinner with me at the

Maryland also – the best old

boy in the world.

Start hom tomorrow

[page break]

[Sun. Oct. 12, 1902]

Went over to Washington on

8:30 train – did not see Darrell

this morning – Spent day

wandering about Washington

- Guilds Old book store –

& started home on B & O. at

6:20

[Monday 13]

Arrived at Chicago & at

Auditorium Hotel at

10. p.m. Bath & went

to bed.

[page break]

[Tues. Oct. 14, 1902]

McClurgs Book store

Bogart. Palmers. Pect.

Oct 15

Visited Bookstores &

bot rare books &c.

[Wednesday ~~15]~~ 16

St Paul – Arranged with

West Pub. Co. for publication

of 1^st Alaska Rep.

Visited Thos. Cooper, Gen. Mgr.

N.P.

Purchased U.S. Rep and

Dig - $230.00 &c.

[page break]

[Thur. Oct. 16, 1902]

Left St. Paul on 10:35 ~~p.m.~~

N.P. train p.m. for home

[Friday 17]

Crossing Dakota

Met Hubbard – now

Co. Auditor of Spokane Co.

~~At Missoula met Wentworth~~

~~Div. Supt. N. P. from there to~~

~~Spokane – Van Houten.~~

[page break]

[Sat. Oct. 18, 1902]

Met B.C. Van Houten – from

Helena & Seattle. Also

met Wentworth, Div. Supt.

N.P. at Missoula.

[Sunday 19]

Donnelly Hotel – Tacoma

Sunday 1 oclock.

McClaine & Judge Snell.

[page break]

[Mon. Oct. 20, 1092]

Removed from Donnelly to

“Irving”, with Mrs. Wickersham

[page break]

[Fri. Oct. 24, 1902]

Trial of Jeresich case

before U.S. Land office at

Seattle –

Appeal by McGraw. Carr –

Balliett, & for the

pardon of Dan. Carolan,

convicted for murder of Muldowney

at Eagle City court, &c

Doubtful!

[Saturday 25]

Seattle full of Nome people,

& I met many and they seemed

pleased to see me, - Till Price,

Griffin, Fenton, Soderberg &c

[page break]

[Sun. Oct. 26, 1902]

Long talk with Senator Foster,

who has just returned from Hawaii

He will support me as against

Richards vile attacks – and

supports me earnestly. Also

called on Senator Mitchell, of

Oregon – friendly.

[Monday 27]

Visit from Parkinson (Nome News)

Ed. Dunn, Capt. Geiger and

Bill McPhee, from Nome.

Lunch at “Tacoma Hotel” &

agreement with Dunn to come

to Valdes in February and go

into the interior with me – mining.

[page break]

[Tues. Oct. 28, 1902]

“Florodora”

[Wednesday 29]

White River Power Co v.

Wickersham – 40 acres

at Buckley for dam.

7^th Ward Rep. Meeting.

Dinner at Knatvolds.

Mr & Mrs. (Dr) Kittleson

[page break]

[Wed. Nov. 5, 1902]

Delivered Address before

Seattle Chamber of Commerce

on the “Needs of Alaska.”

[page break]

[Fri. Nov. 7, 1902]

Seattle P.I. endorses

my views of Alaska

[page break]

[Sun. Nov. 9, 1902]

Telegram announcing arrival

of Perry, U.S. Marshal at Seattle

Went over after mail –

Took dinner with McClaines

- present Mr & Mrs McClaine –

Dolph & Margaret – Debbie & I –

Nan & Mr & Mrs Olds –

[Monday 10]

Reached an agreement with the

agent of White Riv Power Co

to sell 90 acres of our farm

at Buckley for $75. per

acre. Will go to Buckley

tonight to submit the

matter to Mother & Harry

[page break]

[Tues. Nov. 11, 1902]

Wrote to Atty Genl. asking to

remain on outside until Feb 1,

to prepare 1^st Alaska Reports.

Contract with White Riv. Power

Co. agreed to by mother & Harry –

Tendered Reception by

Tacoma Chamber of Commerce

& made speech on Needs of Alaska.

Notified White Riv. Power Co-

Telegram from Perry asking me

to come over to Seattle – Mountjoy

& Taylor, Ex. Dept. Justice there.

[Wednesday 12]

Seattle today – Saw the two

Examiners from Dept. of Justice –

Mountjoy & Taylor – they are in

possession of important evidence

to prove Marshal Richards guilty

of “fixing” both jury & his accounts.

Mountjoy & Mrs & Mr Perry took dinner

with Mrs W & I at Rainer Grand.

Saw many Nome & Valdes people

[page break]

[Friday 14]

White Riv. Pow. Co. agree to buy

our 90 acres at Buckley &c

but only want to pay $1500-

cash & balance in 3 & 6 mo -

[page break]

[Sat. Nov. 15, 1902]

“Ledger” seeks to enforce the

agreement made between Foster

& Wilson – Jan. 31, 1899 – in senator

=ship contest. I refuse to be

interviewed but examine mss.

& persuade them to adopt a

course of reconciliation rather

than recrimination.

Rewrite Editorial –

[Sunday 16]

“Ledger” publishers Editorial &

statement – Foster – Wilson

Thos. C. Taylor, &. dept. Justice

who was in Nome with Mountjoy

came to see me today. Remained

at lunch & all afternoon &

we talked Nome affairs over

fully. Report will be against

Richards, Forrest & Stevens

I would not be surprised to

see them all indicted.

[page break]

[Tuesday 18]

Got sale of 90 acres at

Buckley about finished

Tom. Sammons & wife started

to Washington this a.m.

[page break]

[Wed. Nov. 19, 1902]

Finished up sale of Buckly

lands – money paid first

payment $1500, & papers in

escrow at Nat. Bk. of Commerce.

Set up my moosehorn chair

from Eagle City-

[Thursday 20]

Went with Jerry Meeker & examin

=ed lands on Puyalup Indian

reservation. Concluded to buy

49 ½ acres – 20 out of Wynaco

tract & 29 ½ out of Smokalem

tract.

Dictated great number

of letters.

[page break]

[Fri. Nov. 21, 1902]

Recd. Letter from Capt. Hansen

for Northern Com. Co. urging

demand for McKenzies removal

& threatening me with “resentment

at Department in Washington.”
Letter is an insult and I

intend to resent it.

[Saturday 22]

Examined lands on Puyallup

Ind. reservation & bought

50 acres more – making

90 acres there – Jerry

Meeker went with me to see it.

Tel. from Hansen asking me

to meet him at train – did so

& made him understand that

his letter was contemptible

[page break]

[Sun. Nov. 23, 1902]

Working on

“Needs of Alaska”

[Monday 24]

Sent George A. Jeffry, my

stenographer to Juneau to

procure copies of judges

decisions.

Called Feb. Term of Court

at Valdes.

[page break]

[Tues. Nov. 25, 1902]

Working on “Needs of Alaska”

[page break]

[Friday 28]

Debbie has concluded to go to

Tuscon, Ariz.

Finished letter to N.C. Co.

resenting Hansons letter

See Letter book – this date.

[page break]

[Sat. Nov. 29, 1902]

No word yet from Atty Genl in Ans.

to my request for further leave –

telegraphed Senator Foster.

Debbie packing – will go next

Wednesday.

Capt. Hansen took lunch

with us – Mrs. W – flowers

[Sunday 30]

Went to Seattle – saw S. T.

Jeffry, from Nome & Adam

W. Johnson, court crier &c.

Johnson “hard up” & promised

to go back tomorrow and aid

him in getting a job.

[page break]

[Mon. Dec. 1, 1902]

Went to Seattle & had long talk with

McGraw – he took lunch with me

at Rainer Grand – is my friend.

He agreed also to get Johnson

a job. Fenton is interested.

Telegram recd. from Foster

refusing my request for leave.

Harrington Emerson, C. E. called

& asked me to come to Seattle

Wednesday to meet Alaskan

parties.

[Tuesday 2]

Packed trunks &c. left 2

trunks and large box at

Donelley Hotel Baggage rooms.

Every thing ready – Debbie goes

tomorrow & I next day.

[page break]

[Wed. Dec. 3, 1902]

Debbie left at 9:10 a.m

for Arizona.

Bought Seventy (70) acres

of land on Puyallup Indian

reservation at Comr. Snowdens

sale - $75. per A. for 30 acres, &

$20 per A. for balance.

Went to Seattle & staid at the

Rainer Grand –

[Thursday 4]

In Tacoma – sick – a

stranger in Tacoma – almost:

My pamphlet “Alaska:

Its Resources. Present Condition

& Needed Legislation” in print.

& am sending it to Senators &

Members of Congress -

[page break]

[Fri. Dec. 5, 1902]

Came over to Seattle today

at Ranier – Grand – will stay here

till I go to Valdes.

Went to “Grand” & saw Th. Jefferson

play “Rip Van Winkle” – I felt the

whole tragedy rather than saw or

heard it.

Invited to Ranier Club – by

Judge Thomas Burke –

will not go –

[Saturday 6]

R. Onffroy – (Onffroy) – the head of

the Alaska peninsula coal & fishing

Co. came to seek my aid in calling Gov.

Brady to Washington – Judge Burke

favors it - & the purpose is to get the

Seattle Chamber of Com. to request

it – I will assist them – He also

wants a Com – on north side of

Alaska peninsula – will do that

also –

Have also asked for commutation

of Dan Carolans sentence to 5. yrs.

[page break]

[Sun. Dec. 7, 1902]

Met Marshal Jim Drakes brother

from Nome – and party. They are

going in to Valdes and I am going to

have them “locate” me on claims –

visited by Ide, E. A. Henderson & others

Dinner with “Reb.” McConnell

of Dawson – Circle City –

[Monday 8]

Met Capt. Tuttle of the “Bear”

this evening – he is a typical

hearty old sea dog - & loves

whisky – be it good, bad or indifferent.

Learned today that Seven hold

-over State Senators from King

County, offered to combine with

Pierce Co. and for an equal

number of votes for Preston to give

7 for Foster 2 years from now.

Refused by the Pierce Co.

delegation on Saturday -

[page break]

[Tues. Dec. 9, 1902]

Have concluded to go on “Bertha” & inside

passage north to Valdes – “Bertha” in now

Have just created new Precinct on

lower end of Alaskan peninsula

= “Peninsula Precinct.” Sent Nan

$100. Lawall $10. Nan’s Culters potlach

& LaWalls to pay my Elks Lodge dues.

[Wednesday 10]

Met Col. Dick Plunkett, of Circle,

-Oklahoma &c. a friend of Hoggatts

He is going to Ketchikan, to see

some mines for Eastern parties.

Met Mrs. Dunbar – proprietors

wife – Ranier-Grand & examined

a fine collection of bronzes.

[page break]

[Thur. Dec. 11, 1902]

Went to Buckley – via Tacoma

Thomas Sims {Son Chesley –

Molly “

Chesley Sims

Polly Brown “ {Nancy – McHary

(see page

[Friday 12]

Brot. gun & Kodak &

visited Howards grave at

Tac. cemetery - & our home.

Back to Seattle.

Took dinner with Wm Steel

& went to theater – Grand-

Dinner at 12 midnight with

Steel & Reber –

Wrote to Debbie.

[page break]

[Sat. Dec. 13, 1092]

Visited book collection at McDou=

=gal & Southwicks – sent on for

sale from England & in charge

of Prof. Meaney – Left my bids

on a dozen West Coast Americana.

Left Seattle at 3 p.m. on “Bertha”

for Valdes – heavily loaded &c.

large number of passengers.

Cockroaches – everywhere!

[Sunday 14]

Cloudy stormy – wind from S.E. fair

and raises great waves in Gulf of Georgia.

Passed through Seymour Narrows-

Capt. Johansen – “Bertha”

Mrs. John Y. Ostrander

Mrs. Kinghorn.

Capt. Rathbone

& I. had lunch with Capt.

after cards – in his cabin.

Passed through Queen Charlotte

Island dining tonight – strong winds

& waves rolling high – fine

[page break]

[Mon. Dec. 15, 1902]

Fine voyage – crossed Millbank Sd.

heavy swell – snow storm –

studying Spanish & magazines.

On upper deck of “Bertha” is the

“Catella Queen” – a gasoline launch

& “Petroleum No 1” – a scow, both

going to Catella Bay, for use in oil

exploration. Think of naming

the location of the Comr.[?] on

Controller Bay “Galiano”, in

honor of Capt. Valdes compatriot.

[Tuesday 16]

Crossed Dixons Entrance this

forenoon – remained in bed till

3 p.m. on that account, rather

than get sea sick. Passed

Ketchikan – this evening.

Very windy – stormy – snow.

Another game of “cinch” with

Capt. Johansen, Capt. Rathbone

Mrs. Ostrander, Mrs. Kinghorn

& I present. lunch.

[page break]

[Wed. Dec. 17, 1902]

Splendid day through Wrangell

Narrows – by Patterson Glacier.

Snow storms & King Winter.

Will reach Juneau tonight

Sending copies of my address

on “Alaska” to Juneau, Skagway

Dawson, Eagle &c.

Wrote Debbie and Darrell both.

Sent Darrell $5.00 for Christmas.

John Y. Ostrander came on

here & joined his wife for Valdes.

Dautrick called.

[Thursday 18]

Reached Juneau at 2 a.m. and

remained there till morning,

mailed my letters &c. Saw Georg

Jeffry – is securing copies of the

opinions of Judge Brown &

former judges. Cannot go on

this boat but will come on Santa

Ana. Through Chatham Sd &

Peril St. At Rodman bay tonight

unloading 25 tons of coal & 500 bun

ches shingles. Railroad 10 mi

back to gold mine – wharf &c.

Bot. Indian basket here - $3.00

[page break]

[Fri. Dec. 19, 1902]

Grand, glorious winter morning –

through Peril St. Saulsbury Id – past

old “Sitka” – to Sitka – Edgecumbe.

Left “Bertha” at Sitka. Gov Brady

asked me to remain over until next

boat. Lunch with Capt. & Mrs Jarvis

visited Indian river. As came

back saw “Nome City” coming in

Paid respects to Gov. Brady &

came out on “Nome City”

at 3 oclock – Regret.

[Saturday 20]

Cloudless sky – magnificent

Fairweather range – Crillon

Fairweather. Le Perouse –

St. Elias, Vancouver, Hubbard

Grand, white mountain range

Malaspina Glacier – 60 mi –

Went into Yakutat Bay –

20 canoes loaded with Indi

=ans came off to ship at Yakutat

to trade: bought one large basket

Splendid view of St. Elias & its

ranges – snow covered & 10,000 ft

high – from St E to Fairweather

[page break]

[Sun. Dec. 21, 1902]

Coming into Prince Williams Sd.

between Hinchinbrook & Montague Is.

Glorious day – high range of snowy

mountains to north. Severe wind

storm between Kayak & Hinchin

=brook – coming from Copper river

delta. Not sea sick yet!

Though remained in bed during

storm – this forenoon.

The sun “sat” at 3.30.

[Monday 22]

Nome City reached Valdes at

12 m. last night, and came

across wharf this morning in

a blinding windstorm. St Elias

Hotel. Dabney & Poot, a telephone

hotel – you hear a man kiss his

wife 3 rooms away. Heilig &

Harlan, glad to see me. Offices

in court room ready & I went

to work, wrote letters to Debbie

& Darrell – plenty of mail.

Letters from Debbie & Darrell.

Lawyers calling to pay

their respects.

[page break]

[Tues. Dec. 23, 1902]

Worked all day in office. – Am

given reception tonight by

residents of Valdes – Wm

Berry called.

Clear quiet today – no wind.

Writing letters to catch up mail

Eagle mail goes in morning.

[Wednesday 24]

Splendid reception by people

of Valdez last night. Music,

speeches, &c. and a ball at

“Moose Hall” Great crowd &

was introduced & shook hands

with hundreds, of course. Am

very much pleased over it,

& think a good impression made.

Warm – snow – no wind.

[page break]

[Thur. Dec. 25, 1902]

A sad, cold Christmas.

Sent tea, sugar, meal &c to two

sick Indian families – no

sick or poor whites in Valdez.

Was invited to Dinner with

the order of “Moose” at Moose

Hall – a large log building

splendid dinner – company

ladies – children & members

Mr. Harlan, Heilig & I there.

Worked in office all day-

[Friday 26]

Getting about caught up with

my letters &c. and intend to begin

on “Reports” Monday. Have just

conveyed Eddys complaint to

me about selling Indian girls

& liquor to Indians, to Harlan

& have arranged a plan to get

testimony to stop both crimes.

Sent $9.00 to Am. Anthro. Assoc. Dr.

Roland B Dixon, Cambridge, Mass, as

founders dues for 1902-3 in full.

Eddy, Harlan & Dribelbis working

together now on liquor selling &c.

[page break]

[Sat. Dec. 27, 1902]

Working on “Reports” and “Rules of

Court”. Divided Division into Pacific

and Yukon court districts.

A Dr. Pratt reports whisky & debauchery

at Iliamna – Harlan investigating

Put up punching bag in my

office and find it fine.

[Sunday 28]

Worked in office all day – except

took a walk off up Lowe river

into splendid cottonwood forest.

Used punching bag.

Wrote a letter to Sloss about

McKenzie affair (Hansen letter)

asking that matter be forgotten.

I will not forget though that

Washburn is to blame for it.

Attended services with Masons

tonight at Episcopal Church

[page break]

[Mon. Dec. 29, 1902]

The “Excelsior” came in at noon with

35 passengers: Dr. Goddard & Mr

& Mrs. McNealey from Tacoma.

Recd letters from Debbie & Darrell

Debbie is at Tucson & doesn’t seem

to be satisfied.

Working on “Report.”

Had consultation with Heilig & Lyons

who urge my candidacy for Congress.

Have about consented to run. Lyons

is going to Juneau, Sitka & Skagway

to ascertain how the land lies.

[Tuesday 30]

During Lyons absence Ostrander

will act as Comr. Made appointment

today – oath & bond given & filed.

Said to Lyons & Heilig = they should

have my first consideration in

case successful in Congressional

matter.

Fully informed Lyons of my old

scandal and he says it will

not bar my candidacy.

[page break]

[Wed. Dec. 31, 1902]

McKeand v. McKeand, divorce granted.

Lyons goes out on Excelsior today

Wrote to George T. Reed for 500 “Alaska

& its Needs”, pamphlets. Wrote to

Debbie again today.

“Bertha’ came in from Kodiak & went

out to Seattle. Capt. Johansen came

up to speak for Gallagher, Com. Kodiak,

McKeand divorce means a marriage

between her & Debney – St. Elias Hotel man

[page break]

[end page 01]

McKinley St. Valdez. Investment

82 feet frontage, 140 ft deep 400.00

Jany. 22, Lumber 205.75

“ 31 Labor & material 152.35

Feb 16. Gregory labor 14.40

“ “ Paper hanger 21.50

“ “ Gouzigan. labor 24.00

“ “ Shingling 9.00

“ “ lumber 12.65

“ “ McNeely, labor 121.90

“ “ Material 22.35

583.90

[page break]

[end page 02]

4507 Forrestville Ave

Chicago,

C. H. Barber.

Prof. John Macoun,

naturalist

Geo. Dept. Ottawa

Peter Lawrence

Yakutat – “Indian

Mt St. Elias – Indian

nanu (Yakutat) Yas-a-ta-sha

Yäs-ātä-shä.”

~~Yas-atah-sha~~ [line struck through]

[page break]

[end page 03]

Expenses for Subsistence &c

govt. act.

Febry 1903 due to me

1 Bk .75 dinner .75 1.50

2 Bk .40 lunch .35 dinner .75 1.50

3 “ 50. lunch .50 “ 1.00 2.00

4 “ 40. dinner .50 .90

5 “ 50 lunch .50 dinner .50 1.50

6 “ 50. dinner .50 1.00

7 “ 50 “ .50 1.00

8 “ 50 lunch .75 dinner 1.00 2.25

9 “ 35. dinner .50 .85

10 “ 50. dinner .40 dinner .50 1.40

11 “ 50. lunch .50 1.00

12 “ 50 dinner .50 1.00

13 “ 50. “ .50 1.00

14 “ 40. lunch .40 dinner .50 1.30

15 “ 40. dinner 1.50 1.90

16 “ 50 “ .50 1.00

17 “ 50. “ .50 1.00

18 “ 50 lunch .40 dinner .75 1.65

19 “ 50 dinner .50 1.00

20 “ 50 lunch 40 “ 1.00 1.90

21 “ 50 dinner .50 1.00

22 .50

[page break]

[end page 04]

6 dinner at Bennett 100

“ supper at Whitehorse 150

7 Bk. Whitehorse 75 bed 2.00 250.

“ dinner 1.50 supper 1.50 300

8 Bk 1.50 dinner 1.00 supper 1.50 400

9 “ 1.50 “ 1.50 “ 1.50 450

10 “ 1.50 “ 1.50 “ 1.50 450

11 “ 1.50 “ 1.50 “ 1.50 450

11 Lunch 1.00 Bath 2.00 Ex. Fan Stewart

crossing to Dawson 2.50 550

12 Bk 1.00 Lunch 2.25 dinner 1.50 375

13 Bk 1.00 100

14 Bk 1.00 board & ldg.

[page break]

[end page 05]

Traveling Ex. against U.S. –

1902

Nome

July 15. Baggage to wharf 2.00

“ Fare to St Micheal 20.00

“ Golden Gate Hotel bill 75.00

16^th Telegram St. M to Heilig 1.40

“ Porter – baggage to hotel 1.00

20 “ “ to boat 1.00

“ Hotel bill St. Micheal 18.00

“ Ticket – St. M to Rampart 50.00

25 Tel. Nulato to Heilig .80

29 Fare Rampart to Eagle City 37.00

Aug 23 Fare Eagle to Dawson 15.00

“ 25 Regina Hotel bill (self) 7.50

“ “ Ticket to Skagway 45.00

“ 30 Meals “Windsor” W.H. 1.25

“ “ room in 1.00

“ “ ~~Ticket W. H. to Skagway 20.00~~

“ “ dinner 1.00

Sep 1. Meals, Skagway 2.00

“ 1. Room, 5^th Ave Hotel 2.00

“ “ Fare Tac: City of Seattle 30.00

[written over all on diagonal:]

Act sent in Oct 29 1902

[page break]

[end page 06 & 07]

[double page list of meal expenses from

December 5, 1902 to January 31, 1903]

[page break]

[back end papers]

Translation of Russian inscription on 1817 bell

“1817. At town Slobodsk maker Basil Makunen”.

~~Leslies Weekly – Aug 14~~

Thomas Sims & John Gunn married sisters

Molley Sims & Thursy Gunn, & lived near

Guilford C. H. N. C. on Mch 15, 1781, where the

battle with Cornwallis took place: both husbands

were American soldiers there.

Genealogy of Sims family:

Thomas Sims / Chesley

Molly Sims { Benjamin

\ Matthew

Chesley Sims /Martha (Patsy). married Wyatt Parkman.

Polly Brown Sims {James. “ Patsy Puckett.

\Sanders. “ Nancy Carter.

\Jennie. unmarried.

\Betsy. “

\Susan married John Dickerson

\Polly unmarried

\Nancy married James McHaney

\Sally married John McHaney

James McHaney { Mary Jane – my mother

Nancy Sims

[page break]

[back cover]

Feb. 1902

Dec 31, 1902.

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary04-1902

<http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary04-1902.htm>

Return to Top

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary05-1903

James A. Wickersham diary [05], January 1 to May 15, 1903.

[front cover]

Private Diary
            of
James Wickersham.
            1903
       Hands off.
Jany 1^st 1903 to May 15, 1903

<inside front cover>

James Wickersham

Private Diary.
Jany 1^st 1903 to
May 15^th 1903

<page break>

Valdez. Jany 1^st 1903 – Alaska
Weather mild – cloudy – gentle fall of snow –
beautiful winter morning. Attended dance at
K. P. Hall last night for two hours – refused
to make address – suggested singing “America”
which was done with a zest. Since reaching
here have been industriously engaged in the
preparation of the 1^st Alaska Reports – Am
now preparing the syllabi for my own and
Judge Browns decisions. Have worked out
a comprehensive plan of digesting all
prior and published decisions so that the
book will embrace the entire field of decided
law from Alaska since 1868. Need some
competent assistance, though, and have just
sent Richard H. Geoghegan, at EastSound, Wash
via. Seattle, the following telegram:

<page break>

“Come to Valdez on first boat. Good Salary.”
     Went over to “Prospector” office with
Mr. Harlan to call – Hildreth is a mild
mannered man with a gentle feminine face,
and well known to be a model Christian – but
Joe Burke, his partner – well, Joe. is different
He displays a large (private) tureen of lemonade
with a peculiarly brown look, a pleasant odor
and a taste – well I had tasted it before, but
looking at Hildreth, Harlan and I both took
a pint tin cup full, - you never can trust an
Irish printer – they are irreverent and have too great
a fondness for a Joke – and lemonade with a “stick”
in it. Gov. Leedy, Joe, Williams and Mr.
Harlan went to dinner with me – I did
nt think it of Hildreth.

<page break>

Jany. 2^nd Calm, quiet and snowing. Mail
for Eagle & Yukon went out today – Am
working “Reports”. Capt. Wilson and
Lieutenant Wheeler, from Ft. Liscum took
dinner with me last evening as did also
Mr. Martin, agent of Packing & Nav. Co. –
Heilig & Harlan – and we had a fine
dinner – Capt. Wilson has been in Nome &
knows everyone there & is my strong friend.
Lt. Wheeler is a young man from Buffalo N.Y.
            Jany 3^rd
Working on “Report” all day. Agreed with Dr.
Goddard to go out on north end of McKinley
Ave. & take a lot = took lot with Goddard
& McNeally, - front south toward bay.
Lawyers give me a reception tonight
at 8 oclock. Beautiful clear
day – calm & quiet.

<page break>

Jany 4^th. Lawyers gave me a reception
last night. A very pleasant affair.
[printed:]
“RECEPTION
      Tendered To
Judge James Wickersham,
          By The
Bar Association
             of
Valdez, Alaska.
SATURDAY, JANUARY THIRD,
      MDCCCCIII.

<page break>

MENU
                                    Blue Points.
SAUTERNE.               Consomme Xavier.
                        Amandes Salses          Olives
AMONTILLADO.     Lobster, a la Newberg
                                    Broiled Spring Chicken
BURGUNDY.                        Oyster Pates
                                    Roman Punch
VEUVE CLIQUOT     Welsh Rarebit
G. H. MUMM & CO.
EXTRA DRY.
            Fruit    Nuts    Cheese   Café Noir

TOASTS
John Goodell, Toastmaster
welcome              F. M. Brown, Pres. Bar Association
response                            Judge James Wickersham
the army and the law             Capt. Eugene Wilson
court officers               A. R. Heilig
railroads                          O. P. Hubbard
law and order                N. V. Harlan
resources of alaska   J. Y. Ostrander
townsite law                  J. F. Rice
admiralty                         W. H. Whittlesey
nome                                                Willoughby Clark
lawyer in politics                    J. F. Roy
mines                                                Henry King
reminesces                                    J. W. Leedy”

<page break>

Went out on McKinley Ave. today to see the lots
located by Goddard & McNeally of which I am
to have one. The town in wandering off in
that direction and our lots are in the woods
just beyond the end of the jumping off place –
3 or 4 blocks west of Reservation St. It
is like the breath of a spring morning to go
out in that direction and watch the men
shoveling snow – placing foundations and
putting up the first settlers shanties – it
is the first encroachment upon Nature!
People are coming in rapidly and taking
lots & building. I have today purchased
a tract of six (6) acres of Soldiers Additional
Hd. Scrip & hope to locate it on a water
supply for Valdez – if so will organize
a water supply & pipe water into town
Warm – snowing & quiet. Fine.

<page break>

Jany 5^th Worked all day on “Reports”.
Am invited out to dinner with Gov. Leedy & wife.
Leedy was a Populist governor of Kansas &
has two daughters and a son in his family here
besides his wife. = Rev. Mr. Hosford, the Congregation
=alist minister, O. P. Hubbard, lawyer, whom I
knew at Nome and I constituted the dinner party
at Gov. Leedys, - and the family. Mr. Hosford surprised
me by having lived long in Utah and defending
the Mormons! He praised their method of controling
their members – making them work – and grow rich.
The Gov. told us about his political troubles &
in Kansas & especially his speaking contest
with Susan B. Anthony, - he was so interested
that he forgot to ask Rev. Hosford to ask grace
until he had helped the plates – & Mrs. Leedy
had scowled at him. He is thoroughly
good natured and happy. We spent an
enjoyable evening.

<page break>

Jany 6^th. Worked in office on “Report.”
Snowing – deeper and deeper – We are
expecting the mail boat every hour – but
it doesnt come. S. A. Hemple, the
banker and merchant, locally known as
“Oklahoma Bill” called to see me this evening.
The courthouse & our offices are in his building
& he is “well fixed” for Alaska. He is paralyzed
on the left side and is rather spare, drawn
& unprepossessing – until you look at his
eyes which are clear, bright and intelligent.
He is from Missouri, went to Oklahoma &
there, he told me, though an invalid and hardly
able to walk, he resolved to go to Alaska and
make money enough in mines to start a bank
and store, and so badly crippled that he could
never go to the mines himself by a careful system
of “grubstaking” other men he has succeeded
& is a worthy man – a “rara avis” by the way,
as a banker. He is a good citizen.

<page break>

Jany 7. Snowing deeper & deeper – it
snowed more than 2 feet on a level
last night & seems only beginning.
“Santa Ana” in tonight – mail from Debbie
- she is better and writes hopefully – Is now happily
settled at Tucson – for which I am delighted.
Also received lot of departmental mail
including “leave of absence to Febry. 1^st!
Senator Foster seems not to have attended
to my request – but telegraphed me back
to Alaska when I might as well have
done my work on “Report” in Tacoma!
Also obtained departmental leave to
prepare Alaska report, and authority to
purchase 75 volumes in Alaska
(25 in each division of the court) at $8.00
per volume. Also letter from Hon Fredk
W. Seward, about Alaska.

<page break>

Jany 8^th Storm abated – warm & fine –
Snow four feet or more on a level – Wrote
letters in answer to mail – Recd. good letter
from Hoggett – He is doing good work in
Washington for me as well as Alaska.
Sent account for traveling & subsistence
expenses for last quarter - $52.
Jany 9^th Worked all day on “Report” Have
this evening finished syllabi on all but my
own – which are easier because I better under
stand the facts. Have written West. Pub. Co
that Atty. Genl. approves the scheme and
authorizes purchasing 75 volumes at $8.00 per.
Am earnestly looking around to get some
lots before the “boom” strikes the town – I
feel quite sure that Valdez is going to be a per
manent town & probably quite a city in
the future as the open door to the interior of Alaska

<page break>

Jany 10^th Raining and snowing. The miners
in town from the Copper river valley have this
week held a mass meeting, appointed committees
and adopted stringent rules and regulations
limiting the locations of mines. The committee
presented me with petition for the organization
of a mining district in the valley, with recorders
office at some central point. Have agreed to
consider it & will do it if it will be
self supporting. The “Shelikoff” a
small steamer that travels from here out to
Ooonalaska is long overdue and fears are
entertained of her loss. The “Santa Ana” is
considering the advisability of going out to
search for her – Intend to suggest to the
Cham. of Com. & Newspapers that a revenue
cutter be stationed here for the use of officials
& such public matters as that.

<page break>

Jany 11^th 1903.   One year ago Howard
died. I saw him last at Eagle city – he
stood on the upper deck of the “Whitehorse”
and waved his hand at me, as I stood with
his dog “Yukon” on the bank. This was
in the last days of July, - he was then the
very picture of health, strength and courage.
He was my pride, my love, and the hope
of my future, and I am just now beg
=ining to realize that he is dead. His
death almost killed his mother and quite
destroyed one half of my life – hopes and hap
=piness. My ambition went with his dear
sweet baby face. I did not know how
much I depended on him nor how
much he meant to my life. Howard
Howard!

<page break>

12^th Jany. Worked all day on “Report.”
Raining – snowslides coming thundering
down the mountain sides – the “Canyon” on
Lowe river is open – no ice – and travel to
the interior is cut off – warm & wet.
Snow disappearing rapidly – wish it
would turn cold. I bought 82 feet
frontage on McKinley street today, $400.00.
Will put a small house on it & probably
sell if I get a sufficient rise this summer.
13^th Jany. Finished buying 82 ft on
McKinly Ave. I assigned my October
and November vouchers for salary to Heilig
who paid me the amount $828.80. I paid
for that piece of ground, also for 6 acres of
Soldiers Add. Hd. Scrip = $105. making
my total investment $505.00 Worked all
day on “Report. Snowing & Raining.

<page break>

Jany 14. Got deed from Wm Grogg & paid him
$100; and from C. J. Bartlett and May F. Bartlett,
and paid them $300, for 82 ft on McKinley Ave.
Will build a dwelling house at once. James
Fish, Sr. acted as real estate salesman
Jany 15^th. I am almost finished preparing
the syllabi for the first Alaska Report.
Will begin on the index-digest tomorrow.
Made preparations today to build a small
house on my McKinley Ave. lots. McNeally
from Tacoma will do the work for me, & will push
it as fast as possible so as to get renters in.
We are now looking for a boat.
Jany 16. The Nome City reached port last
night. Mail and passengers came ashore
this morning. Richard H. Geoghegan, court
stenographer for the interior district came
- 70 passengers came up on her.

<page break>

Two good letters from Debbie – she seems
to be getting better and is {as} comfortably settled
as she can be away among strangers. Also
a nice letter from Darrell – he is doing so well
- we are both proud of him. I also received
letters from Volney T. Hoggatt and Geo. M. Esterly
from Washington, D.C. in relation to the Richards-
Grigsby fight. Whitehead, et. al. have begun an
open war in the newspapers in Washington on both
Richards and Grigsby, and these in turn have
started in to roast me. I shall keep out of
it, though I may suffer either way. I am
sure, however, that it is more dignified in a judge
to keep still and I intend to do so as long as
the Department will permit me to do so. My
friends, however – well if they ~~seek~~ {want} to hit the
enemy a whack – all right – I don’t care.
I got a letter from Judge Lyons, from Juneau

<page break>

announcing the death of Gen. Freidrich, the
U.S. Dist. Atty. – a petition was immediately pre
=pared at my suggestion asking the President
to appoint Asst. Dist. Lyons to the place &
Heilig carried it around and every attorney
in town signed it – he will send it to Lyons.
Am done work on syllabi of decisions and
will start Mr. Geoghegan to copying same
tomorrow & will go to work on index-digest.
Jany 6 7^th. The Santa Ana came in this morning
from her trip toward Unalaska after the
Shelikoff – It is reported that the Shelikoff
is safe. Wind blowing hard today off
the glacier and out of Lowe river canyon
Wrote to Debbie & sent her dozen & a half
of pictures of Valdez & surrounding country,
fine – pictures, too. Many of the Copper
river trail.

<page break>

Jany 18. Worked all day in office on “Report”.
Am now on Index-Digest and trying to
keep two typewriters going – Santa Ana
went out early this morning. Blizzard
blowing.      Isaac, a Yakutat Indian
visited me today for an hour. Says the Yakutats
are the most northern of the Thlinkets. That
the Kayaks and Eyaks, belong to and speak
the “Eyäk-Kōne” language, - that it is
different from the Thlinket or the Aleut, which
comes next on Prince William sound.
Says that Copper river (Athapascan) people
have always come down to the coast there
- at Kayak. Gave me these words in
Yakutat: Fire – Kōn: Water – Hēēn:
Snow – Glāte : Sun – Geek – Kōn : Moon –
Dis : Wood – Gun : Stone – Teh :
Tree – Ōss : Ice – Tēēkh : Man – Käh.

<page break>

Woman – shaw-mut; {Child} – Tuck-Kwn-nā'-yi
boat -   chē-ash; boat (larger) sēät.
He tells me that the place names at
Yakutat are Aleut, and that his
people coming from toward Sitka long
ago killed the Aleuts at Yakutat and
took possession – I gather that it
took place under Russian control.
Jany 19. Worked all day on “Report”, & on
Index-Digest. Am working on a
card index – after the idea of our census
index of 1880, at Springfield, Illinois.
Jany 20. Beautiful day – and the
sun, at last, shining into the town, from
over the mountains which have hidden
it for a month or more. Worked all day
on “Report”

<page break>

Jany 21. Began work on house on
McKinley St. today 12 X 24 & kitchen.
5 rooms. Worked all day on “Report.”
Fire Dept. of Valdez organizing tonight
in courtroom, - the usual loud talk.
Wrote to Debbie, & sent Hubbard
application for commutation of sentence
(sentenced at Circle City for 15 years for murder
of Thos. McNamee) back to Doolittle.
Refuse to recommend a commutation –
Upon request sent photo, & biography to
The Chicago Daily News.
Jay 22^nd Paid for lumber for house
on McKinley St. - $205.75 Capt. Wilson
of Ft. Liscum to dinner. Working on
Report – Beautiful quiet clear day.
Made application to join the “Valdez
Moose” – initiation for $10.00 Heilig
took it in & Harlan joins with me.

<page break>

Jany 23. Blizzard blowing: Subscribed
$10.00 to fire department. Working hard
on my “Report.”
Jany 24^th The worst blizzard of wind and
driving snow that I ever saw in progress.
Truly there is no excellence without great
labor, for I have been obliged to turn every
page of 115 volumes of the Fed. Reporter,
examine every case from Oregon, Washington
and California in 30 vols. of Fed. Cases,
and turn every page of the Supt. Ct. reports
U.S. from 1867 to date, for matter for the
first vol. of the Territory of Alaska Reports.
No 1. I am preparing the index to cover
every case decided in the district of Alaska
~~or concerning it~~ or rising therein & decided
by any other court, both original and
appellate. I intend that it shall be the
foundation of the law reports of Alaska
& all the states created therefrom.

<page break>

Jany 26. Sunday. Worked all day
in office, except time for a splendid
walk over the snow nearly up to the Valdez
glacier. On return dropped in & visited
Gov. Leedys family a few minutes. Am
working early and late on report – now on
the index-digest. Hope to finish it before
Febry 20^th. Am somewhat inclined to
fear that I have made too great an
investment in property here – for I can
begin to see a townsite fight, between this
place, and New Valdez, to the detriment
of both.   Am going to “hedge.” Went out
toward New or West Valdez this afternoon
for an hours run – fine hard trail & good
air. Another boat in two days-
            Jany 27^th
Went out this afternoon to Bonanza Roadhouse
5 miles up Lowe river, with Charlie Gleason
for a walk, and went the round trip in

<page break>

little more than 2 hours – turkish bath, alcohol
rub, and I feel much better. Gleason is an
athlete, one of Louis Lanes friends, and was with
Louis at Point Hope, Kotzebue sound, and other
places in the Arctic. Bonanza roadhouse is a
tent, run by “Rita Wol~~den”~~{-fenden-} [Wolfenden]
and from appearances
she sells liquor and other things to the thirsty Adams.
Day after tomorrow we go to the Glacier on snow
shoes. I feel better today about my town lot
investment. Am doing nicely with “Report.”
“Rules of Court” printed by “Prospector”
            -Jany 29^th-
The “Excelsior” came in last night, and I
am in receipt of two letters from Debbie and much
business and personal mail. Letters from Dr. Cahill
Whitehead, and Walter E. Clark, are particularly
interesting and gratifying. They have been looking
after my interests in Washington, and fighting my
battles valiantly, along with Hoggatt & Esterly.
Clark procured a very strong endorsement of

<page break>

my labors in Alaska from the Attorney General,
while Whitehead induced the President to send for
Taylor & Mountjoys report on Richards. They are
confident that both Richards and Grigsby will
be removed. Judge Lyons is back from Juneau
and neighboring towns, and reports my fair
prospects for my candidacy for Congress. I also
rcd. copy of Juneau “Record-Miner” and “Douglas
Is. News” speaking very nicely of me in that connection.
Gov. Brady is reported as friendly, - but Gov. Swine
=ford will probably be as ugly as he knows how.
     Was out to Valdez glacier this afternoon
with my Bostonese Irish friend Charly Gleason,
- Louis Lanes friend. Enjoyed the grand view of
this dry land glacier – its terminal and lateral
moraines, - crevasses, &c. and the 4 miles work
on snow shoes very much. Our courthouse
and office furniture came in on Excelsior last
night – Mr. Perrey – to[?], and today it is in and
I feel very well pleased with it. Paid Heilig

<page break>

in full amounts advanced on my salary
for Oct. and Nov.    Mr. Harlan and
I were initiated into the “Order of Moose.”
of Valdez tonight.

            Jany 30^th
Have invited Gov. Leedy & Mr. Harlan to
dinner with me this evening to assist in
entertaining Mr. T. D. Arthur, of New York,
Mr. Wm. H. Gorham, of Seattle and Mr. John
Carson, of Salem, Oregon, three outside attorneys
here to try the famous “Bonanza” copper mine
case. # Gov. Leedy, Judge Lyons, Mr Harlan
and I enjoyed a good long diner & cigars
with Messrs. Arthur, Gorham & Carson, and
I am sure that all enjoyed the occasion
- at the St. Elias restaurant.
            -Jan. 31-
I am much pleased with the letters from
Hoggatt, Whitehead, Esterly, but

<page break>

particularly so with the one from Walter
E. Clark, correspondent at Washington
D.C. of the N.Y. Sun, Seattle P.I and other
great papers. The clippings from the
papers indicate that instead of being
able to run the President and save
Richards, Grigsby will be removed
with him. He apparently went to Wash
=ington without leave from the Atty. Genl.
depending upon his “pull,” but Clark
writes me that both the President and
Attorney Genl. denounced his lapse
from duty for a year, and the Atty. Genl
has said he could also be removed.
Col. Bob. Bruce of Texas is said to be
slated for Marshal in Richards place.
Clark writes me that in a conversation
with him the Atty. Genl. said, when informed
that efforts were being made to prejudice
some of his subordinates against me,

<page break>

“If they are doing this, it is very improper,
and I have’nt heard of it before. I have a
very good opinion of Wickersham, and
I have gone out of my way on two or ~~more~~three
occasions to express my appreciation
of his good work in Alaska.” He
also says that he and Whitehead have
both made warm and friendly representations
to the President about me, and that the
President told him he would send for Grigsby
and demand an explanation of his presence
in Washington. As a figure of speech
typifying their condition Clark says they
are in “hot water”– and that “the water is
likely to get hotter before it gets cooler.”

Working on “Report” day and night.

Paid on labor on house $152.35.

<page break>

            Febry 1^st
Sunday – but I worked all day in the office
- wrote Debbie a nice long letter in the evening.
Snowing – gently – but in carloads.
            February 2^nd 1903.
Court met this morning – the first regular
jury term ever held in Valdez – A R. Heilig
Clerk, N. V. Harlan, Dist. Atty, Geo. G. Perry, Marshal,
O. P. Hubbard, Asst. Dist. Atty, Chas. Drebelbis, Dep. Mar.
Geo. A. Jeffry, stenographer, Richard H. Geoghegan,
stenographer – Ed. Harlan, clerk. “Dad” Nokes, Janitor.
Charles Gleason, Crier.   Baldwin, bailiff.
A. L. Levy, foreman of grand Jury – Organized and
instructed grand jury, admitted Carson, &
Arthur to the bar, hears some motions
& adjourned for the day. Worked on
“report.” In the evening O. P. Hubbard
accompanied by Sexton, the surveyor &
Gov. Leedy came in to see me about a new
scheme for a townsite and railroad term=

<page break>

=inal on Fidalgo Bay. They represent to me
that starting from that point, instead of Valdez
the railroad will strike a common point on the
Copper river, with a saving of from 12 to
20 miles, as well as the dangers and expense
of Keystone canyon, - that there is plenty
of timber at Fidalgo &c. &c. and want me
to join them in a scheme to organize a new
R.R. project from that point, take up lands
start a townsite, &c. so that we can force the
present R.R. people from Valdez to come
to Fidalgo and let us in on the project as
stockholders. It looks good, but Hubbard
and I both are in a doubtful position, he
by reason of his employment by the Valdez
R.R. as their attorney, while I only as a
friend. Hoggatt, Esterly and others
of this road have been fighting many
battles in Washington – while I am now

<page break>

offered an opportunity to “hold them up” as

            Febry. 5^th
Court today – as usual. Nearing the end
of copying decisions – Jeffry & Geoghegan – and
I am hard at digest. Paid my months board
at St. Elias $51.40 – room and laundry only.
8 pm. Steamer Jeanie reported entering the
bay – she will have mail. Indictment
today against Isaac Banta for murder
in the ~~first~~ {second} degree. Spent the evening at
Mr. & Mrs. Kelceys – Gov. Leedy & family.
James Fish & Mayor Steele & wife present.
            -Feby. 6^th 1903-
“Jeanie” brought in mail, letter from Debbie
- says she is getting stronger – good. E.A.
Henderson, dept. clerk, came – 40 passengers
Finished cards for index-digest today &
boys finished copy my manuscript. Will
begin on index tomorrow – the arrangement.
Court today – but little to do. Banta
arraigned – pleads tomorrow-

[page break]

soon as they arrive here from Washington.
My notion is that I ought not to do it.
Febry. 3^rd “Excelsior” in from the
westward, also “Shelikoff,” and the
“Bertha” in from south, but nothing new
nor no mail on her. Got off letters to
Debbie, Whitehead and Clark. Was
invited to spend evening at Judge Ostranders
with Mr. Harlan & Capt. Johansen of the
Bertha. Played “cinch” & had a pleasant
evening. Went then to “Moose Ball” for
an hour. Worked on “Report” – when not
in court.
            -Febry 4^th-    In court all
day and worked on “Report.” Took my
first dancing lesson tonight. Visited
at Coles, - Mrs Brown, Mrs. Strouse & Mrs.
Hopkins. Coffee, cake, ice cream & candy
- enough to kill an ordinary stomach.

<page break>

            7^th
Indictment against Hamano, a Jap
for murder in 1^st degree. Attended a
small social function at Coles.
            -8^th-
Sunday. With Charley Gleason went out
at 12. m. to the moraines in the valley back
of Valdez. Beautiful clear day, snow 6 ft
deep on level – and we had the finest day
of snow shoe ing I have had. Climbed the
highest point of the morainic deposits
- the view of the vast Valdez amphitheatre
was superb – the mountains tower almost
a mile in perpendicular height all around
- everything perfectly white except the ~~deep~~
dark waters of the bay and the deep blue
of the sky, beginning just on the summits,
- our position on a height enabled us
to overlook every thing within the outer limits.

<page break>

            -9^th-
Trial jury – empanelled. Working on
index to Report. Tried a small
case this afternoon without a jury.
            -11^th-
Began on the case of U.S. v. Hamano, a
Jap charged with murder at Ugashik, Bristol
Bay, in June, 1902. Trial jury – Went to
a Masonic ball this evening – speeches,
supper, dancing.
            -12^th-
The Portland in 2 days ago. V. F. Haggatt,
& others came in on her. Also got letters
from Debbie & many others. Trial of
U.S. v. Hamano, all day, charged
the jury late in evening, verdict at
7 p.m. “Manslaughter”- correct.
Writing letters to go out on boat tomorrow.

<page break>

            -13^th-
Steamer “Santa Ana” came in last
night with 116 passengers – many steam
=ers coming and too many passengers – only
a few leave town to engage in actual prospecting
work, the rest are either too cowardly or too
lazy to leave the streets to search the mountains
for minerals, or they come for the purpose of
living off those who do work. Wrote a long
letter to Debbie last night and sent her some
pictures including one of myself and office.
            14^th
Grand Jury has reported and was discharged
yesterday – a very satisfactory jury and a
good report. Trial jury discharged this
day, and term with jury productive of good.
Trial of Crawford v. Burr et. al. involving
trail on late Valdez military[?] reservation
- before court without jury. Sentenced Hamano
Jap. for manslaughter – 10 years in pent.

<page break>

            -15^th-
Preparing opinion in Crawford v
Burr, et.al. in favor of defendants.
Gave a dinner to Mrs. Leedy & Mrs.
Kelsey, and the Misses Leedy & Hoggatt.
Snowing, softly and steadily – it is
now said that 40 ft. of snow has
already fallen - & the snowy month is
yet to come!
            -16^th-
Decided Crawford v Burr in favor of the
defendants. Set time to take
evidence in Chittyna Min. Co. v. Mc
Clellan, et.al. Working on index
now – everything else in “Report”
finished. Str. “Valencia” in at noon
with passengers & Blei party of miners.
Dinner last night to Mrs. Leedy & daughters
Mrs. Kelsey & Hoggatt was a great success.

<page break>

            -17^th-
“Nome City” came in last night loaded
with passengers – Leased my house - $30.00
per month. Finished yesterday & fully paid
for – cost me $600.00 – Have carved
out “Kayak Precinct” from St Elias to
east bank of Copper river – including the
area draining in the sea, - established
office at “Galiano,” on Catella {Katalla} bay –
It is a pleasure to introduce both
these names into the fixed geography
of Alaska. Appoint Wm. H. Whit
=tlesey, U.S. Comr. there and will give
W. A. Berry a job of copying records for him
            -20^th-
Went out snow shoeing yesterday afternoon
to summit of moraine, back of Valdez – S.
Gave a dinner last night to Mr & Mrs. George
M. Esterly, Robert Blei & wife, Mr & Mrs.
Meenach, Mr. McNear and Hoggatt
            $60.00

<page break>

I have felt under so many obligations
toward them for their support at Washington
this winter that I desired to show my appreciation
- They were pleased with the dinner and made
me a full fledged candidate for delegate to
Congress from Alaska – I would rather
be the first delegate from Alaska than judge.
            -21-
Was entertained at dinner last night
at the Valdez cafe, by Mr & Mrs. Robert Blei,
also present, Mr. & Mrs Esterly, Hoggett
and Mrs. Strouse & Mr. McNear. We then
went to Moose Hall dance. Court
was finished up today – have had three
weeks of good earnest work and am
very much delighted at the results. Great
good has been accomplished.
Finished 1^st Alaska Territory:
            Report today.

<page break>

            -22-
Leave Valdez at 2 p.m. with a feeling
that nothing is left undone. = Left Valdez
at 2- and went over on “Nome City” to Ft.
Liscum – she laid there – in Swanport
for several hours taking the “Newport” in
tow – Called on Dr. Bartlett and Capt.
Wilson – Capt. W. and Mrs. Strouse
& Dr & Mrs. Bartlett came over to the
boat and had dinner with me.
41 ft. of snow has fallen at Liscum
so far this winter - it will probably
reach 60 ft by summer.
            -23-
“Nome City” laid in Swanport all night
& we went out through the “Narrows” this
morning. Stormy & snowed a foot
or more last night – head winds

<page break>

across Prince Williams sound, and
as we rounded the west end of Hinchinbrooke
Is. the storm drove our skipper into Port
Etches, where we anchored about 4 oclock.
Captain Moore invited me to his cabin to
play whist – two vaudeville artists of
from Dawson – Valdez &c. were introduced
and we four played whist till 12 m.
Captain sat lunch also – 3 women
aboard – one sings “coon songs” another
pretends to “sentimentals,” while the 3^rd
strums heavy music out of the piano.
            -24^th-
Still in Port Etches – while the storm
outside grows worse. Remained in Port
Etches all day – rolling – rolling at anchor.
Natives came off tonight with cla[?].
Storm still raging tonight

<page break>

            -25-
We left Port Etches early this morning
and at dark we are opposite Mt. St. Elias.
- the westernmost point of the greater Kayak
Island. A good sea – but we are going
- oh so slow – on account of Newport tow.
Remained in bed all day – so as not be get
sea sick.
            -26^th-
A fine day – we are 20 miles off shore
opposite Mt. St Elias – Was up at sun
up to see it - a cloudless sky and the
St Elias range can be seen far on each
side of the great buttress which forms
the international corner stake.
George is taking Kodak shots at it
every hour or so – for we seem to
remain stationary in front of it

<page break>

We will get into Yakutat this afternoon

At sundown we are leaving Yakutat bay
- it is the rarest Arctic bay on our continent.
Mighty St. Elias. fronts the ocean on its north
shore – 18,000 feet above its waves, back
yet in sight is Logan, while flanking St.
Elias and forming a frame for the great
bay stand Vancouver, Hubbard, Cook,
Pinta, Tebenkof, and other butresses in the
high St. Elias range. Yakutat is the
Port Mulgrave of the early English explorers.
Capitalists are now locating a railroad
from its south shore across a great flat
country covered with a dense forest to the
Alsek river, famed for its fishery
The Malaspina glacier covers a similar
flat on its north shore – 70 miles
long by 30 wide – 2100 sq. mi of
glacier – underlaid with coal oil!

<page break>

            -27-
A storm struck us this morning about
daybreak and grew worse – until at noon
we were standing first on our heads and
then on our heels – I did not get up
nor eat all day – just laid in my room
and groaned – Damn ships and
storms and seas! Darrell can resign
and come home as soon as he pleases.
I would not go to sea as a cadet if I
knew I would be and admiral.
            -28^th-
We reached Sitka just at noon
today – just a week from the time
we left Valdez. Called on Capt. Jarvis
Col. of Customs, first, who informed me
that nothing had been done in Washington
yet about removing Grigsby or Richards at
Nome – and he also told me that he had

<page break>

been directed to come on to Washington
and would leave in a week. He did not say
so but I judge that his visit has much
to do with Nome matters, and that upon
his recommendation changes will be made.

I also called on Gov. Brady, who was very
courteous and kind. He took me out to the
Sheldon Jackson Museum &c. and voluntarily
said to me, plainly and positively that if the
Alaska delegate bill passed he would
support me for the place. We talked over
the Senate substitute – an election by the
Gov. Sec. and 3 Judges, and he offered to
support me – though he kindly protested
that I as of such value as judge that
he regretted to lose me on the bench.
The “Bonita” came in this afternoon and
will go out to Juneau early in the morning.
I am now to go and call on Genl. Distin,
Secretary of the Territory -

<page break>

Called on Surveyor. General Distin and spent
the evening with him and met Mrs. Distin. He
voluntarily broached the delegate question and
plainly and strongly promised to support me &
if the Senate substitute passed agreed to vote
for me. Went with the Distins and spent the
evening with Mr & Mrs. James Cansten, Dep
Col. of Customs – His birthday – present
Capt. & Mrs. Pendleton, Dr. & Mrs. Adams,
Genl & Mrs Distin, the Canstens, Capt. Jarvis
& I. Spent the evening playing whist – lunch.
            Mch. 1^st
A glorious, bright, sunny Sunday morning.
Had a room in the old log Baranoff house, kept
by Mrs. Archangelsky – a Russian creole.
Was awaken by the loud sweet tones of the old
Russian bells, - and the girl pounding on my
door – and saying that “It’s ten oclock”.
Suffered over night with a very severe sore
throat, but an application of cold towels

<page break>

relieves me.   Went out walking with Capt.
Jarvis, who came while I was eating breakfast,
and as we came back from Indian river we
stopped in and heard Bishop Rowe preach,
at the beautiful little stone Episcopal church.
Jarvis will go to Washington within a week and
will do all he can to secure the removal of both
Richards and Grigsby – He has been sent for on
Alaskan matters. Took lunch with him and
“Buster”, his darling boy. Mrs. J. is yet in
bed with their third child and second son
whom he calls “Billy”, - 10 days old.
Left on “Bonita” at 2 oclock for Juneau-
Bishop Rowe is on board also. Before I left
the wharf I delivered to Genl. Distin a letter
from Esterly to me, agreeing to dismiss the
proceedings and charges against Distin
filed by him & Hoggatt in Washington.
Distin agreed to drop the whole matter &
to keep the letter confidential.

<page break>

            March 2^nd
At the Indian village of Hoonah at break
fast – passed Icy Straits – Funters Bay at
11 oclock. Point Retreat at lunch – and
reached Juneau at 4 p.m. After dinner
Dautrick, Tom Lyons, Bishop Rowe, Mr. Cobb,
Clerk of the U.S. Court Hills, and other gentlemen called
at my room to visit me. “Dolphin” coming in
tonight from the south.
            -Mch 3^rd-
Sat on bench in Judge Browns court at his
request – with him – and heard him deliver
a very instructive opinion on assignments
of grounds for new trial. Visited in the
afternoon and put some finishing touches
on Report. Judge & Mrs. Brown gave me a
delightful dinner – Louis P. Shackleford and
wife, Mrs. Shoup and I were the company.
Also met Miss Susie – their diminutive
daughter.

<page break>

            Mch 4^th
Worked all forenoon on Report – In the
afternoon went with Judge Maloney – to
inspect the famous Treadwell mine. We
were conducted over the great plant, and shown
“Glory Hole” where the ore comes from, by
McDonald, the Superintendent. Afterward
Maloney and I went to visit Dr. Moore,
a brother of Judge Moore, of Nome, and
were entertained at the finest dinner I have
had in Alaska. Mrs. Moore is an Iowa
lady – and very nice – a most delightful
hostess and a splendid housekeeper.
Dr. Keller told story of starving miner who made soup
            out of dogs tail & gave the
                        dog the bone!
            -5^th-
Left Juneau last night on the “Cottage
City”, but found ourselves tied to the wharf
at Treadwell mines this morning
and did not get away until 8 oclock.

<page break>

Heavy head winds all the way to Skag
way, and a heavy storm and high seas
off Point Bridget. Reached Skagway
at 7 oclock p.m. and walked against
a bitter cold and strong wind – put up
at “Fifth Avenue Hotel”, room 36
During the evening I did what work
remained to be done on first Alaska
Report.
            -6^th-
Sent Mss. of 1^st Alaska Report
to West Pub. Co. St. Paul, by
express. Left Skagway at 9:30
Barnes, conductor – knows Edgar.
Bad storm on mountains – snow,
& wind – Reached Bennett at 4 p.m.
20 min. for dinner & Whitehorse at
8 p.m – put up at “Windsor Hotel, room 3

<page break>

            -7^th-
Left Whitehorse at 7. a.m. on 4 horse
stage – sled – 9 passengers and driver
Lunch at Tahkanil, and supper tonight
at “Nordenskiold” – 63 miles today.
Paid $50.00 for my own ride and $14.00 for
my baggage. 35° below zero when we
left Whitehorse this morning. 63 mi
            -8^th-
Left Nordenskiold Rim at 6 oclock
- dinner at Montague & reached
“Carmacks” at 6 oclock for supper
Clear – cold - & traveled 67 miles
= 130 miles out from Whitehorse
- mileposts along government road
- which was built this last fall.
“Carmacks” is a bum hole – no
sheets or pillow cases – and things
look dirty and crawly.

<page break>

            -9-
Staid all night last night at Carmacks.
- Reached Yukon crossing this forenoon
and “Minto” {~~MENTA~~} at dinner – this last is the
cleanest – largest and best looking place
on the trail – reached “Pellycrossing”
- “Whalens” tonight – a good “roadhouse”.
            -10^th
Left “Pelly crossing” this morning at 6.a.m.
and reached “Humes” at 10 – found my old
Tacoma friend W. T. Hume there with his wife
son and daughter. The latter is a nurse and
told me that she nursed Howard at the Fannie
Paddock hospital. Reached the next road
house for dinner – and the crossing of the
Stewart River at dusk. Finest house
on the line here. Kept by Mr & Mrs Brenner
- Mrs. Stevens from last house came in our
stage to this place on a visit. The stage
was so crowded that she sat on George’s

<page break>

knees all the way – and both seemed to
enjoy it! The wife and small son of the
Cook at Pelly crossing also came with
us from that point bound for Dawson.
I am quietly informed that Mrs Stevens is
preparing to leave her husband with one of
the stablemen at this post – I can readily
believe that she would do it. “Stewart crossing”
is 50 miles up Stewart river from the Yukon
- there is a post of the Northwest Mounted Police
here – and a large two story roadhouse.
Beautiful mountain scenery today –
            -11^th-
We left Stewarts Crossing at 6 a.m. – and
took dinner at “Wounded Moose” road
house at 12, and reached Indian River
roadhouse at 4 – We then prevailed
on the driver to attempt to make
Dawson – 27 miles farther.

<page break>

We gave him a purse of $15.00 and he took
us on flying. We reached the divide at the
head of Eldorado after dark – it was a
clear night – with a big round full moon,
and we raced down the 20 miles along the
famous Eldorado and Bonanza gulches by
the light of the moon, reaching Dawson at
10:30 – a trip of 75 miles since morning
- crossing two mountain divides – with
the thermometer far below zero. Was
met by Mr. Ed. S. Orr, former mayor of
Tacoma – went and had a bath and a
sleep at the bath rooms.
            -12^th-
Have had a string of callers today and
reporters. Orr and Charlie Taylor
took ~~dinner~~ {lunch} with me, and tonight for

<page break>

[typed:]
“Dinner to Judge James Wickersham
            by the Tanana Bar Association
Slough Cocktails
Soup
Chicken Giblet
Olives and Pickles
Shrimp Salad
Fish
Greyling
Salmi of Roast Duck
Green Peas
Roast Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Asparagus
Nuts and Dates
Cheese    Coffee    Cigars
Fairbanks, Alaska, May 12, 1903.”

<page break>

[“Star-Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott
Key...4 verses, typewritten on carbon]

<page break>

dinner Orr and Roediger. Have
had a good visit with Fred Crouch and
Charlie Joynt, - introduced them to Mr.
Fitzhugh who has employed Fred to go to
“70 mile” with him as a miner. Am
at Regina Hotel, where Miss Ratcliff
is in charge as manageress. Wrote to
Debbie.
-13^th-
Lunch today with
Dr & Mrs Brown
He is secretary to
the Gov. & she was
one of the first
women correspond
ents to reach the
Dawson country
in 1898. Took
dinner with Mr.
& Mrs. Richard Roediger tonight
[printed schedule of Merchants Mail
Express between Dawson and Whitehorse
and Ben Downing’s Express between Dawson
and Fort Yukon, with stops and distances]

<page break>

            -14^th-
Accompanied by Mr Fitzhugh, a mining
engineer who is going to 70 Mile for an English
Co. – Mr. Phil. Blackwell, his secretary
and an interested stockholder – from London,
and George A. Jeffry my secretary – I left
Dawson this morning in a one horse
sled – 2 seats, four inmates – George
driving. Another sled driven by the
owner of both carried our baggage. We
had dinner at the 16 Mile roadhouse
and reached “40 Mile” tonight.
Corporal Bell, of the N.W.M.P. Mr.
Idleman, dept. Col. of Customs, U.S.
called – also others.
            -15^th-
Had a good nights rest at “Forty Mile” -
at the “Miners Home” hotel. Enjoyed a
good nights rest. Left there afoot

<page break>

early in the morning and had four miles walk
ahead of the team. Lunch at “Count”s
roadhouse – Castell – and reached
Eagle City at 8:30 p.m. Snowed
all afternoon hard, and made the
travelling very bad. Our driver and
stage owner – Hornby – paid $30.00
for fare and $7.00 for baggage. Met
Ben Downings stage yesterday before
we reached “Forty Mile.” Stampede to
Fairbanks has been largely diverted
through “Forty Mile” – up that river and
through the “Goodpasture” – back way
route, by stories of short route and
good trails. The real purpose was to
force the miners to outfit at Forty Mile
rather than at Eagle or Circle. It was an
outrage, and may result in loss of life –
and certainly will result in great loss of
time to those going that way on account of wate[r]

<page break>

as the creeks in the Goodpasture country
are all open and running. At Forty
Mile they informed us that they were now
advising everyone to go via Circle –
- they have sold all the provisions at
40 Mile!! which accounts for their
honesty. We passed dozens of “stam
-peders” on the trail from Dawson to Eagle
- horse teams, dog teams, and men pulling
their own sledges.
            -16^th-
Stopped at Heath hotel – same room that
Mrs. W & I had last fall. Opened court
at 11 oclock – called the docket and have
started the machine. I have learned
that there are probably a thousand men in
the Tanana diggings at Fairbanks now
and the trails lined with crowds going there.
Johansen is just back and his report
is favorable – a good low grade camp -

<page break>

he says – but not a bonanza.
I am now considering the plan of sending
Claypool and Edgar – the Comr. & Dept.
Marshal from Circle – in there with their
respective official records, &c. as well
as asking the military to send in a
detachment of ten men. #Have just had
a conference with Johansen, Comr.   Hess,
Dept. U.S. Dist. Atty, and Reynoldson, U.S. Dept.
Marshal, representing Perry, and have wired
Perry, for permission to send Edgar to Fairbanks
with Claypool. Am informed that crime
is prevalent there – and much high wines
for the manufacture of “Hootch” or native
whisky has already gone in.
            -17^th-
I was very much pleased and gratified by
the very cordial reception given last
night by the business men in

<page break>

connection with the Arctic Brotherhood.
Their reception was in the form of a
banquet, the tables being set in the
court room. Present the Mayor
and other town officials, the army
officers from Ft. Egbert, and the customs
post office and other officials, and the
business men of Eagle City generally-
The address of welcome was made by
Mr Hess, Asst. Dist. Atty.   Mr. Woodruff
presided – he is Arctic Chief. Mr
Ensign, the minister, Bevington, Miller,
Howard, Mills, Condon, and others
made happy after dinner remarks,
and all complimented me very highly
on my record as judge, both here and
at Nome. I was greatly pleased with
the function and feel sure that Eagle
people are my strong friends.

<page break>

I was mentioned for delegate to
Congress with loud cheers and every
assurance of support – I confined
my address to a review of the character
of the Anglo-Saxon people who are
nation building in Alaska, and
urged all to a continued support of
the courts and law and order.
Have sent on data to West Pub. Co.
for completion of details of 3^rd Div
cases, and also 1^st, leaving only the
Nome cases for correction – in
1^st Alaska Rep.   Edward McGrath
today paid me $35.00 in full for rent
of house (with other payments) to June 1.
            18^th
Mail! The Valdez mail came in
and this morning I received a bundle
- two letters from Debbie – and some

<page break>

official mail. Letter from Tom Sammons
saying that my Nome enemies have filed the
old charge in the department – what surprises
me is that they did not do it long ago. It
does not seem to be filed – but only “brought to
the attention” – I will pay no attention
to it – nor to any of their attacks. Recd.
lists of Alaska officials complete from
the Dept. and forwarded them today to the
West Pub. Co. for “First Alaska Report”
Also wrote long letter of details in publications
Debbie is confident of returning health in the
first letter – less so in the second. Will be
able to start to the northward about Sunday –
- but little in court, and am finishing
it pretty rapidly. Going out this a.m. to
dinner at Mr. Smiths – agent of A.C. Co.
Up river mail from Dawson due tomorrow.

<page break>

-19-
Splendid dinner last evening at Smiths –
Fitzhugh, Blackwell, George and I. Wrote
a long nice letter to Debbie today - &
told her to come to me in June at
Rampart. Have concluded to call the
principal term of court in the Yukon valley
this year at Rampart for July 6^th 1903.
Will have a Grand Jury & Trial Jury both
Recd. telegram from Perry approving
sending Edgar in to Fairbanks with Claypool.
Will also send Hess in with them.
            -20^th-
Court all day – McGowan came down
from Dawson yesterday and enabled me
to get his cases finished. Fully comple
=ted every thing before the court and when
court adjourned this evening the order
was that the adjournment be to meet at
Coldfoot on the 6^th of April.

<page break>

The officers at Ft. Egbert gave me the
most perfect dinner and evening –
a stag party – Capts Perkins, and Bunnell
of the Signal Corps, and Capt. Janda, Lt
Kelly, & Johansen, Woodruff, Mills, Smith
Stenger, Myers, Jeffry, Runyan, Hess,
Bevington.
            -21^st-
Left Eagle City early in a single horse sled
- two seats. Hornby driver – Hess, Jeffry & I.
Hess goes to Circle to go into Fairbanks with
Comr. & Dep. Mar. & George & I for Coldfoot.
I walked on ahead and they did not over
=take me until I had passed the north end
of Lords lake – 15 miles. Dinner at the
Sheep Creek roadhouse – when we met
Mrs. Dr. Fugard of Dawson on her way
into Fairbanks – also ~~Fred~~ Ernest Fay
and a shorthaired – sawed-off prostitute
dressed in mens clothing – each tending
[written over on diagonal:]
Canary birds wild.
Spring days.

<page break>

a sled and on their way into the diggings.
Bad trail in the afternoon and we did
not reach Nation roadhouse until after
9 oclock. Snowed part of the day & the
wind blew keenly in our faces in the after
noon.      Mr and Mrs Noyes, who keept
the “Halfway” Island roadhouse in 1900
now keep the Nation road house and we
had good supper and bed in the bunkhouse.
            -22-
Trails better today – but we only made
Charley Creek road house where we are
for the night. Mail carrier Roberts
is here going back to Eagle and I will
send a letter back to Debbie. Very windy
today – but clear and cold. Met Ed. Stier
formerly of Tacoma – 1886-1900 – jeweler,
at Montauk roadhouse yesterday on
his way into the diggings.

<page break>

            -23^rd-
Left Charley Creek at 6 oclock – afoot and
walked to Charley River – bad trail of soft snow.
Coal Creek for dinner and reached
Webers for night. House crowded with
stampeders on their way to digging at
Fairbanks via, Circle. “Col” Weber is the
same cranky old cuss. You either do as
he wants or you go on to the next roadhouse.
            -24^th-
Left Webers at 6, and after a hard days
journey came into Circle at 8 p.m.
Bath, dinner and good bed at Edgars.
Have heard many wild canary birds every
day on this trip and other spring birds
Spring is just at the door. Fine travel
-ing except one load was rather heavy
for a narrow sled. We were on our side
- turned over most of the time.

<page break>

            -25.-
Circle City. Mrs. Claypool sick
with la grippe. The town almost entirely
deserted – gone to Fairbanks diggings.
            -26^th-
Am with Edgar and Lizzie who are nicely and very
comfortably fixed in their cabin, which was built
some years ago and occupied by Mr & Mrs Mayor
Geise of Nome who then ran a tin[?] shop here.
Official matters seem to be all right here,
but there is much objection to removing the officers
of the Com & Dep. Mar. to Fairbanks and leaving the
place without them. Have concluded to send
Edgar & Hess to Fairbanks & leave Claypool
here – for the present at least, but to appoint
Tod. Cowles, Justice of the Peace for Fairbanks
& have Claypool appoint him a deputy
recorder under him. Dinner tonight with
Mrs. Jack Carr – Edgar & Lizzie! Mr & Mrs
Bob Geise spent the evening here &

<page break>

he told me he was one of the P.B. Weare crowd
- with Charlie Barber and Cranes who came in
to Alaska in 1895 or ‘6.
            -27-
Have inquired from every body coming out from
Coldfoot about the situation there, and also from
people here – and have determined not to go any
further in that direction, but to go to Fairbanks
instead. Have just written to McKenzie &
Heilig to that effect.
            -28^th-
Waiting for Barnette to come in from
Fairbanks so as to learn conditions there
- hear he is to be in tonight. Will probably
not go in until next mail arrives though.
Long talk with John McCloud – 26 yrs old,
born at Dease Lake, B.C. hunter, trapper
talks 7 different Indian languages –
wants to go to Mt. McKinley with me.

<page break>

            -29^th-
Sunday – Spent the day working on
Indian language – “Louchoux” – Athapas
=can, with Johnie McLeod & Phillip,
a Porcupine river Indian.
            -30^th-
Spent the day with John M. McLeod,
and two Louchoux Indians writing a
vocabulary of the Slavi and Louchoux.
McLeod is the son of a Hudson Bay Co.
factor – 26 yrs. old – and has resided
on the Mackenzie river, Yukon & in
the interior of British N.A. all his life
as hunter and trapper. Have just
presented him with a book “Hunting the
Grisly” by Pres. Thodore Roosevelt.
McLeod is a splendid hunter and has
killed many of that animal – and of
all kinds of game in this region.
He talks every Indian language in this
region – 7 dialects fluently.

<page break>

            Mch. 31^st
Spent day with Johnnie McLeod &
Indian studying Tinneh.
            April 1^st
Bought 9 marten skins – 6 for Debbie
& 3 for Mildred. Intend to add to
the number & get Mave Olds some fine
ones. Wrote Debbie a letter & sent her
some Circle & Nome pictures.
            -April 2^nd
Wrote letter to Darrell – his birthday.
Left Circle at 10 a.m. for Tanana
Reached 12 Mile Road house for lunch.
17 Mi. road house kept by Mr & Mrs Adams
of Eagle, - fine baby. Stopped at the
“Jump off” road house for the night
kept. by Blanchard & McCoy from
Tacoma – Ed. Steir. here for the night.

<page break>

McCoy is married to Blanchards daughter.
She is a fine cook - and will soon present
her last years new husband with an heir.
            -3rd-
We left the "Jump Off" at 7 this morning. It is
22 miles from Circle. Good bed there but slept
none. Ed, Steir, partner & horse left with us.
Reached "Central" roadhouse for lunch,
and Millers tonight 58 miles from Circle.
We have to go over the divide 7 miles above
here, near Mastodon dome, and as it
has been blowing on the summit for three
or four days, and impossible to cross there
is a crowd here - probably 50 at the road
house, and 100 in the timber between here
and the summit, and more coming hourly.
A larger number went up this morning
and tried to cross but were forced back
by the wind and flying snow. Late this

<page break>

evening, however, Mr. Rice, Episcopal
minister came into camp, having safely
crossed this way, and reports the storm
abated. We will try it in the morning.
"Millers" consists of several log cabins
- some stables and a corral. This is
headquarters for Jack Gregor's mining
venture - he is clearing & putting in steam
plant - shovel - to handle the gravel into
sluice boxes- Hess and George Jeffry are
late, and may not get here until tomorrow.
            -4th-
Nice morning but out of the 35 men in the
Miller house none seemed to want to make
the start-, 2 or 3 of us insisted upon going
across the divide - Callahan and others
would look at the sky and then exclaim
how bad the summit would be - that it
would be blowing so hard that nothing

<page break>

could live on it &c. and crook-croak
went the weak ones. I finally prevaled on
2 or three to start - made Edgar go - and
I went on with the first sled - 6 miles
brought us in sight of the summit - and
it was clear! I reached there with two
men who had camped within a mile & was
the first to cross - Sent back word
how good it was at at 10:30 crossed.
No one ahead of me - Men, horses, dog
teams, sleds - every thing in sight coming
Miller Pass is between the head of Miller
Creek, and Eagle Creek - between Mastodon
Dome & Porcupine dome - 1500 to 2000
{above us - but 4500 ft above sea level}
ft hight and looks like the Chilkoot.
Stopped at first cabin down Eagle
for lunch - Edgar with team caught up
- ours was first team over - and we
went on to mouth of Eagle & then down

<page break>

Birch Creek to mouth of 12 Mile
Found tent there occupied by three miner
- Gus. Miller from Tacoma - old town -
young Norton from California and old
Bill Woodman - a typical, grizzled
frontiersman and hunter. Occupied
their tent with them - 5 in a row - they
fed us fine. Abe. Spring came
by going up after another load this
morning - his son Solly with him.
Walked 25 miles yesterday!
            -5th-
Left camp on Birch Creek - went down one
mile then turned west into 12 Mile gulch.
Passed a tent two or three miles up and
came to forks - new trail up lefthand
and Edgar thought it was right road - we
went two miles - into snow waist
deep - raw labor - struggles - profanity.

<page break>

Finally found we were on wrong trail
and turned back – broke handle bar
off sled – Nate Zimmer & Gus – two
miners came down the blind gulch with
cariboo meat – we had followed their
trail toward their cache on the snowy
divide at the head of the gulch – They
assisted us to mend our sled – and at
one oclock we turned up the right road –
tired and worn out. Many of the Miller
Creek stampeders had arrived and a few were
ahead of us – We pushed on to the head
of “12 Mile” and camped in an empty tent
just below the summit. Condon & Stevens
were ahead of us & the four of us camped
together. Tent warmer – but unable to sleep,
- too tired. Am dreadful tired of Edgars
extreme profanity.

<page break>

            -6th-
Found a storm raging across the pass
when we woke this morning - Packed and
pushed up in the face of a violent gale of
wind and snow - Went down the west
side into Chatnika River – flying, with
sled locked and Edgar dragging. Snow
deep and trail bad - Passed horse sleds
with animals down - Condon and Stevens
following hard - Made no stop until
we reached the roadhouse at the mouth of
Faith Creek - 23 miles - walked all the
way - Met Oscar Smith miner, at this
cabin and he made some good "sour dough"
pancakes for me for supper. Good bunk,
but cold - 8 in house 12 X 12.
            -7th- A most beautiful
morning - the snow storm has gone by and
it is clear - but quite cold. We are now
ahead of all those at Miller Creek,

<page break>

even Condon & Stevens, have to go back
6 miles for one load which they left last
night. They have agreed to meet us at a
tent 50 miles down stream - if they can
make the run. We stopped at a moose camp
for dinner - fine dinner - McCarty was
his name, James McCarty, and reached
Showers empty tent for the night. It is in
a splendid grove of spruce on the north
side of the river - and we were joined by a
lone miner with the pack on his back - his
name is Joe. Cascade, from Chicken Creek
- born in Bunan Co. Ill. Edgar cut
two fingers badly on a tin can - Good supper
- cooked by ourselves - our friend joined us.
General course of the Chitinika River is
W.S.W. and it empties into the Tanana just
north of Fairbanks. Wrote to Debbie from
roadhouse last night & sent it out
by Smith - Write another tonight = Cascade

<page break>

            -8^th-
Fine trail from tent down river – reached the
camp of some Yukon Indians after noon – they
had killed a moose – and cooked us some steak
and gave us some tea. Walked hard until late
- reached the end of Chatinika river trail
- crossed a long point and came upon Cleary
Creek – stopped Nobles cabin – he is
a Pierce Co. Wash. man and was one of those
out at the T.L. & W. Co. springs on upper Muck – “Thomas
& Patterson” springs – Several other miners there
and we camped on the floor – but were warm.
Noble and McCarty are very sanguine that
they have rich ground on Cleary Creek.
            -9^th-
Came across from Cleary to Pedro Creek.
Sight from summit superb! White mountains
far to the north and east seem to be domes
at the head of Beaver and Birch Creeks.

<page break>

Hazy to the west and south and could
not see the Coast Range. Dinner with
"Jack. Costa" an Italian who has a rich
mine on Pedro. As his happy, smiling
face
{like the full moon over the Ketchunstock hills,}
emerged from his pit he remarked
- probably for the thousandth time - "By
Godde, I gotte de gold" - Down Pedro
to Gold Stream, across the divide and reached
Fairbanks at 5 oclock. Frank Cleary, in
charge of Barnetts establishment gave us
a bed in side room of store, and arranged that
we take our meals at Wada's restaurant - Japanese
J. Tod Cowles took his oath of office as Justice
of the Peace, and gave his bond.
            -10th-
Good nights rest - visited around town - inspected
things: streets laid out regular - corners set
& making map - suggested that one street be
named Cushman & one Lacy - done

<page break>

Edgars lot had been jumped, but he made
a settlement & got it back. They offer us a lot
on a central corner for a jail, and Frank Cleary
offers me a corner. I find a conflict of interest
and some feeling between this place & "Chena" at
the mouth of the slough & junction with Tanana.
Mr & Mrs. Wissel of Chena came in to see me
today & presented a letter from citizens of Chena
asking me to come & see that place with a view
of locating recorders offices &c. there. Agreed to
go down Monday. Wrote a good long letter to
Debbie today & sent her map of route from
Circle to Fairbanks and a blue print map
of "Creeks". Probably the last letter which will
get out to her. Met "Windy Jim," tonight &
he gave me some of his yarns and information
about the route to Mt. McKinley.   Dog team
went back today. Gave Ben. Bennett a
power of attorney to stake placer mines for me
He goes out to Fish & other creeks tomorrow.

<page break>

There is not now, and never was a white
child in Fairbanks - nor, so far as those
best acquainted know, in the Tanana valley!
A pioneer country indeed! There are
2 women of easy life here, and ~~none~~ {2} other
that I know of. Two weeks ago Rev. Mr.
Rice, Episcopal mister from Circle held
services here in Marstons dining room just
off the saloon - the first of that kind in this
immense and splendid valley.
            -11th-
Beautiful day - 20º below zero last night
- clear and cold - but everything bathed in warm
sunshine today. 2 days ago I noticed the
pussy willows unfolding cat tails, and gather
=ed birch limbs covered with swollen buds -
the streams are opening - the Tanana river
is open and running for many miles above
here - spring is just here - is arriving.

<page break>

The Tanana valley is cold in the winter - but
is still destined to be the garden spot of Alaska
The stampeders whom we left at Miller Creek
Roadhouse, and those whom we passed on the
Chatnika are coming in at this noon-
already a dozen dog teams have come in-
Condon & Stevens first. Hess and Jeffry
will probably be in tonight. Gave Al. Helty
power of attorney to stake for me - and also
Ole Peterson. 7 p.m. George is just now crossing
the river into town - Hess arrived at 4 oclock.
Sun still shining brightly at setting.
            -12th- Sunday-
The first child born in Fairbanks made
its appearance ~~toda~~ yesterday. Its name
- its father's name is McCarty and its mother
is an Indian woman from Koyukuk.
Dr. Fugard - a lady physician just came
in this morning over the Circle City trail.

<page break>

The people took up a collection yesterday
and I sent out a telegram for them to the Postmaster
Genl. as follows:
            "Goodpasture, Alaska, April 11, 1903
Postmaster General, Washington, D.C.
One thousand miners Fairbanks, Tanana river,
two hundred miles from Eagle, Circle, Rampart,
without postoffice. They request appointment
postmaster by telegraph. Earnestly urge appointment
Frank J. Cleary. Carrier takes this telegram
two hundred miles, waits answer. Great necessity.
Route Circle - Mastadon, Fairbanks.
“           James Wickersham
            District Judge, Alaska,
“           Also
            Goodpasture, Alaska, April 11, 1903
Edward McGrath
      Postal Inspector, Eagle, Alaska.
One thousand miners Fairbanks and no
postoffice. Immediate action necessity.
Have telegraphed situation postmaster General
Frank J. Cleary satisfactory postmaster. Wont
you act quick.
            James Wickersham
“           District Judge, Alaska

<page break>

I also sent the following telegram to Heilig.
"           Fairbanks, Alaska, April 11, 1903
A. R. Heilig, Clerk, Eagle, Alaska.
Make order July term Rampart July twenty
instead sixth. All at Fairbanks safe.
            James Wickersham
            District Judge, Alaska
The citizens employed "Windy Jim" Dodson to
carry these messages up to the first telegraph
station - 30 miles up the Goodpasture
river - 150 miles away. He starts in the
morning early.
     Order of court adjourning Rampart term
from 6th to the 20th and sent notice by letter
to Heilig also to Claypool - carrier goes out
to Circle tomorrow. Wrote to Debbie also.

<page break>

            -13th-
In response to the invitation sent to me by
the people of Chena (pronounced (Che-naw΄)
I went down there this morning accompanied by
Mr. Hess. The "Isabella" and "Jennie M" lie
halfway down - drawn up into a small slough
to escape the water where it opens in the spring.
The "Isabella" is a fine large boat of above 60
or more tons and belongs to Barnett : the other
is smaller. The U.S. telegraph station is a mile
this side of Chena and is a log cabin on the bank
of the river. Found about 300 people at Chena
buisily engaged in building houses. A committee
- Hendricks, Dr. Danforth, Wissel, Oldfield,
and couple of others met us - we went to Oldfields
restaurant, but Hendricks took us over to
his headquarters where Mrs. Currier who

<page break>

came up the river with us last fall, got us
up a fine dinner. She is a great Yankee
woman. After dinner the committee con
=ducted us around. Half a dozen or so houses
completed but a hundred in process of
construction. Hendricks and Belt are tearing
down their store buildings across on the south
side of the Tanana and moving them over here
     It presents as thrifty and busy a scene as
Fairbanks - and has some advantages - or at
least one: it is on the main river! Saw
a moose head. Hendricks & Belt, killed a year
ago by the Indians measuring 72 inches across-
The most magnificent pair of horns I ever saw!
Met Pedro here and many of the residents.
Pedro came back to Fairbanks and paid
me a visit tonight. Promises me the old
gold pan with which he made discovery
of the camp. Have determined after my

<page break>

visit to Chena to go ahead here and build
a jail – Fairbanks is nearer to the mines
yet discovered, - ~~half{~~mid}way – on the road from
Chena to the mines. Mt. McKinley can be seen
from Chena – halfway across the river – but it was so
hazy we did not see it. Recd. a telegram from
John N. Conna tonight asking when I was
coming to Rampart. Cannot answer from
here – as the telegraph line is two miles back
of town – and no office. Beautiful spring day.
            -14^th-
Am preparing specifications for a jail to be
built here at Fairbanks. Will reserve one
lot 50 X 150 ft. square, - no courthouse at
present. Examination of Wm Duenkel
in progress today before Mr. Cowles, J.P. Mr Hess
appears for the prosecution and Kellum for
defense. The first criminal proceeding

<page break>

- or civil either – ever held in the Tanana
valley – Jeffry took dictation – with evidence.
Bob Kemp goes out to Eagle in the morning and
I have written Capt Bunnell, signal corps, a
letter urging that a station be located here – a teleg
=raph station. Also wrote Debbie a short letter.
Rev. Mr. Ensign, Pres. minister from Eagle came
in {to camp} this evening, and has concluded to build
a church tomorrow. Tendered him a small
subscription, and a days work. Will go out
on the “Creeks” in the morning with Frank Cleary-
Have made power of attorney to Pedro to locate
mines for me. Beautiful spring day –
birds singing – tonight it is warm – and
the owls are hooting – the south wind is rising and
it seems that a storm is brewing.
            -18^th-
Left Fairbanks on the morning of the

<page break>

18^th with Frank Cleary for the “Creeks”. We
took Kellums dog team, and reached Frank
Costas for night. Costa owns no 2 above
on Pedro Creek. Has a little cabin 10 ft square
and Frank Evans and his wife cook for him.
All of them are from Carbonado, Washington
- Costas, Jack and Frank and Felix Pedro –
also Evans and several others. Costas cabin
is only about 6 ft. high and you stoop to get in
the door – round pole floor and a small window
on the south side with 2 lights of glass – dirt!
Two bunks – foot to foot – I slept in one – Mr & Mrs
Evans in the other – She modestly went out side while
I went to bed – and turned her back when I got
up next morning. The men slept in a
small pole shack and a tent in the yard.
We had moose meat and sour dough pancakes
and tea! The morning of the 16^th Jack

<page break>

and Frank Costa panned from their dump –
pans averaged 8 c each – his paystreak is said
to be 2 yards deep and 50 wide and the length of
his claim – if so it is worth nearly half a million!!
On the 16^th we went on up Twin Creek – Pedro
came to Costas and went with us – to Jesse Nobles
on Cleary Creek. ~~We panned~~ Noble is from Pierce
Co. Wash – out on Nusqually river – he is a hard
working prospector and has very valuable
claims on Cleary. Remained all night with him.
Met Pete Kling, a Skagit Co. logger – now
a miner. On looking around I found that the
bench claim on the west side of discovery on
Cleary was not located, and staked it for myself.
With snow shoes I began at Pedros N.W. Cor.
stake and ran my north line west 660 ft.
- cut off a spruce tree and squared it for
the N.W. cor. of my claim and marked it. Then

<page break>

beginning at his south west corner stake I ran
my south line 660 ft. & cut and squared another
spruce tree for corner. I “swamped out”, or
cleared both lines, and blazed trees. Employed
Jesse Noble to sink a shaft to bed rock – no
price agreed on – reasonable price.
[captions:]
Frank Gage Bench
Bench off Discovery
Left Limit:
Located April 16^th 1903
James Wickersham
No. 1 above
shaft   shaft   Cleary Creek
“Discovery”
Pedros claim

<page break>

Pedros nearest shaft is but little more than
100 ft. from my line – he gets 25c to the pan there
and pay grows better toward my line! On the
17^th we panned on Pedros dumps on Discovery
Cleary – it seems to be very rich – 25c to the
pan – the dump averaged 8 oz – a fortune it
seems to me. Pedro, Noble and Cleary own
very promising property. We crossed back
to Pedro Creek and remained the night of the
17^th with Pedro, in his primitive log cabin. He
and Joe Miller are partners – Joe is a Portugese,
and an old Mastadon Creek miner. He owns
No1. above Pedros discovery on Pedro Creek.
Pedro gave us moose meat ~~and~~ for
each meal. Joe Miller and one employe are
busy whip sawing spruce boards for sluice
boxes for the spring clean up of the biggest dump
on any of the creeks. Today we panned on

<page break>

Pedros claim on Pedro creek – and on
McCartys and Willigs on Gold Stream.
Pans about the same from 5c to 8c – very rich
dirt, with from 3 to 7 feet thick. While at
Willigs I wrote Claypool a letter and sent
it out by a passerby, instructing him to buy
for me: from Emma Kelly – the fraction on west
side of Costas: from Pete Wilson his claim on
Fish and from Frank Gage his bench off No 1.
above on Cleary. Limited him to $100. on each.
Have other claims in sight to buy – Am confident
from what I have seen that the mines are perma
=nent and rich. Reached Fairbanks tonight
bath &c. Recd. telegram from J. Lindy Green
about application for receiver from Ram
=part. More people reaching here every
day down the Tanana – nearly all in now
from Circle – weather warm – thawing and
trails rapidly going.

<page break>

            -20^th-
Spent yesterday and today in preparing orders
reserving lot at corner of 2^nd & 3^rd Ave. on
Cushman St. Fairbanks, for Courthouse
and Jail site, in preparing specifications
for jail building, call for bids &c. Have caused
call for bids to be posted, one at Barnetts store,
Fairbanks, one at Belt & Hendricks store, Chena,
and another on the main trail to the mines. Bids
are to be received by 12 m. Saturday 25^th   The
building is to be of spruce logs, and of the
usual type – except strong and heavy.
[captions:] 30 ft long
Cell 10 X 10
Cell 7 X 10
Cell 7 X 10
corridor   Guardroom   closet
24 ft wide
Plan of Fairbanks log jail. 1903.

<page break>

Fairbanks is situated on the south side
of the Chena, ten miles above its junction with
the Tanana. Prior to the discovery of gold by
Pedro last July it consisted only of Barnetts
camp, but upon learning of that strike he
erected a large log store, staked off a trading
site and began the foundation of a town.
At this time there are three streets roughly staked
out through the woods, parallel to the river.
The site was covered with a fine body of spruce timber
from 6 to 24 inches in diameter, which is now
being cut and built up into houses, The “Fairbanks”
hotel is a two story log house, and lodges 40 or 50
people. There are probably 500 people here –
mostly in tents, but log houses are being constructed
as rapidly as possible. Several men are sawing
these logs into boards with the whip saw, and
such hand made lumber sells for $200 to
$240 per thousand feet. I saw a pile of

<page break>

of such boards, nicely piled for drying – 1 foot
wide, 1 inch thick and 20 feet long! The
town is just now in its formation period –
town lots are at a premium – jumping, staking
recording, building! It is a motley crowd too.
Miners {“sour doughs” “chechacos”}
gamblers, Indians {Negroes} Japanese, dogs,
prostitutes, music, drinking! It is rough
but healthy - the beginning – I hope, of an American
Dawson. There is much rivalry between this
town and Chena at the mouth of the river,
but my own judgment is that this place, being
nearer to the mines – as now discovered – will
for that reason be the better location and I have,
therefore resolved to build a jail here and locate
the public offices here also. It will be easy
to change them later if necessary to do so.
Spring is here – robins – and other birds – the
snow is melting, buds growing – and in another
30 days it will be glorious.

<page break>

            21^st
Went 5 miles down the Chena to visit the
camp of old Koo-nah, the Tanana medicine
man. Was interested in their camp – situated
on river bank – in woods – three tents – dogs
children – snow shoes – sleds – moose meat
- tanned skins - & Julius & Ellen tanning a
moosehide. It was hung over a stake
while one cleaned the flesh side of clinging
flesh with a chisel of steel set
in a wooden handle. Formerly
this cleaning tool was made of the shin
bone of the moose ~~flattened~~ cut down so as to
leave a chisel like edge as follows,
with thong to hold around waist.
With this tool they clean the skin of
surplus flesh very quickly – then removing
the hair – they finish tanning the skin for
moccasins – clothing &c. I was

<page break>

also interested in a birch bark cradle
            It sits flat – but the
            back rises – and it is
ornamented with beads, &c. The baby was
bound in with its little legs only hanging out.
Much like wicker work baskets in the south
- along the Rocky Mt. Slope. Gave
power of attorney also, to Charles
Mack, who will locate me on
Fairbanks Creek where he has just
struck pay.
            -22^nd-
Old “Koonah” – Tanana Medicine Man
spent the day with me – Julius interpreted
Vocabulary & story about “Tah-cho” and
Mt. McKinley, - “Dēē-nä-ly”, “High”.
Met and talked to a miner by the name
of Allen who went up the Toclat, and
across to the Kuskokwim River, in May

<page break>

and June last year or the year before &
he tells me we can go that way with horses
without trouble. Keep on the east bank of
the Toclat – on the high ground, & go straight
- or nearly so toward the great mountain.
Mail: A miner by the name of Laughery
came in tonight with my mail from Circle –
3 letters from Debbie – I am now very sorry that
I did not have my way last fall and resign & stay
at home with her. From what she says and the
tone of her letters I am afraid of the result of her
illness. Recd. salary for Dec. & Jany. also
expense account for quarter ending Dec. 31^st
Little official mail and nothing new from
Washington. Nothing from Genl. Funston about
horses to McKinley.
            -24^th-
Old Koonah, the Tanana shaman,
again visited me, with “Ellen” as his

<page break>

interpreter – Ellens Indian name is
Chō-tā-ā-din-nah, and though young
she is living with her 5^th husband having
procured her freedom from marital ties by walking
off from her former incumbrances. Completed
a good vocabulary of the Tanana dialect of
the Athapascan tongue. Recd. telegram
today from J. Lindley Green, Comr. at Rampart
saying that a new and rich strike had been made
30 miles north of Rampart on Moose Lick Creek.
Also second telegram saying that some man by
the name of Patterson had murdered a negro
by the name of Page near Lake Mentaw –
on Lower Gold Stream. Warrant issued &
Edgar & Johnnie McLeod will go tonight after
it freezes. Suit today over town lot in
Chena – brought Dr. Frugard. Mrs. Wissel
& Hendricks up – they took dinner with me
at Jap. Kitch. Cleary also present

<page break>

Making maps and other preparation for our
trip to Mt. McKinley. Byron Allen, and
Hendricks assisting me with suggestions –
both having been near McKinley.

Saloons and prominent characters
in Fairbanks – Saloons: “Pioneer”
“Fairbanks” and “Northern”, and now
fitting the “Tanana”. Barnetts store
was the only mercantile establishment.
E. T. Barnett, merchant, Frank J. Cleary
his brotherinlaw and clerk. Wada, a Japanese
also clerk in Barnetts, with “Titus,” an Indian
boy assistant. Barnett seems to own the
“Northern” saloon, but Geo. A. Noble, from
Seattle manages it. The “Fairbanks” is in
that hotel and Marston owns both.
Dave Petrie owns the “Pioneer” and his brother
is clerk – Bill Robinson from Circle is

<page break>

filling up the “Tanana” in a new 2 story log
house. “Chee-Chaco Lil” has reached town
from Dawson and has purchased at small
establishment on 2^nd Ave. There are three
others of her kind here including a negress,
“Windy Jim” Dobson carried our dispatches
200 miles up to the telegraph line which is
now {halfway} down the Goodpasture river. Abe
Spring put out the first lawyers
sign in the Tanana valley last week,
though he was not the first lawyer to
reach here.
            -25^th-
Went out early this morning with Frank
J. Cleary and George Jeffry to locate placer
claims on the unnamed creek just north of town
Found that S. R. Weis had already staked just at
the point where the trail crossed, and Chas. F.
Burkhard just below him on Mch 9^th.

<page break>

Beginning just above Weis – next to him we
staked claims across the length of the stream,
first for Hess, then for me, Darrell, George
Cleary, Barnett & his wife. Asked to suggest
a name for the creek I called it “Isabella”
after Mrs. Barnett – Franks sister. This
creek lies on the Fairbanks side of the divide &
heads up with Engineer and Steel – both of which
carry gold gravels. Frank will go out again
early Monday morning & set the corner stakes
& then make other locations – we intend to put
two men to work at once to sink two holes to
bed rock – somewhere in the group.
            -26^th-
Mr. Ensign, Presbyterian minister, came up
from Chena and held services today – the first in
the Tanana valley – Hess, I, George & Frank Cleary
constituted the audience.
{Ensign took dinner with me after services.}
Made contract of

<page break>

optional purchase with Chas. Willig for
following placer mining claims, tomorrow:
½ of No 4. above Discovery on Pedro Creek.
        No 8     “            “           “ Gilmon   “
¾ of No 6. below       “           “ Gold Stream.
        No 2 above        “            “ Cleary Creek
½ of No 1. Below       “           “ Bear        “
        No 2 above         “           “ Kokomo “
          “ 3 above         “           “ Treasure “
Contract in duplicate, acknowledged before
J. Tod. Cowles. Notary in the morning - Also
advance him $200. for development work.
Claims on Pedro, Cleary & Gold Stream are known
to be good – option price $5000. in 1 year,
for a half interest only.
            27^th
Started down to Chena early this morning to
get the benefit of hard trail – but it was soft
& bad. Saw Hendricks and two other

<page break>

men who have been up the Kantashnai river
of which the Tolcat is the head & lefthand branch
- made arrangements with Hendricks to buy
outift from him, and he also agreed to take
the party and outfit up the Kantashnai to the
forks, - sixty miles
{on the ‘Tanana Chief” – a small steamer}
Martin and another
prospector say that the “Tanana Chief” can
go up to the forks – and that we will save
several days time and all the hard work of
cutting brush {by this assistance.}
We will make camp there
& cache a boat, so that we can come down
from that point without delay. No danger
in small boat from there. Also made
arrangement with Hendricks for our outfit.
He will go immediately after the ice goes
down the Tanana. Walked down to Chena
& back – bad trail – water running in Chena
& saw big Mallard drake, this side of Steamboats
in the rising river current.

<page break>

            -28^th-
River and trail going to peices fast – very
warm – spring has come. Pedro, Noble
and Dan McCarty are in town and I have
invited them to a dinner this evening – have
also invited, L.C. Hess, E.B. Condon B.A.
Dodge, Abe Spring, H.J. Miller and J.
Tod Cowles, all the lawyers in camp – in the
Tanana valley – and Frank J. Cleary &
intent to make it a pleasant affair.
George has pup and the menu cards of birch
bark, and we have Pedros old gold pan –
the one that was used to discover the camp –
as a waiter for “hooch”, &c. I intend to
send it to Senator Fairbanks.

The first banquet ever held in the Tanana Valley
was a decided success. The dinner was fine
and the company very agreeable & pleasant

<page break>

During the evening I learned that Mr. Allan
R. Joy from Koyukuk, had reached town and we
sent Mr. Condon out for him – he makes the seventh
lawyer in town – Hess, Condon, Spring, Miller,
Dodge, Cowles & Joy. These together with
Pedro, Cleary, McCarty and Noble sat round
the table. The responses to toasts were very
interesting, especially the tales of Pedro and
Cleary as to the early days last year when the
settlement of Fairbanks & the discovery by Pedro
were in progress. Pedro first saw steamboat
smoke from the summit of Pedro dome & came
down off the mountains & met Barnett here –
Pedro gave me his original gold pan – it was
used as a waiter to serve drinks, cigars &c to the
guests and its use was an evident surprise and
pleasure to Pedro. His plain, honest,
straightforward story of his hardships &

<page break>

discovery was the address of the evening.
Cleary came next with the history of Barnetts
trading post. Menu cards of birch bark
[typed menu:]
“           HIYU MUCK-AMUCK.

Hooch – Chena Cocktails.
Consomme, a la Tawtilla.
Olives.
Chicken Mayonaise, Oyster Paties.
Sauterne.
Wine Jelly, Cream Sauce.
ROAST MOOSE, PROSPECTOR STYLE.
Mashed Potatoes, Green Peas.
Ice Cream – Yuma Canned.
Jelly Cake.
Nuts, Raisins, Cheese, Coffee,
Cigars.
Fairbanks, Alaska,
April 28, 1903.”

            -29^th-
Working hard against the most irritating
obstacles to get ready to go to Mt. McKinley
High price of horses proves troublesome – Hendricks
was up today – on town organization scheme.
Everything favorable – but horses – we can
certainly overcome that.

<page break>

            -30^th-
Mail. Webb, who went out for some
supplies, got back this morning and brot
mail – One from Debbie & Darrell – both
well. Much official mail – but of no
great importance. Frank J. Cleary
assisted by James Eagle measured off
a lot for me this morning 40 X 150. at the
{N.E.}
corner of Barnetts Trading site, corner of Front
& Cushman, and I am preparing a contract
with Eagle for the erection of a log building
thereon 16 X 24. ft square. At
     Recd. Jennies wedding Cards-
Dinner tonight with Marston & his friends
at “The Fairbanks”. Twenty people fine dinner
music, cigars, songs &c. Pleasant evening.
     Contract with Eagle to build one story
log house on my lot for $400.00

<page break>

            -May 1^st-
Eagle began on my house today. Corner of
First Ave. &. Cushman St. Was offered a good
ground rental for 4 years & the party offered to
put up the building – but for gambling
{& saloon.} - refused.
Bought a splendid good mare this afternoon
for $50.00 Marston bought her for me – we
are now pretty sure of our Mt. McKinly trip.
Dictated all my letters today – and will leave
nothing behind – undone – when we go.
            -3^rd-
Beautiful spring Sunday! The river
is thawing and rising rapidly and the ice
must go out in a few days. Ducks, geese,
robins, birds, squirrels, - the wood are
vocal with animal and bird song. The
Tanana valley is the garden spot of
Alaska – Have begun on the preparation
of “The Fairbanks Miner”, which

<page break>

I will have George print on typewriter.
            -4^th-
Sick for two days with dysentery and gas in
stomach. Got old “No 4” prescription this evening
& hope to be better in the morning. Have
made & delivered deed to Jeffry & Hess of 60
feet off south end of my lot – Am not quite
satisfied about it for Hess is inclined to be “off”
since he quit boarding with us at the Japs
- why, I do not know. River rising very
rapidly – and ice may go out soon.
            -5^th-
River rising 1 inch per hour, ice breaking
loose from bottom, and looks as if it will go
out within two days – Pretty sick last night
but better today. House progressing.
Have had good offer to lease the lot – but
cannot do so – for they want it for saloon.

<page break>

            -6^th-
My lot is going to yield an immediate
income – I leased two spots for tents today
at $20 per month – each, and will have more.
Wada, the Jap. merchant wants to go to the
mountain with me – I have consented-
            -7^th-
Worked all day on mss. for “Fairbanks Miner”,
the first newspaper in the Tanana valley which
I am having George print on the typewriter.
Chena river broke up in front of town & {ice} moved
down quarter of a mile.
            -8^th-
O’Connor, of Tacoma, gave me a fine
pack saddle for Mt. McKinley trip. He used
to be a policeman in Tacoma, - last under
Orr. Comes now from Dawson, where they
got him to become a British citizen to vote,
& now he is in a peck of trouble.

<page break>

Made an order today, in the matter of the
incorporation of Fairbanks, setting the time
for hearing objections thereto on July 27^th 1903
at Rampart, - order to post notices.
            -9^th-
We completed the “Fairbanks Miner”
today. I wrote every word of it except the
poem, and arranged it – George A. Jeffry
my stenographer did the type writing. We
completed seven copies only – I gave one
to Mr. Hess, one to E.B. Condon and one
to Frank J. Cleary. Condon will read
his to the multitude in the saloons. I will
send one to Senator Fairbanks and keep
one. Will also give Stevens one.
     Ice Went Out. While the river in
front of town broke on the 7^th & moved down
a little way, yet at 3 oclock this afternoon
the grand break came, and the river rose two

<page break>

feet or more and is now running high with
heavy ice. I am surprised at its force
and quantity. It is not equal to the Yukon
- but nearly so, and is a wonderful manifest
=ation of the natural force of water & ice.
It came down suddenly, without warning,
and in five minutes the ice was pushing up into
the woods, breaking into great sections, pushing
grinding, rolling, and tearing: - an irresist
-ible flood of ice, mud and water. It
was surprisingly great for so small a
river. We will evidently get away soon now,
to Mt. McKinley.
    The Bar Association today filed a petition for
the appointment of a dept. clerk at Fairbanks,
and also gave me a formal invitation to attend
a banquet next week on the eve of my departure
for Mt. McKinley.

<page break>

            -10^th-
            Steamboat.
At eight oclock this morning
the “Isabella” came up the
river to Fairbanks, her flags
flying and her whistle blowing.
A heavy jam of ice just below the
slough where the steamers lay is
pushing the water out over the valley
- down there. During the day we
went over to North Fairbanks on the
Isabella to land the ferry cable.
Three boats came in today from up
river – they report that the Tanana
is pushing water into the Chena
through a cut-off, and it is hoped
that it will continue to do so. More
ice is running today – but the

<page break>

Chena is open full length to the
Tanana. Cleary promises to
take an excursion to Chena on
Wednesday, including my Mt. Mc
Kinley party. Wada has now
concluded not to go with us on
account of heart troubles – we
cannot run the risk of his life, and
of spoiling our trip. Bion A. Dodge,
attorney, let me have his binocular
glasses for the mountain trip – they are
the finest made, and will be a great help
to me. Am going to dinner tonight at
new restaurant in Wadas building – present
Cleary, Hess, Condon, Noble, Robertson, Cowles,
& I. dinner with compliments of house, prop.
Smith &          Fine goose dinner.
            -11^th-
The ice jammed at the mouth of the Chena

<page break>

and is overflowing the valley down between
the telegraph station & the town of Chena.
            -12^th-
Jams at Chena threatening that place –
It will always be subject to the threat & will
be drowned out at times – Fairbanks is the
superior town site. Owing to the lateness of
the season we will not get started to Mt McKin
=ley for a week probably. We are all ready
though.   Was tendered a most flattering
dinner tonight by the Tanana Bar Association
Bion A. Dodge, Pres. E.B. Condon, Secretary
Mr. Dodge presided, but Condon acted as toast
=master. Dinner was in the Tanana Restaurant,
& all the lawyers except Spring were present
- he was at Chena & could not get back on
account of the ice. The large room was elegantly
decorated with flags, curtains, evergreens &
bunting – the latter red, white and blue mus=

<page break>

quito bar! The floor was carpeted with
sweet-smelling spruce boughs, and the
music, - violin and guitar was {in an alcove} behind
curtains. Dr. Whitney sang Annie Laurie
& Ben Bolt, - we all sang America and
the Star Spangled banner. Toasts were
proposed & responses by Dodge, Hess, I
& Miller. The dinner was good – this is copy
of the menu:
“Dinner to Judge James Wickersham
            by the Tanana Bar Association
Slough Cocktails.    Soup: Chicken Giblet.
Olives & pickles. Shrimp Salad, Fish: Grayling.
Salmi of Roast Duck, Green Peas, Roast Chicken
(Grouse), Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus, Nuts
& Dates, Cheese, Coffee, Cigars.
            Fairbanks, Alaska, May 12, 1903.”
On the reverse side was a copy of the words of
the Star Spangled Banner”.

<page break>

In response to my toast I spoke of the
courage and honesty of lawyers and defended
them from the prevalent slander of trickery
and dishonesty. The music was the feature
of the evening. Morgan plays the violin like
a master, and Dr. Whitney sang well.
I wore my full dress suit – the first ever worn
in the Tanana valley – the only one present,
too.
            -13^th-
Was given a dinner tonight at the Tokio
restaurant by my Japanese friends – present
Wada, Hess, Cowles, Edgar, George, Robert
=son, and Johnnie McLeod, - the intention
was to dine the McKinley Alpine party, except
Stevens who has had some dispute with the
Japs. Johnnie McLeod left in his birch
bark canoe for the junction of the Chena with
the Tanana to post some signs for the

<page break>

town, but will overtake us at Chena on
Sunday. Beautiful warm sunny days.
            -14^th-
Beautiful warm day. Raft with 6 men
aboard came down Tanana & Chena & arrived
this morning, - report many more coming
that way- The Tanana ice went out yester
-day but the “Tanana Chief” is not free from
the ice – we are going down on Saturday.
We are now all ready – to go – everything first
class except the packhorse. “Aunt Sally” is
poor and not strong.
            -15^th-
Tanana Bar Association filed petition this
morning asking for the appointment of
John L. Long as deputy clerk to reside
at Fairbanks. Long is an old time
westerner and mountain man – and has
been Indian agent, &c. & is competent.

<page break>

Have determined to appoint him until Heilig
can be consulted.     On yesterday I per
=suaded Charley Webb, an Eagle man and
a splendid good hunter and packer to go to the
mountain with us – He adds very much to the
strength of my party and I am very much pleased
over his determination to go. I shall undertake
to provide him an appointment as guard in one
of the jails when we get back. Am now buying
another horse – which, with packing on our backs
will unable us to travel without “double tripping”
- or going back after loads.
     I arrived in Fairbanks 36 days ago and
it is beyond belief what has been accomplished
here since then. The fact that the public offices
were established here – the Comr. Dep. Recorder
Dep. Atty.   Dep. Marshal, courthouse, jail
&c. determined most people in the belief
that this would be the important town

<page break>

in the district. All the lawyers located
here to be with the courts. I am told by one
who says he has counted them that 387
houses are now erected or in process – yet
there is not a white child here – nor in
the Tanana valley!! Whole blocks of
cabins have been built since I came – yet
there is no saw mill in the Tanana – all the lumber
is whip sawed. There is yet no church – but
6 saloons – no school house for no children.
     I leave this book today and take a new
one for my trip to the Mt. McKinly. I made
an arrangement yesterday that will lighten our
labors very much – and render us safer – I sent
my mare out to the grass lands with Scotts
horses – and hired Scotts best pack mule
for the trip – for $25.00 I also rented Billy
Robertsons pack mule for the trip for $50.00
This gives us two good pack mules – strong

<page break>

and ready & relieves us of “Aunt Sally”
my mare, who was weak and poor. With
Webb and these two mules – and the
assistance that Hendricks gives us by sitting
us up the river 60 miles we are well fixed.
If five strong men can climb the mountain
we ought to do so - we have ropes, Alpen stocks
&c. in fact everything we can think of that we
need. We procure our supplies from Hendricks &
Belts store at Chena.
     I have got to leave a few debts here –
I will owe Robertson $50.00 & Scott $25.00 for
the rent of the mules. I will owe Barnetts
store a small bill – not to exceed $50.00
and Harry and Satow – possibly
    (For memo, about trip to Mt McKinley
     see next book.

<page break>

[sketch of Mt. St. Elias]

Feb 26^th 1903.             Mt St. Elias.
                        50 miles away –
                        taken 20 mi. at Sea.

[inside back cover]
            Cleary
Check 851.80

Pd. Willig                     200.
“     Herse[?]   50.
“     Eagle.       400.
“      cash         100
”         “          101.80
all paid -           851 80

Edgar to J. McLeod     60
Pd        “       “ 20
                        40
Jacob Metz, Ft Gibbon
      knows Mt. McKinly country

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary05-1903

http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary05-1903.htm

Return to Top

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary06-1903

James A. Wickersham diary [06], May 16th, 1903 to Sept. 17, 1903.

[front cover]

Mt. McKinley Diary

Wick[er]sham

[May 16?], 1903 to Sep. 17^th , 1903

[inside front cover]

Diary

James Wickersham

From

May 16^th 1903.

-to-

Sept. 17, 1903.

[sketch of dog and tree]

[drawing caption:]

Dog tied to pole so that he cannot

gnaw loose – pole tied to a tree.

1. Dee-na-li Athapascan tradition

2. Tre-la-ya Cooks Inlet Indian name

3. Bolshoyia Russian name “High”.

4. McKinley Patriotic.

May 16^th 1903.

A beautiful sunny day - Am already

[to] go to Chena today at 1 oclock on the

[Is]abella, where we will embark on the

[“]Tanana Chief" on our journey to Mt

McKinley.

We loaded "Mark" and "Hannah", our

pack mules, on the "Isabella" at Fairbanks

at noon, and at one oclock we boarded

that craft with 115 other persons going on an

excursion to Chena - to see us off on our

trip and - evidently - to show the people of the

town that as steamboat could

navigate the Chena river. We had music

aboard & singing. Received a note from

Mr. Hendricks just as we were embarki[ng]

[say]ing that he would leave Chena

with his boat at once - so we will

[m?]ake close connection.

- made a quick and flying trip down

to Chena and found the "Tanana Chief" with

steam up waiting for us. Excursionists

seemed to enjoy the town - we procured our

supplies - plenty of flour, bacon, beans,

box dried apples, do, dried prunes, 300 ft

of ½ in rope - non alpen stocks, muck=

lucks. 100 lb rolled oats for the mules &c.

After the Fairbanks excursion left, we

loaded - the mules and supplies into

a small barge ahead of the Chief &

after a good dinner with Mrs. Currier

- Mr Hendricks, Stevens, George & I, -our

boat left Chena at 9.30 p.m. for

down river. Did not pay for my outfit,

but agreed to do so from Rampart on

my return, - about $100. due to Hen-

=dricks & Belt. He said, in answer to my

question, that he would charge nothing for

putting us up the Kantishna river -

that he desired to do that much to assist

in our efforts to reach the summit of the

highest mountain in North America.

Cleary also gave us such supplies as he had

at Fairbanks & brought us all down

on the “Isabella” in the same spirit.

Robertson & Scott loaned us the mules

cheap, on the same grounds. Altogeth[er]

[there?] seems to have arisen in the

Fairbanks - Chena community a spirit

of enthusiasm to aid Americans to

climb the mountain and save us the

mortification experienced when Prince

Luigi climbed St. Elias. Went to bed, - in

a small bunk, with rabbit skin blanket -

early, for I was tired.

-17^th Sunday-

Passed the Nee-na-na or Cantwell

river intake early this morning, and over

took the "Jennie M", a small steamer

belonging to Belt & Hendricks fleet, also

going down to Weare for supplies for them.

During the late winter they moved a large

amount of supplies across the Yukon to

the east bank of the Tanana, and now that

the latter is open they will supply the mines

from that source until the Yukon opens.

Ducks, & particularly geese along the

Tanana sand bars by thousands. Valley

low and wide. Ice yet piled high on the

banks, only went out of channel 3 days ago.

River runs nearly west - sometimes a little

north, beautiful day - Geese, ducks, snipe.

My party, consists of:

Charley Webb, whom I have known at

Eagle City and on the Tanana for two years -

a splendid good packer, hunter, boatman

and guide. John M McLeod, a native

of Liard river country - who has lived on the

Mackenzie and Yukon, all his life - 26

years old. Johnnie was guide for Prof-

Stone where he gathered natural history

specimens along the Mackenzie to the Arctic

and with Prof. Hanbury on his journey into

the same country. Morton I. Stevens

an all round athlete, shot and boatman

George A. Jeffry, a good photographer

and my stenographer and secretary.

All four of these men are young, strong

and sound in heart and lungs. With

them and the ropes, alpen stocks, picks

&c. &c. and the assistant of the Tanana

Chief we ought to reach the mountain &

return in time.

Reached the mouth of the Kantishna -

river at noon, and were greatly surprised

and correspondingly disappointed at finding

it running full of heavy ice, barring the

"Tanana Chief" from ascending it. As we

waited the ice grew heavier, and Mr. Hendricks

was almost ready to put us ashore - but

finally agreed to wait until evening to see

whether any change will come in the

flow. Just as we came to the mouth

of the stream Webb discovered a

boat in a drift, and while we lay

tied to the bank just below the

Kantishna he and Johnnie went

across in a row boat and pulled it out.

To our great delight it proved to be a

finely built double ender, 16 ft. long

clinker built, but filled with dirt. We

brought it over to the "Chief", turned it up

sideways, washed it clean, calked a crack,

ran new rosin in the seams & now

have a handsome new boat, able to

carry all of our outfit except the mules.

If the "Cheif" fails us we are now sure to

get up the Kantishna by cordelling.

6 o'clock - The ice is nearly all

run out, and our scare seems to be over

- we will go on up the Kantishna as we orig

=inally intended, - if something else

don't happen - but in any event we are

now able to help ourselves - from

this point or at any higher point where

the "Chief" leaves us.

Mr. Hendricks has been assisting

me in preparing a map of the Tanana

from Chena to Baker creek. Owing

to the swift current and heavy flow from

the Kantishna into the Tanana we had

much delay and trouble in getting into

the mouth of the {tributary} stream, but at

9:30 when I went to bed we were up some

two miles to the first of a low range of

sandhills which marks the western

line of the Kantishna. The stream is

larger in appearances at this point.

-18th-

The boat ran all night, and I was awaken

once or twice by noises and found us going

Woke at 6 oclock - we were in a lake

- like part of the river - 660 ft wide

and making good time. For miles

we have remained in these lakes

with narrow - rapid connections.

The general course of the river is

south.

Courses of Kantishna

at its junction with

the Tanana.

River runs general course

south.

[sketch of river and mountain]

[caption:] TANANA RIV.

Sand Ridge 100 ft. high

The Kantishna is as large as the Patomac

- the Wabash - the Illinois - the Sacra

=mento. Its valley is yet a part of that

of the Tanana - wide, timbered and

fertile. It is a splendid virgin country

- the Tanana Chief is the first boat

to stem its waters: 3 p.m. For nearly 24

hours now we have been traveling up this

wide, deep and navigable river. It is

a beautiful day - warm, sunny and

springlike. The birds sing, geese, ducks

and other birds fly, the sunlight da[?]

the approaching mountain range shows

in the clouds far across the evergreen

forests filling the wide valleys - It is

a temperate zone landscape - such

as De Soto might have seen (except the

snow covered mountains) when crossing tow

=ard the Mississippi. It bears no

possible resemblance to an Arctic

region. We are just now passing a

yellow ~~sandy cut~~ {cut sand} bank on the right

shore (going up) with a peculiar cut

mound at its lower end. A few minutes

ago we were all surprised to see a boat

coming down the river with a single

occupant. Coming alongside we found

his name to be Butte Aiken and he told

us he had been in the wilderness for

eleven months without seeing a white

man. He had his furs in the boat

and was going to the lower country.

He said we were 15 miles below an Indian

camp, - that it as about 40 miles

to the forks of the Kantishna & Toclat.

Reached the Indian village on the

right bank (going up) of the Kantishna late

this evening. Boat out of wood –we all

went ashore & cut & carried aboard

enough to last back to Baker Creek.

{Kudan.}

Abram & Simon, two young Indians,

who speak English came aboard &

made us maps of trails &c. to McKinley.

Abram says “Mountain sheep fall of that

mountain – guess white man no stick em.”

I asked him “Abram, your name – what name

mountain” – he answered promptly “McKeenly”.

- “No” I said “what is Indian name” &

he said “Dēē-na-thy” (a as in father).

We pulled up to the Indian village

and unloaded our supplies - built a

cache in trees & put our eatables up out

of reach of the malamute dogs - ~~built~~ put

up our tent and got ready for the night.

After unloading us the "Tanana Chief”

backed out, went flying down stream

and we are now upon our own resources.

About 50 Athapascans at this camp.

-19th-

We did not get to bed last night until

nearly midnight, so I did not wake the camp

until 8 oclock. After a long preliminary

"talk" we induced Abram{Kudan} to go with the mules

and George & Stevens as guide to Moose Creek

- 20 miles up the Kantishna above the forks

with Toclat. We took photographs of the

Indian camp, of individuals and women

cleaning moose skins, and at noon

departed. George & Stevens, guided by

Abram, started off through the woods.

while Webb, Johnnie McLeod and I loaded

our boat and left ~~for~~ via. the river bank.

[sketch of river]

Alternately we poled, or cordelled, and

crossed to bars with the oars. The following

diagram will explain how we took advan

=tage of the currents and

bars. The lines, thus - - - represent

the main current of the

river, while the round dots, thus . . . represent

the direction taken up stream by our

boat. We cordelled, or pulled the

boat upstream & the

diagram explains how we rounded the bars & as

soon as we could strike the current would

cross the current to the opposite bar, thus

always being able to walk and pull the

boat with the 1/2 in rope around the bars-

The difference between the current side

of the river and the opposite bar side is

shown by this diagram.

The current and

rapid water, of course, is on the deep

side on the outer rim of the bends, thus

giving us the short cut on the bars.

We were accompanied up the river by two

Indians who were going hunting moose.

They had lunch with us. "Chē-ah" was

the name of the eldest - his name means

"to eat" in the Tinneh, and he did not fail

to live up to the highest tradition of gastro

=nomic nomenclature. About 5.30 it

began to rain heavily and we went ashore &

made camp in a fine grove of spruce on

a high dry bank - tent up & filled with

aromatic spruce boughs - dinner & a

fine evening. fine camp.

Good supper - an hour afterward

old Na-chē-rē-ah "Sunset" -

came into camp & we gave him supper.

He correctly and carefully gives me the names

of the rivers - "Hun-teth-na", instead

of Kantishna, and "Too-tlat", instead

of Toclat. I supposed that the final

"na" on the names of the Tanana rivers

mant "river" - but the old man says

that it does not - but only means

- "take it." "Too-tlat" means =

"Too" -water & the whole "Head waters"

-20th-

Left our fine camp of last night

at 9 and have made a long run -

in a general southerly direction.

Passed what we took for the

mouth of the "Too-tlat" two miles

or more back. We have made abou

15 miles and hope to reach Moose

Creek tomorrow night. The river is

now within well defined bluffs at

two miles distance on either side - though

here at our camp tonight we cannot

see the east bluff as we think the

Too-tlat valley extends the distance.

Mountains begin to look close, though

we are yet in a perfectly level country

- the bluffs bring only terraces.

Fine camp tonight on west bank on

a high dry spot, open to east & south.

River very high & rising which makes

cordelling bad & poling ditto.

Webb & Johnnie are fine river men

and understand boats & other uses.

Webb is a Tacoma boy & went to

school to Nan at the Central School

- also to Mrs Rice & Miss Unthauk.

-21-

Made only about 10 or 12 mi

today - this afternoon it rained

hard and is still pouring tonight

We are wet - bedraggled and hungry.

Good camp on north bank facing

river and south. Frightful bends

in river which still maintains a

general southerly course. No

bluffs near river yet - but foothills

just above us. Have killed no

game yet, though every point of

a bar has a pair of geese, and

ducks are abundant. Moose

sign everywhere -there are

hundreds of them along the river

River very high and rising rapidly.

22nd

Two trappers came into our camp this

morning before we got up - they are in

a boat and going down river. They have

been on the Kuskokwim and the big lake

at the head of this river. They tell us we are

on the right road & 15 miles from the Indian

camp. They have been out of civilization

for nearly a year – names, Frank Peterson

& Charley Lundun - They make me

a map of the river from here to a big lake

out of which the river springs, - it is

yet 240 miles - by the river- to the Lake

We got some baking powder & soda

from them, none having been put in our

outfit. A mile above our camp of the

night we passed a high cut bank of sand

- on the right hand going up - at a bend.

Rain fell two inches last night, but too

high yet to line the boat along the banks

except in short stretches. While at

our lunch I discovered Stevens

small flag - a mile above & across

the river - on a tree at the point of a bar

Arrived at the Indian camp & found

George, Stevens & Abram, their guide, on the left

bank of the river – the mules still on the

other side. This is the ideal Indian Camp.

[sketch of river]

[captions:] slough Indian Camp

KANTISHNAR RIVER Hill.

It faces the waters of a slough – and far

away – 25 to 50 miles is a range of magnificent

snow capped mountains – the western most being

“Dee-na-thy” – the High. To the left are

other peaks – reaching the clouds, and snow

covered – higher than Shasta – Hood or

Ranier. Beautiful cones – capping

the grandest mountain chain in the

world. In the foreground is another chain

- lower, yet serrated and beautiful –

over which we reach the vast abysses

and gorges of McKinley. It is the

most beautiful mountain view I have

ever seen – and – over shadows

all the beauties of the Rockies & Cascades.

The Indian camp, itself, is full of beauty

- as a barbaric and rapidly passing phase

of American life. On a gentle slope toward

the water - tents, meat racks - canoes - frames

for new canoes - fish nets, drying and tanned

bear - moose, caribou, rabbit, martin &c

hides, - all the life and color a Sioux

or Comanche camp- It is the most

spirited Athapascan camp to be seen

in the north – in a splendid game and

fish country - and on a river visited only

by the few hardy & daring spirits that have

camped along its shore over winter for

its fine trapping. An old woman scraping

a moose hide - another wringing the water

out of wet and soaked hide - playing

children, visiting squaws - the

passing canoe - the herd of resting

Malamute dogs - the bright sky & the

reflection of the distant peaks in

the still waters - beautiful scene - to

be found in such primitive barbarity no

where else in our territories today.

Will remain here tomorrow & swim

the mules across - then go due south to the

ridge on the north east slope of McKinley

& attempt to ascend from that flank. The

great mountain lies about fifty or sixty

miles, a little west of south of this place.

This camp is called "Tuch-taw-gā-na”

The black hills farthest to the north & to our

left is called by them "Chid-zey-ah"

= Chid -zi-ah". Moose Creek is

called "Chid-zi-ah-na".

-23rd-

Wrote letter last night & sent back by

Abram to Debbie at Rampart. Also a

note to Hendricks. Paid Abram $15.00

& he goes back today.

The first disappointment today: -

Johnnie McLeod has cold feet and is

going to desert us - he has been intensely

scared out by the Indian stories about

the inaccessibility of the mountain. Will

remain here in the Indian camp

today - Crossed "Mark" and

"Hannah" by swimming them across

the Kantishna river 1/4 mile. They

will go due south tomorrow along

the bluff on east of river while we

go up the stream by boat. An

Indian guide will go with horses.

While after mules we climed high spruce

trees on bluff top, -splendid view of all

the upper Kantishna valley - 50 miles or

more wide - covered with spruce and birch.

[captions:] Tolcat McKinley

Chid-zi-ya range. Kantishna

[sketch of river and mountains]

[captions:]

White peaks Mt. McKinley

Mt. Chid-zi-ah. Tolcat

Chid-zi-ah Range. (Chit-siah)

Chit-siah means “heart”.

Kantishna Riv Camp May 23^rd

Mt. Chid-zi-ah is exactly

{5 degrees east of} south of us

today, and McKinley is 10 degrees west

of south. The river for some distance runs

west then turns south west – its

general course is now south west

and it is said by Peterson & Lundur

{and the Indians}

to rise in Lake Menchebéna, 50

mi. west of Mt. McKinley.

-24^th- Sunday

Webb, McLeod & I left the Indian

camp with the boat while Jeffery &

Stevens went with the mules south

along the birch [co]vered bluffs – We

are to meet at the next Indian camp

at “60 Mile” – or Moose Creek.

They have an Indian as a guide.

We worked hard & made good time but

the river is bad – though falling & we

are camped in the wilderness tonight

on the south bank of the river.

[map captions:] Low range

of hills

Camp May 23. Bluffs

Camp May 24.

[sketch of river]

Map of River at our

camps of May 23 & 24.

Johnnie McLeod has finally agreed

to go and watch the mules – but will

not attempt to climb the mountain

-25^th Hun-tahl-nō

Monday

We have reached the Indian camp

on a big slough into which a stream

flows – from east. Indians call

the place “Anō-toch′-ti-lon”.

[captions:] River River slough

Anō-toch′-ti-lon. May 25.

~~Hun-tath~~

Climbed the birch clad hill back of Indian

village and had a splendid panoramic

view of the Chet-siah (Chid-zi-ah) range

& the upper valley of the Kantishna. The

maps are wrong in bringing the

head waters of the Kuskokwim on the

north base of McKinley -that river

rises north and west of this – which

completely drains McKinley waters.

Met George & Stevens here all right.

The Indians more correctly pronounce

the name of the beautiful mountain just

south east of us 20 miles - "Chet-siah"

and say it means "heart." They say also

that the white mans rendering of Kantish

=na is wrong, it is - "Hun-tahl-nō."

The lake, also, is called "Mu {Mun-}chub′-inna".

="mun" - Lake - or Lake Chub′inna.

This is a fine village - mostly from Tanana

and Chief Henry is their leader - They are

making some fine boats - and clearing and

tanning moose hides as fine as calf skin

leather.

-26th-

Tuesday

Remained in camp all day - raining.

During afternoon went to top of big bluff

just down the river when I could see

far down and to its source - it runs

in a general South of South west course

[sketch of rivers]

[captions:] Chit-siah Mt McKinley

To-tlat Hun-tehl-no

Kantishna Tanana Riv

General view of course of

the Kantishna - or Him-tehl-nō.

While upon hill with Webb I located

an eagles nest - saw the old whitehead

sitting on tree top - and old mother bird

sitting on the nest. Whole country

round about - to the mountains - covered

with spruce, birch, cottonwood, alder,

willow. We have concluded to leave the

boat here and pack the mules & take

a south course on the birch hills directly

toward the mountain.

Clear -27th- Sunshine

Wednesday

We left Anō-toch′-ti-lon rather late

this morning, intending to go up the creek

that empties into the slough - lake, a mile or

so & pack from there after cacheing

the boat. There were two creeks, however

and we went up one & the horses the other,

and now at 3 p.m. Webb & McLead

are out trying to find the other boys and

the mules. We also met with a serious

"axe-cident" - Webb dropped our largest

and best axe into the creek where it is 6

ft. or more deep, and so discolored with

vegetation that we cannot - so far -

find it. He and McLeod have both dived

for it repeatedly - but will try-try again.

The creek we are on runs through very

low ground - and is sluggish and filled

with driftwood & sweepers - or hangers

trees. It looks - with its low banks, rank

vegetation and high forest of spruce

trees, more like a Louisiana ~~bayou~~ than

an Alaskan bayou - north of Mt. McKinley.

Last night just at sundown - while the

sky was clear and the horizon open to examination

I went on the ~~mounds~~ bluff back of the Indian camp

with Moses, uneducated Indian and old

John who is thoroughly familiar with the

Mt. McKinley and Kantishna river country,

and he pointed out the location and courses

of the Kantishna and the Kuskokwim

rivers. Our present maps of the Kusko

=kwim are widely wrong. Kantishna

and To-tlat rivers drain McKinly and

the Kuskokwim rises farther to the north

& west in the Bull Moose Mountains

which they clearly pointed out

to me. The Kantishna also makes

a big bend to the west and north before

it reaches Lake Munchub'ina.

[sketch of rivers and mountains]

[captions:] To-tlat. Chit.Siah range

valley. High ridge mts Lake

Min Chubina

May 26 Bull Moose Mts.

Kuskokwim River

Bull Moose Mts. should

be just W.N.W. from our

camp of May 26.

This is as good a map as I can now draw

of the final ending, course & drainage

area of Kantishna - also the location of

the Bull Moose branch of the Kuskokwim

The Indians go up the "Cross-chacket" to

reach the latter river.

(Bull Moose range - nearly North & South)

Clear 28th Sunshine

Thursday

Late last night Webb & Stevens took boat

back to junction of creeks with Slough a

quarter of a mile south of Ano-toch-ti-lon

and cached it and a sack of flour, where

we will pick them up on our return -

In changing from boat to pack animals

we had to rearrange packs, &c and it was

noon before we were on the march today.

Our course has been a little east of south.

- in the direction of Chit-siah, or "heart

mountain". We crossed about two miles of

bad "niggerhead" swamp reach the

rolling birch covered hills - between two

large lakes - wading the stream up to our

waists to cross - and thence south along

the hills. About 3 oclock we found

ourselves on a beautiful {round} birch hill.

sloping to a beautiful lake - just

across its peaceful surface Dē-nathy

- Mt. McKinley loomed up like a great

white cloud on the horizon - throw Mts.

Baker, Tacoma, St. Helens and Adams

together for mass - then pile Hood on the

summit for height and you have a fair

idea of McKinley. Its stupendous

gorges - perpendicular walls and

towering mass with "Liberty Cap"

on its mighty summit made the most

imposing scene I ever witnessed.

We cleared some trees and with the lake

and more distant hills as a foreground

we made two exposures with each

of our cameras. No better view

will ever be had of this immense

mountain, for we ~~viewed~~ saw it

across the level country and if

our pictures are as good as the clear

sky and correct light would warrant

we are indeed to be congratulated.

To the {west} right of Mt. McKinley, and

joined to it by a tremendous ridge of

stone - covered with eternal snow and

ice is a beautiful peak, which from

its lesser height ~~which~~ renders it

feminine in appearance with McKinley

This splendid peak we named

Mt. Deborah in honor of my

good wife, whose pure clean mind

and heart are as fairly typified by the

white snow as ever resting upon its

16,000 feet in altitude. We crossed

the outtel of the lake, and made our

camp on its shores for the night

Oh the birds - robins and other singing birds

the woods is filled & boat with songs

[overwritten vertically:]

We soon discovered

this to be Mt. Foraker

a fact which I really

regretted since I so

wished to fix my wifes

name to the beautiful

Peak.

Clear Sunshine

-29^th-

Friday

Dirty, delighted & dog-tired.

We have crossed ~~four~~ three forks of

Beaver Creek today - all running

west, while we have been going

due south toward Mr. McKinley.

[captions:] Kantishna Riv. Chitsiah

Beaver Creek

May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29

We encamp tonight on the south bank

of the ~~fourth~~ third fork of Beaver Creek, just

west of Heart Mountain, or Chit siah.

Cloudy -30th- Rainy

Saturday

We got a late start owing to having

to get the mules across the creek

- we did not bring them over last

night. Passed a group of

small lakes, set in birch and

spruce covered hills, which we called

“Alma Lakes in honor of Mr. M

I. Stevens sister. They lie just

a little north of due west of Mt.

Chitsiah. We are camped in the

forest, tonight, on a hill, from which

we can see other lakes & swamps

yet to the south. We are crossing a

wide level and beautiful country,

- it must be 50 or 75 miles from

the Chitsiah hills westward to the

Bull Moose mountains. This

immense area is covered with a

light forest of spruce, birch and

willow – it is dotted with lakes

and intersected with running

streams – Beaver creek

drains a wide valley & comes

down from Chitsiah -

Clear -31st- Sunshine

Sunday

We are just below the west

slope of Mt. Chitsiah tonight

Would have reached the mountain

except that the road has been so bad

the mules gave out. At noon we

camped by a beautiful lake out of

which a small stream trickled

over a newly built beaver dam and

then washed away westward toward

the Kantishna. Along the shore we

saw many pickerel – 3lbers - 16 in

long - and shot a dozen. Would

shoot just above the fish - stun it

& throw it out while stunned. What

would Izaak Walton say to that?

Well, he never hunted pickerel with

a 30-40 so he dont count.

Clear. June 1^st Sunshine

Monday.

Left our camp at 10 oclock and at 1 p.m.

we were on the high flank of Chitsiah - at

its western flank. Stevens had located

two big bull cariboo {with Dodges field glasses}

before we reached the

summit - across on the next meadow - and

Webb and McLeod went after them while

the rest of us made camp - the highest point

of spruces just below. Watched the boys with

the glasses - they killed both bulls - so we

made permanent camp to dry the meat

to use on Mt McKinley. This afternoon

McLeod & I erected the staging of poles

to dry the meat on while the other boys went

after the cariboo with the mules.

[captions:] Drying jerked

Cariboo.

From our camp we have a magnificent

view far to the north and west. As far

as we can see it is a plane covered with

birch, alder, spruce and cottonwood -

many small lakes are set in this

green covering & glisten in the sun-

the "Hun-tehl-no" hills, around

which the Kantishna circles are now

fully outlined, beyond lie the Bull Moose

mountains - to the south, a common

source for the Kantishna and Kuskokwim

waters it is level, and without a high=

land. Far to the north - a little to the east

lie the Tanana hills - the Tolavana bluff

& the domes near Fairbanks. The valley

opposite us is very wide - 75 miles or

more - to the Bull Moose range.

We will climb Chit-siah tomorrow.

Variable June 2nd

Tuesday

On top of Chitsiah 5 oclock p.m.

[sketch of rivers and mountains]

[captions:] Mt. McKinley Great flat

Mt. Chitsiah Lake Minch.

Bull Moose Mts. Totlat. Kantishna River

Lake Munchibena is

a little south of due

west from Chitsiah

& 50 miles away.

We could plainly see it from the

summit. The Tō-tlat was in

plain view from its mouth to the

mountains.

[sketch of rivers and mountains]

[captions:] Mt Deborah. Mt. McKinley

Chitsiah Creek Beaver Creek Mt. Chitsiah

Lake Minshubbina Totlat Kantishna

Correct Map Bull Moose Mts.

We left camp about noon - Stephens George &

I and by 5 oclock we had reached the summit of

Chitsiah. On the road over - just as we had

reached a small summit or hogback on the north

side of Chitsiah Creek, we saw two bull moose

in the little valley below us. They trotted off

very slowly & we had good view of them at 150

yards distance and while they climbed the

opposite bluff. Stevens wanted to

shoot, but I persuaded him not to do so.

Mt. Chitsiah is the most prominent feature

in the Kantishna and To-tlat river landscapes.

It is the most ~~sou~~ northerly mountain of the rugged

range which extends due south between the two

rivers to McKinley. No other peak for 15 or

20 miles around is so high - its name - Chitsiah

means "Heart" in the Indian tongue - and {as} it is

exactly the shape of the point of the heart and

being both very appropriate and euphonious

we have adopted it as the permanent name.

It is about 3500 or 4000 feet high - is very

steep - but approachable along these sharp

divides, and up a steep rocky incline.

We approached its summit by the southerly

and best incline. The view from this

[sketch of mountian peak]

peak is superb. For seventy five miles

you can see the entire country to the north

and west - even to the extreme south west

and almost to the eastward. It is

a grand view of a wide level table land

dotted with innumerable small lakes -

you see the To-tlat at your feet, from its

mountain gorges in the south west to where

it joins the Kantishna - due north from

the mountain. The To-tlat valley is probably

10 miles wide - on the east side of the river-

on the west side it lies close to the mountains.

Its bed is yet filled with ice, through which

the river has cut many channels - it is a

typical Arctic river - and differs greatly

from the Kantishna, which is a wide & timber

covered country. The Kantishna rises in a

wide low country to the west & south west

- the Kuskokwim evidently rises in the same

low country & flows west. We built a

stone cairn on Mt. Chitsiah, flung the

stars & stripes to the breeze - made such

rough maps as we needed & came down

In going to the mountain we waded Chitsiah

creek easily, but the snows had melted so bad

all day that at night the creek was raging

We finally crossed locked together by our

hands[?]. Picture of mountains & cairn

Cloudy. June 3rd

Wednesday.

We liked the appearance of Chitsiah Creek

as a mineral creek & George & Stevens & Webb

went back today with gold pan & got two

colors & ruby sand - We will stay

over another day & prospect it & stake.

Cloudy. June 4. - Thursday.

Wandered over mountains, prospected Chit-

siah Creek - found good colors & staked

upstream claims as follows: Down Stream

[sketch of mining claims]

[l. to r.]

D.S.W. 4 above

G.A.J. 3 above

C. Webb 2 above

M.I. Stevens 1 above

J.W. Dis.

J. McL 1 B.

G.A.J. 2 B.

Dave McVay 3 B.

J.E. Briggs 4 B

D.P.W. 5 B

N.V.H. 6 B

Discovery claim lies on Chitsiah at the

mouth of the Two Bull Moose Gulch.

No 4 Above for Debbie, Discovery for my

=self & No 5 Below for Darrell.

Variable. June 5th Friday

Left camp at noon without pack train

for our final run to the base of McKinley.

A mile or so this side of camp I saw a

fine bull moose & shot at him but luck

=ily missed - we have all meat we want

He was a magnificent animal. I am

now on a mountain top overlooking the

splendid valleys to the west - hundreds of lakes

& thousands of square miles of country.

Just across on the next ridge - in

plain sight is a band of cariboo mothers

& babies. They are on the south hill side &

the colors are playing like young lambs.

They are beautiful graceful creatures.

Made a good run of 12 miles or more and

are camped tonight a beautiful mountain

stream which we have called 10 Cariboo

Creek, because we saw that number today

at its head.

[sketch of creeks]

[captions:] Chitsiah Creek

Camp June 1-5 Bull Moose Creek

Camp June 6. 10 Cariboo Creek

2 Bear Creek

Camp, June 7.

Clear. June 6^th- Saturday

A great bear fight!! Saw two big

black bear on divide. Stevens & George

went down to photo & rest of us opened

fire on big male. Wounded him & he

came down hill close to boys who were

just ready to take his picture when

another shot started him. He rolled

head over heels down long snow

incline with Stevens & Jeffry in full

cry after him & the rest of us shooting

from high bluff – In spite of all

our shots & his evident wounds – for

the snow was red with blood where he

went down, he escaped in a rocky

canyon. The female ran away & I saw

her a mile off across two divides – going

in long gallop. Also saw two

cariboo – who came around us in the

same way an antelope does - We did

not shoot at them. Camped tonight

on high mountain meadow - in the

cold east wind - with "Denally" & Mt.

Deborah glowing in the late sunset,

surrounded by snowbanks.

Clear. June 7^th Sunday

A beautiful clear Sunday morning.

McKinley is without a cloud - the maj

esty of Joves mighty seat confronts us -

the mules have runaway - think of "Mark"

"Hannah" ~~failing to support~~ {abandoning} a McKinley

~~proposition~~ {expedition.} After a hard days journey in

the snow on the mountain tops we came

S. W. down into the valley - narrow & rock walled

- of a mountain torrent where we are tonight

Nearness to McKinley evidently makes more

snow. All tired & worn out.

Clear. June 8th Monday

Yesterday was a clear day & while on the

highest summits we had a fine view of the

summit of "Dee-nally". We got into this

camp late and had our supper at midnight

so, being all worn out, we remain in camp

today. Marks ~~shoulder~~ back is also

saddle sore & he needs attention. We

are bathing in the splendid mountain

stream - in ice water - surrounded by

snow banks - mending shoes - resting

Clear June 9th Tuesday-

This has proved a satisfactory day -

we not only made a good run with our

train but reached a point where we are

located with reference to McKinley.

We went due south - a little west -

along the low ~~range~~ bases of the

range and tonight we are camped

at {on} the north bank of the most beautiful

stream we have yet seen, - We have det

=ermined to call it McLeod Creek, on

account of the fact that it does things

early & late – even before breakfast

[captions:] Camp 9^th McLeod Creek.

Camp 8^th Camp 6th

We are now only one days march – light

to the north – a little west of McKinley.

Today we will move camp up to the far=

=thest wood & then go to the small summits

to view out the route.

[sketch of camp locations]

[ captions:] Deborah

McKinley McKinly Creek

Camp 9^th

This map roughly shows our position – as

we now understand it – with a small

range between us & the base of McKinly

and the flat of McKinly Creek beyond.

More cariboo today – but killed none – will

hunt from our next camp as we will

need more jerked meat for the mountain

All things moving smoothly now since

I am right in coming around.

Clear June 10^th Wednesday

An uneventful day – but good travel=

=ing & we are at the base of the small range

over which we go tomorrow. Musquitoes

very bad now.

[sketch of creek]

[caption:] McLeod Creek

Encamped tonight on the most

southerly fork of McLeod Creek.

Variable. June 11^th Thursday

Left our camp at 9:00 and traveled to the very

summit of the range between the Kantishna

& Denalli. We expected to have to come

back to McLeod creek & make our

permanent camp for lack of wood on

the south side of this range, but upon

inspection from the summit we found

to our great surprise that spruce grows on

the banks of the streams under the very shadow

of McKinley - & within a half dozen miles of

when we must begin our ascent. Descended

from the mountain upon a stream coming

from the north & flowing west out of a

gorge, into the Kantishna flats south of

McLeod creek - it is a beautiful stream

- almost a river - rapid, deep and clear

I will call it Webb Creek. From

our point of view on the summit we saw

a large lake lying in a valley just north

of McKinley. I named it "Alma Lake"

in honor of Mr. Stevens sister, the one

we so named on the Kantishna valley being

unimportant, and utterly lost in the

multitude of lakes & swamps seen by us

from the mountains in its neighborhood.

alma lake f drains into Webb river.

From the summit we also chose a site for

our camp on McKinleys flank. Came

down the summit & had lunch - George & Stevens

went over the next mountain to photo the lake -

came onto four cariboo. Shot 14 times but

got nothing. {They saw 4 cariboo.}

With pack train crossed

Webb creek & camped at outlet of

Alma Lake - it is a beauty - about

three miles long - surrounded by low

rolling mountains, while just south - 10

miles rises the perpendicular walls of

the mighty McKinley range. It is Spokane

with a back ground of Switzerland

magnified 100 times. Got some photos

- one panoramic of McKinley range -

[sketch of mountain peaks]

[captions:] McKinly Deborah

Mt. Chitsiah

Map showing the location of Alma Lake.

Webb Crek & McKinly creek & the

divide between the To-tlat & Webb

watersheds.

Cloudy. June 12^th Friday.

Remained in camp all day resting. Webb

& MLeod went hunting - but got nothing

but ptarmigan -

Clear June 13th Saturday.

Our trip today as over rolling foot

hills and a splendid plain from Lake

Alma directly towards McKinley. A

more beautiful game country does not

exist than this fine large mountain

locked mountain meadow region

Every stream is bordered with a growth

of fine straight spruce: innumerable

small clear lakes dot the rolling

meadowland, the grass is green &

furnishes abundant food for our

mules, over all the clear bright sun

pours his genial rays and it is a

reproduction in part at least of the

great American desert a century

ago. An old Indian lodge on

a hill with a drying frame for jerking

cariboo proves that it was once

the hunting grounds of the Kantishna's

while numbers of great antlers, now

white with age, show when the graceful

yet hardy cariboo have been killed. We

saw a band but got none them. In the

early afternoon we reached the edge of

a steep - almost perpendicular gravel

bluff - a glacial valley lay before us -

nearly a mile wide - perfectly level from

bluff to bluff and devoid of vegetation.

Across its drifting bed of sand and

gravel, ground under mighty glaciers

& thrown out by glacial force of water,

ran several rapid, turbid glacial

currents, gray and muddy with glacial

debris. We camped on the high bluff

facing the granduer of McKinley and

its snow white flanks. I arrived at

camp last, having been off on the hills

to the left hunting - but my first

glance over the valley showed me a band

of cariboo a quarter mile away sunning

themselves on a sandbar. Webb, McLeod

& I went after them and succeeded in

getting a fine fat one. We then crossed

this present, active and new glacial

valley, wading the torrents {of McKinley Creek}

with the water

to our waists and went into camp on

a bar at the mouth of that branch of

McKinley creek which comes down from

the north snows of the mountain - just

above our heads. Killed some ducks

today also and found some ptarmigan

eggs. Will reach our farthest and

permanent camp tomorrow. We

are now taking near views of the great white

mountain - with our camp flanked by

large forests of spruce saw timber.

One fine view at exactly midnight.

Clear. June 14th Sunday

Left our camp late, as usual, and

had much trouble to get across the

first glacial stream to our right, but

finally got the pack train across and

all of us waded its roaring waters

hand in hand. Crossed the divide

to the main branch of McKinley creek

coming down from the north slope of the

mountain and there camped for lunch.

A young buck cariboo, evidently attracted

by our mules came down from the opposite

hills and out on the glacial bar in front

of our camp where the boys killed him.

Passed on up the creek to a point where

it breaks through the great northern

moraine - terminal - and there made

our camp in a fine bunch of spruce.

We made several exposures for photograph

coming toward the mountain - due north

from its summit. Later one of the moon

resting on a white mountain top. These

wide glacial floors - valleys - will afford

us an easy exit from this spot to the Kan

-tishna - we will follow down the bars

until we strike the Kantishna, thus escap

=ing swamps, mountains and brush.

Had our supper at 12 oclock and went

to bed at one at which time the great white

dome before us was gilded with the rose

of the rising sun - less than two hours

of twilight and perfectly light all night.

Musquitoes are bad. Great bear trail

between camp and river. Mountain

looks better for climbing as we near it

but it is yet very steep and very high.

Clear. June 15. Monday

Moved our tent out to the creek bank on

account of the musquito pest. Webb &

McLeod went back with the mules for

the cariboo we killed last night. This is

a hunters paradise, for we saw a big

buck cariboo on the side hill within half

a mile of camp before they left & he remained

there all day. During the afternoon I saw

two glacier grizzlys (bears) on what seemed

from camp to be a moraine about a mile

& a half away. We waited until Webb &

McLeod returned, with the guns & then went

grizzly bear hunting. They had shot a fox &

captured a young one which they named

"McKinley" & brought into camp. Stevens

Webb, George & I went over to find traces

of the bear. When we had neared the

supposed moraine I discovered it

to be a glacier - a stupendous mass of ice

covered with iron ore - rock & dirt from the

mountain {snow} slides which furnished it life.

It appears to be new - there are evidences that

older ones have existed, while this is evidently

very active & vigorous. McKinley creek pours

from the mouth of a great ice cavern at its

front. The top - which I reached first

in fact I first began the ascent, is cov

=ered with millions of tons of debris

and rock - granite &c. The men of my

party instisted on naming the glacier the

"Wickersham Glacier" - but we'll see.

It seems to come down from two great

canyons - one on the east wall of the moun

-tain the other on the north & west. Will try

& map it tomorrow. It is about 300

feet or more high, and several

miles in length.

Variable June 16^th Tuesday

Went to top of 6000 foot peak just

north of McKinly, but do not see a road to

the summit - it is one vast snowslide

into the glacier which skirts it.

[sketch of mountain and glacier]

[captions:] McKinly. Lower glacier.

It is about 5 miles from the extreme north

end of the glacier to the mountain where

it is comes from the west.

[sketch of mountian and glacier]

[captions:] Glacier East McKinly

West

McK. Creek North

The present glacier comes down from

the west close along the base of McKinly

to a point opposite its east base - then

turns at right angles to the north.

It seems new & active, but an older

glacier once existed here - much larger

than the present. It extended down

the valley from camp, two miles beyond

the present one. The bluffs clearly

show its height & the remaining debris

its spread.

[sketch of mountain and glacier]

[captions:] Mt McK old new

We will go up to the angle in the glacier

day after tomorrow & then up the

ice stream - if we can. It looks

bad on account of snowslides

Clear. June 17 Wednesday

Hells to pay & no pitch hot!

Webb got mad at Stevens this morn

=ing, packed up and left us. Though

I begged him not to go. After going a

mile or two and cooling off he saw

how bad it would look for him

to come in without us, so he put his

pack down & came back and asked

me for a statement which I gave

him in this form:

"Mt McKinley, June 17 1903

To whom it may concern:

Very much to my regret Mr. Charles

Webb has this voluntarily left my party

to go home

Respectfully,

James Wickersham

I then begged him to take flour &c

but he declined - he remained in camp

awhile & I then approached him to take the

mules, & with McLeod go down on a raft &

thus make it appear that he returning

for me - this mollified him & this evening

he has finally agreed to remain with me.

Have had a bad time with both he & McLeod

who has been a dozen times on the point of des

=ertion on account of his fear 1^st of grizzly

bear - & 2^nd of the mules. He is a Mackenzie

river lad & the mules are as dangerous in

his eyes as grizzlies & then the boys have

told him such yarns about mules that he

is really afraid to stay at camp with them.

George & Stevens went to photograph the

mouth of the cavern in the glacier where

issues McKinley creek. We move in the

morning.

Clear June 18th Thursday

A glorious summer day - without a

cloud. We loaded one mule with

wood and one with our packs and all

set out for the upper end of the glacier.

Passed into upper valley and along

the top of the old lateral moraine

on east side, to the very base of Mr.

McKinley. Fun with a wolverine -

Stevens had the field glasses & kept

calling my attention to the bear! "Don't

you see his big flat head? - Just under

that big iron rock." I saw the wolverine

plainly, but no bear and after a time

took a shot but missed. Stevens was

greatly excited, until they hunted the

wolverine out & he saw how small

he was - then he understood the joke

Saw two cariboo - took a long shot

and missed but saw them join four others

& called Stevens & George. We gave them the

guns & they killed two bucks much to their

delight. They killed the cariboo at the very

head of the valley - under Mt McKinley - &

just where we intended to camp - we made

our camp between them on a sloping hill

side. The chances for reaching the

summit seem now better than ever - We

are at least 4000 feet high in the camp

& the glacier continues to rise as it rounds

the mountain & it now seems as if we can

reach the high ridge we want. Will start

on the upward climb tomorrow evening

so as to avoid the snowslides. Waded

muddy glacial streams to get here,

& have just had a fine supper of

cariboo & flap jacks - changed my

socks & feel better. No tent tonight

[caption:] Lower valley – Glacier

The glacier which now fills the valley is

much smaller than the one which once

existed. Lateral moraine masses exist

the full length of the valley much higher than

the top of the present glacier - the moraine

are formed largely of what looks like iron rock

enough to run the Chicago Ironworks for

centuries. Glacier brings it down & can be

harnessed to carry it to the flats!!!

Sun will shine on the mountain nearly

all night.

Clear. June 19th Friday

We were startled our of our beds last

night by {Yahko, the giant} great snow slides. Immense

masses of snow and ice high on the mountain

side broke loose with the report of a cannon. With

{rapidly} accelerating speed they shot down the ice encrusted

slope, gathering momentum every second -

striking fire- electric - gathering other masses -

striking juting point, rock, sand, snow & ice,

& finally strike the glacier with the roar of

a hundred great guns, cover the medial

moraine & throw a great sheet far up on

the opposite mountain wall. One feels his

insignificance in the presence of such a stupend

ous catastrophe which he cannot control nor

from which he could possibly escape if within

its path. It sent a shiver of fear down

every back & warned us to keep clear of

the avalanches path - & we will.

Sent Johnnie back to the other camp with

the mules late this evening & we are now

loading our packs for the climb. It is getting

cloudy – Two creeks coming down from

the left side – head of Iron Valley flow a

long ways in divide between two old lateral

moraines. Plenty of grub for our trip

Clear June 20^th Saturday

We left our camp last night at 10 oclock

- Stevens, Webb Jeffery & I, went southwest

up the glacier about 5 miles, and climbed off

at an iron mountain upon a side glacier

which reach a high spur on the west slope

of the mountain. Many side glaciers high

in small gorges, waterfalls, blue streams in

clear {blue} ice. Crossed many bad crevasses with

life lines out all the time. Wide field of soft

snow hard traveling in consequence – sun

rose on us at 1:30 and shone on mountain

top constantly. We reached the high rocks

above his field at 7 in the morning, having

traveled 9 hours without rest – packs 35 lbs.

We are in a bad place – ahead of us is a

very sharp ridge, covered with snow & so steep

that it seems impossible to me. From our

loft height – about 10000 feet – one realizes what

an enormous glacier this great McKinly glacier is

It reaches a narrow pass just above where

we left it, and above that spreads out into

an enormous glacial field reaching around

to the south side of the mountain – it travels

more than one half around the mountain.

It is now half a past 2 and a thunderstorm

threatens us from the Kantishna flats – it would

make climbing an impossibility – as it would

increase the volume and number of the avalanches

- these are by the hundred & hardly a moment

goes by without the thundrous noise of one

tearing its way down the mountain side.

[sketch of glacier, showing camp locations]

[map captions:]

Camp 18th Camp 19th

Narrows Camp 20th

badly broken blue ice

Glacier 20 or 25

miles long – Its[?]

5 miles wide.

not end

Clear June 21^st Sunday

hazy

The days are so hot and the temperature

so productive of avalanches that we have

had to do all our work at night when the

heat is less liable to produce slides of

snow and glacial ice. We left one high

point on the mountain last night at 9.

pm. but I was then convinced that no

possibility existed of our overcoming the

apparent obstacles to our higher climb

- we were climbing on a spur as sharp as

a house roof, rapidly rising to where it was

nearly perpendicular – solid glare ice,

and above it rose thousands of feet of

glacial ice undermined and even falling

bay reason of the hot weather & constant

sliding out of the softer snow. I

had watched this constant loss of support

all day and it was so apparent to

me that further effort was futile that I

declined to go farther – to the evident relief

of Stevens who agreed with me that no

man could reach the summit in the

present condition of the mountains. It

is ice encrusted from summit to base –

- ~~in most places~~ glaciers exist in every

small niche, and they are so undermin

=ed now by the constant warm west winds

of two or three days past – that hundreds

of slides are coming down in every

direction – every moment the swish

of a snow avalanche, or the thunder

of a glacial ice slide is heard. Even

the smallest would be fatal to our

whole party in the position we occupied –

they were then in motion ahead, and

I ordered a retreat to our camp.

I offered to remain in camp & let any

or all of the others make an effort, if

they desired, but each personally declined

to take any further risk. In the condition

of the mountain an attempt in another

quarter would be equally as dangerous

so we abandoned the whole effort to

reach the summit. We returned to our

former camp – from which we started

Friday night & will go back to the

lower camp today. Will continue to

examine the streams & glaciers for

geographical information.

Had a sleep – from 5 am. until

noon & went back to lower camp

at lower end of old moraine. Passed

band of cariboo & took photographs

at close range owing to their curiosity

(describe action)

Clear. June 22^nd Monday.

Hazy.

Left camp with all hands & mules

loaded for home, down the wide bars

of McKinley River.

[sketch of rivers]

[captions:] Jeffery Creek Stevens Creek

McKinley River Spruce forest

Glacial valley is a splendid study.

It is filling with rock & sand and encro

aching upon hill and forest. Wide rocky

valley, - often high in middle – bars

rock – sand and gravel. Very fine

timber grows between McKinley river

& the forks. Am about tired out

Variable. June 23. Tuesday

About 5 miles below the junction of

McKinly & Jeffery the combined waters

break through a long gorge at the

south end of the Chitsiah hills - the

general trend of the stream being

west & then northwest. Saw a big

eagle & Eagle nest on a rocky crag &

named the gorge "Eagle Gorge"

From Mt McKinly to junction = 15 mi

" Junction to Eagle Gorge - 5 "

Camped on a bar in lower gorge - amid

clouds of damed musquitoes -

Traveled 20 miles yesterday and

expect to get timber for a raft

today. Plenty of timber all way down

but water too swift & stream

too rocky Will be out of Gorge today

Saw fine Eagles nest just after

we left camp – George & Stevens

climbed up to it & found two young

eagles & an egg. A mile farther on

a big moose cow & calf came out

on the bar near us and in spite of

my protests McLeod shot the cow.

It was a brutal waste of a big fine

animal by a man who ought to value

them – for he lives on them from year to year

It will be wasted – and was a wanton

exhibition of his brutal savage nature.

Went on down the “Gorge” two or three

miles & camped determined to build a raft

& go down the river from this point that way.

We are at the lower end of the Gorge & can

see the wide sand bars on the flats.

Clear. June 24th Wednesday

Rained last night & the mesquitoes

were simply hell!! They nearly drove

us crazy & we will be glad to get our

raft done. Have got out all the logs

today & will get away tomorrow.

Nothing today but hard work - and

musquitoes!

Clear June 25th Thursday.

Finished our work today on raft and

later this evening started - I was not

willing to trust myself & things on the

raft & went with George & the mules - &

let Webb, Stevens & Johnnie take

the raft down - they were wrecked at

the first point of rocks - and lost Webb

gun - all of our dishes - bed clothes &c

The two axes - auger & Johnnies gun

had been tied on & were saved. John

& Stevens jumped & swam while Webb

went on under the ledge & down through

the rapids with the raft. We are now

camped a mile below – below the

rapids & hills, too, I hope – and have

the raft tied to the bank. Every pin

is broken & she is held together only

by the ropes. None of my things are

lost except overall waist. Stevens

arrogance has rcd. somewhat of a

setback – but is so supreme that

nothing can quite dampen it. George

has entirely abandoned all idea of loyal

ty to me and has become his most sycophantic

waiter &c. It is all owing to a “bull con”

~~story~~ idea that Stevens has suggested to George

that in a year they start on a journey

around the world {on bicycles}

for a newspaper at a

big salary, and that during the circum

-perambulation they take photos of all

remarkable places, and upon their return

they start a studio in N.Y. and live hap

=pily ever afterward! George is thoroughly

infatuated with Stevens & his scheme, and

it is amusing, though disappointing to me

to watch his abject slavery to Stevens.

McLeod was nearly hysterical after the

wreck - laughter & crying - he lost all

his little belongings except his gun -

and this seemed a ray of sunshine to him

for without it he is lost - but with it

never. He sleeps with it - never allows

it beyond reach of his hand, and is now

cleaning and talking to it. Stevens

openly criticises Webb for the

disaster - and boasted of his skill

& nerve until I was forced to call him

down & told him that his nerve was

wholly in his mouth. We will take

a new start in the morning - Stevens

George & John in the raft - Webb & I

with the mules & try & reach the Kantish

-na that way - then fix the raft & put

the mules on & go down it on the raft

It cannot be more than 40 or 50 mi

down to the Kantishna - possibly more.

The disaster robbed us of all our blanket

except one - which was under the saddle

- but as it is double we can cut it. We

will use the Horse blanket for two

Webb & John and thus get along.

But all the dishes are lost - so that

we can neither make tea nor

coffee, - nor bread except on a stick

- - after the Indian style.

[sketch of glacier and camp sites]

[captions:]

Glacier

Camp June 23,

" 24,

" 25.

Eagle Gorge

Camp June 25th

Clear June 26th Friday

Went down river about 15 miles &

found Stevens, Jeffery & McLeod with

raft & passed night with them. McL.

refuses to go further on raft & Webb will

go with raft tomorrow & McL. with me

& mules. Found my rabbit skin

robe in river on a bar & am drying it

out. Brush very bad for horses & mus

=quito s terrible. Cold on bar tonight

& no musquitos – Waded channels of

wide spread river today a dozen times.

Clear June 27^th Saturday

McLeod & I left with mules & packs

or such as is left. Our provisions all

gone except small quantity of flour

- about 2 days supply. Bar

good below today & walking

fair – swam and waded glacial

channels a dozen times. River

yet wandering over sandbars

through several channels. Raft

opposite to us at 3 oclock

We saw the great boulders at the head of

this river which only the glacier could

move, farther on great boulders which

the river could move, then smaller and

smaller – this side of Eagle Gorge they

were smaller – then gravel, and now we

are where the glacial stream is beginning

to deposit its finer silt and are constantly

in quicksand. Both mules were down

in deep quicksand once today & I thought

they were both lost – but by putting timbers

under them as they floundered we got

them out. Came about 20 miles today.

The McKinley river is now in pretty

well defined banks and we hope to

reach the Kantishna tomorrow. The

boys came through with the raft & luckily

we came together & are camped all

together on a bar. River now running

due north.

[sketch of river]

[captions:] Camp June 28.

Eagle Gorge Camp June 27.

Old sand bar channel McKinley Riv. Flats.

20 mi. 15 mi. Camp June 26.

wide sandbar – mile or more – cut by

numerous channels. A mile above our

camp of 27^th the river formerly cut-

across country to the right & north of the

present channel. Our camp last night

is near this old channel & McLeod & I will

follow it with the horses. Our flour

is going fast. McLeod killed a goose last

night which gave us supper & is now

out examining some rabbit snares for

breakfast – if. Since losing the pots

frying pans, &c in the wreck we have

had to cook “bannacks” in Indian

fashion: Mix the flour and

water in the sack – make your ball

of dough – pat it out and spread

it on a flat stone set before the

fire – Turn as it browns – there

is your Indian made bannack

We drink nothing but glacial water

- lying flat on our stomachs.

Clear June 28^th Sunday

Remained in camp until 2 oclock

assisting in preparing new “sweeps”

for those lost in wreck. Came about

10 miles & are camped on a bar with

strong wind blowing – hope for a night

free from mesquitos, which trouble

us greatly. Shot two geese & a rabbit.

The three men on the raft have gone

on to the ~~mouth~~ {junction} of the Kantishna & we

are to meet them there. McLeod gave

an exhibition of his cunning in killing

rabbits: He saw one run ahead of us

into the bushes, and giving me the leading

rope to hold he went 50 feet ahead &

placing the back of his hand to his

mouth made a kissing sound for

a minute, when here came the

rabbit on the jump toward him.

The shot was easy. He also brought

a young rabbit to his hand and caught

him. This evening just at camping

time I saw a big moose standing broad

side to us on a sand bar. –McLeod wanted

to shoot – but after 6 or 8 fair but long

shots failed to kill – he hit it the

last shot but it got away. For

lunch this afternoon we had rabbit

roasted – and nothing else – even

without salt. River running north

& as placid as the Kantishna – The

bars and sands are getting more solid

& there is less danger of quicksand.

Hope we can reach Kantishana tomorrow,

for we have but a few pounds of flour

left.

Clear June 29^th Monday

We are in the finest moose

country in the world! We camped

on the bar where the big bull moose

crossed last night & while we are

now eating our breakfast a big

moose cow and two calves are

walking parallel to us on the

bar the other side of the river – 200

yards away and in plain sight.

It is a great pleasure to see the calves

frisk & play & suckle and rush

along like innocent lambs.

We got up at 6 oclock & will

start early – John cooked a

goose – spitted & roasted it fine

A well marked Indian trail for

a time last night helped us

along fine & we followed it two or

three miles today. Ab Started from

camp about 8 oclock & from the

shape of the hills ahead judged

that we could strike the Kantishna

about noon – but alas! we were

disappointed for we passed the hills

& no Kantishna appeared. We were

much dejected for the interminable

mazes of the thickets of brush were

hard on our bodies & it seemed as

if we must travel on 20 miles more

to catch the raft. We started on

but while eating our lunch at noon

discovered a big fire a few miles ahead

& were soon after met by Webb

looking for us – We found them

landed and were correspondingly

happy – except about the food

question – all the flour was gone

except what we had & that would

only do for two meals. While we

were talking our situation over

Webb discovered a bull moose on

the other bank coming into the river

& taking my gun ran up the bank

toward him and with a few lucky

shots killed him – We are now

in food – meat only – until we get

home. River here running N.E.

We now learn that a large stream

joined the McKinley at the big bend

which we crossed before meeting Webb

& the boys think it the Kantishna

Clear June 30^th Tuesday

Remained in camp all day

working on the raft – Johnnie

is making an Indian canoe

out of spruce bark. Flour

all gone & we are living on moose

meat straight.

Clear July 1^st Wednesday

Raft is now ready to go and Mc

Leods canoe is done and we start

on our trip in an hour. Webb

saw a moose just across from

camp last night.

A grand, glorious & lazy day.

Drifted 25 miles or more, easy.

Saw a big cow moose on a bar

this afternoon. River running

east & north. No creeks yet

Cloudy July 2^nd Thursday

Ran 10 hours - 30 miles

without mishap - no sign

of Indian encampment &

we camp on bar tonight. We

are now out of flour for four

days - moose meat straight

& every body very tired of it.

[sketch of rivers]

[captions:] McKinly Kantishna Riv

River runs pretty near

east now, and Chitsiah bears

due S.E. from this camp. Another

violent quarrel between Stevens &

Webb - in which latter called S

a son of a bitch & other names,

and offered to fight but S would

not, out of consideration of my

presence.

Cloudy July 3^rd Friday

We felt pretty certain that we were

near our last encampment with the

Indians on going in - and we reached there

about 2 oclock and found McLeod

there - he having bone ahead in this canoe

& brought out our boat, flour and beans.

Luckily, also, he found an old tin bucket

and we landed and for the first time in 4

days made bannacks and also cooked

some beans in the bucket. After a big

feed, we went on determined to push out

as fast as the current would carry us.

Mules behave well, - they march on and off

the raft for feed &c. with as much sense

as a person. We are rejoiced to know

now, where we are and at our better con

dition. Determined to run the raft

all night. With George at the front

oar and I at the stem oar, two hours,

and Stevens at front and Webb at stern

two hours we alternated all night, only

stopping at midnight to cook & rest

an hour. Geese - brant, ducks

myriads of wild fowl - and the woods

vocal with song birds &c

Clear. July 4th. Saturday

The glorious 4th. We ran all night

passing our second encampment with

the Indians and latter this morning the

mouth of the Totlat river. We are

now camped for noon hour to let mules

- and ourselves feed. Between 3 and 5

my watch, this morning it was glorious -

birdsong every hour of the night.

Ran till 9 oclock and camped for

the night. Passed the point where the

"Tanana Chief" landed us at 1:30 today.

No Indians there - all gone down river.

Cloudy. July 5th. Sunday

I have not stated the reason why I took

my gun and ammunition with me and

John McLeod, instead of permitting the

three men on the raft to take it to the junction

of McKinley & Kantishna on the 28th.

Before they left us Stevens told McLeod

that they would not wait long for us - that

provisions were about gone and that they

would only wait 2 days and a half and

then go on with the raft and leave us -

McLeod repeated this to me and upon inquiry

Stevens & George both said the same to me.

This so frightened McLeod that he would

not let then have his 44 gun nor the

big axe, and he advised me not to let them

keep my gun saying that he believed they

intended to desert us earlier and that

we must have my gun at least and the

big axe to get out at all. I realized

that if they did desert us, or putting

it even more liberally, if we were unable

for any reason to find them at the mouth

of the Kantishna, we would be 150 miles in

the brush and wilderness with no boat or

raft and no means of making one, with

the mules, & as McLeod had but half a

dozen shells (and they spoiled) for his 44

he insisted, and I agreed, that I ought

to keep my 30-40 and ammunition

as without it the men on the raft could

drift in two or three days at most to

our cache at the last Indian encampment

while it might take this us weeks to get out

with the mules – Then, too, I felt they

would be more careful and certain to wait

if we kept the guns – so we did, and

events proved that we did right in

doing so ↓

Started from our camp at 6:15 in

morning, and hope to get to Baker Creek

on the Tanana tonight. No Indians

any where on the river now – all out

to Weare and Rampart.

↓ for they informed me plainly, when

we found them below the mouth of the

Kantishna that they had intend to wait

only 10 hours – or 8 hours after we

found them, before leaving us. As

we had not been gone from them but 24

hours it proved McLeods surmise

to be correct – I hate a deserter!!

Reached the mouth of the Kantishna

and passed into the Tanana at

3:30 this afternoon. The

Tanana is as large as the Ohio,

and is not so yellow with glacial

mud as the Kantishna – about the

same as the Yukon. Its Bluffs

are round, set back from the river

but a short distance on the north

but the valley is very wide to the south.

The valley and bluffs are covered with

a forest of spruce, birch, cottonwood

alder, &c. The whole country is just now

on fire – a vast destruction of a

rich harvest of timber. We reached

Belt & Hendricks trading post at

the mouth of Baker Creek at 11 p.m.

having been on the raft since 6:15

this morning without stopping to rest

or cook. Unloaded the mules & got the

clerk up at store, bought 12.50 worth

of provisions & went to a cabin

where there was a stove & went to

cooking. We have been starving

for 8 days – four days on moose

meat, straight, without salt, and

the last four days on flour and beans

straight, without meat or salt, and

canned peaches, fresh fish, coffee

with canned cream, &c. seems too

good almost. After a big feed we

will sleep. Will leave the mules

here to go up river on boat, while we

will walk across to Rampart – 50

miles across country.

Clear July 6^th. Monday

After a big feed, and “smudging” the

cabin the clear the musqutos out – at 1 oclock

we went to bed, but at 2:30 a steamer

whistled & we all turned out to find

it the “North Star”, a small steamer on

her way to Chena & Fairbanks. Mr.

Belt of H. & B. came in on her. We

had no more sleep – Webb ran a fine

pike – 19 ½ lbs. into a net & we had

a big peice of it for breakfast. Made

an arrangement with Belt to take the

mules up to Chena (with McLeod also)-

and at 11 oclock a.m. left Baker Creek

for Glen Gulch. Had settlement with

McLeod, but could not with H. &.B.

because the bill from Chena was so

different from my agreement with Hend-

=ricks. Belt agreed to submit the

matter to H- & then to me later.

Baker Creek valley is a beautiful one

- grass to our shoulders - fine land.

Reached Glen Gulch mines for supper

- 20 miles by telegraph - but 25

by trail. Took supper with Belsea

and Beardsley of Eagle Min. Co.

but slept over at Frank Stevens cabin

& had breakfast with him. ↓ Two fine

July 7th

good meals & a good bed. Stevens

made agreement with me to get up

and start at 6 oclock, but failed

to come. Webb showed up at 8

and we started for Rampart - 30

miles away - Dinner at the

"106 Minook Road House" and

a good hours rest at "72". I

left the boys there resting and started

for Rampart - walked the 15

miles - over the worst roads in

the world - in just 5 hours - 3 mi.

per hour - reached Rampart at

9 p.m. - passed the cabin where

Debbie sat at the window waiting

for me & she did not recognize

my whiskers. Had bath - shower

& sent for clean clothes &c

Found Debbie nicely housed in

good clean cabin - nicely furnished

& well provided. The other boys got

in about 1 oclock & spent rest of

the night cleaning up - Rained

all day.

-July 8^th-

After nights rest examined

mail - looked after office - got

Webb a place as guard - heard

an application to sue Green -

Comr. &c & went to Miss Alaska

Youngs musical in evening.

Everything all right apparently -

Gave Dr.Hall photographs to

develope.

July 9th

Found that Heilig had not received

my Nome docket until recently and

had not furnished West Pub. Co.

the necessary data to complete my First

Alaska Rep - spent the day in doing

it.

-July 10th-

George does not come to office yet,

and I am answering my correspondence

by hand. Complaint has been

made against Heilig - that he charges

people for preparing applications for

licenses and accepts retainers secretly

as counselor. Have this day adopted

new rules of court to cure the evil &

wrote him a sharp criticism - Also

informed him that he must go back to

Eagle after his term - and could not

go to Valdez - via St. Micheal and

Bristol Bay. He seems to realize at

last that he is only clerk. Dribelbis,

Dep. U. S. Marshal, in charge of repairs on

courthouse also complained, justly,

that Heilig interfered with his efforts by

personally employing men to do work

&c. Called Heilig in before Dribelbis &

plainly stated the case and told him to

attend to his own business and let

the repair of the public buildings alone.

Complaints from Atty General and Hender

-son about Whittlesey - gambling

& overcharging. Am afraid made a

mistake in his appointment.

July 11^th

Working every day in office getting

things ready for court. No boats

from Fairbanks or Eagle yet - but

"Powers" expected daily. George &

Stevens loafing. Webb was sent

out as special deputy yesterday

to secure jurors & witnesses.

-July 12^th^-

McLeod turned up today - says

the "Seattle No 3." passed Baker Creek

going up to Fairbanks without stopping

so he came over here - gave him $20.00

on account. "Powers" in from up

river. Claypool & family, Bishop

Rowe, & the mail came. The

"Sarah" & other boats reported by

telegraph as coming between Tanana

& Rampart. Debbie has another

chill & not so well. Have rcd.

photographic plates {McKinley trip}

from Dr. Hall

= $20 for development. Some

of them are good, but many bad

& all show want of artistic skill

in taking them.

July 13^th-

"Sarah" "Healy" & "Kerr"

are in from down river. We now

have some fresh meat, &c. Mrs.

Dr. Rininger on "Sarah". Nothing

of importance. When I got home

I found Mrs. W living in a nice

clean well-furnished cabin which

Dribelbis had got for her. We can

live there during term of court, when

she & Mrs. Harlan will go back up

river and outside. Houses have

been obtained for Perry, Harlan &c.

We are fixing courthouse up &

painting it inside. Expect a

long hard term of court. The

"Sarah" at levee all day - left in

the evening up river. Settled with

John McLeod & paid him $80.00

balance in full todate, also settled

with Heilig & paid him 66$637.60

in full of amount advanced at Valdez

& by Mrs. H at Eagle. Wrote to

George T. Reid to pay Buckley land

money on my Indian reservation

land purchase. Webb came in

from Glen gulch tonight & Jessen

is in from Eagle - he came down in

small boat.

-July 14th-

Stevens was just in very politely

requesting a single copy of Mt. McKinley

picture which I politely but positively

refused. He recognizes that a publication

of his magazine article with such a

picture would spoil my use of it.

and not withstanding he went at my

expense, and at his own request, & that

I paid everything & furnished everything

he has the "nerve" to seek to destroy

all my values. George is standing

with him & acting just as he did with

Sawyer - as his hypnotic slave -

I intend to discharge George at the end

of this term of court - I cannot longer

trust him - and he is even more incom

-petent than ever - I ought to have

discharged him in January when I

brought Geoghegan to Valdez -

Have just just instructed Heilig

to prepare an order of court instructing

him to pay those fixes salaries like

clerks, deputies, official stenographer

janitor & rent monthly without wait

=ing for an order - but not to pay

expenses or any other sum of any

kind without first having an order

to do so. Made and filed notices

of location of placer mines on

Chitsiah Creek - for myself on

Discovery, Debbie on No 4. above

and Darrell No 5. below, fee $6.90

-July 15th-

Abe Spring is just in from Fairbanks

- reports things good but quiet - thinks

the mines are all right but "boom" busted.

Hess and others at Tanana. Took

dinner with Dr & Mrs Hedger

- Claypools & Heilig also present.

Heilig is going back to Eagle pleasantly.

-July 16th-

Signing orders in license matters.

Getting ready for court on Monday.

-July 17th-

"Isom" reported coming up river and

will be here about Tuesday. Dep Mar

=shal Dribelbis brought Joe. Anisich

in to talk over his kick against officials

- convinced him that he ought to support

law & order. Dribelbis goes to Tanana

tonight in Peterborough boat with Webb

for prisoners. Webb seems to be

"placed" with the marshal as a guard.

"AB" dance tonight but we cannot

go on account of Mrs. W health.

Have finished reading "Daniel of

the Blessed Isles" - its poor!

-July 18th-

Signing orders for licenses and working

on court work generally. Good many

items from Nushagak - will take

them up there.

July 19.

Rained hard last night but clear

and sunny today. Courthouse

clean, newly painted & ready for court.

"Forum" - Wingates paper criticising

"court officials" for permitting gambling

- and dance hall - none here yet but

he says its coming & begins criticism

in advance. Nome papers give full

report of Grand Jury denouncing

Marshal & Dist. Attorney, & up

-holding Judge Moore. Str. "Isom"

came into port at midnight & went on up

the river - Went to Church - Pres: Koonce

July 20th

Was awakened early this morning by the

arrival of the "Jeff. C. Davis" with the

Senate Com. on Territories on board -

They are to remain here a few days to

take statements of people in the matter

of needful legislation for Alaska. The

party comprises: Senator Dillingham

of Vermont, Senator Burnham of

New Hampshire, Senator Knut Nelson

of Minnesota and Senator Patterson

of Colorado. With them is Sargeant

at Arms {Colonel} Ramsdell of the Senate,

Mr. Brill. of the McRea Scripps Associated Press,

John McLane, Ed. of the Minneapolis Journal

Dr. Wilcox, of the Surgeon Genls staff

U.S.A. & secrataries &c.

Called court at 11 oclock, impanelled

the grand jury, instructed them - 20 members

Senatorial party all present during the

examination and empanelling of grand

jury - Gave Committee my front room

in courthouse - rear room just done

Courthouse new, clean & looks fine.

Met Senator. Burnham first and then

Dillingham. They are now holding a

session of the Committee in their room and

McKenzie is making a statement of

{the needs of}

the Koyukuk country - they will hear others

as rapidly as convenient. I am personally

pleased with remarks made to me by Sen

=ators Dillingham and Nelson - about my

official life in Alaska. Dillingham

spoke to me about the kind things that

people have said since he entered

Alaska in support of my administration

and expressed himself as highly pleased.

Senator Nelson also said to me that he

had tried to keep me at Nome, and compli

=mented me on my work there, and said that

I ought to have been allowed to remain.

Dillingham also spoke of the same matter

and expressed regret that I had not been

left there. Senator Patterson is

sick and so far unable to appear in

public. They brought word down from

Eagle that Mrs. Harlan is very sick &

the "Davis" is instructed to take him back

- she is very sick - I hope she may live

until he gets there. Adjourned court

for the afternoon & aided him to settle

the Struthers-Belsea case & also the

Roden case. All were compromised

and dismissed. The N.A. T. & T.

people are giving a dinner to the Senate

Com. tonight at 7 oclock. -

Received a letter from Adam Johnson

in Seattle dated saying that Judge

Moore had just left there for Oyster Bay,

R. I. to lay the Richards matter before the

President, and if Richards was not removed

he intended to resign!! Verily hell doth

reign at Nome! I am surprised that

a convicted thief can defy court and public

opinion and hold an office so long!

Was a guest at a dinner tonight tender

=ed to the Senatorial Committee by Duncan

of the A.C. Co. and Kelterer of the N.A.T. & T. Co.

Presided at request of hosts and sat at

head of the table - to my right sat Senators

Dillingham & Burnham & host Duncan

To my left Senators Nelson & Patterson

& host Kitterer. Other guests below

on either side of the table. Beside the

Senatorial party there were myself, Duncan

Kitterer, Comr's. Green, Claypool &

McKenzie, and Heilig. No speeches,

but pleasant conversation & a most

enjoyable dinner - at Rampart restaurant.

-July 21^st -

Steamer "Lavelle Young" passed up

river last night. Called assignment

docket this morning & motion docket.

There is but little business - civil - for this

term. During the morning hour of

court one Frank D. Wells, who formerly

resided in Eagle, arose & asked leave

to present affidavits to the court &

I replied by asking him to file his

affidavits with the clerk & that I

would read them. They proved

to be there in number - one

by an Indian woman asking for

the disbarment of Comr. J. L. Green

for failing to bring a divorce case for

her after she had paid him $35.00

another by John Morgan, saloon keeper

alleging that he had paid Green $8.75

under suspicious circumstances & the

3rd by Wells accusing Green of many

shortcomings but stating no facts. I

have talked the matter over with Hess &

find that it is almost impossible to

get a satisfactory committee of the bar &

have about concluded to refer it to the

grand jury.

-July 22^nd -

Mrs. Wickersham was delighted

yesterday evening to receive a call

at our cabin from the Senatorial

party, consisting of Senator W. P.

Dillingham, of Vermont, Senator H. E.

Burnham, of New Hampshire, Sen

=ator Knut Nelson of Minnesota

and Senator E. M. Patterson of

Colorado: Sargeant at Arms of the

Senate Col. Ramsdell, Lt. Andrews,

of the army, Dr. Willcoxen, U.SA

Mr. John McLane {McLain}, Ed. Minneapolis Jour

=nal & Mr. Brill, of the Associated

Press, {& Lt. Andrews - U.S.A.}

Mrs. Claypool had been invited

over to asist in entertaining them and

we had a very pleasant hour, dis

cussing pioneer life in Alaska.

At the opening of court this

morning, also, a very interesting incident

occurred, viz. the admission to the bar of

this district of the four United States

Senators. Col. Claypool had been

requested to move their admission which

he did with a nice reference to the fact that

he was the first attorney admitted on

the Yukon. I then requested them

to stand and administered the oath

to support the Constitution and laws

whereupon I made the orders admitting

them. - Four great lawyers and leaders

of the nation - probably no territorial

{Judge} has ever had so pleasant a duty to

perform in which so many distinguished

men became members of a territorial

court at the same moment.

Immediately upon admitting

the Senators I gave the grand jury

a special charge on the affidavits of

Wells, filed in court yesterday, against

Comr. Green. I advised them strongly

that these charges were either - true or

false. If true Green ought to be

indicted and removed from office, if

false Wells ought to be indicted for either

slander or perjury. I instructed them

to go into the examination at once, and

protect their community from a corrupt

official, or their local court from the

false and malicious attacks of a

slanderer. It was a dramatic scene

-quiet- and impressive with four

U.S. Senators listening at every word

to determine if I - myself - was fair

to both parties. They commented very

favorably afterward upon the facts,

and I am satisfied. Grand Jury is

now at work on the evidence.

Senate Committee examined me today

on needs of legislation in Alaska.

I urged, 1st Election of 2 delegates

- one for S.E. Alaska, and one for

all north & 2nd The building of

main trunk roads with funds

derived from licenses outside of incor

=porated towns. Arctic Brotherhood

gave a "smoker" tonight to the Senatorial

party - Claypool presided - in his

happiest manner.

-July 23-

The whole Senatorial party concluded

to join the Arctic Brotherhood and on

account of their near departure the

lodge met at noon today and initiated

them - Brill was chosen as the "victim"

Together with them Jack Belsea, Beardsley

and House of the Glen Gulch miners

also joined. Belsea was "accused"

After initiation the Arctic Chief rec

=ognized me and I made a few remarks -

That Rampart lodge of A.B. is the most

northerly lodge - fraternal organization upon

American Territory, - U.S. Senators and

miners have met in common brotherhood

upon its floor - 4 Arctic Brothers to

represent the interest of the Alaskan

miner in the Senate of the U.S. &c. That

Theodore Roosevelt, Pres, &c. recently

expressed a desire to become a real

active member of some Alaska lodge

of Arctic Brothers - and then moved.

That a transcript of the initiation of the

distinguished party &c be transmitted to

Theodore Roosevelt, Pres. &c with an invitation

to him to join Rampart Camp No 15. Arctic

Brotherhood: The motion prevailed with

much enthusiasm. Afterward all the

members of the Order gathered on the front

steps of the cabin & were photographed.

The government steamer "Gen Van Vliet"

arrived at 2 oclock to take the Senatorial

party down the river - All the A.B’s gave

them a rousing "Send Off" The party was

much pleased - their stay here was val

=uable in every way and they left highly

pleased - members of the bar of the district

and of the Arctic Brotherhood. Senators Nelson

and Dillingham were especially kind in their

expressions of confidence toward me and

publicly and voluntarily promised to give

me their personal aid and support in

Washington. Not much in court

yet. The Marshal, Collector of Customs

Jarvis, prisoners, witnesses &c. from

Eagle have not yet come and may not

for a week. Senators saw & appreciate

fully the failure of transportation facillities

here.

-July 24th-

No indictments yet. - Mr. Harlans

sudden departure left court business

in a bad way. Steamers "Leah"

with a barge, & "Rock Island" also

with barge came in this evening on

their way upriver. Met Captain

LeBalister of the "Rock Island" who

is a pleasant gentleman.

July 25th

Dr Hall left last night for Fairbanks

- gave me handsome picture - photo of

A.B. gathering with Senators. Grand Jury

returned their indictments this morning

We heard last night from a man who

came down the Yukon in a small boat

that the "Sarah" is off the bar and on

her way to Dawson, and may be down

about the middle of next week.

July 26th

-Sunday-

Latest report from "Sarah" is that she

is still on bar. The court is

seriously retarded in its business, for

the U.S. Mar. & witnesses & prisoners in the

most important cases are not yet here.

-July 27th-

Trial of Fissell v Klondike Estates Co.

Hung jury.

July 28th

Trial Nelson & Risdon v Massey

- all day before jury. Capt. Jarvis

Comr. Graff, from Forty Mile, the mail,

& two or three men came in this afternoon

in a small boat, & report that "Sarah"

will be in tomorrow.

-July 29th-

"Sarah" came in this morning at 6 a.m

Judge Moore & family were aboard & had

one hours visit with him. He was in

Washington but met with rather a cold

reception and his report seems to indicate

that neither Richards nor Grigsby will

be removed. I learned from him

that the last Nome grand jury indicted

Forrest - Richards chief deputy &

the smoothest and most brutal scoundrel

of the lot. But with Grigsby to prosecute

- Well, its a bad lot & the President is

playing politics and dare not remove

them! he must have North Dakota &

McKenzie & the Dakota senators are

holding him up hard. / Judge & Mrs

Harlan & Ed also came on "Sarah". Also

met Senator Dietrich, of Nebraska,

going to Nome. James D. Hoge, of Seattle,

Kittinger, McGraws partner & others.

McGowan, Perry & witnesses, &c. all

arrived & court may now proceed.

-August 1^st -

Engaged all week in trials of criminal

cases. Wm A Bigelow & Wm D. McCarty.

tried & convicted of robbery, & two or

three smaller fellows pleaded guilty.

Work going well & grand jury now at

work also. Will probably get through

by 15th of Aug. Have called court

at Bristol Bay for September 1st

The revenue cutter "Rush" will meet

us at St. Micheal instead of "Perry"

Sent to Billy Robinson, Fairbanks

$50 & Scott $25. for rent of mules

by Edgar Wickersham, Dep. Mar.

Paid G. C. Belt, this day $40.00 for

freight on two mules from Baker Creek

to Chena, & $100 on account

of grub for Mt McKinley trip.

He agreed to get account for supplies

settled as agreed upon between Hendricks

& me at Chena.

-Aug 2^nd -

Went out with Stoel & Dr. Hedges to

see the first hydraulic plant ever set to

work on the Yukon - on Hunter Creek,

- a tributary of the Minook Creek. It was

a fine day and Eleven of us went on

horseback - had dinner out there, &

were much interested in the work of the giant

nozzle. The water is brought on the upper

part of the claims by a flume - run into a

big tank - 75 feet above the paystreak

or bed rock, & piped down & it does the

work of a hundred men. It will run

night and day for four months or more -

=equal to eight months, and the system

will revolutionize mining in this region.

Cap. Jarvis, Idleman, Stoel, Kitterer,

Dr. Hedges, Brady, Wingate, &c.

-Aug. 3^rd -

Trial U.S. v. Smith. Larceny - Not guilty.

Genl. Funston reached here on "Davis"

& remained an hour. Called & paid

respects. "Capt." Mayo, an old "Sour-

Dough" passed a pleasant hour talking

with the General about their friendship

ten years ago at "Forty Mile" when

Funston was {making} a special trip down the

river in a canoe gathering specimens

of bugs for one of the departments. Verily

the volunteer soldier has a chance in

this land of the free & home of the brave!

-Aug 8^th -

A week of hard court work. For the

past two days have worked on the case

of U.S. v. Idleman, defaulting Dep. Collector

of customs from Forty Mile. Jury

trial two days and jury out all last night

but failed to agree & discharged this morning

This was Capt. Jarvis case & the accused

seems to be guilty, - but told a plausible

story - & jury seemed to have a doubt.

Sentenced McCarty & Bigelow today for

robbery - McCarty to ten years & Bigelow

to 15 years. - Bigelow used the gun.

-Aug 10th-

Mr & Mrs Harlan & Ed, Mrs W. & I,

Dr & Mrs Hedges took dinner with Mrs

Garrett yesterday - Prepared my opinion

in Habeas Corpus of Burkal involving

the question of whether a dog is the

subject of larceny in Alaska - held

that it is. Saturday & today trying

case of U.S. v. Minnis, larceny.

-Aug 11th-

"Sarah" came in today & Mrs. Wick

=ersham & Mrs Harlan went up the

river home. Trials about done

juries dismissed & will finish tomorrow.

Discharged George A. Jeffery, to take

effect Aug 31st. "Sarah" went

out at midnight. Orders today incorporating

Fairbanks Chena and Rampart

-Aug. 12^th -

The "Hermann" came in early this

morning and will wait until we finish

the business of the court & we will all

go down river on her. Packing up

& closing up all small matters.

Paid Claypool in full - $125. yesterday.

Order creating Fairbanks Min. District.

Good news from my Fairbanks Mines.

Tried two or three remaining cases

& left Rampart at 4 p.m. for St

Micheal. Mr. Harlan & Ed,

Marshal Perry & wife, George

Drebelbis, & two or three guards,

one of whom is George A. Jeffery -

go with us to St Michal on their

way outside with prisoners.

-Aug. 13th-

The officers of the Herman - Captain

Malmquist, whom I met on the "Alice"

two years ago - first Mate Willetts,

- a curiosity - always drunk - but a worker.

Used to be first mate on the "Puebla" under

Capt. Debney - Coming aboard drunk one

night Willett fell overboard & was pulled

out by he sailors with a rope - just as

he struck the deck - puffing and dripping

Captain Debney called down from the

pilothouse, not knowing what had

happened - saying "Whats the trouble

down there Mr. Willett?" The ready response

was "Oh, nothing Sir, only a drunken

sailor overboard - all right now, Sir."

Have the room on upper deck reserved

for directors - officers of the Company &c.

Writing letters to catch up - wrote to

Willig & Frank Cleary about my

Fairbanks interests. At McKenzies

suggestion I wrote a letter to Peter,

Chief of the Kobuck Indians at

Bergman, & gave it to Johnson to deliver

It was to encourage & strengthen him

in fighting whiskey selling to Indians

& the debauching the girls by white men.

-Aug 14th-

Passed Nulato early this morning &

having passed the mouth of the Koy

=ukuk during the early hours and left

Johnson there. We take on a Lapland

=er reindeer herder - his young wife

& baby.

-Aug 15-

Passed Holy Cross mission at

5 oclock this morning - Russian

Mission about noon & will reach Andre

-offsky tonight some time. Heavy

headwind - & boat going slow on

account of wind and poor fuel.

Oil is being used & they do not seem

to have it so arranged as to get the

best out of it. It is also very dirty

around the boat - a failure as fuel!

-Aug 16^th -

Left Andrefasky at breakfast time

and have been all day in the lower flats.

Will reach St. Micheal in the morning.

-Aug 17^th -

On Berings Sea in the early morning.

Copy of Marshal Johnsons

"Scenes in court life all remind us

we should think of things in time.

"Ah well for the world that it ne'er knows

"The silent but awful remark:

"That oer the deaf mutes fingers flow

"When he steps on a tack in the dark.

The unfinished Speech (Barnes)

It ill becomes" - (at this point the

ambidexter stenographer crossed his

wires.

"Butt in" - A new Latin phrase -- Green

"Barring None" Motto of the Rampart Bar Assoc.

"Barring all we can" - Rampart Jail.

Barnes and Brady, Green & Pratt.

They are figuring where they're at,

Now the Court has pulled its freight.

They will mutually relate,

What strong point of legal lore,

He'd have sprung upon the floor,

Had he had the others case.

Arrived at St. Micheal at 1 pm and

found the Revenue Cutter "Rush" awaiting

us - Captain Fenger, Collector Customs.

Jarvis is also here. Captain Hibberd

of the N.C. Co. met us & asked me to occupy

my old room at the A.C. Co. quarters with

Capt. Jarvis, which I did - the rest of

our party going to the hotel. During

the afternoon the "Ohio" came in - she

will take the Deputy Marshals prisoners

crazy persons and Mrs Perry, down

to Seattle. Mrs. P has insisted on

tagging along with her husband and

intended to go with him on the "Rush"

but the Captain gently but positively

said "No." - so she must go with

the rest of the crowd to Seattle, and

thence back to Valdez - I really feel

sorry for her - she is so evidently bitterly

disappointed. Mrs. Claypool is

also here waiting for the Ohio - which

will now sail about the 19th or 20th

We do not have to reach Bristol

Bay until Aug 31 - 13 days from this.

Capt. Jarvis wants to go over to Nome -

he has just received information that

Dr. Call, Dep. Col. of Customs at Nome

has lost his mind, & it will keep

him there several days - so it has

been arranged with Captain Fenger

of the "Rush" to wait for us until

Friday while Jarvis & the party go over

to Nome - on the "Sadie" this evening

I intended to go with Jarvis, but upon

talking it over with him & Capt. Humphrey

have concluded not to go. They both urge

me not to go. Judge Noyes{mistake} & Ex. District

Atty. Joe Woods are both there - also

ex Marshal Vawter - Judge Moore &

Marshal Richards have also returned

from Washington - the nasty mess of

Nome factional fight is at a fever

heat, and so I am not going to even

land on the beach. Perry & Harlan

will visit there until Jarvis is ready

to come away, but I will not go, nor even

send a letter to anyone.

-Aug 18th-

Called on the Catholic fathers this

morning. Fathers Van Gorp, Rene

Camille, and three others - & smoked a

good cigar with them. A Mr. Bell

foreman in the A.C. shops here has

a fine old Eskimo pot from Shismareff

Inlet, - 12 inches high - 8 inches in

diameter at the top & six inches diameter

at base - black with age and fire.

It is unbroken and a fine specimen.

Sent off my mail, also gold pan

&c. to Senator Fairbanks.

Father Jacquet is well and

fully recovered – so the Fathers say

Aug. 19^th.

"Ohio" left harbor at noon with

Mrs. Claypool & children - Dep Mar.

& prisoners. Dinner with Capt

& Mrs. Humphrey at N.A.T. & T. Co.

quarters Present also Capt. & Mrs.

Hibberd. "Ohio" goes to Nome &

thence to the Sound.

-20^th.-

Visited the "Rush" to pay my respects

to Capt. Fenger & his officers - he

and Mr. (Lt) Ballinger took

dinner with Capt. Hibberd-

& I came aboard the "Rush"

with them as we are to go out

for Nome in the morning at

daybreak

-August 21^s^t

Opposite Cape Nome - be in

by 5 oclock. I shall not go ashore

and we will only remain off Nome

an hour - just long enough to get

Harlans & Perry aboard. Reached

Nome at 4 oclock in afternoon - water

calm & beautiful day - boat returned from

shore with word that Harlans & Perry were

out on creeks, and would not be back

until tomorrow morning. Jarvis sent

out word that business would prevent his

going with us - but would meet us at

Unalaska. Anchored mile off shore

-August 22^nd -

Captain Jarvis came off this morning

before I was up and took breakfast

with Capt. Fenger and me. Boat

went in with Fenger & Jarvis after breakfast

& will bring others off. Jarvis says

many of my friends asked for me &c.

Dr. Call went out on the "Ohio"

much improved - Boat with our

party came off and at 10 oclock we

started south. Saw no one in Nome

& am glad of it. Mr. Harlan tells me

that the opinion is prevalent in Nome

that both Grigsby & Richards will be

removed - but Jarvis does not

seem to think so.

-Aug 23rd-

Officers on Revenue Cutter "Rush"

Captain C. C. Fenger.

1st Lt. James G. Ballinger

2nd Walter A. Wiley

3rd Leon C. Covell

Acting Ch. Eng. Micheal N. Usina

Acting 1st

2nd Asst Eng. Quincy B. Newman

2nd Asst Eng. J. A. Burns

Dr. H. W. Cole Jr.

Opposite Cape Romanzoff at

daybreak & skirted past Nunivak

Island at dark. Bering sea

calm & good weather. Passed time

reading. I am with Capt. Fenger

in the cabin while the Harlans & Perry

have rooms with the ward room officers

below. Harlan, Sr., Perry & I eat

with the Captain & Ed with the

ward room officers.

-August 24th-

My birthday - Aug 24, 1857.

Fine weather - opposite Cape New=

=enham tonight.

-Aug 25th-

In Bristol Bay - wide flats &c.

opposite first cannery – Clarks

at the mouth of the Nashigak

river. The "Mary D. Hume" & the

"Thistle" passed out going to S. F.

Canneries all closed for the season

& men going out. "Jeanie" & the

"Elihu Thompson" will be in in a

day or so for load of canned salmon.

Nushigak harbor is a fine body of

water - sharp conical peaks on

the N.W. Clear & bright day.

Anchored in harbor opposite the

lower cannery tonight. Passed

evening in ward room with officers

- music, song & stories.

-Aug 26^th -

In forenoon visited Eskimo village of

Ikuk - (Ek-uk) & the saltery between

there & Clarks point - Capt. Johnson

of the Scandanavian cannery came

down - piloted "Rush" up opposite

Nushigak - Clegg came over from

the Moravian Mission - supper

at Johnsons - Mrs. J. is large

fine looking Scandanavian.

-August 27^th -

The public business on Bristol Bay is quite

important and will deserve attention. There

are several canneries here - about 8000 men

are employed here during the summer, but go

to S. F. & below in the fall after the season is over

It is a very short season & everybody is now

gone except a few who are here to put the outfit

away & load the remaining cargo. Clegg

has visited every cannery & has statistics &

proofs - $25,000. yet due for former years

for licenses unpaid, and none paid for this

year. There are also several persons

in jail for crime - two for murder. Those for

felonies will be taken, with witnesses, to Valdez

for trial, and we have concluded that Judge Clegg,

must go as a witness & especially to aid in the

collection of cannery licenses. We will remain

here until Monday morning, call court at Nush

=agak at 11 oclock, and do the formal part,

then adjourn and go. Everything except the mere

formal part will be done, or agreed upon before.

Several mercantile licenses can be granted here.

&c. Our appearance here, and the formal

holding of court, the recognition which Clegg &

the deputy marshal get from the court and revenue

officers, the carrying away of accused persons by

the cutter, & all, has strengthened the officers here

& made for their future good. We are all

invited off to dinner with the Johnsons this

evening - Capt. Fenger & all of the court

officers. Lt. Ballinger, do:

-Aug. 28^th -

Left "Rush" this morning in launch and landed at the

Moravian Mission on east side of Nushagak river - had

dinner at Mission with Mr & Mrs. Zulzer (?) who spent

a dozen years or more in missionary work in Greenland.

Good garden, flowers, chickens, milk and butter.

Walked down beach 3 miles to Nushigak. Examined

proposed sites for jail and courthouse - prefer Nushigak.

Visited Russian church - Mittendorf, the trader & took

dinner with Mr & Mrs. Bumbrook - Supt. Cannery.

Came off to cutter about 11 oclock - head tide. The

tides in Nushigak run about six or seven knots

per hour - strong but no bore. Some baskets today

-August 29^th -

Remained on board cutter all day - Jeanie

is said to be in lower bay.

August 30. Sunday

on board "Rush" all day - Went off with Capt

Fenger & Mr Harlan & Mr Perry pay our last

visit to Capt. & Mrs. Johnson at Scandanvian Cannery

Aug 31^st. Monday

A beautiful clear day – Left the “Rush” early

on tug belonging to Johnson & arrived at Nush

agak in an hour. Arranged to hold court

in Mittendorffs setting room. Present

at the first court ever held in the Bristol

Bay country – Judge – U.S. Dist. Attorney

N. V. Harlan, U.S. Marshal, Geo. G. Perry,

Clerk, Ed. Harlan, - also Clegg, Mittendorff

& others – three other men only & Mrs. Mittendorff.

Granted a number of mercantile & cigar licenses

appointed John Niven, Comr. in place of Clegg

who resigns to go with us as Dept. Dist.

Atty & License Collector. Otto A. Larsen

& Paul Frecher[?] declared their intention to

become American citizens. Made an

order reserving a courthouse & Jail

site on north side of the bay & ordering

headquarters of court officials to be estab

=lished there & the place named “Dillingham”

after Senator Dillingham of Vermont, the

Chairman of the {Special}

Senate Com. on Territories lately

in Alaska. After transacting all business

including orders to take all criminals & crazy

man to Valdez for examination, we went

aboard onto tug & dropped down to

Clarks Cannery where we met the “Rush”

preceded by the “President” – Johnsons

steamer, - we then went to sea & bid good

bye to Bristol Bay.

Sept. 1^st

Rough weather & awful sea sick

Sep 2^nd

Sea sick – and waiting for Dutch Harbor

Reached Dutch H at dark – beautiful view

of Shishaldin: mistook it for

vessel sending up rockets of distress.

Sept. 3^rd

Went over to Unalaska with Gray last

night & slept in a bed that sat still

while I slept.

-Sept. 5 4^th -

Remain in Unalaska with Gray - the Str.

St Paul came in today from Nome - met many

of the people &c. and wrote letter to Debbie.

-Sept 6^th Sunday

The schooner Abbie M. Deering from Nome

was wrecked in Akutan pass {on Friday morning}

& the Manning

went out & brought in her crew, passengers

& baggage - nobody lost. The collier

“St. Francis "heavily laden with coal is on

fire - spontaneous combustion of coal-

-Sept. 7^th

"Thetis" went out this morning carrying Senator

Dietrich & daughter - also shipwrecked

crew and passengers of the "Deering"

The "Bear" and "Manning" yet in the harbor

also our boat the "Rush" - all coaling.

- Sept. 8^th -

We left Unalaska at 7 a.m. Mr. Jarvis

going with us on Rush. Passed out through

Akutan pass & thence south of Akutan

to south shore of Unimak. At night saw

Mt. Shishaldin flaming high - a

rare and beautiful sight

-Sept. 9th-

Belch of sky this morning at 6 oclock.

Visited Father Axeline, Russian priest, who is

a great talker - a clean looking man with a

clear eye & a fine beard. Visited the town &

people. Had a splendid view of Mt.

Pavlof - an active volcano, which is con

-tinually sending up a column of black

smoke - mt. is snow covered, &c. Remained

here only 3 hours & then went on to Unga

Pavloff is sending up high columns

of black smoke - in great intermittent puffs

a thousand feet high with ashes falling like

rain from a storm cloud - A magnificent spectacle

& ought to be even more so at night. The crater is

at the very summit of the mountain - the whole top is as

black as coal smoke can make it

- Sep. 10 -

Remained at anchor in Humboldt Bay - Sand Point-

Popoff Island, last night, early this morning ran over to

Unga and landed in a growing storm - Met Mr. Hubley

Driffield, & others & after discussing the situation walked

up the beach to the Apollo gold mine - met Misses Brown and

Randall - also Mrs. Brown - spent an hour - also met

Golder - who until a year ago was Comr: he is a nuisance.

Will appoint a Comr. for Unga & Perry will appoint a

Dep. Mar. - will remove Barstow. Storm increasing & we

went off to Rush in a heavy blow and rolling sea - & ran

back to Humboldt Bay where we are now lying in safety

listening to the storm howl. Mr. Harlan & Captain Fenger

are playing Debbies game of solitaire - they are inveterate

-Sept. 13^th Sunday

We left Sand Point early on the morning of the 11th and reached

Karluk last night - two days of "high rolling" and I was

sea sick all the time. "They who go to sea on ships

see the wonders of the Lord", - but they who go on the "Rush

catch hell. We went ashore for two hours and visited

the Karluk canneries - took dinner with the Supt. Van

Korofsky - a square headed brute - who swore at his

peroxide wife in our presence - and was, I hope, licked

as soon as we left - at least with her tongue. We

left Karluk at 4 p.m. this morning and are

now in the beautiful Karluk straits, sailing along the

shore of Kadiak Island. It is the usual high

rolling mountainous country, but unlike the more west

=ern islands, is blessed with scattering groves of evergreens

-Sept. 14^th -

Reached Kodiak harbor yesterday evening -went ashore

an hour after supper with Jarvis & called on old man

Sargent - & others. Ashore again this morning & called

upon a Russian by the name of Stuffaoff also the

Russian priest - Rev. T. Samaloff - Notified Gallagher

of charges against him & heard testimony all day &

reduced to writing. Dist. Atty. Harlan conducted

the examination & I swore witnesses. So Harlan took

down the testimony. Looked over Kodaik (St Paul) for

old Russian books, maps &c. and got some - but not much

but old samovar, from Chichinoff family. Was

a beautiful day - St. Paul & Kodiak harbor the most

beautiful in Alaska, - under way for Seldovia at

10:30[?] tonight.

- Sept. 15^th -

"Man Overboard" - was the cry that startled

us while at breakfast, and brought us to the quarter

deck on a run. The Chinaman held for assault

with intent to kill a country man with a knife, either

through fear or crazed with opium had suddenly jumped

overboard. The watch had changed & the boats crew had

undressed - three of them had & two not - but instantly

sprang into the boat and were dropped astern where

we could see his black head bobbing on the waves.

Within 5 minutes they had pulled him in their boat & in

10 minutes for the alarm we had started forward

again. In Cook Inlet - just abreast the Barren

Islands - Visited Seldovia today - small

Indian settlement with a Russian church &

two small stores. Heard that Cooks party for

Mt McKinley was very late & might not reach

the mountain. No word from them yet.

-Sept. 16^th -

Sea sick all day - rolling along south

of Montague island toward Valdez - Ran

into Nutchek for the night.

-Sept. 17^th

Left Nutchek early and reached Valdez at

noon. Everything in good order - but Kayak

Ball in the evening at Moose Hall - adjourned

to McKinley Hall - in honor of the young officers

on the "Rush". Capt. Jarvis took dinner

with me and I had a long talk with him about

my standing with the President. He thinks it is

good & urges me to be careful - he will write to

Clark for particulars before I write in explanation

of the impression which Grigsby & the Marshall

have tried to create. The Chamber of Commerce

will give us a reception in a week - No

mail of any importance. Jarvis took my

Russian book to Sitka for translation

[inside back cover]

[sketch of rivers]

[map captions]

Menchibena

Ridge Chit = River

McKinley

Indian Camp

Kantishna River

Beaver [River]

McKinley [River]

Birch [River]

Moose Creek

Lake 14 mi. across

Lake Menchibena

Menchetn?

Mun Chub’ Enna.

JW ?

[page break]

[back cover]

[clipping:]

“Another Attempt to Scale Mt. McKinley – The Bull-

etin of the American Geographical Society reports that

the Expedition to Mt. McKinley which left Fairbanks,

Alaska, on February 6^th, fitted out by a newspaper of

that town to attempt the ascent of the mountain re-

turned unsuccessful on April 10^th. An elevation of

10,000 feet was reached on the north side of the moun-

tain east of Peter Glacier, where precipitous ice cliffs

prevented further progress.”

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary06-1903

<http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary06-1903.htm>

Return to Top

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary07-1903-1904

James A. Wickersham diary [07], Sept. 17, 1903 to July 31, 1904.

[front cover]

Diary

James Wickersham

Sept. 17^th 1903

July 31, 1904.

Sept. 17^th 1903.

Reached Valdez today from westward on the

U.S. Rev. Cutter “Rush”. We left Rampart

Aug 12^th and St Micheal on the “Rush” on

Aug 21^st. Held court at Nushagak on

Bristol Bay on Aug 31^st Paid Captain

Fenger. for mess during my trip $54.00

-Sept. 18^th-

Busy cleaning up my desk and answering

mail. Nothing from Debbie yet, but the

mail is expected hourly on the “Bertha.”

Appointed Geo. M. Love, a jury commissioner

& he and the clerk drew the grand and trial jury

for the Oct. term today, in the courtroom – present

newspaper men – Harlan, Perry, Geogehan,

Ed Harlan & others.

Sept. 19^th

Worked in office all day – on Mt. McKinly

-Sep. 20^th-

In company with L. C. Larson, photographer,

climbed the mountain on north of Valdez – he gave

out and cam back but, like a fool, I went on to the

top. Brush very bad for 2000 feet, and also

great glacial furrows parallel to the general

course of Valdez basin – these are extremely

interesting & conclusively prove that Valdez glacier

once extended to Prince Williams Sound & was

at least half a mile deep. Was late in coming

back & my boots were slick & I fell – many times

& was so exhausted that I got into the brush again &

could not find my way down – always on the edge

of a precipice & having to travel along the glacial furrows:

Finally I saw the fire Larson had built on the flats and heard

him shout & guided through the darkness by his voice & fire

at 9 oclock I reached the flats - & thence home in the boat.

It was the meanest climb I have had – only 5,000 feet,

but the glacial furrows, brush, ferns, grass, & perpendicular

walls made it both rough & dangerous.

- Sep. 21. –

Engaged in signing orders for licenses &c. to help

check up with his business. Sore as a boil.

-Sep 22 –

Working on Mt. McKinley story & signing

formal court orders.

-Sep. 23^rd

Same as yesterday.

-Sep. 24^th-

Sore as a boil this week and doing very little.

-Sep 25-

“Bertha” in this morning from the westward: Clegg

& wife came in & he is ready for work. Vessel goes

out loaded with returning miners, &c. Rendered

decision in case of White, et. al. v. Town Council

involving dog license; held with town. Recd.

a mass of affidavits from Gallagher in relation

to charges of immorality against him at Kodiak.

Also a letter from Rev. T. Shamaloff saying that

he had forwarded affidavits against Gallagher

to Sitka for translation – they are in Russian

but will be back on next boat. I have determined

to remove Gallagher whether he is guilty or not &

have suggested to F. D. Kelsey, of Leedy & Kelsey

that he go out there. He is a good lawyer, quiet &

domestic, has a clever quiet wife & three or four chil

=dren & will I think cure up the sore. He

has just informed me that they will accept the

place – will not make the change for a short

time – not until Gallagher comes in & the priests

affidavits arrive.

-Sep 26^th-

Worked in office all day – divided public fund

between Valdez & the School Dist.

-Sep 26^th-

Went out to Valdez Glacier with Rob. Coles prospecting.

Found colors in the glacial matter at foot of glacier &

panned considerable & spent the day around in

the lower end of the glacier. The steamer “Santa Ana”

in – but no letters from Debbie.

-27^th-

Mrs. Perry came in on Santa Ana yesterday

& says Mrs. W will be in on next boat. Good!

Whittlesey is spreading himself at Kayak &

as he has not yet made a single report since

he was appointed I have concluded to remove

him & will send Clegg down there until I can

get some one else to take the place.

Recd. letter from Burleigh yesterday, filed with Clerk.

Today young Shackleford called & said he, too, was

employed in the Chitina case by plaintiff & had heard

that I was biased against plaintiff and gave Hoggatt

as the authority. I am very much disgusted at Hoggatt

if he said anything of that kind – I have been his friend

& he mine & I did not believe that he could so far mis

=understand me as even to believe such a thing.

The plaintiff has also employed Cushman & now are

to employ Ostrander – it seems to me as if they

are trying to arouse my prejudice rather than depend

upon the testimony.

-29-

Went over to Ft. Liscum & had lunch with

Dr & Mrs. Bartlett. Have turned the Whittlesey

matter over to Mr. Harlan, who is giving it his

particular attention.

-30^th-

Mail in today via. Eagle, nothing of

importance and none yet from Debbie.

Letter & report from Fred Crouch, condemning

70 Mile claims. Good reports from Edgar

about Fairbanks mines – are getting better.

Writes me that Pedro has sold out for $25.000,

which is a sensible thing for him to do – at

his age & with his inexperience as a manager.

Noble doing fine on Cleary – next to my mine.

Prepaid my quarterly expense account

$350.70 and voucher for salary for Sept.

$407.60 & sent them in by mail.

758.30

Octo. 1.

Finished my “First Attempt to Ascend Mt. McKinly”

and shall send it to the National Geographic Magazine

with map and photographs. Finished appointment

of Clegg as Comr. at Kayak & instructions to

him & Ed. Harlan &c.

Octo. 2^nd

Str. Santa Ana came from westward & Dr. Fredk.

A. Cook & his party from Mt. McKinly came in - they

got to the mountain, found our camps and reached

the same height that we did – about a mile farther

around on the finger tips of the Hanna glacier (Peters glacier

it is called on an unpublished map). They went round

the mountain & came down the Chulitna river &

think the mountain cannot be climbed! But I

think it can! Cook gave me a copy of Brooks un

-published map, which contains all of the

errors on Kantishna outlet, &c. Shall continue

to work on my story & map &c. & send to Geographic

Magazine. Santa Ana went out at 10 a.m.

Have carefully examined the record & papers in

Rahenstorf v. Kaffenburgh, from Rampart, & the

testimony taken by Heilig as referee & it is such

an inextricable muddle that I have this day returned

it to Heilig & ordered him to take more testimony

upon certain specific points mentioned in my order.

-Octo. 5-

Have finished my Mt. McKinley story & have rewritten

my Rampart opinion In re Burkel, and cleaned

up much of my court work & am now ready to go

into the Chittyna Ex. Co. v. McClellan. et. al. with vigor.

Have today telegraphed Atty. Genl. for approval

of expenditure of $8,000. for new courthouse &

jail here – will save $1740 per annum rent.

-9^th-

Spent the 7^th and 8^th on a goat hunt up the

gulches heading into the Chugach range south of

Valdez – but it rained and snowed all the time

- we had a glorious tramp but no luck after

goats.

-Oct. 12^th-

Str. “Jeanie” in today – Mrs. W. came

Also Hogatt, Carson & Arthur, Attys

for Plft & Dft. in Chittyna case.

{also Miss Clark, stenographer.}

Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the Richards

case – evidence not sufficient.

Oct. 14^th.

Mrs. Wickersham has had another attack of her

lung trouble – a heavy chill & high fever following,

and particularly so last night. Am having a peck

of trouble about courthouse & Jail site. The government

owns sufficient land in the reservation at McKinly

& Reservation sts. but there are some private interests

to be settled & these are stubborn. Am trying to force

them to compromise & get out of the way.

-Oct. 17^th-

“Jeanie” went out with mail for south.

Heard motion to set Chityna case for argument

- did not do so on account of absence of Attorneys

for plaintiffs. Debbie is better.

-Oct 18^th-

Have completed my “Instructions to Grand

Jury,” and intend now to write chapter for

Helm, at his special request on “The Courts

of Alaska: Needed Legislation and Possibil

=ities of the Country.” He writes me that he intends

to publish a book under the auspices of the

National Geographic Society, and dedicate it to

Roosevelt, and hopes to make it the standard

work on Alaska.- We are having more trouble

with courthouse site. –Brown & Ausy[?] do not

want to join in opening streets & taking a

specific tract of land, but seem to want more

land and a cash bonus from the people.

In my judgment they are first class porkers!

-Oct. 19^th-

Several miners returned last night from

the new strike which they made on the upper

east waters of the Sushitna river; they are

in the employ of Al. White, the boss saloon

man of Valdez who outfitted them this spring

Pete Monahan was their leader & he

brings in about $1400. worth of good looking

gold & says it is a rich strike. They have

visited me with their samples, and named

one of the creeks “Wickersham Creek.”

-Oct. 20

Rob. Coles and his “pardner” want to go into the

new strike on the Sushitna and I have agreed

to furnish the provisions & be “1/3 pardner”

also. “Reception to Court Officials tonight”

is placarded all over the streets today

-21^st-

Reception last night was a great

success. Both floors of the McKinley

Hall building were decorated &c. Reception

downstairs – dancing upstairs, fine

music, songs, dancing, &c. but

no speeches, thank goodness.

[Card reads:]

“PUBLIC RECEPTION

TENDERED BY THE

CITIZENS OF VALDEZ

Under Auspices of the Valdez Chamber of Commerce

-TO THE-

United States District Court Officials

Tuesday Evening, October, 20^th, 1903

-McCKINLEY HALL-

Guests of Honor

Judge James Wickersham and Wife

District Att’y N. V. Harlan and Wife

United States Marshal Geo. G. Perry and Wife”

-23^rd-

“Bertha” in last night – Debbie got

a letter from Darrell who has got back

to work all right – secured “two stripes”.

in new arrangement of classes. Ed. Har

=lan back from Kayak with report signed

by Clegg & him in re Whittlesey matter

Court Monday – Telegram from

Sitka – Santa Ana there on her way up.

Mrs. Wickersham has invited Arthur,

Carson, McLellan, Hoggatt, Miss Clark,

Mr. Hughes, Birch, to whist tonight.

-25^th-

We took Sunday dinner with Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph

who are from Buckley. Busy in preparing

my instructions to grand jury.

-Octo. 26^th 1903-

October term begun today. Organized the

grand jury, appointed L. Archibald foreman,

called the docket & heard some small matters

-Octo 28^th 1903-

A Red Letter Day. The Santa Ana

came in at 2 oclock today. Senator Heyburn

& wife, Congressman Cushman & wife, and

Andrew J. Burleigh & wife came in – the men

are the attorneys – with Hoggatt & Hubbard - in

the cases involving the Bonanza group of

Copper Mines on the Chityna river – involving

a million dollars & more – also the Railroad &c.

McKenzie Comr. from Koyukuk, Helm of the

Ry. Co. and a large number of other prominent

people also came – witnesses, stenographers

&c. The array is now complete on both sides

of this important case, & we may now be

able to get court matters to working firmly.

Received also two copies of First

Alaska Reports, from West Pub.

Co. St. Paul, Minn. I am very greatly pleased

at the appearance of this book which I

arranged, indexed & edited last fall & which

now gives me a historical standing in the

judicial plan of Alaskan courts. The

book is printed & bound in first class style

- after the best form of the Federal Reporter.

Received letter from Darrell enclosing,

only, his commission as Lieutenant, Junior

Grade, at Annapolis. This I understand to

be his position in the organization of his class

of 76 members, and lasts only until his graduation

but it establishes his standing in efficiency,

as an organizer and manager of men &

as such is very gratifying to me – and to

his mother. He writes to her a very happy

letter & seems as please about it as we are.

-Octo. 31^st-

Have been consulting with Gov. Leedy for

several days about taking an option on a

group of copper claims, 34 in number, on

Copper creek and Kluvesna, the upper waters

of the Kotsina river owned by Scotty Crawford

and the Ammons, husband & wife. Have agreed

to advance $500. on an option, so that we

may have time to go outside and sell the mines

Have told the Gov. about Charles Sweeney of

Spokane, who asked me to look out for an

opportunity of that kind & he has a man also

who wants such an investment. We will both

go outside to sell if we get the option.

Have called the docket &c. and arranged a

civil jury trial list (calendar), and also

a partial criminal calendar. Will

begin on the Banta murder case on Monday

-Nov. 2^nd-

The case of Chitina Co. v. McClellan,

et. al. involving the famous Bonanza copper

mines came up today & counsel have all day

long “sparred for an opening”. Motion after

motion has been submitted & passed upon

& yet it goes over until tomorrow for another.

Have set the Banta case for tomorrow morning.

Nov. 4^th

Heard Banta case all day yesterday – got

the jury only. Heard the Bonanza cases in the

evening on motion to open testimony and

hear oral testimony on trial, which I refused to do.

The testimony was taken according to stipulation

under the order of the court fixing limits of time

for each side. Both sides took full testimony

of witnesses in Alaska by referee, and in New

York, San Francisco, Manilla & other distant

places by deposition. The defendants relied

upon this and brought no witnesses here, but

plaintiffs produced a long affidavit from Geo. M.

Pereine, wherein Perine replenishes his tes-

timony heretofore taken by deposition by strong

statements that certain important witnesses for

the defendants who are not now in Alaska

had retracted their former sworn testimony in

important particulars – the method offers so

many chances for success through perjury &

such a temptation thereto.

Upon agreement the case of U.S. v. Banta

went over until this evening & I am hearing

the arguments in the Bonanza cases. Burleigh

& Cushman have been heard this forenoon & Senator

Heyburn will take up the argument after lunch.

-Nov {5^th}~~10^th~~ -

Heard Bonanza case argued on Nov

5^th. Burleigh, Cushman, Hoggatt,

opened case for plaintiff. Brown

Arthur & Carson argued for the Defts.

and Senator Heyburn closed the

case for the plaintiff: Burleigh & Sen

=ator Heyburn made strong arguments.

Brown made a good presentation of the

defendants case: Arthur did badly but

Carson did fair. Have taken case under

advisement & will read testimony, 2000

or more pages, &c.

-Nov 7^th – Have been engaged

all week on trial of Banta, & just got it

to the jury tonight. Finished instructing

the jury after 12 oclock.

-Nov 8^th-

Sunday. Jury in Banta case render

=ed verdict “Not guilty by reason of insanity,”

a bad verdict for defendant as it sends

him to the Insane Asylum without

limit & with a bad record to keep

him there.

-Nov. 9^th-

Reception tonight to Heyburn & Cushman

at McKinley Hall, by the Arctic Brotherhood

& Chamber of Commerce. Trying cases

in court every day - Grand jury & trial

jury both each morning.

-Nov. 10.-

Str. “Newport” from west today with

jurors from Unalaska and Unga.

Nome city in tonight – Heyburns, Cush

=mans, Hoggatt & many others go out

on her. United States v. Ryan, shooting

scrape at Kenai, on trial.

-Nov 11^th-

During court this forenoon received telegram

from Tacoma. “Ed. Hamilton died this

morning typhoid pneumonia.” Chas. Bedford.

This removes the local opposition to Senator

Foster for reelection as U.S. Senator.

Case of U.S. v. Balamotoff – murder, on trial.

Telegram from Judge Lyons at Rep. Con.

at Juneau - Whitehead & his Nome

delegation were seated – Johnson-Richards

outfit threatening to bolt – I am surprised

that Judge Johnson should tie up with

Richards – Grigsby et.al. Latest papers

report that Grigsby has been ordered to

Washington to answer charges – He

is lucky – he has not yet had to spend a

winter in Alaska – has had his salary all

the time & spent his winters in Washington.

Hope they will dismiss him, now, though,

for he is a thoroughly corrupt & vicious man.

The Non-Partisan Convention on Oct. 26.

declared against territorial government & Ex.-Gov.

Swineford bolted! Verily he is an unfair

politician – he wished to impose an

expensive government on the people whether

they want it or not.

-Nov. 17.-

Am about through with jury work.

The grand jury was discharged on Sat

=urday afternoon (the 14^th) after making

their final reports. Have tried a case a

day so far & think I will be through tomorrow.

Have today accepted Gallaghers. resignation

at Kodiak and appointed Kelsey in his place.

Will appoint Gallagher at Copper Center or

some other good place. Have also appointed

Geo. C. Britton at Kayak, and sent

Whittlesey there to act as his clerk.

-Nov. 20^th-

Hear today that Ft. Gibbon was burned

yesterday, together with commissary stores &c.

leaving 110 soldiers with buildings, clothes or

food at the beginning of bitter winter-

Have this day paid J. E. Teeter for half

int. with him in trip to Ellemar copper

mines – he is to acquire interest for us - &

to aid him in doing so have paid all

his expenses there & back amtg. to $25.00

-Nov. 28^th-

Rendered decision in Copper Co. v. Mc

Clellan et. al. the celebrated Chitina riv

copper case. Senator Heyburn of Idaho,

Congressman Cushman of Wash:. Burleigh of

N.Y. &c. were attorneys for plaintiff-

decided case for the defendant on

ground that plaintiffs testimony was not

sufficient. Great crowd in attendance.

Debbie and I are living quietly at the

“Imperial” rooms: C. S. Bratton & wife

props. We go out, now, on the Santa Ana.

Debbie sick once in a while – better below

than up here.

-Nov. 29-

Eagle mail in – received a nice letter

from Senator Fairbanks acknowledging

receipt of gold pan &c. from Fairbanks

mines

~~Dec~~ ~~Nov~~ 2-

Str. “Santa Ana” in with mail – have my

leave of absence. Busy finishing up

court business – Granted Mrs. Garratt

a divorce – also Mrs. Dupuy – the latter

is said to be Rochfords friend – of the

“News” & he is going to marry her.

~~Dec~~ ~~Nov~~ 3rd-

Gave Rob Coles a hundred dollars

-on grub stake for the year – also my

30-40 gun & ammunition. He will

probably get to Fairbanks in spring.

Boat goes tomorrow – created the

Copper Center recording precinct

& appointed Andrew Holman

~~rec~~ comr. Lawyers signing a

petition for my reappointment

Godell & Hubbard refuse to sign

Godell because I refused to appoint

him Comr. at Kayak, & Hubbard

because I decided the Chittyna Co.

copper case for the defendants!

-4^th-

Left Valdez at 10 oclock this

a.m. on Str. Santa Ana. for

Seattle-Tacoma. Debbie and I have

room 24 – a very comfortable room.

Burleigh & wife, Birch, Carson,

Arthur, Brown, Harlan, Mrs. Garratt,

Miss Clark, – all of the remainder of

the Copper case aboard including

witnesses.

-5^th-

Spent yesterday afternoon at Ella

-mar loading ore – I went with

another man in a rowboat to “Tatetlik”

the Indian village 3 miles down the

bay & bought fine bow & arrows

&c. At midnight we left ~~that~~

Ellamar & went via Orca & Eyak,

for the mail, & now we are passing

out at west end of Mitcheck Is-

Beautiful day – cloudless & the

mountains are grand & beautiful.

-snow white – serrated – the sound

still and calm

-9^th-

From the night of the 5^th to today we

were in storms – all the way from the

Copper river to Sitka. Our ship got

into Kayak that night and unloaded

but we did not find Yakatat, and lay

out 50 miles from shore two nights in

the trough of the sea rolling from side

to side. We reached Sitka at noon today

Burleigh and most everybody was dreadfully

sea sick – but he and I probably the

most disgracefully so. I may as well

confess, also, that I was scared too.

Had lunch (Mrs W & I & Mr. Harlan) with

Capt. and Mrs. Jarvis & visited Sitka an

hour. We met the “Excelsior” there going

to Valdez. Kashevaroff the Russian

translator gave me several more pages of

Russian book on citizenship which he

is translating for me. Paid Capt. Jarvis

$50.00 on act. same – will have account

paid from public fund. We are now lying

some miles from Sitka, quiet and still, waiting

for the tide to rise to carry us through some

shallow place between the islands. We will

probably sleep some tonight – for me the

first in four nights. Neither Debbie nor

I could either eat or sleep-

Dec 11^th

Arrived at Juneau at noon today-

Visited Judge Brown & the lawyers.

Drew order to pay Jarvis $400

on account detective work in U.S.

v. Idleman. Saw Billy Bery & wife,

Dr. Goddard, Lafoon & other friends

Left at 4 oclock for the south.

-13^th-

Creeping along – anchored last night

in Ketchikan harbor – crossed Dixon

Entrance today – examined Cape Chacon

Dixons Entrance, Cape Fox, Boundary

line, Wales Island, & Portland Canal

from vessel as we came by- Am satisfied

that our national rights were prejudiced in

the recent settlement of the boundary

question by the Joint Commission in

London. We lost Pearse & Wales Islands

& a vast area inland lying within the thirty

mile limit to which we were entitled in lieu

of a line along a range of mountains.

England usually gets the best a land

grabbing squabbles such as this was.

-15^th-

Pitching and rolling just south of

Seymour Narrows which we passed at

breakfast time. We are to go into Lady

-smith for coal – this takes up nearly

or quite 48 hours more time.

-16^th-

Ladysmith. B. C. We anchored in

Ladysmith this morning at 2 p.m. & tonight

we are still loading coal. Birch left

us on the early morning train & went to

Victoria where he will go by boat to Seattle.

Visited the Tyee Copper Co’s smelter with the

smelter manager Thos. Kiddie & inspected

the plant and process. Took lunch & dinner

at the “Abbotsford” & Debbie seemed to

enjoy the walk & the balmy weather.

Ladysmith is a very thriving place, with

its railroad, coal bunkers, mines, smelter

& mills.

-17^th-

Arrived in Seattle at 2 p.m. & went

to the Rainier-Grand Hotel. Harlan and

Balliet are now working politics for

Harlan for judge & Balliet for Dist. Atty.

Spent evening in meeting old friends &

acquaintances.

-18^th-

Came over to Tacoma this afternoon

Met Masterson in Seattle. - He is now

the Cashier of the First Nat. Bank of

Seattle & wants to organize a National

Bank in Fairbanks. Gave him the

Barnette – Woods letter & promised to

go back and meet him on Monday or

Tuesday. Telegraphed to Sweeney

at Spokane asking to make an

appointment.

-Dec. 22-

Visited Seattle. Saw Piles & he will give

me all the assistance he can in reappointment.

Took lunch with Capt. Humphrey. & wife at the

“Lincoln”. Traveled on Inter urban road.

-Dec. 23-

Wrote letter to B. Cleudening. to get C. Sweeney

(copy)

“B. Cleudening, Spokane, Wash. Dear Sir:

“I am anxious to meet Mr. Charles Sweeney on import

“ant business about an Alaskan copper mine.

“I go east to New York & Washington about January

“5. Will he be in Spokane by that time? I could

“stop then and see him, – or will I be able to meet

“him in the east. Wont you advise me how I can

“certainly meet him. James Wickersham”

Dr. Queoli examined Debbies lungs this

afternoon and pronounced her afflicted with

tuberculosis & advises a warm climate at

once.

Dec. 24^th

Dr. Hill examined Debbies lungs and gives

us much more hope than Dr. Queoli

- Dec. 26.-

Visited Buckley – went to see Jennie

her new husband and bright home, &

spent Sunday with mother.

-31^st-

Went to Olympia yesterday to prepare

opinion in Fish & Hemple as the cause

involved a careful search of the Texas repts

which I could not get anywhere else.

Sent my quarterly account in to Atty. Genl.

today. $270.75.

Jany 8^th

We left Tacoma on the 5^th via

N. P. Railway & tonight we are in

St Paul at the Ryan Hotel. Capt.

D. H. Jarvis, Collector of Customs

for Alaska come on same train but

recd. telegram out at Wadena to come

to Duluth – that George A Shea, of Nome

is there sick. – he came on to St Paul

but was to go back tonight. Telegraphed

ahead and Mr. McLean of Minneapolis

Journal met us at that city & we renewed

our pleasant Alaskan acquaintance

with him. Reporter of St. Paul Globe

came to see me for interview – will rehash

Ledger interview.

-Jany 9^th-

Am disgusted with the result of the

“Globe” interview. This paper “roasted” the

Subcommittee (Nelson, Dillingham, Burnham

& Patterson) on their alleged report against

territorial government, in an editorial

yesterday, & mutilated my interview so

as to help out their vicious editorial.

went over to Minneapolis today

with Holman & took lunch with McLean

of the Journal. He came back to St Paul

with me & I gave (loaned) him many of my

Mt. McKinley pictures to illustrate a repub

-lication of his Alaska letters, which I

strongly urged upon him. He urged me

to be a candidate for delegate from Alaska

- and I told him I would be if I could see

any chance of success. I also explained

about the “Globe” interview – think he intends

to give me a notice on Monday-

Left St Paul tonight at 8:30 on C.

M. & St. P. Did not see Sweeney!!
-10-

In Chicago – 2 hours between trains

Visited Auditorium to look for Sweeney

but he had not been there. I am very

much disappointed not to meet him

for I spent day in St Paul for that purpose

-12^th-

We reached Washington yesterday evening

& put up at “Raleigh”. Have seen no one

& will go over to New York tonight.

-13^th-

We left Washington yesterday at noon

& reached New York last night – put up

at the “Imperial” – 32^nd and Broadway

Went down town today & met Stephen

Birch at 45 Bdway. He introduced me

to Mr. Ralph and a Mr. Schultz – both

of whom he tells me are interested in his

copper enterprise at Valdez. Went to

lunch with him and a mining expert by the

name of Keller – at down town Delmon

-ico – below Wall St. Also called on

Walter Boardman & asked him to

inform his wife (nee Mary Smith of

Tacoma) that Mrs. Wickersham was

at Imperial & would like to see her.

Mr. Ralph invited Mrs. W & me to take

dinner with him afterward & go to the

theatre with him afterward – we will go

I was rather amused at poor Mr. Shultz

- the Helm interests have caused his arrest

for conspiracy or something of that kind

in connection with their copper litigation

& he is dreadfully nervous about it –

he wanted to talk & show me clippings

about the case – but I declined to

look or listen – he seems scared!

Had a delightful supper with Mr. Ralph

& Birch in the Waldorf-Astoria cafe –

& then went to the “New Amsterdam” theatre

-14^th-

Spent the forenoon with Mrs. W in

shopping. Met Phil. Ceasar on

Bd.way & called on Whitcomb with him.

Called on Mr. Frank D. Arthur & then

on Walter Boardman. Went out

see Bar Assoc. building with Mr.

Wm M. Turner (Arthurs partner) & to

Broadway theater with Birch & Mr.

Ralph.

-15^th-

Went over to Waldorf-Astoria early this

morning and met Mr. Milbourn –a

lawyer from Buffalo who is just now coming

to New York – he is the Milbourn at whose home

in Buffalo. Pres. McKinley died. Also met

Senator Patton of B. Penn. (state senator)

but a friend of Quays. Went downtown

& went with Birch – took ~~dinner~~ with him

& the two younger Havemyers at the Midday(?)

Club. Called on Burleigh – but found

he was out – visited with his son a half

hour. Went out home early & found

Walter & Mary Boardman visiting Mrs. W.

Went to a dinner at the University Club

given by Mr. William M. Turner -

present Judges Clark and Scott of

Sup. Ct. Arthur. ?Turner ? we had

a splendid dinner. Mrs. W. went

to dinner with Birch & Mr. Ralph at Delmon

=icos and to theater – Criterion.

-16^th-

Left New York early – on Penn. Ry and

came to Annapolis via Odenton. Darrell

is in fine health and spirits. Will grad

=uate Feb. 1 & go west (probably) with his

mother. Took rooms at Maryland Hotel.

-17^th-

Sunday. Darrell spent most of the day

with us at the Maryland – he is getting his new

uniforms to. and expects to go to the Pacific

station. He wants on the “Tacoma” and I

will go to the Dept. and ask for that assignment.

Trip over here is stupid. Col Gadd

Mr. Melvin are the only ones I know -

-18^th-

Came over to Washington – rooms

46 B. St. N.E. & take our meals

with Jones. M.C. from Washington &

Sammons at 32 B. St.

-19^th-

Called & met Cushman at House,

- & introduced to Speaker Cannon

& others. Called on Foster, also – he

is frankly pleasant. Went with

Sammons & others to see two Japs

wrestle – new physical culture school

- in charge of Sam. Hill – son-in-law

of J. J. Hill of Great Northern. Met

Senator Foster there – also saw Ed &

Everett Hale. Met Senator Clapp

of Minn. also Dolliver of Iowa

& Gov. Cummins of same state.

-20^th-

Went with ~~Stephen~~ Cushman to

see Sec. of Navy Moody, who referred

us to Capt. McRea – who assured us that

there was no reason why Darrell should

not be assigned to the cruiser “Tacoma”

Afterwards went with Stephen Birch to

see Commander Winslow – attache to

President. who said Darrell would be

assigned to the “Tacoma” – and given all

the work he could do. Birch brought a

letter to Winslow from the Havemyer boys

- whose brotherinlaw Winslow is.

-21-

Dinner tonight at Raleigh with Judge

Johnson, Capt. Jarvis, Lt. Bertholf and

Walter E. Clark, newspaper correspondent.

Later took Debbie to the National Theater

to see the “Marriage of Kitty”.

-22-

Went to the Geological Survey today - &

took lunch with Brooks, Hayes, Rizer

& others. They declare my picture of Mt.

McKinley the finest ever taken, & specially

suggest that it be sent to the St Louis Ex

as part of the Alaska exhibit. Also

went to Senate Chamber and met Senator

Fairbanks – he invited Mrs. W. & me to dinner

with them at their residence after we return

from Annapolis - & Col. Ramsdell, Sarg

eant at Arms of the Senate invited me to a

dinner tomorrow night when the Sub-Com

which went to Alaska will again meet

- at Col. Ramsdells house – Will go if

I can get release from Sammons theater party.

-23 24rd -

Took dinner last night (23) with

Col. Ramsdell (Daniel M.) at his home

on B. St. N.E. #130. Present Senators

Nelson, Dillingham,. Burnham

and Patterson – Sub.Com. which

visited Alaska this summer – also

Mr. John Hayes. and Mr. Johnson

secretaries of Sen. Beveridge and

Patterson. ~~Mr.~~ Dr. Ramsdell –

son of the Col – and I – had a fine

dinner – then reminiscences of Alaska

& cards & cigars – a delightful evening.

Millard & wife called on Mrs. W –

& I at our rooms but we were out.

Mrs. W- went with the Sammons to

see the “Red Feather”. last night

25-

Visited Dept. of Justice with Marshal Perry

this morning to settle Valdez courthouse ground

matter – before Asst. Atty. Genl. Russell

who agreed to reserve the property we want.

Visited State Dept. and consulted with

Fredk. Van Dyne, author of “Citizenship of

the United States” about Russian citizens =

“In re John Minook” He gave me no

aid. Jarvis left for west today &

Dr. Cabell Whitehead reached town.

Have not been able to see the Atty General

yet – nor the President.

-26-

Spent the day sightseeing and

working in department – went to the

theater – “Maxine Elliot” – we took

Mr. & Mrs. Sammons, Miss Sammons

& Mrs. “Yakima” Jones --

-27-

Called on Senator Burnham about

“Appeal Bill” – at his request – he gave

me new bill for hearing appeals from

Alaska at Seattle & I will redraft

it for him. Debbie went to Annap

=olis at noon today. Visited Comr.

of Indian Affairs about Russian

half breed citizenship in Alaska –

also Col. Clay, General Agent of

Dept. of Justice. Saw Rosewe[?] of

N. W. Com. C. of Siberia & Capt.

Lewis tonight. Dr. Whitehead

of Nome in town

-28^th-

Went over to the National Museum

& Smithsonian Museum this morning

to interview Prof. Mason and Prof.

Dall in relation to citizenship

of the Russian creoles & “Settled tribes”

- could not find Dall & must go again.

Returned bill to Senator Burnham

about Alaska appeals – he asked

me to examine & report on it for

him – which I did. At 3 oclock

went to see Count Cassini, the

Russian embassador about the

Russian citizens & “settled tribes” –

Found him a very pleasant and agreeable

man – of the Bismark type – and willing

to aid me and much interested in the matter

He and his aid examined the book of

instructions issued in 1844 to the

Russian American Co. fixing the status

of the people from the Aleutians to Sitka

and assure me that it is official and

that all the people and tribes therein

mentioned as citizens ~~are~~ {were} such under

the Russian laws – their opinion is

that they became citizens of the U.S.

under the treaty of cession. They will

probably have more to say about the

matter by correspondence.

Took dinner tonight with Capt. F. S.

Lewis, at the New Willard. He is

the promoter of the new railroad up the

Solomon from Port Safety near Nome,

& is a wealthy man. He offered to aid

me in developing my Fairbanks mines.

I also met Col. Morrison and a

mining man from Cape Prince of Wales

Is. – who is interested on Mt. Andrew.

Morrison is an old Washington state

man. If I can make arrangements

for money will abandon the judgeship

Have not make $1500. per year out

of it – nothing but honor & worry!!

-29^th-

Took lunch at “Harveys” – oysters – with

Dr. Whitehead;, Capt. D. H. Jarvis – Thatcher

and Frank Hunter of Seattle. Recd. call

from Lt. Emmons, U.S.N. retired & did

not see him – went to his hotel – the

“Ebbitt” – but he was out.

-30^th-

Called on Lt. Emmons today & had

a long talk about the status of the

natives on the south coast of Alaska.

Will go with him next Wednesday to

call on Prof. Mason of Nat. Museum &

Dr. Dall – consultation about the

civilized or settled tribes. Came over

to Annapolis on noon train – Debbie

& Darrell O.K. Graduation Monday

-31^st-

Sunday – Darrell was with us most

of the day. He is perfectly happy and

entirely satisfied – as we are, too, with his

position in the class. The dismissal

of Little, for hazing advance Darrell

one number – he stood 25 – but now

24, out of a class of 62. The class

originally had 97 students, but 35

fell by the wayside – and but 62

graduate – and out of this number

47 graduate – Darrell amongst

them – “with credit” – the highest per

=centage since the Civil war. It

is said to be the best graduating class

- judged by their ratings in forty years.

Have met the Stuarts – “Jeb’s” family

and the McCrackens – They are

“Vi-ginians” –“sah”-

February 1

Well, Darrell has graduated and

is out of the Naval Academy!!

The graduation exercises took place

in the new “Armory” – Sec. of the Navy

Moody delivered the diplomas. Chap

=lain Clark delivered a prayer. Gover

=nor Warfield made a short address

- & then Moody made a fine but short

address and delivered the diplomas

All the other cadets were in line in the

back or main part of the hall & kept

up a continual yell for each boy as he

was called up and presented to the Sec.

Darrell is the tallest boy in his class-

We are entirely pleased with his success.

He is coming to take lunch with us and go

to the matinee to see “Floradora.”

We went to the ball at the “Armory” – at

9 p.m. The usual rickety “carriage” such as

can only be found in Annapolis – a quarter

of a century behind times – A Mrs. Iglehart

- being without a carriage accompanied us –

a beautiful, clear, wintry night – full moon

and every thing covered with snow. The great

new Armory building was ablaze with electric

lights – 600 handsomely dressed officers and

midshipmen, and a great number of beautif

=ully dressed girls and ladies – the Marine band

- decorations of flags, cannon hidden in

flowers and palms – life, light, beauty and

manly strength – it was a rare grand ball –

and Darrell actually danced twice with a

Miss May of Tazewell, Va – at the special

instance and request of “Pat” and “Jeb “ – He

fell from the order of Red Mikes - bulldozed

-2^nd-

Every body who could left Annapolis

We came over to Washington on the noon

train – Darrel – Green, Treadwell &

other boys came over – and loads of girls,

- some young and some older – as they

call them “college widows”.

-3^rd-

Went to see Lt. Emmons but he was gone.

Called on Mr. Lacey, M.C. of Iowa and

he was very pleasant and invited us to

dinner with him tomorrow night, - accepted.

Long talk with Millard, - agreeable – and

was invited by Cushman to appear before

the House Com. on Territories on Monday.

Got my suit from the Raleigh & wrote

Birch about map to Chitsiah creek –

Debbie sick tonight, with another

chill.

-4^th-

Called today with Dr. Whitehead

& met Secretary of the Treasury Shaw,

also Asst. Secs. Taylor and Armstrong.

Mrs. W and I took dinner with

Major and Mrs. Lacey at the Riggs

Dr. Whitehead made the 5^th member.

They talked to me about my reapp

=ointment and urged me to go and see

the Atty General and President.

I told them about Hubbards scheme

to divide my district – and with Alex

MacKenzie, Helm, et. al. to get a

judge of their own to exploit – the

copper mines and railroad at Valdez.

Alex. MacKenzie was in town a few days

ago.

-5^th-

Congressman Jones went to the Interior

Department with me today – found

that the Secretary had decided the

Jeresich – Gig Harbor land case in

my favor on Jany 9^th. Met Sec

Hitchcock and had a pleasant

talk with him about Alaska.

Have been Jeresichs attorney in this

case since 1887. We will now

be entitled to a patent – then will have

to fight a suit as trustees.

-6^th-

Went to see the Attorney General

today. Found out that he was going

to Florida tonight –so went alone.

His private secretary Long informed me

that he was out, but I asked if I might

not sit down and wait for him. He

said I might & I sat. In five minutes

Russell, who has Alaskan matters in

hand came in, and stood with me & talked

and waited. Soon Long went in

{to the Atty Generals room} and when

he returned said that we – motioning to

Russell and I – might go in – I offered

to wait for Russell but he said no for

us both to go in. I paid my respects

talked of Alaska generally and the

size of my district – Solicitor General

Hoyt came in and we four discussed the

climate and agricultural possibilities of

Alaska. It seemed to me that Russell
& Hoyt were purposely brought into the

interview for fear I would undertake to

talk “shop” – but I did not once give

an opening for anything of the kind.

He was very pleasant, and agreeable

~~and~~ but seemed to know nothing about

Alaskan matters I was very well

satisfied, though, with the interview.

-7^th-

Sunday – Took dinner today with

Mr & Mrs. Ralph C. Haynes – Kennesaw

Ave. who are Springfield friends. Her

father Mr. Saunders of Springfield also present.

We also called on the Millards at

their boarding house on 14^th St.

-8^th-

Appeared before the House Comt. on Terri

=tories today and talked from 10:30 to 12.

on Alaska. Opposed territorial government

- advocated building wagon and railroad

&c. Went to theater tonight with Debbie

& Darrell took Miss Maud Purenton

- his Tacoma school teacher. Took

lunch today at Capital with Cushman

& Millard. Also called on W. W. Jer

=mane, who expects McLane of Minneapolis

Journal here soon

-9^th-

Talked another hour to the Com. on Territories

today – finished my statement which

was a full presentation of Alaska

matters – what is and what is not wanted,

from Congress. My statements were taken

down in shorthand and I am to edit

them for printing. Upon the close of my

remarks the chairman, Edward L. Hamilton

of Michigan, publicly and in the name of the

Com. thanked me for my efforts, and paid me

a high and very gratifying compliment.

I presented him – not a compliment – but one

of my fine enlarged photographs of Mt. McKinley

All the Alaska men were there – Harlan,

Millard, Mackenzie, Dam, Ballaine,

&c. War news today Japan v. Russia.

-10^th-

Went with Senator Foster to call

on the President. He received calls

in a cheap addition to the west of

the Whitehouse, and connected thereto

by a long low one story hallway.

It is a poor brick and mortar

quarters spread out toward the

War & Navy Bld - and just

sufficiently valuable and attractive

to spoil with lawn. After

waiting a short time we were ushered

into a large plainly furnished room

occupied by a large table (around

which the cabinet gathers) and many

inquiring constituents. The president

was busy making the rounds from

one to another trying to make the

last one believe that he was just

a little more pleased to see him

than the former. We were near the

last, and as Senator Quarles and

Senator Foster stood together, just

before he reached us the President

motioned them to go into his private

office, where I accompanied them.

Soon the President came in and we

gave way to Senator Quarles who

had his say and went out. I was

introduced and we all sat down.

The President is a strenuous and

rapid talker, and began at once

to ask questions and answer them.

He was much interested in the big

Kodiak bear. I finally told him

that I had a picture of Mt. McKinley

which I offered to give him – He

very kindly accepted it and said

he would hang it on his office wall.

He volunteered to remark that every

Alaskan official had been accused

of every crime imaginable, ~~to murder~~.

but laughingly referred to his experience

on the Little Missouri in an early day,

and said that notwithstanding these

charges he thought Alaskan officials

came up to the average. He was really

goo natured but talked of everything else

than conditions in Alaska. He is not

as ugly as the pictorial papers and

his photographs make him appear.

Debbie and Darrell left me

tonight at 5:40 for California over

the Penn. Ry. I am sick tonight

and keep the trail to the toilet

warm.

-12^th-

Took photo. of Mt McKinley

down for framing for the president.

Am out of patience with the

Department of Justice and am

ready to fight. They are still

investigating Col. Grigsby the

district Attorney at Nome, and

have been investigating him for

a year and a half. For more

than two years Nome scandals

have prevailed, but the Dept. of

Justice seems incompetent to manage

them. What the department needs

is a hell of a roasting, and I am

about in a mood to do it.

Went to theater tonight with

Congressman Wm Sulzer, of N.Y.

and party of his friends. Called

on General Graley, but not in.

Also at Dept. of Justice but no

body there. Sick and out of

sorts today. Had talk with

Judge Ballinger of Seattle & told

him to go ahead and tie Senator

Ankeny up for Balliett if he

could -

-Friday- -12^th-

Remained at room all day editing

my statements and testimony before the

House Com. on Territories on last Monday

and Tuesday. Senator Hanna is

reported very sick. Received an

invitation to take lunch with

Senator Fairbanks on Sunday.

-13^th-

Sent Pres. Roosevelt copy nicely framed

of Mt. McKinley picture – photograph,

which he promised me should hang on

the wall in his office. Went to the

Department of Justice and called on

Russell – one of the head clerks or assistant

atty. genls. and asked for a copy of the tel

=egram which was sent on July 3^rd to

Col. Grigsby at Seattle, asking

Judge Moore to review the Marshal

Richards case. Recd. that and

two other communications on that subject

and examined the papers in the case. In

going through them I found a letter

dated Febry. 1903, written by George

Grigsby at Nome to his father, the District

Attorney, who was then in Washington fighting

me, detailing his success in fighting certain

gambling cases in home. He frankly states

that Marshal Richards aided him to fix

the jury in both cases, whereby they convicted

the gamblers. I exhibited the letter to the

clerk who was assisting me in going through

the record and asked him for a copy of it,

but he desired first to submit the matter

to Russell. I went back after lunch

and he informed me that Russell refused

to give me the copy on the ground that

it was a personal letter accidentally

in the record. I called his attention to the

fact that it was enclosed in an official wrapper

in the official files ~~and~~ in charge of the proper

official and related exclusively to official

matters. But he refused to give me the copy.

I then requested him to retain it in his

possession. The substance of the

paragraph about fixing the juries was,

“The Marshal aided me in securing

the jury and stood in with me.”

Those are not the words – but the sense.

Also called and Met Taylor the

examiner who reported on Nome matters

in 1902, and Asst. Atty Genl. Pradt. I

intend to make a formal written demand

for the Grigsby letter on Monday and also

ask for an opportunity to state my views

and facts on the Richards case on

Tuesday.

-Febry 14^th-

Sunday. Was invited to take lunch with

Senator Fairbanks (1800 Mass. Ave) today –

They have a large & splendid home: met Mrs.

Fairbanks, son and daughter & spent two hours

with them most delightfully. Mrs. Hemenway, m.c.

from Indiana called while I was there, with

Mr. Hoggatt, of S.E. Alaska, but I was

specially invited to remain when they left.

We talked Alaska, and Mrs. F. and the

daughter particularly did not tire of my des

=criptions. They gathered around – all four

like four interested children and we all

talked. They had a very modest but elegant

lunch & I greatly enjoyed my visit. They

kindly invited me to dinner on Tuesday & greatly

regretted that Debbie & Darrell had gone.

Have worked in room rest of day on letters

to the Dept. about Nome criticisms.

Wrote to Debbie tonight

-15-

Went to Dept. of Justice this morning

and called on Solicitor General Hoyt, and

presented him this letter:

“The Attorney General,

Washington, DC.

“Sir, In examining the papers on file in the department

of Justice in the matter of the proceedings against U.S.

Marshal Richards, at Nome, for contempt of court, on last

Saturday I saw among them a letter written by Deputy

District Attorney George Grigsby, dated February 1903,

addressed to Melvin Grigsby, the district attorney at

Nome, and devoted to a detailed report upon {the} public

in that office at that place. The letter contains a state

=ment to the effect that the Marshal had then recently at

home fixed two juries for the prosecution by the aid

of which the defendants had been successfully convicted,

and as I desired immediately to address a commun

=ication to the department of Justice upon that practice

at Nome I asked the official in charge for a copy of the

letter. He refused to give it to me upon the ground that

it was a private communication. As the letter was in

the public files, was backed as a public document, was

from one public official to another and related to

public matters, it seems not to be private, and I

respectfully request that a copy be given to me for

use before the department of Justice.

Respectfully, James Wickersham

District Judge of Alaska

Mr. Hoyt immediately asked me what official

had refused to give me the copy and I told him

Mr. Russell. He went into Mr. Russells room

& was gone ten minutes or more and returned.

He said that upon inspection he was inclined

to agree with Mr. Russell that the letter was

being from ~~father~~ son to father – “But”, I said

“the son is also deputy Dist. Atty. at Nome & the

father is Dist. Atty.” He answered – “Well you

don’t need it anyway – you have seen it and

know what it contains” He admitted that it

contained the expression, of in effect, that my

letter stated, and said “these people wont

worry you much longer anyway” – a plain

intimation that Grigsby is to be removed. In

short he refused to give me a copy of the letter.

He said, however, that the department appreciated

the difficulties that I had experienced at Nome, that

I had done a good work” &c – but no copy of the letter,

though he distinctly admitted that the letter was

correctly characterized in my letter. Upon his

refusal to give me the copy I presented

him with the original of which the follow

=ing is a copy-

The Attorney General, Washington D.C.

Sir: My term of office as district judge of {in} Alaska

expires on June 5, 1904. I expect to leave for Eagle City

and Fairbanks, points far in the interior of Alaska,

about the last of this week, and cannot thereafter make

any statement to the department prior to the expir

=ation of my term. I desire to address a communica

=tion to you in relation to the administration of justice

in Alaska with special reference to matters in my

court, and at the time of its delivery I wish to make

a brief personal statement as judge of the district

court of Alaska. It is understood that the Attorney

General is overwhelmed with more important matters, and

cannot personally hear ~~and~~ {or} consider such statements,

therefore I request that on Thursday, Febry 18, I may be per

=mitted to meet Solicitor General Hoyt and Asst. Attorney

General Day, at the department, and deliver to them person

-ally the communication and statement suggested.

I also request that Mr. Russell, and Mr. Taylor, special

examiner, be present, and also a stenographer to take

such questions as may be asked me and my answers thereto.

Will you kindly notify me at your earliest convenience if

my request is granted. Respectfully,

James Wickersham, District Judge Alaska.

Mr. Hoyt read the letter and promptly assured

me that I should be heard in full at that time.

I thanked him and left the department.

Stephen Birch from New York is here

today at the Raleigh, - working for me.

Telegraphed to Heilig today to

adjourn court to March 21^st.

Senator Marcus A. Hanna died.

this evening at the Arlington Hotel.

I took dinner tonight with Hoggatt

& Birch at the New Willard.

-16^th-

Took dinner this evening with Senator

& Mrs. Fairbanks & talked Alaska.

Worked on my communication to the

Dept. of Justice, - expect to criticise

the Dept. and may have a row – but it is

time that it quit aiding jury fixing!!

McLain of Minneapolis Journal

is here and called – but was out.

-17^th-

Worked all day on my communication

to the Dept. of Justice – done & will del

=iver it tomorrow. P. J. Coston of Nome

is also here and agrees to go up with me

& substantiate my story. He knows

the facts so he says-

-18^th-

Went to Dept. of Justice at 10 a.m. with

P. J. Coston : read a communication

in presence of Solicitor Genl. Hoyt, Asst. Atty.

Genl. Day, Russell & Taylor, placing the

blame for “padding” accounts and “jury packing”

at Nome on the Dept. of Justice. This

afternoon called on McLain, of Minneapolis

Journal – Major Lacey, of Iowa. Lena

Walton, Nome, is at the Raleigh Hotel.

My interview at the Dept. was very satisfactory

- Hoyt & Day are my friends & supporters

& Russells knife is both longer & sharper

for the blame of failing to support the

judge at Nome is at his door. They

both told him he was wrong - & he wont

forgive me for it. Hoyt asked me if I

was not going to accept a reappointment

complimented me highly - & asked me for the petitions

& Alaska endorsments & took them personally.

-19^th-

Visited with McLain, Minneapolis Journal

today. Wrote letter to Dept. asking for

authority to build courthouse at Fairbanks

Lunch with Brewster & Walter Clark

at the New Willard.

-20^th-

Birch is back to the Raleigh-

I moved down there today that I might

have more time before I go away.

-21^st-

Wrote long letter to Debbie & Birch

& I went out to Commander Winslows

to Dinner. Mrs Winslow is {was} a Havemyer

and of course every thing was accordingly.

Commander Winslow the Naval attache

to the President, &c.

-22^nd-

Spent much of the day in the Capitol

with Cushman & others Assisted Cushman

with Alaska bills & rewrote the bills

prepared both by him and Senator Nelson

for election of delegate on lines suggested

in my testimony before House Com. on Terry’s.

Dinner this evening with Major & Mrs

Lacey & Mr. & Mrs Brewster at the

Riggs House.

-23^rd-

Was admitted to practice before the Sup.

Court of the United States today – Major

Lacey – M. C. from Iowa moved my

admission. Invited to lunch with Sen

=ator Burnham – went up to the Senate

chamber to meet him & as he and Senator

Foster came out with me Senator Perkins

of California came out and was introduced

He was very cordial and spoke in a

highly complimentary way of my work in

Alaska – said the people in Alaska from

Cal – were all pleased with me – and that

he was also – that I was one of his constituents

&c. I was also introduced to Senator Gallinger

of Vt. and Senator Petters of Alabama.

These greetings were so highly satisfactory

to Senator Foster that he actually thawed out

and declared that I must be reappointed

- in Senator Burnhams presence, who

informed him that the four Senators compri

=sing the Senate Sub-Com. on Territories that

went to Alaska last summer had long

since agreed to that! Wrote Senator

Foster letter in favor of naming the big

glacier on north side of Mt McKinley the

“Hanna” glacier – and asking Hanna’s

friends in the Senate to look after it.

Brewster – Major Laceys son-in law

took dinner with me & we went to see “Mrs

Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch” – at the theatre.

-24^th

Spoke to Cushman about an endorsment

for reappointment & he promptly said it ought

to be done & wrote out a brief letter to the

President & went to see W. P. Jones. M. C

from Yakima – he signed it & then Cushman

I then went to see Foster (Senator) who also

signed it. Foster told me that Walter

Christian had asked him not to do so and

had suggested Joe. Easterday – but Foster

shook his head & said Joe would not do.

Gave the endorsment to Walter E. Clark,

correspondent New York Sun & Seattle “P-I.”

who agreed to get Humphrey (Seattle M.C)

to sign & then to get Cushman to present

it to Ankeny (Senator) for his signature.

Do not know whether either of them will

sign it or not, but I am much pleased

that Jones & Foster had the courage to

“stand up”. Cushman was never in doubt.

Left Washington at 5:40 p.m. over the

Penn. Ry. for Chicago. Am well satisfied

with the sum total of my trip to Washington

- it seems to me as if I will be reappointed

judge now – and that all that is left to my

enemies is to scandalize and blackmail

me with false affidavits after I am in

Alaska and not able to answer.

-25-

All day on train toward Chicago – Mr. &

Mrs. G. G. Perry on train with me – We

arrived in Chicago at 9. p.m & I went

to the “Auditorium Hotel”, had a bath &

went to bed.

-26-

Loafed all day at Auditorium – nothing

doing. Perrys went on to Dubuque.

-27^th -

Sightseeing around Chicago and called

on Sodenberg and other Alaskan people.

Leave tomorrow evening – first train

for west.

-28^th-

Leave tonight at 6:30 for Tacoma over

C. M. & St. P. Will not stop until I

reach Tacoma. Sodenberg called & I

met his father, Dave Lane & others.

They are here assisting in an arbitration

of a claim on Anvil Creek, Nome, which

it is alleged one Anderson staked for

the Swedish Mission, but which he

fraudulently appropriated to his own use.

-29^th-

St. Paul. Called on West Pub. Co. Paid my

bills & bought some other books – also paid

for them. Left for West at 10:15 on the

West Coast Limited.

March 2^nd

Arrived in Tacoma tonight – went to

the “Donnelly Hotel”. Telegraphed ahead

for mail but none here. Also teleg

=raphed ahead from Livingston, Mont.

& had Mr & Mrs Lake France & the babies

meet me at Spokane – also telegraphed

to Charles Sweeney – but he was not there

Left pck. of copper specimens with Lake

to be delivered to him & will write him.

-3^rd-

Mail. Four letters from Debbie – she is

in good spirits & no worse in health. Darrell

has gone to his ship – the U.S. cruiser “Tacoma”

at Mare Island, S. F. Wrote long letter to

Debbie. Saw Fred. Crouch. D. O. Smith

took lunch with me.

-4^th-

Nan and her troubles – ended very

well – Took dinner with Mr & Mrs.

D. O. Smith & son Harold – who

wants to go to Annapolis. Am

to talk to Perkins of the Ledger” & have

written to Cushman for him.

Went to theater – Grand opera – Shay –

-5-

Spent the forenoon settling Jeresich

case – Gig Harbor land case – Got my

deed for 50 acres - $1250 – am to

give George T. Reid five acres of it.

Felix Pedro, discoverer of “Fairbanks

Alaska mines to see me. Am going

over to Seattle tonight.

-6^th-

Went over to Seattle last night – staid

at Rainer-Grand – met Mr. Harlan – will

go to Alaska on 10^th on the Dolphin.

Met Col. Perkins, who called on me at

the hotel – as did also, Dick. Ryan,

Tom. Noyes, George Jeffry, and others.

Perkins talked politics, and I think is a

candidate for governor. Tommy Noyes

(who with his mother & sister owns the Rainer-Grand”),

talked about a bank at Valdez & one at Fair

=banks. Am to go back in a day or two &

talk to them more about it. Recd. telegram

on my return to Donnelly Hotel, Tacoma

tonight from Barnette, who is now in Seattle.

-10^th-

Spent the last three days in getting

things arranged – Wrote Debbie &

got the Jeresich matters all settled

up. Left Seattle this morning

on the “Dolphin” for Skagaway –

Organized the “Fairbanks Banking

Co.” under laws of State of Washington

-12^th

Ketchikan. Dolphin unloading freight

& went ashore two hours. Met Emmett Hunt

of Hillhurst, George Dyer – barber – of Tacoma

& others. Also called on and met Ex. Gov. Swine

=ford, and had a pleasant interview. He

seems friendly enough & suggested that I ought

to be a candidate for Gov. of Alaska, and not

for delegate. He shows signs of age – but is

yet a vigorous writer & a hard hitter.

-13^th-

Our boat landed at Treadwell & I called

on McDonald – mgr. and he declared himself

& all his interests for me for Delegate. Also

went over to Juneau – met Judge Brown – and

Maloney, Shackleford, Tom Lyons & others &

they all assured me of their strong support

if the delegate bill passes. Saw Dr &

Mrs. Goddard & Mr & Mrs. Wm Berry –

Crab lunch with Judge & Mrs. Brown

-14^th-

“Dolphin” reached Skagaway at 7:30 a.m.

We went to 5^th Ave. Hotel got our packs

that Ed. Harlan & Geoghegan left there &

left on the morning train for Whitehorse

Met Dautrick – but owing to short time

no one else – Reached Whitehorse at

6 p.m. & at 8 p.m. left there on the stage

for the first post at Tahkeenie river – 18 mi.

Mr. Harlan & I go – Perry in the morning

Reached the post on the Tahkeenie at 11 p.m.

20° below zero when we started - 25° when

we reached the roadhouse at Tahkeenie.

-15-

We made four posts today – from Tahkeenie

to Montague – a distance of 84 miles.

42° degrees below zero when we started.

Trail is fine and road in good

condition. Nine passengers in our

stage – sled.

-16^th-

Drove from Montague to Minto today

= 69 miles, - warmer – about 20° below.

-17^th-

Minto to Stevens - Here I met Mr.

& Mrs. Finnie – Nellie Roediger

- but they went on to Hume’s post for

the night.

-18^th-

From Stevens to Murray Hill hotel

#33 Dominion Creek. Telephone

message from Ed. Orr – am to take

dinner with Orrs & Roedigers tom

=orrow evening.

-19^th-

Left Murrays on Dominion this morning

and reached Dawson at 2 p.m.

Met Orr, Roediger, Johnnie Scott,

Charley Taylor, &c. Usual visit from

reporters, friends & others. Wrote Debbie

Took dinner with the Orrs the Roedigers

present. Was invited to meeting of “Eagles”

-20^th-

Orr took breakfast with me at “Regina”

this morning. Perry & Barnette came

in on belated stage last night. We

left Dawson at 7:30 this morning for

Eagle, - Harlan & I, McGowan,

Tozier & Dumbell, with Downing.

Reached Forty Mile at 5 p.m. “Miners Home”

Met Charley Joynt there.

-21^st-

Left Forty Mile early – bad day but

the wind at our backs – yesterday in our

face. Passed the “Leah” & “Louse”

in the ice just at the N.A.T. Co.s coal

mine – frozen in there last fall –

Reached Eagle at 5 oclock. Meals

with Miss Thompson & bed in Perrys house

called court in the evening & appointed

John Conna – of Tacoma – crier.

-22^nd-

Wrote letter to Debbie & sent back on

Downings stage to Dawson. Court

met – but the Idleman case being cont

=inued there is nothing to do – a few small

unimportant civil cases. Heard motions,

naturalized citizens and minor matters today.

Took dinner with Mr & Mrs. Ensign, Presbyterian

minister – also present Mr. Harlan & Claypool.

-23^rd-

One jury trial today – verdict, and there being

none other, on account of the collapse of the Idleman

case, the trial jury was discharged. Sold my

interest in the U.S. Rep. (sold to E. M. Barnes)

to V. L. Bevington for $100. cash. Collected

rent of cabin $110.00 to Mch. 1^st Stage

coming in with mail- Telegram from Henderson

at Valdez, says Nan arrived there today & will be cared for.

No mail. Manley & Barnette arrived & Perry, do.

-March 23 – continued.

Eagle City is no longer attractive to me. It seems

as if I must see Howard in his accustomed places

and it makes me sad and lonesome. I will be

glad to get away for Fairbanks. Barnette

& Manley, from Fairbanks, are going in with

horses and ask me to go with them.

-24^th-

Tried jury case yesterday & discharged

jury – tried customs case today before

the court – forfeited the goods. Called

on Capt. Perkins, Dr. Clayton & Capt.

Nesmith, & attended Minstrels.

-25-

Left Eagle City – am to travel with Manley

& Capt. Barnette – put my packs on sled & walked

on – reached ~~Stam~~ 70 Mile at 1:30 & had lunch

& reached Sheep Creek at 5. Feet badly

blistered – Sled got in at 7.p.m

-26-

[written on diagonal:] Canary Birds

From Sheep Creek to Nation rode on the

sled today as my feet were sore – lying in

good road house telling yarns with miners

& Indians – Old Moses from Porcupine-

-27-

Nation to Washington Creek today – bad

trail – walked 11 miles to N.C. Co. barge

& then rode rest of way – Fine warm

weather - bad trail from here on –

-28-

Left Kuntzs – opposite Washington at 8 oclock

- very late & reached Charlie Creek at 10:30

lunch – Left Charlie Creek at 12.m.

deep snow – bad trail – walked – at 7 p.m.

we were about 2 miles below Charlie river

- the horses down – tired – and sled over

turned. Manley & Barnette camped

on trail for night but I walked 9 miles

to Coal Creek road house – good bed &

nights rest – but my feet are swollen

& sore.

-29^th-

Remained at Coal Creek all day – Manley

& Barnette got in about noon with the team

about worn out. During afternoon the

other teams belonging to Manley & his partners

got in to Coal Creek – also a dog team

with a man and woman. The mail carrier

came in going to Circle & I have made an

arrangement to go that far with him – on

dog sled. Feet getting better but very

sore yet. Kogukuk crowd in –

{Richmond, Marlow, Jurey, Johnson.

-30^th-

Left Coal creek early with Joe, the mail carrier

- the Koyukuk fellows ahead, & came on

to. Bill Elwells place at “30 Mile.”

Took lunch at Webbers – but flew by

as his rabbit stew is even worse than

last year & the bridal chamber bed

still lacking fresh boughs. Elwell

has a young – but very dirty squaw – in

keeping with the rest of the rancherie.

-31^st-

Left Elwells – 30 Mile RoadHouse

at. 6 a.m. – storm of wind and rain in our

faces – snow deep – trails bad. Barnette

& Manley cannot get horses through as

the snow is certainly too deep. Arrived

at 5. pm at Circle City, and put up at

Bob. Geis. Supper at restaurant – the

Koyukuk men took diner with me &

I thus paid them for meals at Webbers,

Elwells and on trail. Bath in

Geis kitchen & in a warm bed – my

feet are nearly well & I feel good -

-April 1-

Visited friends in Circle today – Fred. Batis

took dinner with me at “Tanana Restaurant.”

Claypool. Geoghegan & got in at

5 oclock & report Barnette & Manly coming

having left “30 Mile roadhouse” this morning

with two sleds – single. They will probably

be in tomorrow. Wrote Debbie good letter –

Spent evening at Fred Bates cabin – Claypool

Geoghegan – McInroy. Buckley, Bates.

Enjoyed pictures of Nome, Hanson, Turners,

Cranes, & others. “Give us a drink bar tender” &c.

“Bates old Guitar” and songs – a bottle & good

cheer – Bohemianism buys whisky – but

nothing else. Weighed 181 lbs today

gained on trail – though I walked more

than half the way from Eagle.

-April 2-

Capt. Barnette & Manley got in this morning

from the “Eight Mile Roadhouse” where they passed

the night. They brot my pack – but not my

trunk They will go back with double enders

for the rest of their outfit which they left

at Webbers – where the other teams are

also stranded.

-3-

Sunday. A beautiful day. Will leave

tomorrow morning with Barnette for

Fairbanks. Dinner tonight with Bob

& Mrs. Geis. – Capt. Barnette, McInroy

Claypool & I – guests. Al. Moranzy

& Herrington in from Fairbanks today

with good reports – mines better all the

time.

-4^th-

Left Circle at 10. a.m. – Capt. Barnette

with a double ender sled with hay, grain,

valises &c. on it, and the fine cutter trail

=ing behind – the whole pulled by the

Captains horse “Chub”. Lunch at

12 Mile & night at “Jump off” -

24 Miles. Clear day – warm at

noon but cold morning & evening.

Road fine. Saw pair of red-brown

birds – like parrots – but think they were

waxwings. Canaries everywhere since

we left Eagle. Met Dan. Callahan

going into Circle. Reports from the

mines better all the time – and Cleary

Creek seems best of all. Claypool

Geoghegan, & others will follow us next

Thursday – Roadhouse tonight clean.

-5^th-

From Jump Off to Millers roadhouse

Fine day & good roads. Am riding

in Barnettes new cutter – the first one

ever in the Tanana country – it is tied

on behind the double ender & I ride in

it while Barnette straddles the load.

-6^th-

Good meals & sleep at Miller Roadhouse.

Beautiful morning – glorious sunshine

wild canary birds singing – big band of

cariboo in sight – good trail – summit of

Eagle divide – downhill pull – ~~what~~

good mining prospects ahead – what

more can a man – miner – want in Alaska?

Met Jim Hill, auditor of N.C. & drove with

dog team on his road to Circle - met on

Eagle summit – down to Eagle roadhouse

for the night.

-7^th-

From Eagle to 12 Mile roadhouse.

22 miles, good trail – but walked –

Up 12 Mile glaciers bad - & rode –

remained at “12 Mile” parlors – cabin

14 X 16 – 11 men in bunks – hard bed

-oh yes- they were hard – my sides ache-

Snowing like – but not blowing

The 12 Mile Roadhouse is a new one

built since last spring just in the

woods below where we camped a year

ago- Mr. M. Sickinger, a merchant

from Dawson is traveling in our company

He has a horse & sled with trailer & is

taking in a small stock of goods.

-8^th-

Crossed 12 Mile divide – two teams

& reached Faith Creek at 5 oclock.

Divide trail good – and the Chatnika

fine – glaciered and hard – all the

way to Faith. They tell us here that

there is much & deep water from here

on down. New roadhouse at

this place. The one I occupied last

year is now a stable – thats all

it was fit for then –

-9^th-

Left Faith in good style – but struck

overflow – water and thin ice. Horses broke

through – and water high on sleds. I went

on with Sickenger hand in hand and broke

the upper crust, leaving ten inches or a foot

of water on the heavy under ice. We continued

waded – cussed & the overflow got worse

& more of it. At dark we were within

three miles of the Cassiar R. H. (Pauls).

& we worked very hard to get there - but

in rain – at 11 oclock at night we were

on the old trail in the middle of the river

surrounded by running deep water, with

everything freezing. We finally gave up &

went ashore into the woods & made camp.

I shoveled two feet of snow for the tent

to sit on & at 1 oclock we had supper.

During the day on crossing over long

stretches of river we took the horses

through the woods – wading the snow

& pulled the sleds by hand over the ice.

Hard camp – but we filled up on hot

coffee & rice & rolled in our blankets

& slept fine.

-10^th-

Crossed the river at our camp this morning

with horses on the top ice & pulled our

sleds down a quarter of a mile & across.

Mr. Hess came along with a pair of

snow shoes – I borrowed them & made

a “cut off” around the bad overflow which

kept us back so much yesterday.

Crossed & recrossed the cut off six

times on snow shoes – we got to the

road house – Cassiar – at noon.

After dinner we “mushed on” to Si’s

road house. Bob. Henderson who

works for Barnette came out today

& met us just after we were ready to

cross the cut off. He had B-s dog team

& I drove it down to Si’s & rode some

of the way.

-11^th-

We left Si’s roadhouse early this

morning – took lunch with the Indians

Guinness & Peter at their roadhouse

and reached the Kokomo roadhouse.

It was a very bad trail – I waded water

to my Knees half the day – for miles I

was in the water – running on top of the

ice –wet all day – walked 18 miles.

We are told that the trail is now good with

the exception of one hole – all the way

to Cleary Creek. Barnette & I will

help the teams through that in the morning

& will then go to Fairbanks with his dog

team. Good many teams traveling

on the river – but roads very bad.

-12^th-

Left Kokomo roadhouse early – we helped

the horses across the last bad waterhole in

the river & then Barnette & I took the

dogteam & struck out for Fairbanks.

We spent an hour on Cleary Creek & I was

very much surprised & pleased at the

evidence of mining that I saw there. Where

last spring I saw only a few corner stakes,

a lone cabin and half dozen prospect holes

I now saw cabins, homes, stores, & great

dumps of pay dirt, with a small army of

busy miners getting out more and preparing

for the spring clean up. We took lunch

with the Barber roadhouse, and a good one it

was with home canned fruit (from their own

California ranch) and good coffee. After

noon we crossed the Cleary divide – down

Pedro & Gold Stream, and on into Fairbanks

at 8 oclock – a distance of 35 or 40 miles

today. Mr. Hess had some mail for us – one

letter (Mch. 8^th) from Debbie & one from

Darrell- Went to Edgars & had supper

- bath – and am now going to bed tired

& sleepy after a long hard trip of

400 miles mostly afoot.

-13^th-

Barnettes horse & sleds came in this

evening – also Claypool, Geoghegan, &c

Rested all day – intend to begin operations

on courthouse tomorrow- Many persons

call – including reporter for “Fairbanks

News.” We are to be entertained by the

A.Bs. at a “smoker” Friday evening.

Gained weight on trip and now weigh 183. lb.

-14^th-

Rented room for office today – on Front St.

Received telegrams from Eagle City & Valdez

on business matters there. Instructed Perry

to go ahead with Valdez courthouse, &

Heilig to pay claim of A.C. Co. for material

for Unalaska jail. Endeavoring to get

title to my lot & courthouse & jail site

arranged with N.C. Co & Barnette.

Barnette & Turner agree to confirm but

I refuse to move until they do it. As the

building of the courthouse hangs on their

action they are acting promptly.

-15-

Telegram today to Harlan asking his judgment

about whether Valdez courthouse ought to be

delayed until Congress acts on division bill.

Think he is suggesting delay to Perry & if he

is I want people of Valdez to know it!!

Heard two small applications today in the

new office on Front St. Have just returned

from attending the A.B. “Smoker” – speeches,

good music, beer & sandwiches. I, Hess

& Claypool did the talking – but the real

pleasure of the evening was the fine music

- Morgan & three other violinists – piano &c.

Morgan is a good violinist & Capt. Barnettes

nephew sings well – good time.

-16^th-

Settled up with Frank Cleary as my

agent for corner lot for year – he paid

me $90. bal. and will pay $35 more in full.

I allowed him $107.50 paid to Jesse Noble

for digging shaft on my claim off Discovery

left limit, Cleary, and $165. for work on

claim on Fish Creek. This afternoons

“Fairbanks News.” gave me a good “send-off”

- a flattering notice for my efforts for the

territory this winter while in Washington.

-17^th-

Sunday – Wrote letters – Debbie,

Foster – Fairbanks, &c. Sent C. D. Lane

telegram saying that estimated output

this year $400,000. and urging him to

come – also letter with 10 photos of

dumps &c. on Fairbanks & Cleary Creeks

Dinner with Capt & Mrs. Barnette

-18^th-

Left Fairbanks early with Frank

Cleary & Mr. Hess for a visit to the

creeks. We walked. We estimated

the dumps on Gold Stream & Pedro

& inquired – the output is fairly

$50,000. Took dinner with

Jerry, at Golden City – four log

huts - & reached No 1 Below {Cleary Creek} at

6 oclock. Saw Willig & Jesse Noble

& will talk with them in the morning

My feet are blistered & swollen again

-19^th-

Remained all night with Frank Cleary

at his cabin on No. 1. Below Discovery on

Cleary Creek. Small cabin 14 X 18 ft.

rough floor, dirty walls, sheet iron Yukon

stove, bacon on the wall, unswept, -

two bunks covered with only a blanket

to sleep on & robe over us for covering

I slept with Mr. Hess – and nearly froze.

Tea, muggy bread – bacon & stewed apples

& musty beef for supper – coffee – muggy

bread & bacon for breakfast – and it

tasted good. Saw Willig and had a

long talk with him – he will put in a

fire & I will have Jesse Nobel pan

in his shaft and come to some conclusion

about taking up his option. Also

went over my claim off Discovery on Cleary

left limit. – Noble tells me that he found

4 feet of dirt from 3{c} to 5¢ per pan –

pay dirt- The claim adjoining above

is being thoroughly prospected by ~~Mattson~~

Mattison. Ronan & Esterly – they find

good dirt pretty general – but not rich.

The rich pay is being found on

Discovery & 1-2-3 & 4 below, and

on the last few days on the side claims

on the right limit. Took dinner

& supper with Jesse Noble & am to stay

here all night. Feet are ok today.

Cleary Creek camp is active & feverish.

Great dumps of dirt out on Dis. No 1,

& from there down to 9. New cabins are

going up and almost every day now

shafts are found to reach the “pay” at

a new point. Already the pay streak

is found to be 800 feet or nearly so in

width at #1. below.

-20^th-

With Jesse Noble staking 2^nd

Bench off Discovery Cleary Cr.

Begun on my N.W. Gov. Stake 1^st

Bench off Dis. left limit thence west

up hill – Marked my N.W. Cor.

1^st Bench stake – “N.E. Cor. 2^nd

Bench, Discovery. April 20, 1904

Wickersham” – thence up hill

on line, as near as we could go through

the woods 330 ft & marked center

tree stake “N. Center, 2^nd Bench

off Discovery, April 20, 1904

Wickersham,” – thence up hill

about 330 ft. to spruce tree squared

on four sides, & marked “N.W.

Corner Bench Claim No. 2, Discovery

April 20, 1904 – Wickersham

- thence southerly & as near parallel

to the west line of Bench Claim No 1

as possible. – We ran south but

failed to find any line up hill from the

SW Cor. of No 1. off Discovery

so without marking the SW. cor

of No 2. off Dis. we went down

to the SW. cor. of No 1. off Discovery.

Finding that the second bench off

No 1. Above Dis. had not been staked

we began at the S.W. Cor. of No 1. Bench

of Dis. & the stake marked, “North

West Corner Stake No 1.A. Side

Claim” & ran a line south to

meet the S.W. cor. of the Side claim

of No. 1 Above Dis – on its west

line. On my S.W. corner stake I

put notice of 2^nd Bench off left

limit of No. 1. Above Dis. as follows:

“N.E. Cor. 2^nd Bench off No 1. above

Discovery, April 20, 1904, Jas. Wickersham”

About 800 feet south of my S.W. Cor

is stake marked on east side as follows

“South West Cor. Stake of Bench Claim

No. 1.” on south side “Center stake

of fraction between No 1 & No 2 Bench

Claim on Cleary Creek.”

On the west side of that stake I wrote “S.E.

corner of 2^nd Bench of No 1. above Discovery

April 20, 1904, Wickersham-“

Then ran west up hill, following a

plain blazed trail about 660 feet

- probably more, to a stake made

by cutting off a spruce tree & squaring

it four feet above ground – on its south

face, we could plainly read “N.W. corner

stake” the rest was obliterated by

scorching last year in forest fire.

We then ran north to meet the upper

line of Bench No 2, Above Dis.

Marked north side of this stake

as follows, “S.W. Corner No

2 Bench off No1. above Discovery

left limit.” April 20, 1904,

J. Wickersham”. Then ran north

to point directly up hill from the
S.W. Cor. of my 1^st Bench off Dis.

& ~~marked~~ about 660 feet, more or

or less west, and marked burned

tree (spruce.) square on four sides.

On south side marked “N.W. Corner

2^nd Bench off No1. above discovery

April 20, 1904, J. Wickersham”

and on the north side marked

“SW corner 2^nd Bench off discovery

April 20, 1904, Wickersham

This on line run from N.W Corner

south – this morning. Then

we ran line from upper corner

between 2^nd Bench of Dis. &

2^nd bench off No 1. above – east

to the stake at the S.W. corner

of 1^st Bench off Discovery.

Jesse Noble did all blazing

and I wrote the notices & record.

April 20, James Wickersham

1904: All four of my

posts on No 1. Bench Cl.

off Discovery are standing

O.K. writing clear and

legible.

Went over this afternoon to Willigs

on No. 2. Above – to pan & with his

consent given yesterday took Jesse Noble

along to assist in doing the panning –

but he refused today to permit Noble

to go into the mine. Could do nothing

anyway as the mine was too warm from

the fire – to thaw – but will go over in the

morning & test the dirt he brings up.

Have concluded to do nothing until I

go in town – and probably not then.

I don’t like the prospects or his actions.

Manley came into camp tonight &

brought my trunk. He had a hard time

with the horses, from Faith Creek down.

My trunk was a little wet – but not

enough to hurt. Got some mail –

Mrs. Dr. King brought it from Eagle –

One letter from Debbie – she is not so

well – one from Darrell scolding like

a magpie, one from Walter Clark

about politics in Wash. D.C. &c.

-21^st-

Went over to see Hans Austin this morning

he told me that he did not do the assessment

work on the “Black Diamond” claim on Fish

Creek for Pete. Wilson & has no interest

in the claim – this makes my title perfect.

Went up to see Willig – we washed

up two buckets from No. 2, A. Dis on

Cleary & got 75¢. Dinner at Bar

-bers, & then up Chatham and over to

Fairbanks. Met Bill Ewing, col

ored man, from Tacoma – has lay on

Discovery, & is making money fast-

Went down to 3 below – McKinnon

& Purchas – had supper with them &

then came up to 2B. – Meehan, Larson

& McMann & spent night with Cleary.

Hess is down at Cheesman’s.

-22^nd-

Staid all night with Tom Larson and

Mike McMann. Had good breakfast

& left for home up Fairbanks Creek at

7:30 afoot. A beautiful morning and a

good trail up the north side of the creek

to the summit – along the summits between

Fairbanks & Wolf & Chatham & between

Bear & Pedro & Twin, down to Costas

“Golden City”. Glorious view of distant

coast range as well as the nearer ranges

all tinged with royal blue. Dinner

at Golden City, with Cleary – my trunk

was there and Manley came along with

sled & horse going into town – he took it

& got into Gold Stream & got it wet the

second time. Home at 6 oclock – dinner

& bath. Telegram from Mr. C. D. Lane

saying that Louis was coming in but he could

not get here until August 15^th.

-23^rd-

Thos. McMahon, formerly Comr. at Eagle

came in this morning & brought me a

letter from Debbie – it was delivered to him at

Circle – She is coming up to Tacoma to be

there when the U.S. cruiser “Tacoma” is there

with Darrell aboard – and will then

go to Yakima for the month of May & up here

in June – Heard some small matters & granted

licenses – Opened bids on courthouse as follows

D. H. Delaney, labor $1273.75

A. Fredericks, “ $1550.00

Rutherford & Raymond, “ $1550.00

McMullin & Nichols, labor & material $3750.00

A. Fredericks, labor & material $4750.00

Chas. Fischer, ~~labor~~ $1684.00

Rutherford & Raymond 1^st Bid, labor $1600.00

“ “ 1^st bid labor & material 5800.00

“ “ 2^nd bid labor & material 5575.00

Chas. Schiek, labor 1650.00

“ “ labor & material 4900.00

Bids opened in presence of Hess & Long &

myself & filed with Long, Deputy Clerk.

Let matter go over until Monday without awarding

contract as we expect to make some changes – not

any amount – but a letter & will probably

then let the contrast to McMullin & Nichols.

Began preparation opinion in re naturalization

of John Pavloff – or “John Minook”.

Have just had a talk with J. Tod Cowles, Comr.

for this precinct. Told him that complaint had

been made about his conduct – that I was informed

that he had been consorting openly in broad

daytime with prostitutes and had often been

drunk, had visited the vicious low dance halls &

had danced there, &c. &c. He admitted the truth

of the complaints. I then told him about the

friendship I had for his father – of Mrs. W ’s for

Mrs. Claypool, his sister, &c. and appealed to

him to quit his bad practices. But I also told

him that after the first of this quarter I would

not credit him with clerical assistance, except

{for} what appeared to be more than he could fairly

do in proper office hours, - in other words, I told

him – he must go to work and do an honest

days labor – each day – and I would only

allow him for clerical aid over that amount.

I hope this talk and arrangement will bring

him up, and that hard work will keep him away

from the evil road down which he is galloping.

His conduct has been so bad that the decent

women in the camp refuse to associate with him.

But I cannot bring myself to dismiss him

on account of his youth, his family and my

hope that he will stand up and do better now.

-25^th-

Have bought lot at N.E. cor. of First Ave.

& Noble St. – 50 ft on 1^st Ave & 75 ft. on

Noble St. from A. R. Thomas - $175.00

I bought through H. J. Miller, atty, & paid

him $10.00 extra. Heard application of

McChesney v Hill – for appointment of a

receiver for the “Fairbanks News,” overruled

demurrer to Comp – case over to 26^th – 2 oclock

Have concluded not to take up my

option with Willig for purchase of half

interest in his mining holdings –

So far he has no showing on any of his

claims to justify the investment – and

I cannot afford to speculate too far.

Mrs. W s condition bids me be careful

also, for I must have money always on

hand to meet his necessities. Told

him this afternoon that I would not buy-

- I may & probably will lose the $400. paid

on the option – but thats to be expected once

in a while. Bot. two Navajo blankets from

Miller also - $20.00. Much interest now being

taken in building a road from town to the

mines. Everybody clearing streets, lots, &c

Ducks & geese – spring & sunshine.

-26^th-

Invited by A. B. Lodge to deliver public lecture

Sunday evening on my trip to Mt. McKinley.

- accepted.

-27^th-

Decided case of McChesney v Hill yester

-day – refused to appoint a receiver

& held that McChesney had no interest.

Town has begun to survey streets – caused

heavy iron post to be put four feet in the

ground at the southeast corner of jail &

courthouse reservation as the initial point

all surveys based on that point. Have

secured transfer of $2000. to town from

licenses paid therein for use of town & schools.

-28^th-

Marston & Mace here to sell me Marstons

½ interest in Dis. on Wolf & ½ interest in 1^st

Bench off Discovery. Was told that

there was some overlap with Barnettes

1^st Bench off Discovery claim on Cleary but

asked Barnette and he said that the Wolf

creek bench was first and that it was full

claim and no contest on his part.

Have just received deed from Marston

Mace and McGinley for ½ interest in Dis=

=covery claim on Wolf & 1^st Bench off Discovery

Right Limit. This leaves me partners – or rather

cotenants in Discovery with two other

men & in Bench with Mace. Did not pay

Marston & will not until I get the lien

of mortgages fixed up as agreed upon.

-29-

Bot Marston & Maess half interest in Discovery

on Wolf & Bench off Dis- paid $850 –

& secured release of judgments & mortgage

Deed on record yesterday. Two years

ago I disbarred J. C. Kellum for unpro

=fesional conduct at Eagle City. Today he

presents a petition from all the lawyers asking

for his reinstatement – I will grant it,

as I think the good sought to be done has

been fully accomplished. River going to

peices rapidly. N.C. Co. working cutting ice &

moving str. “Isabelle” & barge “Otter” up behind

Johansens mill for safety.

-30^th-

Telegram from Henderson at Valdez saying

that Congress has adjourned and that Humes

of Seattle is the Washington candidate against

me for judge. I am not surprised for

he is able to secure both Ankeny {senator}

& Humphreys {M.C.}

Sullivan & the Railroad crowd will also aid him

as will the North Dakota “push”. He may be

successful – one thing is quite sure, if he

is that he is too good a lawyer and too

strong a man to be controlled by a few

disreputable jury fixers. Have also

telegraphed Henderson not to do anything

in the way of politics for me – Do not

intend to do anything in the matter except

to keep still & get the business ready to turn

over to my successor whoever he may

be. Decided two cases today.

Have telegraphed Harlan, Dist. Atty.

Eagle that I desire to appoint Abe Spring

license collector for the Yukon district

& also desire him to appoint him Asst. Dist.

Atty. without salary.

-May 1-

Beautiful May day! Ice breaking up in

the river – Co. working hard to get he Str. “Isabelle

& barge “Otter” up being Sawmill Point before it

goes out entirely. Delivered my talk on

Mt. McKinly to a crowded house at A.B.

Hall tonight.

-May 2^nd

Recd bids today for furnishing lumber

{& shingles} on

the ground for courthouse. B. D Mills

$2862.69 Noyes $2873. & Parker & Canott

- part of lumber only & no shingles at $60.

per M – just the same – so far as he goes as

Mills – Mills bid is the lowest.

-May 3^rd-

Beautiful day: Ice moving. Carried away the

new piers for bridge at east end of Wendell Ave.

Str. “Isabelle” & Barge “Otter” safe back of Sawmill

Point. Made order reinstating J. C. Kellum

as lawyer – disbarred him Aug 21, 1902 for crooked

work in defending Beaumont – from Ft. Yukon.

Have appointed Abe Spring, license inspector

salary $150.00 per month. Recd. telegram

from Henderson saying that Washington

delegation (Senators & Reps.) had endorsed Joe.

Easterday & Humes of Seattle, as well as

me for the Alaskan Judgeship!! What do

you think of a U.S. Senator who is so weak kneed

that he will endorse every body for everything!

I hate a damn coward – and most of all one

who is a U.S. Senator.

-May 4^th-

The ice broke in the river yesterday but

only in part, and only ran down a mile and

jammed – Today it went out entirely.

The Chena is clear – but the Tanana is

not yet broken except in places – The

“Isabelle” and “Otter” are safe & untouched.

Am negotiating with Dave Petree to put up a

building on my lot corner Cushman & 1^st Ave.

building to pay for share in property-

-5-

River running clear & high – ice in small

quantities. Hearing in injunction case of

Morency, et. al vs. Condon et. al. over

No 6. on Fairbanks Creek. Two or three times

- and again today – Capt. B – has intimated his

intention to take me in – when my term of office

is ended, as a partner in a valuable claim –

which is now in litigation. I have each time

turned the conversation – but the next time I will

“roast” him so that he wont want me for a

partner or any thing else-. Some men are

so miserly that it amounts to dishonesty.

I didnt understand at first – and even today

it was’nt so pointed or certain that I could

quite say what I thought – I just walked

away – Yukon river breaking also accord

=ing to the telegraph-

-May 7^th-

Heard the case of Morency v. Floyd, et.

al. yesterday on application for injunction

& receiver – Opinion rendered today deny

=ing both - & virtually deciding the case on merits

Bot. two wooden Alaska chairs from Widman.

Beautiful summer weather – We now hear

that the Yukon has gone out – the Chena &

Tanana are clear & boats ought to come soon.

-May 8^th-

Sunday – Made three window boxes & Lizzie

planted flower seed for me – Have invited

Capt & Mrs. Barnette & Frank Cleary

to take dinner with me this evening at 6:30

at Mrs. Napoleon Dupras new restaurant

on 2^nd Ave. She has fine roast goose, &c.

Dinner with Barnettes – Cleary could

not be found in time – dinner fine.

May 9^th-

Went duck hunting at 4 a.m. this morning

with Dr. Hall, Harry Badger & Bob. Sherman

Badger & I came back without anything – went

out to lake east of town near the hill –

beautiful morning – birds – ducks, mountains.

-May 10^th-

Have been for two or three days negotiating

with Willig about a final completion of our

contract or option to purchase an undivided

half interest in his claims on Cleary, Gold Stream

Pedro, Bear & other creeks. Have finally agreed

to lend him $2050, and to take a mortgage

covering that and the $200 paid him last spring

= $2250. for 6 months time at 12% per annum.

At the same time he gave me an option to pur

=chase within 6 mo. an undivided ½ interest

in the claims for $5,000. Have paid him as

follows:

Paid to Turner, in his presence - - $983.00

Paid to him in cash - - 867.00

Retain to pay to Burg & Zeigler - - 200.00

Paid him last spring - - 200.00

Amount of Mortgage $2250.00

Recorded mortgage and contract to purchase.

-11^th-

Frank Cleary has been here for two

weeks or more trying to get the right to

build on my lot, and Hess’ in connection

with a common plan with Barnette.

Finally agreed & drew a contract & submitted

it yesterday – but like the weak sister that

he has recently shown himself to be – this

morning early he left for the mines on

Cleary Creek accompanied by a fair but frail

one – who it is said is after his claim – she

certainly has him in charge. In the afternoon

heard two cases & Capt Barnette sent

me word that he wished to consider

the proposition offered to Frank.

This afternoon parties “jumping” fractions

on south end of lots fronting on First Ave-

east of Noble St- saved mine by my clearing

&c: put up tent on it. Busy preparing

opinion in re Naturalization Minook.

-12^th-

Busy on my opinion in re Naturalization

of John Minook – Geoghegan is modeling

the translation of the Russian ukase of 1844

in relation to the rights of Russian subjects.

Heard the application of McGinley v Harrington

dissolution of partnership, & appointed E. J. Steir

receiver of the partnership property. Find that

by securing the fraction on corner of First

Ave & Noble street that I now have 90 ft of

fine property – Beautiful weath[er?] & the town

looks good – buildings going up in all directions-

-Friday the 13^th-

One would expect something unfortunate

or unhappy to happen on Friday the 13^th!

Got a telegram from Debbie saying:

“I feel well but think best not to come.”

I am greatly disappointed – for either – or

both maybe – her health is such that she

can not come – or the appearances lead

her to think I will not be reappointed –

- possibly she thinks it too long and hard

a trip for so short a stay – Will

telegraph her tomorrow to come if she

is not too sick to stand the journey.

Appointed receiver for dump on No

7 Fairbanks today – Gagnon v. Tracey {et. al}

Appointed Pat. Whalen, who took the

oath &c. and went out at once. Beautiful

weather, wish Debbie was here.

-14^th-

Decided case of Town v Courtemarch – a

case of trespass on the water front street, and

fired defendant off the street. Working yet

on Naturalization case – it is extremely impor

=tant and far reaching in its consequences.

Str. “Isabelle” got up steam this afternoon

& ran down to woodyard – she goes on an excur

=sion to Chena tomorrow.

-15^th-

Beautiful Sunday – Several parties got in

from Valdez – came down from Delta on raft

report 3 women & 3 men on upper end of Chena

slough – be down in few days – Bob. Coles among them.

Completed locations on Cleary – off Discovery & No 1 above

2^nd benches – Jesse Noble signed as witness.

-16^th-

Finished my opinion in Re Naturalization

of John Minook, holding him to be a

of the United States, first, by virtue of

the treaty of 1867 with Russian, and second

even if an Indian half-breed, - under the

provisions of the Indian severalty bill of

1887. Also heard the case of the town of

Fairbanks v Mogeau – on demurrer & held

demurrer bad – because town had authority

to protect its own streets. Bob. Coles

& the rest of the Valdez people came into

town today – came down from the mouth

of Delta river in a canoe – 3 women &

three men. The mail also came in

- got letter from Darrell – also official

mail from Henderson.

-17^th-

Wrote to Count Cassini, Russian Embass

=ador, Washington, sending him copy of my

opinion in Re Naturalization of Minook,

and asking him to have it translated into

Russian for me – also to criticise it &

offer additional facts, citations &c.

Also wrote to Senator Fairbanks sending

him copy, & thanking him for speaking

so fair in the Senate about me on the

date of the passage of the Alaska bills.

on March 10^th See Cong. Record of that date

Also wrote Henderson returning several

papers to him, - court file & an order

to pay Nannie W as copyist.

The scheme to put up a large building on

block between Front & Second Ave – Cushman

& Turner Sts. is “off” for the present.

-18^th-

At work fencing & preparing to build

house – Debbie telegraphed she would

come. Also rented 20 X 40 ft

ground – back end of my Cushman

st. ground to Tom. Pierce, negro

for restaurant = $50. per month.

-19^th-

Telegraphed Debbie $200 – N. Co.

Co. sent it to Empire Transportation

Co. Seattle, & I telegraphed her to get

it there. Work on place fencing & gardening.

-22^nd-

Have worked last three days on building

fence &c at my proposed summer residence

at corner of First Ave & Noble St. (N.E. Cor).

Am building the first picket fence in the

Tanana valley – real planed pickets & will

paint them. Have put on my old clothes &

worked hard, digging postholes, sawing &

driving nails. Will begin on the house tomorrow

But little legal work – am examining the

papers in submitted case today – New

Hospital (Bishop Rowes (Episcopal), - New

restaurant on my lot & barber shop adjoining

-24^th-

House going up rapidly – we have to carry

all the lumber from the saw mill on our

backs – there is not yet a wagon in the

Tanana country, - except one made

by nailing lumber together for wheels –

Lumber costs me $75.00 per M. rough

& $100. planed – carpentered $12.50 per

day & common labor $1.00 per hour,

- consequently I work hard myself-

Capt. Barnette informed me today

that an attorney in Seattle had written

to J. C. Kellum, lawyer, asking for

certified copy of all conveyances made

from him (Barnette) to me & Barnette

informed me further that he supposed the

information was desired by or in the interest

of Causten, Dep. Col. Customs, St. Micheal

who, so B says, claims to have some

interest in his (Bs.) mining claims – Luckily

I have bought none from him & will not.

Telegram from Harlan today saying that both

parties desire U.S. v. Idleman tried at

Juneau. Answered that I would approve it.

Also telegram from Henderson Valdez,

that Grigsby had been permitted to resign

July 1^st. Verily the Dakota pull is

strong with Roosevelt.

-May 28^th-

My house is about done – all but doors

& windows – The “Cudahy” is at Chena

- or near there, at noon – and the Str. “Isabelle”

has gone down to bring up her passengers.

The “Monarch” is about the mouth of the

Tanana, while the “Rock Island” ought

to be there also tonight. Heilig and

Harlan are on the Rock Island & also

Louis Lane. I am having trouble with

J. Tod Cowles, Comr. Since talking to him

on April 25^th his conduct has grown

steadily worse, - until now he stands

in the saloons night after night playing

games, and openly consorting with whores.

One of these – the “Sheeny” whore – a Jewess

has him completely under her control

and she sleeps at his house openly

and notoriously – he hugs and kisses

her in public – standing drunk at the

bar &c. Many complaints are made to

me and I feel that I can no longer fail

to act – Hess has just called to talk

the matter over – I asked Abe Spring to see

Hess & put him in motion which he did.

At my suggestion Hess went over & told

Cowles that unless he resigned at once

he would file official charges against

him, and make the matter public: he

asked Hess to wait until Monday, but

Hess refused – and he is to let Hess

know within an hour what he will do.

I regret the matter very much for Claypool

alone is to blame for destroying this young

mans prospects. I saw Claypool going

to dinner today at noon – down the public

street with a sore faced whore known as

“Birdie”, whom he keeps. He and Tod

have two beds in one room and each

keeps a whore – both in the same room.

They are out every night, - drunk with their

whores – it is open, notorious, bad!

and I intend to put a stop to it at once.

Cowles has just resigned & he and Claypool

both write me nice letters thanking me for my

confidence & friendship. I hope this unhappy

chapter is now finally ended -

-May 29^th-

The “Cudahy” could not reach Chena as

soon as was expected on account of low water

in the Tanana, - she came there at 1. a.m. this

morning only – the “Isabelle” and our Fairbanks

“boosters” remained all night & telegraph

that they will be in here at noon with such

passengers as are coming to this place –

Sent Rob. Coles and Abe Spring out to

Isabelle creek yesterday and they staked

fourteen claims as follows.

No 13. Abe Spring No 14 Dolly Spring.

No 11. W. E. Clark No 12 Rob. Coles.

No. 9. R. H. Geoghegan No 10. D H. Jarvis.

No 7. J. Wick No 8. Thos. Sammons

No 5. D. S. Wick. No 6 D. P. W

No 3. H. C. Strouse No 4. Jake Jacobson.

No 1. L. A. Brown No 2. E. A. Henderson

Locations made – but not yet recorded-

“Isabelle” came in with about 60 passengers

from the “Cudahy” – who report the “Monarch”

but twelve hours behind. Most of the people

seem to be coming to this town - & include

miners, - but principally storekeepers, machinery

men &c. “Isabelle” left for “Cudahy” again

this evening having in town a barge for freight.

-May 30^th (Decoration day).

Telegram this forenoon from Abe Spring who

went down with “Isabelle” saying that the

“Monarch” is at mouth of Chena, & the “Isabelle”

is taking her freight & passengers & both will

come up to Fairbanks today.

-May 31^st

A very blue day, yesterday and today,

for many – as the river is so low that the

boats cannot get up to Fairbanks

and our Chena friends are knocking

this town effectively on account of it.

In spite of the low water the “Isabelle”

is plugging away – carrying freight & pass

=engers from the Tanana to Fairbanks

- Capt. Barnette is working night & day –

200 or 300 people are now here, & to

my surprise they are coming to this

town!! I really expected that the low

water would frighten many of them into

settling at Chena – but they are not.

Several heavy firms from Dawson

- machinery men – grocers & storekeepers

are here and all others coming. Tents

are going up – houses ditto, & every place

is overflowing. The “Tanana Chief”

came up today loaded, and every poling

boat on the river is at work. – Several

teams & wagons came & at last a

farm wagon & good team of mules is

to be seen in the Tanana valley.

June 1^st

The people are still coming & the

scare of the last two days is over – at

first some of the new comers threatened

to remain in Chena – but none did.

The price of real estate is going up –

- new buildings – new schemes, &c., and

the news from the mines is better each day.

Jesse Noble sold his half interest in

Dis. on Cleary Creek & in No 1. above to

T. G. Manley yesterday for $50,000.00

& this lets the speculation loose. The

“Rock Island” arrived at the mouth

of the Chena today but cannot come up.

- Harlan & Heilig are aboard – Louis

Lane came up this evening in a small

boat – Fuller of Dawson, Louis & I

will go out to the creeks in a couple of

days. The town is full of people.

everything is astir – Sargent & Pinski

gents furnishing goods, are building on

the corner of 3^rd & Cushman – tent, others

are putting up temporary structures &

getting buildings up as fast as possible.

Joined with Fuller, Mills, Turner

& Sargent in a telegram to Roediger

& McIntyre. Dawson, advising them

to send newspaper plant at once.

The “News” man here is a “dead one” & I

hope to see his plant absorbed & a good

daily paper going in a week or two –

Recd. telegram from Henderson saying

that Pres. Roosevelt would appoint a

Comr. this week to examine judicial

districts in Alaska – hope it is so

for he certainly needs to know a few

facts concerning the doings of the officers

here – he needs to learn the truth-

-June 2^nd

Heilig, Harlan & Ed. reached Fair

=banks this morning. Everybody &

everything on boats coming here & Chena

seems not to get much. Branch &

Wilson, machinery men, have bought

Wendells lot. cor. 1^st Ave & Noble St.

opposite my own, & will put up depot

hardware there. Sargent & Pinkski have

built tent warehouse cor. Cushman &

3^rd – other houses going up in all direction

No doors or windows for my house yet-

but sowed timothy, bluegrass & clover

seed in my yard today. Mail.

Recd. long letter from Walter E. Clark

- who has been conducting my fight with

Pres. & the Atty Genl. and most satisfactorily

too. He is a friend worth having & so is

Jarvis, whose letters he used - he

writes me that Alex. McKenzie, of

N. Dakota is personally conducting

the war against me – of course in the

interest of Richards - & the Helen crowd

- through Burleigh.

-June 2^nd-

Perry did not come with Harlan

& Heilig but waits Mrs. P coming.

They may come on the “Leah” – I hope

Debbie comes – Recd. happy letter from

her – she is greatly pleased at the very

cordial reception given by the people of

Tacoma to Darrell – the graduating Tac

=oma boy on the cruiser “Tacoma”. which

is there (or was when she wrote) to receive a

silver service. Debbie presented the

ward room of the “Tacoma” with a handsome

picture of the Mountain. My desk

& chair have arrived & the court house

is going up – things are doing here.

Fairbanks is just now a typical boom

western mining camp.

June 4^th

Just paid lumber bill for my house $313.81

Recd my March salary – Roberts, the

freighter from Chena, came to me today to

lease my lot, cor Cushman St.. – for his

use in running a store for the N.A.T. Co!

Think of Hendricks & Belt, the Chena boom

=ers, being forced to come to Fairbanks!

This is the result of everybody’s coming

on here – and refusing to stop there. They

are, however, trying to force Roberts into making

another blunder for them by going across

to East Fairbanks! They made one blunder

in moving to Chena last spring and their

removal to “Graehl” or East Fairbanks

would be just as bad another.

-June 6^th-

Have today leased my lot corner

Cushman & First Ave. to George Apple

for three years - $200 per month for

the first year - $300. per month for the

second year & $250. per month for the

third year. He is also to put a good

building on the lot to cost not less than

$5000. and I have the privilege of

buying it at the end of the term at one

half its actual value. This makes

an average rental of $3600 per year for

the whole lot – the part formerly leased

to Tom Pierce for restaurant purposes

bringing me an additional $53.75

per month. River rising – the “Rock

Island” & “Leah” are coming & ought to

get in without trouble. Raining up river

Working to finish my house &c

-8^th-

Have had to settle matter of copying

the records from Circle – Claypool has

neglected this important matter – but

I have finally consented that he might

go ahead and complete it now &

Stier, Comr. has consented also.

Working on my house every day –

Married Ben F. Sherman and

Josie Large, this evening. The lady

has long been known as Mrs. Evans, but

says she was not married – I asked

both bride and groom that question

during the ceremony.

-June 9^th-

The “Rock Island” and “Leah” came

into Fairbanks this morning at 5. oc.

Reynoldson – 96 passengers came.

Letter from Stephen Birch - says

that he has assurances that I will

be reappointed. Learned yesterday

by telegraph from Henderson, Valdez,

that District Attorney Young – of Pitts

=burg, Pennsylvania, has been appointed

a commissioner to examine into charges

preferred against Gov. Brady, Judge

Brown and me-

-June 11^th

The steamer “Leah” stuck fast

halfway down the “slough” and did

not get out into the Tanana. The

Str. “Lavelle Young” came into the

slough yesterday & last night came

up near town – went on a bar &

discharged her cargo – 20 head of

cattle – and a cow! the first in the

Tanana country by boat, - or otherwise

Wm. McIntyre, from Dawson

News, came in. He has newspaper

plant he wants to put in here. Am

about done with my house.= plan

[sketch of house plan]

[captions:] Back fence

closet Door 12 X 14 14 X 16 Door

Lot 50 ft. sq.

Noble St.

[written on side:] Front or 1^st Ave.

Have been particular to make the house

tight & warm. Have it beautifully paper

=ed. Have good carpet of Japanese matting

good cook stove, filter, hat rack of a

moose horn, &c. also flowers. Two

very comfortable rooms & good spring bed.

-12^th -

Ed. Reynoldson has been trying for

two days to find out if Mrs. W is

coming from Eagle with Mr & Mrs.

Perry, who leave there today on the

“Sarah” – as also do Mrs. Reynoldson

& Florence Heilig, - but he cannot

get an answer – they all evade that

question – so I am suspicious that

she is coming. She is probably trying

to surprise me – as she knows nothing

about my income here – recently agreed upon –

nor the house – I hope to surprise her.

-~~May~~ June 13^th

Court met today in the new court

house – minus doors & windows –

the first session of the District Court

ever held in the Tanana country-

Present – James Wickersham

Judge. N. W. Harlan, dist. attorney.

A. R. Heilig, clerk. Ed. Reynoldson

& Ed. Wickersham, dept. marshals-

L. C. Hess, asst. dist. atty. John Drake

crier & bailiff. Grand jury empanelled.

Limbocker appointed foreman, - 19

members present. Instructed grand jury

about their duties & sent them out to work.

Nothing else possible – as carpenters must

finish building. Reynoldson received

telegram from Eagle today saying that

his wife, the Perrys, & Mrs. Wickersham

left there yesterday for Fairbanks

Paid all bills on house today – do

not owe a cent – and my property

here in Fairbanks & at the mines seems

sufficiently valuable to put me out

of Poverty Flat. Hope so for Debbies

sake – as well as my own -

14^th

Nothing of any interest in court today-

First bridge across the Chena river going

up – Archie Burns building it at the

foot of Cushman St.

16^th

The “Lavelle Young” left the mouth of the

Tanana yesterday morning – Debbie &

others aboard – busy in court each day

Grand jury at work – and the usual petty

blackmail going on.

-17^th-

Bridge across Chena river – Cushman

St. done. Str. “Lavelle Young” – due – but not

heard yet – Indictments against Hiltz,

for the murder of Massey at Ft. Gibbon

McConnell for bringing in & selling liquors

without license &c. beginning to get busy in

court. Evening – no boat – no wife!

I am having trouble – as usual – with small

people trying to attack public officers before

the grand jury – they – Morgan & others who are

living with women in adultery – trying to

indict Abe Spring – Town Attorney & other town

officers for fining the prostitutes! They are also

circulating a scandalous story about Edgar and

an Indian girl and generally attempting

to discredit the officers and prevent prosecutions.

The difficulty is aggravated by Heilig & Long –

Clerk & Depty – giving them aid and comfort.

I shall remove both Long & Mrs. Heilig at

the end of this term & notify Heilig that officers

must stand together to enforce the law.

11 p.m. – Debbie is here!

-18^th-

Court – arraignment of McConnell &c

assigment calendar for next week.

Getting house in shape – John Conna

appointed janitor of Fairbanks courthouse.

-21^st-

Str. “Koyukuk” reached here today

after hanging on bars in the Chena

river for more than 48 hours. Have

got court to moving – slowly – but

moving. Trial today – not guilty.

Debbie sick in bed with another hard

“chill” from cold. Maess[?], my partners

in 1^st Bench claim off Discovery on

Wolff creek, sold his half interest, or

rather made contract to sell it by Sept. 1

to Crawford, who prospects it in the

meantime.

24^th

Trial of U.S. v. Chas. Hiltz, for murder

of H. J. Massey – “Roosh” – at Tanana

on all week – given to jury tonight.

Telegram from Henderson at Valdez saying

that Roosvelt & Fairbanks are

nominated for President & V.P. at

Rep. Nat. Con. Sent Senator Fairbanks

telegram as follows:

Fairbanks Alaska, June 24, 1904

Hon. Charles W. Fairbanks

Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Fairbanks Alaska congratulates Fairbanks

of Indiana.”

Business of the court is increasing

and it is going to be a long & important

term – for a new country.

-27^th-

Have heard rumor that a man by the name

of Johnson from Dawson intended to “jump”

my claim off Discovery, left limit. Cleary

so sent Pat. Whalen out yesterday

evening to take possession & do the

assessment work for the year on my

Bench claim off Discovery.

-30^th-

Very busy in court. One jury case

after another – three rape cases &

three murder cases this week. Grand

jury made final report today & was

discharged – Have two trial juries

out now – Business very satisfactory.

-July 1^st-

Trial U.S. v. Ledger, murder at Koyukuk

on – Strs. “Lavelle Young”, & “Koyukuk”

in with passengers & freight from the

“Susie.” Recent rains raised the river &

it is now high – the “Leah” got out days

ago – navigation clear. Father Munroe

S. J. from Eagle, & many others on “Young”

Beautiful weather. Debbie & I now

sleeping in a tent at front door.

2^nd

Jury in Ledger case found him

guilty of manslaughter

-July 4^th-

A glorious day & a splendid

celebration. Everyone took a great

interest – cleaned the streets – made

4 horse wagon “floats”, decorated

houses &c with flags & bunting &c

Florence Heilig read Declaration of

Independence. I delivered oration &

Mrs. Napoleon Dupras sang “Star

Spangled Banner”. Bessie Stone

was Goddess of Liberty – games –

baseball – tug of war, boat races, &c.

-8^th-

A busy week – case a day – jury –

Sentenced Francis Ledger today –

20 years penitentiary for manslaughter

- for the ruthless and premeditated killing

of Daniel J. McCarty at Gold Bar

digging on the Koyukuk – he also

killed at the same time Frank Messerole

- McCartys partner – neither of whom were

armed. Also sentenced Joe. Alf. for

assault with intent to commit rape – 3 yrs.

Am now beginning on the civil trial docket.

Much more trouble with Tod Cowles &

Claypool – Cowles “girl” – Mabel Bage[?]

a prostitute has gone off with Billy

James & Tod threatens to commit

suicide – he has’nt the courage though!

Town of Fairbanks is booming – the

spring rush has located here in spite of

low water - & constant court &c. have

settled things here – seemingly – permanently.

George Apple has built a fine two story

business house on the front part of my lot

42 X 68 ½ ft sq. 17 rooms upstairs &

business houses below. Trial – jury – today

Harrington & McGinley v. Marston & Maess.

-11^th-

Sent Judge Moore copy of my correspondence

with Dept. of Justice about Richards case & also

called his attention to Rustgards attack upon

the judiciary – Also wrote McGinn who

is to have copies of correspondence sent

the Judge – Also wrote Rustgard & demand

=ed a categorical answer to questions &

his proofs – Sent Mrs. Fairbanks

picture of Charles Fairbanks Gerig[?],

who was born in Fairbanks, Alaska,

Nov. 9, 1903 – the day the town was organized

- the first white child born in the Tanana

valley – or country. Engaged in the

trial of civil jury cases-

-13^th-

Tried equity – mining case yesterday – Today

held cases of Town of Fairbanks v Mogeau & Wechter

to be equity cases & not law – defendants fought

to a finish – it is quite evident they fear that I am

prejudiced – but that fear does not seem to

me to change the law -

-14^th-

Trial of Barnette v Pierce – over ejectment from

town lot. Defendant & his attorneys trying to

make it appear in every way possible that the location

of courthouse & my lot on Front St. as also Edgars

lot were in some way unfair – because deeded by

Cleary & confirmed by Barnette – Easy of explan

ation honestly and properly – Verdict of jury

for plaintiff.

-15-

Telegram to Perry from Eagle saying that

Wm. A. Day, Asst. Atty. Genl. sent to Alaska

to investigate judges instead of Young-

I met Day in Washington – he was

acting with Solicitor General Hoyt

when I read my explanation of the

Richards case before Dept. of Justice,

& seems a fair & honest man &

I have confidence in him.

-16^th-

Jury trial today – preparing opinions

in two important cases. Also made

an order removing S. M. Graff, as Comr.

of the 40 Mile Precinct, & appointed

Elmer R. Brady in his stead.

Brady is a married man – a lawyer & is

well acquainted with everybody there.

I am not entirely satisfied with him, but

I have offered to appoint C. U. Joynt, Phil.

Gallagher, Perrys brother & others there

& none would accept. The evidence of

Graffs dishonesty is cause of removal &

I have his own letters as proof which

I will file with the order of removal.

-18^th-

Boats – “Seattle No 3”, “Monarch” &

“Lavelle Young” in the river – many

people &c in. Perry and all the

prisoners gone out on these boats.

Married Harry Siebe & Miss Julia

E. Crowley this evening at 9. p.m.

Tried case of Nelson & Hensley v. Meehan

& Larson – heard all of evidence & appt.

A. R. Jackson to make a survey.

-19^th-

Trial Anderson v Noble – verdict for pltff.

“ Fleming v. Daigle – under advisment.

Letter from Senator Fairbanks acknowledging

receipt of telegram of congratulations on

his nomination for Vice President.

Also letter from Atty Genl. informing

me of appt. of Asst. Atty. Genl. Day

to examine into charges against Alaska

official! and requesting my assistance

Answered saying I would assist!

Busy day & night in court.

-20^th-

Busy in court. Cases of Fairbanks

v. Mogeau, Wachter & Carroll & Parker

settled out of court – glad of it.

-22-

Tried Cascaden v Bennett, et. al. yesterday

- decided for defendant – Moreney[?] v Floyd-

today – decided for plaintiff.

Perry went away four days ago - &

Edgar was out all last night drunk

was taken home this morning at 9. a.m.

making a fool of himself – Will

give him just one more chance & will

then force his resignation. He has

arranged the lease on his lot so that with

his salary he is getting about $500. per

month income – and like so many more

he cannot stand prosperity. Am

sending Walter E. Clark - Washington

& J. P. McLean, “Minn. Journal” photos

of Fairbanks – mines, &c. & material

for a story about this camp.

-23^rd-

Sent Pat Whalen out to Cleary

Creek to do assessment work on my

Bench off Discovery – on June 27^th

He worked 20 days – boarded with

people on Discovery – owe him $100.

- or $120 at most, also one of the miners

there for 5 ½ days work & for Pats board.

Pat also put hole down on 2^nd Bench

off No. 1. above – 7 ft. – not to bedrock.

he made good discover of gold!

Str “Rock Island” just in from

St. Micheal with load – 400 tons – of

provisions for N.C.

-24^th-

Just recd – news – telegram from Mrs. Heilig

to Heilig that Asst. Atty Genl Day

& his party are at Eagle & leave for

this place tonight on the “Susie”. Sent

him a telegram saying was here & court

would be in session for ten days yet.

-25-

Have just called Edgar up and told

him he must either resign the office of

town Marshal – or U.S. Dept. Marshal.

I believe him to be thoroughly honest and

earnest – and he is a capable officer,

but he cannot work night & day as

the combination requires, - then too

he is so elated over his first little success

in money making – out of his lot – that

he swaggers a little – Also there are enemies

who “knock” and take advantage of his

holding two offices, and his weakness

for drink to complain – possibly justly – about

him – The Dept. would not sustain him

He agreed to go and see the town authorities

& say to them that he would give up their

work, & leave the management of the

matter with them.

Sold my library to Kellum $250. cash

about $1800 – 1900-

as per list.

paid. balance to be paid on delivery, &c

Paid Pat Whalen $115.00 for labor

on 1^st Bench off Discovery, left limit,

& he made affidavit of labor for 1904.

-26^th-

Recd. telegram from Jarvis, at Ft. Gibbon

saying he & Day & two others on boat.

Tried McGinley & Cleary today -

decision reserved – lawyers want to file briefs.

Paid Jim Eagle $25.00 & got extension

of purchase option on Chatham fraction.

-27^th-

“Tanana” – the new steamer on her way

up here – on her first trip – other boats

near – in a day or so-

[back endpapers]

-28^th-

Str. “Tanana” came in this morning – new &

clean – with Sloss, Washburn and other officials

of the N.C. Co. aboard – her first trip. Heard

McMahon v. Meehan, et. al. today – Presided

at Masonic funeral of Clyde Cook, a young

man who died of typhoid – 40 Masons in line

- I read the funeral service – the first ever

held in the Tanana valley.

-29^th-

Tried McMahon v. Meehan, et. al. In the

evening met Sloss & Washburn of

the N.C. Co. & discussed the plan of establish

-ing a new Commissioners District up at the

mouth of the “Good Pasture”. I suggested to

them to locate the site of a new town- they will

go up on the “Koyukuk” on Sunday night.

They will advise with me when they return.

Recd from Bob Gus

$100 for Bob Chamberlain from Mrs. Jack Carr

[written over on diagonal:]

Paid to Bob on arrival in Fairbanks

70 mile lunch 1.50

Sheep Creek – sup – ~~bed~~ {bunk} – Bk 3.50

Nation – sup - ~~bed~~ {bunk} – Bk 3.50

Wash – Kuntz – sup – - ~~bed~~ {bunk} – Bk 4.00

Charlie Creek – lunch 1.25

Coal Creek – 2 days 7.00

Meals Coal to Circle 5.00

Bunk at 30 Mile Road House 1.00

Circle - - - dinner 31^st 1.00

“ April 1 3 meals 2.50

“ “ 1 Pd. Joe. trans. from Coal Creek 15.00

“ “ 2 “ 4 nights lodging 4.00

“ “ 2 “ 3 meals 2.50

“ “ 3 “ 2 “ 2.00

April 4. Bk. Circle & Sch. 12 Mile 2.00

“ 5 Sup. Bed & Bk. “Jump Off” 3.00

“ “ Lunch. Central 1.25

“ 6 Sup. Bed. Bk. Millers roadhouse 3.00

“ 7 “ “ “ Eagle Creek R. H. 3.50

“ 8 “ “ “ 12 Mile R. H. 4.00

“ “ Lunch - “ “ “ “ 1.50

“ 9 Sup. bed & Bk. at Faith Creek 4.00

“ 10 Lunch Pauls R. H. 1.50

“ 11 Sup. bed & Bk Si’s R. H. 4.50

“ 11 Lunch with Indian R. H. 1.50

“ 12 Sup. Bed & Bk. Kokomo 3.00

“ “ Lunch, Barbers 1.50

--Fairbanks--

“ 21 Pd. Archie Burn’s

trans. “pack” creek to Fairbanks 10.00

“ 22 “ L. C. Hess

trans. gun Eagle to Fairbanks 8.00

May 8 “ Edgar, board April 12 to 100.00

“ 11 Laundry 21.50

June 12 “ 9.80

Adding my other vouchers made out my

act. & sent in July, 8^th

See letter book this date

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary07-1903-1904

<http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary07-1903-1904.htm>

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Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary08-1904-1905

James A. Wickersham diary [08], July 31, 1904 to Feb. 20, 1905.

[front cover]

Diary

James Wickersham

July 31, 1904 to Feb 20 1905

[july 1904]

July 31^st 1904.

Judge Wm A. Day, 1^st Asst. Atty. Genl.

arrived here in Fairbanks on the “Koyukuk”

at noon on Friday, - 29^th On yesterday

he caused an announcement to be made in the

Fairbanks News:

He opened court

in the “Town Hall”

on 3^rd St. and

began to take testi

=mony. No notice

was given to me to

appear – no infor

=mation vouchsafed

as to charges. I

called on him

[newspaper clipping:]

“JUDGE DAY

IN FAIRBANKS

Has Opened Inquiry

At the City Hall

Judge W. A. Day, first assistant attor-

ney general of the United States arrived

on the Koyukuk this forenoon. Judge

Day was appointed by President Roose-

velt to investigate charges which had

been laid at Washington against the ad-

ministration of Federal affairs in Alaska,

and is here on that mission. When seen

by a News representative, Judge Day

stated that he would be here a few days

and would open an office where he would

meet anyone who had information to im-

part bearing on the matters under investi-

gation.

Messrs. H. B. McDonald and G. C. Todd

are with Judge Day and will assist in the

investigation. The City Hall has been

placed at Judge Day’s disposal and he

has opened the inquiry this afternoon,

and will sit evenings as well as day, in-

cluding Sunday, until the work of investi-

gation is completed.”

there on yesterday – Saturday – and offered

any aid or assistance in my power – but

he asked for nothing. I learn that he has

visited South Eastern Alaska – Ketchikan

Wrangell, Juneau, Skagaway. He spent

24 hours in Dawson – 12 hours in Eagle,

and did not stop either in Rampart

or Circle. I do not know what he intends

to do here – except as it appears by his

invitation to the public to come in and

submit their complaints if any- Capt.

Jarvis is with the party – he came over

to see me yesterday evening & advised

- as I had already concluded – a

dignified silence until about the time

when he is to go away – then to request

a statement of the object of his visit.

I do not know of any open opposition

to me here – but from recent attacks made

by the “Chena Herald” I am expecting

the people down there to make all they

can out of their opposition town site

fight, and try to place a burden upon

me. Amid my numerous administrative

duties the appointing of commissioners

and the location of their offices gives me

the most trouble, but I shall always

be proud of the fact that I established

& named Fairbanks, Alaska

Jarvis is friendly - & tells Judge Day

that without hesitation – he is making

a fair and strong fight for my reappointment

& I will always have to thank him for it.

[august 1904]

August 1^st 1904.

Judge Day came in to see me this

morning and advises me that there is

no interest here in his mission – there

seemed to be no complaint & no interest –

He advised me that he intends to go down

to Chena in the morning & remain there

until the “Tanana” goes tomorrow – that

today he will give me notice of the charges

& complaints against me! after the

people have been heard-

The mountain has labored and it’s a mouse!

I spent part of the day and all evening

with Judge Day & his assistants and

I hope explained every pitiful charge

to the entire satisfaction of the court.

The old scandal of 1887-89 – Tacoma

was the principal charge – the conviction

of Richards was another – and the reinstate

=ment of Kellum as an attorney – the employ

=ment of Whittesey &c. – a dozen, small &

insignificant matters. But not a

single charge of incompetency – dishonesty

or wrongdoing in my office! I am simply

disgusted at the “small talk” which disap

=pointed litigants and narrow minded enemies

imagine are worthy of consideration by the

Dept. of Justice.

I am satisfied from the very friendly and confidential

manner in which Judge Day acts that he favors

my side of the investigation – that his confidence

in my honesty and integrity is not shaken-

He told me this afternoon that many of the

miners had been to see him – and that several

- many of them had stated to him that they pref

=erred to have their cases tried before me than

before a jury, and he complimented me on

the feeling – He was particularly kind in making

the statement. I also gave him for examination

the papers & record in the Removal of S. M. Graff

Comr. at 40 Mile.

-2^nd-

Judge Day still holding court – my

friends are constantly crowding around

him to demand my return & he came

over tot he office today & told me of many

complimentary things they had to say –

Among them = several miners – and some

who had lost cases this term – told him that

they preferred to submit a case to me rather

than to a jury – he thought this a high compli

=ment. He is much pleased with his

acquaintance with Abe Spring; who has

been with him constantly. He told me that

Abe had made a strong impression on

him – as a broad minded, and able

civic official and good citizen. Abe

struck him, he said, as a “rough diamond”.

His companion McDonald, is a splendid

fellow – and Todd his stenographer a

civic purist of the Boston type – who looks

upon the dance hall & other evils with horror.

Abe Spring has the European ideas of

the social evil, gambling &c. and as the

town attorney has to a great extent

carried them out by attempting to control

rather than to suppress them. This struck

Judge Day at first as rather startling but

before he left he was converted to the necessity

of doing the work that way, and expressed

himself as satisfied with Springs labors

in that regard. Capt. Jarvis took dinner

with us this evening.

-3^rd-

Judge Day and party left on the “Jennie

M” at noon, and went to Chena, to hear

the knocks made against me there for

locating the court house &c at Fairbanks.

Jarvis remained over & left on the “Tanana”

at 8. p.m. Day & party will board the

“Tanana” at Chena. Jarvis came

in to see me today – thinks Judge Day

is thoroughly satisfied that charges against

me are false and malicious. Jarvis

has not hesitated to stand by me from the

beginning and will do so to the end.

-4^th-

Case of McGinley v Herrington –

Beautiful weather. Court work drawing

to a close – hope to be done Saturday.

-5^th-

Case of Barnette v Freeman came on

for trial today – for reasons which I deem

absolutely necessary I am determined to

have a jury pass on all questions of fact!

Jury called – service of venire by Pat. Whalen

& jurors kept together in his charge.

-6^th-

Barnette v Freeman – on trial all day

and submitted to the jury at 8:30 p.m.

jury returned at verdict at 11:30 p.m.

for the defendants. It was an extrem

ly interesting and close case, and

turned very largely on an alleged mistake

in a notice of location, wherein “No 4”

was actually mentioned instead of “No 1.”

-7^th-

Spent the day in preparing an

opinion in the case of McGinley

v. Cleary – sent to recover property

conveyed in payment of a gambling

debt, by the owner of the saloon and

gambling outfit.

-8^th-

The “Tanana” came in yesterday with 30

or so passengers – Recd my opinion

in McGinley v Cleary, in which I

roasted both to a finish. Am now

finished ~~, and will go to the~~ work

of the Court for the term except

some remnants, - signing judgments

and setting appeal matters. Will

start out to the Creeks tomorrow to

inspect my mines, and get my affairs

in shape for the winter.

Recd. yesterday, a letter from T. M. Reed,

J. Com. at Nome, in answer to my letter

asking him to serve copy of my letter to Rustgard

about his charges before Com. on Ter. last

March that I had 100’s of mining claims &c.

Rustgard “flunked” completely when Reed

confronted him & declared he meant Judge

Moore - & Reed “cussed” him. Rustgard

will not answer my letter, but Reed’s is

just as good-

-9^th-

Remained in town all day to get my title

to “Apple Block” lot corrected & confirmed by

the N.C. Co. which I succeeded in doing.

Willig is now acting ugly – he has spent all

the money which I gave him on loans & now

looks upon me as an enemy!

-10^th-

Left Fairbanks at 10 oclock am for the Mines.

Rained last night & is good walking.

The new ridge road is a success – so

far as a good dry foundation & grades

are concerned – A beautiful day – miners

going and coming – pack trains of mules

loaded with provisions & outfits for the

mines at Cleary – Fairbanks & Pedro.

Much talk along the road among the

miners about the new strike over on

the “Beaver Creek” & many going over to

stake. From the high ridge above

the head of “Isabelle Creek” one gets a

fine view back over the town of Fairbanks

and out across the valley of the Tanana,

the river winds like silver ribbons through

the evergreen forests far to the south & over

the whole landscape the distant white

range with Mt Hayes its principal

sentinel stands guard. I am

greatly surprised at the heavy growth

of red top grass growing on this long

rich ridge – there are many men camped

along the road cutting & curing it for winter

- where the fire has cleaned the ground it

is better grass. Ate lunch at the

Ridge Road house – 8 mi from town –

& left before one oclock on my journey.

Reached Gilmore at 3 oclock-

Anderson & the road builders at

work across mouth of Pedro-

Arrived at Golden & put up

for the night at Jack Ross Hotel

- log – 2 story – tired & footsore

-11^th-

I arrived at Golden yesterday evening

at 6, tired & footsore – 3 months in the

office has softened my muscles amazingly.

Hendricks, of Chena was there & ate supper

with me – we had a long talk & I told

him about my intention of locating a

Com. office at mouth of Delta River

- he said his people had no interest

in the matter! Came up Twin Creek

& visited No 1. above where Riley is

sluicing – doing but little – he promised

to come over to Cleary to see me tomorrow.

Now lying on top of hill above Twin

- I blow & puff – like a fat man.

[sketch of building site]

[captions:]

N.W.

Cor. 1^st

Bench of Dis. B

on Wolf

400 ft. A. post

Post A. location by Barnette for

“W.” H. Summer, by Atty in fact Barnette

Witnesses, Dan McCary & Jim Eagle

Oct. 3, 1902 : Also location

by W. Lawson. Aug 11, 1903.

Also location by John Kion – Jany

17, 1904.

“B” posts – one 30 ft south of north

line of 1^st Bench of Dis. of Wolf – marking

claim of Emil Dorfner, J. E. Moore, Agt.

claims fraction 35 ft wide – Next

stake is 10 ft south of my line &

is John Dowdell – Halbert, witness;

Went down & saw Halbert – we went

around lines of Dis. on Wolff –

& found notice of water right torn

up & on ground – water ditch across

discovery & 1^st Bench off – Staid

all night with Discover people on

Cleary – bed was a wobbly structure

& clothing an old fur robe.

-12th-

After breakfast went over & was

running my line between discovery on

Cleary & my bench on left limit – when

Mr. Hastings came over & informed

me that Mrs. Crawford was dead.

She has been sick for some time

& he told me yesterday that she

had seemed bad but was much

better & when the neighbor women

went to see her yesterday evening

she said she was so much better

that she thought she would get up-

She rested comfortably all night but

this morning took worse suddenly

& died in a few minutes. Dr King

was called at my suggestion & says

it was blood poisoning – she

swallowed a pin a week ago

& it has evidently caused the trouble.

Have been with Crawford – he wants

her buried – temporarily – on my

claim – 1^st bench off Dis. on

Wolf & I am looking after the

details for him. Have worked

all afternoon planing lumber for a

coffin – raining & dismal weather.

Mrs. Crawford is the first white woman

to die and be buried in the Tanana

valley!

-13^th-

Yesterday was a cold rainy day, black

in disposition & circumstances –

I worked till late in the afternoon –

wet, muddy and cold & then went off

& left the carpenter to complete the

work – he made the coffin too short

after I left & when I returned I

had to cut out the head & foot boards

& lengthen it two inches. We did

not get it lined & finished until

after 10 a.m. This morning the

skies are brighter & the rain has

ceased, but the tundras of Cleary

creek are knee deep in mud & water.

There is no road on the creek & you

just make up your mind where the

mud & water is shallowest & wade!

Ronan & Mattison – who own the

1^st Bench off No 1. Above Discovery

on the left limit began to sink my

shaft near their lower line to bedrock

yesterday & I hope to see it down today!

At 11 oclock I conducted the funeral

of Mrs. Crawford – a young woman

her husband a miner at Dawson & now

here on Cleary. The pall bearers were six

stalwart miners – the coffin at the

grave rested on two upturned mining buckets

covered around with soft moss – the box

in the grave was banked with same soft

and beautiful moss – 6 women present

- Mrs. Hastings, Mrs. Boone Sr. & Jr.

Mrs. Esterly, Mrs. Copes & Mrs Brown

They sang “Rock of Ages” - & Nearer my God

to thee”. I spoke as best I could – on the

loss of the husband & community – briefly,

& upon the fact that it was a miners

funeral and the first funeral of

a white woman in the Tanana

region! Her grave was banked

high with the most beautiful moss

I ever saw – 25 or thirty miners

present.

This afternoon spent in cutting

out my line next Dis. on Cleary.

It runs down into the creek & I am

greatly pleased with it – Also

Ronan, Mattison & Nightingale

have worked in sinking the shaft

near my upper line – we have struck

~~was~~ {what} seems to be good pay – 5 cents

to the pan near the top – hope to get

to bed rock tomorrow.

Visited 2^nd Bench off Dis &

2^nd Bench off No 1. above – Darrells

& Clarks – today & find all wood on

upper part cut & piled – Chas.

Oesterle – No 14 1. above has name

on some. I counted 40 big

piles cut & laid ready to haul -

-14^th-

Cleary Creek, Aug. 14, 1904

Received from James Wickersham

the sum of Fifty (50) dollars

being his one half of the sum

due for assessment work on

Discovery Claim on Wolf Creek

which I hereby agree to do in

fall for 1904. S J Halbert

Paid above amount to Halbert

who will also do his & my work.

Also paid Mattison & Ronan

$35.00 in full to finish shaft to

bedrock begun by Pat. Whalen.

- 3 ft. of pay dirt – I am now

satisfied that my claim adjoining

Discovery on Cleary in valuable

- I now fix my value on it = $25,000.00

{(sold it in 1930 – for $1000.00)}

Also paid Hastings, for Discovery

people $100. board for Pat. Whalen

& owe them $37 – for labor of man

5 or 6 days to assist him.

Paid P. Whalen $115.00

“ Freight tent 8.00

“ Mattison & Ronan 35.00

“ Dis. board Whalen 105.00

“ “ asst. Whalen 27.50

Cost Asst. work $290.50

on 3 claims on the left limit.

of Cleary – off Discovery for

1904 – Came by & inspected

the Triangle claim at junction

of Chatham & Cleary – Jim Eagle

wants me to buy his ½ interest for

$500, on which I have paid

him $35.00

[sketch of mining claim]

[map captions:] No 5 on Cleary

Discovery on Chatham

Pay Pay

I am inclined to buy this interest

for it is a good claim. Left

Cleary about 4 oc. & came over

to Golden – At “Costa House” -

which is advertised as the “only two

story Hotel on the Creeks” – and

it is certainly the best. Jack Ross

an old time Sour Dough, propr.

Met Twilliger, Dep. Col. Int

Rev. here looking up his line.

-15^th-

Left Ross’ hotel at 8 oclock & walked

the telephone trail to Fairbanks – new trail &

swampy. Fine day – walked the 14 miles

in four hours without sitting down or

resting. Bath – clean clothes & was in

court at 2 p.m. - but nothing to do.

No mail – no boat – no news.

-16^th-

Court today but lawyers postponed

everything until tomorrow. Barnette

just informed me that one Clapp, Asst. U.

S. Eng. telegraphed him from Mentasta

to stop turning Tanana into Slough!

Verily the “Knocker” accomplishes something

if he only keeps at work. Have about con

=cluded not to buy Jim Eagle interest in

the Chatcham Creek fraction – it is so small

& money is better invested in something else.

-17^th-

Hearing motions for new trial &c. & among

them heard the motion for new trial in Barnette v.

Freeman, et. al. which is a close & bitterly

contested case. I am now inclined to the

opinion that the jury returned a verdict on

insufficient testimony – but even with

that there are so many close questions in

the case that I may conclude not to disturb

the verdict – There are good reasons why

I ought to let Barnette win – if at all, only

in the Circuit Court of Appeals – He is totally

obtuse in his ideas of right & wrong! & has

placed me in such a position that in a close

case I am almost obliged to decide against

him – in this case.

-18^th-

Hearing cases – motions &c. but about

finished – Will take the “Sarah” in a week

or ten days for the outside. It is remarkable

how the town is growing. It is as if Dawson

were transported here in a night. There

are now probably 2000 people in Fairbanks

& the end is not yet- I paid $175. for the

lot where our house stands – N.E. Cor.

Noble & First Ave. & in the spring & already

business has completely taken the blocks

next to us & even invaded the block just

across the street – the lot is now worth

$1750! – what Shylock called “den per

cent brofits”. The Apple block on my lot

at S.W. Cor. Cushman & First Ave. is the

choicest peice of property in town & will

continue to pay me more than $300 per mo.

for 3 years. Mills are working long overtime

- carpenters get $15.00 per day & all things

in proportion. Cushman streets is now

being cleared out & will be the finest in Alaska

Edgar has retailed the front 75 ft. of his lot & the parties

are to pay him $200 per mo. & put up two story building

-23^rd -

Still trying small matters & settling

the ends of cases – It has been raining for

four days & the river is high and rapidly

rising – the “Tanana”, “Koyukuk”, “Lavelle

Young” & “Rock Island” all in. Recd.

mail – no news – but salary vouchers for

May & June. Paid Heilig in full –

Learned that our boat – “Sarah” will probably

be at Ft. Gibbon on 28^th – we go next Sunday.

Tried Ole Peterson, today, for insanity &

sent him to Oregon Insane Asylum.

-24^th-

Granted New Trial in Barnette v. Freeman.

While the opinion is brief & not carefully written

I consider it very important on account

of the fact that the principle therein announ

ced – if carried to a proper conclusion –

will effectually cure the curse of the

abuse of the power of attorney in locating

mining claims. The principle is that

there is no reservation or segregation

of the claim from the public lands, so as to

prevents its exploration by other miners,

until an actual discovery of mineral is

made.

-26^th-

Business of the court about done – we

are packing to leave on first boat to meet

the Dawson boat. River is very high &

drifts threaten to take the bridge out but

so far it is saved.

-27^th-

Earthquake at 12 oclock, noon-

from S.W. to N.E. & quite strong for

several minutes – no damage but

everybody ran outdoors, &c. Busy

closing up court matters & nothing left

that I can force to be finished.

-28^th- Sunday.

Miss Ebersole rents our house at

$45.00 per month & buys our provis

=ions. Kellum has agreed to buy my

library - $1850.50 Paid my bills today.

Chena river falling – “Florence S: in port.

Filed Affidavits of Labor – Assessment for

1904 - for 1^st Bench off Discovery, left

limit Cleary – also 1^st Bench off Discovery

on Wolf Creek Paid Johnsen in full $65.00

-29^th-

Filed affid. of Labor of Discovery on

Wolf Creek. Nothing from boats yet.

Received permission from Atty. Genl.

for leave of absence – Saturday.

Geo. Apple paid rent for September = $200.00

Havery T Gamble “ “ “ 75.00

Miss Ebersole “ “ “ 45.00

-30^th-

Sold my library to J. C. Kellum

for $1850.50 of which amount he

paid $750 – he pays $450 on or

before Oct. 5, and $650.50 balance

on or before March 1, 1905. I also

made an arrangement with Willig

by which I release my option to

purchase a half interest in his mines

in consideration of his transfer to me

of a half interest in the Bear Creek Mining

Claim – but I also made an arrange

=ment for him to sell all his interests

to Murphy, Revett & Cantar for the

sum of $6,500. – and with them that

if they bought I should release my

mortgage and own a third! This

would make my third cost me $2800.

while theirs would cost them $3250,

- but I give up the 2/6 in Bear creek.

Signing papers & working until

midnight. Left Willig notes &

my business generally with Comr.

Ed. J. Stier – he collects my

rents, Kellum & Willig notes &c.

Left Fairbanks at midnight

on Str “Koyukuk.” Have a

very severe cold.

-31^st

En route down Tanana, on the

“Koyukuk”. Passed Nenani,

Baker Creek, Tolovani, Cosna

telegraph stations – also the boats

“Marguerite”, “Tanana”, “Wilbur

Crimmons”. Cold & cheerless

boat & weather, river fine.

As we passed the Str “Tanana” we

came along side & Mountjoy, interview

=ed Heilig &c. They are to consider

matters - &c. at Valdez – but as that

is two months off I do not think

Mountjoy will remain that long.

Charlie Joynt is also aboard the

“Tanana” en route to Fairbanks. He

is, to some extent, connected with the

White Pass Ry. Co. – no railroad news

& I am glad of it – a railroad will

hurt the came– now.

[september 1904]

September 1^st

The “Koyukuk” reached “Tanana” – “Weare”

“Ft Gibbon” – this morning at breakfast time

the “Sarah” was just a few hours ahead

of us, and we transferred & good state

room assigned to us. With Mr. Harlan,

Hess & Heilig called on Major Williams

posts commander – a pleasant man.

“Herman” left for Fairbanks at noon

pushing a big heavily loaded barge.

- Ben Downing with his supplies aboard.

Met Mark Sullivan, attorney from Nome

who informed me that he and McGinn

were to establish law offices at Fairbanks

- he goes on “Herman” today & McGinn

will come in this winter. Passed on

two applications for bar room license

here – today – granted.

-Sept. 2^nd-

Slept late – breakfast at 9, but a glorious

morning. A cloudless sky & the mountains

& hills flaming in red & yellow – the tints

of Autumn – it is quite apparent

that the Tanana is a warmer region

than the Yukon, for the Tanana leaves

are yet untouched by frost while the

Yukon hills are beautifully coloured to

their bases. We passed the rapids at

the “Ramparts” this forenoon – met the

“Monarch” loaded with passengers & freight

bound for Fairbanks. With a fair wind

the “Sarah” is making 6 to 8 miles per

hour up stream – water is high.

-Sept. 3^rd-

We reached the “Flats” – leaving the Rampart

mountains at 5 oclock this morning, and

all day long we are going past my old

cabin mail houses of 3 years ago when

in Feb. & Mch. I tramped along the ice

from Eagle to Rampart to hold court.

We passed the Pac. Cold Storage Co.s str.

“Robert E Kerr” with a large scow loaded

with cattle for Fairbanks. Beautiful

day – and fine view of the Romanzoff &

Beaver Creek Mts. Much interest in the

Marshal,” Will you investigate!!

I did not & will not investigate.

Our boat remained at Eagle until

midnight & we saw the people, who

were as kind as ever. Left $50.00

with Myers to paper & Kalsomine

our house – sorted the mail, signed

a lot of official papers & returned to

the boat where we were called upon by

a number of our friends. Heilig,

Hess & Mr. Charles remain here, but

Mr. & Mrs. Perry & others come aboard.

Sept. 7^th

Passed 40 Mile at noon – at Dawson

at 11 p.m., but owing to the slowness of the

customs officers we remained on board till

morning, though those who resided in Dawson

were permitted to go ashore about 12 oclock.

Sept. 8^th

At Regina Hotel for breakfast – visited with

friends – dinner in the evening at Roediger

- Orr, Mr & Mrs. Holme, Finnie & wife &

Roedigers family present. After a most

excellent dinner we all went to the Agricul

=tural – or rather Horticultural Fair

at the “Rink” and greatly enjoyed not only

the display of fruits {vegetables &}

flowers, but the efforts

of an ametuer company of comedians.

-9^th-

Mr. Bergholz, U.S. Consul called, & Mr. Har

=lan, {&} Dr. Hamilton of the Bureau of Education

& I returned the compliment. He is of German

extraction, from Vermont, politically, from New

Rochelle, N.Y. actually, and is somewhat narrow

& egotistical. Very pleasant visit with Ed.

Orr, who took me out to the junction of Bear &

Klondyke, where we carefully inspected the

plan and workings of a mine whose overseer

is J. M. Elmer, a young man with good ideas,

and the ability to carry them out successfully.

Lunch with Johnnie & Mrs. Scott & babies.

Went on bord the “Selkirk” at 9.p.m. for

Whitehorse. Met Judge Eddie Crane

on the street – he looks just the same jolly

fat fellow & was particularly pleased that

I fined “Red” McConnell $1500. for selling

whisky in violation of law – their differences

date from 1898 at Circle City-

-10^th-

Making good time – the Yukon – looks

quite different now from what it did in

March last, when I went down over the

trail.

-13^th-

We are now in Lake LeBarge – the bed

of extinct glacier - & will reach Whitehorse

this evening about 5 or 6 oclock.

Perry has not mentioned the removal

of Edgar – but he and Mrs. P act

distant – I am very much surprised

at his action and cannot understand

why he did it – just at the moment when

my enemies are all trying their hardest

to prevent my reappointment. I

had trusted him fully – and was constantly

assured by him of his friendship and

support – I am now afraid that he is

working underground – maybe not!

-14^th-

We left Whitehorse this morning at 9:30

& reached Bennett for lunch – saw Judge

Tom. Hume, on train bound for Fair

banks! Also saw both Skaguay &

Seattle papers saying that he was going

there to become a citizen of Alaska &

intended to practice law in Fairbanks!

Tom is foxy – and that seems to me to be

a point scored in his candidacy for

judge! We reached Skaguay at

4:30, took dinner at the “5^th Ave. Hotel”

& went aboard the “Cottage City” &

are now speeding southward. Since

coming aboard have heard another

version of the Humes stampede, viz - that

he is going to Fairbanks with the real

object – among others – of bringing a suit

for Causten against Barnette, on

their old St. Micheal contract. This

sounds reasonable, and may account for

his remarkable trip – but why at this

season when he has had all summer?

-15^th-

We passed Juneau about 3 p.m. this

morning – Judge Day, McDonald &

Todd came aboard going to Seattle!

They are very distant & reticent about what

they have been doing – I know absolutely

nothing from them – Judge Day has

merley spoken. We eat at different

tables – it may necessary to be so formal!

- merely as a spectator – in the result of

his studies: He is more friendly than when

he first came on board – he tells me that

he will only remain in Seattle one day.

We reached Vancouver, B.C. at 10

this evening & left after an hour.

-18^th-

We arrived in Seattle, this morning at

8 oclock. Bid goodbye to Judge Day,

to McDonald & Todd, his associates-

He was quite friendly at parting & asked

me to come and see him when in Wash

=ington, D.C. Left the Perrys (thank God)

and Harlan at Seattle – Geoghegan will

come over to Tacoma & help me write letters

for a day or two. We came over to Tacoma

-16^th-

Beautiful day – We stopped in at

Wrangell & I met “Chips” Cole &

Marcella – and their family of fine

boys & girls – also Patenude & Mr

Kirk – recently the minister at Eagle.

Perry opened up tonight and gave

me his reasons for removing Edgar

- I did’nt say a word, but I can

not help but despise him for taking

the $600, belonging to Edgar & keeping

it. I am more & more disgusted with

the unsatisfactory attempts to admin

=ister law in Alaska – and especially

in view of Judge Days public invitation

to unscrupulous persons to make secret

attacks upon the court officials.

-17^th-

We passed through Queen Charlottes Sound

early this morning & will reach Vancouver, B

C. at 9 oclock this evening. Have had a

long talk with Judge Day today – nothing

new resulted from it, and he seems to be

inclined – I cant tell what his

mind is about Alaska officials – but

from the scraps gathered from his talks

I know I should be so disgusted and

prejudiced against both the people and

Officials of Alaska, as to be obliged to

recommend the strong arm for the first

and almost a new set of appointments

for the other – and would be wrong, probably

in both cases. Certainly I am interested

on the Interurban Electric Ry. and are

at the Irving Hotel.

-19^th

Saw Judge Frank Allyn and asked

him to go over this afternoon & see Judge

Day & explain the old Brantner charges

against me – he will do so. I am going

up to Buckley to see mother-

-20^th-

Mother told me that Frank had sold

all his household goods – which were

mortgaged – and had gone to Nome during

the summer – leaving his wife & baby boy-

His creditors were about to procure a warrant

for his arrest – but May & Harry headed it

off – she asked me to settle the matter up-

did so - $88.80 - $15 already paid.

Every body well at Buckley.

-21^st-

Judge Allyn tells me he had very satisfactory

interview with Judge Day who assured him

that the Brantner matter was thoroughly

explained – and was wiped off the slate!

Judge Allyn sent him today copies of the

briefs in the “Million Dollar Case” – he

did not know that I was city attorney

of Tacoma – or was a practicing lawyer

before my appointment, but was apparently

impressed with Ivey’s charge that I was

only a politician. He and McDonald

were greatly interested in that part of

Judge Allyns statement. Am all

ready & leave St Louis this afternoon

at 4. pm – via. the Burlington route. I go

alone as Debbie is afraid to try it – I am

one of the 100 National Delegates appointed

by Pres. Roosevelt to the Congress of Lawyers

& Jurists – also the representative of the

Tanana Bar Association to the National

Bar Association.

-22^nd-

Left Tacoma on 4 oclock overland – last

evening – passed Spokane early this

morning now near Montana line – raining.

-23—

A beautiful autumn day on the Yellowstone-

We left the N.P. at Billings – up the Big Horn

Custers battlefield – the Burlington Ry-

-24-

From Billings the Burlington route runs

~~via~~ up the Big Horn – across to the Powder

& thence across Wyoming – the lower S.W.

corner of S. Dak - & through Nebraska

We have just crossed the Platte river at

Grand Island – it is a mile wide &

perfectly dry. Its sandy {& dusty} bed really

seems higher than the valley side!

Sunday 25^th

I arrived in St. Louis this morning within

10 minutes of the time Debbie said I would.

She is pretty clever at figuring out routes

& time tables and started me right.

Got my breakfast at 8.a.m. at the restaur

=ant in the Union Depot & then took the

Market St. car and in 30 minutes was

in line at the “Inside Inn” waiting for

a room - #2142 – first floor and

outside room – opening out into the

oak forests in the main grounds of the

Fair. This immense hotel is a

temporary cheap structure – telephone

build – you can hear the man in the next room

kiss his wife – but it safely houses

7,000. people! My room has closet

& shower bath – hot & cold water.

The bed is good - $4.50 per day strictly

in advance. For two persons the same

room would cost but $5.00 per day –

they make you pay the value of the room

- less a single admission – for the $4.50

includes admission to the Exhibition.

It is a beautiful sunny autumn after

=noon – the wind plays music on the

oak leaves and an old fashioned

Illinois jaybird on the top bough

mingling his clarion call with rustle

of the leaves reminds me of Sandy

Branch camp meeting of thirty years

ago. Feel fine – except tired feet, &

expect to enjoy the next few days-

Must now write to Debbie.

-26^th-

Attended the opening exercises of the

Am. Bar Assoc. presented my creden

=tials – signed the roll in that & in the

Congress of Lawyers & I wrote -

Received badges, tickets admitting

to Fair, & invitation to reception to

be tendered to these bodies – the

reception tonight & banquet on

Wednesday night. Met Edward

Whitson, from N. Yakima & W. H.

Harris from Tacoma. Enjoyed the

address by David R. Frances – Pres.

La. Ex. Co. of welcome, papers by

Hagerman, Pres. Am. Bar Assoc. &

Dickinson, of Illinois – the later on the

Alaska boundary case – as a court.

Went to reception to lawyers at the

Missouri Bldg. – met Oldum,

of Nebraska – who nominated Bryan

at Kansas City – Harlans friend & good

man. Reception nothing to me.

-27^th-

Attended Nat. Bar Assoc. met Judge

Graves of Yakima. Heard very instructive

paper by Judge Thayer, 8^th Circuit, on

“The Louisiana Purchase” &c. In the afternoon

went to Alaska building – met Mrs. Hart

registered – Judge Day and McDonald

are in the city – at Alaska building today

- waited for them to return, in rain – went

out to near by Concessions & with Mr.

Peter Jensen of Wrangell & Mrs. Hart

through the “Pike” & took dinner with them.

Visited the “Wireless telegraph tower” &

greatly enjoyed the explanations – Took a ride

around the “Intermural Ry” & went to

bed – hot – hotter – hottest.

28^th

Congress of Lawyers & Jurists - John W.

Foster read his paper on the settlement of

international lawsuits before an inter

=national jury. Judge Brewer presided.

Distinguished foreign jurists present.

Banquet given by the Exposition to the

Congress in the splendid banquet hall

in Tyrolean Alps concession. David

J. Francis toast master – good speeches.

I went with Whitson of Yakima, Graves

of Ellensburg, Oldham of Nebraska –

the latter one of the Sup. Ct. Com. & a thoroughly

attractive man because of his energy and

active mind. Nothing particular today

-29^th-

The Congress is growing somewhat irksome

- the papers & responses are all determined in

advance – there is nothing for me to do but just

sit & listen & the proceedings though impot

=ant are on a dead level of an agreed case

- every body agress upon the necesity – or at least

the general desirabity of uniform laws and

international arbitration – the statement of

the matter is not so material. Have attended

strictly – but I intend now to begin to break

away & visit the details of this most wonderful

aggregation of the material triumphs of man.

Rode – Ferris Wheel – 164 ft high – and visited

many other attractions. Went to receptions

at S. Dak. state building to meet Prof “Tom”

Sterling, with whom I studied law in Spring[field]

- he is now Dean of S. Dak. law school.

Also press club reception – met Gov. Dock

=ery- &c. &c.

-30^th-

Attended Congress in forenoon – visited

around the government buildings in the

afternoon – went with Whitson & Judge

Graves to the Reception tendered to the members

of the Congress of Lawyers & Jurists by the

Board of Lady Managers, and after that

swell and formal function we took in

the “Pike”, until midnight.

[october 1904]

-Octo 1^st-

Met Harston – formerly of Eagle City

& took lunch with him today at the

Hoo-Hoo Club. All the lawyers have

gone and I am going down to the

“Jefferson” Hotel this evening & probably

to Springfield tomorrow – although

I have not been down in St. Louis a

moment yet & may stay over Sunday.

Virgil Farmer – from Patoka sent

me his card but my feet are too sore

to hunt him up – will write him note.

Octo. 2^nd

Spent the day in St. Louis wandering

- at the “Jefferson” a splendid new

hotel.

-3^rd & 4

Spring field, Illinois – at the “Leland”

- called on John & Emma Kenney – a

good visit – gave Em $30. to go to the

St L. Expo. with, they are both growing

old and suffering with disease – but

Em is suffering worst with a complete

breakdown with nervousness on account

of his epilepsy, - poor girl, her life

has been a hell upon earth. Also

had a delightful visit with Mrs. Fry[?]

- Clark, Debbies girlhood chaperon

- she took dinner with me at the

Leland and enjoyed it very much

as I did. Paid my respects to good

old black Sally Bird, my wash

erwoman of 25 years ago – she is

always delighted to see me-

Springfield is progressing and

improving in step with the East.

-7^th

Remained nearly three days in Chicago

- visited McClurgs and other old book

stores – bought books – Lodged at the

Auditorium & visited Fields Col

=umbian museum – took an

automobile ride – saw “Nat Goodwin”

at Powers theater, &c. &c.

-8^th-

Nearing St Paul on my way home.

Remained in St Paul today – visited the

offices of West Pub. Co. Lawbook publishers,

= they congratulated me upon the preparation

of the matter for the 1^st Alaska Rep. &

said that it was up to the standard - they

also agreed to publish the 2^nd Alaska on

the same terms as they did the 1^st

They also suggested that I prepare

one of the articles – “Mining” – “Extradition”

or some other for a new law Cyclopedia

- but as I did not feel that I would have

the time I did not accept the suggestion

Their commendation of my former work

was, in view of the high standard which they

set, however, very pleasant to hear and

encourages me in attempting future work.

-9^th-

Crossing Dakota – raining.

-10^th-

Have met Borah from Boise, Idaho,

who came so near defeating Heyburn for

Senator – my acquaintance with him is

very pleasant. Also met Senator

Tom. Carter, of Montana, who boarded

our train at Helena. We had a long

& pleasant talk, and he assured me

that I ought to be reappointed Judge in

Alaska – that he had heard no complaints

&c. He said that he had just received a

letter asking him to assist some lawyer

whose name he did not remember, but

who had gone to Alaska to recoup his

fortunes {“Humes”} – to secure the appointment in

my stead – he expressed himself flatly

that there ought to be no change.

Carter is stumping the state of Montana

with the Republican nominee for Gov.

he thinks Roosevelt & Fairbanks will carry

the state – that the Dem. Gov. Toole, will be

elected – but hopes the legislature will

be Republican and he the successful

candidate for Senator.

-11^th-

Two hours late – nearing the Cascade

Tunnel – Reached Tacoma at 4 p.m.

- Debbie well & every thing O.K.

-Octo 25-

When I reached home I received a letter

from the Atty Genl asking my opinion about

the advisability of removing the official headquarters

of my district from Eagle to Fairbanks – on the

18^th of Oct. I answered saying that on account

of reasons which Judge Day would understand

I did not wish to give any opinion – that Judge

Day had recently been to Fairbanks – knew the

exact conditions & that I preferred to have them

act on his judgement. Today I received

a telegram from the Attorney General saying

“Letter of 18^th received. Want your opinion

as to whether it is desirable to remove official

residence from Eagle to Fairbanks.” I answered

this peremptory demand by saying that in my opinion

it was desirable to make the transfer!!!

Nothing very particular since came home

Telegram from Walter E. Clark to the “P- I.”

Seattle paper, that Judge Day has made a verbal

report to the Atty. Genl. favorable to me, - no

final or official report yet.

-26^th-

Another telegram today from Attorney General

asking if the removal of the records, &c. could wait

opening of navigation before being changed from

Eagle to Fairbanks, if residence removed – answered

that portion necessary for spring term must go

over the ice anway & that balance could wait

till opening of navigation.

Been over to Seattle – several boats from

Nome & conditions there about as expected – every

body damning Judge Moore – Mort Stevens

arrested for embezzlement there – was town collector

- & made affidavit that he paid $2000 to Harry

Steel – warrant coming out for Steel who

is in Seattle. Steel says it is a lie - & I

have no doubt of it – as Stevens as a thief &

a liar of the rankest kind – the whole matter

comes from Richards & probably Major Strong of

the “Nome Nugget.” Went to theatre tonight with

Debbie – “The Wizard of Oz.” Darrell is now

around at Porto Rico ! and is quite a

sailor. His vessel – “Tacoma” – is assigned

to the Carribean Sea Squadron.

-27^th-

Our 24^th wedding anniversary!

Reced. telegram from Attorney General.

“Your residence and that of Attorney and

Marshal changed to Fairbanks commencing

December first. Letter to Valdez. Moody.”

Was over at Seattle today – saw Dr. Cabell

Whitehead – but little time & go back Saturday

to consult with him about Fairbanks ditch & mine.

28^th

Long visit with Senator Foster over at his

mill office – he promised me frankly and

freely – voluntarily – that he would do all

he could to secure my renomination and

expressed himself as heartily disgusted

with the “Ankeny crowd”. Evidently they hold

too tight a rein on the “old Man”, and he frets.

29^th

Visited Seattle. Al. Cody, Dep. Mar. from

Nome is there with a warrant for Harry Steel

but Judge Dubose, John Corson, Sullivan

& other of the Marshal Richards gang have

been telegraphing to head the arrest – I

gave Dubose a letter saying that Mort

Stevens – upon whose testimony Steel is

held - is a thief and scoundrel – in more

legal terms, however. Stevens will be

down on next boat – was sentenced to five

years in McNeils Island penitentiary

& $5000. fine. Dr. Whitehead talked

about a bank & water ditch at Fairbanks

& will write me more fully about it in

November. Debbie went over to Seattle

with me – Ed. Harlan there & Perrys.

-30^th-

The “Tacoma” in from Nome. McGinn

& Harry Steel went over to the U.S. Pen

& interviewed Mort. Stevens – who

made a full confession in writing that

his former charges against Steel were

false and unfounded. He says that

he was encouraged by officials in Nome

to incriminate Steel with the hope that

he would thereby escape with a light

sentence.

[november 1904]

Nov. 5

Left Seattle on Excelsior for

Valdez – Have been in Seattle all

week with Debbie at Rainier-Grand

waiting for boat. Perrys, Harlans,

Geoghegan aboard – full cargo also.

Have attended grand Lodge of A.B’s

in Seattle this week and was on Com.

on Credentials. Recd. card from the

“Alaska Club” making me an “Honorary Mem

=ber”. George Esterly, Meenach &

others from Valdez to see me; - also Col.

Perkins, Dick Ryan and the Nome

contingent, who seek to join forces in

their fight against the Heid-Brady faction.

I do not care about either of them partic

=ulary but did what I thought would

keep up the contention between them &

not enough to justify either one in oppos

=ing me as an enemy – They are both my

enemies – but cannot agree on their own

matters. Have suggested to Debbie

that she come to Valdez to meet me

in February & go across from Valdez

to Fairbanks with me in March.

Paid another payment on my

Puyallup valley land before I left

Tacoma, also taxes on it to date.

-6^th-

Gulf of Georgia. The Captain of

Excelsior is instructed to get us to

Valdez on time for court on 14^th if possible.

-7^th-

Millbank Sound at noon.

8^th

Dixons Entrance – hard storm

this evening – wind from astern – but

the worst I ever saw – Cannot get

through Wrangell Narrows tonight

- so lay out in channel & roll all night.

Mr. Harlan has “great expectations”

yet – and told me today that if he

were appointed judge at Valdez

he would stay there – and not make

these ocean trips, of which he is afraid!!

9^th

Wrangell Narrows. We remained at

the Narrows until one oclock today

before we could get through on account

of the low tide! We will reach Juneau

about midnight or one oclock –

Am writing letter to Debbie to be mailed

there.

-10^th-

We arrived in Juneau last night at

1:30 a.m. I went up town & the watchman

at the Custom House hunted me up &

said that Capt. Jarvis had left word

that I should come to his house & call

him which I did. We went down town

& had lunch – to the office & talked for

hours & I left Juneau at 6 oclock

Roosevelt & Fairbanks

Elected.

by a safe majority – Mead was

elected {Governor-} in Washington. I had a

long and very pleasant visit with Jarvis

who told me about the trip from Fairbanks

around via Nome, to Juneau with Judge

Day - He says Judge Day was satisfied

with me and my services as judge – & will

recommend my reappointment, &c. He said

many pleasant things – Jarvis wants

to be Governor of Alaska – but will

not say so and even worse wont let

any one else say it. He can have

that or the head of the Revenue service

when Capt. Shoemaker retires – but

I know from his conversation that he

really prefers the governorship.

The “Exclelsior” put off the freight

& passengers for Sitka at Juneau &

we are now sailing through Icy Strait

It is a beautiful sunny day – with ice

bergs all around us – it looks as

if we might have some good weather

outside. Passed the mouth of Glacier

Bay – Muir Glacier was plainly seen in

the distance – a procession of stately ice

bergs marches out into Icy Strait – at

dark we had passed out of Cross Sd. into the

Pacific

-11^th-

At sun up we were steaming into Yakutat

Bay – the grand mass of the St Elias range

standing out clear and bold

Not a cloud – the great white range

appeared to rest on the dark waters of

the bay – the bright blue sky above. It

was a sight seldom witnessed – the

mountain mass for fifty miles along

the coast is 10000 feet high – the

peaks rise to 18,000 and more –

the Malaspina glacier, spreading

its front 60 miles along the coast

is with its feeding fileds larger

than Switzerland with all its glaciers!

-12^th-

Kayak. Left Kayak at 8 a.m.

Reached there at 3.am & unloaded,

took on lot of passengers – Whittlesey,

Willoughby Clark, & several witnesses

and jurors. There was also disem

=barked at Kayak a young woman

- apparently of good character and clean

& bright from Londondery, Canada,

who came to marry a man by the name

of White. A committee met her

at the island, to inform her that her

affianced is a “squaw man” & has

a child in the camp by his Indian

woman! Mr. Harlan gave me

November 12^th - continued.

the opportunity today to mention the fact

that of all those attempting to blackguard

me in the Day investigation at Valdez

that Hubbard – his Valdez deputy was

the worst – the organizer – He defended

Hubbard warmly – but as warmly I accused,

- he understood my position clearly &

is perfectly willing to reap the reward

of the efforts of Hubbard and others to

do me the vilest injury. I will wait

patiently – but if I am reappointed will

do my best to weed the gang out!!

Another beautiful day – we reached

Valdez tonight at midnight!

Nov. 13^th

Reached Valdez last night, and

went to the St. Elias Hotel – Hender

=son met me at the boat – but Heilig

has not yet called to see me.

We learned upon our arrival that

Judge Thomas Humes had died at

Fairbanks on Wednesday – the 9^th

This will disarrange many well laid

plans of the conspirators against me.

Heilig had been assumed by the Sullivan

- Christian forces who were working through

Ankeny for Humes that if would desert

me and remain neutral he should be

retained by Humes as Clerk, and acted

accordingly. Many other of my clear

weather friends were attracted to the Humes

support by his presence in Fairbanks

& the persistent undercurrent, that

he had gone there with a promise of

appointment in my place – His

death disorganizes all their efforts.

My friends in ~~Fairbanks~~ Valdez however

were not frightened or intimidated by

that bold political move and have

remained loyal to me: - the most

disloyal of all are Heilig & Claypool

the latter of whom has not missed an

opportunity to attack me in public

where he thinks I will not hear of it.

Of course Harlan is being used by the

Copper crowd to kill me off – but they

do not intend to do anything for him

in return. Geoghegan has also been

acting foolish – but I will now bring

him up with a sharp pull and divorce

him from the Harlans to whom he seems

as slavishly devoted as Jeffrys was to

Mort. Stevens- I saw George at

Juneau and he now sees clearly that

he was used by Stevens – robbed and

dropped {by him} when his money had disappeared.

Most of my friends have stood the test

without a single word of assurance from

me – but a few of those nearest who

have been most actively attacked have

grown weak – but I am not discouraged

for I well knew of their weakness of

character – but if I am reappointed

I can make up a new list of men

of stronger character and will do

so promptly – I will do nothing

however, until my reappointment

- if it comes – so that if I am not

reappointed there will be the least

evidence of trouble possible

Am now beginning my instructions

to the Grand Jury – and a letter to Senator

Fairbanks upon the necessity for this

new Roosevelt Administration to take

hold of and organize Alaska by

the appointment of Jarvis as governor

& through him as the personal representation

of the president to appoint all other

officials – so as to form a Roosevelt

system – a homogenious system

~~all of~~ every part of which shall

be responsible to the head through

Jarvis.

-14^th-

Special November Term, Valdez.

Court today – grand jury empannelled

- J. C. Martin foreman. Rob. Coles crier: W.A.

Berry, bailiff. Mountjoy is here examining

offices of Clerk &c. We are in the new court

house – arranging our quarters and getting

things in order. Telegraphed Abe Spring

to send me report on conditions at

Fairbanks.

-15-

Telegram from Spring, at Fairbanks,

reporting on conditions there – also advising

me that “Heilig wired Long not to pay

my salary as license inspector and am

fired.” Mad – well I should say I

was. I called Heilig into the office &

with him Mr. Plato Mountjoy, special

agent, with whom Heilig had talked and to

whom he had “knocked” Abe Spring continually.

I then told them what Springs telegram said

and Heilig admitted that he had sent the telegram

saying that “Mountjoy” thought there was no necessity

for Spring as such license inspector “But” I

said “Mr. Mountjoy is not District Judge – I

am judge in this district and neither you

he have anything to say about it – its none

of your business – I resent your action”.

I demanded that Heilig go at once and

get me a copy of his telegram which he

did, and I presented it to Mountjoy to

read – it was as follows.

“Valdez, Oct. 31, 1904.

John L. Long, Deputy, Fairbanks, Alaska.

With your first report you sent declaration

of intention of Day and Lyden. Where have you

accounted for the fees. Mountjoy arrived

yesterday. He contends there is no authority

in law for appointment of license inspector.

Do not pay Spring salary until advised by

me. Official business. A. R. Heilig

Clerk.”

Mountjoy at once said that he had never seen

the telegram – had no knowledge of it- and

as nearly as he could repudiated it. I was

angry and spoke short and sharp to both but

particularly so to Heilig. I instructed him

in Mountjoys presence to send a telegram to

Long to pay Springs salary. I told Mountjoy

that Springs appointment had been approved

by the Dept. of Justice, and particularly by

Dep. Atty. Genl. while he was in Fairbanks &

that it was {a} necessary appointment – one in line

with a similar action at Nome, and on the

Coast – Clegg being license inspector for the

coast canneries, &c. &c. Mountjoy looked blank

- as though he had “meddled” – as he certainly had.

Heilig sent this telegram at my demand:

“Valdez Nov. 16, 1904.

John L. Long, Deputy, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Pay Abe Spring his salary as license

inspector until otherwise ordered.

Official business. A. R. Heilig, Clerk.

Shall remove Heilig promptly if I

am reappointed – as soon as I am confirmed.

Str. “Excelsior” in from westward & went

out at noon. Mountjoy went out on her.

Recd. telegram from Walter E. Clark.

Washington D.C. Nov. 16 via Vancouver B.C.

Judge James Wickersham, Valdez, Alaska.

You are reappointed today. Moore and Brown

must resign. Richards removed.

Walter E. Clark.

If this is true it is the most satisfactory

and complete vindication possible,

and amply repays me for all my labors

and trials in Alaska – it will be a

blow to the “jury fixers.” – Jarvis and Clark

have never ceased to work for me & I

owe them much. Busy in court –

Grand jury hard at it – and I am hearing

cases constantly.

This has been a busy day. Wrote to

Debbie – before I heard from Clark – but she

will hear it there.

Invited Joe. Burk, “Prospector,” & Rotchford

of the “News,” with Judge Lyons to dinner tonight

We celebrated in a quart & good birds. I enjoyed it.

[newspaper clipping, line breaks disregarded:]

[sideways on left:] “The Alaska Prospector

Valdez, Alaska, Thursday, November 17, 1904.

Wickersham Is

Re-appointed

Only Judge in Alaska To Retain His Position. Richards

Has Been Removed. Brown and Moore

Must Resign.

During the afternoon session of court yesterday,

Judge James Wickersham received a telegram

announcing that he had been re-appointed.

The message was from Walter E. Clark, the

Washington representative of the P.-I., and a warm

personal friend of the Judge, so there can be no

mistake about the matter.

According to the telegram, the president made

the appointment yesterday. It also states that

Marshal Richards, of Nome, has been removed

from office, and that Judges Moore, of Nome, and

Brown of Juneau, will have to resign.

This will be a source of great satisfaction to

the many friends of the judge throughout the

district, as he is the only one of the three judges

to be retained. The dismissal of Richards fully

vindicates the action taken by Wickersham in

regard to Richards, while in office at Nome.”

-18^th-

No more news from appointment. Busy

now in court hearing cases – Preparing

two opinions in writing – Grand Jury hard

at work.

-19^th-

[on left:] Attended ball at Moose Hall-

[on right:] The lawyers are preparing and signing

an {a} petition asking removal of Heilig, Clerk.

[newspaper clipping, line breaks disregarded:]

“Washington, Nov. 19 –

The president has decided not to remove Judge

Moore, of Nome. While his administration has

not been satisfactory, it is thought that the fact

that he has been surrounded by the worst kind of

officials may be responsible for most of the

dissatisfaction.

Governor Brady, whose office was also

investigated by Day, has had his administration

endorsed and will be reappointed.

The text of Day’s report has been refused

the press, but is given out that Judge Brown

violated the proprieties of his office. Attorney

General Moody announces that Brown’s

successor will be appointed in a few days.

There has been many applications for the

position, but the president has referred them

all to the Pacific Coast senators.”

Prepared opinion in 1^st Nat Bk. Seattle v Fish.

Dinner with Rob. Cole & family – Nan present.

Instructed Heilig to send telegram to

Long, deputy clerk at Fairbanks, notifying

him & lawyers that Official Residence

had been removed from Eagle to Fairbanks

to take effect December 1^st. Have

received many telegrams of congratulation

from there today. I am pleased that

Judge Moore has been kept at Nome

- and particularly that he is retained to

give him another chance – the official

statement being that he has been surrounded

with such bad officials that he has not

been fairly tried. Rather a hard shot

at Richards – Grigsby et. al. Nothing

yet about Perry or Harlan – I do hope

Hubbard will receive notice to go!!-

I shall greatly regret if my letter to

Senator Fairbanks asking him to secure from

the President a Roosevelt – Fairbanks organi-

=ization of Alaska fails to reach him before

the governor is appointed – I do not doubt

that Roosevelt will do it if he is rightly

informed on the question.

My “jury fixing” enemies at Nome did

me the honor to differentiate between me and

Judge Moore by telling Day that I was

“a damn bad man but a good judge” & that

Moore was “a damn good man but a bad judge.”

Since they are all now removed for being

{“damn} bad” themselves, their evidence as to my

wickedness does not seem to have had

much weight = same as to Moores ability.

-21^st-

Tried the case of Windmuller v Clarkson,

without jury – decided for defendants. Also

read my opinion in two cases-

Str. “Portland” in tonight – got a nice

good letter from Debbie – she says she is

both well and happy – Darrell in New York.

Politics overwhelmingly Republican – even

Missouri goes 30,000 for Roosevelt & Fair

=banks! Debbie sent me check for my

last quarters expense account.

-22^nd-

On going to my room last night I found a

letter which had been left there during my absence

signed by E. E. Coy – containing a copy of a letter

which he had sent to the President abusing

Harlan & Hubbard - & to some extent comp-

-limenting me – He is the crazy old idiot

that abused me to the President & Judge Day –

He tried to get me to read this same letter two days

ago – in my office – and I refused to do it.

This morning in open court I filed the two

letters with the clerk, and “roasted” Coy to

a turn for writing it. I would have punished

him for contempt except that I am inclined

to think he is hardly responsible – at least he

is so cranky that one ought not to pay attention

to such a matter as this. I threatened him &

asked Mr. Harlan to examine the letter.

Tried a jury case today – murder trial tomorrow.

Have this afternoon received three belated

telegrams from Washington, D.C. - one

from Asst. Atty. Genl Hoyt, amending the

rules so that we can pay witnesses such

mileage and per diem as they ought to

receive, and the following from-

Attorney General Moody

“Washington Nov. 17, 1904.

James Wickersham

Valdez, Alaska.

The President has reappointed you

Judge third division of Alaska.

Moody.”

also one from Stephen Birch, from

Washington, of same date, saying

“We all send hearty congratulations on

your reappointment.” “We” means

Clark, Birch and my other friends there.

I feel now that I can say, modestly but

to my own private diary – that notwithstanding

all the mistakes which I have made my life

is now fairly a success – not that I have

reached the end, but that I am now in that sphere

where successful men stand, and from which

I can do more and better work. I am particu

=larly proud of my reappointment because

of Darrell – he can now always be

reasonably satisfied to say who his father

is – and my good clean pure minded

wife is to be credited with nearly all of

it. I try not to gloat over anothers misfortune

yet the following reads well in connection with

my past recollections of “jury fixing” at Nome:

[newspaper item, line breaks disregarded:]

“ Washington, Nov. 20 – The president has

the matter of Alaskan appointments still under

consideration. The marshal for the Second

division will be named soon, and will be

expected to proceed to Nome at once, over

the ice, to relieve Richards.”

-23^rd-

Str. “Dora” in from Westward with

witnesses, jurors, officers &c from Kodiak

and way ports. Trial of my civil

case – things going slowly.

-24^th-

Thanksgiving Day-

No court. Worked on correspondence

& other office matters – wrote letter

to Chairman House Comt. on Territories

Washington, D. C. in explanation of Rust=

=gards mining law accusations-

Dinner with Mr & Mrs. Charles Debney

- present Jesse Martin & Nan –

A most excellent dinner – good wine

& good cheer – Received telegram

from Barnette, Pres. Century Club,

Fairbanks, informing me that the Club

intended to hold thanksgiving ball in

its new Hall at Fairbanks & inviting

me to be present. Returned my con

=gratulations by telegraph.

-25-

Trial by U.S. v. Johnson – jury – all day-

Telegram from Abe Spring announcing the

death of Archie Burns, an old frontiersman

who owned a homestead across from Fairbanks

- built first bridge across river at Fairbanks.

-26^th-

Trial of U.S. v. Johnson – all day – submitted

to the jury tonight – The “Santa Clara” came

in at 8 oclock – received good letter from

Debbie dated the 14^th – she had not then

heard of my reappointment which took place

on the 16^th. Recd. kind letter from Judge Allyn

congratulating both himself and me on the result

Also letter from Senator Nelson, of Minnesota

- he is still ugly – but not virulent – He

keeps harping upon the idea that Birch supports

me – as if a successful litigant ought to be

expected to abuse the court. Recd. clipping

from “Tacoma Ledger” highly complimentary

- & giving some of the details of Judge Days

report – which seems to have sustained

me fully – No news yet about other appointments

I hope none will be made until my letter reaches

Senator Fairbanks – in favor of “Organization”

Jury in U.S. v Johnson seems to be “hung”

Papers of 18^th on “Santa Clara”

-27^th-

Jury in U.S. v Johnson out all night

& unable to agree at noon today – discharged.

-28^th-

Called the case of U.S. v Johnson for a

second trial this morning – there is much

feeling against him – he seems to be a very

bad character when drunk – he is known as

“Eat-em up” Johnson – for his fighting proclivities

when drunk. All day trying to get a jury but

not finished yet – adjourned our efforts at

5 oclock till tomorrow morning hoping

that the arrival of the “Portland” from westward

will bring us additional jurors. Wrote

to Debbie today – Am to have an informal

reception at “Tilicum Club” tonight.

-30^th-

Began the second trial of “Eat-em-up” Johnson

Monday morning and have, after three hard days

work, just submitted it to the trial jury – 9 oc.

p.m- It has been a hard case and has greatly

fatigued me. The “Santa Clara” will go back

to Seattle in the morning; have written Debbie.

Send my Nov. salary voucher. Jury returned

a verdict about 1 oclock “Guilty”.

[december 1904]

-Dec 2^nd-

Criminal case yesterday U.S. v Peterson

manslaughter for shooting Pete Peterson

at Uyak Bay – guilty, but strongly recom

=mended mercy. Today U.S. v Warner,

manslaughter – Killing Albert Stecker at Red river

on Kodiak island= Verdict. Guilty.

-4 3rd-

Sunday and a rainy day – worked in

the office all day on opinion in A.C. Co.

v. Debney –

-5^th-

No jury case ready – tried Stull v White

without jury –

-6^th-

Recd. telegram from Abe Spring informing me

that the Barnette-Freeman litigation had been

settled – that Barnette had been paid $90,000. &c

This claim adjoins – or is very near my claim off Dis

- on Wolf – it encourages me to hope for the pay

streak on that claim. Turner & Swift Water Bill

bought the Barnette-

Freeman interests.

Begun trial of U.S.

v Hayashida – murder.

[newspaper clipping:]

“Washington, Dec. 5 –The presi-

dent appointed Royal A. Gunnison,

of Binghamton, N.Y., as judge of

the First district of Alaska, to suc-

deed Judge Brown, who resigned.”

-Dec. 7^th-

Clegg paid me $110.00 in full for rents,

due on my McKinley St. house to ~~date~~ {Dec 1.}

[newspaper clipping:]

“Washington, Dec. 6 – The presi-

dent’s annual message to congress

contains strong recommendations

regarding legislation for Alaska.

He contemplates a radical change

in the powers of the federal officers

and favors a delegate to congress.”

The case of the U.S. v Hayashida, a

Jap. for murder at Nushagak on trial today

- case concluded & jury out.

-8^th-

Began trial of U.S. v. ~~Sergin – murder~~

{Matesero – mayhem} from

~~Sand Point~~ {Appollo Mine-}

– near Unga. Read my opinion

in A.C. Co. v Debney – in re foreign judgments.

-8^th-

Case of U.S. v Sergin all day – tired as

a dog – telegrams today announce the

reappointment of Gov. John G. Brady,

Wm L. Distin, as Sur. Genl. & Judge

Gunnison – names sent to Senate

Have not heard from my own confirmation

yet – my enemies may give me another

fight there: It is my judgment that Brady

is a good honest man – but that his appt

=ointment is a sad mistake – he is hopelessly

incompetent- and lacks executive ability.

-10^th-

Sergin case all day – a remarkle case

of murder by two Aleut-Russians assisted

by the murdered man’s wife. This evenings

paper says that Capt. Jarvis has been ordered

to come to Washington on business connected

with his department – but I am inclined to

think it is on General Alaskan matters.

Hope so at least – U.S. v Sergin sent

to jury tonight at 8:30 = Verdict “Manslaughter.

-11^th-

Sunday – worked in office all afternoon on an

opinion in Stull v White – “nothing doing”.

-12^th-

The Str. “Santa Ana” came in this forenoon – a

nice letter from Debbie – she is greatly pleased over

my reappointment – and has evidently been enjoying

the congratulations of our Tacoma friends. I also received

one of Walter E. Clarks genial letters – full of warmth

and friendship, - he quotes Judge Days final report

to the President in so far as it particularly characterizes

me, as follows: “My conclusion is that Judge Wickersham

is an able, honest and upright judge: that he administers

justice promptly and firmly: that he possesses the

confidence of the people of his division: that his

long residence in western communities and his familiar

-ity with mining laws and customs peculiarly

fit him for the position he holds; that he deserves

reappointment; and that the best interests of the people

of the Third Division, - and of all Alaska for that

matter – would be subserved by his continuance in office”.

Clark kindly relates that the Atty. Genl. Knox and

Asst. Atty Genl Purdy – as well as ~~Asst~~ {the} Solicitor Genl.

Hoyt, also spoke well of me – and adds: “These

men are delighted with the outcome, and the President

told me today how pleased he was.” – all of

which pleases me beyond expression.

Recd. a large number of congratulatory letters

also the information that the President removed

Richards – for “jury fixing” – and the Atty. Genl.

had telegraphed to Judge Moore to appoint his

successor pro tempore – which was done promptly.

- The Mills of the Gods grind slowly

- in the U.S. Marshals case, - but they grind.

The President has said that he would not have

appointed Gov. Brady again if the office had any power

&c. – and the public intimation is given out that if

Congress largely increases the powers of the office

a new and stronger man will be appointed -

Jarvis has been called to Washington – and I

hope for the good of the territory it means him.

-13^th -

Trial of Anna Paterson – murder – continued all

day – Recd. from yesterdays mail my commission

ad interim, as judge – to last until Senate shall

confirm or refuse. Signed by Moody, Atty. Genl.

and President Theodore Roosevelt-

Anna Peterson – not guilty – she is guilty!

-14^th-

Trial of Dempsey v Endeavor Cong. Church.

-15^th-

[written in right margin:]

Trial of Dempsey v Endeavor Cong. Church finished –

jury found for the plaintiff in the sum of $2000.00

[newspaper clipping, line breaks disregarded:]

“Appointments Held Up

Senate Committee Withhold Recommendation on Names

of Brady, Wickersham and Hoyt.

Washington, Dec. 15 – On application of Bois

Penrose, a senator from Pennsylvania, the senate

committee has consented to hold up its recommendation

of the president’s appointment of Brady for governor

of Alaska, Wickersham for judge of Third division,

and Hoyt for district attorney of Second division.

Senator Porter J. McCumber, of North Dakota,

in addressing the committee, stated that Brady was

unpopular in Alaska, that Wickersham had been

unjust in his handling of the big Bonanza case, and

that Hoyt is opposed by the entire California delegation

on the ground that he is not a republican.

The matter of these appointments will remain

in the hands of the committee until the charges are

investigated.

Would Raise Salaries

In his message to congress the president

recommends that the salaries of the district judges of

Alaska be raised; that a new civil and criminal code

be enacted, and that bills be introduced and passed in

conformity with the recommendations in the attorney

general’s report.”

-16^th-

“Santa Ana” going south at 4 p.m-

Have instructed Heilig in writing to go home

to Eagle & discharge Mrs. H. Dec. 31^st

Sent Debbie my photo as Christmas present.

Ansd. my mail up to date. Trying

the case of Raymond v Hemple –

without jury-

-17^th-

Tried case of Bankruptcy of Valdez

Brewing Co. & demurrer in 1^st Nat. Bk of

Seattle v Fish today – Bought a big

black work dog by the name of “Dan”.

from a Mrs. Bickers from Cooks Inlet

- paid $40.00 for him.

Sunday. 18^th-

I feel discouraged and unhappy today –

over the fact that it seems quite evident

that my enemies are intending to make

a vicious fight to prevent my confirmation

before the U.S. Senate. If I could be there

and fight – it would be different but to

sit way off here in Alaska while a

pack of ~~wolves~~ liars –(some of whom

owe me more than any other person for

even what they have eaten for four years).

gather there to misrepresent my motives

and actions is discouraging - The

“Rampart Forum” – edited by J. B. Wingate

is now vilifying me like a fish wife.

Took dinner with Mr & Mrs Clegg-

wrote an opinion in 1^st Nat. Bk of Seattle,

vs. Oscar Fish-

-19^th-

Opinion in First Nat. Bk v Fish & decision

in Stull v. White. Trial of A.C. Co. v Debney

- question service on foreign judgement.

Ostrander greatly surprised me today by offering

to deny as atty. for plaintiff, that there was any

thing wrong in the Copper case – I think on

his suggestion I will test him, Harlan,

& Leedy & Kelsey, - Hubbard is beyond the

pale, but may conclude to give him a chance.

-20-

Measles in Jail – 25 or 30 prisoners

Have discharged all jurors but 2: trying

equity cases – intended to Sentence all

prisoners tomorrow – but two of these

to be sentenced for felony have measles!

J. C. Martin appointed trustee of the

bankrupt Chittitee Development Co.

-21^st-

Sentenced such prisoners as were not sick

this morning, as follows:

Chas. Johnson, Asst. with intent to Rape, 10 years.

Geo. Warner. Manslaughter; killing Albert Stoecker – 15 yrs.

Fred Peterson,. “ “ Peter Peterson 15 yrs.

S. Gerasemoff “ “ P. L. Peterson 20 yrs.

M. Hayashida “ “ Ikeda, 20 yrs.

Jennie Raymond, Liquor without license, selling: $100. & costs

-22-

Doing but little in court today – writing an

opinion in A.C. Co. v Debney – nearly sick.

-23^rd-

The “Portland” – came in today and I received

two letters from Debbie and one from Darrell. She

seems in better health and sent me three sizes

of her photograph as a Christmas present.

Bless her heart – the pictures are good – fine

and I am delighted to have them. She wails

about being parted from me by Alaskan office &

I feel that she is right – it isn’t worth it.

-24^th-

Busy yet in trials – also working on opinion.

-25^th-

Sunday – Christmas Day-

Nan Gave me two nice pillows – I gave

her copies of my photograph. Windy &

stormy – cold & cheerless - working

in my office on opinion in Debney case.

Have asked Billy Berry & Nan to take dinner

with me at the restaurant.

-26^th-

Nan’s Birthday! Began jury trial of U.

S. v. D. A. Wentworth for killing Patrick Kelly at

Sour Dough Flat, Unga Island. Many persons

coming out from Fairbanks – for business reasons –

all say trail is good, and conditions here satisfactory.

-27^th-

Trial of U.S v Wentworth all day – given to the

jury this evening – at 10. tonight looks like a hung

jury. Wrote long letter to Debbie-

John Y. Ostrander has “rounded up” Harlan,

Gov. Leedy & himself & sent in strongest kind

of letters to the Atty. Genl. saying that charges

made by Senator Penrose for Helm, et. al. that

unfair or improper action on my part occurred

in the Copper Cases {were false.} Ostrander, Harlan, &

Leedy & Kelsey appeared for the complaining

parties here – and denounce their own clients.

Prepared my voucher for Dec. salary & sent out

-28^th-

Bar Assoc. of Valdez preparing strong denial

of Penrose statement that my opinion in

Copper Case was unfair. After two days

trial and day and night session jury in

U.S. v Wentworth disagreed & were discharged.

Tried civil suits today without jury. U.S v

Miller. pleaded guilty to assault, 6 mo. in jail.

Judge Humes body reached here from Fairbanks

tonight – will go out on Portland. Sent

$150.00 today to N.V. Hendricks, Williamsport

Ind. in full settlement of their {Mt. McKinley}

claim against me.

-29^th-

Opinion in A.C. Co. v Debney – in favor of

Debney. Began second jury trial of U.S v.

A. D. Wentworth, accused of manslaughter.

-30^th-

U.S. v Wentwort – 2^nd day-

-31-

U.S. v Wentwork – “Not guilty”-

Paid Nan $210.00 and took her vouchers for

salary due from Nov 14. to Dec. 31. inclusive

Act. for my own quarterly expenses made up

& ford. to Atty Genl. amount $239.10

[january 1905]

January 1^st 1905.

Sunday.

Did not get up till noon – but still I slept

badly. As soon as I was up went down on street

with Bar Assoc. and walked behind the sled

hearse conveying Judge Thomas Humes body

to the “Santa Clara” at the dock- We paid our

last respects and it was taken aboard – the

“Santa Clara” left the harbor at 1 oclock p.m.

for Seattle. With Mr. Harlan & Mr Perry

mad “New Years Calls” – several ladies “received”

in spite of the fact that it was Sunday. Called

at Mrs. Cleggs, who was assisted by Mrs. Perry-

also at Mrs. Fish’s who was assisted by Mrs & the

Misses Root, Mrs. Donahue & Mrs. Lyons-

Mrs. Dates, assisted by Mrs. Debney Mrs Quinn

Miss Shiffer & Miss Wickersham, and Mrs Leedy

assisted by her daughter.

-Jany 2^nd-

No jury trial – Will now begin court cases.

Tried three small civil cases without jury-

A beautiful winter day – we have had a

remarkably fine winter – but little wind & bright

clear days – very much as it is “inside”.

-3^rd-

Hear argument on motion to continue for

term case of 1^st Nt. Bk. v Fish, denied.

Also prepared opinion in Raymond, vs

Hemple – for plaintiff – usury.

-4^th-

Heard the case of First Nat. Bk of Seattle

vs Loomis, Fish, et. al. and rendered

judgment for plaintiff – reserved opinion

on motion to dismiss attachment-

“Port Arthur reported Fallen”

Am pretty well through term – hold court

now only in afternoons – but am suffering

with insomnia and nervousness. Play

nine pins of evenings at “Whites Bowling

Alley. It is a typical western resort,

miners with their wool shirts, fur caps

coats &c. sled dogs under foot – Japs.

prostitutes, negros and every variety of

life seen in a mining camp – with a

roulette wheel surrounded by a big crowd

& waiters passing drinks – smoke &

general aroma of a western saloon.

-7^th-

Have had an easier time of it this week – do

not get out of bed until noon – I rest – rest – rest.

I was just about worn out and certainly needed

it. Have held court for an hour or two each afternoon

- can do all the work this week that way, - but today

adjourned until 10 am. Monday when I have

two important cases coming on which will

about wind up the term.

-8-

Beautiful day – fine winter.

Capt. Geiger, Boone and others in today

from Fairbanks. They tell me that there has

been a “strike” on the Toclat – the east fork

of the Kantishna river. They say the trail

is in fine condition.

-9^th-

We learn today that the Str. which we

expected tonight or tomorrow struck a

rock down near Juneau and returned to

Seattle. – We wont have steamer now

for 10 days – all witnesses, jurors &c from

westward unable to leave – no mail –

and it almost destroys the Fairbanks trail

- people here now for 10 days waiting – must

wait 20 days – while they can get out of

Skagaway every two or three days – weekly

mails from & to Fairbanks – but monthly here!

Damn such service – it renders it impossible

to get word to Debbie so as to get her here before

March 1^st – probably – it is a great dis

=appointment to me.

-10^th-

Am now trying case of Settlers v. Crary, being

contest between several hundred settlers on the

Valdez Mil. Res. against Crary who claims the

land by virtue of Soldiers Add. Hd. Scrip.

Oscar Fish has telegraphed charges of

unfairness against me to Senator Bard of

Cal. because I decided the case of 1^st Nat.

Bk. of Seattle vs Loomis & Fish for the plaintiff.

The Senate seems to be ex officio a Court

of Appeals for all disappointed litigants.

Well, I have only one satisfaction – I will

be judge as long as I remain here, in spite

of such efforts. Beautiful weather

Damn the boat! It ought to have been

here today – but will not reach here now till 22.{no}

-11^th-

Trial Settlers v Crary – finished taking

testimony tonight.

-12^th-

Trial of U.S v Yoshida, a Japanese for the

murder of foreman at Karluk on July 4^th, 1904.

Nothing about boats yet - & no news from the

East about confirmation or anything else.

Nan came up to see me a noon – she is

having a friendly treaty of some kind with L p

and they are considering a question of marriage

- seemingly, although she is quite careful about

her statements. I suggested that old fools, &c. &c

whereat she laughed. If I had my way I would

provide a matrimonial committee in every community

& require all persons of legal age to marry – or confine

them in workhouses – single blessedness be damned!

-13^th-

Trial of U.S. v Yoshida – sent to jury, but

they do not agree – a plain case.

Blum, the banker, received telegram from Seattle

today saying that Jacob Firth had organized a

railroad scheme to build from Valdez to the interior.

Ryan seems to be formulating it – which adds

to its picturesqueness – but not to its financial back

=ing. Firth is able to do it – he has the confidence

of Money – and it ought to pay – Still - !!

Recd. telegram last night from Fairbanks

asking for lay on my Wolf Creek mining

ground – telegraphed Stier today declining

& advising to wait till I came over in Mch.

-14^th-

U.S. v Yoshida – verdict “Guilty.”

-15-

Fairbanks mail in last night – The Rampart

“Forum” is blackguarding me frightfully in every issue

- & sending copies to Washington to try to prevent

my confirmation – another case of ingratitude

- As long as I kept Wingate, the editor in the

office of Dept. Clerk he was a friend, but as

soon as I could not do it longer on account

of removing the office to Fairbanks there is nothing

too vile for him to say – my only reply is Silence

The bay is so calm, the water so cold, that

the fresh water on top and around the wharves

has frozen two or three inches deep and the boys

and girls are having a fine time skating –

the ice is perfectly smooth. Had a most

delightful dinner with Chas. Simonstead.

J. C. Martin and Dan Kain at their bachelor

quarters on Keystone Ave. tonight – Mr. Harlan

was also present.

-16^th-

[newspaper item, line breaks disregarded:]

“Fairbanks, Jan. 14 – A big stampede is on

to the Mt. McKinley country, where Judge

Wickersham staked in 1903, and also to some

of the creeks adjacent to the Kantishna river.

Anderson and Olson, two prospectors who have

have been in that region all winter, just returned

with almost five dollars worth of the dust found

by them there. They report a big deposit of the

pay and the gold they had was coarse. They got

pans from five to ten cents.”

This seems to be a special dispatch from

Fairbanks: it may be that they have not

yet made a find of mineral in that

locality but it is there, I believe.

Trial U.S .v Uyeno, a Jap. charged with

Murder 2^nd Degree.

-17^th-

Trial of U.S. v Uyeno, Japanese, for murder

at Karluk, ended with Verdict Manslaughter.

Nan – Mrs & Mr Debney went out to Camp

Comfort on Sunday – to the top of the

divide yesterday & back today. Weather

beautiful – the finest winter I ever saw.

-18^th-

U.S. v Komai – another of the 20 Japanese

murder cases begun. Took dinner with

Gov. & Mrs. Leedy – a mans dinner – present

Holman, Harlan, Kelsey, Bowers, Dr. Strong,

“Oklahoma Bill” Hemple, the Gov. Jack & I.

Mrs. Leedy also sat at the table with us &

their two daughters waited on the table –

Beautiful weather.

-19^th-

Case U.S. v Komai continued all day.

Telegram saying that the Str. “Portland”

left Sitka today at noon – here about

Sunday. Oscar Fish got mad because I

decided a case against him & telegraphed

Senator Bard, of California, to prevent my

confirmation = His brother Jim, learning of

it also telegraphed Bard saying that

Oscars objection arose from a lost case &

that I was all right!! & thus the merry

war goes on. Hubbard, dep. Dist. Atty.

also goes out on the next boat to “knock”

and secure Judgeship for Harlan – but, I

imagine, what is of more importance, the

Attyship for himself!

-21^st-

Four days spent in trial of U.S. v Komai, one

of the 20 Japs, indicted for the march of Kawa

=batta at Karluk – “Not guilty” – but he

was!. Clear day – days getting longer –

but today it is blowing a gale. No boat yet.

No news from Washington yet.

-22^nd-

Sunday: The Str. “Portland” came in

at noon today – letters from Debbie, and from

many persons about my confirmation. I now

learn that owing to expected opposition from Ankeny

the President appointed me from Alaska and not

from the State of Washington – this prevents Ankeny

from objecting on that account, and leaves him

with no personal grievance = It seems that

the President has taken a strong stand in my

favor – that Judge Day – and the Attorney General

& others are keeping him thoroughly posted, and that he

is so determined about it, that, knowing Senator

Ankenys opposition he has made it a personal

appointment. Ivey, and others of the Richards

faction are in Washington slandering me as far

as language will permit. The Helm Copper

Case interests are represented by Senator Penrose

from Penn: Also received a letter from McLain

of the Minn. “Journal” saying that he would

at once write to Nelson, - but he thinks him

very obstinate and does not promise anything.

Also letters from Foster and Sammons – the latter

thinks things are serious but will eventually

pull through – Fairbanks will assist also.

-23^rd-

Passed sentence today up Yoshida

and Uyeno (wāno), two Japanese convicted

for killing their foreman, also a Japanese, at

the Karluk cannery on July 4, 1904. The

first one named shot the victim at night

while he lay wounded and helpless in

his bed: the second aided and assisted and

himself assaulted and beat him with a lead

bar. They killed him (Kawabatta) to escape

the payment of their gambling obligations in

the sum of about $100.00 each. Yoshida was

sentenced to 30 years in the penitentiary (the

jury found him guilty of Murder 2^nd Degree) and the

other (found guilty of Manslaughter) was sentenced

to 20 years in the penitentiary. Technically

both are guilty of murder in the first degree.

I had all the Japanese (25 or more) brought into

the court room and explained everything to them

through interpreters. This makes eight per

=sons convicted at this term, from different ~~persons~~points

along the coast, for killing other people, and all

have received sentences of from 15 to 30 years.

It ought to stop promiscuous murder out that

way – At least five of these persons ought to

have been convicted for murder in the first degree

and hanged – but they were only indicted for

second degree, or were allowed by the district

attorney to plead guilty to that degree. It may

be better as it is – for if the effect is public

safety out among the islands the good is accom

=plished without taking human life – at which

I cannot help but shudder, even if done by law.

-25^th-

Henderson received a telegram from Senator

Fairbanks saying “I believe the Judge will be confirmed.”

- but this has a ring of doubt which accords with

my own fears – still the President, the Atty. Genl.

& Judge Day & Jarvis are working for me-

-27^th-

The Str. “Santa Ana” came in this morning

Letter from Debbie – she does not want to come

& go to Fairbanks with me – I am greatly disappointed.

A meeting of the bar association of Valdez was

held yesterday – Hubbard seems to have run it & they

requested me to telegraph approval of District Div

ision Bill to Washington – but both Perry & I

refused. I am not anxious to meddle in that

matter again – nor to help Hubbard get a better job.

About 75 people in on the Santa Ana

going to Fairbanks – a fine day – the sun is

getting higher each day, and will soon be above the

range of mountains south of Valdez. Trail fine.

Intend to dismiss all the criminal cases

against the remaining “20 Japs” also the

two remaining trial jurors. Court is ended,

except some opinions to be prepared in civil cases.

Piles Elected Senator.

Recd telegram this evening from Senator

Foster asking for appointment of Lee Van

Slyke and S. A. Crandall as commiss

=ioners as per my promise of December

& also informed me that Piles was elected

senator. Answered that I would make

the appointments Mch 1^st. Also telegram

from Foster saying:

“Have insisted on personal hearing before

committee on Judiciary. Have wired Judge Day

fully. Have no doubt of favorable result.”

I am sorry that he is beaten but Piles is

the abler man for Senator. I also telegraphed

Judge Day, Washington, tonight.

“Last March filed with Attorney General letters

signed White, Allyn, Ronald, Piles. See and

file Senate Committee if necessary.

Also received kind letter from Cushman dated

Dec. 13, assuring me of high standing with the

President & Administration.

-28^th-

Received another telegram from Foster

this morning as follows: “Unless judiciary

committee of Senate decides it unnecessary

believe it advisable you to go to Washington city

immediately. Participation Chinese riots now

made one of charges. Understand steamer leaves

there first. Reelection Carter from Montana

causes your opponents far more confident.

Sammon leaves for Washington immediately

He expects to hear from you relative matter you

spoke to him about going Alaska. Write him”.

This latter clause means that Sammons wants

a job in Alaska – wonder if he would make a

good clerk? Will at least make him a

commissioner. Evidently they are “doing things”

at Washington – but I shall decline to go

there unless order or request comes from the

President, or some one in authority.

-30^th-

The Str “Santa Clara” came in this morning

with about 75 passengers. Recd. letter from

Debbie – she had another cold – and consequently

a bad day – and has another “Charlie Joynt-off

-on-the-mountain” theory that she ought not to follow

me. Think she wont come & go with me to Fair

=banks= Damn it. MR. C. A. Giffen

partner of Mr. Leland, whom I knew at Nome

came to see me – letters of introduction from Leland

& Walter Soderberg – He is going to Fairbanks – has a

half interest in “14 below” – on Cleary. Says Mrs. Leland

wants to hear from Mrs. Wickersham & have written

Debbie – Nothing today from Washington – but

I see that Judge Day went before the Senate Com.

on Jany 20, & strongly supported me.

-31^st-

Very flattering reports continue to reach us from

Fairbanks of the richness of the mines. Judge Arthur

K. Delaney died last week at Paso Robles Springs

Cal. & was buried in Whatcom, Wash.

John Y. Ostrander brought me a letter from Sen.

Fulton of Oregon, in answer to one to him from Os-

=trander: Says he is favorable – but nothing more.

Just completed opinion in The Revenue Min. Co. v

Balderston case – water rights at Capt Yaktag,

sustain plaintiffs claims.

[february 1905]

-Febry 1.-

The streets of Valdez are active – people are

loading sleds, training dogs, buying outfits

&c. and all with their gaze fixed on the summits

leading toward Fairbanks - & “Fortune”.

-Febry. 2^nd

I have been seriously considering the appointment

of Frank J. Kinghorn as Clerk of my court

vice Heilig to be removed – Spoke to Perry about

it yesterday & asked him to talk around & see

what he could find out – among others he spoke

to a woman - & like a flash out of a clear sky

she told him that Mrs had been a keeper

of a sporting house in Dawson = “Big Irene”

& the social side – the women vetoed it. Too

bad for he is just the I have been looking

for – but I would never hear the end of it.

“Santa Ana” went out for Seattle today – “Santa

Clara” goes tomorrow with Perry & prisoners.

-4^th-

Geo. M. Esterly received a telegram from

Walter E. Clarke, Washington, D.C.

on yesterday, saying: “Lacy still

firm against division. Possibly no

vote on Judge, recess appointment.”

I gather from this that my confirmation

may not be acted upon until the meeting

of the special or next regular Congress- Also

the telegraphic dispatches today say that

P. C. Sullivan is to be appointed U.S. Dist

Attorney for the State of Washington in May

when Fryes term expires. This means

that both Ankeny and Piles will endorse

him, - but what about Wilson & the P.I.

and Perkins & his papers! Wont they

have a Killkenny time of it – in Seattle

& Washington – with the Postoffice & Sullivan scraps.

Took dinner with Henderson = present

Harlan & Ed. Geoghegan, Bob. Coles,

Clegg, Holman, Lyons, & I. = it was

Hendersons 50^th Birthday-

-6^th-

Have completed my opinion in the

case of Gavigan v. Crary, involving

title to townsite property alongside {& west} of

Valdez – on the abandoned military reservation

Am to take dinner with Holman tonight.

[newspaper article, line breaks disregarded:]

“Foster Blames Ankeny

Washington, Feb. 5 – Senators

Ankeny and Foster are not on speaking terms

now. Foster blames Ankeny for his defeat

by Piles, and a bitter personal feud is result.”

I told you so! Poor Tacoma

she is a mere appanage to Seattle now.

8^th-

It now begins to look as if my enemies

would succeed in preventing my confirmation

at this session of the Senate, - possibly altogether.

Ankeny, from Washington, through John Forbes offered

me $5,000. to vote for him for Senator 6 years ago when

I was conducting Fosters fight – I called him a

“son of a bitch” – and other things; Sullivan who

packed the jury at Nome with Richards is Piles

manager & is to be Dist. Attorney of Washington

- so that Washington State Senators oppose me

Senator Heyburn, of Idaho, was the principal

attorney for Helm in the Copper cases, which I decided

against them – Heyburns fees depended upon his

success in that case - & were very large – he has

been against me since that time & opposes me.

Senator Carter, of Montana is represented

in Nome by two brothers in law. Galen is Richards

deputy – and is one of the Nome contingent who

signed the charges against me – Galen was a

Com. at Kongarock - & I removed him. Lang

owned the jail at Nome, & Richards paid him

$3600. per annum rent – I reported to the Dept.

that it could be built for $1,800. & the rent was

reduced to that sum per annum – Carter

will, of necessity, be against me, though he told

me in Octo- that I ought to be reapppointed.

Senators Hansborough & McCumber of North

Dakota, are the creatures of Alex. McKenzie

who is yet so sore over his Nome experiences

with which he associates me – that they are leading

the opposition to me – Every Northern Pacific

influence from Seattle to St Paul is against

me - & without the President shall conclude

to make a personal matter out of it I cannot

succeed – To date the President, Attorney

General Moody, Judge Day, Walter E. Clark,

Capt. Jarvis, Senator Fairbanks & other powerful

influences have made my fight – but there

is no ~~earthly~~ reason why they shall continue

to do so – and the opposing interests will be

stubborn & assisted by such notorious

liars as Ivey, McKenzie, Rustgard et. al.

they can certainly prejudice Senators against

one – since I can have no personal hearing.

I shall, probably, not resist, but accept what

comes with reasonable grace & in the meantime

prepare to make my home & business in Alaska.

Evening telegrams announce

that Perry was reappointed U.S. Marshal

on yesterday – I am glad of it – for he has

been more openly loyal and friendly to

me than any of the other officials. I got

out of patience with him about Edgar, but

otherwise & always officially we have got along.

Miss Florence E. Root & Mr. Arthur H.

McNeer, are to be married tonight at the

Episcopal Church. Arthur is a splendid

young fellow – a miner, a “rustler” – hunter

and a mountain climber. Sent them a present.

Bonbon dish – silver gold lined, with enameled spoon.

Nan is having one of her ~~crazy~~ {despondent} fits & have

just been over to see her – she will go home on the

return trip of the mountain steamer.

Friday – Febry. 10

Recd. a Friday telegram from Debbie this morning

“I am not coming to Alaska until June.”

I am greatly disappointed – it is 3 ½ years

now since she left me with Howard – both

in good health and happy – it seems to me

a century & as if I were transported to another

world. I will be at least 4 years of discomfort.

Yesterdays dispatches say that Ankeny &

Foster have endorsed Richards, from Nome for

consul General to Yokohama!! “They” are

evidently trying to down me & rehabilitate both

Sullivan, as Dist. Atty. & Richards in this office!

Will the President so stultify himself?

Str. “Santa Ana” just whistling at Ft.

Liscum: Telegram from Atty. Genl. saying

that Act of Congress of Jany 27. goes

into effect immediately – it takes all our

court fund. – No confirmation & no money.

Had Dr. Boyle, James Fish, Jr. & Rev. C. F.

Taylor, Episcopal minister to dinner with me

tonight at wikedels.

-11^th-

Nothing in mail yesterday – Letter from Debbie

but says nothing – she determined not to come

& go into Fairbanks, on account of the publication

in the Seattle papers of a story of a great blizzard

which was said to have raged over the Tanana

the latter part of last month – every body dead –

in snowdrifts &c. &c. a horrible story – but

wholly untrue! Sorry she will not take my

word for anything – both weather & trails in the

Tanana have never been known to be as good

as they were in January! I am greatly

disappointed because she refuses to come-

Have been sending telegrams today to Attorney

General about conditions of court finances

since passage of Nelson road bill. It leaves

us in bad shape. Nan quits work in the

clerks office tonight. Sent a telegram

to Walter E. Clarke, Wash. D.C. asking

“Is executive ~~influence~~ {confidence} waning. Telegraph

situation. Start for Fairbanks eighteenth.”

Permitted myself to be coaxed into going to

card party at Mr & Mrs. George M. Esterlys

- large crowd present – stupid.

-13^th-

In answer to my telegram of Saturday – Walter

E. Clark says “Confidence unshaken

Platt wont allow rejection without hearing.

If unconfirmed expect recess appointment.

Knox will help earnestly. Walter E. Clarke.”

They are now trying pass amendment to

Alaska bill providing that no judge shall

hold mining ground. Dinner tonight

with Joe. Derringer: present Mr. & Mrs Debney

Mr & Mrs. Clegg, Nan, Judge Harlan, Ed, Hender

son, I & Derringer = At Mrs. Alens restaurant.

A Clam dinner.

-14^th-

Paid Rob. Coles $100.00 on account trip to

Fairbanks. Telegraphed Heilig to go to Fair

=banks at once with records & files. Also

to Steir to have my house vacant by Mch 1st

-15^th-

On Dec. 5, {1904} I wrote Harlan, Dist. Atty.

a letter calling his attention to Whittleseys

shortage as Comr. at Kayak – Harlan

has recently given the letter to Whittlesey –

though it was a distinctly confidential com

-munication about the management of that

public business under our charge – and now

Whittlesey is organizing a war on me & is

sending charges &c. to Washington – I

shall now decline to have any further

relations with Harlan – he is a damned old

backbiter & traitor – and I shall present

the matter to the department and notify them

of his crooked action with both Hubbard

& Whittlesey & his efforts to cripple me -

-16^th-

Nan has gone home – thank God!

The Str. “Excelsior” left here today at 11 a.m.

My letter to Debbie was short –

“My darling wife

Damn it.

“Your loving husband.”

A brutal letter – but I was so dis-

appointed – then Nan is going down on same boat & will

give her all the News. Fraid I am getting cross & cranky

though, of course, this was, and she will understand it – a joke.

Dinner last night – Gov. Leedy, Goodell & Rotchford

Most beautiful winter I ever saw any where.

-17^th-

Northern Hotel, Valdez, burned. Heilig got

away from Eagle to Fairbanks today. Am

preparing Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law

in Gavigan & Crary – Heard injunction case

yesterday Bergstrom v Alaska Cent. Ry. – to

restrain Ry. Co. from taking timber from Hd. to build

road.

-19^th-

The “Santa Clara” came in this morning

I received a letter from Debbie – a nice

good clean letter just like here – nothing else

in the way of mail. The P.I. has a statement

from Walter E. Clarke saying that I will

not be confirmed – but that no action at

all will be taken - & that I will be reappointed.

Gen. E. M. Carr of Seattle is on board – going to

Fairbanks – He is a lawyer & “I just wonder” if he

is to take Humes place in the effort to oust me?

It now seems certain that I will not be

confirmed – at least this session – whether

the President will think it advisable to reap

=point me for another recess term I doubt

- I may have to be content with the

findings of Judge Days report & the

approval of the President - & quit.

Besides the personal friendship and

support of Judge Day, Senator Fairbanks

the Atty. Genl. & even the President I have

been publicly sustained & reappointed –

the Senate has been persuaded by my enemies

- what more can I do?

-Febry. 20^th-

Court today for the last day in Valdez.

Dinner tonight with Al. White &

seven other gentlemen – the trail tomorrow

Sent to Fairbanks by mail opinions in

cases. Rev. Min. Co. v Balderston. Seitter

v Alas. Treadwell Co: U.S. v Myers (Brown).

Windmuller v. Clarkson: Copper Riv.

Min. Co. v McClellan: Lumber Co. v

Humphrey: In re Nat. John Minook:

Alaska Com. Co. v Debney (2 opinions).

Barnette v Freeman: Marks. v Shoup,

& U.S. v Roth.

Feb. 20^th 1905

See next Book.

[inside back cover]

Nov. 21, 1904.

Checks on hand:

Cleggs – Canadian B. of C. 50.00

Salary – July – Aug. 30, 1904 416.66

“ August Oct. 31, “ 416.67

Expense October. 27. “ 345.00

1228.33

Nov. 22 Cashed Cleggs check - 50

$1178.33

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary08-1904-1905

<http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary08-1904-1905.htm>

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Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary09-1905

James A. Wickersham diary [09], February 21, 1905 to November 24, 1905.

DIARY

JAMES WICKERSHAM

February 21, 1905

~~February 17~~ {November 24}, 1905.

[February 1905]

-1905-

Valdez to Fairbanks

-February 21^st -

The Strs “Santa Clara” & “Portland”

came into Valdez yesterday & I waited

for mail – one letter from Debbie.

Left Valdez at 7:30 this morning

reached Camp Comfort at 11:15 & got

dinner. Keystone Canon, Dutch

Flat, and Wortmans RoadHouse.

at foot of summit at 5 oclock –

Miners camps all around – Dan

Kane, Genl. E. M. Carr, & others.

Have Bob Cole & dog team of 6

dogs with me – 20 miles today.

-22-

Left Wortmans early – climbed Thompsons Pass

down head of Tiekel - dinner at Ptarmigan

Drop. Beautiful morning – clear & calm.

Mountains – serrated – sawtoothed. Saw Tiekel

Glacier, & beautiful frozen cascades. Passed

No 3. Telegraph station – Tiekel Canon &

arrived at Beaverdam Road house for the

night. Walked from Wortmans to Ptarmigan

Drop, before dogs caught me, & “acrobated.”

the sled to Baverdam. Glorious day &

splendid mountain & canon scenery.

20 miles today – tired & sleepy.

23^rd

Left Beaver Dam early – down Tiekel

to forks & up north fork – lunch at the

Telegraph station where we met Jacobson

& thence on to Ernestine Roadhouse.

Fine weather – hard trail, but road rough

Ed. Page who keeps Ernestine Roadhouse

is old Alaskan – from Cook Inlet &

Kenai: Met Dan Callahan with teams

from Fairbanks to Valdez for goods.

21 miles

-234rd-

From Ernestine north down branch of

the Tonsina – arrived at Tonsina Crossing

at noon – motley crew of Indians,

miners, mushers, prostitutes &c. dinner

Pete Monahan & his outfit on way to

Sushitna to work claims – also govern

-ment train of 40 or 50 mules packing tele

graph supplies to stations as far as the

Tanana crossing. Roads ahead said

to be good – so we started to make

Copper Center – 24 miles by telegraph

measurement – but much farther by road

Halfway it began to snow & we dragged

in at 10 oclock – having walked 51

miles – the last 15 in the face of a snow

storm. Hohman got us to something hot

to drink & Blix a good supper & then

into a good bed. A hard long day.

-25-

Have remained all day at Copper Center

with Hohman & Blix. Bought 6 more

very large lynx skins for a robe = $33.00

Met Lt. Bascott – U.S.A. who is here on

special detail to find the Indians, many

of whom are sick. Beautiful view of

Mts. Drum and Wrangell – the latter of

is throwing great volumes of black smoke

& seems to have a particular desire to

show off – Blackburn in distance

Send lynx skins back to Valdez – to be

forwarded by Debney to Debbie.

Holman & Blix showed me their

map of the proposed town of

Copper Center; they named one of

the streets after me & gave me two

lots upon the agreement that I would

build a house. They are doing fine

here – both with store and farm.

They have a lot of fine marten & black

fox skins & the largest lynx I ever saw.

Large number of travelers – we are joined

here tonight by “John the Frenchman”,

with his fine dog team taking two prize

fighters and a burly female companion

into Fairbanks.

-26^th-

Left Copper Center at 6 am – a warm

south wind – a clear sky – a spring

morning. Wild canary birds bring

advance news of spring – great

concentric clouds hang above Mts. Drum

Wrangell & Sandford – the trail lies up

the center of Copper river – good hard

trail – we came in good shape – past

the Klutena – Tazlina – Gulkana &

found our roadhouse at 4.p.m. just

within the ~~Gokana~~ Gakona valley. Overflow

quarter of a mile below & waded to help

dogs – feel fine today – rode enough

to rest up good. 30 miles.

-27^th-

Good roadhouse at Gakona, but no

fresh air in it since the windows were

put in last summer. Left at 6:30

followed telegraph road on high ground

north side of Copper river – and from

the bluff had a magnificent view of the

heights of Mts Drum & Sanford – and

also of the great smoking crater of

Mt Wrangell. This fumerole – or vent

for the interior fires, opens in the center of

a level table land on the north ~~side~~ summit

of this great mountain, and volumes of

black smoke continually poured

forth and rolled with the wind across

the summit – it does not rise – I won

=der if it is composed of heavy poisonous

gases like those which destroyed Mt

Pelle? Up the telegraph road 11 mi.

thence across the level lightly wooded

plain to the Gakona river & up that

stream 5 mi. to the Chippewa roadhouse

This hostelry consists of a tent & a lean

too log cabin – a very primitive affair

kept by one John Gillespie – 26 mi.

-28^th-

Left “Chippy-wa-wa” (as the miners

call it) Roadhouse & waded water

for 3 or 4 miles up the ~~great~~ wide

glaciered ~~river~~ {valley}. Snowed an hour

in our faces & made the traveling very bad.

In the afternoon late we struck bad overflows

at the canyon & waded water knee deep & broke

ice – but reached the “Roosevelt” Roadhouse

at 5 oclock. Fine day – sunny afternoon

25 miles from Chippewa to this roadhouse.

This is a big tent – a temporary affair.

“Ed. de Mug”, “Billy de Pug” & “Belle de Bitch”

are here with “John the Trashman”.

[March 1905]

-March 1^st-

Had a good sleep at Roosevelt tent

- a fine morning and as we approached

the head waters of the Gokona – the highland

- the view of Sanford, Wrangell & Drum

was grand – Sanford & Drum on either

side – seemed unreal almost – so blue

and so sharp their contours – white between

them and beyond – the long glacier covered

slopes of Wrangell glistened in the sun

shine like burnished copper – a view

for a master poet – beyond the painters

touch – the cone of old Wrangell threw

up the smoke from its internal fires into

a high column which finally drifted

toward the Pacific in a long thread like

cloud – Toward the other direction – the

way we were journeying – arose the

snowy pinnacles of the Tanana

range – down from the highest summits

of which – in mighty terraces – dropped

the great glacier which supplies the

Gokona river with its summer milky

stream. It was a grand day – well

worth a tourists time and labor.

Near the head of the Gokonia our trail

crossed a ridge to the west, and plunged

deep into the mountain valley of the

upper Gulkana. Here in the last

timber – at the foot of the divide

between the Gulkana & the Delta we

are encamped in our own tent for

the night, - 20 miles today.

-2^nd-

Cold at our camp last night – but

clouded up after midnight & warmer

& snowed all day today-

We followed up the bed of the Gul

=kana to Summit Lake. Lake 6 or

7 mi long – clear – the Gulkana

clacier empties into the lake where

the water settles & runs into the

river clear. Pass from Gulkana

to Delta wide and water level –

a fine pass for a railroad from the

Copper to the Tanana – Crossed this

Alpine pass at noon & reached

“Caseys Cache” – 4 tents at 5 p.m. – making

28 miles today. John Drake & wife

& party here.

-3^rd-

From Caseys Cache the trail was good –

over the ice – About 15 miles below Caseys C

coming into the Delta from the westside is

an immense glacier. At one time it extend

=ed entirely across the Delta valley and pushed

its morainal debris a hundred feet or more

high on the opposite slope. But the river

& changing climate have gained the advantage

though the river is greatly choked with rocks

& glacial gravels. It is the most remarkable

feature of the Delta river, and so far it has

no name. Reached “Nigger Bill” Road

House at 5 oclock – 30 miles today.

-4^th-

“Nigger Bill” Roadhouse is the worst

on the road. It is a good warm house

& I slept well – but dirt & laziness

riots. I had intended to remain over

there to go after a mountain sheep – but

from the Fairbanks paper which “Senator”

Hill gave me at the “Rapids” Roadhouse I

learned there was a “fight on” at Fairbanks

over the game law – so concluded that

I would not lay myself open to the

criticism which would surely follow &

very reluctantly gave up the hunt. Trail

from “Nigger Bill” to Jarvis creek good &

we made the 28 miles by 1 oclock. It

was 15º below zero & as I had on only

drawers & overalls I got cold & had to

run nearly all the way – Good dinner

at Jarvis creek – two of Bobs dogs ran

away after rabbits – I started on at

15 min till 3 - & walked & run to the

Bennett – Barnette roadhouse & trading

post at Tanana river – 12 miles in

2 hrs & 27 min – Bob came in 2

hrs – afterward – having found the dogs.

The trading post is on the bank of the Tan

ana – about ¼ mile above the mouth of the

Delta river. Nothing here except the

log trading post – a building 20 X 22 ft

with a tent behind – side room 16 X 30 ft.

& doghouse & house shed – Indian

camp - near on river bank – 30 “.

Much excitement about “strike” on the Little

Delta & also on a creek on right limit

called “Tenderfoot.”

-Mar 5^th-

Left Bennetts – passed Maxcys on the

lower side of the Delta – 3 cabins & stable.

Lunch at Arthur Thomas – 20 mi. where

they told us about the strike on “Tenderfoot”.

Went on down to Joe. Henrys – 6 mi.

for the night. Met H. Hart, a long

six footer & something more – He is locating

a town site at mouth of “Banner Creek”

- I drew up a notice for him & suggested

“Sloss”, as its name on act. of pride in

transportation companies. They give

us such accounts of the new “strike” that

I have concluded to leave Bob here a

day or two to look things over.

-6^th-

Left Bob at Joe Henrys roadhouse,

he has concluded to go over to the

“Tenderfoot” and look into the new strike.

Mr. Hart will go into Fairbanks with me.

We took my sled – Don, “Ikey”, and one of

Henrys dogs and left for Salchakat Rd. Hs.

Half way met Capt. Barnette & another

man on their way to Bennetts Rd. Hs.

Bennett & Barnette are both interested

in that venture. He reported everything in

good shape in the camp. Stopped at

the Indian village just below the mouth

of the little Delta - good log houses & the

natives seem well and to have plenty.

Arrived at Salchakat at 1 oclock –

28 miles. Received telegram from

Judge Moore asking about jurors fees.

Also telegram – this date – from Henderson:

“Wire from Jermane today says you

are reappointed and will be confirmed.”

Evidently the President has given me

another recess appointment – the third

since Nov 16! and means to stand by me.

This is compensation for the hardships

and difficulties which I have sustained

in establishing the courts in Central Alaska,

and I am particularly thankful to

1^st Walter E. Clark.

2^nd Judge W.A. Day-

3^rd Capt. D H Jarvis-

4. Stephen Birch-

5. Senator Fairbanks.

6. The Attorney Generals Knox

and Moody.

7. Solicitor General Hoyt. and

a long list of friends in every part of

Alaska. My enemies have been both

numerous and powerful – I have

been amazed at their energy – somebody

must have been badly hurt! Think the

“jury fixers” will now need to go out of

business in Alaska. Of course the matter

will be public and Debbie will know

it as soon as I - Have telegraphed to

Stier to have my house warm tomorrow.

Late this evening received telegram

from Perry, at Seattle as follows:

“I congratulate you – reappointed

today with cabinet officers.”

Geo. G. Perry, Marshal

-7^th-

Hart and I left Salcha at 6 a.m.

for the final 42 mile “mush” to Fairbanks

Our dogs tired & one exhausted & left at

roadhouse 25 miles out – we trudged on

afoot – helping the others – Edgar met us

14 miles out – on a damned bicycle-

& urged me to get in early as it was the

10^th anniversary of his marriage & his

friends intended to “have doins”, so I just

finished that last 25 miles at 7 oclock

with my feet badly blistered. Bath – clean

clothes – supper with Edgar & Lizzie - & staid

till 12 enjoying (?) social conversation

with their friends – Conna had my house

warm & lighted & I went home to bed.

Fairbanks has grown wonderfully &

the long lines of electric lights give it the

appearance of a real city.

-8^th-

Went to the office today & got things

to going. Called a term of court

for April 10^th. Heilig at work here.

Everything in good shape so far as I can

see – but I am sore and tired.

-9^th-

Fairbanks has grown marvelously since

last fall – electric lights along the principal

streets – new buildings – extensive areas of

outside ground covered with residences

& many other evidences of prosperity are

seen: I am to have reception Saturday evening

-10^th-

Settled with Bob. Coles for bringing

me over from Valdez, paid him $250.00

He filed on two placer claims on “Tenderfoot”

- back of the “Big Kid Roadhouse” – 70

miles up the Tanana – Also had a

talk with Kellogg & Badger who bought

out Chas. W. Willig’s mines – upon which

I hold mortgage for $2750. & int. They

proposed to reduce the amount to $2500.

& give new notes & mortgage – agreed.

I also purchase from T. A. Anderson

Lot & half on 4^th Ave & Cowles St. for $250.

- house on property cost that much.

Mail last night – letters from Debbie

Major Lacey & others – nothing official.

-11^th-

Heard the application for injunction

in Daigle v Maddock – refused.

-Reception –

A splendid public reception

was tendered me this evening in

the “Century Club Hall” by the Chamber

of Commerce and the Bar Association.

Capt. Olsen, Pres. Chamber of Commerce

presided – C. M. Johansen made the

speech of welcome & then I spoke –

555 persons present – including

a large delegation from Chena-

It was a very flattering & complimentary

incident in my life in the Tanana

and I appreciate it fully.

-12^th-

Sunday. Worked at house fixing it comfortably.

Loaned Melsing from Council $50.00

Dinner with Edgar & Lizzie – Charlie Joynt

there & we talked of boyhood days in Patoka

-13^th-

Working to get my office & house

in shape. Electric lights in house –

Have agreed to lease my 10 ft. frontage

on 2^nd Ave. opposite Courthouse to

Miss Sullivan for 3 yrs. at $50. per mo.

Dr. Geho came in to spend an hour

& smoke a cigar – the clever Dr. has the

feminine love for scandal & small

talk – I know from his 2 hours flow

everything – small – that has happened

in Fairbanks this winter – just how many

miscarriages the women have had & how

often Dr. Hall – his leading competitor

has been drunk. A real live yawn

doesn’t even surprised the good Dr.

Beautiful weather.

-14^th-

Wrote to Debbie & Walter E. Clark.

Sent my oath of office to Atty. Genl.

Kellogg, Kerr & Badger paid me $300.00

on Willig loan & I agree to extend it

6 mo – when reduced to $2500. Have

written letter to Heilig asking for his

resignation – will deliver it tomorrow

Will appoint Ed. J. Stier in his place.

- & John L. McGinn Commissioner

if he will accept.

-15-

Notified Heilig verbally and in writing

today that I desired his resignation to

take effect Mch 31. Powell, the new

Marshal for Nome, who left here three

days ago over the ice for that place

has been recalled – on charges!

I hope I can make enough money out

of my property and mines to enable me

to retire from official life soon, for

it is hell in Alaska. Signed

contract with Kellogg, Kerr & Badger

today by which they agree to pay the

Willig notes. Also prepared contract

with Miss Sullivan for lease of ten

feet fronting on 2^nd Avenue.

-16^th-

Much to my surprise Heilig does’nt

“act ugly” about his removal – but came

in gave me his resignation and talked

as freely and friendly – even more so –as ever.

He seems to have expected it, and since I

treated him nice about it, and gave him

the opportunity to announce it to the

public as his free act, he seems inclined

to be nice about the whole matter. I feel

that I treated the matter tactfully and made

the change without arousing inquiry or sur

=prise in the Department. Have been arran

=ging my accumulated letters into packages

by date. Made contract of lease with

Miss Sullivan for 10 ft on 2^nd Ave. today –

$50.00 rent per month – 3 yrs – the buildings

to become mine. Settlement with Ed. J.

Stier for collections of rent since last

fall – he paid me balance $1027.00

When Hill & Miss Cleary were married

here in Fairbanks last winter Miss Ebersole

gave them my house – and they slept

here for a week – until their departure

for Dawson – and I have to sleep

here alone until Debbie comes!!

-17-

St. Patricks day. Have permitted

Heilig to announce his resignation &

will appoint Stier – the paper says so

tomorrow – The “Fairbanks News,” is

now published ~~bi-weekly~~ twice a

week – ~~Mon~~ Wednesdays & Saturdays.

Attended St Pat’s Irish Ball tonight

with Lizzie. Nice cutter ride this

afternoon with Barnette. Also

cleaned house – am putting in a

nice new carpet – sideboards &c.

& preparing to set up my phonograph

-18^th-

Finished arranging papers & letters

in my office – bought sideboard for the

house – set up phonograph & getting

carpet ready to go down on floor.

-19^th-

Sunday – Dinner with Dr. & Mrs. Hedger

Charley Joynt, Jackson. Tozier

& Badger came down to the house last

night & we played the phonograph,

smoked & drank Scotch. Mrs. Hedger

had a fine roast leg of mountain sheep

for dinner.

-24^th-

Went out to the Creeks Monday on

Mutchlers stage – Mr. & Mrs. Brumbaugh

on stage. We went via Golden & reached

“Gates City” on Cleary Creek – opposite

No 1. below – Two years ago when I passed

up this creek there were

{two (2) Jesse Nobles & Jim Eagles.} ~~three~~ little log

cabins there & but three shafts to bedrock &

no work of any kind doing. Now there are

probably 1000 people on Cleary Creek

it is being mined from #8 above to

#15 below – a paystreak 6 miles long

from thirty to eight hundred feet wide &

from three to ten feet deep. There are

now 46 self dumping hoisting plants

taking pay dirt out of the mines & it is

the busiest – and richest – spot in Alaska.

Staid with Mrs. Canavan & on Tuesday

visited around Discovery – my claim

off Discovery has a half a dozen or more

“squatters” cabins on it – On Wednesday

I went down Creek as far as #16 &

visited mine owners – dinner with Jack

Ross. Made a contract with Krause

Anderson & Davidson to prospect lower

100 feet of my claim off Discovery – they

to have 75 & I 25% of gross output.

Thursday came across from Cleary to

Golden & then walked up to the new

quartz strike at the top of Pedro’s

Dome. Boys have staked a claim there

for me – got some of their quartz & then

to the top of the dome. Fine view of the

Tanana valley – the river ice shines like

a thread of silver through the forests

along its banks – the Alaskan range

from the Delta to Mt. McKinley is in sight

& the range between the Tanana & Yukon

in plain view for a long ways around.

Remained at Golden all night & came

home today – 3 oclock p.m.

Recd. telegram from Attorney General as follows:

“The President reappointed you March twenty first.

If you accept qualify immediately and forward

oath. See section ten Alaska act of June 6^th

nineteen hundred and section seventeen sixty

one revised Statutes. Moody.”

also a later telegram saying:

“Comptroller advises Department your salary

can be paid notwithstanding section seventeen sixty one.”

Valdez Mail!

The Valdez Mail came in this evening. Letter from

Debbie – well, but ready to fight because I am not

confirmed! Also a letter from Major Lacy,

saying that President Roosvelt assured him

that he would “promptly reappoint you if the nomin

=ation should not be acted upon.” Lacy has been

a persistent and vigorous supporter. Also

letters from Foster & Sammons assuring me of

their efforts – but I am so disgusted with them for

endorsing Richrads that I can hardly treat

them fair any more. Many other letters.

-25^th-

Sent for John L. McGinn yesterday and offered

him the Commissionership at Fairbanks but

he is in great doubt whether to accept it

or not – he can make more practicing law

- the salary is $3,000 a year. He and his wife

& partner Mark Sullivan came down & spent

this evening with me - & we discussed the matter.

While nothing was agreed on yet I think he will

decline the appointment. I have General Carr

- who is on the trail to Fairbanks now – but will

do nothing for a few days. Stier will take

the Clerkship next Saturday – a week off.

-26^th-

Sunday – Home all day straightening up

the house & resting. Dinner tonight with

Johanson & Mills – Writing to Debbie.

-27-

John Conna, janitor courthouse,

came in & told me this morning that

Bion A. Dodge, attorney, said to him

last night that I was interested

with Barnette in the trading post site

at the mouth of the Delta river and that

if I appointed a Commissioner and located

him at that point instead of a new town

site which has been located by Dodges

friends within a week at the mouth of the

Little Delta they (Dodges & his friends) would

make a fight on me in Washington that

would ruin me!! He seems to have

sent me word to that effect by John to

attempt to control my action in the

matter. Claypool & Cowles got in from Valdez

-28^th-

Harlan, F. M. Brown, Tom Larson & others

in today from Valdez – A petition is

being circulated asking Ed. Stier to

remain as Comr. – think he wants to

do it. Am preparing charges

of “packing” Wright jury against

P. C. Sullivan to prevent his appointment

as U.S. Dist. Atty. for Western division

of Washington!! Intend to send them

to Judge Day for presentation to the

President if he thinks it proper to do

so. Bates, Healy, Richmond, Boerner,

Preston and , the N. C. boys came

down and spent the evening playing

phonograph & having a good time.

-29^th-

Prepared & forwarded to Atty. Genl.

(to Asst. W. A. Day) charges of jury fixing

in Wright case against Chas. P. Sullivan

Dr & Mrs. Hedger, Mr & Mrs Turner, Lizzie

& Johnnie Scott down & spent evening.

-30^th-

Made out my quarterly expense account and

Feb & Mch salary acts. & ford. to Washington

-31-

Another Valdez mail in yesterday & a

letter from Debbie – she talks bravely

but seems to me to admit more than usual

- I think she is much sicker than she says-

Went to theatricals at Century Club

tonight with Lizzie – bad enough to be good

Ben. Everette, one of the Ankeny – Sul

=livan “push” came in from Valdez yesterday.

He is a bad egg – and must be watched-

[April 1905]

-April 1^st-

Heiligs resignation took effect

with the close of business yesterday and

this morning I appointed

Ed. J. Stier, Clerk District Court

and John T. Long, Commissioner and

Recorder – the latter temporarily

until I can make an appointment of

some discreet & courageous lawyer.

Had a long talk with Claypool

today – he came to my office for

that purpose – and if he isn’t an

awful liar {(Nov. 7. He was!!)} he was friendly to me

in Washington D.C. this winter.

He thinks my enemies will beat me –

but he says that they also said that the

President would not reappoint me

- which he did – so their final success

may also be doubtful. Well if they

do defeat me they will have some scars

to remember the conflict by – I

don’t like Ben. Everetts arrival here

- I may do him an injustice but he

strikes me as a spy!

Krause, one of the three men to whom

I gave a “lay” on the lower 100 feet of my

claim off “Discovery” on Cleary Creek, left

limit on the 21^st March came in tonight

& reported that they had sunk the hole to

bed rock but with no success – that they only

found colors. He is to see me tomorrow, though

& says they want to try it at a point 400

feet up from lower corner.

-3^rd-

Let “lay” to Krause – Date April 1^st

Tomorrow is Election Day – the

only fight is against “Abe Spring!

Abe has made a good town officer &

I think has done more than any other

officer of Fairbanks to keep it out of

debt & push it along – but has many

enemies and among them Edgar Wick

=ersham, Chief of Police, is most active

to defeat him. I have kept out of the

matter – except to say a good work for

Abe when I could -

-4^th-

City Election – Abe. Spring was

defeated, and it is my judgment

that it is a bad thing for the town!

for he was an organizer and a good

worker. Took dinner today with

Barnette, Joslin, Dr. Cassetts & Capt

Olson, at Miss Gleasons boarding

house.

-6^th-

Charlie Joynt came up from Chena

yesterday afternoon with a horse &

cutter & I went back with him to

attend the Banquet to Falcon Joslin

the “Tanana Mines Ry” promoter. It

was held in the new Hall: Harrais

who formerly run the “Chena Herald”

and abused me each issue was the

toastmaster, and recognized me

next to Joslin as the guest of honor,

and on one minutes notice asked

me to talk – which I did : Joslin –

the representative of the railroads

talked about governmental affairs

- so I talked about ~~the~~ “Railroads”

Took tea before the Banquet with Mrs.

Currier – Mr. C. is now postmaster –

& staid all night with old man Courtney

at the 1^st Avenue Hotel,” a log building

lined with calico. Heilig talked on

“Alaska” at the banquet, and flattered me

me like a damned hypocrite – so

did Claypool who answered to the toast

of “Our President.” It is an interesting

study to hole their hands, and look

into their eyes with apparent candor

while you feel the cold steel beneath

your fifth rib! Abe Spring aroused

a squabble while booming “Fairbanks”

while poor Burton of Chena was so

drunk that he couldnt even read

his fine frenzy on “Chena”.

Still the occasion was profitable in

that it brought the leading men of both

towns together in friendly exchange of

ideas. Capt. Olsen, the President

of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce

brought me home today – he talked

to me in favor of inducing the Ry. Co.

to enter Fairbanks over the Cushman

St. bridge to occupy that street – I told

him that I was opposed to the scheme

- he also disclosed his opposition to

opening the Chena river so that steamers

could come to Fairbanks – this in the

interest of the Rd. but on that subject

I said nothing. This evening I

mentioned the Cushman street pro

=ject to Abe Spring and one or two

others & I am sure it will be fought,

as it ought. If their railroad cant

do business in Fairbanks without

destroying our best street it had better

stay out. Geoerge A. Jeffrys

my former stenographer came in

from Valdez today.

-7^th-

Mail – two good letters from

Debbie & several of Darrells.

They make me so homesick –

I do so want her with me.

Granted injunction in the suit of

U.S. ex. rel. Two Indians v. Squatters

on the Indian lands at mouth of

the little Delta, & appointed John F.

Drake special officer to go and serve

papers. Sam. Wall, the special

representative of Hearsts (Democratic)

papers has reached Fairbanks. He is

one of the old Radebaugh gang

who blackmailed me years ago in

Tacoma, - and it has occurred

to me that it may mean a newspaper

war on me by my powerful enemies

It is amazing that so big a cannon

should be so constantly fired at so

small a target – but they may

desire also to embarrass the President

in New York. Hope not, but fear it!

Bought corner of Cowles – west side

between 4^th & 5^th Ave. 125 X 150- $550.00

-8^th-

Court today – but only small case.

Claypool & Dillon came down and

spent the evening with me.

-9^th-

Sunday. Have engaged Roberts

to stake 80 acres of coal for me on

the “Wood” River – 50 miles southwest

- paid him $25.00 & am to pay him reasonable

wages for not to exceed 6 days.

-10-

April Term of Court.

Court opened this morning with

call of docket &c. Granted petition

of Chena for appointment of a

Commissioner with Justice of Peace

powers only. Appointed

Genl. E. M. Carr.

Commissioner for Fairbanks in

place of John T. Long, resigned.

Carr came into the Yukon Alaska

down the Yukon river in 1882 – 3.

Came back to Rampart with McGraw

in 1897 & mined for two or three years

on Little Minook Creek. He came

in again this spring with a big outfit

& intends remaining here & is a

member of the firm of Carr & Nye.

-11^th-

Court today – business moving slowly

but expect to get to work tomorrow on the

trail of cases. Most exciting matter

now is the election of appointive officers

by city council. Edgar is being fought

viciously by Dr. Medill, assisted by

Mosher & ~~Kountz~~ {Coutts} – both the latter constant

violators of the law, and living in open adultery

with women. Edgar has a strong support

and may win – but they keep trying to drag

me into the melee – though I have kept out

entirely. Have ~~consented to appoint~~

{leased my property – by}

verbal lease only – to Mrs. Card – the Central

Restaurant - $125.00 per month in the summer

& $75.00 in winter, 2 years – 2 ½ if she puts

second story on.

A fine 3 story building is going up

at the Corner of Cushman & Front St.

the Joslin Bank (Washington) is to go on

cor. Cushman & 2^nd as also the Bonnifield

Bank on the other corner.

-12-

Hensley v Fairbrom[?], Wright, et. al on trial.

Edgar was elected Town Marshal again

5 to 2. Beautiful weather.

-14^th-

Wrote to Debbie. Bought half

interest in quartz claim on dome

between Granite & Steamboat Creeks

a mile west of Golden from A. C. Thompson

- who also staked claim (1) for Darrell

(2) for Allyn, Sr. & W.E. Clarke. Mrs.

Ella Card bought Haverys interest in

Central Restaurant & I gave her lease

for 2 ½ yrs. $100. per mo. & I get

buildings at end of term. She is

now putting 2^nd story on building

Whist party tonight at Judge Irwins

& I went with Lizzie.

-15^th-

Court work active – decided case from

Chena today – held that town council

could not grant wharf franchise on

navigable river and street – so as to

damage fronting property owners –

Beautiful weather – fixing up the

interior of house & getting comforts

for Debbie when she comes – The

last mail till break up went out

today. Will write no more – but

will probably telegraph instead.

-16^th-

Sunday. Prepared copy of an

Ordinance for Capt. Barnette who will

attempt to get town to dedicate the

waterfront of the Chena river between

east line of Cushman streets & the

west line of Turner street as a

free open public city wharf. Took

dinner with Edgar & Lizzie & drew

order for tomorrow appointing

James, Justice of the Peace at

Chena.

-18^th-

Court work – preparing opinions

Miners Co-operative Assoc. v “Monarch”

Conradt v Miller – Chena wharf case.

Town council passed ordinance dedi

=cating Front St. bet. Cushman & Turner

for public wharf & dock.

-19^th-

H. K. Love of Utah – brother to George Love of

Valdez appointed permanent land Agent in

Alaska by the President. I am afraid

that this means to strengthen the Ivey

McKenzie push, since George is one of

their right hand men – and it seems to

me that – Jarvis having resigned – Love

is the direct political representative

of the President, he is “a Rough Rider”

Edgar resigned as chief of Police

last night because the council insisted

on appointing his subordinates – Tom

Parker was elected in his place.

-20^th-

Beautiful weather – spring. Decision

today in Miners Coop Assoc v. Monarch.

-22^nd-

A hard week in court. Equity cases on trial

& every hour employed in hearing evidence or

preparing decisions. Mining “clean up” begun

& creeks reported good. Town improving

wonderfully – a regular building boom.

-24^th-

Made contract of lease with Frank J.

Maess & Nichols to let Bench claim off

right limit Discovery, Wolf Creek, to them

Town ½ & they the other ½ - & they are to pay

me 16 2/3 % of gross output – see lease.

“Floral Ball” at Century Hall

-25-

Mail, from Valdez – letter from Debbie

& official mail – nothing important

Court work important and heavy.

Mrs. Ella Card has completely remodeled

the old “Central Restaurant,” on my lot, as the

“Cecil Café”, put a second story on with private

dining rooms upstairs & has a fine place.

-26^th-

The Chena river is rising fast & looks

like ice will go out in a day or two – busy

in court-

-27^th-

Recd. Gov. Bradys report dated Oct

1, 1904, in which he criticises conditions

on the coast – in my distinct at some length

in his endeavor to argue in favor of a

new District. He seems to have recd.

his misstatements from Ivey or Good

=ell, for they are stereotyped – poor

old Brady – he cant help it. He has

illuminated the otherwise waste places

-29-

Louis K. Pratt, lawyer, acted badly in

court today – abused the opposite attorn

=eys & even the court – fined him $50.00

-30-

Sunday – worked in office all day

river rising – but good for somedays

yet. Weather cold & not pleasant.

[May 1905]

-May 1^st-

Robins, ducks & geese have come.

L. K. Pratt. acts sullen & committee of

bar association – Dillon, Hess and

Heilig – advise making him pay &

purge himself of contempt – but the

judgment was a fine to be collected

like other debts & I will not add the

humiliation of a public apology –

but will wait for his next outbreak,

- will give a fair chance to be nice.

Have completed two more opinions

& will deliver same in morning.

Weather cool & river falling – ice has

raised but will not go out for some

days yet. Reports from cleanups on

Creeks say that it is better than anticipated

- no one is disappointed – except happily.

-May 2-

Beautiful day –river falling & ice will

not go out for several days yet.

Have finished fixing up cabin at

4^th & Cowles St. – costs me about $275.00

- lumber is almost prohibitive – prices

Handed down opinions in two cases

today – Runner vs. Woitke & Daigle v. Maddocks

Recd. telegram from Crocker Col. Int. Res

Tacoma, saying that continued reports of

personal bad conduct of Cameron, his

dep. here were reaching him & wanting me

to telegraph situation. I telegraphed

him saying that Dep. U.S. Marshal Drib

=elbis reported his conduct good &

to send him particulars of complaints

- that I had heard nothing bad here

-May 5-

Ice still in place but much broken

- town is taking bridge up at the

foot of Cushman St. the ice having

raised the piles out of the ground.

Creeks “clean up” from 20 to 100%

greater than the miners had estimated.

Out walking with Harlan – Hess quits

June 1 – to go into the Bonnifield Bank

& Harlan now calls him “narrow” “stingy”

&c. and made sport of him as a banker.

Harlan suggested appointing Dodge

as Deputy – I opposed it – don’t know

what he will do. Harlan remarks

about Hess counting over the figures

in his check book &c so much - & roasted

Condon & H about robbing Hd. men on Garden

Is. Its funny since only a few days ago

they were as thick as three in a bed.

-May 7^th-

The ice “went out” last night &

the Chena river is running clear today.

The event was unimportant - & a “fizzle”.

The bridge at Cushman street did not

go down even – but fell today after

the ice had ceased to effect it. I

had company last night – “a pho=

nograph musicale” – Mr & Mrs Mc

Chesney, Wall & Charles – the “News’

staff & we did not hear the ice go-!

Took dinner tonight with Capt.

& Mrs Barnette – Dr & Mrs ~~Chamberlan~~

{Carmicheal}

John & Mrs McGinn, Sullivan & I-

a fine dinner & handsomely served.

Prepared opinion yesterday & today

in Bechtol case – held dower does

not attach to mining claims in Alaska.

-8^th-

Charlie Joynt is now trying to inter

=est the miners on Cleary Creek in a

wood road down that stream to the

Chatnika river & I am giving him

assistance. Also made arrangement

today to loan Edgar $1500. to aid

him in putting up his new block.

-9^th

Completed loan to Edgar – took note

signed by him & Lizzie & assignment

of McChesney contract as security.

Amt. $1500 due July 15. Int 12% per

annum, - the usual rate here is

4. to 6.% per month!!

Telegraphic dispatches tonight

Capt. J. C. Hansen, of Nome, committed

suicide yesterday on trip from Seattle

to Skagway – by jumping overboard

from the steamer “Dolphin”. Poor

Hansen, he was a man of generous

impulses – warm hearted – but too

human! wine and women.

-10^th-

I sent Ole Peterson, a big Swede out

to the Insane Asylum last fall & he

was discharged & came in again in March.

He seems to have brooded over his condition

& yesterday got drunk & today concluded

to kill me! He loaded his heavy Winchester

rifle – with seven cartridges & filled his

pockets & came to the courthouse &

just as it happened I was out to lunch

He entered the court room & made his

way to my door – he threatened the janitor

- no body had the courage to do any thing

until George Dribelbis came in – he

approached him from behind & after a

desperate struggle disarmed him.

He is now in jail awaiting an examination

as to his sanity – poor Ole. I gave him

money & work when no one else would

& have befriend him – but he seems to

think I am responsible for his troubles.

This may send him out again – and if

it does’nt will give him much trouble.

Trying case of Cain v Staffrd-

-11^th-

Cain v Stafford. The “Florence S.” first

steamer came up from Chena today.

Koyukuk launched :

-12^th-

“Koyukuk” went on an excursion down

to Chena tonight loaded with people.

Ole Peterson tried this afternoon

before jury for insanity – he tried to

“shoot up” the court with his “30-40”

two days ago. The evidence showed

that he was intent on shooting me because

I sent him out insane last fall –

The Str. “Tanana” will leave Dawson

on Monday or Tuesday for Fairbanks.

The jury found Ole Peterson insane

- the evidence showed that his fixed

purpose in coming to the courthouse

& to my room with his gun was to kill me

- he also intended to kill Harlan

if he could - & then himself –

~~a damn~~

14^th

Joined the “Eagles” tonight – they

have the top floor of the new “Fairbanks

Building” & have finest lodge rooms in

Alaska. Finished my opinion today

in Cascaden v Dunbar, et. al. &

find for plaintiff – it is an interesting case

on an alleged “Grubstake contract.”

-15^th

Another highway hold up only a mile

from town this afternoon – got but $20.00

but it shows the presence of bad men.

John Noon an old Colorado miner

tells me this afternoon that he has found

float peacock copper on summit on

the east side of Fox creek – I have prom

=ised him a grub stake to go out & dig,

& he promised me a half interest.

Dr. Krause who has lay on my claim

off Dis. on Cleary was first in to see me

- report is not bad – nor very flattering

- but one or two holes will not discourage

me – even they had been blanks.

Court every day & trying mining cases

- have my opinion in Cascaden v Dunbar

ready for Wednesday morning delivery.

Telegraphed to Debbie today asking her

if she wanted some money – This

evening papers says Gov. Brady is

still having trouble with his department.

- hope he will be removed-

-16^th-

Bonanza Case Affirmed.

The great copper case over which I

was so maliciously assailed by Heyburn

Senator from Idaho & other senators

has been affirmed by the Circuit Court

of Appeals, at San Francisco – this

& the McConnell case & Nelson in

Meehan – all affirmed inside of ten

days. Mail in from Valdez today

but nothing from Debbie – No answer

to my telegram either. Paid John Noon

$100. today for half interest in his

copper prospect on summits east

of Fox creek.

-18^th-

Suit begun by four miners against

Harlan, Brown & others for “jumping”.

Trying Marston v Lloyd – a case

where woman – with raven wing hair

the form of a Juno – the face of a Mad

=onna and the heart of whore jobbed

poor susceptible softhearted sapheaded

man out of his property & then

kicked the fool out of the house.

Papers report that Gov. Brady is

again to be investigated! Hope he

will appreciate his recommendations

contained in his last report – against

me! Just think I’ll give him a prod:

Harlan is trying to make himself solid

with the gamblers now

-19^th-

Learned today that gambling as

in full blast on Cleary creek – called

Dribelbis in – he said yes, that they had

now appointed Charlie Barber as a

field deputy out there & that the business

men (meaning the gamblers) were paying

his salary!! and that he had let

Barber manage things there &c

I called his attention to the daily

hold ups – one of which occurred

again yesterday – to the alarming increase

of crime and the insolence of the

criminal class, & said in plain

& forceful language that the Marshals

office must (1) withdraw Barber & not

permit the gamblers to pay his salary

(2) close gambling on the creeks &

(3) keep the prostitutes out of saloons

& (4) round up the “bad men” and vag

them & run them out of the country

- in short attempt by immediate

attack to either rid the country of the

bad element. He promised compliance

& after consultation with Harlan &

Reynoldson (chief office deputy) they

telephoned out to Cleary creek ordering

the gambling to cease &c. Still

I was not satisfied – as they had

promised before – so I wrote a strong

letter along the same lines – addressed

to Perry & Harlan – officially – and gave

it to them – requiring instant attempts

to control a situation which is bad &

rapidly becoming worse. They came

to talk & I suggested the wiring to

Perry & asking his consent to wire

asking Atty. Genl. to approve the

appointment of four more deputies

- we did so. Received telegram

from Debbie today- that the Bonan

-za case had been affirmed- she will

be very proud of that – and I am also-

-20^th-

Things “warm” out at Cleary – one

of the boss gamblers has announced

his determination to “fight” & today

I instructed the deputy marshals

to get the evidence – they telephoned out

to Barber to secure it at once – he

wont want but one fight – for I will

revoke his license. – he evidently thinks

he is to have a jury trial with his friends

on the jury – he will get a whack

of Roosevelts “big stick”. Reports

from Dawson that the Str. “Tanana”

the pride of our valley & the first steamer

to leave for Fairbanks was sunk by

running on a rock near 40 Mile.

-23-

Court yesterday – but this forenoon

I went out with the road workers & we

cut out a new road beginning at Youngs

house on the east side of Noyes slough

down the side of the slough toward

Ester Creek – 5 or 6 miles.

court this afternoon. The

Str. “Koyukuk” came in tonight on

her first trip from Ft. Gibbon – hay.

-25-

Court work pressing – heard case

Smith v Cascaden – decided today in

favor of Cascaden. Gambling at

Cleary is raising a pretty row – the

boss gambler out there resists & has so

threatened & complained that the Marshal

today shut up the games in Fairbanks

- I did not want this done – but cant

help it, since I wont assist one

and not another – but must oppose

all when it is made an issue. The

business element here in Fairbanks

is aghast – for they all want gambling!

We are only trying to clean out the bad

mess out on the creeks – trying to

drive the “bad men” to town, so that they

can either be controlled or driven down

the river – and the saloon element

wont help – Barnette came in to see

me this evening & says that immediate

action will be taken to cure the evils

at Cleary – if it is purged of its

evil doers all right – if not, then the

games must cease even in Fairbanks.

Have about finished tent &c. ready

for Debbie.

[captions:] Kitchen Sitting Room 14 X 16

Tent Door 10 X 12 Bedroom

Plan of our house with tent bed room.

Strs. from Dawson ought to be here

tomorrow – “Rock Island” & “Tanana”

-26^th-

Steamboat!!

The steamer “Tanana” from Dawson

came in today & is now safely moored

at Fairbanks dock. Mr & Mrs Perry

transferred from “Rock Island” at a wood

yard yesterday & came in on the Tanana –

The “Rock Island” is in Chena tonight – Mrs

Heilig & Mrs. Reynoldson are on board.

-27^th-

Loaned Edgar $250. more today-

making $1750. in all – his new building

is about done & will bring him in $550.

a month! Gold train from creeks today

brought in $400,000 – 20 {mounted} men armed with

Winchester rifles – loaded pack mules &c.

Am invited to make an address at the

launching of the “White Seal,” the

first registered vessel to be launched

on the Tanana! Also first

railroad material ever brought into

the Tanana country was unloaded

at Chena today from the “Rock Island”.

The old has passed – the new arrived.

Launching of the “White Seal”

a success. Genl. E. M. Carr acted

for the boat – I made a short address

& Mrs. Noyes broke a bottle of

Champagne over the bow & christened

the boat. Her owners are Sproul, Coleman

& Smith. Neil McLeod launched her.

-30^th-

Decoration Day – no court – but plenty

of work on cases. Am busy also

preparing a letter of 72 interrogatories

for Gov. John G. Brady to answer

He criticised this division in his

report of Octo 1, 1904 to the Sec. of the

Interior – and I am insisting upon

his proofs. Sent copy to the Sec of

the Int. & to Atty. Genl. Boats

coming & going in Chena river better

than last year. Roediger & wife

from Dawson 3 are here – he has sold

the “News” to McChesney.

-31-

Telegrams from Valdez today

asking for appointment of Goddell

as Comr. at Sunrise – Al. White also

came to intercede for his appt – and

I have weakly yielded – although I know

he lacks force of character & ought

not to be appointed. His family is

his only excuse - & not enough I fear.

Edgar has sold his home on

2^nd Ave. to Perry for $2500.

Gambling was “turned loose” last

night again – Perry has the

matter in charge!

[June 1905]

-June 4^th-

Have been very busy this week in trying

equity cases - & in preparing opinions – the

last two days & today (Sunday) all day in

preparing opinion in Heine v Roth.

My weakness in appointing Goddell

induces Oscar Fish to telegraph me

today asking me to appoint him deputy

clerk! which I will not do. Nothing

yet from outside – but reports are that

Lake LaBarge is now open & Debbie

can now come – think she will start

today – Painting & papering courtroom

June 6^th 1905.

Five years ago today President

McKinly appointed me Judge in

this district – President Roosevelt

has reappointed me four times

owing to strong fight made against

me by Senators Hansborough &

McCumber – the McKenzie senators

from N.Dak. & Ankeny of Washington

& Heyburn of Idaho! Had Mr

& Mrs. Perry for dinner with me

this evening in honor of our survival.

Hard at work on Equity cases –

Wild roses in bloom in our yard-

-June 7^th-

Trial Berks v Sigler – mining case.

Debbie has not telegraphed – so I

presume she is coming without it.

-June 9^th-

Case of Berks v Sigler – dec-

=ision for Sigler – Claypool & Stevens

for Berks & are ugly – Stevens is

particularly cranky – arrogant &

unpleasant. But I pay no attention

to him – and decide as I think it

ought to be. Finished preparation

of my opinion in Reeden v Harlan

- an important one – today.

Nothing from Debbie yet.

-10^th-

Telegram from Debbie – is at

Dawson & leaves on Susie on

Monday – here about 18^th.

Opinion in Redden v Harlan-

a whack at wild cat staking.

-12^th-

My decision in the case of Redden

v Harlan, et. al. is considered as an

important one, and as striking a

blow at the speculative reservation

of mineral ground by the use of the

power of attorney, &c. I think, myself,

that if the principles announced

are lived up to by miners and the

lawyers it will result in more work

in developing mines than formerly.

Debbie leaves Dawson today on the

“Susie” – with Ed & Mrs. Harlan - &

will be here about the 17^th – the day

she reached here last year.

Am making fine flower & vegetable

garden – have gardner assisting

me - & have fixed tent sleeping room

& house good enough for a bride.

Mail today – from outside –

& received office supplies- &

Charlie Joynts new bridge

across the Chena river at the foot of

Cushman street is about done & is

a credit to his enterprise & ability.

He is now engaged in building the

new $20,000 highway to the creeks.

-14^th-

Busy preparing opinion in Conradt

v Miller, et. al. involving the power of the

town council to grant wharf franchises.

Edgar & Lizzie left for the States today

One effect of my recent decision that

discovery is necessary to hold a mining

claim is that the machinery men have sold

all boilers on hand useful for sinking

discovery shafts – work has begun

on many claims which have hereto

=fore remained in a state of reservation

only, held by stakes & a notice!!

-15-

Have my opinion done in Conradt

v Miller et. al. – town councils cannot

grant wharf franchises! Debbie

ought to be in Tanana or Ft. Gibbon

now & here on Sunday! Have

heard by telephone that Maess & my

laymen on 1^st bench right limit off

Discovery on Wolf Creek – opposite

Dis. on Cleary had struck it rich.

Hope so, - think they are good men &

miners – also have confidence in their

honesty.

-18^th-

Str. Tanana due in Chena this eve

ning – Debbie & Mrs. Harlan aboard.

Went down to Chena on the Str. “White

Seal” – Str. Tanana about 7. p.m.

-19^th-

We were 6 hours getting up from

Chena last night – the Chena is the

lowest known. Debbie well & stronger

than last year.

-20^th-

Working an opinion in Indian case

George A Jeffry came back to me

today. He will now understand that

he must be both sensible & loyal.

he is all that – but let Stevens carry

him off his feet – two years ago-

Getting the house into shape &

taking our meals with our Miss

Thompson from Eagle, who has bought

Mills & Johansons house just east of us.

Sidewalk now in front of our block &

down west side. Business houses are

building all around us. Major Miller

- recently married – is building dwelling on

back end of his lot – opposite the mill.

-24^th-

Decisions today in U.S. v Berrigan, in

which I sustained rights of Tanana Indians

& Steele v Tanana Mines Ry Co. right of way.

Am up with civil equity business – Jury

will be called Monday – civil business.

My garden is looking fine & only need

rain to develop nicely. Dr. Moore & Miss

Lena Roberts – from Tacoma – married by

Judge Carr – Thursday evening.

-25-

Gentle rain today – not enough-

“Holdups” daily on trail to mines –

F. M. Caldwell held up yesterday &

robbed. The “News” editorially criticises

Marshals office for inefficency.

-26^th-

Trial Jury today - & cases heard.

Bandit holding people up on trail

daily – Perry seems to be paralyzed.

-27^th-

Perry is quoted in evening paper

as saying that he has no authority to

attempt to capture highwayman – he

made a bad break - & is incorrect from

a legal point. Much criticism has

been aroused by Perrys failure to do

something to protect the public

-28^th-

Jury trials every day. Am to deliver

4^th of July Oration & am to marry

Miss Noyes and Harry Chisholm

tomorrow evening at home in Graehl.

Railroad to Chena done Sunday!

-30^th-

Rains for some days are raising the

river – heavy drift against the upper

or Wendle Ave. bridge & river rising.

Late tonight jam carried away upper

bridge & came down against Cushman

St. bridge in great masses.

[July 1905]

-July 1^st-

River cutting around town side of drift

at Cushman street – incompetent town

officials cut drift on lower or town

side & Cushman street bridge total

wreck – blowing up bridge & jam with

dynamite – river rising & general rains.

Cushman street & Front cut out by the

current nearly to buildings – 40 feet.

Railroad bridges carried away & the

Cushman street bridge gone – the Railroad

Celebration postponed.

July 2^nd 1905.

The Str. “Isabelle” in attempting to

assist in damming the cut at Cushman

St. backed against the swinging draw

& overset it – ruining it completely.

The “Wilbur Crimmins” pulled the drift

out & the river is clear except for the

ruined draw. The are filling the

cut with brush & have sunk some old

hulls & the cut is under control-

Although a half acre of Front St. is

gone.

-July 3^rd

Raining hard & river raising –

but cut in Cushman St. is stopped.

The Apple block is undermined some

- the cut extended 60 feet into the

street. River high & many boats.

Bratnober has arrived with his new

Str. “Ella” – a fine light draft boat -

she is going to the upper waters of the

Tanana. Telegraphed Valdez to Hazlett

to reserve corner lot for me & one for Al

White.

-July 4^th-

River rising – but little rain – flood

higher than I have ever seen the Chena.

“Ella” left for Upper Tanana. The

rain & disaster have ruined the celebration

- no 4^th- no speeches – just rain

& high water.

-July 5-

Court – jury trial

River bank full & rising.

It is now threatening the lower

part of town where many of the

houses are already flooded &

abandoned. From 7 to 10

tonight – time I write – raised

more than an inch an hour.

Clear & quit raining.

-6^th-

The rapidly rising waters have

become a calamity – hundreds of

people have been driven from their

homes in the lower grounds & it is

a threat to every one tonight. It is

yet rising & a foot more will

flow into our house, which is

one of the highest – It is now

flowing across the streets - & business

is dead – people are surprised &

discouraged & do not know what to

expect. It really hurts the Ry. more

than any other one interest, for not

only are its own bridges gone but

also the Cushman St bridge by which

the Ry expected to cross from Garden Is.

into Fairbanks. The loss of sawlogs

is great - $25,000, - and all bridges

to the creeks are also gone. The general

feeling tonight is one of discouragement

-7^th-

The river is rapidly falling – the sun

is shining – people feel better & things

are better tonight than for a week

past. All the low places are over

flowed, everything is dirty & it will

take quite awhile to repair the

losses. Trying jury case for

2 days involving rights of town lot

claimants vs mining locators at

Cleary City.

-8^th-

Jury out in “Cleary City” case - - still

raining some but river going down-

-9^th

Str “Genl Jeff C. Davis,” in from Ft.

Gibbon – Major & Mrs Stamper, Capt

& Mrs. Bain – on board – report Major

Richardson on “Lavelle Young” – here

in a few days. Graves, president

& Rogers, manager White Pass Ry.

here inspecting the land. Jury

“hung” in Gates city case.

-July 17^th-

Driving of the last spike

in Railroad from Chena to

Fairbanks. Ceremonies on

Garden Island – at terminus

of Ry- Judge Carr presented

the “first spike” to me: I

then delivered Address &

then Mrs. Isabelle Barnette

drove the “Golden Spike”.

Excursion to Chena-

Grand Jury on 12^th.

Trials daily & much work.

Felix Pedro & Hanot report

strike on upper waters of

Chena – or across divide.

-20^th-

McChesney could not pay for the

corner of Cushman & 3^rd where the

“News” office stands, so to secure

my advances of $2000. to Edgar

I had McChesney deed to me &

I will take it for the loan.

Engaged in trials – civil & criminal

Court crowded & busy-

-27-

Things going fine – jury trial

now – criminal cases. Will

hear Perovich & Owens cases

next week. Major Richardson &

Lt. Pillsbury – Road Comr’s. are

here – Major Clum P. O. Ins.

this week, & thinks he will accept

the office of P.M. here himself

-29^th-

Major Richardson & Lt.

Pillsbury, U.S. Road Commissioner

~~took~~ spent evening yesterday

with us. General Gresley

due in day or two. Str. “Lotta

Talbot” – came up and anchored

above Turner St. bridge today

R. J. Davis of Tacoma is aboard

& in charge – P. Cold Stor. Co-

Trouble with Dr Hall, & S. A.

Charles, newspaper reporter for

not answering questions before

Grand Jury – fined Charles $1.00

for contempt- I suppose now

Ill have a new crop of enemies

[August 1905]

Aug 4^th

Since last Monday have been

engaged in trying case of U.S. v.

Yuko Perovich – for the murder

of Jacob Jaconi – on Oct 29^th

1904. The jury returned a

verdict – this morning of

Guilty of Murder first degree

& that the prisoner suffer death.

Prof. George Byron Gordon, Prof

of Ethnology in U. of Penn. took

dinner with us yesterday – He

is studying the Athapascan tribes

of the Tanana & wished to go

into the Kuskokwim. Bar

Assoc. & others working for div

=ision of this Dist & a resident

judge. Grand jury in its report

yesterday kindly urged my own

continuance as resident judge

& last evening a com. of that

body presented me with resolutions

strongly in that favor. Barnette

the Banks, the RR, & others working

& the miners generally friendly to

it. The “News” & the N.C. also.

-7^th-

Capt. & Mrs. Barnette left this

evening for outside – He will go

to Washington & “log roll” some

for Alaska – the City Council, the

Cham. of Com. & Bar Assoc. have

also asked him to urge my reapp

-ointment. Began 2^nd trial

of U.S. v Harry Owens today

-9^th-

Paper tonight announces that

my letter of 73 interrogatories

addressed to Gov. Brady has

been sent to the Pres. by the Sec.

of the Interior, - and the Brady

- Wickersham controversy is

now on -= Still trying Owens.

-13^th Sunday.

Tried Owens for murder of Carl Chris

=tiansen at Forty Mile in Nov. 1901, all

week – verdict yesterday “Not Guilty.”

This is the second radically bad verdict

at this term – Hendricksen & Owens

were both viciously guilty but soft hearted

& soft headed jurors acquitted them.

Hendrickson sawed a log out from under

=neath his bunk – a day or so ago – and

escaped – but it was not necessary.

He had better trusted the jury!!

Business of the court seems at a

standstill – don’t know whether I can

get away on the last boat or not.

Debbies health good – she is better

than she was last summer.

Papers say that Darrells vessel

“Tacoma” is back to Annapolis, Md.

from France – with body of “John Paul

Jones.” Rainy summer - & the river

high & rising – no danger of a general

flood – but bridges may go out again.

Lawyer Dundas & wife from Paris, Ill.

in town for a few days – Volney Richmond

Agt. N. C. married ~~Friday~~ {Thursday}

evening to a Miss

Mero – Town slightly dull

Writing opinion in application to open

judgement in Nelson & H v Meehan & L.

& other submitted cases. Town Council

passed friendly resolutions asking for my

reappointment.

-16^th-

Three days spent in trial of U.S.

v Sturtevant – verdict “Not Guilty”

This pretty well disposes of criminal

cases & it begins now to look as if

I can get out on last boat.

Tanana Bar Assoc. has passed

very strong & complimentary reso

=lutions for division of my district

& my reappointment.

20^th-

Criminal cases all done – jury

civil cases next. Mr. F. W. Dundas

& wife from Paris, Ill – visiting here.

She is an artist & has made bas relief

of my head & shoulders!

-23^rd-

Debbie left for New York

today – to visit Darrell

She left on the “Monarch” via

Dawson. Dundas & wife went

on same boat to Rampart.

Court business pressing

every moment. Played two

games 9 pins tonight & have

started in to build up strength.

When Debbie left I gave her

out of our hoard a thousand

dollars & more! which is

remarkable – in that we should

have so much-

-24^th-

48 years old today

-26^th-

Have been trying equity case of

Boone v Manley &c. for partition

of “4 Below Mining Co.” – 2 days.

Claypool & wife called at

courthouse and invited me to

dinner tomorrow evening!!

Also Johansen is so damned

mad because I decided his

lawsuits against him that he

now threatens to go to Washington

& work against me, notwithstanding

his request to do otherwise by the

Bar Assoc : Cham. of Com &c!!

It’s a great chance to accumulate

enemies – is the judgeship

Beautiful day!!

Sunday 27^th

Beautiful day. Claypools invi

=ted me to dinner today & I accepted

& had a nice home dinner & good

visit. Tom McGowan talked

to Johansen – who is mad – but

says he will either go and perform

his duty or resign! First Claypool

then McGinn & now Johansen –

all mad because I decided cases

against them – but its like

sea sickness – nobody dies &

all recover. River rising – it

has been high all summer.

The Kantishna stampede attracting

much attention – 500 people

there & more going – will appoint

Van Slyke. Com. there!

-28^th-

Finished hearing testimony in

Boone v Manley, for partition

of “4 Below” Mining Co. ground

= 4 & 5 below & side claims on

Cleary Creek - $500,000. involved

Briefs are to be filed & decision

soon as maps can be made-

Jury case tomorrow

Lunch with McGowan & Johansen

today – Jo: professes friendship

with bad grace – but promises

to be good=

[September 1905]

Sep 3^rd

Rented the house on 1^st to Mr &

Mrs Smith, agent, Cold Storage Co.

for $35. per month for the winter.

Fixed it up, papered ceilings after

covering with lumber for warmth,

covered tent also with lumber to keep

the snow from breaking it in. I will

sleep in tent until I go about 16^th

Mail today – two letters from Darrell

to his mother- a letter from Judge Allyn

enclosing a kind letter from Judge Day.

Johansen goes down river tomorrow

morning & will spend Dec. in Wash

=ington City, in my interest & for division

of the District.

-5-

Trying jury cases, but will finish this

week. Also trying equity cases between

hours and in extra moments. Worked

till eleven – on the bench – last night.

Have made an order appointing

Mr. Lee Van Slyke, formerly from

Tacoma and more recently a dep. Clerk.

Commissioner to the new Kantishna Precinct

embracing the Kantishna river watershed

& all that part of the Kuskokwim in the

3^rd Division &c: Order Sep. 1, 1905.-

-6^th-

Morton E. Stevens – Claypools partner

today asked for a jury trial upon the

ground that as Barnette was interested

he & his associates believed it their duty

to intimate to the court that Barnette

was generally successful &c. & was

friend of the courts - & talk &c. that it

would relieve the court if the case was

tried by a jury. I denied the motion in

dignified tones & language upon the law

points involved. It was a peice of

malicious and deliberate effrontery –

put up by Claypool on account of his

inordinately jealous and small character

and because he has been losing his

business on account of his dissolute habits

and character. He talks loudly against me

on the street and everywhere & I thought that

the attempt yesterday was to provoke me to

action and try and pose as an injured person.

I will be surprised if I get through the

term without a row with him although

I will without the insult is so outrageous

as to exhibit cowardice on my part.

They were beaten in jury cases this week of

some importance to them and are ugly at me

although I was extremely particular in my

rulings and instructions.

Decided last night & so informed

parties & counsel to go to Fairbanks

Creek on Sunday & view the holes in

dispute in the case of

Nelson & H. v Meehan & L.

-7^th-

Set the jury cases in which Clay

=pool & Stevens are interested for trial

on Monday 11, & notified Claypool

who said that Stevens was on a

drunk and could not probably be

sobered up so as to try them!!

Poor devils they are to be pitied!

Have just about finished up the

business of the term & can get

away about the 18^th

-8^th-

Jail Break No 2. Three

prisoners: Perovich, under sentence

of death for the murder of Jacobi, Emmett

theif and Thorton, horse theif – escaped.

but Perovich was recaptured during

the night – the other two still at large.

The two theives out a hole through the

roof of the water closet - & first escaped.

Perovich went into the closet a few minutes

afterward & evidently seeing the hole, also

crawled out. The jail is a poorly constructed

log house, built in 1903 at a cost of $1750,

when labor & material was both scarce and

high. The Marshal was not to blame.

-10-

Rose at 5:30, breakfast at restaurant, -

train at 6:0 first passengers over track to

Gilmore, horses at Gilmore & rode to

No. 3. A. on Fairbanks – with Genl. Carr

& Deft. Larson : met Nelson at No. 3.

lunch - & examined old Nelson hole

also shafts on each side – cleared

out old tunnel – bottom of old Nelson

ice clearly exposed – 6 ft from bedrock,

&c. horses back to Gilmore, train to

town – bath, tired as hell & sore. Rode

28 miles on horseback.

-12-

Snow storm last night

3 or four inches of snow – quite

like winter. Working night &

day to clean up the docket – will

probably get away by 18^th or 20^th

-13^th-

Received letter today from Colonel

Blethen – “Seattle Times” – taking me

to task for sending copy of my

interrogations to Clark & not to

Times. It seems that instead of

sending the copy to Henderson

as per my letter, George sent

it direct to Clark – and I

now understand how it got into

print! I dont blame the “Times

but I do think Clark ought to

have been more careful!!!

-15-

Wrote to Col. Blethen, Seattle Times,

explaining sending of interrogatories,

to Walter E. Clark, about which he

complained.

Sentenced Vugo Perovich to be hanged

for the murder of Jacob Jaconi.

Decided Nelson & Hensley v Meehan

& Larson – vacated to former judgment.

Partitioned Nos 4 & 5, creek & 4 & 5

side claims on Cleary Creek.

Finished last case for trial. Only

have to close up odds & ends – appeals

& the like and then am ready to go.

Ralph Merrill here – engineer &

will work for N.C. Co.

-16^th-

Sold 18 volumes of Ency. of Pld.

& Pr. belonging to Arthur G. Thompson

of Yakataga, to McGinn & Sullivan

for $126.00 - $7.00 per volume.

Thompson demands $200. for these

& the Ency. of Law -= 31 vols. 1^st Ed.

and I may have to pay him for all

& trust to being able to sell the

31 vols for the difference-

Busy closing up the motions for

new trial, and signing orders &c. on

appealed cases. Am finished with

all trials, and all public business

requiring further court time.

The press of important and valuable

litigation before the court at this term

has roused the revengful disposition of

some persons – attorneys and clients

and I am informed that 3 attorneys

and three or four clients have preferred

some sort of charges of unfairness

against me at Washing- the attorneys

include Miller & de Journal – and either

Stevens or Claypool or both. Their com

=plaints are so palpably unfair and

unjust that I shall, of course, pay no

attention to them.

The lawyers met in the courthouse

tonight at my invitation to a “smoker”

- all present except Miller – he is a

thoroughly dishonest shyster! Busy

signing judgments, decrees, & orders on

appeal. I am afraid of the Smith family!

He is the Mgr. of the Pac. Cold Storage Co. from

Tacoma, - she is his wife, they have rented

my house, and the few days that I saw

them there quite frequently make me fear

that he is a gambler and she a drinker.

I have had to send one of the P.C. S. Co. mgr.

to the pen. for embezzlement of the Co. funds!

-Sunday 17^th-

Learned this morning that the “Tanana”

would leave here at 3 oclock this after

=noon for Ft. Gibbon to connect with the

“Hannah”. Packing, and getting ready

to up, - signing decrees, and orders on

appeal. Signed partition decree in

Boone v Manley, and order vacating former

judgment in Nelson & Hensley v Meehan

& Larson, &c. &c. The Harlans – Jeffry,

and I ready – “Tanana” left Fairbanks

at 3 oclock, with good list of passengers.

Meehan & Larson, Brady, Iver Johnson,

Billy Bass, &c. Am glad to get away

from the crush of months past

-18^th-

Ft. Gibbon – arrived about 1 oclock,

- no steamer in sight – but saw her

smoke in two hours & “Hannah”

arrived there about 5 p.m. Went up

to St James Mission with Rev. Young,

& met Rev. Prevost and Dean Stuck

of the Episcopal Church. Prevost in

charge here, - nice church – Indian

village &c. Corbusier, N. C. mail

man – recently married to a nice Kentucky

girl – Rodman N. C. manager here will be

married tomorrow to another by Dean

Stuck. Richmond, at Fairbanks, a

month ago. Grace of Circle City – later, makes

four of the young managers of the N.C.

to take brides this fall! On board

“Hannah” – leave here early in the

morning – unloading freight-

-19^th – 19^th

Reached Rampart at noon, - will

stay here till mignight unloading

freight. Inspected Commissioner

Greens office &c. Visited with Heeter

proprietor & Callahan editor of the

Yukon Valley News, also Duncan

of N. C. & Kelterer of N.A.T. Find

that Wingate is as bilious as ever &

has just received a new press from Juneau

- from Heid evidently! Allen told

me that McGowan had recently offered

to procure for Wingate a settlement of

his fight on me by which Wingate would

have a position &c. and that Wingate

had been considering it. Evidently

the Heid press came ahead of McGowans

offer and barred it. I will insist

that no foolish talk be indulged in

with Wingate by McGowan or any one

else on my behalf, - he is a scoundrel

& utterly untrustworthy – and harmless!

It will do more harm for them to talk

such nonsense to him than he can do.

Callahan, as Ed. News, gave me strong

letter of endorsment as judge.

I find a good feeling of friendship

in Rampart for me-

-20^th-

The strs. “Seattle No 3” & “Monarch”

passed Rampart – last night – for

Fairbanks – both heavily loaded & with

barges filled with machinery.

Ft. Hamilin at noon – flats this

afternoon – I sleep till noon, but

my eyes are failing me fast. must

quit smoking, &c. Snow on the

ground at Rampart - and

still snowing – none in the

Tanana – and the winter seems

nearer here than in that valley.

-21^st-

Passed Str. “Herman” in the night

- loaded with crude oil for fuel

- N.C. tanks Circle City.

Major Richardson, U.S.A. and Alaska

road commissioner is on board, also

Prindle & U.S. Geological party,

Witherspoon, of U.S. Geo. Dept. & one

of his assistants came on from the

Herman last night. Snowing

- cloudy - & winter – good stage

of water, though, and we are making

good time. Ought to be in Ft. Yukon

tonight. Resting – but my eyes

are troubling me.

-22^nd-

Ft. Yukon. The main channel of the

Yukon river now flows past old Ft Yukon

- for several years it flowed several miles

to the west – across the low flats – but last

year it changed back – The glory of the old

past, however, has departed – its old cemetery

of dead Hudson Bay employes of 1854-’60

is overgrown & gone to decay – the Indians

have gone to other posts – Jack Carr & his

wife (“Jack Spratt & his wife” – so far as leanness

& fatness go) run a store and mail contract

business, - Beaumont, Furch, Canadian

trader & whisky peddler, keeps a post – and a

few Indians in detached huts make up the

little settlement – and Miss Woods – the Episcopal

school teacher. One young Indian mother

whose three year old boy is so exactly an image

of Mountifield, the N.A. T. Agent as to suggest

pre-natal impressions - &c. Mrs. Carr gave me

this bit of scandal. Beaumont has just

returned from New York, with a girl wife no

older than Mabel – his daughter – the old

scoundrel – one can see the future tragedy

lying in his foul action, and the ruin of the

life of this young creature – Mabel is as

sharp as a tack – and is credited with great

sales of whisky to Indians. She seems to

be very intelligent – I dont understand the family!

Gathered a sack of rose bushes, spruce trees,

&c. with seeds of wild flowers for an Arctic bed

for mother – or the park in Tacoma or Seattle.

Left Ft Yukon at noon & late in the evening

we found the str. “Sarah” high on a bar –

tied up for the night near her to get her off in

the morning. This will put us back a day or so.

-23^rd-

With Str. “Sarah” – pulling & puffing – but she

is still fast on the bar. Staid with her

all day – the Str. “Hermann” with

oil barge – the “Sarah” and “Hannah”

burn crude oil – came up this evening.

-24^th-

Still standing by the “Sarah”. Have

pulled with hawser several times but

she is a solid on the sand as if she

grew there – they are now den whishing

the tanks and intend to utilize the

oil barge to receive the live stock &

freight of the “Sarah” so that she may be

hauled off while lightened. Abe Spring

is on board Sarah bound to Fairbanks

with his electric light plant for Cleary Creek.

He came over & gave me the gossip from

Seattle. Says Senator Piles is friendly

& will help me – that there is no fight

on me in Seattle, &c. Dick Woods

sister on board going to Fairbanks &c

and says that Barnette was sued

at Seattle on his old contract made

at St. Micheal in 1902 with Costen

- partnership contract in mining, &c &c.

-25-

We left the Sarah early this morning

- the Herman standing by her, - and

reach Circle this afternoon. Called

on the Votaws – talked over business

matters with him – he is doing well and

is pleased with the office & place – Also

looked over the town &c. boat remained

but a short time.

-26^th-

Between Circle & Eagle. A row on

board about rooms – the purser under

took to keep No 26 staked out for his

“lady friend” = and let others sleep on

the floor & sassy women interviewed

him – he ought to be interviewed by his

employers. I was changed from my

room & put in with Major Richardson-

-27-

Eagle City. Reached Eagle early

this morning & met U. G. Myers, the

Comr. & others. Eagle looks the same

& my heart goes out in memory of the

town & Howard – I can hardly realize

that my life with him is dead – Our old

home looks shabby & is going slowly

to decay – Snowing and winter is here.

There has been a steady fall of light

snow since we left Tanana – and

it is an unusual experience to me

to ride in a steamer on this part of

the river while all the earth is white

with the winters snows. They tell me

that Debbie passed here all right &

on time.

-28^th-

Remained at 40 Mile last

night and reached Dawson this

afternoon. Could not get rooms at the

Regina – crowded – Isom, mang. N. A. T.

is here. Rooms at White House. Bath.

Dinner with American Consul Ravendal

& Orr. at Regina restaurant. John

Stone interviewed me – wants a divorce

- but plainly told him that he could not

get it until he resided in Alaska 2

years.

29^th

Called & met Judges Craig & McCauley

of Yukon Ty. Court. Judge Craig

looks like a judge – and is one -

McCaully is of the Steve OBrien

type – and was actually a schoolmate

with Steve. Dr. Coleman, Harry Johnston

& is a friend of Ashton. I like the looks

of Judge Craig very much. Lunch with

Mr & Mrs. Orr. Called at “News” office

& saw Roediger & McIntire, but did

not have time to go to house. The

“White House” is run by a Mrs. Bulter –

she evidently has a dash of Creole blood –

and is the embodiment of voluptuous

lust – glad I escaped : Rodgers of the

White Pass Ry. is one of her star boarders

and recommended us to go there.

Judge Craig & McCaully – their wives &

Mrs Roediger & Nellie – also Consul Ravendal

were at the landing when I left. The

“World” – Dawson paper – had a fine “puff”

about my work in Alaska – and I

was treated very nice in Dawson.

Left at 3 oclock on “Selkirk” for

Whitehorse.

-30-

Passed White River early this morning

- beautiful clear day – snow on the

mountains, making good time.

[October 1905]

Octo 3^rd

We reached Whitehorse at 1 oclock

today – too late, of course, to catch the

train. The “Jefferson” leaves Skagaway

tomorrow & we will catch it – so it

doesnt make any difference. Went

out to “Whitehorse Rapids” with Billy

Bass, - have room in new Columbia

Hotel – they are rebuilding since the fire

of a few weeks ago – No news –

-4^th-

Left Whitehorse at 10 a.m. – the

“Casca” hove in sight & we waited for

her. Dinner at Bennett & reached

Skagway at 5 oclock – the Steamer

“Jefferson” in port. Invited to dinner

with Major Richardson. Rodgers

& Newell of the White Pass Ry. & Wynn

- Johnson – at the Pullen House –

Left Skagway at 8 oclock for

Juneau – Str “Jefferson” is a fine

new steamer – large & comfortable.

-5-

Juneau at 6 a.m – went to the

“Occidental” hotel & slept till 10.

Wrote letters to Atty. Genl. sending

in my account to Sept. 30, and

also salary vouchers for April,

May, June, July, August, & September

- 6 months, & also wrote asking

leave during November & Dec –

Bath & just as I was ready

to be comfortable the whistle

of the “Excelsior” sounded –

Sent package of Ft Yukon shrubs

to mother – wrote to Debbie & also

to George T. Reid – sent him a

draft in favor of Edgar – bal. on

his Hamilton contract of $688.65

Loaned George A. Jeffry the

sum of $350.00.

Met Lt. Hoggatt – also Dautrick,

Frame, Jennings, Churchill et. al.

& had short but pleasant visit.

Hoggatt says that the Special Ex

=aminer sent out to examine into

Gov. Bradys affairs returned East

yesterday – I just missed him

one day - & I am glad of it.

Left Juneau at 8 p.m

on “Excelsior”

-6^th-

Sitka – Met Kostrometrioff

visited Greek Church – called on

Bishop Innocent – sleeping & could

not see him – saw & visited Genl. Distin

& “Cablegram” office. Saw Gov. Brady

at a distance – no talk – no answer

to my interrogatories – except that

he said in the newspaper that I

was unfit to be judge!! Reynolds

also wrote letter – but he honestly

acknowledged the matter & paid

me a compliment. Distin

& Brady at swords points!

Saw Bishop Rowe also

Ed Miller, Rochford & on board

Put to sea – smooth.

-7^th -

Yakutat at 5 p.m – at Stimsons

cannery – Weather good – we

suffered some by rolling but

otherwise trip fair.

-8-

Yakataga Beach at day

break, and Kayak island

tonight. We have litteraly

rolled thus far – the “Excelsior”

is as unstable as a barrel in

water. Have not been sea sick

yet – but only escape by going

to bed. Learned today that the

Gov – Brady – will use extracts

from my address of 2 years ago

in his annual report – as argument

against territorial government.

- probably he could not

find one 3 years old!!

If we only had a Governor

who could prepare a state

document with figures to date

or even a year ahead – it

would be an advantage to

Alaska.

-9^th-

Nuchek – the old sea otter station

- at day break – Orca at noon

& Ellamar tonight – unloading

freight & delivering mail – Raining

& blowing like “sixty”. We will

be at the Valdez wharf in the morning.

-10^th-

Valdez at 8 oclock. Went

to the St. Elias Hotel - saw

Crandall, Lathrop, Judge

Lyons & the lawyers & found

no work for the present. Have

concluded that since I must

go to Seward that I will

continue on the “Excelsior” this

trip – Crandall will go with

me taking the naturalization

records with him as there are

several persons there who desire

to declare their intention to become

Am. citizens. Visited around town

- the Rosene railway party is busy

building from what is called the

“New Town” on the north side of the

bay – but particularly in the

Keystone Canyon” while the old

Helm outfit is making pretence

of doing some work near town

& across the flat toward “Keystone

Canyon” The town shows no sign

of life or activity and the glacial

stream hurt it badly this summer

Left on boat at 4 p.m. after

sending telegrams to Stier, at

Fairbanks.

-11^th-

Seward, at 9 this morning –

Met Messrs. Clegg, Hildreth,

Wybant – Sexton – also Poland,

& Stewart of the Alaska Central

Ry. Took ~~dinner~~ {lunch} with Poland

at noon – present Poland, Stewart,

Hale, banker, Ballaine, Dr. Burns,

Judge Morford, Hildreth, Sexton,

Wybant, & Jack , a friend

of Judge – Senator Turners! Have

made all arrangements to go out

over the line of the road tomorrow

& then hunting out on north shore of

Kenai Lake – for moose, or bear &c

Stopping of Hotel McNeilly.

-12^th-

{W. B.} Poland, general manager of the

Alaska Central Ry. and Hildreth, com

=missioner at Seward, have arranged

that I go out with a small party and

view their road as far as the track is

laid, then go down Lake Kenai for

a hunt. We left Seward at 9 oclock

- our boat and supplies on a flat

car ahead of the engine – two cars behind

with Ry. supplies & passengers. The

road runs nearly north from Seward &

climbs a heavy crooked grade to the

summit – where it drops into Snow

Creek – the southeastern tributary of

Kenai Lake – thence down that to Kenai

Lake, skirting the west side of Sheep

Mt. along the east side of one arm

of the lake and thence north & then

east up Trail Creek – we went to

the 35 mi. point – where the rails

are laid, - & to the end of the tracks.

Had dinner at tie camp – back

in the evening to Lake Kenai where our

boat & supplies are put off &

we loaded the boat & went around

to the old railroad camp buildings

at the elbow – called “Roosevelt” in

construction days but now wholly

abandoned & deserted. We had

some trouble to land since a strong

wind sprang up & the waves rolled

in from the lower end of the lake –it

looks bad – windy but clear.

Our party consists of Captain

Stewart, treasurer of the A.C. Ry

Judge Hildreth, “Col.” Revell,

guide, “Commodore” Billy Smith,

guide, & I, - Revell & Smith are

both fine hunters, & know the country.

We are in for a good nights rest-

- wind blowing & it looks bad.

-13^th-

Wind still high & lake impossible

- clear & beautiful weather. We

are all scattering out to see the country

around & to wait for the wind to abate.

Went up Ptarmigan Creek with Revell

& thence up to the Lake – sunk deep

between Sheep Mt. & another – Fine

day – out on lake on a raft but no

sheep – fine pair of horns at outlet

of lake – old camp – back in evening

tired but happy – wind still blowing

-14^th-

Wind still & we left camp this morning

for the lower end of the Lake. Passed a

fine large island at noon and we named

it “Stewart Island” – after Capt. Stewart.

Reached the lower end of the lake at

dark & thence down the river about

a mile to an old Russian “barrabara”

or hunting house on its north bank.

A beautiful, cloudless, lazy October

day – the scenery on Kenai lake

is enjoyable – high snow covered

mountains on each side – long &

steep inclines & precipitous walls –

the western end – before dark was

beautifully amysthestine – an ideal

Indian summer day – We

found two Swedes on their way

down the Kenai to Russian river

where they intended to hunt for bear

& prospect. Tired & all ate & dropped

to sleep-

-15-

Hunting today. We are now in

the heart of the Kenai peninsula

& it is said to be a Moose Arcadia

Capt Stewart & Billy Smith went

off down the right limit of the

river while Revell & I went up

Juneau creek – to the north. The

valley of Juneau is certainly a

beautiful spot on a mild autumn

day – it is two or three miles wide

and surrounded with rounded

mountains already capped with

snow – a forest fire has killed

most of the former forest and in

the wide openings this made in

the trees the red top grass waves

in the fall winds. Hundreds of

acres of this fine grass make fine

brown meadows – clear dashing

streams cross the valley from the side

valleys to fall into Juneau creek-

- the warm sun shines over all – it

is a beautiful spot – fit for the home

of the noble moose- And it certainly

is his home – great well packed

trails connect the distant parts of

the valley – and moose sign & tracks

are every where. An hour after

noon we saw a moose – hidden

behind a few thick trees we could

not discover its size or sex until

it was shot – it was the finest

& fattest animal I ever saw –

I felt but little – no elation

at shooting it – but very

much as if I had invaded

some gentlemans back pasture

& had shot his favorite Jersey

cow – Another yearling bull

accompanied the one we shot

& it made me feel still meaner

by its fearless search around

us – sometimes only 50 yards

away – for its mate. We cleaned

the animal – quartered it - &

Revell put a fore quarter on his

back – I took both guns &

we started home – I was dead

tired when we reached camp-

Capt. Stewart & Billy came in

half an hour after – they had seen

several moose at long distance

but had killed none-

-16^th-

Revell – Billy & Judge Hildreth

went back to our moose of yesterday

- Hildreth hoping to kill his moose

& the boys to bring in the hind quarters.

The following is a rough map

of Kenai Lake - & shows our location

[sketch of lake and railway]

[captions:] Hunting Camp Stewart Is.

Kenai Lake Alaska Central Ry Seward

The old hunting lodge which we use

in part is an interesting structure.

It was built by a Russian from the

mouth of the river – 90 miles away-

to the west – he evidently wished to reach

the lake – and also the sheep & moose

hunting around it & probably the

fish in the river and lake.

[sketch of building]

[captions:] 6 X 6 Sweat House

16 X 20 Indian & fish house

12 X 12 Barrabara

The sweat house was well constructed

of hewn logs – tightly morticed – good

smooth floor – low walls, tight roof &

covered with dirt covering – in one corner

is yet the pile of rocks which when

heated with coals – furnished the heat

for steam – they threw water on the hot

rocks & then enjoyed the sweat-

The larger structure in the center

was a low roofed – but well constructed

of logs – with a smoke hole in the

center. Its size and shap enabled

the hunter to house his Indian retainers

- his fish & dogs – while the principal

building was occupied by him & his

family – It is a model of good hewing

& log fitting. The floor & ceiling are

hewn as also the walls – two small

windows while the only entrance is

through the large fish room-

-17ty-

Rainy & we remained in camp.

-18^th-

Rainy but went hunting – saw

5 moose on mountainside – 2

in valley – but got none – saw

the falls on Juneau Creek.

-19^th-

Clearing up – we moved

camp – packed on our backs

into the center of Juneau Creek

valley – we will remain there

until we kill our bull moose

Built camp on east side of Juneau

Creek valley – fly for cover & bed of

boughs – good camp-

-24^th-

We remained in our Juneau Creek

camp until today – On our hunting

trips we explored this fine valley – its

lakes & streams – we hunted the high

wide gulches &c. I saw 15 moose

but got no shot at “horns” – could

have killed several cows & yearlings

but did not shoot. Yesterday

we suddenly came across a great

bull – with only one horn –

he had lost the other in a battle

- shot him – cut his heart – but

only relieved his sufferings, since

his battle had left him minus one

of his great antlers which had carried

away a portion of his skull-

Hildreth also killed a fine young bull.

Capt. Stewart & Billy Smith got a

shot at a bear but did not get him on

account of brush & distance-

It rained so much that we could

not hunt well & were always wet

to the waist. Carried our packs

back to the Russian “barabara”

this afternoon - & will go back home

My moose gave us some fine meat

- two fine hind quarters – but

we have no good horns-

-25-

We left the “barabara” at 4

oclock yesterday evening &

reached the east end of Kenai

lake at 1:30 in the morning –

train at 4 in afternoon & reached

Seward tonight. Well – sound

& strong – but the trip yielded no

horns –

Recd. telegram from Jim Fish, Valdez,

saying : “Valdez Oct 14.

Hon James Wickersham, Seward Alaska

At mass meeting last night following

delegates to legislative convention

Seattle November 15^th were unanimously

elected – Wickersham, Lathrop, Blum,

Smith. (signed) James Fish.”

Sorry that my office prevents my

accepting – but it would not be

proper & I will have them elect

some one else in my place –

Also telegram from Abe Spring

dated Oct 15 from Fairbanks:

“Nasty fight being made Bar Assoc

=iation. Condemnatory resolutions

introduced meeting prior my arrival.

Friends succeeded postponing action.

Miller resolution still pernicious

substituted last night. Indefinitely

postponed eleven ten. Closest

watching required preventing

snap judgment. Press letters

department being mailed. Copies

forwarded. Henderson compiling statement.

Abe Spring.”

Miller & Claypool are evidently

squaring themselves with their

clients by fighting me.

-26^th-

Much complaint here against

Hildreth – the Ry. people are espec

=ially bitter against him because

of his fight against Dr. Burns.

Took midnight lunch with Capt. & Mrs.

Stewart – also met Mr. Francis, Treas. of the

A.C. Ry. & a Mr. Middleberger, a representative

of the Holland bondholders of the Co.

-27^th-

The 25^th Anniversary of our marriage

- at Rochester, Ill. Oct. 27, 1880.!!

I love my clean-minded good wife with

a stronger love than I did when she came

as my bride. If our three boys were all

alive how happy I would be – but our eldest

is left and he is so strong and manly that

I cannot complain - though Howards

death was the greatest loss of my life –

it seems to have been almost the end of my

home life-

The Chamber of Commerce gave me

a formal reception last night at the

“Kenai Club” rooms. Messrs. Francis

& Middleberger also attended as guests

- I made a short talk encouraging them

in respect to the region toward which their

railroad is building – the Tanana valley

None of them have visited the interior – altho

they are building a first class standard

railroad to it. The lawyers gave me

an endorsment, recommending my

reappointment, and asking, in case of the

division of the district, that I be assigned

to the coast division! Ritchie, the Editor

of the “Seward Gateway” - the only local paper

also wrote a letter of endorsment. Am

very much pleased with my trip to Seward!

“Billy” Smith, my hunting guide gave me a

fine pair of moose antlers.

-28^th-

Had a fine chicken dinner with Mr &

Mrs. McNeily, yesterday. The “Santa Ana”

in yesterday & left this morning but I

will wait for the “Santa Clara” – since she

goes to Valdez direct – while the Santa Ana

stops at Ellamar to load on. Am

negotiating for a town lot in Seward.

-29-

“Santa Clara” came in about 2 oclock

today – but leaves late – or not till morning

since a heavy storm is raging outside.

Spent the day quietly at hotel – but

had supper last night with Poland,

general manager of the A.C Ry. and with

Francis & Middleberger – also break

=fast with them this morning – Francis

is a clean cut young Canadian – of

gentle manners, but bright and vigorous

- a good business man – and I presume

a wealthy one – Middleberger is a

discreet, conservative, close mouthed

Hollander, who eats porridge, does

not smoke and drinks like a New

England deacon. He is sixty – rather

gray, stoop shouldered, and slow –

but knows the value of a cent and

has promoted railroads in South Africa

- so his Hollandish clients are pretty

safe. Poland is a human dynamo.

Did not buy a lot in Seward.

-30-

Santa Clara went out early this

morning as far as the mouth of the

harbor – but such a storm was raging

that it immediately returned to the

Seward Wharf – lay in Seward

all day – doing nothing -

-31^st-

Left Seward early this morning &

reached Valdez about six oclock -

Lawyers Brown & Ostrander called

on me at St. Elias Hotel & said that

the Chitita Bankruptcy case was the

only matter that could be taken up –

& that they & the people generally

desired me to hold the regular term

in January –

[November 1905]

-November 1^st-

Mail – good letters from Debbie &

Darrell – she is in New York visiting

him & they seem to be having a good

time – poor child. I am glad she is

enjoying him – and he her visit.

Heard the Chitita bankruptcy case

but refused to do anything until

January – Signed some formal

orders & called a Special Team

at Valdez for January 22, 1906.

Absolutely nothing to do – so I

will go out on the Santa Clara

tomorrow. Gave a Moose dinner

to Gov & Mrs Leedy – Joe Bourke,

Jas Fish & wife, Brown & wife, Lyons

& wife, Rochford & ~~his affianc~~ {Mrs. }his fiance

at Wikidels restaurant. Also then

attended a social function given

by Mrs Ostrander & Mrs Hozlett –

euchre – at Moose Hall.

Gave Rob. Coles a letter to Poland, of the

A.C. Ry. Co. Seward asking him to give

Rob work – Everything ready to go on

boat in the morning. Lathrop, dept.

Marshal also goes as delegate to the

Alaska convention.

-Nov. 2^nd-

“Santa Clara” for Seattle-

Foggy in Valdez harbor but clear

& bright in Prince Williams Sd-

This is a beautiful body of water –

like Puget Sd – and fully protects

the entrance to Valdez – The entrance

to Resurrection Bay – Seward – opens

out on the Pacific & storms make

it almost impossible to get in & out

- Beautiful day – Ellamar in sight.

-Nov 3^rd-

Fine day – fair wind – sail up –

& going 12 knots an hour! for

home. Am not sea sick but have

just staid in bed to rest – it is

a rest after a strenous term at

Fairbanks & a mighty moose hunt.

Nov. 7.

At Sea, off Barclay Sound-

Had a rough trip until yesterday

- I was distressed and uncomfortable

as usual – and remained in bed -

Foggy weather yesterday & today

till noon – we had no sight of

land since leaving Hinchinbrooke

Is. till noon, when we were just

off Barclay Sd – 60 miles north

of De Fuca Straits. It is a beautiful

day now – clear – calm, sunny &

warm – the high mountains of Vancou

ver Is. lie to our left – we will get in

Seattle about noon tomorrow.

Lathrop, Dep. U.S. Mar. from Valdez.

Iles, the “bum” railroad promoter.

Judge Morford, lawyer from Seward,

Hilscher, the butcher, Rich, the

railroad contractor & others are aboard.

Hickey, a mining expert, also –

Have recovered my legs, and appetite

but my bowels are yet torpid.

A glorious afternoon –

7 p.m. Have just passed the light

house at Cape Flattery ; It seems

good to be approaching home &

civilization once more.

Nov. 8.

Arrived in Seattle at 9.a.m.

Rainier Grand hotel – Johansen is

here – Remained over for tonight

at request of A.B.’s – the

Arctic Brotherhood Grand Lodge

in session – banquet – Perkins

Arc. Chief – presided – was guest

of honor & well received at banquet

- made short address -

-9^th-

Tacoma – letters from Debbie

- telegraphed her my arrival.

Also letter from Stephen Birch

- telegraphed him also by request

that would be here for some time.

Ex. Marshal Richards, & his

“gang” Forrest, M. J. Cochran,

Sam Milligan, Al. Cody,

& , are busily engaged,

aided by D. A. McKenzie, in “knocking”

me at Seattle. Sullivan’s, both

Mike & P. C. are there and also

in close consultation. The

Alaska convention, to meet on the

15^th is attracting attention & the

newspapers have announced me

as a candidate for delegate – but

I have promptly denied it & they

will so announce.

-10^th-

Visiting Seattle – nothing

particular except denying that

I am candidate for delegate.

-11^th-

Application from Col. L. S. Howlett

of North Yakima, Wash. for appoint

=ment as Com. at Seward, Alaska,

received letters from Senator George

Turner, & Congressman W. L. Jona

of N. Yakima, strongly endorsing him

Recd. check for 6 mo. salary

= $2500. – Deposited $5500.00

in Nat. Bk. of Commerce.

-12-

Went to Buckley to visit

mother – met Jennie & her

husband in Tacoma last night.

Jennie is grown to be a handsome

woman - is a good wife & mother

Everybody well at Buckley-

-13^th-

Returned to Tacoma. Recd.

packages of books – history &

ethnology from London-

Answered mail – George Jeffry

here – Had visit from John

Malone today – showed me

letter from A. R. Lillienthal, of

San Francisco, proffering assistance

to secure my confirmation. John

also told ~~him~~ {me} that P. C. Sullivan

would not fight & that President

had requested McKenzie, of

North Dakota – the backbone

of the fight against me – to

let up on it!! This dont

sound just right – but it may

be true. Judge Dudley DuBose

- McKenzies friend – also told

me that he thought McKenzie

was easily induced to let up-

-14^th-

Over to Seattle – hard fight on over

delegate – Nye, Manley & Donnelly

- three Fairbanks delegates under

the influence of the decision in

~~Durand~~ v Manley – are doing what

they can to beat Johansen – who

is the Fairbanks delegate – under the

impression that he will be friendly to

me. Carr & Nye are evidently

small liars & traitors-! I am

keenly disappointed in them

Met many delegates – Gov. Swineford

& others - & came home at 9 p.m.

-15-

Telegram from Debbie last night

saying she had started home &

that Darrell was off to Cuba to

day. Dinner tonight to a

few friends. Alaska convention

organized today – Archer from

Nome elected temporary chairman

against Nye of Fairbanks!!

28 to 24!! Edgar telegraphed

me to come over tonight but I will

not do it – I intend to keep

out of the mess – for it looks

now like a “first ward caucus.”

Dinner a success – present

Senator Foster, Grosscup, Geo. Reid

Pratt, Sec. Cham. of Com. Billy Stern

-berg & Joe Whitehouse.

-16^th-

Johansen telephoned to me from

Seattle this morning that I must

come to Seattle & help him as his

enemies were fighting him close &

hard on my account – I went, but

refused to appear openly – I teleg

raphed ahead & had John P. Hartman

meet me and informed him of the

actions of Nye – he went to work

on Nyes employers – the Tanana

Mines Ry interests – Fredk Bausman

their attorney &c. and when I left

there tonight at 11 oclock they

were industriously working to drive

him into line. John Ballaine

of Seward was assisting & Johansen

thinks, tonight, that he will

succeed. L. L. Bales, came

to see me & dug up a vote from

Iliamna. They are openly threatening

me – the Marshal Richards gang –

but if Johansen wins out they are

powerless. Archer was made

temporary chairman – over Nye,

& this is concededly a Johansen victory.

Major Richardson called – I am

surprised to find the Rosene people

assisting Ryan – think of Jarvis

interests being used to down me!

The matter is badly mixed up but

I am hopeful!

17^th

Just received a telephone message

from Johansen saying that Nye

had agreed to support him upon

receiving his pledge that he

(Johansen) was not pledged to

me – his support was withheld

distinctly because he was opposed

to me & he believed Johansen was

friendly to me – This is Gratitude

of the Claypool – McKenzie-Carr

kind!! The Post-Intelligencer

announces this morning that the

Ryan forces admit defeat and

will now fight for three delegates

- one from each judicial division.

I told Johansen to do as he pleased

about Nye – think he is scared &

wishes to make his election sure

but I did not want him to win with Nye

against him – evidently Bansman

& Hartman made Nye come in but

he still acts the dog & insists on

Johansen surrendering something.

Woe unto the ungrateful cowards

if I ever get the opportunity to act!

-19^th-

Debbie at home. Went over

to Seattle yesterday afternoon &

met Debbie at 9.p.m. over G. N Ry.

She is not strong & seems much worn

out by her trip – but is enthusiastic

& happy over her six weeks visit to

Darrell. The Alaska delegates

came over to Tacoma yesterday after

=noon & gave the town a visit – they

were met and entertained by the Chamber

of Commerce - & This evening (Sunday)

Iles – of Valdez – came to see me & tried

to force me by threats of a “roast” in the

Convention tomorrow, to throw the

Johansen forces to Ryan!! I kept my

temper & told him that I would

do nothing – that I had not taken

any part in the fight and would

not. He said that Charlie Herren –

- late one of Marshal Richards deputies

at Nome – and a deputy clerk while

I was there & appointed at my request –

had sent him to make the proposition

to me – I sent him (Iles) off short

but without display of anger –

Alaska convention is drifting worse

& worse into ward politics – Had

a talk with {state} Senator “Dick” Kinnear

at Seattle & he asked me to call on

Senator Piles – thinks Piles will

support me if I will give him some

Alaska patronage & let up on the

fight against P. C. Sullivan for District

Atty. for Washington – yet every

“plug” that Sullivan controls in the

Alaska convention is blackguarding me!

-20-

Went to Seattle – saw Piles & he

“palavered” – but my opinion is that

he will do all he can to defeat me –

he will do it kindly – saying “That it

is better, since there is so much of a fight

to take up a new man!! Also saw

Ryan & tried to get him to agree to

3 delegates & let Johansen be elected

for the sake of harmony – They are

fighting me, now.

-21^st-

Johansen defeated – Nye & the

Ryan people succeeded in jobbing

him electing Capt. O. J. Humphrey.

Lathrop left the hall & this took

away 7 votes - & Humphrey had 42

& Johansen 41! I was “roasted” by

Nye publicly & accused of running

Johansens campaign, &c. Sharper

than the serpents tooth is the sting of

base ingratitude.

-22-

Paid up on my Puyallup Indian

land - $1236.96 also street asst. on

C. St. $773.35 – Don’t owe a dollar

in the world.

-23^rd-

John McGinn came over to see

me – says that Ruan, Humphries

& Swineford will all support me –

and that the McKenzie – N. Dakota

fight will be withdrawn – McGinn

goes to California tonight & thence to

Washington – gave him such

papers &c. as explain matters –

-24^th-

Went over to Seattle – Jarvis is

badly disgusted – took dinner

with him – he is just a trifle –

I thought – disgusted with me

because I do not resign & go

to work for myself – said he

would report conditions in Wash

=ington - when he goes in the morning

and thinks I ought to come on

to Washington & explain the

situation of the judges in Alaska

and then say to him that I have

enough - & resign.

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary09-1905

<http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary09-1905.htm>

Return to Top

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary10-1905-1906

James A. Wickersham diary [10], December 4, 1905 to June 22, 1906.

(cover)

Dec. 4, 1905

June 22, 1906.

James Wickersham’s

-Diary-

[December 1905]

Dec. 4^th 1905-

Since Nov 24, I have been engaged

in attending to my Puyallup valley

land matters, &c. Have been to Buckley

& rented a room in the “Fidelity Bld –

#323, as an office for preparing the

2^nd Val. of the Alaska reports –

The Attorney Genl. has given permission

to do the work here.

Was over to Seattle today - Al. White

from Valdez and Jesse Noble from Fair

=banks, took dinner with me. Also

saw Jim. Fish, who told me that the

Fairbanks lawyers – Pratt, Miller &

Claypool were keeping the wires loaded

with attacks – (bitter & malicious –

so much so that Fish thought they ~~wil~~

would be counteracted by its very virulence)

- directed to the President. I think

the danger lies in some chance idea

being presented to the President with

such force as to cause him to hesitate

or conclude that even if I am all right

it might be better to appoint some

one else and stop the row.

Have purchased 6 or 7 acres

more land adjoining my Wynaco

Farm on the Puyallup reservation

from Cornell Bros. for $400.00

Also made written contract today

with Nick Glaser to slash and pile

in winnows all the brush & small

timber on 70 acres in the valley & lying

east of the Northern Pac. Ry. track,

at $15.00 per acre.

Recd. telegram from Barnette {Nov. 29^th}

suggesting that I come on to Washington

by today – Dec. 4, - when Congress meets –

but I telegraphed care McGinn at

Raleigh Hotel that I would not

come unless requested by Senate

Com. or Dept. of Justice.

Busy working on 2^nd Alaska –

We are located at “The Sands”-

Went over to Seattle today – sent

Telegram to Henderson to do assessment

work on 2 claims on Cleary creek left limit.

-Dec. 5^th-

The President reappointed

me again today –

This is the fourth time he has

appointed me within a year. My

fear that they would reach him with

some story & it would prejudice him

strongly was without foundation.

Busy working on 2^nd Alaska.

-6^th-

Sent telegram to John L. McGinn

Wash, D.C. saying “Can come Wash

=ington if Senate Judiciary Committee

requires provided Atty. Genl. approves

Consult friends and Senator Clark

and advise me.”

Working on 2^nd Alaska – have

room 323 Fidelity Bldg.

-7^th-

Nothing but work on 2^nd Alaska

Got letter yesterday from Lathrop saying

that he had heard that he was accused of

selling me out at Alaska convention &

would see me in Spring at Valdez!!!

-11^th-

Working every day with Jeffry at

room 323 Fidelity Bld, on 2^nd Alaska

report – Nothing from Washington

yet. Am doing nothing myself –

Recd. letter yesterday from Mr. C. D.

Lane, San Francisco – he said

“why don’t you quit the office & make

some money.” Everyone says that to

me – as if money were the one great

object of life! I would rather leave

the 1^st and 2^nd Alaska reports

as a monument of my work in

Alaska – than to have money!

-13-

My nomination hung up in Senate

by Senate Ankeny. Received letter

from Barnette, Wash. D. C. saying

that Senators Spooner, Carter & Baily

were all working right. That Bratnober

had seen Carter who would be all right.

Bratnober also saw the President &

Judge Day is working at Washington

for me.

-14^th-

Saw John Malone today about

Crocker – who is Ankenys “boss.” –

He went & saw Crocker & then took

me up. Crocker with brutal frankness

said – “this is a hors trade – what

will you do if Ankeny will get in

& help you” – “He is a candidate

for reelection – will you help him”?

I said that I would not ask anyone

to pledge himself in advance to

vote for Mr. Ankeny & suggested that

I could take care of a good man or

two in Alaska as commissioners ?

He then said that I was a friend of

Perkins & could stop the fight that

Perkins was making to assist Lorton

who was recently Ankenys ~~paper~~ Editor

at Walla Walla = I promised to go &

see Perkins & see what I could do

I went to see Perkins & told him frankly

the situation – He will see Crocker tomorrow

but I could not & did not ask him to do any

thing – just to fix it if he could. He will -

As one part of the effort to force Ankeny

off Perkins sent Piles a telegram

saying - “As a personal favor to the Perkins

Press assist in confirmation of Judge

Wickersham” – or to that effect. He

thinks Piles will show that to Ankeny

& he also thinks Piles will assist on

his account – but I am not so sure!!

Perkins also sent telegram to Senator

Foraker asking him to assist.

At work every on 2^nd Alaska.

-19^th-

Debbie & I went up to Enumclaw

last Friday & paid a visit to Jennie

& her family – her hubby – Chas. Hanson

& his brothers & partners have a fine large

logging & mill plant there. He is a good

business man & they have a comfortable

home - & two fine babies. Also met

Dr. J.J. (state senator) Smith, & his family.

Call was waiting me from Perkins who

had received telegram from his to Sen. Piles

saying that he wanted to assist in my

confirmation – but that situation was

“delicate” &c. An accompanying tel

=egram from Cushman explained that

the “delicate” point meant Ankeny

whom Piles hopes to use, and who

has objected to my confirmation. Cush

=man suggested that I get King Co.

telegrams &c. asking Ankeny to act

favorable. Perkins gave me the

telegrams &c. and I went over to Seattle

today. Saw State Senator “Dick”

Kinnear & he went to work at once,

to get the Ankeny forces there into line.

Called on Gov. McGraw – who held

in his hand a telegram from Genl. Carr

Com. at Fairbanks, repudiating the

actions of Nye at the recent Seattle

convention. McGraw assured me

of his (McG) friendship & support

& that he had already acted for Carr.

Called on C. J. Smith - & then on J.E.

Chilberg, Pres. Alaska Club, &

strong business man. He sent

telegrams to Piles, Ankeny, ~~Joe~~

Cushman, Humphreys & Dick Ryan

Recd. a fine letter of endorsement

today from the Alaska Club – Dick

Kinnear will send me copy of his

telegram - & Mayor Ballinger

of Seattle will also send telegram

to Ankeny.

Getting along OK on 2^nd Alaska.

-24^th-

Have pretty well fixed things

with the Ankeny following &

Crocker. Col. Int. Rev. & George

Stevenson – Ankenys leaders

in the state have written him to

secure my confirmation – Was

over in Seattle two days ago

& Dick Kinnear procured the

following Ankeny politicians

to sign the following telegram:

“Hon. Levi Ankeny, U.S. Senator,

“Washington, D.C.

“We personal friends of Judge

“Wickersham would be gratified

“to have you actively support his

“confirmation. Kindly show Senator

“Piles.” R. M. Kinnear, J.J.

“Smith, Link Davis, A.T. Van Deventer,

“John Wooding, I. B. Knickerbocker,

“Charles S. Gleason, Joseph Lyons,

“W. H. Clarke.”

P.C. Sullivan & Walter Christian

are also doing what they can now

to secure that result – the stand

which the President has taken in

reappointing me four times has

brought them to realize that he

intends to see me fairly treated by

the Senate & Piles does not want

to get in opposition to him – Sullivan

has advised him not to do so, but to

assist in my confirmation.

S. A. Perkins, is also doing all

he can by telegraph – Cushman

wrote him in answer that Piles was

willing – but in a delicate position

- evidently with Ankeny with whom

he desires to live in peace. – Perkins

says confirmation is assured -

-26^th-

Christmas at “Sands” – pleasant

but not hilarious. Received mail

from Fairbanks today – letter from

Genl. Carr, repudiating & condemning

Nyes treachery, - also strong resolutions

from Chamber of Commerce of Seward –

favoring my confirmation – original

forwarded from there to Senate Com. on

Judiciary. Letter from Abe Spring

containing copies of telegrams signed

by Pratt – Miller & Frazier – addressed

to the Seattle “Times” and asserting that

I had been condemned by the lawyers,

press & miners at Fairbanks – also

copies of telegrams sent by the Bar Assoc.

& the Miners Assoc. denying the charges &c.

Also copies of newspapers containing

articles & minutes of meetings of miners

&c. The miners are evidently ignorant of

the true facts in relation to Chrisman v. Miller

197 U.S. 313, & think I made the law!

These papers, letters &c. explain the

defection of the miners & I will forward

the whole to Barnette & McGinn who

can use the same to advantage in

explaining at Washington.

Recd. letter from Barnette yester

=day – says things look satisfactory

in Washington – but who can tell

what the verdict of a jury will be?

He says Nye is there knocking!!

But also there are Ed. Dunn, Billy

Bass, Whitehead, & a score of friends

to offset him.

Had my photograph taken today

- & worked hard all day in office.

Recd. telegram from Ed. Steir, Clerk,

who is at Valdez. Sent him an answer

to come on to Tacoma, & take his

vacation.

Dec. 31^st 1905

Mr Perry & also Mr. Harlan are

at Seattle & I am going over to see

them today – B. D. Mills, from

Fairbanks is also there. Debbie

is going with me - (over).

nothing of importance in matter of my

confirmation this week. It now seems

that Sullivan & Christian have concluded

that they have something to win by being

friendly & they are acting that way –

All of the Ankeny influence is being

exerted to get him into line – all of

his supporters – Crocker, Stevenson,

and the Seattle forces headed by Dick

Kinnear have wired and written him

and I judge his influence will be at

least outwardly friendly. Perkins

received a telegram a few days ago

from Cushman saying that he and Piles

wanted me to wait in Tacoma until

Jany 10, before going back to Alaska.

Evidently they hope to get things finally

agreed on – or know what to do – within

that time. Barnette writes that Senator

Carter is all right now – that Bratnober

persuaded him that I was “all right”.

Senator Bailey of Texas pledges Barn

=ette that all the Democratic senators

will be favorable & Perkins now

and the attitude of Carter suggests,

that Hansborough of North Dakota

will also be so mollified as to be at

peace, - This means that the old

McKenzie fight, which has held

me up for nearly three years is defeated!

While I have had many good &

energetic friends to assist me, one

stands higher than the rest in my list

- Walter E. Clarke – and I

hope yet to be able to offer the toast

“One Damn good friend beats the

United States Senate.” – for that is

what his friendship for me has amounted

to. It looks now as if I would be

confirmed – but who can tell?

Recd. letter from Erastus Brainerd, Ed.

P. I. yesterday containing telegram from

Carr, at Fairbanks, denouncing Nye

& opposition there & asking Brainerd

to assist my confirmation!

Am nearly finished with manuscript

of 2^nd Alaska – but not yet the

Index digest.

B. D. Mills took lunch with us

at the Rainier – Grand Hotel – he is

just from Fairbanks & reports things

flourishing there. Saw Mr. Perry, but

not Mr. Harlan who is not yet in Seattle

Neither Mrs. Perry nor Mrs. Harlan

will come to Alaska till summer.

[January 1906]

Jany. 1^st 1906.

Mr. Perry in Seattle & Mr Harlan

they go on Santa Clara to Valdez –

but I have determined not to go

Have written asking for leave till

Feb. 1, & have adjourned court

at Valdez till Feb. 14^th

-4^th-

Recd. telegram from Atty. Genl.

granting my request for leave

of absence till Feb. 1^st

Letter from Senator Piles to

Perkins saying strong fight

against me – he will help, &c

does not want to make enemies.

Rather a weak letter – and says that

Ankeny will help if he can escape

from his former promises to my

senatorial enemies, but if not

will vote against me – formally!

-5^th-

Telegram from Cushman today

asking if the division bill was

not directed against me – I

answered saying did not know

- to consult with McGinn, whom

I also telegraphed to see Cushman

& Jones about the matter.

Was in Seattle yesterday - &

called on Judge Brown.

Am nearly done with preparing

syllabi for 2^nd Alaska, and

now begin on Index digest.

-6^th-

Walter E. Clarke in the P-I. says

that a special subcommittee of

three will be appointed from the

Senate Jud. Com. on Monday (8^th)

to hear all complaints against

me. Also reports from Wash.

D.C. say that Gov. Brady will

resign – that Churchills report

was adverse to him – and that

he will become the head of the Reynolds

Min. Co.

Have received a dozen more

opinions from Gunnison & Brown

& working hard to complete the

syllabi, 2^nd Alaska, Rep-

-8^th-

The opposite teleg

=raphic dispatch

explains the activity

of my enemies in

Washington.

Packed juries in

Nome are equal to

packed juries in the

U.S. Senate &

equally criminal-

[newspaper clipping:]

“PACKED TO DEFEAT

JUDGE WICKERSHAM

WASHINGTON, D. C., Jan. 8.-(Spe-

cial.) – Senators Nelson, Foraker and

Pettus have been appointed a sub-com-

mittee to report on the renomination of

Judge Wickersham, of Alaska. Apparent-

ly the committee is packed against

Wickersham, as Nelson and Pettus have

been fighting for two years, and are

more bitter against him than any other

senators.

It is not now anticipated that Judge

Wickersham will be summoned here to

face charges.

Nelson is aginst Wickersham for per-

sonal or political reasons. Pettus is ad-

verse because of San Francisco contempt

proceedings.”

-9^th-

Sent telegram to McGinn this morning:

“Who throwed that brick” and this

evening received telegram from him saying

“We have every hope of success. No brick

have been thrown.” I do not understand

the effect of yesterdays appointment of the

subcommittee with Senator Nelson, Ch.

and Senators Pettus & Foraker. = Two

of the three are against me – a committee

report against me without a blow struck

It looks pretty near like defeat to me.

I learned yesterday, for the first

time, that some time ago Debbie

had made a will leaving her interest

in our home and other property to

Darrell – without acquainting me with

her intention, or taking my advice about

it.

-12^th-

This day made deed of our home

on C. St. to Debbie – she is now the

separate owner – it will go to Darrell

if she should die before me!

-13^th-

Ed Stier, clerk of my court

came into Tacoma today – also

Fairbanks mail. I received

the “Fairbanks News,” which gives

me the details of the opposition to

me there. It is managed by Pratt,

Miller, Claypool et. al. The fight

among the miners was carried on by

Fields – the star witness in favor

of the “Muck Discovery”, and the

whole miners fight is based on

the decision in the “Discovery” case

where I quoted exactly and gave as

the law the opinion of the Supreme

Court in the case of Chrisman

v Miller, 197 U.S. /o .

Forwarded papers to McGinn

Also sent telegram to McGinn

asking him about the situation

as I have heard nothing lately.

14^th

Geo. Esterly in Seattle & “Oregon” in

tomorrow – will go over -

-15^th-

Nothing new from

Washington except

this & letters from

~~Bars~~ Johansen

& McGinn. They

seem hopeful

but Nelson as the

Chairman of the

Committee before

which the matter

is to be investigated

angers McGinn.

The most that Johan

=sen hopes for from

him is that he will

be “nuetral” – a fine

juryman!!

I went over to Seattle – saw

George Stevenson – had letter from Ankeny – O.K.

Called on the Esterlys – the “Oregon” came in

later & saw Brown & Spring -both will

go to Washington for me – earnestly.

[newspaper clipping:]

“WANTS WICKERSHAM

TO BE QUESTIONED

Senate Committee on Judi-

ciary to Ask for Judge’s

Appearance

Post-Intelligencer News Bureau.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 14. –The

senate committee on judiciary has decid-

ed to ask the attorney general to au-

thorize Judge James Wickersham to

come to Washington for the purpose of

appearing before the committee. Judge

Wickersham has been in Tacoma some

time on leave of absence from the Third

judicial division in Alaska.

His nomination to succeed himself as

judge will, in the opinion of well-in-

formed senators, be confirmed by the

senate, but it is the desire of some mem-

bers of the judiciary committee that he

answer certain questions.

Heretofore the charges against Judge

Wickersham have been somewhat vague

in character, and he would have been

confirmed last winter had not Senator

Nelson, who has opposed the judge ruth-

lessly, persisted in the statement that

Wickersham secretly opposed the Nelson

bill for dividing the Third district.

Recently, however, new enemies of the

judge who have lost suits in his court

have charged that he owns property in

Fairbanks occupied by a saloon and gam-

bling house.

Fairbanks men here who are friends of

Judge Wickersham say that he owns

only the ground on which the building

in question stands, and that the ground

lease specified that the building should

not be leased for a saloon or gambling

purposes. WALTER E. CLARK”

-16^th-

Letter from Barnette, - he has bought a

fine farm near Lexington, Ky. - $60,000.

also informs me that Reynolds, Gov.

Bradys manager negotiated with him

for conference with McKenzie, who propo

=sed that if Lacy would support the

division bill – Senator Nelson would

support me! Says that Lacey agreed &

the matter was well underway when he

wrote. They first pack the jury by

putting Nelson on, then sells his influ

=ence out the back door : Jury packing

& bribery in the effort to confirm a

judge before the Judiciary Com. of the U.S.

Senate! We are getting well done with

the 2^nd Alaska – now working on the

Index Digest. Room 323, Fidelity

Bld. Brown & Spring are coming

over to Tacoma tomorrow-

Approved Steirs accounts as

Clerk today. Telegram from McGinn

saying appt. of Nelson was under Senate

rules & not a matter of favor.

-17^th-

Recd. telegram signed by Barnette,

Whitehead, Johansen & McGinn

saying for me to apply to Atty. Genl.

for leave to come to Washington, and

come on at once. No explanation.

-18^th-

Telegraphed Atty. Genl. as suggested

- though with much reluctance - &

~~this~~ {last} evening received telegram from

him saying: “Unless you have been

authoritatively informed by some member

of the Senate committee on judiciary that

your presence is desired the mere possib

=ility that you may be called by such

committee should not prevent you from

going about your official business.

Am informed that your presence has

not been requested and that doubt exists

as to your being called. Leave of absence

must therefore be refused.” Moody, Atty Genl”

Went out to reservation land today –

Pd. clearers $160.00 also packing Alaska boxes,

& working on 2^nd Alaska – index digest.

-19^th-

Evidently McGinn & others “got busy”

yesterday when I telegraphed him that

Atty. Genl. refused permission to me

to come to Washington, for today I

got another telegram from him saying

that it was now deemed desirable

for me to appear before the Senate Jud.

Com. and gave permission for me to do

so. I shall start tomorrow

Todays Washington dispatches in

P.I- signed by Clarke, says that

Nelson has formulated charges against

me, the main one being that gambling is

allowed in the Apple building in Fairbanks

Abe Spring came over to see me

today – he will go to Washington

soon on private business but said

he would go to Washington if he could.

Telegraphed asking leave for Jeffry

to go with me-

We have finished the work on all

material on hand for 2^nd Alaska but

Gunnison telegraphed that he had more opinions.

-20^th-

Shut up office, packed trunk &c

2^nd Alaska is ready so far as the

material on hand allows it, but

Judge Gunnison ~~writes~~ telegraphs

me that he finds other opinions &c.

Debbie remains at “Sands” –

neither Jeffry nor Brown will go.

Abe Spring goes via Portland.

Started from Tacoma at 8:00

p.m. for Washington

-21^st-

Spokane – country covered with

snow – I am very much afraid

that my trip is useless – Senator

Nelson has “packed” the jury on me

and it is a question of politics &

not a “square deal” Ill get.

Passed Missoula, Mont. tonight

-22-

Livingston, Mont. to Glendive.

Sent 8 telegrams today from

Billings, Mont. to.

James M. Griffin, Minneapolis

& B. F. Millard, Chippewa Falls

as follows:

“James M. Griffin, Atty at Law

“Minneapolis, Minn.

“Meet me on Northern Pacific

“overland tomorrow Minneapolis

“Pullman sleeper.”

and

“B. F Millard, Chippewa Falls, Wis.

“On Northern Pacific train going east

“Can you meet me at St Paul twenty

“third arrival train expenses paid.

Hope to get Griffin to do some mission

ary work with McLean, & Nelson &

Millard to state truth about McKen

=zies hearing & approving my state

=ments about division bill, before

H. Com. on Ter. two years ago.

-23-

When awoke this morning found we

were on side track at Tower City.

N. Dak. - 25º below zero & a blizzard

blowing – a west bound train is

stuck between us & the next station

- now noon & no sign of moving –

We cannot catch Chicago train out of

St Paul tonight – Left Tower City

at 2 oclock – Fargo for an hour

or two thawing out water pipes &c.

Left there at 5 p.m

Bought a Fargo Forum. ~~at 5 p.m.~~

and cut out this foolish item –

am afraid my fool friends or my

astute enemies will make it hard

=er for me by this means : I do not

want to be Gov. of Alaska, &

especially do not want the matter

so used as to block my confirmation

as judge – would rather have that

than the office of Governor:

[newspaper clipping:]

“SEATTLE PEOPLE PLUG

FOR JUDGE WICKERSHAM

Seattle, Jan. 23 – A petition has been

sent to President Roosevelt by a num-

ber of Alaskans in the city asking that

Judge James Wickersham of the United

States district court of Alaska be ap-

pointed governor of Alaska to succeed

Governor Brady.”

-24^th-

We reached St Paul last night at

1:30 and I went to the Ryan & took a

room. Went over to Minneapolis

today – Griffin is in California

but went to the Club with McLain &

explained situation regarding Senator

Nelson to him – He wrote to Jerman,

correspondent for Journal, also for

Seattle Times, & I am to see him as

soon as I reach Washington. Called

on West Pub. Co. Millard did not

show up. Wrote letter to Debbie

Left for Chicago at 8:30 p.m-

-25-

Arrived in Chicago at 9 a.m &

left on the Penn. train at 11 a.m for

Washington – went across town &

spent the 2 hours in an old book

store – wish I was rich enough

to buy all the books I need.

Across Indiana & Ohio today – no

snow after we left Chicago

-26-

Arrived in Washington at 11. a.m

met Johansen in Raleigh Hotel

lobby – he says Barnette & Mc

Ginn are both here, & Whitehead

Did not ask him about prospects

& he did not suggest anything –

Bath, haircut &c. & clean clothes.

12 midnight. I am up against

the hardest fight of my life – with a

packed subcommittee of the Senate

Com. on Judiciary – Senator Nelson

is making the most bitter & malicious

personal fight on me – but thank

Clark, Barnette, McGinn & others

Senators Knox, Spooner, Patterson,

Bailey & a number of the strongest

men in the Senate are for me.

-27-

Called on Senators Piles & Ankeny

but neither in – Ankeny is sick in the

Hospital. Also called on Cushman, Jones

& Humphrey - & invited them to dinner

with me at the Raleigh – we had the

most pleasant diner party I have

had for a long time – Gov. McGraw

& Land Com. Ross, of Washington came

in & sat with us, & smoked while we

ate - & then all came up to my room

& we smoked & talked of old times

in Wash. Ter. & politics &c.

My inclination last night was

to provoke and press the fight with

Senator Nelson, who is my one strong

and vigorous opponent – but Abe Spring

McGraw & others – including Walter E.

Clarke, oppose it. Clarke has made

an appointment for me to go out to

Senator Knox’s house tomorrow

(Sunday) morning at ten oclock to

talk the matter over – Knox, as Attorney

General, sent Judge Day to Alaska

to examine my course there & is one

of my strong friends. I intend to act on

his advice since he knows the traditions

of the Senate and appreciates just

what effect any given act will be

likely to have on the other Senators.

Calle don Congressman Lacey of

Iowa, also, - He & Cushman are

relatives. McGinn telegraphed

for Birch, Dr. Whitehead & Mike

Sullivan to come over from New York

to be prepared for War or Peace or work

on Monday. Gov. McGraw & the

Burleigh – McKenzie railroad people,

are now up against my fight, and

seeing that I have many strong sup

=porters have begun to make earnest

efforts to pull Nelson off. McGraw

told me at dinner tonight that he would

go to Nelson on Monday – that McKenzie

had already done so, hard, and

that they believed that they could succeed

in inducing him to assume a state

of fairness at least. The “Washington

Post had a very nice notice of my

arrival – it spoke very complimentarily

of me & gave me a nice interview about

Alaska – it was very satisfactory

-28-

By appointment I called on Senator

Knox this (Sunday) morning at his residence

- he advised me about the course I should

pursue &c. Then called on Senator Piles

& walked down town with him. He also

advised me and will appear before the Com.

and testify strongly for me and especially

in the old blackmail Sadie Brantner case.

As we got down town we met Senator Hem

=enway of Indiana, who upon being

introduced said promptly I am for you

and to Senator Piles that he wished to be

advised how he could aid me –

Called later tonight & met Senator

Money of La. who was equally friendly

and advised how to meet Senator Pettus

tomorrow. Wrote to Debbie.

Dinner tonight with Capt & Mrs.

Barnette, - Johansen, Abe Spring and

McGinn. My chances for confirmation

are even – not rosy but fair. Senator

Nelson is the one active opponent.

-29^th-

A strenuous day! Went with Dr.

Whitehead & called on Senator Pettus

and told him that all I wanted was a

“square deal” – a copy of the charges &

a chance to be heard. He promised

that I should have both. The Judiciary

Com. met in an hour afterward and Senator

Pettus proposed that I should have copies.

Senator Knox urged it, Senator Money

likewise & when Senator Nelson saw

the drift he agreed to it – but I much

fear that he will prevent it or at least

so delay is as to seriously annoy us-

My purpose, as suggested to Senator

Pettus, is to prepare an answer to each

charge in writing & back it up by the

affidavits of my witnesses, certified copies

of records, &c. & then give each member of

the Judiciary Com. a copy. I want publicity.

While I was at breakfast this morning

Geo. K. French, whom I knew at Eagle City

as Chief of scouts for Col. Ray, and later

as a lawyer, came into the dining

room and said to me, “Judge McKenzie

“(D. A. of Coldfoot)” is out at the desk, dont

you want to see him – thought I would

step in and tell you”. I answered, “No

I dont want to see him.” French went

out and in about two minutes McKenzie

came in, walked up to me and said

“How do you do, Judge” and held out

his hand. I squared off and looked

at him for a moment and then said: “No,

“I dont care to have anything to do with

you McKenzie. I never did anything

or said anything about you except in the

most friendly way – I was your friend &

stood by you when you needed friends

as badly as I do now, and you betrayed

me without excuse. I donot want any

thing to do with you.” – and went on

with my breakfast. He remarked some

thing about not looking at things that

way and walked off- I want some

self respect left when this matter is ended.

Met Senator Baily again & he is in a

fighting mood – he denounces Nelson

viciously, as does Senator Money &

Knox. Sent long telegram to

Walter Christian to get statement

from A. Reeves Ayres, and Doolittle

saying that Sadie Brantner had

admitted perjury in the old scandal

case. “Bill” Jones, Pres. Tacoma

Cham. of Com. & John A. Parker are in

the city. Met Senator Clark of

Wyoming – he is Ch. of the Senate Jud.

Com. & a strong friend of mine.

-30-

Called on Senators Dillingham

& Carter – also Ankeny – the later

is friendly, & I think will be all right

Have not received copy of charges

but am today informed that I will

not be given copies of the charges

but only the sum or substance

thereof – without names, details

or facts, - and formulated by

Senator Nelson who spends all the

time devoted to conversations about me

in damning me. Intend to appeal

to the committee for a full copy of the

charges, and fight like hell if I

dont get them. I cannot believe

that the bar of the east has so degen

=erated that the Judiciary Com. of the

United States Senate will try a judge

on confirmation upon anonymous

and secret charges, - even if the Com.

should so declare I will deny that the

lawyers of the west are such contemptible

cowards. They keep saying to me:

“Sh – you must’nt say anything – you’ll

shock senatorial courtesy” – but from

the way Bailey and other senators call

Nelson a Swede son of a bitch, &

the like, I think Senatorial courtesy

ought to stand a modest but firm

demand for a fair hearing in public

of the charges against one whom the

President of the United States has first

fully investigated, and then reappointed

four times. And by God they must

give me that kind of a hearing - &

then they can do as they please

about their verdict.

Received copy of substance of the

charges formulated by Nelson & am

surprised and made that he is so unfair

& unjust in the matter. Went out to

see Senator Piles, he will try to get me

copy of the original charges.

-31-

Carefully studying charges and

have about concluded to answer

them in writing – Think will begin

to do so in the morning. It seems

impossible to secure any thing

else.

[February 1906]

-February 1^st-

Have been at work gathering the

records, and all afternoon and

tonight in writing answer. Will

have it printed. Called on Judge

-Senator Turner, tonight at the

New Willard – he proffered to do

what he could to help me and

characterized the charges against

me as an outrage.

-3^rd-

Went up to call on Acting Atty Genl.

Hoyt, about Valdez term – he said to

do as my judgment suggested so I

let the term go over. Worked all

day on “Answer”. Marsh, whom

Sulzer wants me to appoint as Com.

in the Arctic precinct came to see me

- I dont care for him – but will appoint

him since he is going in to open up

a wholly unexplored country.

Had a very sick spell tonight

- nausea – vomiting - &c.

-4^th-

Steve. Birch came over last night

He is greatly elated over getting his

Bonanza mines railroad from Valdez

into shape & it now seems a success.

Johanson & Abe Spring went over

to New York yesterday – will come

back Monday – working on my

“Answer”, and will do nothing until

that is done, - then intend to push

the matter to a final conclusion.

-5-

Working day and night on “Answer.”

John Hughes of Fairbanks here.

In friend of Flint, of California &

also of Arkansas senators.

-6-

Did not go out of hotel until

11 oclock tonight – working continuously

on my Answer – and have it just about

done – an hour in the morning.

Barnette tells me that an Indiana

friend of his who took dinner with

the Fairbanks said that Mrs. F

asked if I was in town & why I did

not call – and invited Barnettes &

me to call tomorrow. Nothing new.

Six days hard work – day & night.

-7-

Worked all day with McGinn

on the law involved in the case of

Nelson & Hensley v Meehan & Larson

which is one of the charges – and

finished it this afternoon, but

it will not be received from the

printer before tomorrow. I am

satisfied with my work.

Called with a Mr. Keeling of

Indiana and Capt & Mrs Barnette

on Mrs. Fairbanks – reception.

She treated me very nicely and

asked me to come & take dinner

with them soon & to come to

their house and stay while in

Washington – but I excused

myself from the latter but promised

to take dinner with them soon.

Took dinner tonight with Mr.

A. C. Frost, Pres. Alaska Cent. Ry Co.

at New Willard – present also Barnette,

Spring, Major Richardson, Dick Ryan,

Johanson, Hughes, and McGinn.

-8^th-

Did not get printed “Answers” today

on account of printers slow work.

Breakfast with Mr. Frost of Alaska

Cent. Ry & Mr. Delevan Smith, the

owner of the Indianapolis News.

Then went up and was introduced

to Senator Spooner. After dinner

tonight received telephone call to

come out and smoke a cigar with

Mr. Sam. Hill, son-in-law of Mr. J. J

Hill, the great railroad man. He is

an entertaining talker and interested

me – but when I went to talk he

looked bored – so I came home.

-9^th-

I feel that a great load is thrown

from my shoulders since today we

received the “Answers to the Charges”

against my confirmation – and filed

the original verified copies with the

Committee and also with it filed the

bound volume of “Exhibits – 31 in No.

McGinn & Barnette went with copies

for Senators and Johanson filed

the official copies. I gave the

newspaper boys copies and also

Judge Turner, who is at the New

Willard and very friendly and also to

McGraw and Burleigh. Things

look pretty good – more satisfactory

than formerly – and I hope for a

favorable ending – but the opposition

is strong and led by the worst old

Apache on the reservation – Senator

Nelson of Minnesota.

I am entirely satisfied with my

“Answer” – I brought out my personal

“skeletons” – set them up in the high

=way and exposed them to the light of

day – a humiliating thing to do, but

I did not shield myself in any respect

- just did what Mr. Cleveland did

when they accused him – he said to his

friends – “tell the truth about it,” and

thats just what I did – at length-

I think we will try and get the Senators

from Wash. Or. and Cal. to go to

Nelson and ask him to quit.

Walter E. Clarke undertook to

deliver copies of my answer to Senators

Knox and Spooner at their houses.

Sent copies to Judge Day & to

Steve Birch, New. York to the News,

Fairbanks & to others – also to Debbie

-10-

Nothing much doing today – except

that Johanson went up to see Senator

Nelson & found Nye there consulting.

It seems that while I can not have

a sight of the charges against me that

Nye & those who are fighting me can

have fullest access to them Nelson

had evidently sent for Nye to come &

help him to support the charges –

but my judgment now is that we will

lick them even with all Nelsons unfair

=ness & damned Norwegian Crookedness.

A new feature has come into it now -

W. W. Archer, who used to practice

law in Tacoma & was a great friend of

Ben Sheeks, is now one of the attorneys

for the Beef Trust in Chicago & Hughes

met him & told him about the fight - &

through Archer and his friends one Col.

Felder, attorney, is now here pushing

hard to help me along. He says that

Bacon of Geo. of Culberson of Tex

will be all right – if so that will

probably give us the Judiciary Comt.

Judge (Senator Turner) of Spokane,

is also busy at work with the Democratic

Senators – he is well liked by them &

can do much good.

Called with Walter E. Clarke to pay

my respects to M. D. Purdy, Asst. Atty.

Genl. – while there he told us that my telegram

for leave to come to Washington to answer

charges had been referred to him – that he

called up Senator Nelson by telephone

who told him I was not needed here &c

& that he so telegraphed me!!

-11^th-

Sunday and a beautiful day.

Went out to visit Congressional Library

but too early & did not get in. Called on

Judge Turner at New Willard – Ashton,

Bill. Jones, H. C. Wallace, Gov. McGraw

there.

Captain & Mrs. Barnette and I have

been invited to dinner with Vice President

& Mrs. Fairbanks this evening at 8 oclock

- I am sorry that I have’nt a dress suit

but I intend to go with Prince Albert coat.

I enjoyed my call the other day, and went

to the capitol yesterday to call on Mr. Fair

=banks, but failed to find him in.

Was entertained with Capt & Mrs

B at the most elegant dinner I ever

attended.

[table setting transcribed vertically:]

Vice Pres Fairbanks

Mrs B. Mrs. Patterson

I. Table. Chicago Tribune

Mrs. Carey Miss Carey

Capt. B. Ex speaker Keifer, of Ohio

Mrs. Fairbanks

After dinner we retired – the ladies to the

parlor the gentlemen to the library

to smoke. Had pleasant and instructive

talk with Ex-speaker Keifer about his

experiences as one of the generals in our

army in Cuba, - the yellow fever plague

and how it was fostered and spread by

the musquito – and then about Alaska.

Vice Pres. Fairbanks and Capt B – talked

Alaska, and often I was included-

on the side I heard Capt B – giving the

Vice President some of my difficulties

with Senator Nelson. We then returned

to the Parlor – Vice President and Mr. Keifer

- who is an old man – white haired and

patriarchal talked of Lincoln – and

McKinley – comparing them and yet

pointing out their differences. We

spent a most pleasant hour – also

looked at more photos of Alaska &

the Bs – gave Mrs. Fairbanks the first

large nugget of gold – probably ${1}30.00

from Cleary Creek – It was an

hour long to be treasured.

-12-

Went up to the Capitol today & called

in the Vice Presidents room – he was not

in but Edward Everett Hale was, and

being introduced to him by Sargeant at

Arms of the Senate. Col. Ransdell,

whom I met in 1903 at Rampart.

I had a good long talk with him.

Mr. Hale is old, and hairy and full

of vigor and talk of future work.

He inquired about a bevy of young

women that the Emigrant Aid. Soc.

sent out from Mass. in 1866, under

charge of Asa Mercer – from Seattle.

I think = told him to write to Edwin

Ealls about the matter – Mrs Barlow

was one of the crowd – He also told

me that his “great novel”, yet in the

inkstand, was to be located in Alaska.

We talked of Alaska for some time

- the Vice President came in – and

after the most cordial greeting I gave

him a copy of my Answer to Charges

- and in the most polished and friendly

way he thrust it in his drawer saying

“No answer is necessary for me, Judge

Wickersham. You have made a fine

record as judge in Alaska and I do

not even care to hear your answer –

I know the charges cannot be true.”

If I am confirmed I shall try to

live up to that confidence.

After I returned from the Capitol

McGinn informed me that Alex. Mc

Kenzie and he and Sullivan had had

a long consultation last night –

that he told McKenzie how he (McGinn)

and I had prevented the Grand Jury

from indicting both Judge Noyes

& McKenzie at Nome in 1901, at

the instigation of Fink & McGinn

gave him proof of Fink & Richards

joint efforts and crookedness – He

says that McKenzie was surprised &

declared that he would support my

confirmation – since he dislikes

Senator Nelson any way. It seems

that the withdrawal of the McKenzie

fight will leave Nelson about alone with

such Senators as he can induce to

go with him & such as are misled by

the vague charges & hidden evidence.

Col(?) Perkins, who thinks he ought

to be governor of Alaska, came around

to see me, but I positively will not become

involved in that fight.

-13-

Went with McGinn & Hughes to call

on Senator Nelson this morning to demand

a hearing before the SubCommittee – We all

expected him to act rough and brutal – but

instead, when he saw me in his office he

came across the full width of the room &

shook hands with as much apparent

pleasure as if I were his long lost brother.

My friends were both surprised and amused

at his meekness – but we realize that the

most dangerous man is the coward &

bully combined : We find it impossible

to secure a prompt hearing on account

of Senator Foraker, who is so busy on

Committees that he cant spare the time

till some time next week. Senator Piles

introduced me to Senator Foraker who

treated me with apparent friendliness &

expressed an intention to read my Answer

& understand it carefully &c. Hughes

goes home tonight and Barnette is

threatening to go – it looks as if they will

all be obliged to go soon to be able to get

in to Fairbanks before the ice breaks up –

otherwise to wait till June.

Frost and Poland of the Alaska Central

are here & will work for me also – and now

that McKenzie has quit things look more

favorable. Spent quite a part of the

afternoon at the Department of Justice

assisting in closing up our old bills & in

urging a new jail for Fairbanks.

Met Senators Gearin, Oregon, Flint of

Cal. and Clarke of Ark. today – all

friendly – Gearin especially so.

-14-

Was introduced to Senator Beveridge

by A. C. Frost of the Alaska Central Ry.

Bought a lot of rare histories &c. from

Lowdermilk & Co. today. Walter E. Clarke

to dinner with me – tells me that Governor

Bradys resignation was filed today

with the President.

Barnette left for home tonight

- We cannot get a hearing for a week

and he would not – could not wait

longer. One is almost obliged to catch

the March 1. steamer from Seattle to be

sure of getting in to Fairbanks over

the ice. Abe Spring Also left and

that leaves McGinn and me alone –

but I dont fear the result – if they will be

fair. Senator Bailey & others say that

there will be no doubt of the result –

Wrote a letter to Debbie : also another

to Alexander, Sub Com. on Ter. in House

in favor of division of the District.

-15-

Nothing doing – spent most of

the day in Lowdermilks Old Book

Store buying history & Ethnology

of the Northwest Coast.

-16-

Went up and called on Senator Baily

- he asked me to come to the Senate Member

room at 1 oclock – I did but Senate

had adjourned until Monday. We

met Senator Gearin of Oregon & he

and Senator Bailey discussed Senator

Nelsons fight on me – they united in

denouncing it as – to use their own

language – “a dam{n}ed outrage”

I also called on Senator Ankeny

& informed him that I would now

approve the pardon of Charlie Hubbard

whom I sentenced at Circle in 1900

for 15 years for killing his man at

Ft. Yukon. Senator Ankeny has

been trying for three or four years to get

Hubbard pardoned but so far

without success owing to my refusal

to recommend it. I also went to the

Dept. of Justice – to the Asst. Atty. Genl.

in charge of pardons & recommended

the pardon or commutation of the

sentences of both Hubbard and J.

Notti, whom I sentenced at Fairbanks

this last summer for 2 years for assault

with intent to kill – a fellow who jumped

his mining claim.

This afternoon the Vice President

called me up on the telephone and invited

me to dinner – the second time, and

I accepted. Luckily I had ordered

a new dress suit this week and it

was just done – so I looked in

conventional shape – and I was

glad of it, for it was the most beautiful

scene of my life. There were 32

people at the table – the Vice President

sat on one side of the table in the

center – and just opposite him

on the other side sat Mrs. Fairbanks

On the Vice Presidents right, Mrs. Nellie

Grant Sartoris, and on his left Mrs.

Senator Clay – On Mrs Fairbanks

right Senator Clay and a Senator

on her left whose name I did not

hear. The second gentleman from

Mrs. Fairbanks right was Mr. James

A Garfield, the son of the President

Garfield whom Guiteau assassinated.

I had the honor to sit with Mrs. Tim

=mons, Mrs. Fairbanks daughter & the

wife of Lt. Timmons, U.S.N. – a

most pleasant and beautiful woman.

The great dining room was fairly

gorgeous in its appointments –

flowers, lights – beautiful silver &

tableware – handsome men &

beautiful women – dressed in the

height of fashion – it was the

most beautiful function I ever

attended & I thoroughly enjoyed

the evening!!

-17-

A great day for the social side of

Washington – Miss Alice Roosevelt

the eldest daughter of the President

was married at noon to Mr. Nicholas

Longworth, member of Congress from

Cincinnatti Ohio. A thousand

guests are invited – and ten thousand

are not – but the area around the

White House is filled – and great

interest is felt by everyone.

Beautiful day – nothing done

in my matter.

-18^th- Sunday

Recd. nice encouraging letter from

Steve Birch, 45 Broadway, N.Y.

He is laid up with attack of soreness

in nasal passages – but he and his

friends are at work in my aid.

Wrote to him, also to Debbie.

Sent Debbie copy of Post, with

description of wedding, dresses &c.

Dr. Whitehead came back from New

York last night & I took long walk

out to Rock Creek with him & we

discussed Governorship of Alaska.

Dick Ryan, Perkins and Charles Herron

have worked out a job – they sent for

Ivey – and Alex McKenzie got him

received at the White House – ostensibly

to talk about coal land laws in Alaska

- but really to put before the President

the charge that Jarvis , Hoggatt and

Clum were all anti Roosevelt two

years ago and sought really to bring

the delegates from Alaska in for

Hanna! He succeeded in getting

the President to listen, and he

actually believed the story – which

is a lie out of whole cloth. I

explained the matter to Whitehead

who is going out to clear it up & to

expose the fraud to the President.

I am now satisfied that the President

is opposed to Fairbanks for 1908 -

-19-

Assisted Cushman with his report

in favor of his Alaska Delegate Bill.

Was given written notice by Senator

Nelsons clerk today that the Sub-

Com. would hear my testimony

tomorrow morning at 10:30 at the

rooms of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

At suggestion of Senator Bailey

I called on him in the marble room at

3 p.m. and he introduced me to Senator

Bacon of Georgia who talked to me

squarely and entirely friendly – he

said that he was glad to meet me – that

he always wanted to see the man, rather

than to hear the political stories

against him &c. and that Senator Knox

had already talked to him about me.

My judgment is that he is entirely

friendly. McGinn received word

that the first of the appeal cases from my

last Fairbanks term to be decided by the

Ct. Ct. of App. was affirmed.

-20-

Met with Sub. Com- of Judiciary Comt.

in the Senate Judiciary room at 10:30

present, Nelson, Chairman, Pettus

and Foraker. I testified for nearly

two hours in support of my printed

Answer: Think that Pettus and

Foraker are with me, but Nelson is as

virulent and poisonous as a

rattlesnake – but he cant look a

man in the eye, and when once I went

after him and commanded him to

finish a half completed reading he

submitted like a true Norwegian peasant,

that he is. The hearing was adjourned

in an indefinite way – and I

dont know what further will be done-

but I still think Foraker and Pettus

will vote for me, - if their questions

and suggestions are any indication

of the bent of their mind.

Have a new dress suit.

The Alaska governorship is now in

a queer tangle – Brady has resigned

the President has offered it to Jarvis,

and Jarvis wants it but finds trouble

to get out of his business arrangements

with the N.W. Com. Co. who want him to

continue with them. In the meantime

Perkins, Ryan & Co. and their grafting

“Knockers” are slandering Jarvis.

Hoggatt and Clum, ~~who~~ and through

Ivey are assuring the President that

Perkins is the only Roosevelt man in

Alaska! God, how theives do cloak

themselves in virtues garb and strut

the political highway - looking for

pockets to pick. Perkins is a

bargain counter politician and

his appointment would be a calamity.

-21-

Went up to the capitol and called on

Senator Foraker, and asked to have the

further hearing set at once – as my witnesses

must go to Alaska. He said that he did

not think any further hearing necessary –

that he was now satisfied and expressed a

strong and complimentary opinion as to

my qualities as a judge, and said that I

ought to be confirmed at once. He was so

cordial and friendly that I felt greatly

relieved and pleased. He suggested that I

remain here, but that my witnesses (McGinn

& Spring) go home after making their affidavits.

I am greatly pleased with his statements

and now regard him as one of my strongest

supporters. He told me that Nelson had

given him an argument upon the law ~~that~~

against my opinion and action in setting

aside the judgment in Nelson v Meehan.

Then went over to see Senator Bailey

who told me that he had talked with Senator

Foraker since the hearing yesterday & that

Foraker had told him that he (Foraker) said

to Nelson “I am greatly impressed with

the strength and character of Judge W

and his statement to us”, &c. and that

Nelson replied that he was to! The

old liar! Showed Baily Nelsons

letter to me of Nov 1904. to convince

him that Nelson was only continuing

a long time fight, also telegrams &

story that Nelson told Atty. Genl. in Jan.

that he did not want me to come to

Washington – and that it was an attempt

on Nelson part to even prevent my having

a hearing or notice of any kind.

Bailey denounced his unfair methods

and has started an investigation upon

his own responsibility to ascertain just

what Nelson has done – and will fight

him in the open Senate, and will also

give information to the members of the

Judiciary Committee.

Am going with Statler, Senator

Ankenys, Sec. to see the Atty. Genl. this

afternoon and recommend the

commutation of the sentence of

Hubbard, sentenced at Circle in 1900

for killing McNamara at Ft Yukon

- also Notti, from Fairbanks.

Recommended commutation of

sentence of both Hubbard & Notti.

Also telegraphed Harlan to

telegraph in his endorsment for

Notti. Had McGinn telegraph

to M. L. Sullivan, to see Boone

- at Fairbanks, Alaska – and send

us true name of Manley – also

crime & locality from which he is

a fugitive – & I intend to crucify

both him and Nye – intend to

connect them with Nelson & then

expose their character & animus.

Abe Spring went to see Loeb, the

Presidents Secretary & got him to

work to induce Senate to act in

my matter promptly. Loeb teleph

=oned to Major Lacey (M. C. of Iowa)

that “we” meaning the President, were

for Wickersham & wanted him

confirmed – Think now I will

be confirmed soon – still –

well, I wont quit till its done

-22-

Called on Senators Perkins, of California

Fulton of Oregon & others – who are friendly.

Also on Nelson who gave me a copy

of his printed Brief on the law in

the case of Nelson & Hensley v Meehan

& Larson. It is a curiosity – it overrules

the case of Holton v Davis. 108. Fed.

138. decided by the Circuit Ct. of Appeals.

for the 9^th Ct. in which Alaska is – and

is the appellate court whose decisions

I must follow. Heard from Fairbanks

tonight from telegram sent last night

to M. L. Sullivan about Manley – his

name in Texas was Hilliard Knowles

& he is a fugitive from justice &c. & Nye

represents him. Nyes affidavits are

on file – Witte – Manleys partner,

has a letter on file also. My oral

testimony before Sub Comt. is to be printed

& I am trying to get them to print my Answer

again with it – Think it will be done

tomorrow-

-23-

McGinn goes home tonight

His testimony & Springs taken

by written affidavit. Telegrams

from Fairbanks today saying

that Manley had wired money

& request that telegrams be sent

from there to Foraker protesting

against my confirmation – also

that Carr is securing a petition

for his appointment as judge.

I will not believe that until I

get more accurate information

My telegram from Henderson.

Am busy preparing a reply

to Senator Nelsons printed brief

against me – also to Nye &

Manleys influence & affidavits.

-24^th-

McGinn went home last night

More telegrams from Fairbanks

in my favor – Foraker is the one

whom they are attempting to reach

The Washington Post has a fine

notice of me this morning – it

gave me a good reputation for

work in Alaska – for travel, mountain

climbing, hunting & general pioneer

work. Arthur Leith, of Allyn

of years ago called – he is working

in the Govt. Printing Office.

A Mrs. Eppinger called me up –

says she used to go to school to

Nan, in Tacoma & asked me to

call – Monday at 2 oclock.

-25-

Beautiful Sunday-

Falcon Joslyn & Parsons of

Wash & Alaska Bank, Fairbanks

in town – they went to see Foraker

- found him all right – but they are

not so sure of Pettus.

The Lelands, of Nome are here.

He went to see Senator Perkins

of Cal. who is also all right.

Tonight – John L. Wilson

reached the city from Belgium –

he wlil go to work for me tomorrow –

Foraker thinks nothing can be

done within 10 days.

-26-

Went up to Senator Nelsons room

in the Capitol at 10. a.m to file some

additional papers & found him

and Roy v. Nye side by side with

the papers in my matter spread out –

filed my papers & turned to go when

he informed me that he had just

received another affidavit & he

stated the substance of it – that the

affiant had seen me on more than

one occasion in the California

Saloon, in Fairbanks, while gambling

was going on there. I asked him

who made the affidavit. He answered

that it was not Nye, but said he

would not give me the name. I said

that the person was a liar and a perjur

=er, whoever he was & left.

Joslyn & Parsons working today

- go to New York tonight. Leland

saw Senator Perkins, Cal. who is

now earnest, - with his coat off –

Wilson – John L. also saw Clark.

Ch. Jud. Com. Senate – he is all right.

Recd. telegram from M. L. Sullivan

Fairbanks, tonight, saying that Carr,

Dodge & Boarman have formed combin

=ation – Carr. for judge, Dodge for com

=missioner & Boarman for clerk –

Will not believe that Carr is treacherous!

-27-

Spent day in my room working on my

“Reply to Senator Nelsons Brief & to

Mr. R. v. Nyes brief and affidavit.”

Snow storm and bad weather.

Nothing new – except that Smith, the

“Post” hotel man who wrote me up three

days ago called, and I think he expected

me to pay him a fee for it – but as I

could not quite tell did not offer him

anything – he will probably come back

Recd. telegram tonight after theatre

from Abe Spring saying that Manley

got on his train at Harrisburg {Pa.} for

Seattle – before the theatre I am almost

sure I saw Mrs. Rice – Manleys

partners wife pass through the hotel.

Spring said in his telegram that Manley

said he had just come from Florida

- I think he and Mrs. Rice have been

laying up somewhere - & that she is

now looking for me. She is a

natural born whore, & Manley

would be fool enough to divide with

her – a fine outfit to be fighting

one – a fugitive from justice &

a prostitute.

-28-

Working on my reply to Nelsons

brief – it seems that Manley

& his friends stirred up quite a

row in Fairbanks & that my

friends are sending as many

telegrams as my enemies.

[March 1906]

-March 1.-

Finished writing My “Reply to

Senator Nelsons Brief, & to Mr.

Nyes Brief and Affidavits.”

Mrs. Ettinger telephoned

for me to come out & visit her again

tonight – Lord, but she is cold –

a frozen potato - & she wants to

talk about “consciousness after

death” and other cheerful topics

in that class – Excuse me! she

ought to move to Boston.

Mch. 2.

Finished printing Reply to Senator Nelsons

Brief. Turner tells me that Senator Pettus

is still doubtful because he thinks I

committed error in vacating the Nelson

judgment. I have taken the 31^st Oregon

from the library & hope to assist him to

distinguish between Banks v Wilson 1. Alaska

241. and Nelson v Meehan, by comparing

with the first Alexander v Ling, & with the

latter Thompson v Connell. Its Hell

that the Judiciary Com. of the United States

Senate should refuse to confirm a judge

for an error – since the U.S. Sup. Ct. often

stands 4 to 5 – and reverses itself even,

it would follow that they ought to be discip

lined – anyway – Recd. letter from

Spring at St Paul saying Manley was

with him & lying clumsily about fighting

me. They must think we are dumb.

-Mch 3^rd-

I called on Senator Pettus of

Alabama today and went over

the points of law raised against

one by Senator Nelson in his

brief. I did the same thing

last night with Ex Senator

Turner of Washington, who

wrote a letter of Pettus asking

him to let me explain to him.

He treated me very nice & listened

carefully & seemed to agree with

me. He agreed to read my Reply

to Senator Nelsons Brief, &

I left him with a feeling that

I accomplished the object of

my visit – but he is careful

not to commit himself.

Capt Jarvis reached Wash

=ington today – he is now with

the President who has offered to

appoint him Governor of Alaska.

- think Jarvis will refuse it, but

I hope not.

-4th-

This morning I wrote personal

letters to all the members of the

Senate Committee on Judiciary

asking them to read my Reply

Brief to Nelsons 10 pages printed

Brief against me &c. and sent

them copies each. Jarvis &

Walter E. Clarke took lunch

with me – Jarvis complimented

me highly on the “Answer to Charges.”

he was greatly pleased with it

& said many comforting things.

After lunch went out to see

Senator Piles who also complimented

me highly on my Reply Brief to

Nelsons Brief & said that

both on the law and on the facts

I completely overcome him –

but I knew that. Piles is

getting ready to fight Nelson

on the floor of the Senate & I

think will have ample assistance.

While at lunch Jarvis told

me about his interview with the

President yesterday – The President

offered him the Governorship &

Jarvis refused – on business grounds

to accept it. The President

asked him to recommend one

of the candidates – Hoggatt,

Perkins or Clum - & Jarvis

recommended Hoggatt – and

put Clum & Perkins last & on

a level. Walter Clarke then

informed us that in the meantime

the President had concluded to appoint

Clum. I expressed dissatisfaction

at that appointment and so did Jarvis.

We agreed that Clum is incompetent –

a weak man – though a good fellow –

and I urged Jarvis to put the matter

again to the President. He hesitates

since the President gave him the opportu

=nity to do that quite fairly and he did

not urge it, but he is greatly exercised

in his mind about it. Clum is a

good man – and so far has a good

reputation, but he is weaker than

Brady - & no more competent.

Clarke also told me that Justice

Brown of the Supreme Court had called

to see the President in the forenoon of

yesterday – that he is just past 70

years of age – and that Senator Knox

called in the afternoon by request.

The intimation is that Judge Brown

will resign soon and that Knox

may have the place if he wants it.

-Mch 5^th.-

R. N. Stevens, Ex Commissioner whom

I removed at Nome in 1901, and who

was the brains of the Noyes-McKenzie

ring, is in Washington. He will hit

me a lick if he can.

Judiciary Committee did nothing

today but it is understood that before

a week the matter will be closed up.

Steve Birch came over from New York

last night & took breakfast with me

this morning. He urges me to go over to

New York and remain a few days as

his & Mr. Ralphs friend, and I am

going. He also suggests that personally

he hopes I wont be confirmed as then

they can employ me as the attorney

for their Copper River Ry & mining schemes.

Since talking to him I am not so anxious

since I am sure I can do much better

as lawyer than as judge

Telegrams from Fairbanks from

Sullivan & Attorneys denying

that Sullivan said at Bar meeting

that I would have revenge & explaining

the situation – also one late tonight

from Birch asking me to come to

New York - & I will go on the 12:30

Pennsylvania train.

-6^th-

Came over to New York arriving

at Waldorf Astoria at 8. a.m.

Called on Brumbaughs at Herald

Square Hotel – at Ralphs office

at 45 Broadway – met Ralph

Arthur. Birch & took lunch with

them and Turner at Delmonicos

After lunch Birch & I called

at the Morgan bank – met

Mr. W. P. Hamilton, soninlaw of

J. P. Morgan: Mr. J. P. Morgan, Jr.

and Mr. Charles Steele, partner.

Later we called & met Mr. Edward

Brush, Sec. Am. Sugar & Refining Co.

Mr. Newhouse, of that co. in charge

of Smelters, - we talked about

the Smelter at Tacoma and Rust

whom we all agreed was a good man.

In the afternoon I called on Judge

Day, and spent an hour talking

about his trip to Alaska &c & I

then went with him via the Under

ground – a Subway back to 33^rd

St. – my first ride on the Subway.

This evening went to the theatre

with Mr. Ralph & Judge Brundage.

- Brundage defended J. C. Haines

- lawyer from Seattle, years ago

when he was prosecutor in New York

for complicity in the Smuggling cases.

Recd. telephone message tonight

from Carruthers saying that Foraker

told him that Pettus is against me.

I am very much disappointed at that

for I thought he was convinced – but

Carruthers said they were also trying

now to get Foraker away by saying

that if I am confirmed it means a

Fairbanks delegation from Alaska!

Was amused while in the great

Morgan bank – the only bit of

business I heard transacted

was when a clerk presented to

Mr. Hamilton a bill for a mastadon

- for the Morgan museum, but the

idea that the greatest bank in

American should be buying a

mastadon – was funny-

-7^th-

Called on the Brumbaughs &

went down town awhile. Dinner

at Waldorf Astoria with Mr

Ralph – Judge Day & Mr. Turner

Went to the Hippodrome – the

greatest specutacular play

house in America.

-8^th-

From New York to Washington

Nothing new, except Naval Orders

say that Darrell is an Ensign.

Governorship of Alaska still

in the air – has been offered to

Walter E. Clarke, correspondent

of Seattle P-I. but he refused it.

-9^th-

Called on Pettus again this morning

and showed him Nelsons letters

to me, &c. Also saw Piles who saw

him yesterday – Piles says he

is against me – and I now think

so I am greatly discouraged

and tired of the struggle & feel

like resigning & going home.

Have today telegraphed to Judge

Day to come over – when he comes

I intend to consult with him

seriously upon the subject &

do something.

-Mch. 10^th-

W. B. Hoggatt of Juneau

appointed Governor today.

I think it a good appointment

and am greatly pleased – it is

a much better appointment than

Perkins – Jarvis was my choice –

Hoggatt second – with Clum 3^rd &

Perkins last. Hope Hoggatt

will be confirmed without trouble.

Recd. telegram from Judge Day

saying he could not come over

from New York just at this time.

-March 11^th-

Took dinner this (Sunday) evening

with Walter & Mrs. Clark. There

was also present Mrs. Jarvis &

Miss Dorothy, and Mrs Allen.

I think Walters sister. We had

a nice little dinner – and a pleasant

and friendly talk. Mrs. Clark & Mrs

Jarvis are good women – just pure

gold. Miss Dorothy is interested

in Darrell and thinks his member

=ship in the “Red Mike Club” is or

was very funny – Mrs. Jarvis

told me that Jarvis spoke very highly

of my defense to Charges against

my confirmation. Either Senator

Nelson or some one for him said

to the President this last week that

he – the President – had better be looking

for some one to take my place since

even Senator Knox was going back

on me and would no longer support

me – the President sent for Knox

& told him and the Senator very

forcibly denied it and told the

President that he was stronger

than ever for me.

-12-

A funny thing occurred just

now. I was coming back from

the Capitol in the street car. Just

about opposite the old Metropolitan

Hotel a man got on – came in the

car – spread out his coattails

to sit down – saw me – and flew

out as if scared to death! It was

Nye – He stood for a minute on

the back end of the car, carefully

hiding his face & then got off

& walked from the car with his face

turned the other way – poor

pitiful coward. I would’nt

soil my hands with him but

he is so cowardly that he fears

I will.

Before I came east I received

a letter from Mrs. Mattie Johnson

asking about Adams mines in Alaska

- she said to direct my answer in

care of an Insurance man by the

name of Cave here in Washington-

I did not answer – but Saturday

I called Cave up on the telephone

& asked him her address – he

stammered & said he thought she

lived on 11^th St. – that he would find

out & let me know. This evening

while I was at dinner her card

was brought in – after I finished I

went into the ladys corridor & there she

sat – with Mr. Cave!! Paint & powder

- perfume and jewelry – she looked

like a modern Cave woman! I

judge he is keeping her as his

mistress-

-13^th-

Learned today that Senator

Pettus is against me basing it

upon the alleged fact that I erred

in setting aside the decree in

Nelson v Meehan!! This gives

the enemy at least a majority

of the Sub-Committee – Nelson

& Pettus. Also called on

Senator Blackburn of Ky. &

found him an interesting man,

- but non committal. I only

wish they would act – so that I

can go to New York & close up

the Rosene suggestion that I

look after the R.R. & mining interest

for his people there-

French and his wife (whom he

married at Valdez) & Van Hook – my

old Eagle City friends (?) are the

prominent features of Raleigh

Hotel life these long days –

French says he is running a news

=paper in Arizona, & that he is lobby

=ing against the administration State

hood bill – against the bill creating

one state out of Arizona & New Mexico

- which Senator Foraker has

succeeded in killing – so far.

How French & Van Hook et. al. live

- & what for, I cant find out.

Recd. nice letter from Judge

Day – New York – tonight – He

says that he is just writing to

Senator Knox, - and that if there

is anything specific he can do

he will come – but that he

wants to be here when it will be

most effective, &c.

Telegraphed to Clum, asking

him to come over & help me get

Frances S. Ettinger, place on her

civil service papers &c.

-14-

Went over to Dept of Justice &

talked with Solicitor Genl. Henry M.

Hoyt – told him condition of Nelsons

fight & told him I thought of

resigning & in my letter to the Pres

=ident setting forth the facts of

the exploitation of Alaska Judge

ship & courts by U.S. Senators

Heyburn, Nelson et. al. He said

he would talk to Knox about it

tonight – Also told Walter E.

Clarke. Clum came over &

will introduce me to Cortelyou

tomorrow. Also met Delegate

M. A. Smith, from Arizona who

hates Nelson like poison –

The Nelson people are now working

against me hard – and poisoning

Senators as much as possible

- it looks like a hard fight

- and Nelson the sole judge

& juror. But --

-15-

My talk to Clarke yesterday

started Jarvis out to do a little

work – he saw Dillingham who

told him the Jud. Com. would report

on Monday – that my reply brief

had made Nelson angry – that he

took it as an attack, &c. which

I am glad of, since the old square

headed Norwegian was poison

anyway – and the realization that

other persons know his bias &

prejudice may force him to be

more decent. I am afraid that

Blackburn is against me –

will get Turner after him tomor

=row - & Piles also – some

of Pettus friends are still at

work on him – but I fear with

little hope of good.

Sent a telegram to Geo. T.

Reid, Tacoma, asking about

Debbie – yesterday – but no

answer yet. Have not heard a

word from her since she received

copy of “Answer to Charges.”

-16-

Louis P. Shackleford, lawyer

from Juneau came to see me this

morning & has been spending

the day helping to strengthen my

chances for confirmation. He saw

Senator Piles & waited over to see

Senator Blackburn. Talty, the

Raleigh Hotel Manager, also is

interested – he invited Mr. Micou

to lunch with me, and got us acquain

=ted. Micou is son in law, and

law partner with Ex. Sec. of Navy

Herbert, from Alabama, and I

am to meet him in the morning

- he is supposed to have great influ

=ence with Senator Pettus – but

I do not look upon Pettus as

open to argument – I think

he is sure against me, - but

I will go and meet Mr. Herbert.

Dr. Whitehead is back & is at

work – he has telegraphed - & so

did I – to Henry Bratnober – at

Piedmont, California, asking

him to telegraph to his friends here

- we want Mark Smith, delegate

from Arizona to help with Senator

Blackburn, & so advised him.

Am sorry but Senators Bailey

& Gearin are both out west –

both are my friends.

Nothing from home yet.

Newspaper men are nearly always

good to me – E. B. Smith, is the

hotel reporter for the Washington

Post, and works for me in season

& out – he just came in to tell me

that Bratnobers telegrams are

coming in - one to Ex. Gov. Murphy

of Arizona, has started him & others

to work – Smith feels quite confident.

-17^th-

Recd. telegram from Walter Christian

Tacoma saying Debbie all right

& later one from her to same effect &

saying: “Am well and proud of you

fight to a finish.”

Louis Shackleford did not get to

see Blackburn – looks bad – but

may be Judge Turner can do some

thing with him. Nothing much

today – but much on Monday.

-18^th-

Called on Jarvis & wife at Shoreham &

Dr. & Mrs. Whitehead at Riggs. Walter

E Clarke & Louis P. Shackleford present.

Also Major Richardson. Tonight E.

B. Smith, reporter for the Post came to

see me. He told me two or three weeks

ago that Col. Phil Thompson of Ky.

had long been a lobbyist & controlled

Senator Blackburns vote – through

his unreasoning friendship & trust

& now tells me that Gov. Murphy

of Arizona, a mutual friend, tells him

that Thompson has prevailed upon Black

=burn to vote against me – we believe

& Murphy seems to , that Thompson is

working for a fee from some one-

I can hardly believe that a Kentucky

Senator is so venal or cheap!!

If it is true that money has been

used for that purpose it explains

Manleys presence here in hiding.

Well. I wont buy any Senators

pimp – even if I am defeated!

-19^th-

The Judiciary Committee of the

Senate met at 10 oclock – and

did nothing, but fix my case for

next Monday.

Have learned

that Mrs. Clarke is a relative

of both Senators Bacon of Georgia

and Daniels of Virginia – and

she is a most charming woman

besides. Jarvis telephoned

asking me to take dinner with

him this evening – Mrs. Jarvis

has gone to Baltimore.

Had a fine dinner with Jarvis

& Clarke at the old ante bellum

“Hancock” restaurant on

Pennsylvania Ave, south side.

block west Post Office – fried

chicken & gravy & hoecake –

cooked by a big fat negro

“Mammy.”

Dick Ryan says that he inquired

& found out that no formal report of

the Sub Committee will be made to the

full Judiciary Com: That Nelson

wants to make a strong report against

me – but that Pettus wont sign it - &

will make a very mild one – & Foraker

one in my favor – so they will just

state their views orally to the Com.

& let that body take the responsibility

That is better than I expected even

if it is not what I wanted -

-20-

Nothing new – Jarvis goes home

today or tomorrow.

-21^st-

Telegraphed Harlan today that

there would be no court at Fairbanks

till June- cant get in if I wanted to.

Jarvis saw Nye & Col. Phil.

Thompson meet in the Willard Hotel

& go off together – that connects

with our information that Senator

Blackburn will support Nelson

in his fight against me – for

Thompson is known to be the

advance agent for Blackburn.

Pettus told Ex. Sec. of Navy

Herbert – that he was against

me – but that I would be confirm

=ed, and also told my friend

E. B. Smith, of the Post, the

same. Major Richardson

& Talty, Mgr. of the Raleigh Hotel

are now at work also. Called &

paid my respects to Postmaster Genl.

Cortelyou today – he treated me

very nicely.

Senator Baileys father

died today & he went south.

Am afraid this sad event will

keep him away when my case

comes up before the Senate.

-22^nd-

Saw Senator Patterson & told

him about Blackburn – he will

fight for me & said Blackburn

was doing wrong – also saw

Piles & same. Letter from

Arthur – lawyer & he wrote me

to send copies of my Answer &c.

to Mr. Frederick de C. Faust.

Dept. of Justice, who thinks he can

do something with Senator Pettus!!

Patterson told me that both he

& Spooner had attended Jud. Comt.

meetings regularly on my account,

& had made arrangements to be

notified if my case came up in

their absence.

-23^rd-

Went up to capitol today with

Ex Governor Swineford (of Alaska)

& called on Sulzer (N.Y.) They

went & called on Senator Tillman

(S. C. ) who promised to support me,

and also on Culberson (of Texas) &

Bacon (of Georgia) both of whom, they

report, are friendly. This afternoon

Major Richardson, U.S.A. & my

newspaper friend Ed. B. Smith, of

the Post, called on Culberson at his

house – they had a long & satisfactory

interview. The situation seems

better today than ever & I now

have confidence – but – wait!

The Committee meets tomorrow

- Saturday – though I dont quite

know about it. Sulzer says

he can reach & control Col. Phil.

Thompson & Blackburn – but I doubt

it. Saw Nye today at National Hotel.

I called at the Smithsonian Institution

today & paid my respects to Prof. Dall

who wrote “Alaska & its Resources” &

at the National Museum to see Prof. Otis

Mason – had long and interesting talk

with both about Alaska & Pacific

coast ethnology. Prof. Mason agrees

with my theory of the Asiatic origin

of the American Indian.

E. B. Smith, reporter, calls

Senator Pettus “Old Confucius,”

and the idea is not inappropriate.

He is 84 years old, a typical man

of the south & west – a “49er” in

California, a leader of the Confederacy

- and very much of a philosopher.

Smith was praising my good qualities

and the old Senator in his broad

southern brogue said to him,

“Whaw did you know him?”

Smith has been a reporter on the

Post for 15 years & Pettus knew

it – Smith greatly enjoys

his “Whaw did you know him”

it demonstrated that the old man

knew that Smith was a partisan

friend rather than an unbiased

and knowing witness.

-24^th-

It was a mistake about the

Com. meeting today – there was

none – it is to be held Monday.

Was invited to dinner with

Dr. Whitehead and the gentlemen

interested in his Alaska banks,

but on yesterday I invited Major

Richardson to dinner with me,

so declined. Talty dines with us.

Very quiet but enjoyable dinner with

Talty & Richardson – Talty was

drunk to start in on – so the Major

and I were so chagrined with his

antics that we refrained from getting

full. Dr. Whitehead & the Ailes

Bros & friends had a fine dinner

in the Rathskellar – Gene. Ailes

leaves tonight for Seattle & from

thence in June for Nome-

-25^th-

The P.I. ~~today~~ of the 20^th at

Walter Clarkes office announces

the death at Valdez, of Ed. Harlan

I am greatly shocked and sorry

at the news – for it will just about

break Mr & Mrs Harlans hearts,

and I know the sorrow and loss

- Howards death cut me off

from the happiness of a son in

my old age – I must grow old

alone, and they will feel the same

- though they have grandchildren.

Letter from Debbie who tells

me that Ed. Harlans death resulted

from blood poisoning. She writes

unhappily – Damn the office of

Judge! I wish I were out of it.

- may be after tomorrow &

dont care.

Dinner tonight (Sunday) at the New

Willard Hotel, with Governor W B.

Hoggatt, Senator Hemenway & Major

Richardson & Newell, late of the

White Pass Ry. Hoggatt & Senator

Hemenway (of Indiana) will go to

work now to secure my confirmation.

Also met lawyer Francis J. Heney,

who defended Judge Noyes and

prosecuted Senator Mitchell, of

Oregon. Heney is a small man

but with a bright & piercing eye –

he looks the lawyer that he is

reputed to be.

For three days my left jaw has

troubled me – it seems to be at the

junction of the upper jaw bone & the

ear bones – if any ear bones reach that point.

Have been putting a plaster on it at

night – but it is worse tonight

It seems to be from cold-

-26^th-

Senator Nelson asked that my

matter go over until next Mon

=day so that he could have a

statement and report printed!

Evidently he now knows that the

Com. is against him & Col. Phil

Thompson & Nye have urged him

to procure their arguments on the

law and facts – an arraignment

anew – to be printed so that it

can be used with other Senators.

It was stated that his report &c was

to be “secret” – from me evidently.

It went over at his request.

I telegraphed result to Shackleford

Judge Day & Ralph – New York.

I also telegraphed for Birch & I

intend now to organize a working

fight – will ask Committee for

copy of Nelsons report & a chance

to answer it in writing.

Birch will be here tomorrow.

-Mar. 27^th 1906.-

Went up to See Sulzer (N.Y.)

today & he told me that he had

a talk with Col. Phil. Thompson

of Ky. who told him that he had

been employed by Manley & paid

a fee to fight me – that the post=

ponement of my case on Monday

was at his suggestion & that he

prepared Nelsons report to be

printed for Nelson. He also

said that if I was Mr. Sulzers

friend he was sorry that he had

assisted Manley – that he would

quit & would tell Senator Black

to vote as he pleased now, &c

Gov. Hoggatt went up to Atlantic

City to consult Sec. of the Interior

E A. Hitchcock – will be back

tomorrow – Birch will be here

tomorrow also. Saw Piles but

he knew nothing new – Dinner

with Walter & Mrs. Clarke –

Brumbaughs in City – at Ebbitt.

-28-

Automobile ride with Mr & Mrs

Brumbaugh – Birch here & spent

day with him – He & Gov. Hoggatt

took dinner with me.

Saw Baring of the old Copper

Case from Wilkesbarre, Penn. at

the New Willard – the “pack” is here

to fight me – and Nelson is to do

the work for them in the Senate.

Birch went back to New York

tonight. Wish I could go home

- I hate to sit around here as if

I wanted the damned office – When

I would be much better off without

it. – But I intend to make them

earn their victory if they get it.

-29^th-

Went to Geological Dept. with Hoggatt,

to get map of Copper river railroads, &c.

Telegram from Ralph, N.Y. that a

Mr. Goodwin would come over to assist

in fighting the Copper trust theives from

Penn. – Am told that O. P. Hubbard is

here “knocking”. Birch saw Senator

Carter of Montana before he left, & says

Senator is all right. Theater party

with Sulzer tonight at New National.

- his guests were: Miss Kirby, Gov

Hoggatt, Capt. Dickens & I.

Lunch at New Willard with them.

-30-

Took breakfast at New Willard

this morning with Hoggatt, to meet

Capt. Radcliffe of English army &c.

& Paul Niedieck – a German

who hunted two years ago in Kenai

peninsular, and whom U.S. Dept. Mash

Geo. Sexton arrested – they are interested

in that row, and in a rumor of an ibex

which they (and I, too) have heard about in

the Alaskan mountains. Am to take

lunch with them at 1 oclock. The went

out walking with Pres. Roosevelt yesterday

- he run them out through the woods, & over the

hills & nearly killed both with the violence

of the exercise. Birch is back this

morning & Goodwin is out to see

the Pennsylvania outfit to discover

what their game is – (over)

30^th continued

Goodwin reported to me that he had

talked to Penrose who said that the

Wilkesbarre “copper crowd” had

been to see him in force yesterday &

had urged him to oppose me, but that

he had not agreed to do so, &c. I am

glad that that fact is established as

it makes more certain the truth that

my opposition comes largely from

that crowd. Birch busily at work.

Saw Sulzer this afternoon – he had

seen several senators & insists that

Pettus will vote for me! – but I dont

believe it.

-31^st

Falcon Joslin saw Dillingham

- he was not friendly – and seemed

to take the view that since there was

so much objection – it might be better

to change – to refuse to confirm.

Joslin found out that Hubbard

had been to see him & to “knock”

He told Dillingham about the char

=acter of those who were doing the

knocking & says he left him

in a better frame of mind. Dilling

=ham gave Joslin a letter to Nelson

& asked him to go and tell him the

story that he told him – but Joslin

could not find Nelson tonight

I went up to see Dubois – Senator

from Idaho, but did not find him.

But little done today. Gov. Hoggatt

saw the President who told him

he wished me confirmed & gave

the Gov. a letter to Senator Knox

to that effect.

[April 1906]

-April 1^st 1906-

A beautiful sunny Sunday –

Falcon Joslin went & interviewed

Senator Nelson today – he is bad!

Joslin says he is loud & frantic

in his denunciations of me & will

fight me bitterly. He says my enemies

are good – and I am bad. Joslin

was disgusted with his malice

& prejudice and thinks that nothing

can be done to get him to hear

or consider my defence or my

side of the case. Took dinner

tonight at New Willard – Joslin

took dinner with me & Hoggatt

Birch & Goodwin smoked, &c.

Wrote letter to Debbie – received

one from her this morning –

Carruthers, of Ohio, saw Foraker

this morning & says he is O.K.

-April 2^nd-

Monday – My case came up

today before the Judiciary Committee

of the Senate – Senator Nelson read

a charge & made a statement of the

facts in support of it against

me – Senator Foraker defended &c

and thus for the two hours. Then

the matter went over as unfinished

business until next Monday.

Gov. Hoggatt saw Senator Knox,

who told him that I would be confirm

=ed – though he criticised me for

criticising Nelson in my Reply

Brief. But if Knox knew the

provocation he would not feel so.

Falcon Joslin saw Senator Bacon

& had a very interesting talk with

him – he is for me. Joslin had

another talk with Dillingham

& says he is also, and strong

reports of Blackburn in same way.

Goodwin reports Penrose quiet

& probably friendly. Birch &

Goodwin – also Joslin – went to

New York this evening. Things

look more satisfactory – so far

as the Committee is concerned than

ever. Forakers strong support

is greatly appreciated & strengthens

me generally. It may under-

=mine Pettus opposition and will

certainly weaken his inclination

to fight me – if he has any –

Lopp – of Cape Prince of Wales –

at dinner with me tonight –

Joslin has done me much

good & offers to come back the

last of the week and do more

- I want him to see Kittredge

-April 3^rd-

Telegraphed to Tacoma for N.P.

Agent to send me receipt for my

fare to Chicago – intend to make

up quarterly account against

the U.S. for my expenses to Washing

=ton & try & get it paid. Also

drew my March salary.

Walter E. Clarke took lunch

with me at the Raleigh –

Spent a couple of hours with Gov.

Hoggatt at the Willard – he is

packing & will leave Washington

for New York tomorrow & then

westward! He says that Senator

Hemenway of Indiana & Vice Pres

Fairbanks will not let any thing

be undone to secure my confirmation.

He thinks it is sure, and so do

they. Hoggatt is my strong friend –

and says he will come back to help

if I think it necessary &c.

C. A. Snowden, of Tacoma

is at Willard – My affairs

look satisfactory generally.

-April 4^th

Everything quiet – Went up to the

House & with Gov. Swineford called

on Sulzer – he is at work and

declares everything satisfactory.

Saw Senator Bailey in the Library

of Congress : he was very kind & said

he would go to work at once &

that Blackburn would be all right.

-5^th-

Went up to House and saw

Sulzer again – he says there is

no doubt about the Judiciary

Com – that Pettus & Blackburn

have both promised him to vote

for me; he advises me to let the

Committee alone – that the situation

is so good that more work would

only do harm - but, Sulzer is so

optimistic! Also saw Senator

Gearin, and talked with him

about extending the U.S. water

laws to Alaska - & called his

attention to my decision in

the Revenue Mining Co. case &

to Judge Browns opposing position

in the Kethican Waterworks case;

He will look into it and asked me

to prepare a bill to extend the law –

Sulzer saw he would attend to it

in the House.

Thumm, a miner from

Rampart, Alaska, called on me

this afternoon & I invited him to

dinner & then we went to the New

National Theater – to see the Irish

comedians. After we were seated

Senator & Mrs. Ankeny came in

& sat beside us – Mrs. A. next to

me. The Senator introduced me

& I had a pleasant time between

acts talking to her about baskets

- Indian baskets, Alaska &c. They

were both very pleasant to me &

seemed to try to be friendly - I

accepted their kindness & returned

it in kind. Thumm is going

to call on Nelson tomorrow &

tell him that the working miners

in Alaska want me confirmed.

-6^th-

Called on Senator Piles &

during the conversation I

promised to give his brother

a deputy clerkship – at $250

per month – so as to help him

get into business – Piles put

it on that ground distinctly.

He also says that I will be

confirmed & that Senator

Overman, of North Carolina,

has assisted in the matter.

Saw Vice President Fairbanks

on Pennsylvania Ave & he

stopped to shake hands &

also to introduce me to a Senator

Prepared a bill for Senator

Gearin of Oregon – to extend

to Alaska the U.S. laws of

water right, and rights of

way for ditches &c.

Goodwin, of Pa. is at work

with his people to keep Penrose

from opposing me – hope he

will succeed.

-April 7^th-

It now seems probable that

my case may be closed up before

the Committee on Monday – of course

Nelson may carry it over again but

it ought to be closed up then & the

Committees report made to the Senate.

Birch & Goodwin here & at work.

Received a telegram from Metson,

Atty, San Francisco offering aid & ans

=wered that he could influence Senators:

Recd. bundle of Fairbanks News,

of date of Manleys telegrams for

protests to Foraker, and they contain

the efforts of my friends to offset

Manleys efforts – will file them

with Patterson for use with Comt.

Papers also disclose that Harlan

has appointed Geoghegan as his

stenographer instead of Ed –

-8^th-

Called to see Senator Patterson

at Highlands Hotel this morning

& gave him recent copies of

the Fairbanks News about

telegrams &c in my favor & he

promised to be on hand at the

Committee meeting tomorrow

& fight my battles. He seems

confident of victory & complimented

me highly – said that all the

evidence when the Senatorial

Sub-Com. was in Alaska in

1903 – Dillingham, Nelson,

Burnham & Patterson – was

favorable to me & that their

judgement was also favorable

& so announced when they

returned . He now scores

Nelson for unjust and arbitrary

actions against me.

Dinner with Birch, Sulzer

& Goodwin at New Willard.

Whitehead & Jarvis there, too.

We are all looking forward

to tomorrow hoping that my

matter will be about finished.

Long rides on street cars

today.

-9^th-

Went up to Senator Pattersons

office in the Capitol & gave him

list of precincts & petitions for

my confirmation &c. The matter

is now before the Judiciary Com.

& I must submit patiently to

their judgment – be it good or bad.

Committee met but Foraker

was not present & case went

over till next Monday – after

some discussion.

Will go over to New York for

two or three days for a change.

Am damned tired of Washington.

Went to New York on afternoon

train. Birch went to Chicago.

Clarke & Smith both agreed

to keep me informed.

Arrived Waldorf-Astoria

- met Joslin, Ralph & with

Goodwin.

-10^th-

Down town this morning & to

Leggatt Bros. Book store – 81 Chambers

St – but found nothing of importance

Am satisfied that Lowdermelks

in Washington, and McClurgs

in Chicago are the best book stores

in America – especially for

Americana. Called on Judge

Day – who is now the Auditor of the

Equitable Life Ins. Co. and took lunch

with him at the Lawyers Club - 120

Broadway. He is much interested

in my confirmation, and is aiding me.

Went to the theater – the Lyceum,

45 St. between Broadway & 6^th Avenue,

& was greatly interested in Grace Elliston

who played “Shirley Rossmore” in the

Lion & the Mouse, - a protest

against the control of the courts

by the great money power in con

=nection with the U.S. Senate.

It is my case to a dot, & I

am tempted to send her a copy

of my briefs &c. as an actual

case.

-11^th-

Got up late – went to Ralphs

office & consulted about Barrett

& others from Alabama trying

to induce Senator Pettus to get

into line & sign report with

Foraker. Lunch with Turner

Arthur & Mr. Ralph at the

Lawyers Club. Afternoon

went in hansom with Mr. Ralph

the Bowery & Mott St.s, and other

down town streets. They do not

look particularly bad from the

hansom, but still I suppose the

are more so at night. Went to

the Victoria Theater with Mr. Ralph

& saw “The Vanderbilt Cup,” an

extravaganza of New York life –

Birch back from the west and

saw him for a moment after

theater. My trip to New York

uneventful, and I go back in

the morning to Washington to

renew the wait for Senatorial

action.

-12-

Back to Washington this after

=noon at 4 oclock. Walter Clarke

knows nothing new. Ed. Smith

says that Clark, chairman of the

judiciary Com. said he thought I

would not be confirmed: Governor

Swineford says there is no doubt

but that I will be. Norman

Shultz, Mr. Ralphs partners is

here tonight – but I am afraid

that he talks too much & with

no sort of judgment. He was

in my room just now – and was

champagne talkative. .

Recd. letter from Clum containing

copy of his printed announcement

of his candidacy for delegate to

Congress from Alaska, - with his

picture on both front & back page.

I am afraid he is going to spread

it on too thick altogether & will

estrange the people by his

imprudence.

-13^th-

Saw Bailey this morning & he will

talk to Foraker & try & get the

Com. to do something Monday –

Sulzer says that Knox told him

it was O.K-. Sulzer went over

to New York today with Gov. Swine

=ford, but promised to come back on

~~Saturda~~ Sunday night so as to

be present Monday.

Walter E. Clark is in trouble with

the President about an alleged betrayal

of newspaper secrets – the President

is wrong – clearly wrong – and has

not given Walter a chance to explain.

He has gone to see Senator Knox, to

have him explain the matter to the

President. Mr. Frank Arthur

of New York is here – Shultz is also

here & working with Barrett & other

southerners to get Pettus into line.

Saw Shultz & Barrett just now

at New Willard – Barrett will see

Pettus in morning – he is against

me – but they may keep him quiet.

-14^th-

Clarke got Senator Knox to go to the

President this morning & straighten out

his trouble – it was done successfully –

though Walter yet feels badly hurt at the

reckless manner in which the President

treated him without a hearing.

Knox and Piles both say I will

be confirmed – but I will feel safe after

it is done & not before. Patterson

has gone out to Colorado and wont be

on hand to vote on Monday.

Heard the President deliver his

“Muck Rake” speech at 2:30 at

the laying of the corner stone of the

Office building of the House of Represen

=tatives. Joslin is at work & so

is Shultz & Barrett, but nothing

done of great moment today.

Was rather disappointed in the

Presidents “Muck Rake” speech.

He is largely responsible for the existence

of the “Muck Rake” in the Magazines

- and is open to the criticism that as

soon as they attacked his friends

he denounced them!!

15-

Schultz and Barrett with all their

Alabama influence have been unable

to move Pettus – he cannot be brought

to vote for me – but is rendered much

less harmful than formerly –

Joslin saw Blackburn and says

he is hostile – There will be three

votes against me sure – Nelson

Pettus & Blackburn – with Kittredge

doubtful. I think all the rest are

safe – but no battle is won until it

is ended. Much criticism of

the Presidents speech yesterday on

account of its alleged socialistic

tendencies. Dinner with Walter

& Mrs Clark - & Miss Dorothy – tonight.

They are very much irritated over the

Presidents threat against Walter &

denounce him & Loeb for unfairness.

Beautiful Sunday. Spring is here.

Recd. letter from Debbie.

Joslin did not see Kittredge

Nothing known about him yet.

[portrait photograph]

[photo caption:]

“SENATOR FORAKER OF OHIO, WHO LOOKS”

after my interest before the subcommittee, & also

before the Judiciary Committee.

[portrait photograph]

[photo caption:]

“SENATOR KNUTE NELSON OF MINNESOTA”

The worst apache on

the reservation.

My one bitter opponent.

[portrait photograph]

[photo caption:]

“SENATOR PETTUS OF ALABAMA”

the third member of the Sub Committee

who “chaws terbaccer” – and wont

sign a report one way of the other,

and says to my friend Smith

“Wha did you know im?”

“Old Confucius” – Smith calls him.

-16^th-

Nelson stole a march on me today

by asking that the matter go over

another week – that he had new

charges to formulate and desired

more time. Senator Bacon

denounced the action but senator

=ial courtesy carried it.

But I intend to stay by the

damned old Norwegian peasant

and fight him to the end and

beat him if possible. The

Chairman, Clarke of Wyoming

suggested that if they resorted

to new charges every time the

matter was closed – there would

be no end to the matter – he is

now resorting to what he so

viciously denounces in the

Nelson v Meehan case.

Wrote to Debbie – not a

pleasant letter, but as pleasant

as I felt. Intend to go to work

myself tomorrow & end this

fight – next Monday. Senator

Pettus was not present at todays

meeting of the Committee – his

wife is very sick, and reported to

be hopelessly so. He has shown

so much consideration for me

notwithstanding his judgment

against me, that I shall be sorry

to hear of her death – it will

kill him too if it happens

since he is 84 years old.

-17^th-

Went up & saw Piles & Bailey

this morning & urged them to put

their personality into my fight – they

will. Also called & gave Nelson

a letter asking for the new charge

- Senator Clark, Ch. of the Jud.

Com. had told me it related to the

injustice!! done to Marshal Richards

at Nome – Nelson said that he had

received 4 affidavits on Monday

morning about it – but that they

amounted to nothing – that the accom

=panying letter referred to an affidavit

from Seattle that would contain the

facts upon which the real charge

would be based – that if that affidavit

did not get here by Monday he would

pay no attention to the charge at all.

I understood the whole matter from

his statement – the four affidavits

are made by some of Richards friends

and the one which they expect to get

in Seattle is from Lena Walton!

I wonder they did not send the one she

made in U.S. v Richards & Jourden!

I immediately telegraphed to Walter

Christian for him & Sullivan to see

Lena Walton & get her to make a fav

=orable affidavit, - that I wished to

keep the Richards matter out of sight

on Sullivans account much more

than my own &c. I also wrote Judge

Day, asking for so much of his report as

related to Richards: & telegraphed to

the Clerk U.S. Ct. Ct. of Appeals, San Fran

for record & briefs. Ans. received saying

that record was not printed but briefs

forwarded. Wrote to Dr. Whitehead

informing him of situation – he is in

New York. Heard today that Pettus

was annoyed by the onslaught made

on him by the Barretts – Editors of

Demo. newspapers in Georgia & Alabama

- think that Schultz overworked it.

Cushman also told me that Kittredge

is against me – without doubt.

That leaves the Committee 8 to 4 in

my favor – Nelson, Pettus, Blackburn

& Kittredge hostile. I am not sure

though about Dillingham – but am

of all the rest. I think this last

move has hurt the opposition about

as much as Barretts hurt me with

Pettus. I will keep my fool friends

away from here after this – but I

could nt drive Schulz away – he

came without invitation, and raised

merry hell.

April 18^th 1906.

Great San Francisco Earthquake

Telegraphic dispatches all day

about terrible earthquake in S. F.

I went & called on Atty. Genl.

Moody - & urged pardon of Notti,

- he did not respond very favorably.

After we had finished that he asked

me about my confirmation & I told

him about the last move of Nelsons –

He seems friendly enough – I also had

a good talk with Solicitor General

Hoyt, & told him the details. He

expressed surprise that Kittredge

is against me and promised to see

him and explain the Departments position.

Col. Clay, Genl Agt. Dept. of Justice

promised to recommend $10,000.

appropriation for a jail. Talty[?],

Mgr. Raleigh Hotel told me today

that Col. Boynton, Mgr. Assoc. Press,

had talk with President Tuesday & the

Pres. told him that he was anxious to

see me confirmed & spoke highly about

me, but said that he could not control

the situation in the Senate, &c.

Wrote letter to Debbie today -

Nothing from Walter Christian yet.

Assisted E. G. Rathbone with his

contract with Spaulding in

re. collection postmasters acts

hope he succeeds – he is also trying

to get hearing on his Havana postoffice

charges of embezzlement.

-19-

Wrote to Debbie & sent her a

check for $200. also clipping

out of magazine (May, Cosmopolitan)

of picture of Darrell in charge of

sailors at Cherbourg, France,

in charge of Admiral John Paul Jones,

body. Nothing new today except

a nice letter from Falcon Joslin

sending copy of a strong telegram

to Senator Piles urging my confirmation

San Francisco horror grows –

the city is practically destroyed – first

by earthquake & then by the fire.

-20-

Senator Piles told me today that a

Senator – a member of the Judiciary

Com. (think it was Clarke) told him

that Spooner was against me. Walter

Clarke saw Spooner & says he is not

enthusiastic – is doubtful. I telegraphed

McGraw & Abe Spring, Seattle, for telegrams

strengthening him, & Piles will urge him

also. Sulzer says we are all right.

- and Foraker says they must do something

on Monday.

-21^st-

Genl. Drain, Dave Wilson &

J. M. Frink in town.

Wrote letter to Clarke, Ch. Judicary

Com. today – defence against Lena

Walton – Marshal Richards charge.

After writing letter showed it to

Piles who suggested a change – made

the change & gave the letter to Clarke.

Did this so that the case could be

heard on Monday without delay.

I am now in real doubt

about the outcome of my case.

If Spooner goes against me

I will have a slim show &

will lose courage because he

is – or ought to be an unprejudiced

juror and Nelson would be

so encouraged with his being

against me that he could easily

get enough more to do me up –

Gave Walter Clarke letters

of Nelson & he will see Knox &

try & get him to show Spooner

the truth. Piles is to see him too.

Received telegram from Walter

Christian, Tacoma, today after

I filed my letter saying that Lena

Walton had not and would not

make an affidavit in the Richards

case, - if Nelson is depending

on that, then, he will not file his

additional charge on Monday –

But it may be something else.

Called on Senator Burnham

today and had good visit with

him; D. A. McKenzie was in

his office – and from remarks

made by him I gathered that

Mc has been “working” some sort

of a scheme among the Senators

friends up in New Hampshire.

-April 22-

Well I am in Washington

now nearly 3 months, and it

looks as if I might fail to get

the confirmation after all. I

can hardly beleive yet the Spooner

is against me, but the steady

effort – earnest, masterful and

malicious which Nelson has been

making may bring about that

result after all. It hardly

seems possible that the Judiciary

Com. of the U.S. Senate will permit

a packed jury to violate truth

and justice in that way – but

then they are men – just mere

men, with their own important

matters to look after – and really

abstract justice is unimportant

when politics or self interest is

at stake.

Went out and saw Sulzer at

his rooms (131 B. St. S.E.) today –

he is sure of tomorrows result –

but I am less sanguine. If

Spooner is against me, then I am

afraid of Dillingham also and

possibly Culberson – and that beats

me. I ~~felt~~ feel like resigning and

roasting the whole bunch in my

letter to the President – then going

home. For two years now I have

been under constant fire, and though

I have won so far – it is at a

great expense of comfort and

happiness. I am willing to

sacrifice myself to uphold the

courts – the law and justice – but

I am growing to believe that longer

sacrifice, including my wife, is

worse than to step aside & let

someone else bear the burden.

Still I hate a coward – I will

let the matter go to a test tomorrow

- & then?

April. 23^rd. 1906.

The Judiciary Committee today

made a favorable report in my

case by a vote of 6 in my favor

and 4 against me.

For me: Knox, Foraker, Bacon,

Clarke, Culberson, Patterson

Against me Nelson, Pettus,

Kittredge, Blackburn

Absent. Depew, Spooner & Dillingham

Foraker was instructed to

report the matter to the Senate.

My! But it is a releif.

While this does not by any

means end the fight it gives

me a great advantage &

without it I must have been

defeated. There as no polit

=ical significance in the vote,

for 3 who voted for me – Knox,

Foraker & Clarke are Republicans

- the other three are Democrats.-

while Nelson & Kittridge are

Republicans & Blackburn &

Pettus are Democrats. I

suppose the matter will come

before the Senate at once & at

any rate it will be settled – for

or against me, so that I can

go to work-

Telegraphed Debbie the

result, also to Mr. Ralph,

Falcon Joslin & Judge Day

in New York. Clarke sent

McGinn a telegram to Fairbanks.

My friends are pleased – so far.

Had lunch tonight at New

Willard with Wm Sulzer (M. C.

from New York) a Mr. Beebe from Mass.

and Harry White, Seattle. Sulzer

was just from a White House reception

where he met Senator & Mrs Blackburn

- he chided the Senator for not voting

for me today as he had promised

Sulzer he would – Blackburn told

him that he intended to do so but

that Nelson appealed to him to vote

with him, saying that since they both

knew that I had six votes I was sure

to be confirmed & that Blackburn

ought to vote with him to prevent his

failure from being so bad – that if he

would vote with him, he (Nelson)

would agree not to oppose me in

the Senate – and Blackburn said

he did it upon that promise. He

said he would vote for me in the

Senate & would make a speech

in my favor in Nelson did not

keep his promise: Recd. telegram

from Ralph, N.Y. asking me to come

to New York before going west.

-24^th-

A new wrinkle now – McCumber

of North Dakota has given notice that

he wishes my confirmation postponed

two weeks so that he can read the record

- affidavits, &c. and can oppose me in

the open Senate. Kittredge is acting

with him. Had a talk with Senator

Foraker today & he told me that I had

the greatest array of vigorous enemies

that he had met for some time –

Piles is working to get McCumber to

withdraw his opposition – but I think

we are now up against a Nelson-

McCumber-Heyburn combination

- whether Carter is in it or not I cant

yet tell – but think he is.

Wrote situation to Mr. Ralph &

told him that the Hill railroad influence

- if exerted – could make the opposition

withdraw – Also wrote to Debbie.

Recd. telegram of congratulation from

Judge Day & answered in kind –

Nelson is playing the baby now –

says that I attacked him & that

the Com. sustained me & turned

him down, &c. Evidently I am

up against a new phase of the

old fight – but I intend to make

it so vigorous that they will feel

the effects of the victory if they win one.

-25-

Called & had a good talk with

Senator Bailey – he will see

Senator Kittredge and try and

get him to listen to reason. Sulzer

said that Senator Dillingham told

him yesterday that he intended to

give me a warm support but that

he was unavoidably absent from

the Com. when my case came up.

Telegraphed to Mr. Ralph to have

strongest New York influence tel

=egraph to Senator Aldrich & tell

him that I would call & to help

me – Recd. telegram this afternoon

saying that he had talked over the

telephone with Aldrich & to call

& that he was using influence

on others – meaning Carter, McCumber

and their “push” I suppose.

The Appletons Booklovers Mag

=azine for May was first on sale

today – “The Looting of Alaska.”

is concluded in it, - and it does

criticise Carter, McCumber &

Hansborough most unmercifully

& gives me full credit for cleaning

up the Nome mess left by that

gang upon Noyes & McKenzies

arrest for contempt of U.S. Circuit

Ct. of appeals, San Francisco in

1901 – This will greatly aggravate

McCumber – but can do me no harm.

Sent Peterson- Tacoma – Seven

hundred & fifty (750) dollars today

to pay on Glaser contract for clearing

Tonight sent letter & copy of

May “Booklovers” to Senators

Foraker, Piles & Bailey so that

they would understand & will

call on Aldrich in the morning

-26^th-

Yesterday Senator Piles said to

me that he had suggested to Senator

Beveridge that Nelson & I ought

to get together and make up – compro

=mise our differences”, and “he said,

“I said to the Senator that you would

“apologise for attacking him in your

“Answer to Charges” – I stopped

him and said “Apologise? Well

“I wont. I have only defended

“myself so far, and I wouldn’t

“apologise for the office.” I said

“If he wishes to submit his action

“in my case to a committee I will

“meet him on the issue, and if I

“dont show that he maliciously

“packed the Committee on me

“& acted unjust and unfair the

“Senate may refuse to confirm

“me – but apologise I wont.”

He “tut-tuted” a little and

dropped the matter, as he saw

the suggestion was distasteful

& might do more harm than good.

Recd. telegram from Mr. Ralph

to go and see Senator Aldrich

which I did this morning - he

asked many questions going to

the very point of who and why.

I gave him a copy of Booklovers

for May & called his attention

to the “Looting of Alaska” as the

cause of McCumbres animosity.

Gave a copy of the Magazine to

Sulzer & he gave it to Senator

Tillman – Senator Teller said

he had read it, and Sulzer saw

Penrose whom he reports as mild.

Warren E. Wilkins, of Nome

is here & saw Senators Smoot

& Sutherland, Utah & reports

them O.K.

Learned tonight that in Executive

Session this afternoon McCumber

objected to my confirmation & asked

leave to have testimony printed & this

necessarily carries the matter over

till next week – I expected this

and yet I feel disappointed-

but I can wait - & fight in the meantime

-27-

In Executive session yesterday

my case was discussed & McCumber

got it put off till May 8^th – upon the

request for time to print the evidence.

Saw Senator Clay today

& gave him Judge Erwins letter

- he told me that he had talked the

matter over with his colleague – Sen

Bacon, and that both would vote

for me. Sulzer, Hemenway

& others say that I will be con

=firmed: though Dick. Ryan

tells me that Spooner will fight

me. Think I will go over to

New York tomorrow evening

& stay a day or two.

-28^th-

Went to see Clarke, Chairman

Jud. Com. Senate, - saw his

clerk – nothing yet done about

printing evidence in my case –

Wrote a letter to him asking

that my “Answer to Charges” –

“Reply Brief”, & affidavits - &c. &c.

be printed. Wrote another

letter to the Atty. Genl. in favor

of commuting sentence of

Joseph Notti. Called on

Genl. Humphrey, Quartermaster

Gen. U.S.A. & he gave me an old

Sharps rifle which he captured

from the Chinese arsenal at

Tien Tsen, China.

Sulzer telephoned me saying:

He had just seen the President

and spent 15 minutes or more

in discussing my case: The President

said he wished me confirmed.

Sulzer told him about Nelson

McCumber opposition & President

said he could send for them & ask

them to cease their opposition.

Pres. said that Nelson agreed to do

so if I carried the Com. & the President

now looks upon McCumber opposi

=tion as bad faith on Nelsons part.

Went to baseball game

with Walter Clark, who took

dinner with me.

-29^th-

Saw Senator Piles & told him what

Sulzer said about the President

& Piles will also go to the President

& urge him to influence McCumber.

Instead of fighting me McCumber

ought to be aiding me, because

in Oct. 1901, at Nome I stood

between him & ruin. The Grand

Jury, at the instigation of Fink,

intended to indict Noyes, Mc

Kenzie, McCumber & Hansborough

- but McGinn & I stopped it.

- the U.S. Ct. Ct. of App. was then hearing

the charges against Noyes, et. al.

for contempt, - the indictment

against them at Nome was to have

been for “conspiracy” and the

Ct. of Appeals in the Contempt

cases said that there was a

conspiracy. But for my active

efforts the indictments would

have been returned & McCumber

ruined – and this is the thanks

I am getting!

-30^th-

As I was walking opposite the Treasury

Bld. on 15^th St. this morning I met

Vice President Fairbanks and he

stopped me to inquire how I was getting

along – he said I was in good shape

in the Senate, he thought, with more friends

than ever, - that the only danger was that

my opponents might talk it over

from time to time & thus get it over

the session. He was friendly & seemed

to want to encourage me - & did –

Dr. Whitehead & I called on Roberts

Director of the Mint – he promised to

get Dolliver into line for me.

Presented my quarterly act. to

Mch. 31 including all expenses

to Washington, hotel bill, printing,

&c. to the Dept. of Justice for payment

- they raise some question about the

printing but seem to concede the rest.

Got salary for April - $416.66.

Matters look pretty good, but

what a wail it is – I wish I had

that old square heads thumb between

my teeth – I’d make him move faster.

There is a good editorial in the

Seattle Post – Intelligencer just

received headed “Judge Wickersham”

and commending me, but suggesting

that I am tactless and skilled in

the gentle art of making enemies!

Also received the Fairbanks News

in which Barnette – just home –

in an interview failed to mention

my name or the question of my

confirmation, but spoke highly

of Senator Nelson as a friend

of Alaska!! and in an editorial

the News said “God save us from

such friends.” Walter Clark was

inclined to swear at Barnette, but

I am convinced that Barnette

did it with the distinct motive to

mislead the enemy. If he had “cussed

up” the Senator, and spoken favorably

about me – it would now be on

file with Nelson as evidence against

me!! But as it is – well Nelson

cant use it as evidence, whatever

he may think about it.

[May 1906]

-May 1.-

Beautiful Mayday – Washington

is the most beautiful place I ever saw

now. Wide streets, stately trees in

their spring suits, flowers, & spring.

Telegraphed McGinn at Fair

=banks to telegraph me the facts

about how we prevented the Grand

Jury from indicting Noyes-McKenzie,

McCumber & Hansborough at Nome,

in Oct & Nov. 1901. I intend to

inform McCumber that but for

my interference he, too, would

have been indicted!!

-2^nd-

Recd. telegram from McGinn

in answer to mine of yesterday – O.K.

Saw Bailey & Clarke & they

both said their was little I could

do except wait – but no day has

passed since I reached Washing

=ton that I have not done something

in aid of my fight. I was called

to the Dept. of Justice today &

informed that my efforts to get

Joe. Notti pardoned had succeed

=ed – that upon my letters the Pres

=ident today pardoned him &

instructed the pardon attorney

- Gordon – to telegraph to the

U.S. Marshal at Tacoma to release

him!! That is a satisfaction

to me, and an act of justice that

will have a good effect in Fair

=banks. Col. Clay & Capt

Glover, of the Dept. of Justice also

asked me to go before the Appro

=priation Com. of the House with

them in support of an appropriation

of $10,000 for a jail at Fairbanks

- we did not reach that item &

I am to go in the morning.

Wrote to Debbie, & also to

Mr. Ralph. Birch & Joslin

will be over from New York in

a day or two to help me.

Walter E. Clarke took dinner

with me.

-3^rd-

Spent most of today with Col.

Clay & Capt. Glover, before the

House Appro. Com. in aid of an

appropriation of $25,000. for jails

at Nome, Fairbanks & Valdez –

Walter E. Clarke tells me that

Sulzer told him that he saw the

President today & that he said

that I would be confirmed next

Tuesday, the 8^th – but –

I saw Sulzer afterward & he

said that the President told

him that he could do nothing with

Nelson, McCumber or Spooner –

He also said that McCumber

would fight me hard & Nelson

too, and – but Sulzer is a liar!

Birch came over tonight & is

at the Willard. We will go to

work through Senator Carter of

Montana to get a vote on Tuesday

& let the matter be settled one way

or the other. I think we can

beat them, but I dont know.

-4^th-

Birch took breakfast with me &

I gave him my telegram asking

McGinn to give me a brief statement

of our effort to prevent the indictment

of Noyes, McKenzie, McCumber, et. al.

at Nome in Oct. 1901, & McGinns

reply of May 1, and he took them

with him intending to put the case

squarely before Senator Carter – if it

appears that McCumber lacks

every manly quality then I shall not

hesitate to expose the fact of the

threatened indictment and my

service in protecting him to the

public = Birch reports that he saw

Carter & the Senator said he would go

& see McCumber &c. He took the telegram

of McGinns & Birch thinks he is earnest

and will do what can be done – he says

though, that I am sure to be confirmed

anyway. Birch also saw Senator

Aldrich who told him that he was doing

& would do all that he could to bring

about confirmation – and tonight

I saw Senator Piles - who promised

me on Sunday to go and see the

President – he did so yesterday &

says he found him very much exas

=perated at the action of McCumber

- Piles wanted him to send for Mc

Cumber and attempt to press him to

quit - but the President swore roundly

that he would not do it, and would not

talk to him about it even, but would

now, since I had been formally

approved by the Judiciary Committee

reappoint me, if they failed or refused

to confirm. He told Piles that he

had said – unfortunately to Nelson &

my enemies, that if the senate did

not act favorably at this session

he would not reappoint me – that

he had done so four times now & that

in the interests of peace he would not

again, but “now”, he said, “the Com

has approved my former four app

=ointments and his enemies have

resorted to unfair means, - to filibust

=ering to defeat him, and by God

I intend to reappoint him whether

they confirm him or not, and I

will notify them at once of my

change of mind.” It seems to

me that this will leave me in a

position to go home very soon.

Wrote to Debbie tonight & gave

her the new position of the President

Piles said that Sulzers story about

talking to McCumber & Spooner was

untrue and it seems to have been

strained to say the least.

Had dinner at New Willard

with Birch tonight – he suggested

that if I wished to resign next fall

after they were certain about their

enterprises in Alaska, they would

like to have me take charge of

their legal business. I told

him I would be willing to make

some arrangement on that line.

Piles said the President spoke

strongly and feelingly about the fact that

I had come on to Washington, and had met

and answered every charge & won a victory

from the Judiciary Committee, and now he

intended to see that I was not mistreated

by filibustering and unfairness.

-5^th-

Joslin had a good talk with

Dillingham & says he is all right

and also Burnham. Joslin

is also deeply and suddenly inter

=ested in the Burleigh scheme to

get a railroad charter & Congressional

grant of a right of way - it is

being urged and likely to be won

in opposition to Canadian attempts

to secure advantages in Alaska.

Joslin sold his bonds for the Tanana

Mines Ry. at Fairbanks, to English

Capital and they are threatening his

situation – I advised him to get

in and secure part of the good of

the Burleigh scheme for his road

& he is at work to see what he wants.

E. S. Harrison, newspaper man

from Nome came in to the Raleigh

tonight – Major Richardson

still here – am thinking of going

over to New York to spend a day or so.

Recd. my McGinn telegram back

from Senator Carter.

-6^th-

Sunday – nothing much except

visiting with Falcon Joslin and

Harrison, also Dr. Whitehead –

The latter tells me that he saw Rex

Beach in New York - that he has

dramatised “The Spoilers.” & that

Frohman accepted it without

a change & will stage it, that

they are now looking for a “Cherry

Malotte.” I suggested that they

might be able to get the original

Judge “Stittman” – (Noyes), for

the judge is now out of a job and

in hard luck. The “Spoilers” is

now in its 4^th Ed. = 40,000. copies.

Have a very bad cold – sore throat

& am doctoring with cold compress

& going to bed.

-7^th-

Cold better: Application by Ankeny

for Hubbards pardon denied.

Buying photographs of my friends:

the Pres : Vice Pres : Senators Knox, Bailey

& others who have been friendly to me.

-8^th-

Went to see Senator Clarke

Ch. of Jud. Com. of the Senate: He

said the printing in my matter was

done – showed me copy – but refused

to give me a copy. Said that case

would not be taken up before end of

the week – not until the “Railroad Rate

Bill” was disposed of. Called on

Senators Bailey & Gearin - &

also on Piles & Foraker, but the

latter were out. I now think I will

go over to New York & stay a few days

- cant do anything here.

Came over to New York on the

evening train – met Joslin

& Judge Dubose – Mr. Ralph

not in town – am at Waldorf Astoria.

-9^th-

Breakfast with Judge Dubose

& Whitehead at Waldorf-Astoria

Went down town after lunch

& called on Birch & Schultz –

45. Bd. & went with Birch &

met Dan. Guggenheimer

of the Copper Trust – who is

going to Alaska this summer

- I urged him to go into Fairbanks

but he said he could not spare

the time. Also met Mr. Steele,

their general counsel, who is

brother to Mr. Steele of Morgans

Guggenheimer told me that

both Senators Elkins & Aldrich

would look after my confirmation

It is singular but true that

New York reminds me of Puget

Sound - Tacoma & Seattle – probably

it is the constant sound of the

tug & steamer whistles & the

knowledge that I am on a harbor

- a trade harbor of the ocean –

It is a homelike feeling!!

Took dinner tonight with Mr. A.

J. Robertson – who is the owner

of the La Foriche Mine (copper) in Prince

William Sd. & also owns the St. Andrews

Hotel at 72^nd & Broadway – he is

just my age – a confirmed bachelor

& a millionaire.

-10^th-

My cold is better today but I took

a good Turkish bath & rubbed it

out. Lunch at Delmonicos

old place down town, dinner

with Birch & Mr. Ralph at

the “Belmont” – a new hotel - &

went to the Majestic Theater

to see De Wolf Hopper in

“Happyland”. Nothing from

Washington today.

Key Pitman and his wife

are here – I knew Key at

Mt. Vernon, Con. where he was

a poor struggling lawyer &

also a Nome – he is now

a wealthy miner from Tonipah

Nev. Also met “Tex” Rickard

a Nome gambler – now from

Tonipah, - he told me that

the gamblers at Nome paid

Richards & Al. Cody $15%

in all & a greater percentage

in other games as blackmail.

He says that he has an account

book – which he offered to show me –

giving the items of money which the

gamblers paid to them for protection –

Dr. Whitehead is at the “Breslin”

Hotel.

-11^th-

I took a long ride through the Park

- and out to Grants Tomb, & around

the upper end of the City to see the

residences &c. with Mr. Ralph in

an electric automobile – a fine

car & a most glorious morning.

We went to the Museum at 77nd

St. also – saw Schwats new house

After lunch, alone, I visited

the last river water front in a

cab, - saw Blackwells Is. – the

Piers for the new Brooklyn Bridge

- then took the elevated road &

went out to 155^th St. & across to

Harlem. Tonight went to the

theater with Mr. Ralph & Birch

& saw Sam Bernard play the

“Rollicking Girl”. Mr Ralph

sends Mrs W a handsome comb

& a bracelet. Told me tonight

that Havemyer received telegram

from Senator Elkins son yesterday

saying that I would be confirmed

- but, Oh Lord, when?

-12-

Spent the forenoon with Mr. Wilber

=force Eames, Librarian, Lenox

Lib. talking & looking at “Americana”

A splendid mass of early history.

This afternoon went to Harper Bros

No 14, West 22^nd St. & bot a

few books – and “Bibliographies”

Met Capt. hall, formerly of

tugs at Tacoma: Tex Ricard,

Dubose, &c. &c. Joslin took

breakfast with me.

-13-

Rode up 5^th Ave to Central Park –

by Grants tomb – on north & across

Harlem river over Washington Bridge

- back along north side Harlem River

to 155^th St. thence south along 7th

or 6^th Aven. to the Park & back

to Waldorf-Astoria – with Mr. Ralph

in carriage. Beautiful sunny day

- park glorious – a thousand equipages

of every kind out. Lunch & then

at 3 oclock started back for

Washington.

Reached Washington at 8:30

p.m.

-14^th-

Recd. good letter from Debbie.

Called on Bailey, he signed

photograph for me, so did

Knox & Clarke of Wyo.

Nothing will be done in my

matter till the Railroad rate

bill is off hands.

I gave E B Smith $100.

tonight – he is going into the

“Standard” – a newspaper

venture. Saw Cushman to

=day – he is tied up with the

Burleigh crowd in their

Orca scheme, & damns

those who oppose them. Dick

Ryan is now in a fight with

Sen. Nelson who swears that he

will fight all Alaska legislation

on my account. Something

must hurt the old Norwegian.

-15-

Spent part of the day at Dept. of

Justice arranging for the payment

of the Nushagak & Unalaska jail

accounts. Nothing in my cases yet

- not till the Rate Bill is off hands.

-16-

Nothing doing in my matter.

P. C. Sullivan appointed

U.S. Dist. Atty. for Washington!

Cushman agreed to go to work

to poll Senate on my case –

thinks Dolliver doubtful & I

have got Major Lacey. M. C. from

Iowa to go and see him.

News today that Senator Gamble

of S. Dak. has beaten Kittridge

& his crowd in his fight for

reelection – hope so, for

Gamble is friendly to me.

-17-

Smith interviewed Senator Carmack

today - & reports him all right.

He has been gone for 2 months &

is just back. Sulzer says that

he has a distinct promise from

Laliferro[?] of Florida & Dubois

from Idaho is for me – also

Heyburn from Idaho is sick

- he is strongly against me – but –

Sulzer told me that Penrose of

Penn. told him that he, now, would

not only vote for me, but intended

to say when the matter came up that

the most determined opposition to

me had come from the Copper people

in his state, but that he had fully

examined into the matter and was

now satisfied that his friends

were wrong & that I ought to be

confirmed. Dr. Whitehead

is here & he & Major Lacey

are at work. Frank Cushman

is “working” me, - but I know

that he is doing nothing & dont

care a damn!

-18^th-

I have my days of doubt and my

days of victory – and this is one

of the latter – I really think today

that I will win out – but what the

morrow will bring forth I cant tell.

Major Lacey saw Senators Allison

& Dolliver & they are both all right.

I must now look after an organized

effort about the first of next week!

Dr. Whitehead & wife went west

this afternoon. John Corson of

Nome & Seattle is here with a Maine

“bunch” fighting Judge Reed, of

Nome – Commissioner at Nome.

Will let them fight him – I dont

care for he and every friend he had

went off with Richards & Sullivan

& against me. It is apparent

from what Cushman says to me

that Claypool has been exerting

his most malicious influences

against me & that it has had

some effect – I wont do a

thing to that ungrateful hound!!

-19^th-

Called on Senator Burkett

of Nebraska this morning & as

soon as he knew who I was he

said: “Oh, you are judge Wickersham

I am glad to meet you – yes that”

(letter)” is from J Harlan. Well

I dont care about him. Mr. Lacey

talked to me about you and your

case – the Senators from North

Dakota are on your back.

Well, you dont need to talk

to me. I am for you, and will

do all I can to help you, good

morning”. He was very kind

and I am sure of him.

Called on Senator Carmack

of Tenn. who frankly said

about the same – and that

means that both Senators from

Tenn. and Neb. will be all

right – 4 votes. Also met

Senator Hopkins from Ill

who promised me his assistance

Hot weather!!

-20^th-

Sunday & a beautiful day

but I felt homesick & unhappy.

Nothing doing, Geo. V. Borchsenius[?]

- Ex Clerk. U.S. Dist. Ct. at Nome

is here – and I wonder why?

-12-

Called to see Senator Foraker

but he was not in – saw Sen-

Piles & Hemenway & both

promised to see Foraker

& organize effort to get my

case up in Executive Session

This afternoon I went to see

Solicitor Genl. Henry M. Hoyt,

and told him that I now thought

of going home – that I could

see nothing more to do and that I

had now been here 4 months & felt

that my own self respect compelled

me to go home. He opposed such

action – said that if I left my

enemies would spring some new

lie to my injury and that it was

now an executive and departmental

fight and that the President would

not want me to go – he repeated

that the President having appointed

& reappointed me – four times was

bound to see me confirmed & that

I owed it to the President to stay

& fight – His statement was so

forceful that I could not refuse

& told him I would remain until

next Monday anyway.

while I was talking to him Mr.

Kratz, Sec. to the Atty. Genl. came in &

said that the Atty. Genl. had concluded

that my expenses to Washington could

not be paid , since he took the view

that I was merely defending myself

from personal attack. I answered

that every attack upon me came from

the performance of my official duty,

that the principal charges were the

outgrowth of decisions as judge –

and that I thought that not only

had the Dept. of Justice the power but

that it was its duty to assist me

in defending the action of the

court, since my actions had

been examined & approved by

the Atty. Genl. and the President

before my reappointment. Hoyt

distinctly agreed with me, and after

Kratz had gone out quite plainly

intimated that the opinion was that

of Kratz & not the Atty Genl and

advised me to contest the matter

further. I saw Mr. Kratz again

& asked to see the Atty. Genl. personally

& will go tomorrow for that purpose.

Met Senator Allee of Del.

tonight – we talked of Dr. Boyle

of Valdez, & the Senator was very

kind & will support me for confirmation

He told me that he had heard Senator

Knox speak very highly of me, - so

very flattering, indeed, that he was

anxious to meet me: That Knox said

I was the best judge in Alaska &c.

-22-

Senator Patterson of Colorado

has returned to the city – I am

delighted because he is one of

my strongest friends – nothing

done today – Wrote to Debbie.

-23^rd-

The Atty. Genl. again informs me

that he will not allow my expense

account while here defending myself

against the fight being made on me

because of my decisions in Alaska.

I suggested that every charge against

me had been previously investigated by the

Dept. of Justice and that the decision

was in my favor – that the President

had approved the findings and reappoint

=ed me – not once but four times –

and that I was not so much defending

myself as the court and the adminis

=tration of law in Alaska, - & that

the greater part of my effort was an

answer in support of decisions

and a reply to Senator Nelsons

briefs on the law involved in the case

of Nelson v Meehan, - but he

stands firm & wont pay. I intend

to let the matter rest, and if I am

confirmed take it up again &

show that Noyes & Grigsbys

expenses were paid through they

were removed for cause by the Dept.

I shall certainly resign after a

short time, in case I am confirmed,

if these accounts are not paid.

Its enough to give my time and strength

to the support and establishment of

law and justice in Alaska without

paying my own expenses while doing

so.

[newspaper clipping:]

“FIRE AT FAIRBANKS, ALASKA.

Business Section Wiped Out – Food

Supply in Jeopardy.

SEATTLE, Wash., May 23.-A dispatch

to the Post Intelligencer says that the en-

tire business section of the town of Fair-

banks, Alaska, was destroyed by fire which

started in the Fairbanks building, a three-

story frame structure, yesterday. Details

of the disaster are meager, but it is feared

that the food supply of the town has been

destroyed and great suffering may result.

Nothing was left standing in the section

lying between the water front and 3d ave-

nue, and Stacey and Turner streets. The

work of the fire fighters was centered in the

block of warehouses owned by the Northern

Commercial Company, in order to protect

the food supply of the town, and the result

is still in doubt.

The loss is estimated at a million dollars,

and it is announced that the heavier busi-

ness interests of the town are already plan-

ning to rebuild. No lives were lost.”

This means that the Apple building

- Mrs. Cards restaurant & Miss .

building as well as the News building

all of which I own – are burned –

and that my rents of $400 a mo.

are cut off. Well, let the tail go

with the hide. Gov. McGraw is

back in Washington & promises me to

see Senator Spooner tomorrow – while

Borchsenius, the ex-Clerk from Nome

is here and will see La Follette.

-24^th-

I learned this morning certainly

that the Fairbanks Court House &

Jail were burned, so I went to the Dept.

of Justice early & got Genl. Clay –

the general agent, interested, and we

prepared maps, letters, &c. & saw

Tawney, Ch. House Com. on Appro.

& he agreed to put into the Sundry

Civil App. bill an item for court

house of $15,000 – the item for a

jail being already in. It took us

nearly all day – but a good days work.

Also saw Senator Piles – he told

me that my matter was up one day this

week but went over till Saturday

or Monday – on “Senatorial Courtesy”

but that on either Sat. or Mon. it

would be settled. Also saw Foraker

who told me he was busy, but had

let it go over as a measure of discretion.

Met Senator Clark of Montana

tonight & had long and interesting

talk with him about Alaska – he

seems to me to be a good man.

Sent Stier telegram saying:

“Twenty five thousand dollars appropriation

guaranteed today rebuilding courthouse

and jail.”

Tonight received telegram from

him saying records saved, and

needed $60,000. to rebuild.

Also telegram from Mrs. E. Monroe

saying that if I could extend lease

= “Will rebuild if you extend lease

one more year, burned out completely.”

-25-

Sent answer to Mrs. E. Monroe

“Offer accepted lease extended

one year rent two hundred and

fifty dollars monthly.” Called to

see Senator Ankeny – he was out.

Talked with Statler, his secretary

who advised me not to talk with

the Senator but said he would do it.

Just then the Senator came in and I

began to talk with him about the

loss of Fairbanks – the appropriation

for court house & the Hubbard case.

Statler went out & in a few minutes

in came Senator Piles, who seemed

to know I was there & at once began

to ask Ankeny if we were talking

about my confirmation &c. and said

“Will Senator you are going to vote

for Wickersham – of course – you

told me you would,” and went on to

crowd Ankeny hard insisting on

his voting for me. Ankeny was

evidently embarrassed and showed

some little spirit in criticising

Sullivan for getting him to oppose

me and now insisting that he vote

for me. The discussion continued

for a few minutes – Ankeny did not

finally say he would vote for me

but only that he would do the right

thing or something of that kind.

He will not vote for me and the

best I can hope for is that he

wont vote against me. During

the conversation Piles said that

Senator Flint of Cal. was going

to vote for me at the request of the

judges of the Circuit Court of Appeals

at S. F. – that Judge Ross had

spoken highly of me and asked him

to support me.

Walked down town this morning

with Senator Reed Smoot, the Mor

=mon, from Utah, who told me that

he intended to vote for me – and he

also said that he would win out in

the contest urged against him – to

remove him because he is a Mormon.

Took dinner this evening with Mr &

Mrs. T. A. Wickersham & their son

at the “Sherman”. She is a fine woman

- a Christian Scientist, and a woman

of strong character. They have fine

apartments – he is the agent & general

real estate manager for Thos. F. Walsh,

the millionaire miner from Colorado

- where they lived for many years.

He is of the Ohio branch of the family,

- about 50 years old and a fine

business man & a good fellow.

They tell me that Senator Clapp, of

Minn. is not unfriendly to me, & that

Dillingham is all right.

-26^th-

Called & saw Senator Hemenway

- no Senate today. I think my

matter will come up Monday & I

am to get my friends there - & that

is all I can see to do. I have

not neglected anything that I

can see will aid me. I could

have personally interviewed more

Senators – but I dont think that

would have assisted – in fact my

judgment has suggested - & I

have acted accordingly – that I

keep as much out of the sight of

senators as possible. So

that if I am defeated I have done

the best I could.

24^th-

Nothing: Visited the Congressional Library

- looked up genealogy of Wickersham

family – inspected prints, books &

called & talked with Sulzer, M. C.

about tomorrows effort, he feels confid

ent, - says confirmation, &c. but -

-28^th-

Called on Senators Gearin, Bailey

Hemenway. Baily asked me to write

him a short letter & give him a copy

of my “Answer to Charges” to show that

I had not seen original charges & did

not (do not) know names of accusers.

Also called & had a very pleasant

interview with Senator Callom of

Ill. who told me that had been working

for me & would continue to do so.

Spent portion of afternoon with

Dept. of Justice preparing requisition.

-29^th-

All forenoon in Dept. of Justice prep

=aring requisition for furniture &

other supplies for court house at

Fairbanks. Sent telegram to W. H.

Parsons, Fairbanks, in answer to his

offer, saying that Dept. said the

courthouse block could not be sold.

The Attorney General (at the

suggestion of Col. Cecil Clay;

General Agent, Dept of Justice).

today wrote personal letter to

Senator Clarke, Ch. of Judiciary

Com. Senate, asking that my

confirmation be acted on promptly

on account of fire at Fairbanks

& immediate necessity for court.

Finished requisitions for all

supplies, & for furniture for courthouse

at Fairbanks – sent my books

- Americana, purchased in New York

& at Lowdermilks, in Wash. home by

mail – Am ready to go home now

on a few hours notice – Walter E.

Clark took lunch with me & went

to New York to arrange for a trip to

Alaska – if he can so arrange it.

Judge Neville, from Mississippi

has become my friend & today had a

talk with Senator Money, of Miss.

who told him that he thought I was

being persecuted – that a lawyer by the

name of Scott, met me in Alaska

& being nicely treated formed a high

opinion &c. and had already spoken

to Sen. Money, about me. Neville says

Sen. Money is my fighting friend!

-30^th-

Decoration Day, and no session.

Recd telegram from Joslin & he came

on from New York tonight to urge the

sale of the Courthouse block in

Fairbanks to his bank. I took him

out to see Genl. Cecil Clay, the Genl.

Agt. of the Dept. of Justice, who soon

convinced him that (1) It would sign in

a Special Act of Congress (2) which could

not be had before next winter (3) and that

would kill the present appropriations

for courthouse & jail &c. &c. in short

that it could not be done. Joslin

will go back to N.Y. tonight satisfied

that it is utterly impracticable to even

urge the matter.

Recd. copy of “Confidential. Ex. Doc.

No 7.” being the secret dosier in my

case printed by Sen. Nelson, this evening

from Sulzer. Also saw him – it does

not add much if anything to the fight,

but gives me a list of the witnesses

against me – the prominent one

being Bion A. Dodge.

Recd. letter from Debbie.

-31^st-

First Days Fight. My case

was launched in the Senate today

at 2 oclock and fought until 6

- for four hours my character, habits,

fitness, and judicial ability was the

storm center. When executive session

was called for at 2 oclock Nelson &

my enemies fought to prevent it, but

lost. Then they began to attack

me. Nelson, Pettus & McCumber

attacked – Piles, Hemenway,

Bailey & Foraker defended.

It was not settled at 6 oclock

and will come up again tomorrow.

Bailey has been requested to take

up my defence in the case of Nelson

v. Meehan, & I am to go up in the

morning and give him the authorities.

Piles says he is satisfied that we

will win without a dozen votes against

us, - but – well I wont quit until I

am out of the woods. I am greatly

moved by the strong friends who are

coming to my support, - from

most unexpected quarters.

[newspaper clipping:]

“It is not likely that any time will be de-

voted by the Senate in executive session to

the nomination of Mr. Benjamin F. Barnes

as postmaster at Washington. The Senate

went into executive session at 2 o’clock.

The entire time was taken up on the nomi-

nation of Mr. Wickersham to be a judge of

a judicial district in Alaska.”

Went to Navy Dept. & ascertained

that the “Tacoma” will not reach

Norfolk from the Mediteranian

before June 15. which will in

all probability prevent me from

seeing Darrell this trip.

Senator Piles made a special

& strong speech for me today on

the old Brantner charges & thinks

he convinced the Senators that I was

more sinned against than sinning

This places me under many obliga

=tions to him which I can never

fully repay, but Ankeny left the

Senate and abandoned me – still

that is about all he can do, on account

of his former attacks on me.

[June 1906]

-June 1^st-

Second Days Battle. I seem

to be up against the Filibusters

McCumber told one of my friends

today that if it came to a vote

I would be sure to be confirmed

as the Sugar Trust was for me!!

He also said that he did not

intend to let it come to a vote, &

that they intended to talk it to

death. On the other hand Senator

Piles, Foraker & Bailey tell me

that we have them beaten by a

big majority – It seems that on

yesterday they had regular row.

Senator Hemenway accused Nelson

of packing the Com. on me & it took

Nelson an hour to explain how he

came on the Com. & then his explana

=tion was not a good one. Nelson

begged Hemenway not to attack

him since if it got out it would

do him great harm. Senator

Foraker told me today that Piles

completely destroyed the woman story

in his speech yesterday. I gave

Senator Bailey a short outline

& the books to use in his speech

in explanation of the charge in re.

Nelson v. Meehan case, & also

prepared a statement at Forakers

for use in a new charge that McCumber

is pressing that I did wrong in finding

Richards guilty of jury fixing at Nome.

Senate went into Ex. session

from 3 to 6 today & fought over me

- not finished. Senator Foraker

said that he intended to call it up

everyday & makes my enemies

talk – when they quit he will move

for a vote & compel them to talk

again & thus keep them talking

or make them vote. He says we

will have a big majority.

[newspaper clipping:]

“Judge Wickersham’s Nomination.

Most of the executive session of the Sen

ate yesterday afternoon was devoted to con-

sideration of the nomination of Judge

James Wickersham to be judge of the

United States court for the district of

Alaska, but he was not confirmed. The

charges against him, which have prevented

confirmation for three years, were urged

strongly by Senators McCumber, Hans-

brough, Nelson, Teller, Pettus and a num-

ber of others. He was defended by Sen=

ators Foraker, Dillingham, Bailey, Culber-

son and others. No vote was had, nor did

it appear that one is imminent. He is serv-

ing on a recess appointment.”

Teller is not against me & there

were not a “number of others” against

me – just McCumber, Hansborough

Nelson & Pettus. Judge Day

is in the city – he denounces the

filibustering tactics of my enemies

as infamous.

-June 2-

The plan of my enemies is now

well understood – under the rules

of the Senate no matter can go to vote

if any Senator desires to talk, and

the plan is that McCumber and Nelson

will talk as long as the Senate consid

=ers my case. They can talk, read

reports, &c. &c. until the Senate adjourns

and that in spite of the fact that I have

a large majority of Senators favor

=able to my confirmation. And

that is what they are determined to do.

Instead of feeling disappointed

at this turn of affairs I am pleased

- next to a confirmation. It gives

me the public vindication that I

desired & puts my enemies in

the position of unfair politicians.

Wrote to Debbie & Mr. Ralph

& explained the situation to them

& will go to work Monday to try

to get one of my friends to tie up

some of their legislation in

retaliation – until the drop loose.

newspaper clipping:]

“Wickersham’s Case Considered.

The Senate in executive session yesterday

resumed its discussion of the nomination of

James Wickersham to be judge of the cir-

cuit court for the district of Alaska. Op-

position to confirmation was again led by

Senators McCumber and Nelson. After two

hours’ consideration the Senate was ad-

journed without action.”

Barnes nomination as Postmaster

of Washington is also held up by

Dillman – and it may yet present

the spectacle of both of us held over

indefinitely by filibustering!

-3^rd-

Sunday- spent the afternoon

in the Congressional Library looking

up the 3 Japs. who were cast away

on Cape Ozette in 1832 – the book

“The Voyage of the Himmaleh & the

Morrison” & Perrys Japan Ex.

contain most of it & I think

it will make a most attractive

book or magazine article.

Judge Neville from Miss. told

me that sympathy was general &

growing in my favor on account

of my hold up by Senators

McCumber & Nelson.

-4^th-

Senator Baily told me this morning that

it was planned that my friends should

make Nelson & McCumber talk in my

matter – talk – talk – until they disgusted

the Senate – while my friends would work

quietly and out of session. Senator

Gorman, of Md. died this morning & the

Senate held no session today. I

prepared a statement today for Baily

Foraker & Piles, showing Motives of those

who have complained against me.

-5^th

At his request I prepared a statement

for Senator Bailey explaining the Richards

Contempt case, which McCumber is

urging against me – gave Foraker

copy – Major Lacey called my attention

to an editorial in this evening “Times”

Sulzer says Foraker told him that

McCumber agreed to talk only

5 hours – but McCumber told Foraker

6 days, and Nelson 2. Got my

friend T. A. Wickersham, of Colorado

& the representative of Walsh, the

Colorado mining millionaire &

Col. E. B. Smith to work & they say

they can get the “Washington Post” and the

“Times” to work for immediate action

by the Senate & roast Nelson & McCumber

The Times editorial “The End of the Funnel”

after referring to the fact that the Oklahoma

Statehood Bill, the Rate Bill, the Meat

Inspection bill &c. are yet pending, said:

[newspaper clipping:]

“Thus the big business of the ses-

sion is jammed in the small end of

the funnel. Everything is crowded

into the last days of a session of

which everybody is wearied and for

whose end everybody is anxious. It

is a great opportunity for manipu-

lation and trades. Back of all these

features lies the Wickersham Fed-

eral judgeship case, before the

Senate in its executive capacity.

Nothing in years has aroused such

intensity of feeling in the executive

sessions as this case, and trades and

influences otherwise unexplainable

are accounted for by reference to

it.”

Sulzer asked Senator Teller {of Colorado} about

the statement a the paper on the 1^st

that he was opposed to me: Sen. Teller

said it was a mistake – that he was

for me strong and intended to make a

speech for me if necessary.

-6^th-

Nothing much today – Sulzer says

things are coming – but I think they’ve

stopped!! Nothing new in the newspaper

line today – except that I am afraid

of the “Times” – Am afraid that my

enemies have them loaded for me,

- but one should’nt borrow trouble –

its enough when it comes. Wrote

to Debbie today –

-7^th-

Went over to the “Times” office this morn

=ing and talked first with Mr. Richardson

asst. Ed – or City Ed. about the proposed

attack on me by the Times – he said he

knew nothing about it – that Mr. E B.

Smith had spoken to him, but would

I step over & see Mr. Woolover.

He introduced me to Mr. W , a

dapper young man with positive

and fixed ideas that I was wrong

& Nelson & McCumber right –

said he had talked with both

of them and had promised Mc

Cumber that he would not say

anything about me before Sunday.

Had quite a long talk with the

young man who promised me

that he would not say anything

without seeing me in advance.

- my impression about him is that

he is already worked up to fight me

as hard as his paper will allow him.

Had a short talk with Richardson

as I came out – he seemed very

friendly – but I am afraid that

its a plant against me.

-8^th-

Nothing!! My friends in the Senate

seem to have quit. Piles told me this

morning that I would be confirmed

sure! but I am satisfied that old

Nelson is “smoothboring” – he is

trying his best to get between me

& Piles & is really having some

influence on Piles. Senator Hemen

=way told me about his row with Nelson

It seems to have been hot & personal.

Went out to Cabin John bridge

with Smith this evening.

Letter from Debbie. Darrell ought

to be in Philadelphia tomorrow.

-9^th-

Nothing: Wrote a letter to Norman

Shultz, 45. Broaday, N.Y. stating

how McCumber & Nelson are fighting

He will show it to Everybodys Magazine

& Appletons Booklovers Magazine – which

published Rex Beach’s Nome Stories.

I want to get one of them here to

see Nelson & McCumber - see

the climax to those stories.

Darrell will be at Philadelphia

tomorrow or next day & I am going

over to see him.

-10-

“Tacoma” is in Philadelphia & I

must go and see Darrell. Went

out & saw Senator Hemenway & ex

plained some things about my

defense to him - & stopped &

told Sen. Piles that I was going to

Phil. Took 4 oclock train & Dar

=rell met me at the “Bellevue – Strat

=ford Hotel”. Bless his heart he

looks just as he did years ago only

a little more manly. Staid with me

till 11 oclock & then back to vessel.

We had a good visit & home talk.

-11^th-

Went out this morning to the

“Tacoma”, off League Is. Navy Yard.

Lunch with Darrell – met

Micheal, his classmate, Hanrahan,

chief engineer, Nav. Officer Mr. Hulme

- his wife & Phillip, & other officers.

Darrell seems to be well liked - &

likes his brother officers. After lunch

he came to town with me, & first went

to the tailor to be measured for clothes.

We then hired an automobile & went

riding through Fairmount Park &

along the Schulkill river – we rode

for two house & reached the hotel

just in time for dinner. After

dinner we went to Keiths Theatre

- vaudeville – It was a beautiful

day – and Darrell certainly enjoy

=ed it – and so did I. Bless my

boy – he is pure gold. He is anxiously

looking for tonights mail, for he

has not heard from his mother –

except what I told him – since

he left the Bermudas. He kissed

me good night & went back to

his ship ~~for~~ at 11:30 p.m-

-12

Spent the day in old book stores –

“Rosenbachs” & Rhoads – “The Franklin

Bookshop.” Bought Rafinesque’s

“American Nations” “Townsend Narrative”

& a few others. Left Phil. at 3:20

arrived Washington 6:20.

-13^th-

Saw Senator Foraker & he shakes

his head – thinks opposition will

talk me over the session. Also told

me that McCumber was now charging

that I am responsible for publication

of “The Looting of Alaska” in Booklovers.

Also saw Senator Bailey who told me

that he thought the matter would come up

- that objection would be made to taking

up the Barnes case until mine was dis

-posed of! This may entangle me in

politics! Went up this afternoon &

saw Solictior Gen. Hoyt. & explained

things to him. He says the President

ought to take hold & will see Sen

=ator Knox. But I feel sure

Knox wont do anything – he is

warmly for me – but detests polit

=ical strife – the struggle for place.

I telegraphed the Booklovers Mag

& to Frank D. Arthur & Shultz, N.Y.

asking them to get statements from the

Booklovers Mag. saying that I had

nothing to do with publication

Called on Major Lacy, of Iowa, to ask him

to see Foraker about “Looting of Alaska” story

& told me that Senator had seen

& asked him to see Lacy &

have him (Lacey) assist in getting a bill

reported out of Public Lands Com. of the

House of which Lacey is Chairman. Lacy

told that he did not feel opposed

to the bill – but that the Com. did – but that he

should say to

that Hansborough & McCumber were holding

up my confirmation because I was his

friend - returned & told the

that McCumber & Hansborough

could not be appeased & intended to talk

me out at the end of the session. “Well”,

Lacy said “Ill return good for evil & will

report his bill & he did so against odds

& with Hansborough present. However,

Lacy then asked to see Senator

& have them quit – the bill cannot pass

without Lacys active help & it is a

matte of great moment to N. Dakota.

- it is a bill appropriating a million

dollars to drainage of the Red river valley.

- all this happened this afternoon.

Lacy also told me that Walliver, of the Times

who threatened to write me up, is from Iowa

- he is a Cummins striker - & against

Lacy – therefore for McCumber & Nelson.

11. p.m. Mrs. Walter E. Clark just called

my telephone to tell me that they had some

news at the office – N.Y. Sun – about my case.

Called up the office & they say that the Senate

steering Com. today put my case on for one

of the matters to be voted on & settled before

the session closes!!

-14^th-

Darrell came over this afternoon &

had dinner with me & Cushman – we

went to the theatre. McCumber is

now charging me with responsibility

for publication of “Looting of Alaska.”

Piles is “cock sure” as is Sulzer, but

Foraker says that I cant get a vote

this session. Foraker is a “quitter”.

A flying machine came into town

from Luna Park today, circled around

Wash. Monument, White House & Capitol

& thence back – no breeze – conditions ideal

- machine so far a plaything – impracticable.

-15-

Prepared answer to McCumbers charge

that I am responsible for publication

of “The Looters of Alaska.” Frank D Arthur

from New York is here – he is trying to get

copies of the letters written by the Pennsylvania

copper gang in opposition to me, for use

in his litigation against Helm, et. al.

-16-

Ex. Gov. John G. Brady in town!

More trouble for me. Nothing today

in Senate. Dinner with Harry

White, of Seattle, who will try to do

something with Brady. Arthur also

worked on it some & will do more from

New York – he says that Blackburn

is evidently working with us now.

-17-

Darrell came over & spent part

of the day with me – we called on the

Clarks & Miss Dorothy. It seems

now that Welliver, the Times man, to

whom I talked the other day went

& told McCumber about it & gave

the most damnable turn to it – told

McCumber that I wanted him to attack

McC the liar! That was now what I

wanted – but only to stop attacks on me!!

Major Lacey saw me again today – he

said Hansborough called on him & wanted

him to get in & work for their North Dakota

drainage bill – Lacey told him he would not

do it as long as McCumber attacked me.

It seems that the Northern Pacific & Great Northern

R.R.s want it – their attorney called on

Lacy – who told him the situation – he started

west to Chicago to see the officials of those

roads & reported to Lacy today that he

thought the matter could be arranged in a

couple of days. Lacy told me that he

favored their bill – had already reported

it favorably from his committee, but that

no one would be recognized in the house to

bring up the bill, but Lacy, and that he would

not do it until they confirmed me. If that

club dont fail it may bring some result

in a few days – nothing but a club

will bring my confirmation now.

-18-

Saw Foraker – he asked me to rewrite

my letter about “Looting of Alaska”

& leave out references to McCumber

- thought them too pointed! Did so.

You cant tell the truth about a Senator

else he gets mad & says you are attack

ing him. Nothing new.

-19^th-

Recd. telephone message from Mr. Alden

Sen. Forakers clerk & went up to see

him. He said the Senator told him

to say to me that McCumber now

gave up the charge that I was party

to the publication of “Looting of Alaska”

articles, but was furious about the

charge that I sought to inspire the

Washington Times to attack him &

his friends & that Foraker thought it

hopeless to do anything now in the

matter as it would only be talked to

death – “that it was really the Presidents

fight anyway, and not his. He

said the Senator would, of course, bring

it up if he could – but – no hope, &c.

Foraker is a quitter : McCumber

has been working him & Nelson has

been working Piles & both have quit.

I went & saw Col. Boynton, Mgr.

Assoc. Press, & he told me to go back &

see Richardson & Welliver of the

Times – may be McCumber was not

telling the truth. I saw Richardson

the city editor of the Times & he was

frankly honest & remembered the

facts just as I did : Welliver

was not present & I am to go back

& see him in the morning – there is

where the trouble lies – but I am

surprised that he should repeat

such a story – its against news

-paper ethics!! Richardson is

all right – now if I can get Welliver

to tell the simple truth – another

lie will be nailed – but too late I

feat to help me out this session.

Senator Piles says they had my case

up again & McCumber fought me on

the allegation that I had tried to get

the “Times” to attack him & Piles says

he was much afraid of the result!!

What a damned, incompetent

& miserable mess the Senate is

as triers of fact! Secrecy & lying

are the foundation stones.

-20-

Went to see Welliver & Richardson, the Times

newspaper men – and to my surprise they

both agreed at once to make a statement of

the true facts of our conversation – it seemed

to me that Richardson had been talking

seriously about it to Welliver, who wrote

& signed a statement denying that I

had ever sought to have him or his paper

attack McCumber & Richardson O.K. it

I then prepared a full statement in answer

to McCumbers allegations – made

four type written copies &c. Gave one to

Foraker, one to Bailey & another to Piles.

The matter did not come up today but

may at any time. Bailey told me that

he though seriously of blocking confirm

=ations until mine was voted on – he did

not say positively that he would do so.

-21^st-

Nothing, except that Major Lacy has

failed to work his scheme to press the

Dakota senators to let go, as I expected

he would. Have not learned particulars

but will in the morning. Gov. Brady

& Sheldon Jackson are “knocking.”

Foraker has practically “flunked” on the

ground, as Alden, his Sec. said: “It’s the Pres

=idents fight, not his,” and the N.D. senators

are pressing that on Foraker hard,

while Nelson is mollifying Piles by lies.

-22

The morning Post discloses that the

Barnes, Washington Postmaster case

was put ahead of mine yester

=day, upon motion of Carter.

This was done because Senator

Tillman who is fighting Barnes,

agreed to present his objections

to Barnes & then let it go to a

vote, but in my case no agreement

could be reached, except that Nelson

& McCumber said they intended

to fight me to the end of time!!

[sideways, left:] For Continuation of

this book see Book

beginning this date.

[sideways, right:] “Post”, June 22,

1906.

[newspaper clipping:]

“NO VOTE ON POSTMASTER.

Senator Tillman Promises Not to Delay

Action After To-morrow.

No vote was taken in the executive ses-

sion of the Senate yesterday on the nomi-

nation of Benjamin F. Barnes as post-

master of Washington, but on the promise

of Senator Tillman that after to-morrow

he would do nothing more to delay the

vote, it was agreed to take the nomina-

tion up then and dispose of it.

By a vote of 29 to 17 the Senate in ex-

ecutive session displaced the nomination

of James Wickersham to be judge of a

United States District court in Alaska,

and gave preference to the Barnes’ nomi-

nation. The Wickersham case was dis-

cussed without a conclusion being reached.

It is doubtful, in view of the action of

the Senate yesterday, whether this nomi-

nation will be voted on at all at this

session.”

Major Lacey has been trying for

some days to get the N.P. Ry & G. N. Ry.

interests to force McCumber to quit

but so far without avail. He tells

me that a Mr. Carroll, an attorney

from St Louis, and an atty. for the N.P.

went to Chicago to see Pres. Elliott

of the N.P. who was very much incensed

at McCumbers bull headedness, but

could do nothing, as J. J. Hill, of the

Great Northern is the North Dakota boss.

Mary had a little watch

But she swallowed it one day.

And then she ate some Cascarets

To pass the time away.

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary10-1905-1906

< http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary10-1905-1906.htm >

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary11-1906-1907

James A. Wickersham diary [11], June 22, 1906 to Feb. 7, 1907.

(cover)

June 22, 1906

Feb. 7, 1907.

[photograph of Alexander McKenzie]

[photo caption:]

“ALEXANDER MCKENZIE

Receiver extraordinary in most of the disputed claims cases at Nome.”

This is the “Boss” who kept the fight

up on my confirmation for so long.

J. W.-

-June 22, 1906.

Hill, of the G. N. Ry. is the boss of the

McKenzie-North Dakota Apaches

who are fighting me & he is now

in Labrador, out of reach of the

telegraph or other communication.

Major Lacy went to see the Pres.

=ident this morning & told him

the situation. The President said

that he would be in office for two

years and more, and that I

should remain Judge in Alaska

that long, anyway: that he had

great regard for me – that I was

- or am - the best territorial judge

in our territories and that he

intended to support me to the end.

He, however, referred to my remaining

here so long & to my visit to the

newspaper – the Times story.

He has evidently been talked to

by some of my enemies, and is

not conversant with the true facts.

I also went to see Senator

Foraker. He asked his clerks to

vacate the office so that we could

talk freely. He told me that some

days ago, becoming convinced that

McCumber would talk the case over

the session, he wrote a letter to the

Atty. Genl. in answer to the letter

from the Atty. Genl. to the Senate urging

action in my case, saying that he

was satisfied that it could not

be brought to a vote ; that he consid

=ered it his duty to so inform the

Atty Genl. so that he might call it

to the attention of the President

in time to permit him to withdraw

my name and present that

of a successor if he so desired.

He said that he received a reply

from the Atty Genl. saying that he

had submitted the matter to the

President who had informed

him that he did not desire to with

=draw my name: that he considered

me a good man and that he would

not only not present another

name but would reappoint me,

if the Senate failed to confirm.

Foraker resented the tone of the

letter toward himself, declaring

it to be “bumtious” – but said

that it was flattering to me.

He also told me that the

matter came up yesterday

in Ex. session, and that the

motion to displace me with

the Barnes case was voted

by the administration men &

he denounced them for it. He

expressed himself as very friendly

to me, said that he had done all

he could to secure my confirm

=ation and regretted that it had

failed. Senator Foraker

also told me this: That prior

to his appointment on the sub committee

& prior to meeting me at the hearing

on Feb. 20, he was prejudiced against

me by the statements of Nelson & Pettus

& that only on meeting me at that hearing

& hearing my statements &c. did he

have the least suspicion that they

were trying to mislead him. He made

it perfectly clear to me that he

was prejudiced, and would have

even signed a report against

me, before that hearing. This

did not mean as much to him as

it did to me, since it shows me

conclusively that Nelson & others

“packed” the jury” on me solidly,

- all three members of the subcom

=mittee were known in advance

to be against me – and yet with

that start, and a secret session

- secret records and all, they

failed to down me!! Well I had

some pretty good friends.

Walter E. Clark met Senator

Spooner coming out of the White

House today & said to him: “Well,

they are not going to confirm Wickersham

are they?” and the Senator replied,

“No, it is better to let it go over &

let the President reappoint him.”

“Yes” Walter said, “if he will do it,

- will he?” & Spooner answered

“Yes, of course.” So even he

is friendly and informed.

The “Star” this evening said:

[newspaper clipping:]

“WICKERSHAM AND BARNES.

Two Nominations That Were Discuss-

ed Without Action.

Two contested nominations were before

the Senate yesterday afternoon in execu-

tive session. They were Benjamin F.

Barnes, assistant secretary to President

Roosevelt, and named for postmaster of this

city, and James Wickersham, to be judge

of the United States court for the district

of Alaska.

There was an understanding that a vote

would be taken on the Barnes nomination,

but the Wickersham case was first on the

calendar. Senator Carter moved to displace

the Wickersham case, and this was done by

a vote of 29 to 17.

By this time it was so late that it ap-

peared that a vote could not be had with-

out a night session, and by agreement the

case went over until 3 o’clock Saturday.

After this agreement was reached the

Wickersham case was taken up again and

an unavailing effort was made by Senators

Foraker and Bailey to get a vote.”

I bought a new trunk & am prepar

=ing to go home on Monday – but

I must see Solicitor Genl. Hoyt,

first, about the terms of court at

Valdez & Fairbanks , and I want

Senators Piles & Hemenway to

see the President. I dont

intend to go as long as there is

a fight on. Late tonight I

received in the mail from Senator

Forakers secretary a copy of

the Atty. Genls. letter which Foraker

considered “bumtious”. It is as follows

“Department of Justice, Office of the

Attorney General, Washington D.C.

June 21, 1906.

“Confidential.

“My dear Senator: I have brought to the

attention of the President your confidential

letter of the 19^th instant in regard to the

nomination of Judge Wickersham, now

pending in the Senate. The President believes

strongly that Judge Wickersham has been

one of the best of our Territorial judges and

has displayed courage, integrity and

high judicial qualities in his office. He

earnestly hopes that the nomination,

which he conceives to be the best possible,

will be confirmed. Of course, if the Senate

should vote adversely upon the confirmation

“the President would make another

“nomination, but only in that case. It

“is his purpose, until the nomination is

“acted upon, to continue Judge Wickersham

“in his present position by recess appointment.

Very truly yours,

W. H. Moody.

“Hon Joseph B. Foraker.

“ United States Senate.”

I am almost prouder of that letter

than I would be of the confirmation

- certainly, of a perfunctory one.

The President also said to Major Lacey

this morning, “I will be President

for 2 years & {8} 4 months - & Judge

Wickersham will certainly be

judge in Alaska for that time.”

That all sounds pretty good

to me, and compensates for my

struggle & long wait.

-June 23^rd-

Heard but little – heard that Mc

Cumber had affidavits from Welliver

saying that in my interview with him I

referred to the May Booklovers “Looting

of Alaska” saying “that shows you the kind

of a man – (or men) – that is (or are) fighting

me.” &c. Well, what of it?

Foraker promised me the original

letter from the Atty. Genl. to him but have

not yet received it. This evening just

before closing office the secretary of

the Atty. Genl. telephoned asking me

to call & see him on Monday morning.

Getting packed up ready to go

home on Monday, or Tuesday.

Major Lacy says the President told

him I should remain judge for 2

years & 4 mo – whether the Senate

confirmed me or not - but I think

he would not reappoint me if they

rejected the nomination. I certainly

would’nt serve if he did.

June 24. Sunday

Received telegram from Henderson.

Dep. Clk. Fairbanks, this morning saying:

“Reliable news from Washington that

Roosevelt yields to Senator Nelson.

Can we do anything”? Henderson

is the only one of my appointees who

has taken the slightest notice of my

fight or given me the least warning

or assistance. I suppose now

they are telegraphing to Fairbanks

for more assistance – of for protests

to the Pres. – no one can tell what

they are doing since they are both

shrewd & unscrupulous.

Have just had talk with Senator

Piles; he says Foraker suggested

to McCumber that my case go over

till next session – McCumber

evidently thought it was loaded &

wouldnt agree to anything!

Piles says a person who is friendly

to the opposition told him that they

were now talking of a new “dis

=covery” – viz: That Jarvis, Clark,

Richardson & I are in a conspiracy

to graft things in Alaska &c.

& they have some story of a meeting

in the New Willard last winter at

which Jarvis & Richardson had

a row, - it is not said that I was

present. (I guess that Piles

got that story from D. A. McKenzie)

Piles wouldnt tell me) –

-25-

Went to the Dept. of Justice

- saw the Atty. Genl. ~~In his~~

He said that the President &

he thought nothing more could

be done at this session in my

case, - that the President intend

=ed to reappoint me, so they

thought it would be better for me

to go at once to Fairbanks

& convene court.

I suggested to him that as

I intended to make a change in

the office of clerk I wished he

would talk with the President

& suggest a good man whom

both knew. He asked the salary

& promised to talk with the

President about it.

I then went over to the White

House & sent in my card to

Mr. Wm Loeb, the Presidents private

secretary. When, after half hours

wating I was admitted I told

him I wished to see the President.

He passed into the Presidents office

& the President came out &

as he grasped my hand he gave

me one of those famous smiles

& began: “Well, Judge Wickersham

I want you to go back to Alaska

and continue as judge. Dont

talk to newspaper men nor to

anyone else – dont do anything

except attend to your duties as

judge. Dont let Senators hear

a thing from you – facts of

conversations are often distorted.

I will be President yet for two

years and eight months &

Ill support you that long.

You can depend upon me to

stay by you that long – go to

work. Good day”, & with

another hand shake & a

smile he was gone.

This is only the substance

of a much longer monologue

which he delivered while his

strong eagle eye looked into

mine. I feel sure, now,

of my position with him,

& of his fighting support.

I am now ready to believe that he

told Major Lacey that he would

keep me in office for the balance

of his term without regard to what

the Senate said. He is certainly

my friend & supporter, & it

will take more positive proofs

of my defects than my enemies

now have to change him. He is,

it seems to me, prejudiced in my

favor, and against my enemies

all of whom, thanks to my lucky star,

are now fighting the administration.

Of course, after what both he

& the Atty Genl. said I must go

home - & it is the greatest relief

imaginable. If the Senate does

not reject my confirmation this sess

=ion, but passes it over, and he

reappoints me, my case then becomes

a strictly Roosevelt administration

fight, and I can view it with quite

a different feeling from what I have

heretofore had.

This afternoon I spent in the

Dept. of Justice arranging the

details of handling the appropri

=ation for rebuilding the Fairbanks

Courthouse & jail. Also insisted

upon are examiner from the Dept

of Justice visiting my district

& checking up the offices.

Also procured a telegram to be

sent to Judge Gunnison ask

=ing him to go to Valdez & hold

the term of court there. Also

telegraphed to Stier, Clerk,

Fairbanks, calling a term of

court there for July 30!

I sent a fine copy of a photo

{of the President}

up to Sec. Loeb, this afternoon with

the request that he sign it & it

was returned – below his picture

the President had written:

“To Judge James Wickersham

“with the best wishes of

“ Theodore Roosevelt.

“ June 25, 1906.

I am very greatly pleased with my

days success with the President.

Some days ago I left a copy

of a photo with the Secretary of

the Vice President Fairbanks

On sending for it I received the

following note from his secretary.

“My dear Sir: The Vice President has

“autographed the photograph as

“requested and also one for you

“personally. He expressed a

“wish to see you before you left

“the city. Very truly,

“ Russell King, secretary.

The two photos are large & fine

ones and on one there are the

following sentiments:

“Judge Wickersham, with

“the cordial regards of his

friend, Charles W. Fairbanks:

and on the other,

“With all good wishes for the

future prosperity, greatness

& strength of Alaska.

Charles W. Fairbanks.

June 23, 1906.

After dinner took carriage &

went out & called on the Clarks,

and then called on Mrs. Fairbanks

& Mr. & Mrs. Timmons, her daughter

& husband. Timmons is a lieutenant

in the Navy – grad. of Annapolis,

and a fine fellow. Missed the

Vice Pres. and went to Capitol

but the Senate was in session

grinding – so did not see him.

-26^th-

Left Washington on the early

train – Baltimore – Harrisburg

Pittsburg, where I took dinner

at the Ft[?] Pitt Hotel and reached

Chicago on the morning of the

-27^th-

Called on Mr. A. C. Frost, of the

Alaska Cent. – lunch with him

at the “Midday Club.” - Met

Col. James Hamilton Lewis,

who made his usual pitiful

talk about his influence with

Moody, Atty. Genl. & the President

resulting from acquaintance during

their service in the Spanish War!!

- in which poor J. H. L. did not serve.

He was profusely friendly & asked

me if I had transportation to

Seattle – told him no – he offered

to get it – but I declined. But

at lunch Frost also ~~saw~~ asked

the question & finding that I had

none at once instructed his

Sec. to get it – but said I must

wait till tomorrow - & I said

I would do so – it would save

me nearly $100. Could not

get a room at “Auditorium” but

succeed at the “Annex.”

-28-

Bot some Americana at

McClurgs. Took an automobile

ride out along the north side

got my transportation from Mr.

Frost & left Chicago at 6:30

for home. Frost sent me a box of fine

cigars with the transportation.

-29^th-

St Paul this morning early –

Breakfast at the Ryan & then

called at the West Pub. Co. about

2^nd Alaska. They assured

me that they were ready to publish

& would guarantee to get it out

by Dec 1. Met Harry Foster

- John Snyder on the N. P.

going west with me. Have

heard nothing from Washington

since leaving there. It is a

beautiful, cool day -

-30-

Montana - - -

-July 1^st

Reached Tacoma this even

=ing at 8:30 Debbie well.

Has been at The Sands Hotel

all winter & I go there too.

-July 2^nd

Busy with correspondence

&. George and Notti here

Telegraphed Frank Morse,

Olympia, for Matt, Piles address

- Aberdeen. Am to meet my

land clearer tomorrow & others

at Reids office. Sent for mother

to come down – to try & settle

her land matter with Power Co.

3^rd

Mother came down today

- have telegraphed Hardin

Debbie & I are at the “Sands,”

trying to get packed & ready

to go to Alaska. Went out

with Glaser & Charlie Peterson

& examined the clearing on my

70 acres & finding it fairly

satisfactory I paid the balance

due on the clearing contract.

-July 4^th-

Parades – noises – crowds –

patriotism – boys – noise!

Nothing yet from Washington

Deposited 2 mo. salary & checks

amounting to $1100 & odd

dollars, - drew $500 – leaving

a balance – with Debbies $200.

of about $2000. in Nat. Bank

of Com.

-July 5^th-

We go over to Seattle tonight

& to Alaska tomorrow

on the Str. “Dolphin.”

Met Johansen & his bride

& took dinner with them. Also

Dick Ryan called - The shoe

is now on the other foot – Dick

wants me to help him & Ill see

him damned first. Also met

Murane who goes to Juneau

to attend the Rep. convention – it

looks as if he & Shoup were tying

up together – McChesney thinks

that Cale of Fairbanks & Wasky

of Nome – the Miners candidates

will be elected – but I am not

so sure. I am afraid of the

socialistic – miners candidates

- success for them means the same

spirit of intolerance that prevails

in Idaho & Colorado, - anarchy

Am greatly pleased to know

that the President has again

- for the fifth time – reappointed

me as judge of the Dist. Court.

It is specially

satisfactory to have

the President stay

by me so strongly.

It will give me

courage to do my

duty without fear

or favor. Bob

McChesney told

me last night

that Frank Cleary

said to Wall:

“Well it dont

make any difference

to us who is judge

but[?] we must own

[newspaper clipping:]

“Seattle P-I.

Judge J. A. Wickersham

PRESIDENT APPOINTS

WICKERSHAM AGAIN

Also Signs Commission of Wm. N.

Bristol as United States Dis-

trict Attorny

OYSTER BAY, July 5. – President Roose-

velt today signed commissions for the

following appointments:

James Wickersham, of Alaska, to be

judge of the district court of the Third

division of the district of Alaska.

William N. Bristol, United States at-

torney for the district of Oregon.”

him.” & Wall was greatly excited

by the belief that “we” owned the

present judge – me. What a

great damage a poor degenerate

fool can do – & how readily some

reach a conclusion from a suspicion

That any one should pay any

attention to poor drunken Cleary

is past my comprehension –

but they do – when they wish to.

Got a letter today from John

N. Conna warning me to expect

- or rather to fear personal violence

from the Pratt-Nelson-Miller-

McCumber-Stevens gang at

Fairbanks. A judge in Alaska

must watch assassins in the

U.S. Senate as well as in the

wilds of Alaska. But with the

President behind me I fear

no criminal – though I realize

that Senator Nelson has encouraged

crime & disrespect for the courts

& the law even far more than he

knows – in Alaska.

Mrs. Tom McGowan is on the

Dolphin going in with us. Also

Notti – whom I procured the

President to pardon for shooting

a man who jumped his claim.

-6^th-

Left Seattle on the “Dolphin”

at 9:30 in the forenoon. Beautiful

day – Port Townsend – we stopped

20 minutes – Puget Sound, Straits

of De Fuca, San Juan islands, the

Gulf of Georgia – a beautiful

inland sea – the great highway

of old from Asia to America &

now the highway back to Asia.

-7^th-

Queen Charlottes Sound.

Bella Bella, Millbank

Mr. Galbraith, Ms. McGowan

Mrs. Thornton & Mrs Wickersham

play whist. The Cheerful

Idiot offered prizes for the

one judged by the crowd to be

the happiest person on board

& to my surprise I received

nearly all the votes - & the prize

- a deck of cards.

-8^th-

Sunday – Dixons Entrance

the quietest trip I have ever made

Church services: Mr. Edwards,

of the Episcopal Church, who goes

to Sitka – a young man who will

know more after a year in Alaska

& Dr

Ketchikan – Mr & Mrs Coutant.

Ed. the Mining Journal, Comr. Stack

=pole & others got on going to

Juneau. Also met young Shoup

(Arthur), Dep. Marshal at Ketchikan

His father is candidate for Delegate

to Congress. Boat also stopped

at Hadley Smelter.

-9^th-

Douglas. Treadwell Mines.

Called on Dr. Moore, brother

of Judge Moore of Nome &

was much pleased thereby –

he is very friendly to me.

Juneau – Met Marshal

Shoup, & L. P. Shackleford –

went up to Shoups house

& talked about political

conditions in the Territory.

Shoup is candidate for

Delegate and has the support

of S.E. Alaska & also some

of the communities along the

coast to the westward.

Met Judge Royal A. Gunnison

- his wife & Mr & Mrs Cobb, her

father & mother. He is a big, happy,

boy – honest, frank & courageous,

but as constant ~~wearing~~ dripping will

wear a rock – so will he go to

peices with the rapidly increasing

strain and develish intolerance

of the lawyers & litigants of his

district. Reached Haines

Mission & Ft. Seward in the

evening. Judge Gunnison went

with us to Skagway – we called

on the officers at Ft Seward.

Reached Skagway at Midnight

remained on boat till morning

-10-

W. P & Y. gave Debbie & I me trans

portation to Dawson – paid $20.00

Left Skagway 9:30. Saw Sam.

Wall – from Fairbanks on his way

to Cordova – gave him a letter

to M. J. Heney – and told him

to look into the Comr. office there

- that I would appoint him if

he wanted it. He said, however,

that he was looking for a newspaper

opening. Whitehorse at 5. pm

Str. “Dawson” at wharf, but we

wont go out till the morning.

-11-

Left Whitehorse at 4 a.m.

Lake Labarge, Hootalingua

-12-

Selkirk, White River

Stuart river - Dawson

We arrived in Dawson at

8:30 p.m. 6 ½ days from Seattle

The most pleasant trip I have

ever made to Alaska.

Capt & Mrs. Barnette are here

on their road out to Seattle.

Long talk with him about things

at Fairbanks – he & his friends

have now agreed to fight Cole

for Congress! Agreement with

Hoggatt (Gov) who left here

this morning on Lavelle Young

-13-

Visited the Bear Creek dred

=ger, met Rothchilds, Sr &

Jr. – the principal owners –

Dinner with Roedigers

& Mrs. Orr. I greatly

regret that Gov. Hoggatt

Major Richardson and

Orr let yesterday before

we reached Dawson on the

“Lavelle Young” for Fairbanks

-14^th-

Visited the Col. Williams

dredger on the lower Klondike

today – The dredger is the

coming method of mining

both in this region & Alaska.

Nothing from Juneau convention

yet. We leave on the

“Hannah” on Tuesday morning.

-15-

Sunday – rainy. Mr. & Mrs.

Roediger, Mr & Mrs Finney, Mrs.

Orr. & Charlie & Dorothy Roediger

& Thorold Orr. Took dinner with

us at the Kenwick. Nothing

from Juneau yet.

-16^th-

Remained in Dawson – at the

Regina Hotel. Telegraphic

dispatches that C. D. Murane

of Nome, nominated for delegate

to Congress by the Republican con

=vention at Juneau. Ryan is

sore & kicking – glad of it. It

is reported that the Democratic

convention will nominate Cole

of Fairbanks – I hope so, for

then I can oppose him with=

out criticism. Met N. A. Fuller

who wrote letters to his people at

Fairbanks to support Murane.

-17^th-

Left Dawson at 10. a.m. on the

Str. “Hannah”. Six hours at

Eagle City – went to Courthouse

& every man in the camp called

& I was greatly pleased that they

so unanimously expressed their

satisfaction at my return as judge

When we passed the “Sarah” this

afternoon we stopped & Tom McGowan

gave me letter from Henderson with

copies of Fairbanks papers. It

seems that when news of my

reappointment came to Rampart

they had a “torchlight procession!

- evidently for Wingates benefit.

“News” has strong editorials &c for

me – but I must stop that when

I reach Fairbanks. Eagle is

full of memories of my earliest

efforts in Alaska – it was my

first home there – and poor

Howard – it seems as if he

must be near by – I am glad

to go – Sent telegrams &

-18^th-

Circle this morning: Inspected

the Com. office, & met miners &

business men – they seem to be

pleased to see me & congratulate

me on the Presidents stand.

Ft. Yukon this evening – just

stopped long enough to deliver

the mail but I called on Miss

Woods of the Episcopal Mission

who told me that the officers gave

every needed support in aid of

the enforcement of law & order.

-19^th-

Rampart at 10. a.m. Met many

miners, businessmen, - everybody

but Wingate & 3 or 4 others & all

seemed pleased – they said so

at any rate – at my return.

Ft. Gibbon, Tanana, Weare,

at 4:30. The Str. “Tanana”

here to take us to Fairbanks.

Met Ex. Gov. Swineford - & got

a paper showing nominations

C. D. Murane, Nome, Republican

Judge Mellin, Ketchikan, Dem.

Ex. Gov. Swineford “ long term. Dem.

Cale, Thos. Fairbanks, short term, long term

Wasky. Nome, short term.

-20^th-

Left Ft. Gibbon at 4:30 this

morning – detectives on board

searching for clues to the box of

gold dust stolen the last trip

- $68,000. – by exchange of shot

for gold – either (1) at the bank,

(2) or on the str. “Tanana”, (3) or on

the Ida May, or (4) at Tanana,

where the original box was found

out back of the stock corral

- with 2 bricks of gold = $9,000.

& the rest filled with shot. It

seems to me to have been rank

carelessness on someones part –

but who’s? They have – so the detec

=tives think – caught the thief who

stole the box off the boat at Tanana

- but as it was not opened by this

last thief – there seems to have

been two distinct thefts in relation

to the same box. Much excite

ment – and a big reward offered.

It was a very clever piece of work.

Passed “Hot Springs” slough - Lyren

Smith got on. He tells me that

Manley has bought these springs

from “Dad” Karshner – who has

a homestead – that Karshner

is to prove up & then Manley

buys the property!!!

-21^st-

We are making good time – the

“Tanana” is pushing a big barge

loaded with mining machinery

- 2X boilers & 5 engines &c. The

great wide valley of this Ohio

of the North looks inviting to

settlers – it is now a trackless

wilderness – yet when the U.S.

are filled & the people are land

hungry here is a fine region

for an independent & hardy people

“Twa tilla” – the Indian village,

is just above the upper mouth of

the Nenana river – on both sides

of the Tanana, - a bluff on the

left hand, going up – on the right

going down stream. Probably

75 or 100 Indians in sight –

their light & graceful birch

bark canoes skimming the water

- their fish racks red and burdened

with fish – split, hung & drying.

The upper village on the point

was a scene of barbaric thrift

& animation – I counted 17 canoes

on the beach just in front of it.

-22-

Sunday: Arrived at Chena

early but did not stop. The “Tanana”

took us up the Chena with the great

barge ahead – 315 feet in all –

We were met 4 miles down by

the “Isabelle” with a delegation

from the Chamber of Com. & town

officers – cheers – came aboard the

Tanana & welcomed me back to

Fairbanks. The town looks fine

- as usual a big fire hurts individ

=uals, but helped the town very much

The old log cabins – unsightly spots

- the different sorts & styles of build

=ings have gone – and whole blocks

of well built buildings occupy the places.

The streets have been widened – in the

fire swept division – the banks, stores

& business houses all rebuilt & the

town looks better than ever.

Gov. Hoggatt & Major Richardson

here & had good long consultation

with them Have urged the support of

Murane – but all seem to hesitate

since Cale seems to have this camp.

Hoggatt is greatly chagrined at

the cowardice displayed by Shoup

who had agreed to run for delegate

& who could undoubtedly have been

elected – but who seems to have been

a quitter altho he had the convention.

Murane is on the road to this place.

but Hoggatt & Richardson on leave

tonight for Nome. Everybody

seems friendly & I am assured

of the support of every good element

in the camp.

-23^rd-

We could not get our house – the

Smiths had paid rent to the end of this

month & refused to move – even though

I offered to pay back the rent & the

excuse of moving. Smith has been

drinking - & she too - & has been very

unsuccessful in the management

of the Cold Storage business this winter

on account of it - & is cranky.

I must do something to stop the

newspaper war going on here

over me – the “News” lauds me &

the “Times” damns me. I asked

McGinn to go to the News & ask them

quit defending me & to quit fighting

my battles – but too late to stop

the battle today though it was brisk.

We have been stopping with Miss

Thompson – now Mrs. Roy Maddocks.

- Dodges first lieutenant, &

trying to coax the drunken & disgusting

Smiths to vacate our house, but so far

without success.

-24th-

The lawyers are coming around slowly

- Pratt, with his usual courage, came

up & shook hands – Miller sidled

in looking like he was scared & Clay

pool took it off with his usual bravado.

Carr, however, amuses me – he gave

me open & really valuable assistance

early in the winter, but evidently they

appealed to his vanity & he was certainly

against me the rest of the time - at

least he “cussed” me & trained with

my opponents – appointing to office

only my known & outspoken enemies.

But he was the first man to go down the river

on the “Isabelle” to meet me & remained

constantly near me. My friends now

insist upon retribution, but I am bound

to go slow – I wont act hastily.

Conna induced the Smiths to move

& we’ll get into our house tomorrow.

-25-

Very busy signing liquor & other

license orders – an accumulation

of same for 10 months being presented

to me for that purpose. Have also

signed several orders fixing time to

hear applications for injunction.

Dinner last night with McGinns.

Busy also with Jeffries getting my

correspondence of last winter copied.

Since coming here I have inquired

about gambling at the “Horse Shoe” Saloon

& I am satisfied that there is now a

game running there – so this afternoon

I called up Apple & Monroe, lessers,

& explained that charges were preferred

against me by Dodge, Pratt, et. al. on

that account – that now I am notified

&c. - & that gambling must cease on

the premises! They told their lessees,

Frey, Griffith & Marks, - Griffith came

to see me & I made it perfectly plain

to him that it must stop, never to go

again, - He “kicked”, but I told him

that I would enforce my lease which

provides that no illegal business shall

be carried on on the premises & in Add

=ition that I would not grant license

for his saloon. He agreed to quit &

not to allow it again. I am determin

=imed not to allow gambling of any

kind on my premises. Harlan

has received word from Washington

- from the Atty. Genl. to suppress

gambling – the direct result of the

efforts of Dodge, Pratt, et. al. but

is inclined to go slow about it.

-26-

Pretty well caught up with the

licenses – refused one for a dance

hall – because it was to a woman.

Working on courthouse plans, &c.

The threat by the Dept. to close up

gambling has started the business

men & saloons - & they have been

after the “Times” for permitting Dodge

to run it against me &c. & made

them agree to quit. Telegraphed

for vault doors &c. We are settled

in our own home again.

-27^th-

Working on 2^nd Alaska – caught

up with licenses. Officers have

caught all the theives who stole the

$69,000 from the Washington Alaska

Bank shipment on the “Tanana”.

They were principally men employed

on the boat, - the watchman & others.

Geo. Dribelbis tells me that gambling

has stopped entirely on my premises.

- told him today to see to it that it

remained so permanently.

Miss Sullivan has thrown up her lease

of my lot on 2^nd St. – I forgave her

all back rents – her house was burned.

The “News” tonight makes a covert

attack on Murane, the Republican candi

=date for delegate to Congress, by quoting

Wingate, the Rampart “Forum” man in

an attack on Koonce, Thumm, &

Stanley, the election officers there.

The “News” knows that Wingate is my

bitter opponent & these men my friends

and why they needlessly attack them

I cant imagine. Barnette, McGinn

& others will regret their active support

of Cale – the Fairbanks candidate – for

he represents the firebrand element of

the territory & his election will give

courage and power – not only to

Manley and my other enemies, but

also to the Socialistic, Anarchistic

elements which have, in the name of

Unionism, made the political condi

=tions in Idaho and Colorado so

intolerable.

-28^th-

Spent all afternoon hearing

the case of Cook & Klonos – one

of the Dome Creek cases - about

which Nelson gave me so much

trouble. This is an application for

injunction – I am going to hear that

& settle pleadings – then have all

the testimony taken by referee

- then either send the case to one

of the other judges or have it decided

by a referee! I will not decide it.

My courage returned & I tried the case!

-30 - 31^st

Called court on Monday - &

ordered jury com. & Clerk to prepare

jury lists &c. Also heard Cook

v Klonoo[n?], & after hearing was

completed I granted an injunction

against those only who are working

& extracting gold, - so as to preserve

the substance of the estate & then

said to them that I would, 1. Send

the case to either of the Territorial

judges, or , 2. Appoint an attorney

to be agreed on by them, to hear and

determine the case – or 3. Appoint a referee

to hear the testimony & reduce it to writing

& then send the record to another judge or

4. I would listen to any suggestion

that they might make. Also dismissed

30 cases – dead ones. Appointed court

crier. Court in Century Hall –

Hearing short equity & divorce cases.

August 1^st

Injunction issued in Charlton v Hill.

Bishop Rowe’s reception:

We are having a spirited time about

Dean Stucks letter to the Attorney General

attacking Harlan about gambling

Hoyt, acting Atty. Genl. wrote Harlan

quoting Stuck as complainant & saying

that he must enforce the law – Easy

to say – but we think that if we

control the situation instead of

attempting to enforce blue laws we are

doing something practical –

2^nd

Cleaning up the small matters in court

- trying divorce cases, &c. Abe Spring

tells me today that the “News.” and the

new newspaper scheme have amalga

=matted – that Thompson will be the

manager – that they will publish the

“Evening News” & the Morning Miner”

and that they will both support the

court and law and order, as

against the “Times” which will do the

opposite. Lawyers are quickly

getting into line and are acting with

decency – all except Pratt, Dodge,

and Frazier, - they are hostile.

Miller acts like a scared boy &

de Journel like a good natured

one who had been licked and wished

to forget it. Claypool acts with his

usual gall & Apache deceit. I

can scarcely believe that Carr is

so rottenly traitorous to himself

& me too, as the evidence seems to

prove. He came in today & talked

quite a while – he damned the fellows

who fought me last spring – and

inquired if I saw the record which they

had made in the Senate against me!

He was so anxious about it that I

was satisfied that he wished to know

that I had not seen it, - but I gave

him no satisfaction – My friends

all urge me in justice to myself

& to the community to be rid of him –

and I intend to do so – but in time.

I do not want to give the impression

that I am seeking revenge

-3^rd-

Mr. & Mrs. Walter E. Clark

of Washington – correspondent

of Post Intelligencer of Seattle &

New York Sun & the Commercial

of New York, & Nadeau and

Chilberg of Seattle, Fair Commissioner

arrived here this morning on the

“Tanana”. Clarke is touring

Alaska for his papers & the

other two men in the interests of the

Seattle – Alaska – Yukon Fair.

-4^th-

Heard motion docket today &

started the ball – cases moving

slowly – but there is nothing

like the work that I confronted

when I first went to Nome

Prepared bill exceptions in the

case of Nelson & Hensley v Meehan

& Larson – this completes the appeal

of the case which Senator Nelson

fought me so hard about – if the

Ct. Ct. of Appeals should affirm

my action it would amuse me

& embarrass some Senators who

pretended to great learning in the law.

Have also met Mr & Mrs. Parry

- from Indianapolis, Ind. friends

of Senator & Mrs. Fairbanks – they are

here on a short visit. The town

is full of people & all built up

- in much better shape than formerly

- all except the Court House & Jail

& we are rapidly completing plans

for them. We are building 2 new

rooms to our house – Front &

Noble Sts. & putting in a heating

plant. Spent evening at Edgars

- present besides Edgar & Lizzie

& Debbie & I – Mrs. Ambrose,

Jack Ross & Bishop Rowe.

I hoped to get to talk to the Bishop

about Dean Stucks protest against

the “Floradora” Saloon & dance hall.

Stuck filed written protest with me

yesterday – the Bishop is opposed

to his meddling, - but I did not get

to talk to him.

-5^th-

Our new house is up & enclosed

but not roofed & it is raining.

-6^th-

Called Grand Jury today

& gave them written instructions.

-7-

Am being annoyed to sell my

corner where the Horse Shoe saloon

is – Dick Woods, McGinn, Spring

Leahy & others have talked to me

about buying – but I have

not concluded. The “Business

Mens Protective Assoc.” was formed

last night – the main design seems

to be to help the Saloons – they had

Dean Stuck present & he will

withdraw all his opposition – but

not his letter of protest, which

his friend Dodge can use against

me the rest of the winter. But I will

grant the license anyway. Am

finished with preparing digest

headings for Alaska cases & will

~~not~~ now begin on Index Digest of the

2^nd Alaska Reports.

-8-

Fire at the corner of Cushman

& 3^rd destoyed stock of goods for

my tenants – grocers - & scared

everybody in town – it seemed

as if another general conflagration

had begun – but the water pressure

from the N.C. Co. pumps was so

prompt & strong that it easily

kept it under subjection.

Court work very slow – miners

are in the midst of their season.

-13-

Court all last week – nothing

but grand jury work – no equity

cases ready for trial. Clarks,

Nadeaus & Chilbergs out to creeks,

& busy with Exposition & other

matters. On Saturday 11^th

Tom Cale, candidate for delegate

to Congress came back – a “corporals

guard” & a band met him at the

depot & a public speaking was

held on the old courthouse grounds

It looks as if he had a good

chance to be elected – but no

certainty as McGinn & lots of

others are fighting him here.

Petit jury was called today

& several jurors excused. When

that was done ~~Prat~~ I asked the

attorneys in

if they were ready for trial & they said

they were & I ordered the clerk to

call the jury. Pratt arose (he

was not an attorney in the case)

& said that as the jury was short

he supposed I would order a

special venire to fill it – I said

no – it would be filled in the

case for trial. He urged that as it

was a matter of interest & the lawyers

were interested he would like

to be heard. I answered that

if it was of interest to the lawyers

they could discuss it out of

court – or to the court in any case

where they were appearing. I

refused to ~~call~~ issue an open {venire} to fill the

jury or to hear him – upon the

conceded ground that his was

a mere attempt to thrust his

advice – unasked – upon the court

at a time when he had nothing

before the court & no right to be

heard. He asked to be heard as

amicus curie or “friend of the court,”

& I declined – upon the ground that

I did not need any advice at that

time. He finally gave up & sat

down – surprised, cornered, but

malicious. About the next

time he offers his impudence

to the court I will give him

something to remember.

{August} 14^th

Election Day.

First Territorial Election today

for delegates to Congress. It

seems that Thomas Cale, of

Fairbanks, for the long term &

Waskey, of Nome, for the first &

short term – Miners Union

candidates, have carried the

Tanana solidly. Trying the

Dome creek case Charlton v Kelly.

-15-

Election seems to be Cale & Waskey

Dome creek case on yet - is

stubbornly contested. Today

I created the new Chandlar

Recording District & appointed

Samuel J. Marsh, recorder

- done for Wm. Sulzer, N.Y.

-17^th-

Still trying Dome Creek case

- sent jury out to creek today

to view premises.

I am greatly disappointed

at small vote in territory

- Cale & Wasky elected

but not 5,000 votes cast!!

Cale called on me this

evening, & assured me in the

most positive manner that

both he and Wasky will

support me against all

enemies & have high regard

for me – that they are my

firm friends!!

-18^th

Final arguments & instructions

to the jury in the Dome Creek

case – Charlton v Kelly

It is the first of these damned

Dome creek cases about which

my enemies clamored at Washington

last winter & I am trying very

hard to be so fair & careful

as to rob them of their favorite talk

- am submitting every issue to

the jury –

19^th

Jury in Charlton v Kelly out &

begins to look like a “hung jury”

Our new house is done – we now

have six good rooms – plenty

Jury in Charlton case called for

more instructions tonight & I

gave them at 10. p.m. & at midnight

they agreed – called & went to my

office & received verdict – verdict

for defendant – is a just and

righteous & legal verdict.

It is the second verdict

rendered by jury against the

“muck discovery” – and not one

has yet been made in its favor.

And this is the one real cause

for the opposition of the

speculative miners against

me – well – the muck discov

=ery is a fraud & leads only

to fraud & perjury & must go.

-20^th-

Jury waived in Bigelow v

Conradt. & trial by the court.

21 – 22

Trial of Bigelow v Conrad –

continued & finished & U.S. v

Taylor. Major Richardson

is back from Nome. The

“Powers” got in with Geo. Stevenson

& Crocker, Ankeny bosses from

the State of Washington.

-23^rd-

D. B. Crocker, Col. of Int

Rev. & Geo. Stevenson, of

Seattle in town. Crocker

& Cameron, dep. Col. called

at the house tonight &

paid us a very pleasant

visit.

-24-

49 years old today.

Had a long & satisfactory

talk with Geo. Stevenson, of

Seattle – he promises to take

the matter of my confirmation

up with Washington & the new

Oregon Senators & try to get

them all into line to help

me. Trying criminal

cases in court.

-25^th-

For some time I have been receiving

offers for the purchase of my lot

at the corner of Front & Cushman

Sts. and have always refused them.

Since I objected to Griffith & Frye

gambling on the premises the

offers have been more persistent

Some days ago the Business Mens

Protective Assoc. was formed –

the real object being to prevent a

crusade against the liquor &

gambling interests of Dean Stuck

Dodge & my enemies. One

of the threats always present was

my ownership of the Horseshoe

Saloon – about which Dodge

et. al. blackguarded me so

much last winter. I refused

to let gambling be carried on

there – on account of the

charges so vigorously made by

Dodge, Nye, Witte, et. al. & by

Senator Nelson : The firm grew

ugly because gambling was carried

on at other places – because they

had put in $50,000 stock &c. &

did not have the same freedom

as others & the Business Mens

Pro. Assoc. foresaw a local fight

& probably a general closing &

to avert the war among the saloons

Hill & the Northern Com. Co. & others

offered to buy my interest in the

Apple block, Cecil Cafe & the strip

between the First Nat. Bank & the

Barnette lot for $20,000. As

it was paying me nearly $5,000.00

per annum I was not anxious to

sell and only after some persuasion

and to escape from the fight which

must inevitably continue as long

as I had an interest in the Horseshoe

Saloon I sold it. Made &

delivered the deed today – the

purchaser James W. Hill, is

the manager and ¼ owner in

Fairbanks Banking Co. – he pays

me $10,000. cash - & $10,000.

certificates of deposit in the bank

drawing interest at 8% per annum

due in one year – but he is to pay

$2,500. every three months –

I am truly sorry to sell the lot

as it was my first Fairbanks

property & the best, but it will

divorce me honestly & forever from

the saloon – and thats something.

Trying criminal cases – but

slowly – bad indictments.

-26^th-

Crocker & Stevenson left for

Nome yesterday - both promised

to give me aid and assistance

in the matter of my confirmation

with Ankeny, & the Oregon senators.

Mrs. Nellie Roediger Finnie

of Dawson – so the dispatches say

was delivered of a son on Aug. 24^th

& Dick’s a grandfather.

Have worked nearly all day in

the house – helping Debbie get

it arranged & the new parts

settled for living & comfort.

-27.-

Married Tom. Larson &

Mrs. Minnie Richardson

Trial U.S. v Wm Turner –

Pd. Mills – lumber bill house $600.

“ Howard, contractor in full $130.00

-28-

Jury found Turner guilty. Trial

of Kauffman – burglar – He is the

son of Mrs. C. W Hobart, of Tacoma

- have known them for 15 years or more

- he is a bad boy – has served one

term for burglary – at Walla Walla.

Also begun trial of a Vault Creek

case – Craig et. al. vs

- Carr is for the plaintiffs and it

is made very prominent that Cale,

the newly elected Delegate in Congress

is deeply interested in the case &

that fact is supposed to have more

weight than either the law or the evidence

in its final determination. It is

a case, too, of surface discovery

& Call & Carr are “agin” the surface

discovery – the one thing in the

testimony today which looks good.

-29.-

Concluded U.S. v Kaufman,

- jury is now out. Still hearing

Vault Creek case. Affidavits

for new trial today disclose that

Marshal Perry went into the

jury room when the jury in Charlton

v Kelly. was out, and talked with

jurors &c. Nothing positively

wrong, but oh – so damned foolish

Jury in Kaufman case “Not Guilty.

a miscarriage of justice & I

said so in plain & forcible

language in dismissing the

theif. Major Richardson

& Father Monroe & Father Jette

called –

-31^st-

In trial of Craig v Gilmore

- McVicar, Pres. of Tanana

Miners Assoc. was a witness –

also Cale, Miners Candidate to

Congress – Both put themselves

squarely on record in favor

of my views on “Muck

Discovery” – against muck

discovery.

Sept. 1^st

McVicar & Cale today told

me they agreed distinctly with

me on “Muck Discovery” views

Miners Assoc. meets on Monday

- I am told they intend to

interview me on proposed

amendments to the mining

laws – Tried U.S. v Hansen

today – not guilty.

Sunday, 2^nd

Nothing much – working on

2^nd Alaska – its a bigger

job than I thought & Ill have

to work industriously to get

it out on the last boats.

3^rd

Trial Bayliss v Cooper

mining case from Tenderfoot.

Creek – Claypool for plaintiff

Heilig for the defendant, - decided

for defendant.

-4^th

No jury today – finished

opinion – instructions Charlton

v Kelly – will have printed in

pamphlet form so as to clearly

set before the miners my

views on Marking, Recording

Discovery & Actual Possession

-5^th

Sentenced Miller for stealing

gold bullion from Str “Tanana”

belonging to the Wash. Alaska

Bank – 2 yrs – U.S. v Kinz

trial today – verdict guilty.

Miller pleaded guilty.

Also Kelly & “Moose” Mary

who got 30 days – they

had been in jail for a year

-6^th-

Am disgusted with Parsons, of

the Wash – Alaska Bk – after the

court officers did everything in

their power to compromise with

Miller – the felon who stole nearly

$80,000. gold bullion of the banks

funds off the steamer – to get

him to disclose its hiding place

& after we recovered it by

promising to give him but 2 yrs

in the penitentiary – the Times

the banks paper, abused us for

it – though Parsons promised

in advance that it would not

do so but would support us!

I am if I will do the gang

another kindness.

7^th

Trial U.S. v Watson

guilty. The jury also returned

a verdict of “not guilty.”

-8^th-

Grand Jury filed its final

report this morning – at

the same time 8 members

filed a sarcastic and

ironical statement saying

that there was a bad moral

condition in Fairbanks - that

women of bad character lived

throughout the town – that the

town officers & former grand

jurors had neglected their

duties – that the present jury

had done nothing &c. &c. all

in an ironical & bitter way.

I refused to accept the

communication – handed

it back to them & told them

to retire to the grand jury

room & do their duty – to

indict criminals &c. They

retired - & late this evening

came in with a short report

saying that they had again

considered social matters

& could not agree on indictments

&c. – I then discharged them

-9^th

Put in whole day in office

finishing 2^nd Alaska

law report. The steamers

“Tanana” & “Lavelle Young”

went out loaded with passengers

for the outside = Major Richardson

Joslin, Siglers, & others.

We seem to be finished

with criminal cases – no

case for today & will begin

civil jury cases tomorrow –

Finished the last page

of 2^nd Alaska Reports

- only left to write letters

of explanation & send

out manuscript.

-11^th

Court business slow – called

trial calendar & set civil

cases today – Mrs. Orr.

& Thorald came this evening

on Seattle No 3, - from Chena

on the train. Orr is in Valdez-

-12-

Henry M. Hoyt, Dist. Atty

from Nome came in last night

on “Seattle No 3” & called at

my office today & said that

McCumber, Senator from North

Dakota had filed a rehash

of the charges which I so

fully answered & fought all

winter in Washington –

that they were filed with the

President, who had

appointed him to come

to this division & investigate

my past, present & future.

I was astonished – he

was sick & said he would

come again tomorrow.

-13^th-

Hoyt has been holding close

communion with my enemies

at Dodges house – a sort

of {Star Chamber} court. McGinn, Dillon

Marquam & others are going

to work tomorrow to offset

their influence. Nye, Manley

et. al. rushing & busy –

Hoyt gave me copies of

McCumbers letters – one to

the President and one to Hoyt.

Am considering the idea of going

after McCumber with interrogatories

-14^th-

Manley, Dodge, Nye and their

few followers are making so much

noise that they ~~really~~ imagine

their tin pan to be real thunder.

Hoyt is interviewing everybody

& I am trying to try a case –

Craig v Hanson – Congressman

Cale is one of the parties.

-15^th-

Hoyt is requesting interviews

from all the attorneys – De Journal

declined to be interviewed except in

my presence – I told Hoyt – certainly

a judge ought to have courage

enough to hear a lawyer at his bar

criticise him once in a while.

De Journal came with Hoyt & we

had a very pleasant interview

when it is understood that his

was a mission of criticism.

He said, among other things that

I criticised his client Marks in

my opinion in Marks v Gates,

he complained of the case of Nelson

& Hensley v Meehan & Larson & of

the Dome Creek cases, - but he

frankly said that I was kind

& courteous to the lawyers – was a

good lawyer &c.

The charge that I had mining

claims on Dome Creek, blanket

=ing those of poor miners, and was

interested in them with Barnette

made me smile - until this evening

This afternoon Edgar discovered on

examining the records that some

man by the name of Vallee had

located a group or association

claim on “Dome Creek, and

had counted me in with Barnette

& others, - last July & Aug. 1905.

It was found that Ben Boone had

recorded the notices - & we happened

to find him in town – he said he knew

about it – that the Dome Creek

mentioned was on the little Delta

river, 150 miles from the Dome Creek

where litigation is pending - & it

is now admitted by all that such

is the fact & that I knew nothing

about the filings till yesterday.

De Journal, while in my office

tonight said that he found out

about the filings last winter &

sent for Vallee & learned the truth

about the locations then – yet

his friends, who undoubtedly

knew the truth then, sent certified

copies of that filing on to Washington

as proof of my having located

ground on Dome Creek, near

Cleary, which was covered by

filings of poor miners, & Senator

McCumber, in his letter to the President

of July 3, vouches to him that he

has record evidence, conclusive

and unassailable “of the truth

of the charge!! Verily the race

of liars is tenacious of life.

17^th

Finished the jury case of Craig v

Hansen – Heilig for plft, McGinn

for deft. jury decided for plaintiff

Hoyt went out to the Creeks

today with Roy Maddocks –

Dodges lieutenant, & is being

guided carefully away from any

influence that is friendly to me.

But my friends are beginning to

wake up – “The Times” –

Manleys organ, has been roasting

me – editorially – but the business

men are now interviewing it with

a pin on the point of a stick –

in other words they intend to with

draw their advertisments if he

continues to fight what they think

is their best interests.

-18-

Hoyt got back from the creeks

tonight – he was accompanied &

surrounded by my enemies & had

no chance to see or hear anything

but opposition. Secured affidavit

from Vallee clearing up the

crooked accusation that I had

filings on “Dome Creek” – so I

seem to have – without my knowledge

or consent – Dome Creek 150 mi.

away from the Dome Creek

that Senator McCumber thinks

it is!! Adjourned court for

- until next Monday. Business

men promised now to go and see

Hoyt – “Times” had the meanest

and most vicious editorial today.

“News” & “Miner” damn me with

faint praise & and Hoyt in the

hands of my enemies. Recd.

telegram from Atty Genl. asking

if I could hold court in Valdez

before end of Nov – told him

no, not before February. Recd

telegram from Gov. Hoggatt

saying Commissioner needed at

Cordova – answered asking if

Com. removed from Kayak would not

do. Also telegraphed Hoggatt

about Hoyts investigation

-19-

Worked in office on my list

of interrogatories to Senator McCumber

Hoyt did little at Creeks – heard

business men today in town –

They met him at Dr. Cassels

office – and it was a good

strong representative body.

-20-

Hoyt came to see me this afternoon

bringing his – or rather Dodges

stenographer – he was bumptious

- George – also acted as my stenog

=rapher. Nothing much until

he started to go – he then referred

to the evidence saying that he did

not think much of certain things

- but that possibly he should consider

public sentiment – as a measure

of my fitness &c. & then I broke

loose and condemned the

lawyer that would try a judge

on sentiment. I said “The judges

in Alaska are alone & without

support – and if the Department

sets up the standard of public

sentiment – the courts are doomed.

I said that his presence here

had destroyed this term of court

had created distrust – encouraged

the enemies of law & order & that

the action of the Dept. in again

investigating me after two years

of investigation – trying me by

secret inquiry – by a method

that no court in America would

adopt in trying a tramp for

vagrancy was unfair, unjust,

unAmerican and an outrage &

I protested against it as an

American citizen and as

a judge.

Hoyt admitted – on my cross

-examination that after he left

Washington he had met Senator

McCumber & Nye at St Paul

& that Nye had then come on in

to Fairbanks with full information

of his plans!!! Cale called

later & I told him about the situation

- he felt angry & I never saw Mr.

Harlan so mad. This, it seems

to me, puts Hoyt clearly in the

position of a jobber against me

& I intend to write fully to the Dept

about it.

-21^st-

Hoyt came in this afternoon &

among other things he said: “In

confidence, I say to you that Senator

McCumbers charges in his letter

to the President is are tommyrot!!

I telegraphed to the department

of Justice this morning asking if they

knew of Hoyts meeting with McCumber

& Nye at St. Paul, Minn. Hoyt

expressed great regret that he

had given me McCumbers letters.

He acts to me today as if he was

afraid that he made a mistake

in his jobbing around – I think

he has. I said to him: Mr. Hoyt

have you any objection to me writing

the Department just what has occur

-ed here & then protesting against

it? & he said, No he wished I

would & he wished they might

advise him not to report at

all. He goes to Chena in the morning

& leaves the country in the afternoon

The newspaper men are after

him tonight for an interview

- I hope they get it.

-22-

Hoyt left today – went down

to Chena & staid all day & goes

tonight – Damn the luck –

it has hurt this term of court

- and given me so much extra

work – Cale went also – gave

him letters to Brainerd of the

P-I- Blethen of the Times

& Perkins of the Ledger.

Sullivan & many others – Abe

Spring also. gave Abe $200.

-23-

Sunday – Working with all

my energy on Interrogatories

directed to Senator McCumber

in answer to his letter to the

President. Hope to drag the

truth out of him - I believe

that Hoyt is against me

- 1^st because of his jealousy

of Day & me too. 2^nd, because

of his friendship and alliance

with Carr – 3^rd because

of McCumbers influence

& lastly because he is too

small to appreciate that

I was entitled to be heard or to

have notice. If he is’nt

a very small man (which

I judge he is) he is a very much

greater man than he seems

to be. Roy Maddocks, Dodges

lieutenant, was his guide

all the time he was here &

went down the river with

him to Baker or Tolovana!!

-24^th-

Busy preparing letters & interrogatories

no court – jury excused till Wednesday

-25-

Finishing interrogatories & letters –

am trying to make interrogatories to

McCumber so vitriolic that he will

be forced to answer them.

Have prepared 248 interrogatories

- covering every charge made in his

letter of July 3, to the President, and

have it ready to forward. Have said in my

letter to him

{attached to the interrogatories & as a part thereof:}

“You say to the President: Judges,

honest judges, try cases on the evidence”. That

is admitted. But also: United States Senators

honest United States Senators, who make pers

=onal accusations against absent judges

to the President of the United States, will answer,

plainly, candidly and promptly, such pertinent

questions as the absent Judge may request

them to, in explanation of such charges,

and they will be full, fair and frank about

it. Will you do that.”

Have also written a brief short letter

to the President saying to him, “I accept

his challenges and appeal to you to insist

upon his laying the evidence of my wrongdoing

before you. It is not important to the welfare of

Alaska that I remain here as district judge

but it is overwhelmingly important to the

administration of justice here that the

courts in Alaska be protected from exploitation

and from unwarranted assaults by those who

cannot ~~use~~ control them.” “Mr. President

will you insist upon Senator McCumbers

answering the interrogatories which I have

propounded in explanation of his personal

accusations against me, and then decide

whether I am worthy of your trust and con

=fidence or not.” I have also addressed

a separate letter to Senator McCumber

accompanying the interrogatories, a copy of

which I sent to the President, in which, after

quoting his language: that he has facts in

his possession “that neither Judge Day

nor any other person on earth can meet,

or has attempted to meet, - record evidence

that is conclusive and unassailable.”

I say to him: “I challenge that statement;

you have no such evidence, you never

have had it, and you cannot produce

it to the President of the United States.”

I desire to call you as my witness

to prove that your accusations are false,

and were known by you to be false if you

gave them that careful investigation which

you so earnestly assured the President

you did give them. If you have not sought

wilfully to mislead the President, if you

are honest and courageous, if you have any

regard for your reputation as an accurate

lawyer, you will answer these interrogatories

fairly, candidly and fully and mail your

answers to the President promptly.”

Answer “Yes” or “No” when you ought, and

then make your explanation, - but answer

upon your oath and honor as a United

States Senator who has appealed from

the great majority of the United States Senate

to the President in the name of Justice.”

-26-

Spent the day in getting off mail

to the Atty. Genl. President, McCumber

Senator Knox, Gov. Hoggatt, Senator

Piles, Mr. Jos. H. Ralph, N.Y. &c. &c.

all containing copies of McCumber

- President correspondence & inter

=rogatories to McCumber, so that

they could be fairly informed on the

Hoyt - & McCumber attack & report.

Last regular boat via Dawson for

the outside. Congressman Cale went

- gave him letters to Brainerd of the “P.-I.”

Blethen of the “Times” & Perkins of the

“Ledger”. He will put himself in line

with them so that he can always have

a fair show for news. I am Damn

glad that the last boat has gone,

for now I can attend to the real bus

=iness of the district for a time & get

the law work caught up.

-27-

Bought lot at Richardson from Riley –

Hedges by telegraph informed me that

he had taken possession & Rily gave

me his key – made Q.C. deed, & I

paid him $250.00 Debbie loaned

Fred Crouch $400.00 & I loaned Lee

Van Slyke $50. Trials in court going.

-28^th-

Trial of jury cases going on now.

Wrote letter to Carr, Commissioner

asking him to resign. I placed the

request upon the very general and

public complaint that his private

business is allowed to interfere with

his official duties – that he really

draws a salary of $3000. per annum

for nothing. Received his resignation

this afternoon.

-29^th-

The “Times” greatly regrets the

fact that “Genl. Carrs business compels

him to resign – and then, editorially,

roasts Abe Spring, upon the theory

that I intend to appoint him in Carrs

place. I intend to appoint one who

will go into the office & work, probably

Ray, who is now there as chief clerk.

-30^th-

Sunday: Went out to Vault Creek

today with Carr, attorney for plaintiff

& Cousby & Adams attorneys for defendants

in Craig, et. al. v Gilmore et. al. to look

at stakes, shafts, lines &c. of placer

claims #2, #3, #4 and #5 above discovery

all of which are covered by plaintiffs

Assoc. group claim, - the “Cariboo.”

Went to Fox creek station on the Tanana

Mines Ry. thence to Vant[?] – to “Cale City”

on horseback & horseback again to

the station. “Cale” city is just emerging

from the woods – it is a city of tents and great

expectations.

-Octo 1.-

Have accepted Carrs resignation

as Comr. & have, tonight, had a talk

with Mr. Guy Erwin, whom I have

concluded to appoint Commissioner

(Octo. 1, 1906 – continued)

in Carrs place. John Long is

going to quit & I have an understanding

with Erwin that Phil. Gallagher is

to have his place. Am hearing

the case of Cascaden v Bartolis

for the third time – town lot v mining

claim from Cleary

-Octo. 2^nd-

Telegraphic dispatches this morning

say the “Tacoma” is missing after

a great storm near Cuba.

Sent a telegram to the Secretary of the Navy

asking for news – thats Darrells vessel.

Finished trial of Cascaden v Bortolis

this afternoon & jury is now out – think

it is a hung jury.

Beautiful fall – no snow yet – but

splendid warm & sunny days.

-3^rd-

Telegram from Secretary of Navy

saying that “Tacoma” is safe &

all on board well – she seems to

have run into a port to the eastward

of Cienfuegos, Cuba, - probably to

escape the storm – hence the scare.

Jury in Cascaden v Bortolis, find

for defendant – the second verdict

for defendant – and it is right, too.

-4^th-

Tried Atwell v Reeves, today – a

town lot case – jury finds for the

plaintiff promptly – correct.

Beautiful weather – no snow.

Court house & jail nearing completion

-5-

No jury work – am preparing an

opinion in writing in McQuillan v

Tanana Electric Co. – unlawful

cutting of timber on a valid placer

mine – it is an important matter

now owing to the great demand for

wood.

-6^th-

Opinion rendered in McQuillan v

Tanana Electric Co. – trial of a

case without jury &c. Now that

the last boats have gone – and travel

stopped till the rivers are frozen, the

business of the court is running

smoothly – the calendar is going to

pieces – nothing much of weight in

it and I intend by the 1^st of December

to have every case tried and disposed

of. Telegram day or so ago saying

that Circuit Ct. of Appeals had affirm

=ed my action of a year ago in Steele

v Tanana Mines ry. – one of Pratts

attempts to steal the Garden island

just opposite town – where the railroad

has made its terminal & erected

buildings - depots, &c. That scheme

& the present attempt to “hold up” Cleary

City are one and the same – Steele

was an officer in the Alex. McKenzie

“Alaska Gold Mining Co” which

attempted to steal the mines of Anvil

Creek, Nome. “Looting of Alaska”

tells that story. Pratt, Steele, Rodgers

and one or two dupes are engineering

the steal & they are fighting me in Wash

=ington because they cant carry it

through against my opposition.

Their “Cleary” mining claim was tested

in the case of Cascaden v Bortolis.

- Cascaden has a fraudulent mining

claim covering the townsite of Cleary

& they have, since the houses were built

by the settlers, laid it off into lots & demand

ground rent from the occupants and are

generally successful in forcing the

settlers to pay rather than contest

their several holdings in court.

-7^th-

Beautiful sunny day – the finest

fall weather imaginable – no snow

and no winter signs yet. Spent

the day in cleaning up around the

house – in the woodshed &c. and getting

ready to start up the furnace heat.

Courthouse & jail are nearly

completed – and will help the town

very much.

-8^th-

Trial Weiss v Russell, et. al.

It went off on objection to evidence

Adams, attorney for Manley came

to see me about creating a new Commiss

=ioners district with his new Baker Hot Springs

scheme as the base. They desire to cut

Rampart precinct in two and thus

destroy the latter to help them out

but I told him that I could not do

it until conditions were such as to

justify it. I understand that they

will present petitions & then probably

belabor me with their paper – the “Times”.

Adams, incidentally, told me about the

borrowing of money by Anderson, the main

owner in the “Times” from Manley, and how

it was based upon the fight against me.

This day received letter from J. G.

Snyder, Valdez, enclosing long complaint

about Gambling, &c. in saloons there.

He informed me that a copy had been sent

to Washington – to the Nelson, McCumber

enemies to fight me with. The whole effort

is one to injure me and not to enforce the

law, but it offered me the opportunity

and I sent this telegram:

“John G. Snyder, Oscar Fish, Chas.

E. M Bunnell, Valdez, Alaska

“Am this moment in receipt letter John G.

“Snyder dated September tenth accompany

“ing petition signed by you and other citizens

“of Valdez, complaining against saloons allow

“=ing dance halls and gambling and prostitutes

“in saloons and ask me to have the law

“enforced against them in Valdez. Go to

“Assistant District Attorney O. P. Hubbard

“and say to him to enforce the law in those

“respects. Get your evidence together swear

“out warrants against all parties before Com

“=missioner for violation sections criminal code.

“Have parties arrested before John Lyons justice

“peace and prosecute them. Inform Hubbard

“that law must be enforced. Do not hesitate

“to do your duty as citizens and enforce

“it. You have ample authority if you will

“act courageously. Say to Assistant

“District Attorney spare no expense to enforce

“law. Inform me promptly by telegraph

“if he or any other official fails to do

“perform his duty.

Official business James Wickersham”

James Wickersham District Judge”

“ District Judge

Every one of the local officers of Hubbards

“bum” railroad outfit, Swartz & others

signed it, and he and Snyder are only

trying to manufacture a letter evidence

against me. I intend to make them

enforce the law if it is possible & will

follow this up by other telegrams to keep

them at it.

-11^th-

Mail in from Valdez – 10 ½ days via

Big Delta, by horseback – which shows

that {Major} Richardsons overland trail is assisting

very much. Recd. full report from Clegg

upon his investigation about girl slavery

at Unalaska. One Wm C. Davis formerly

a school teacher there complained to the

President & Dept. about slavery of girls

& the bad moral character of N. Gray, the

Com. appointed by me at that place.

Clegg visited there with detailed instructions

to investigate fully & to prosecute offenders

&c. but upon his personal inspection

and examination of all the best people

there, including Dr. Newhall whom Davis

referred to as the one man worthy of confidence

his report is that there is not and never was

any such slavery or any thing like it there

& that Gray is every way competent and

a good citizen and officer. Gray has

grown so disgusted and outraged by the

malicious attacks made on him that

he resigned early this spring & it is

doubtful if any one can be found to take

his place – the fees will not exceed $200.00

per annum. And thus malice and a small

mind have again seriously interferred

with the administration of justice. I am

personally acquainted with Gray – met him

in 1901, when I held court at Unalaska

& many times since & think well of him.

Nothing to do in court – no jury trial

-12-

Have been much disturbed for 3 or 4

days – Thornton & Hendrickson

two bad men, sentenced to 15 yrs. each in

the U.S. Pen. at McNeils Island, Wash.

escaped from their guards on the Lavelle

Young at Nation – just below Eagle, on

their way out & we offered $250. each

reward for their capture. Recd. news

yesterday that they were recaptured &

on their way out again. It created

much excitement, for it was their fourth

escape, - hope they will be landed, now.

Our office furniture for courthouse

has arrived – the last boat of the

season has come & gone, - and

barring the most beautiful October

weather I ever saw in the north we

are preparing for winter.

-13-

Opinion in Elbing v Hastings

Court work running low.

-14^th-

Sunday. Had a talk with

John Bonnifield today – we

are trying to formulate a scheme

for locating a thousand (1000)

acres of coal land on Wood Riv.

60 miles south of Fairbanks

with a view of providing fuel

for the town & the mines. It

was my proposal but he agrees

that it offers fair possibilities

-15-

Jury trial Marlott v Noyes, over

who stands loss of logs in Noyes

boom when it broke July 4-5, 1905

at time of big flood, - the loggers who

had delivered the logs there on sale or

the buyer who had not yet paid.

McGinn is for Marlott &c. while

Dodge & Pratt are for Noyes.

Warm weather – threatening snow –

No cold weather yet this fall – the

season is a whole month later

than last year, - rivers open &

weather like spring.

16^th

Sent telegram to Postmaster Genl

recommending A. R. Boyle for postmaster

at Seward, - Dr. Boyle, son, requested it.

~~18^th~~ 17

Trial of Marlott v Noyes continued

It is bitterly fought & is an interesting

case. Fine weather but slight

fall of snow & colder.

-18^th-

18^th – Alaska Day. Newspapers

want holiday – but I cant see

any reason in law for doing it

- cases set – witnesses & others

waiting &c. Perry has telegram

from Lathrop saying that my telegram

to Snyder, et. al. was sufficient to

close gambling, &c. That City Council

has taken hold of matter & creating

a restricted district & will then

control & keep gambling & prostitution

under cover – as they ought to have

done long ago. Marlott v Noyes

case on trial. Verdict jury for Marlott.

& thus again justice has gone astray

- Dodge & Justice have been defeated by

McGinn & Wrong!! – to hear Dodge tell it.

He and Pratt may now rub their outraged

parts and cuss the court – though I

sought to do my part fairly. It was

an extremely close and interesting case

- an honest lawsuit – for if I were on

either side I should fight to the end –

Hope I guesses right – for it is sure to be

appealed.

-19^th-

Trial McCord v Nollett, a lot jumping

case. Verdict of jury for plaintiff

Sent telegram beginning of week to Atty.

Genl. saying courthouse done but no

funds for heating – Perry & Harlan signed

telegram also. Answer requiring explanation

why building &c. exceeded appropriation.

Ans. that appropriation was not and would

not be exceeded, but that we desired to put

in permanent heating pipes instead of

stoves & that this expense was not a

part of construction &c.

-20^th-

Beautiful day – fine fall, roads

now frozen & hard – no snow yet for

sleighing – but clear, cold & exhilarating.

Hedges telegraphed me from Richardson

yesterday saying that my lot & cabin there

was desirable for Signal office – telegraph

office – that citizens would repair cabin &c

for years rent – I telegraphed that they

could have same for year if citizens would

do $300. in building permanent on lot.

Trial Coleman v Ross-Higgins Co.

- a town lot case – Claypool for plft

McGinn for defts – instructed jury to return

verdict for the defendants.

Trial Colman v Tharp, Rusk & Smith – an

eqy case, - verdict of jury for plaintiff.

Trial Chappell v Arthur – verdict of

jury for plaintiff.

Mrs. Force – Heiligs daughter

“Florence” delivered of a fine baby

girl on 21^st its great to be “GrandPa”.

It appears that Senator – Vice Pres

=ident Fairbanks is making a great “swing

around the circle” – he is now making 15

speeches a day in Oklahoma. He may

get the nomination for President – I

hope so. When the time comes I will

assist most vigorously. Beautiful

weather – rivers still open & running

though still water is frozen – No snow.

A splendid fall – some miners on

the creeks still “washing up”.

-24-

Beautiful clear day – warm.

Note with Charlie Joynt due today.

$381.50 Woodworth, the stenographer

whom Hoyt brought to my office

to take my statements said to George

yesterday that Hoyt was in Seattle

& had telegraphed him to have forwarded

that part of my statement taken by

both George & Woodworth – he said

that he had burned his book &

applied to George for copy – refused.

-25-

Trial Overgard v Nesterberg et al

- jury called {yesterday morning}

& when instructions

asked they {the plaintiff, by Miller & de Journel}

presented the rankest of

surface discovery instruction – I told

them I would give the instructions in

Charlton v Kelly – Miller & de Journel

whispered a few minutes – then called

McGowan – for defendant – out & talked

mysteriously - & then came in and

finally it came out!! They had

a telegram from San Francisco

saying that I had been reversed by

the Circuit Court of Appeals in the

case of Lang v. Robinson, wherein

a surface discovery was held by me

to be insufficient!! After they had

exploded their small bomb I still

declined to believe that the appellate court

had repealed the law of discovery or had

overruled Chrisman v Miller {197} U.S.

They were scared at their own fears and
then moved to discharge the jury and try

the case before the court – which being

agreed to was done & I am now hearing

the case without a jury – It will be two

weeks before we can get copy of the

decision.

The “Times” this morning contains

a malicious and garbled account

of the reversal, and seeks to mislead

the public and poor prospectors

as far as possible from the truth.

John L. McGinn is on a protract

=ed drunk! Sorry for John is the

best lawyer in the Territory & is in

the midst of his best harvest-

Mrs. Maddocks (Miss Thompson

from Eagle) gave a card party to the

Club yesterday afternoon at our

house. Mrs. W had it now newly

papered, papered &c. and the hot

air furnace makes it a delightful

warm and cozy home. Fine

weather – cold – clear & bracing.

-26-

Gamble v Cribbs – town lot case

on before a jury -

-27-

Anniversary – 26^th of our

marriage –

Case of Gamble v Cribbs

finally concluded – 2 days by a

jury & not to exceed $50. involved!

Beautiful weather – no snow.

We attended the Century Club

Ball last night – for a time – but

did not dance.

-28-

Beautiful Sunday – no snow yet

but the river is frozen over in one

or two spots so that it can be crossed

- but its getting warmer – we still

sleep out in the tent.

-29-

Jury trial Dormer v McCarty – verdict for

defendant. The plaintiff is Belle

Dormer who has been living with

McCarty as his mistress for more

than a year – nearer two years –

She is an adventuress of the worst

type – and old Dan McCarty is

a fool of equal grade. They have

been notorious characters here for

a year or two, - and both ought to have

been punished long ago for living tog

=ether in open and notorious adultery.

-3-

Wilson v Winters – jury – verdict for

deft. Also plea of guilty in U.S.

v Wyerhorst – fine $100 & costs.

Jury cases seem to be ended &

I notified the bar that I intended to

discharge jury tomorrow & call

another in a month or six weeks.

Mild & threatening to snow - but

so far a beautiful month of October

-31^st-

Jury discharged – no jury

cases ready – and bar unanimously

satisfied to have jury dismissed and

another called in a month or six

weeks. Harlan came in this

afternoon & had been walking &

drinking with Reynoldson – says

R- is preparing to attack Perry on

charges of “knocking down” – taking a

portion of the sums received by deputies

for board & lodging prisoners. Whether

there is any truth in it no one yet knows

“Halloween.”

-Nov 1.-

Harry Cohn – Asst Dist. Atty. is

very sick.

-2-

Trial Stearns v Warren – a case of a

“siren and a sucker”.

-3^rd-

Call of motion calendar.

Wrote letter to Col. Boynton, Mgr

Assoc. Press, Washington D.C. & sent

him copy of letters 7 interrogatories

sent to Senator McCumber; Also

sent similar letters & copies to

Walter E. Clark, Wash. D. C.

& to Editor J. H McLean. Minne

apolis Journal.

A good snow at last.

-4^th-

Sunday Times publishes the

opinion in Lange v Robinson –

reversing my action of dismissal

in that case, and also a Claypool

editorial criticising me for what

he pleases to call the “new law”

of discovery as laid down by me.

There is really but little in the

opinion that is new – evidently

the court had a poor idea of the

facts, and strained the law to its

utmost – but as it only decided

that case, it will afford me but

little aid – it will, however, afford

the Miller Dodge-Claypool school

a fine chance to carry on big law

suits on a flimsy foundation

of “gentlemanly perjury” and

theory.

-5-

Mail in yesterday – letters from

Darrell. Also Valdez papers which

show that following my telegram to

J. G. Snyder & others the dance halls

& games were all closed & all

that class of people left Valdez

for Cordova, - and there is a howl.

Both papers cry out – but both admit

that a bad condition existed there

& blame the local authorities for it.

Cohn, Asst. Dist. Atty. sick - bad

sore throat for week, dangerous but now

getting better. Beautiful sunny

day – but cold.

Again hearing Vault Creek case –

Reversal of Lang v Robinson, and the

action of the Circuit Court of Appeals

in holding that a few – 2 to 6 – colors

of gold on the surface of the deep over

lying bed of muck is a sufficient

finding of mineral to constitute a

“discovery”, are being agitated by the

Miller, Claypool, de Journel crowd

who editorially in the “Times” and by

loud talk on the street, are trying to

stampede the camp back to a muck

discovery. The “News” tonight flays

them for perjurers &c. & the “Times” will

of course, support them. And thus

the merry war will go on. I will at

once take up the case of Overgarrd,

v Westerberg from Tenderfoot Creek, where

the identical question is again raised

& will consider it carefully with a

view of supporting labor & truth.

-6^th

20º below zero last night –

15º below zero in our tent & I

think Debbie is now willing to move

into the house. We have slept in the

tent since we came here in July.

-7^th-

Decided the Vault Creek case yesterday

evening – held as a fact that Gilmore

made no surface – muck discovery

as he claimed & swore to – and said

that in my judgment he had committed

perjury – notified counsel & litigants

that hereafter in such case I would

state whether the person claiming such

discovery was lying or not – I will,

too, in plain English, for I hope by that

means to stop much of the perjury

that is prevalent in such cases.

It is too strong a temptation for

most miners, when by just a little

safe and gentlemanly perjury by

saying that when they staked they

also – when alone – panned along

the muck bank and found colors

of gold – and thus win a case where

thousands of dollars – and even greater

sums are involved. If I should

weakly yield to what is claimed to be

the decision in Lange v Robinson, it

would substitute perjury for

discovery. Tried case of McDougall

v Newlands & Olsen today – a case

where wood choppers trespassed

upon a homestead & cut timber

Held, that the timber and wood belonged

to the homesteader & not to the cutter.

Claypool was beaten again for he

represented the woodchoppers – he

is unfortunate in his cases – and

probably “cusses the court” accordingly.

Clear & cold, 10º to 20º below.

Election news: Republicans carry

New York – Washington & Congress

will continue Republican

Am not going hunting=

-8^th-

Clear & beautiful day.

Tried case of Wimbish v Cascaden

a miners lien case & an interesting

one.

-9^th-

Beautiful day – clear & warmer

Just recd. telegram from Attorney

General asking me to go to Juneau

in February and try the Berners

Bay cases – mining cases & to

telegraph to Judge Gunnison

about it & then advise Dept.

Also telegram from L. P. Shackleford

from Washington, D.C. asking

me not to refuse to come, and

saying that charges for removal

of Gunnison were being filed, &c.

Verily the judge in the 1^st Division

has his troubles also.

Telegraphed Gunnison giving

Atty Genl. telegram in full-

Loaned Edgar & Fred Crouch

$450. – they agree to repay $200. on

Dec. 1 and Fred is going out to

sink holes on my claims off Dis.

on Cleary Creek.

-10-

Call of Motion docket and

trial of Elbing v Hastings –

“Times” this morning contains

editorial – attacking me on the

“discovery” question & placing

itself flatly in favor of “Muck

discovery”. This editorial I

am informed was written by Claypool.

-11^th-

Go out to Cleary Creek today

to locate places for assessment

shafts on my mining claims

on left limit of “Discovery”.

-12-

Reached Cleary at 5 oclock last

evening – walked from end of RR

at Gilmore – 8 miles. Visited

Krause, Comr and others - lodged

at the “Grand Hotel” - $1.00 a meal

& $2.50 for a bed-

This morning in company with

Krause, Fred Crouch & Bryant

examined lines of my bench claims

on left limit of “Discovery Claim”.

Krause surrendered his lease

& all claims to the lay on the claim

Told me that he found 14 feet of

gravel carrying a cent to the pan.

Pointed out two places for Fred

& Bryant to sink shafts – made

arrangements with “Tom” Aiken of

Discovery to let the boys have steam

to thaw with – I to pay for it

Left Cleary at 10:30 a m caught

1 oclock train at Gilmore &

home tonight. Fine day &

beautiful view from summit

Turkish Bath = $5.00!!

-13^th-

Two rows in court today. In the

case of Elbing v Hastings, Roth and

Woodward, the defendants undertook

to dismiss Pratt – their attorney and

he resisted & would not be discharged

in the middle of the case. I postponed

the further trial till tomorrow to give

them time to arrange it. Pratt is

bitter against Attorney Roth, his

associate counsel in that case, and

accused him of unfairness &c. This

afternoon Stevens & Dodge had a

bitter quarrel in which each accused

the other of unfairness and fake swearing.

Bretheren – of that kind – do not always

dwell together in peace.

Learned today that my opponents

sent a telegram to Washington saying

that I called a witness a liar – the telegram

was a lie, for I never used such language.

-14-

Pratt would not settle with his

clients in Elbing v Roth and quit

the case, though they tendered him

his entire fee, so I was obliged

to and did make an order discharg

ing him from the case. Decided the

case for Hastings up on the theory

which Pratt denounced and upon

which he and Roth differed – a

decided victory for Roth.

-15^th-

Recd. telegram from Judge Gunnison

in answer to mine proposing that

he come here while I am at Juneau

- that we exchange so that he can

try the Dome Creek Cases. Gave

the story – telegrams – to the News

& they had a big “scare head” announc

=ing Gunnisons coming – We will

see how the bar will like the

change.

-16^th-

The “Times”, this morning in speaking

of the change of Judges is not

overly enthusiastic, but says that

both I and the litigants in the “pie

-plate-muck-discovery” cases will

be pleased with the change.

Engaged in trial of Becker v Russell

for yesterday & today – will take tomorrow

Learn that my opponents are now

calling Cale, delegate to Congress, a

“traitor”, because he wont help them

fight me. They have written to Senator

Nelson appealing to him & denouncing

Cale. In short they repudiate Cale

& set up Nelson as their representative.

Ladies card club tonight at

Judge & Mrs. Irwin’s.

-17-

Ed. Orr. and the Valdez mail

got in at midnight. Fine

weather – has been only zero weather

for two weeks – clear & beautiful.

Am beginning to shut off on trials

of cases and am closing up all

matters so that if President does

not reappoint me business will

be ready for my retirement.

-18^th-

Sunday – beautiful day – warm

- not below zero – fine skating & sleighing

Reynoldson, chief deputy for Perry

since his appointment in 1900, went

out on the Valdez stage today. Mr

Harlan told me that he carried letters

from Dodge & my opponents – and

I suspect he goes out to begin a fight

on Perry, who discharged him Oct. 1.

They now make a serious but new

charge against me – viz – that I write

the editorials for the “News.” To think

that even my enemies should charge

me with writing such twaddle as

both papers publish in their editorial

columns!! {Thats too much!}

Mr. & Mrs. Orr & Thorald took dinner

with Debbie & me tonight. Am

now working to get motions for new

trials off hands, and all business

closed up before December when Congress

meets – the President will then have to

make a new appointment – and if

Hoyts report is against me I may

not be reappointed – in which case

I wish to have all business of my

office done up to that date.

Am writing opinions today in a

lien case – Wimbish v Cascaden

-19^th-

Hearing arguments in usury case

today. “Times” roasting me daily

Warm & snowing. Nothing new.

Preparing opinion in the case

of Overgaard v Westerberg – a

surface discovery mining case.

-22-

The Eagles Theater, corner

2^nd Ave & Wickersham St.

was opened tonight. It

is the finest hall that I know

of in Alaska – lighted

by electricity & heated by steam

I was asked to make a short

address & did so – recd

long & enthusiastic applause

when I appeared & felt

greatly pleased thereby – it

was an ovation such as

does one good. Entertainment

by minstrels, song & fun-

-24-

Hearing cases every day but

also hearing motions for

new trials &c. & busy putting

things in final order in

anticipation of the possible

appointment of a successor

on opening of Congress

on Dec. 3^rd New

courthouse done – but

papering & we will move

in about Tuesday next.

-27^th-

Engaged for three or four days

in trial of Weiss v Russell.

Cold today - 34º below zero.

Snow yesterday & trails good.

Courthouse about done!

John McGinn came down

tonight to tell me that in

Seattle today Barnette was

a witness in civil case of

Causten v Barnette - &

on cross examination admitted

that in 1885 or ‘6 he was

convicted in Oregon of larceny

& sentenced to the penitentiary

- that he was afterwards par

=doned by Gov. Pennoyer

The “Times” in the morning

will exploit the whole story,

& will, of course, try to damn

me with my alleged friendship

for Barnette. We all

have skeletons in our closet.

-28^th-

40º below zero – a dense

fog prevails – caused by

moisture in atmosphere

I suppose. We finished

Weiss v Russell today but

I adjourned it till Friday for

argument. Also quit the

old Century Hall on 5^th Street -

it was cold as a barn & the

new court room can be ready

by Friday - The Barnette

expose was heralded in the

most brutal way in the “Times”

- the heading “Ex-Convict” being

in letters 6 inches long – ~~three~~

Two years ago Cap. Anderson who

owns & commands the policy

of the “Times” was a tramp &

Barnette aided him – at the

request of Barnette I asked

Stier to appoint Anderson

Road Com. & he did so.

[newspaper clipping:]

“CAPT. ANDERSON

STARTS AGAIN

Old Sourdough Miner Starts

Life All Over Again on

the Coast.

NO MORE NEWSPAPERS

Friends Stake Him to Make a

New Start in the Sew-

ard Country.

March 1, 1910. [handwritten]

Capt. L. B. Anderson, likeable

old Sourdough who once was sup-

posed to be fairly on Easy Street,

left last night for Seward, staked

by his friends to begin life over

again and try for another stake in

his old age.

Capt. Anderson was a victim of

the newspaper business in Fair-

banks, wrecks from which strew

the banks of the Tanana and the

creeks that are pups thereof. He

allowed a bunch of printers to talk

him into a newspaper enterprise,

and once in a game he had to go

through. He had his personal

troubles and sought to make his

paper help him fight them. He

printed a story of the past life of

a man he disliked, and that started

the finish. The man himself, owned

a newspaper ,and that paper pro-

ceeded to print some alleged chap-

teers in the past life of Capt. And-

erson – the notable point of the af-

fair was that the men whom Capt.

Anderson backed to run his paper,

and which depleted his bankroll,

were the men who were running

the paper which first printed the

alleged chapters in the Captain’s

book of life – and they printed it

in the first issue of the paper which

appeared after they took charge of

it. Lawsuits which followed com-

pleted the financial wreck of Capt.

Anderson, and he is now starting

life all over again.

Capt. Andreson is a good old

sport, and Northerners thinks a lot

of him. Wherever he goes and

whatever he undertakes, he will

have the best wishes of most of

the people of Tanana. Of one thing

the world may feel assured – he will

back no more newspapers.”

Anderson collected road

taxes - & “saved” enough to

get started – a mine suddenly

disclosed a paystreak & now

he cant hate Barnette enough.

I am told that he is to appear

at the Thanksgiving Ball tonight

in a dress suit – it is the talk

of the town!! A beggar on horse

back! A blackguard & blackmailer!

It seems that Barnette was

found guilty of larceny as bailee

- sentenced to 4 years & served

18 mos. and was then pardoned

by Gov. Pennoyer. McGinns

brother prosecuted the case &

Senator Gearin defended.

W. H. Adams, lawyer, tried to

make Barnette secure his reelection

as city atty. a year ago – by threats of

exposing him – but B- could not succeed

Nov. 29, 1906.

Thanksgiving Day. We

had a big turkey Dinner

tonight at home. Edgar

& Lizzie. Ralph & Inez Merrill,

Charlie Joynt & Mrs. Ambrose

& Fred Crouch – It was a

fine fat turkey - & a good

dinner – a pleasant hour

afterwards – The table was

loaded with good things – turkey

cranberries (native) mince pie,

salad, apples, candies, &c &c

cigars & cards afterwards &

Edgar, Charlie Joynt & I talked

“Patoka” for an hour. Still

40º below zero – foggy but

quiet – no wind. Fine roads

- trails good – Curling clubs –

skating rinks &c in full operation

Nov 30

Friday. Held court in

the new court house today

for the first time. Finished

trail Weiss v Russell et al

& decided for defendants.

Also denied Pratts motion

to quash proceedings in the

contempt case against Leber.

Leber was served with subpoena

from Clerks office, was paid, &

received his fees, and then Pratt

advised him to go and pay no

attention to the process. He did

so, & upon presentation of the

facts I issued a warrant & he

was arrested at Valdez. Pratt

seems greatly excited – first

because it is his client who is

to suffer from his advice &

second because he is as much

- or more – in contempt of

court than Leber himself.

Harlan came to plead with

me last night – I am told

that Leber is behind with his

accounts as administrator of

the estate out of which this

proceeding grows & this may

account for their anxiety not

to return.

Dec. 1^st

It has been 40º below zero

for several days but this

morning it is but 30º

Court today and finished up

as many old matters & brought

all business up to date as

nearly as possible because

the Congress meets on Monday

and the President may not

reappoint me. If not I am

anxious to be as near cleared

up with the work as possible.

I learned tonight that Leber

whom I caused to be held at

Valdez for contempt was really

on his way to France – to get

money on a mining scheme.

Colder tonight = 40º below.

3^rd

Court – finished up Funchion

v Zimmerman – decided for plft.

against McGinn. Pratt made

a display of his craziness again

& Cohn acted badly – The “Times”

- Anderson – Kelsey, et. al. have

been trying for some time to get

the miners Assoc. to send a

Com. of 3 – Ronan & others

to Washington D. C. ostensibly

to assist Cale, but really to

work against me – It was

brought up tonight at their

regular meeting & Anderson

& Kelsey made the fight but

were beaten on every turn!!

The miners are evidently getting

their eyes open to their true

interests.

-5-

“News” tonight has Wash. D. C.

telegram saying that President

has not yet received Hoyts report

but that if it is adverse he will

not again send my name to

the Senate, but in meantime

I am to continue to act as

judge!! Damn nice fix!

Still at work writing opinions

-6-

Warmer today – only 30º

below zero – it has been 40º

below for 8 days. Nothing

new from Washington today.

Am still doing current court

work & writing opinions.

-7^th.

About 30º below all day –

Rendered written opinion in

Odegaard v Westerberg – the

first Tenderfoot creek

case to be decided – found

for the defendants & Miller &

de Journel are disgusted-

The trouble with them is 1. They

take any sort of a case offered

to them - and (2) they are not

strict to see that their clients

tell the truth – hence lying

is the strength of most of their

cases. We are pretty well

settled in the new offices in the

courthouse. Harlan & Cohn

are moving in today.

-8^th-

Called court calendar & motion list

- but little business left, and that

from day to day. Harlan & Cohn &

Pratt & Dodge are now scared for

fear Carr will be appointed my successor

in case the President does not reappoint

me. They know Carr – he is vain &

while sporting the title “General” is yet

a rank coward – morally at least, -

& they know his feeling toward them is one

of unfriendliness – I can get along with

him – if he should be appointed, as well

or better than most of the lawyers.

Pratt says Dodge wont accept

the judgeship – My! what a farce

if he should. They are depending

on Senator Piles, & Hoyt to land

Carr. Hoyt was a companion &

friend in Seattle & Gov. McGraw

is also a strong friend of Carrs & so

between the three, they hope to get in.

But – lets wait.

-9^th-

We took dinner this evening with

“Judge” & Mrs Erwin – my old Washington

friend – “Tennesseans suh” – they are

nice people & especially Mrs Erwin

who is a typical southern girl with a

slow drawl of negro brogue –

-12-

Warmer yesterday. Am writing

opinions & getting the “house in order”

ready for the rearrangement if a new

judge is to be appointed -

We hear nothing from Washington

about it, - but as the Senate is

now holding up the confirmation

of the cabinet officers it is not

surprising. The Name of Bonaparte

for Attorney General is held up for a

week or more & they must be having

a decided row in the capitol. Let

em fight – it will do them good.

-13-

Bonaparte – Atty Genl. confirmed.

Debbie had the “500” Club – 32 tonight

at cards – a very nice party.

Weather is warmer – about 20º below

but fine weather – clear & crisp.

Nothing all week on my opinion

in Cascaden v Bortolis – new trial.

A very interesting point on the admission

of evidence involved & am giving it

careful attention.

-15-

Opinion in Cascaden v Bortolis

& motion docket today –

Nothing from Washington yet.

I imagine that my interrogatories

to McCumber – sent to the

President have all been sent

to Hoyt, who has been in

Seattle for the last month or

so trying Capt. Bodfish &

Capt. Newth, of the Arctic

whaling fleet for crimes

committed there. Bodfish

was acquitted & the papers

yesterday say Newths case

was continued till next

summer – so Hoyt can now

devote some time to my case.

Recd. notice from Washington

today that I would receive

no salary from July 1 to Aug

6, when I first took my oath

of office, - a loss of $500.

- that makes my loss for the

year – expenses to Washington

& back - $2500. & this $500

- a total of $3000. My

ordinary expenses for the

year will more than eat up

the other $2000. so I will

have worked a whole year

for nothing! Well, it may

be a brave and courageous

thing to hang on & fight for

freedom & good government

in Alaska – but it certainly

dont bring in a large cash

return – but, Ill stay any

way -

-16^th-

Appointed Henry Roden, a

young lawyer ~~Reffree in Bank~~

Referee in Bankruptcy

yesterday – vice Jeremiah Cousley

resigned. Beautiful sunny

day – about 2 ½ hours of

sunshine – there is never

a day that the sun may not

& few that it does not strike

Fairbanks. Our house

is warm & comfortable.

The Barnette expose in

the “Times” was so malicious &

so apparently intended, that

the effect was just the opposite

from what Anderson expected.

He has been so effectually abused

even by his own friends & so

scared now by fear of suits

for damages &c. that he is

as meek as a coward usually

is when in danger. His paper

has not said a word of abuse

against any of us for more

than a week and Tozier tells

me that Anderson told him he

intended to “cut it out” – quit.

The dirty cowardly assassin!

He did everything which an

assassin could or would do

with all the means at his

command - & then wants to

quit. But – well thats another

story.

-17-

Began trial of case Heikkela

v Boucher – a Tenderfoot

mining case – before jury.

Attended opera – think of

it, - at Eagle Theater tonight.

“The Merry Milkmaids” & it was

well staged & produced, the

singing being especially good.

-18-

Continuation trial of yesterday

Telegraphic reports that Hemples

bank & store at Valdez burglar

=ized & burned & St Elias

Hotel burned also.

-19-

Trial of Heikkella case on

Weather has moderated &

for this week much warmer

- about zero. Am now

training at Curling Rink

- fine exercise.

-20-

Reports by newspaper

today that Hoyts report

in my matter has been rec

=eived in Washington & is

in part unfavorable. Well,

Ive done the best I could

on this wild frontier - & have

the absolute approval of

my own conscience - & that

is a victory of itself. I

will heave a sign of relief

when I yield the burden

to other shoulders. I would

rather be in my own position

than to have done as Hoyt

did – try the issues against

a man in secret & condemn

him without giving him the

names of his accusers or

the witnesses against him.

Trial of Heikkela v

Boucher ended tonight by

verdict for plaintiff – a

close case & sympathy won.

Had a row with de Journel

atty. for Heikkela today &

roasted him to a turn. He

roasted me first to the jury

- but I waited until the

jury went out.

-21^st-

Shortest day of the year – a fine

day - 8º below zero but comfortable.

Nothing new from Washington

Hearing another case today – before

the court without a jury.

-22-

Trial of a Cleary creek mining

case – yesterday, today & it will

go over till Monday – The “News”

has out a fine Christmas edition

with Vice Pres. Fairbanks on the

front page &c. and my own

picture on an inside front

page with an attack on

McCumber, Nelson & Kittredge

Warmer weather –

-23-

Sunday – Played at the Curling

Rink last night – my team

defeated. Nothing new from

Washington. Received telegram

from Stephen Birch, New

York asking where a letter

would reach me – I answered

to send to to Fairbanks -

-24-

The “Times” this morning

had a Washington dispatch

saying that Hoyts report

was unfavorable to me –

that McCumber & Nelson

had seen it and were pleased

&c. but that “if the President

concluded to stick by me

he would not send my name

to the Senate till near the

close” &c They do not shout

like they deemed victory very

sure – well – lets wait.

Concluded case of Choate

v Woodson & took it under

advisement. Briefs to be

filed. 25º above zero &

warm.

-25-

Christmas. Warm & snow.

Called on Judge Irwins & had

a glass of eggnog – dinner

with Mr & Mrs Force – the

Heiligs also present.

Warm & snowing. We

received a few Christmas

presents from friends &

gave a few – a very pleasant

Christmas.

-26-

18º above zero this morning

& snowing light – about 4. in.

fell yesterday & last night – this

will make the roads good all winter.

Trial of Yost v Evergreen Min. Co.

a suit by Yost whom I met in

Eagle & on 70 Mile. 5 years ago to

recover his wages -

Recd. telegram from Darrell

this morning, from Seattle, saying

“Am at Bremerton for four months

Puget Sound three more.”

This means that he has been trans

=ferred from the “Tacoma” and we hope

to the “Nebraska” – battleship.

Telegram to “News” today saying

that Senator Penrose, of Penn.

is to see the President tomorrow &

try to have him settle my case

finally – I suppose Penrose

is against me & that his visit

is brought about by McCumber,

Nelson et. al. with intention to get

the President to quit. Well

I dont like to be defeated – but

they dont either, I suppose, and

it’s a question of bulldozing the

President – Can they do it?

-27-

Nothing new, except my

enemies insist that I have

sent in my resignation & they

pretend to fear that Carr

will be appointed my successor

Court today – but only formal

-29-

McGinn received a telegram

yesterday from Mark Sullivan

his partner, who is in Washington

saying nothing known yet of

Hoyts report – is in hands of

Atty. Genl. Bonaparte, but no

information outside as to its

contents. The enemy is prob

=ably lying when they claim

to know what it is. Trial

Yost v Evergreen Min. Co. by jury

- verdict for plaintiff.

-30-

Sunday – fine warm weather

for some time past – just

above zero & fine sleighing.

Recd. telegram from Atty Genl

in answer to mine about

conflict with Signal Corps

who refuse to produce telegrams

in Tanana Trad. Co v N.A.T. & T. Co

He evidently brought them to

a settlement of the matter.

-31^st-

Some colder today - 10º below

zero – a clear beautiful night.

Telegram from Washington

today saying that the Attorney

General had just finished

examining Hoyts report, &c. in

my case and had sent them

to the President. Well!

now it is the President who

is to say what he will do.

Whether he will stand by the

solemn assurance which he

gave me in Washington or

will not – that’s the question!

It will depend for its answer

upon secret investigations

evidence unknown to me given

by persons whom I do not know

- whom I did not have an

opportunity to face, and the

final chance impression

which some thing may make

on his mind – Still I cant

but have confidence that he

will give me a fair chance

If he does not I shall quit

& go to work with a least a

breath of relief that after

nearly seven years of – six

and a half – strenuous life

I can go to work at my own

business with better chances

of success. Heres a Happy

New Years to my friends

and the President!

January 1, 1907.

Fine mild winter day - 18º

below zero at day break but

warmer each hour till at

night it was above zero –

fine sleighing.

Many of the ladies kept

open house, and in company

with others, received all friends

& neighbors who called. Some

served coffee, cake &c while

others served light punch &

still others champagne, whisky

in unlimited quantities. Many

of the young men were drunk

before they finished the rounds.

I called in company with Mr.

Harlan & Mr Cohn – but we went

so fast and drank so little that

we came through safely.

Debbie received quietly & without

ostentation – Lizzie – Inez –

& little Miss Root – Mrs. McNeils

sister assisted here. They had

callers & a pleasant time.

-2^nd-

Intended to go out to the Creeks

today but concluded not to

do so. Fred. Crouch went out

& will get a prospecting boiler

& sink two holed to bedrock

for me on Cleary Creek -

-3^rd-

Nothing from Washington yet.

though I certainly expect a

move any day.

Nothing much in court as I am

unable to begin anything of

importance for fear of leaving

it in a bad shape if I am

not reappointed.

-4^th-

“Times” has a Wash. D.C. dis

=patch saying, in effect that

Atty Genl & President had a

consultation yesterday about

my case – that President is

disappointed with Hoyts report,

- that he will probably send a

statement to Senate &c. It

gives but little information

- only conjectures, but nothing

of a disquieting nature.

He would not need to send

a statement to the Senate if

he was not going to reappoint

me – the dispatch also says

that he is looking for some

way to keep me in office

till I resign!! – a silly

story to that extent – but

the tendency is that the Pres

=ident will sustain me –

New trial in Weiss v Russell

denied today.

5^th

Nothing from Washington today

Motion calendar in court

& a hard days work.

Contest at Curling Rink

tonight – my side won

in a fine game - Snowing

-6^th-

Sunday – Nothing new.

Warm weather – about zero.

-7^th-

28º degrees above zero

this morning – a remarkable

state of weather to me for

I certainly expected it

to be colder around the

holidays.

“News” has just received telegram

as follows:

“Positively known Hoyts report Wick

=ersham direct variance with Days

and against Judge. Finds nothing effect

=ing Wickershams honor or integrity

but conditions Fairbanks district such

as to call for clean slate by appointment

of a new judge. Roosevelt and Attorney

General have had several conferences

ately. President undecided what

to do. Decide few days. Roosevelt

learns Hoyt candidate judgeship in

Alaska. Several Senators criticise

appointment subordinate judiciary

official investigate United States judge.

Within past week petitions wired

Roosevelt from Nome and Juneau that

Wickersham be transferred either place.

President not considering transfer.”

This is the substance of Walter

E. Clarks telegram to the Seattle

“P.-I.” and is probably authentic.

Boiled down it means that some

disappointed litigants are dissatisfied

& that Hoyt wants to be judge!!!

Well, if the decision is against me

I’ll join the ranks of the disappointed

litigants, and give Mr. Hoyt a round

to show him how it feels!

Thompson, Ed. of the “News”,

sent a telegram to the President

urging my reappointment, but I

doubt the advisability of doing so.

-8-

Our side lost the Curling Contest

last night – Rays boys beat us.

Warm weather - 20º to 30º above

& roofs leaking – mine is tight

and does not leak. No other word

from Washington yet.

Percy Palmer gives me a letter

this morning as follows:

“Fairbanks, Alaska, Jany 7, 1907

To the President, Washington, D.C.

Sir. I am the senior member of the firm

of Palmer & Field engaged in mercantile

business at Fairbanks, Alaska. I know

Mr. Henry M. Hoyt, District Attorney of Nome,

whom I met in Fairbanks in September last

while he was here investigating the

judicial situation. He called at my place

of business in Fairbanks and asked about

my views on the question involved. I met

him again on board the Steamer Tanana

between the 22^nd and 24^th days of Sept

=ember 1906 as he was leaving Fairbanks

for Nome, via Fort Gibbon. I went on the

same boat with him from Fairbanks to

Fort Gibbon and was aboard with him for two

days and a half. At the time he left Fairbanks

Mr. Roy V. Nye, Bion A. Dodge, Roy Maddocks

and Robert Fleming were on the boat. I met

Mr. Hoyt several times during the two

and a half days voyage down the Tanana

river from Fairbanks to Fort Gibbon. I

occupied a stateroom adjoining that of

Mr. Hoyt and since the partitions were very

thin and it was impossible to prevent it

I overheard conversations and consultations

between Mr. Hoyt and those gentlemen

regarding a report which they were preparing

against Judge Wickersham. I know those

men and know that they were all opposed

to Judge Wickersham and know from their

conversations and consultations with Mr. Hoyt

that they were preparing a report against Judge

Wickersham for Mr. Hoyt to use. From their

consultations with Mr. Hoyt it impressed

me that they were engaged in getting that report

into such shape as to meet Mr. Hoyts views

since he was frequently consulted about it.

Mr. Nye is a lawyer formerly of the firm of

Carr & Nye at Fairbanks, and had his typewriter

on board and was busily engaged in the prep

=aration of the report assisted by the other

gentlemen. Mr. Bion A. Dodge is also

a lawyer and I am informed that those two

have conducted the local opposition to

Judge Wickersham for a long time.

Mr. Maddock & Mr. Fleming were assisting

them. The substance of the report was

against Judge Wickersham and they

held frequent consultations in regard thereto

with Mr. Hoyt who seemed to assist them by

stating the points which he wished to have

them cover in their report.

Messrs Dodge and Fleming got off the

boat at Hot Springs about half way

down to Fort Gibbon; Mr. Maddock went

on down on our boat until he met another

boat going back up the river where he

transferred; while Mr. Nye went on

down to Ft. Gibbon with Mr. Hoyt. From

my general knowledge of those men I know

that they were actively engaged in making up

this report against Judge Wickersham

and had let no opportunity go by to do

him an injury and Mr. Hoyt knew it also.

During the conversations I had with

Mr. Hoyt at Fairbanks and during that

trip he said to me that he was coming back

to Fairbanks and gave me the impression

from what he said that he was coming

back as judge of this district in place

of Judge Wickersham. I have no

interest in this matter other than as a

citizen and one who desires to see the

courts of one country given a square

deal. Respectfully,

“ Percy H. Palmer.”

Several business men have expressed a

willingness to assist in sending the above & in

an endorsement to the President by telegraph.

-9^th-

Nothing new except business men will

act – but the telegraph is down & may

not be up for some days - & then we

will telegraph Palmers letter & backing

to the President. Heard case today

arguments in Choate v Woodson, et al

-10-

The thermometer dropped 40 or 50º

yesterday afternoon & last night &

was 35º below at daylight this

morning. Nothing from Washington

- telegraph lines down. Business

men passing around an endorsment

of Percy Palmer & condemning Hoyt.

-11-

The business man rather “flunked”

- they are so afraid of getting into a

controversy – that they will not assume

burdens & may be they are right – They

brought their paper in and advised

against sending it – that the contents

seemed a reflection not only against

Hoyt but also the President &c. &c.

so I asked them to forgo their endorsment

of Palmer & let him stand alone.

- think they fear I am down anyway!

-12-

30º above zero this morning.

The “Times” this morning has a

roast of Palmer – calls him an

eavesdropper &c. & threatens him

with the loss of business. I am

now convinced that this threat of a

public attack was what scared

the others out last night. The most

pronounced characteristic of a

“business” man is cowardice – he

calls it “conservatism”’ Nice long

letter from Leehey – of Brown & L

- Lawyers, Seattle. Mail in & Debbie

got 2 or 3 letters from Darrell

- he is on the “Nebraska.”

McGinn has been drinking heavily

this winter - & losing cases - & now,

he, too – cusses the court! He is still

nice to me – but refuses to act - & talks

ugly when not in my presence.

McGinn & Dillon carried around

the Palmer letter with a short statement

in support of it and several of the

lawyers signed it – others will do so.

-13-

Sunday – Mild – but windy

Nothing new from Washington.

The Masonic Club, had large (for it)

meeting last night & I gave a talk

on the Quadriform (Cardinal Point) basis

of the order & explained how those same

principles were widespread in America

- in Asia in Ancient times & today.

-14^th-

Nothing from Washington yet – the

telegraph wires are down on account

of high winds. Spent whole day

in hearing trial of McCarty estate.

-15

Nothing: Hearing McCarty Estate.

-16-

Hearing in McCarty Estate ended.

very interesting question of law of

descent – curtesy involved –

Began trial Thomas v Freidman –

Sick this afternoon – adjourned court.

Think it is a culmination of long

continued nicotine poisoning from

smoking cigars.

-17^th

Feel better today & continued court.

The telegraph lines have been down

since the 8^th and no word from

Washington since that date.

Decided Thomas v Freidman – in

favor of plaintiff.

-18-

Nothing from Washington. Cold

- 40º below again. Trial of a

small admiralty case.

-19-

50º below zero - woo′-uh

but its cold. But I rather like

cold weather – One expects it &

really it seems as if we’ve had

none this winter. Nothing yet

from Wash – telegraph lines may

not be up for a month – Well

there will be but a little of it when

the wire comes – either for or against

Vault Creek, a month ago was

said to be utterly valueless – no

paystreak could be found – A

week ago they accidentally dropped

on it & it is growing richer & richer

every day – Vault may turn out a rich

stream. Crouch has the second hole

or shaft down on my claim off Dis.

on Cleary – 41 feet deep, - deeper

than the bed rock on Dis. – show that

there may be a different channel &c

The “Tanana Club” is making great

preparations for a “blow out” tonight

- the 1^st Ann. of its existence. Claypool

has made it a popular guzzling place.

-20^th-

45º below zero last night - 55º

by some thermometers, Sunday &

we took dinner with the St. George’s

& Ed. Stier. Ed’s eye is failing him

21st

Learn this morning that John Knox

Brown – atty, of the firm of Brown &

Erwin, got full Saturday night at

the Tanana Club – started home, got

lost in the fog & froze his hands so

badly that he may lose several

of his fingers. Nothing from Wash

=ington yet – lines still down.

On Saturday evening, just before dinner

Erwin, Recorder, accompanied by Dick

Woods and J. L. McGinn, atty. came

to my house. Woods & McGinn were

demanding the delivery to them of four

or five deeds which Woods had filed

for record and which had then been actu

=ally recorded by Erwin. But that afternoon

Erwin had been served with a subpoena

to appear before Wolcott, Notary Public

on Monday (21) and testify in a case

pending in the district court wherein

de Journel & Miller {et. al.} were suing Woods

et. al. a civil case, & the subpoena

commanded Erwin to bring those deeds

with him. The subpoena to Erwin

was individually and not officially.

Upon agreement of McGinn & Woods to

produce the papers before the officer

on Monday at the time required I

advised Erwin to let them have them

since they were already recorded & paid

for & he had no right to retain them for

any purpose whatever.

-22-

Telegraph lines still down & no

word from Washington. Hearing small

cases and closing up the business of

my court – am refusing to begin any

new business of importance, but am

leaving it till we hear from Washington

since that is the only safe course.

Warmer today: Debbie sick with

a severe neuralgic pain in the back of

her head – muscular rheumatism or

something equally painful.

-23-

Busy in court – The telegraph

wires went into use tonight at 7 p.

m. but no news – expect it in the morning.

-24

The “Times” has a six inch scare head

this morning “Wickersham Out.” &

telegraphic matter dated Jany 12th

of the usual doubtful and pointless

character. Its substance is that the

President has concluded not to send

my name to the Senate again &c. &c. An

hour after I saw it the “News” telegrams

began to come in and as late as the

18^th the President was still considering

the matter. The News telegrams say that

Falcon Joslin, Kellum, Al. Murphy,

and Washburn of the N.C. Co. had that

day called on the President who expressed

himself as glad to see them & told them

he was interested &c. They also went to

see the Atty. Genl. The Merry War

evidently goes on. The Times said

that Ballinger of Washington would

be appointed in my place, but the later

telegrams say {Judge} Ballinger – late mayor

of Seattle, had just been appointed Com-

missioner of the Genl. Land Office.

The “News” tonight has the late telegram

all of which seem favorable to me. I am

amused at the flare heading of the News.

The “Times” heading in 6 in type was “Wick

=ersham Out.” and the News, “Ballinger

In.” and then in small type it shows

that he is in the office of Com. of Genl Land

Office. Everyone is laughing at the

Times. I learned today from Tozier

that Cap. Anderson, owner of the Times

is damning Tom Cale, delegate in Congress

& accusing him of treachery because

his advices show that Cale is supporting

me in Washington. Nothing in the

papers later than Jany 18^th.

-25-

The “Times” this morning is very tame –

telegram says Hoyt was with President

yesterday & that he will act soon. Capt

Anderson & the gang were crowing long &

loud yesterday morning, but the days

telegrams cooled them down considerable

Max Kolm, artist, displayed copy

of a new seal for Alaska today – the Arctic

Brotherhood is behind him – the design is

much better than the old one – but not quite

satisfactory to me. I object to his use

of “Mush on,” instead of the French

“marchon” from which it was corrupted.

Cap. Anderson, prop. “Times” said he

wished Jany 24, known as “Wickersham Day”

since that was the day when he!! procured my

final downfall – but wait!

Am busy preparing opinion in re the

McCarty Estate – will find against Miller

& de Journel – and then they will swear as

usual – even worse. If I am reappointed

I intend to take measures to control such

men as seek to destroy the courts by

lying & slander – especially such Attorneys

as thus violate their duty!!

Received letter today from Stephen Birch –

45 Bd. N.Y. giving me the inside of the R.R. deal

from Katalla – Valdez – Cordova. He says that

Morgan & the Guggenheims have finally agreed

to build the road from Katalla. He also wishes

I were out of office and could take charge

of the legal end – and I do, too but I am not.

The letter lifts the curtain & gives me a glimpse

into financial regions – and then lowers it!

Wish I were out – free to go into active work!

-26^th-

The “Times” this morning breaks out against

Cale – says he is urging my renomination

in Washington – “Why?” they ask. – A

beautiful day – sun coming higher &

warmer – a spring breeder.

The “Times” attack on Cale is explained

by the “Northern Light” a hand bill weekly

which also attacks both him and me

in its Saturday night issue of tonight.

We have known for some time that

Dodge & Roy Mad{d}ocks were trying to buy

the Northern Light, but only just now with success.

Today they got control and evidently in

connection with the “Times” have started

a war on everybody in sight. Dodges

editorial on Cale tonight accuses

him of treachery to them, &c. &c. It is

quite evident that they are informed from

Washington that Cale is supporting me

and they are apoplectic in consequence.

Well, Cale is elected for two years from

next March – and they have done me

all the harm they can, so let them kick.

They have reached the end of their rope!

-27- Sunday

The “Times” this morning says it now seems

probable that I will be imposed upon the

community for another term &c. and suggests

that I resign!! They must have some inside

information about the matter of appointment

-28^th

Nothing new.

-29^th-

George Herrington has just been in to see

me. George is married to an Indian woman

- married her in Circle City – by Stewart;

He says Mary – his stepdaughter is now

20 – that she is a common prostitute,

& wholly incorrigible – that his wife &

Mary are both the same – that his wife

sold Mary – sold her services to men

- many men &c. &c. & gets drunk &

was herself a prostitute. George says

Mary accuses of being

responsible for early downfall – but since

she is and has been for 2 or 3 years a

public prostitute it is just possible

that she is also a liar. George pretends

to think that Tozier is attempting to bring

a suit for damages for her – but I think that

he is merely getting her evidence to

assist him in the defence of Cruger

- or Cruver – who is arrested & on trial

before Erwin today for intimacy with a

girl by the name of Sather – what a

dirty mess a nasty “chippy” & a few

malicious wretches can make in

a community. Later: Mr. Harlan came

in after the hearing in the Cruver case & he explains

Geo H anxiety by saying that Mary, George’s

stepdaughter told him that George had long been

intimate with her himself! Harlan is disgusted

with her & the whole mess, and says he wont even

prosecute Herrington because the girl is so

vicious and bad that she is utterly unworthy

of belief.

-30-

Trial of Eisenmenger v Webber & Sturtevant

- Esther Creek case: Nothing from Washington

Dan Jonas came in on todays stage. Things

seem to be quieting down – fine weather.

-31-

Nothing new – trying case of Eisenmenger

v Webber, et. al. without jury – Recd.

letter from Atty. Genl. Bonaparte yester

day containing report of Chas. T. Hutson

Asst. U.S. Atty, Seattle, on the examination

of the charges against Andrew Holman

at Copper Center, Alaska. The Atty. Genl

thinks he ought to be removed on this report

- no notice – no hearing – no chance to

knows his accusers, to see the charges

or to answer!! No wonder there are

judicial scandals in Alaska! They

are invited by the Dept. of Justice

by such actions as this. The Atty Genl

letter is not borne out by the facts in the

report either. If Holman is removed it

also disqualifies Blix, his partner, and every

other person at Copper Center – there is not

enough income to support the office – it will

be almost necessary to close it – all because

of a neighborhood squabble!

-Feb 1.-

This is one of my “In” days with the “Times.”

Its telegraphic dispatches says that the President

has determined to stand by and reappoint me,

but to avoid difficulty in the Senate will not do

so until the last days of the Senate & then

will reappoint immediately after the adjourn

=ment on Mch 4^th!!

2^nd Alaska finished, but West Pub

Co. cannot get it to me on account

refusal of mail to carry: telegraphed

Valdez P.M. to hold till I reach there

2^nd

Called term of Court for Valdez

to begin Mch 4^th notified them

by telegraph. Accepted resigna

=tion of J. Lindley Green, Comr. at

Rampart – who has been there for six

years, and appointed W. B. Ballou.

Nothing yet from Washington

Attended box party at Eagle theater

last night with Mr. Harlan - & Mr & Mrs

Cohn – Mrs. W. & I. 30º below zero

but beautiful weather – cold at night.

Valdez stage (sled) just in – full passengers

McGinn showed me telegram from

Sullivan from Washington saying that

he has it from high authority that I am

certain to be reappointed:

-3^rd-

Nothing new – Cold, but fine weather

-4-

Telegrams today say that the first Chief Justice

of Wash. Ter. Edward Lander, died in

Wash. D. C. yesterday. He was appointed

in 1854, by President Pierce. I saw

him two or three years ago in Washington

D.C. where he he had lived & practiced law

for many years. Nothing new –

“Red” Rogers, miner, hunter – trapper, mountain

=eer – was up to see me tonight – he told me much

of interest about the range between Mt Hayes and

Mt McKinley. He’s an old Montanan. -

-5^th-

Received telegram from the Atty. Genl.

this forenoon suggesting that he

had received representations that

a term of court ought to be held

at Valdez – on my way out to Juneau.

The telegram was so worded as to

assure me that I will be reappointed

by the President – else no good

to ask me to go to Valdez & Juneau,

at this time. I took great

satisfaction in replying that I

had called a term at Valdez

last week. This telegram leaves

little doubt of my standing in

Washington with the Pres. & Atty. Genl.

Have been talking with a miner by the

name of Al. Hood, about going to the

Kantishna country on a grub stake

prospecting trip – Tozier recommends

him & brought him to me Tozier &

Heilig, Lloyd, and Taylor have staked

there what they think are some valuable

quartz mines – one of antimony es

=pecially, and they urge me to send

Hood there to stake some for me. We

had a meeting in my office tonight

Present: Hood, Tozier, Geo. Dribelbis

A. L. Hamilton, G. G. Perry & I. –

Tozier has no interest with us – but came

over to give us information about their

mines. We have agreed to grub stake

Hood and his partner for a summers

work – they each to have 1/6 and Perry

Dribelbis, Hamilton & I a 1/6 of all

they discover.

I also bought through Mr. Harlan

1/8 int. in the Golden Gate placer Assoc.

group at the mouth of Cleary Creek

on the Chatanika river, $100.00

Also bot. mt. on Alder Creek – 125.00 A. L.

Hamilton holds option for me – He & Geo.

Dribelbis & Perry & I are interested together

in Alder creek properties.

-7^th-

“News” telegrams from Washington are

that Dept. of Justice some time ago had

submitted Hoyts report against me

to Mr. Justice (Ex Atty. Genl) Moody for

examination – that he has now filed

a report of his examination & finds

that Hoyts report is unjust & unfair!

Ed. Stier, Clerk of Court, & Geo. A

Jeffry – Court Stenographer left on

the stage last night for Valdez –

Made order today appointing A. W.

Rochford (Ed. “Valdez News”. ) Jury Commissioner

& have ordered drawing of Grand & Trial Juries

for Mch 4^th Valdez term.

Sent telegram to West Pub. Co. St Paul

“Send complimentary Second Alaska President, Atty

Genl and Justice Moody – charge me.” $5.00

Charged Grub Stake Agreement with Hood so

that he goes to head of the Little Delta river

instead of Kantishna!

[photo caption:] “EX-SENATOR P. J. MCCUMBER, OF NORTH DAKOTA Chief of those who fought in the Senate against the removal of Noyes.” This is the photo of “mine enemy” from N.D. see “The Looting of Alaska”

by Rex Beach.

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary11-1906-1907

< http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary11-1906-1907.htm >

Return to Top

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary12-1907

James A. Wickersham diary [12], Feb. 8, 1907 to Aug. 1, 1907.

[cover]

Feb. 8, 1907.

Aug. 1, 1907.

[embossed in gold, inverted:] James Wickersham

Aug 25, 06 – Crt. Dep. {415.} 10,000.00

Feb 16, 07 Draft. to 3050 - 1,000.00

“ “ “ “ 3057. 500.00

Salary Vouchers

Sept – no 488088 416.67

Oct. “ 488299 416.67

Nov. “ 488368 416.67

Dec “ 488586 416.67

Feb “ 491089 416.67

13,583.35

In FB. Bk 5,_____

18,583.35

In Tac Bk 1,2____

19,783.35

Feb 8^th 1907.

Contract for 1/8 Golden Gate Assoc

group on Chatanika Riv. opposite

mouth Cleary Creek, - deed to Mr.

N. V. Harlan & deed from him to me

not recorded. Also option for a

1/8 (or ¼) in claim on Alder Creek –

A. L. Hamilton holds contract.

1/6 interest in grub stake contract

with A. F. Hood & Warren Knapp,

with Geo. Dribelbis, A. L. Hamilton &

Geo. G. Perry – These grub stake men

go to quartz veins on upper Little Delta.

Have done my assessment work

on four claims surrounding Discovery

on Cleary Creek for last year, & also

for this year (1907) on first bench off Dis.

Left limit. All my taxes on Fairbanks

town property paid.

Clear & cold 40º below. Nothing but

a “roast” editorial in the Times.

-9^th-

Colder - 45º to 50º below zero – our

house perfectly warm & comfortable.

Telegraphed – Page, District Clerk

Juneau, that Valdez Term would begin

Mch 4, and last probably three

weeks – then I would come to Juneau.

-10-

Sunday.

We were surprised last night by

a sudden descent upon us of a crowd

of friends and neighbors – Miss Gleason

asked Mrs. W if she and I would be at

home – she and some gentlemen desired to

call – we were – and not only she and one

gentleman but eight couples of our

friends came, carrying cakes, coffee

&c. &c. and came upon us with laughter

and good cheer – they took charge of the

house, played 500, ate, drank (coffee)

and smoked – ~~had~~ {made} music, fun & frolic

till the “wee sma” hours – Mr & Mrs. Volney,

Richmond, Mr & Mrs. Judge Erwin -

Miss Gleason & Mr. Harlan, Mr & Mrs Heilig,

Dick Wood & Miss White, Mrs. Orr, &c. &c. &c.

We had a pleasant time – but it so surprised

Debbie that it almost made her ill –

40º below zero, but getting warmer fast.

-11-

Moderating – beautiful morning &

warmer.

-12-

Lincolns Birthday! A beautiful

sunny day – warmer, - fine for the

trail. Nothing more new about my

reappointment which now seems

to be conceded. Well, Hoyt was

treated just as he ought to have been

after his secret and extraordinary

attempt to aid his friends Richards,

Griggsby, McCumber, et. al. His

report is held “unfair” by Justice

Moody – Debbie has card party

tonight: “500” – and will thereby return

some of the social attentions shown her

Mail in from Valdez!!

-13^th-

The “Times” has a scare head this

morning “Another Wickersham In

=vestigation.” Under a Wash. D. C.

head line it says the President

was greatly disappointed in

Hoyts report, and that he now intends

to send another investigator – a member

from the Dept. of Justice – and will

provide carefully against his being

influenced, wined, dined or influenced

in any other way!! The Times also

has a bitter editorial against the

President.

In yesterdays mail I also received

a letter from Henry Bratnober – the financial

and mining representative of {the} Morgan

- Guggenheimer interests in the Copper

River copper & Railroad enterprises.

He repeats to me their desire that I quit

& take charge of their legal interests in

that region – and I intend to consider

it seriously in case of another investigation.

-14^th-

Gibbs – Wright wedding last

night – society event.

-15-

Harry Cohn informed me today that

he was having much concern about

Mr. Harlan, Dist. Atty. and a woman

by the name of Mrs. Snow. She poses

as a teacher of elocution – an actress

of the respectable type – she lives with

her husband at the place where Harlan

boards and his devotion to her causes

much talk – to such an extent that

Cohn ( who is Harlans asst.) wished me

to talk to Mr. Harlan and try to prevail on

him to abandon his attentions. As

Harlan is to go out to Valdez within 10.

days I refused to do so and suggested

to Cohn that it would probably be better

to let the matter alone for the present

and that Harlans absence in Valdez might

obviate the necessity therefor – I do

not feel inclined to talk to him about

it anyway – its just small talk &

has probably no foundation in fact.

We attended a fine Valentine

Party given by the ladies 500 Club at

Richmonds {last}tonight – a pleasant evening

Cohn also came in to see me today

and much to my surprise said that

he wished both me and Mr. Harlan

to go to Valdez, - that he intended to present

the matter of Andersons (prop. “Times”)

libel of Barnette and other matters to

the grand jury – he thought the evidence

in his possession was sufficient to

justify an indictment. It will be a

relief to me to be away if a row of that

kind is to be begun, - not but that

I think it ought to be done but owing

to their fight on me they would cry out

that I would be prejudiced against

them – which is entirely unfounded.

Still, it is better if it is to be done to

have it done before Judge Gunnison.

-16-

40º below zero. Nothing except

Dodge has a 5 column ed

=itorial of abuse, bitterness

gall, pessimism and villification

in his recently purchased “Northern

Light” against me. It is a

“Dodgesque” curiosity.

Have finished all court

work & ready to go tomorrow

-17^th-

45º below zero – but clear –

We left Fairbanks at 2:30

p.m. on the stage for Valdez

& reached Bylers RoadHouse

tonight – 20 miles.

Debbie had nervous headache-

-18^th-

From Bylers to Munsons at Sal

chakat for lunch, a mile out

from Munsons we broke into a

bad overflow – the lead horses

went down into the cold water

- the driver was up to his knees

for an hour - 20º below zero

but we finally got out & reached

Little Delta at 6 p.m. We had

supper & then went on 21 miles

to Sullivans, badly drifted

trail and we got there at 1.

oclock in the morning – tired

- and worn out & oh. so cold.

-19-

A fine clear cold morning

Leaving Sullivans our trail led

to the summits of the foothills

fronting Mt Hayes, & Mts

“Deborah” & Roosevelt,” & it

was the most beautiful panoramic

view of the Tanana valley & the

range between the Tanana & Yukon

that can be found – to the south

the Alaskan range stood out

clear, cold, and clean from

fog or cloud. Mt. Hayes

from that (north) view seems

an old Spanish church

but with a rounded spire

at its south summit. Mt

Roosevelt lies to the N.W. & is

sharp of peak and gashed with

glaciers while Mt Deborah

still farther west is higher

& sharper and worn with

glaciers. Glacial streams

came down from the mountain

mass which these peaks

dominate – they fill the Big

Delta, the Little Delta & in

ages past the sand, gravel &

glacial mud have filled these

streams to overflowing & the

Tanana with the same material

from the mouth of the Big Delta

to Chena – thus forming Bates

Rapids - a Sixty miles of

sand bars over which the

Tanana pours its waters

through many shifting

channels. The evil effects

of this glacial debris is lost

at Chena – from the mouth

of the Big Delta the Tanana is

clean & navigable for 200

miles up stream – from

Chena down it is also navigable

- but between Chena & the Big

Delta it is a network of

tortuous and rapid channels

and wide cut sloughs – from

which comes Ta-na-na –

or “Ta” – rivers – rivers.

We reached Tingleys – at

noon – but the stage which

ought to have met us last

night has not come – several

feet of snow has fallen on the

divide – we will wait here tonight

& go on in the morning – good

as it gives us a needed rest

after last night.

-20^th-

Reached Donnellys – on the

Big Delta – a dirty lousy

hole – Debbie is standing

the trip well – but this place

is too much for her. The lady

of the house is Mrs. Hogan – a

voluble, erratic creature.

A man from next cabin has just

come in & reports two men a

mile below badly frozen – two

men went out to assist them.

21-

A beautiful sunny morning & about

30º below zero. We left the stage sled

at Donnellys and were loaded into

what they call “double enders” – a

smaller single sled with the runner

curved up the same at either end –

and pulled by one horse. Mrs. W

was put into one wrapped in good

robes – but I walked. Each of our

party had a sled & a horse –we

had five sleds and horses, & our

luggage was so loaded as to form

a back to lean against. In this

way we formed a procession out

along the deep cut trail – in the snow –

and reached Parkers RoadHouse at

the Rapids at noon. Lunch &

were joined by Hickey, his wife & brother

Mrs. W & I were put into a sled

she facing forward – I backward.

I called attention before we started

to the snow curling over the opposite

mountains – but it was clear, calm

& sunny – so away we started for

the next road house 15 miles up

the Big Delta river bed. The trail

led along the wide sandy flat

over which this glacial river

scatters its waters during the sum

=mer – now wide, dry & covered

with a deep ~~covering~~ {mantle} of snow. No

one had been along since the

last storm & there was no trail

- Our first horse had only a sled

- no passenger – one sled brought

up the rear owing to the double load.

An hour after we started the wind

dropped from the mountain summits

to the valley and a gale of wind –

30 miles an hour, loaded with

fine snow sprang up from the

north. The Big Delta runs north

and since we were going up stream

the storm was at our backs – but

such a storm! It was 30º below

zero – the wind cut like a knife

and clouds of snow filled our clothes

blinded the horses and men &

made it almost impossible to

go. The men in charge of our train

were first class – horses floundered

in snow drifts – they hunted for

trails – dragged horses & sleds out

of snow banks & water holes - &

backward & forward from sled to

sled to keep the passengers from

freezing. Hour after hour we

struggled on – cold & colder –

the snow sifting into our robes & as

we got it out freezing hands & cheeks.

I kept Debbie from freezing – but

she got very cold – at 12:30 oclock

we found “McDavitts Roadhouse”

- two miles below Caseys Cache

- 13 miles from the Rapids – I

was never so relieved as when I heard

our leader cry “Roadhouse” – How

he found it was known only to him – he is

an old guide and packer - from Atlin

& Dyea packing days of 1897 –

Miss Frazier froze her fingers – not

seriously but painfully – four

men were badly frozen – our guide

had a badly frozen chin – one mans

face puffed out both dangerously &

ridiculously – one man was nearly

frozen to death – nothing but constant

effort got him in – delerious & badly

frozen – It was a dangerous incident

and but for the courage, strength

& skill of our drivers we ~~may~~might

have perished. They tied us in

the sleds – tight & fast, covered us

with furs - yet the fine snow sifted

in to our very skins – melted & the

water froze! McDavitt & wife

got up & as the drivers cut us out

of the sleds & got all into the road

house they built fires got us a

warm meal, & in a short time every

body was engaged with coal oil, band

ages &c. It was a close call –

and 10 hours of suffering & danger.

-22-

Washingtons Birthday.

The hurricane of arctic blasts

at 24º below zero is carrying

clouds of snow up the river today

& we do not move till tomorrow.

Three of our party badly frozen

- on the face – Debbie went out the

closet & very nearly froze getting

there – and got into deep snow &

but for the fact that Miss Frazier

was with her & came running for

me she would have frozen her

hands – within a few feet of the

side door – We are comfortable

in the roadhouse, but the storm howls

over our heads. Capt Hartman

U.S.A. Signal Corps, here on his way

down the Big Delta locating the

new Delta telegraph line.

-23-

Left McDavitts early – fine

morning – clear – calm but

cold. The winds had stripped the

river of snow and we went at good

speed to Yosts – Mrs. McCallums

roadhouse, where we had lunch.

We then turned to the left off Big

Delta river and into Isabelle

Pass. This was so named by

Major Richardson, at my request,

in honor of Mrs. Isabelle Barnette

the first white woman to go through

it – in 1902. It is 3500. feet

above sea level – it was formerly

occupied and was undoubtedly

carved out by the Gulkana glacier

which has in recent (geologic) time

receded leaving it open. It extends

from the Big Delta to the Gulkana rivers.

It is about a mile wide, and the

glacial gravels have filled it level

from end to end – and a mile wide

- a perfectly level gravel floor.

at the Gulkan end is Summit Lake

- the head of the Gulkana river –

which flows into the Copper. The

glacial water from Gulkana glacier

divides on the east side of the pass

- part flows north into the Delta &

part south into Summit Lake.

We had a bad trail into the pass

but from there across the Lake &

down the Gulkana to Paxtons

Road House it was good.

Reached Paxtons about 7 pm.

Found the mail stage from the

south with a great crowd waiting

to cross the pass. Several Fair

banks people.

-24-

From Paxtons – down the Gulkana

- cross Gulkana lake – an enlargement

of the river, to Pollards. Trail

is getting better as we get down

from the mountains.

-25-

From Pollards to Gulkana

roadhouse, at the mouth of the

Gulkana river – into the Copper

at noon. Another Fairbanks stage

here – and telegraphic instructions

to the driver to take us on to Tonsina

tonight – 48 miles farther –

Trails down here good & getting better

Fine sunrise & beautiful view of

Mts. Sanford, Wrangell & Drum

Reached Copper Center – but the

driver had instructions to go on to

Tonsina. Had a talk with Blix

- Holman is at Valdez – just got back

from the states on boat yesterday –

Left Copper Center at 7. p.m. and

reached Tonsina at 12:30 – tired

& cold – 75 miles today.

-26-

From Tonsina to Teikhill today

- getting very much warmer & trail

better. We are now meeting freighters

& “mushers” who have been prevented

from traveling for nearly two weeks by

the storms at Thompson Pass –

Teikhill Road House is full of

people for the interior – a stage

load came in after we arrived –

Billy McKinnon & his wife, from

Fairbanks are in the party, & OShea

who is interested with Al Murphy

in his Chatanika ditch enterprise.

Mrs. W is tired – but standing the

trip pretty well.

-27-

We left Teikhill Rd. House at

6. a.m. the ride down to the junction

& up the glacial fork of the Teikhill

river – through the canyons very interesting.

Lunch at Ptarmigan Drop Rd. House

Crossed the summit – Thompson Pass

at noon – quiet, calm, & sunny – a

rare condition. Supper at Camp

Comfort and Reached Valdez at

8 p.m – 376 miles from

Fairbanks. Debbie stood the

journey well – she is a good traveler

& never once grumbled – she is

more pleasant about it than I am.

We were also agreeably aided by

those who accompanied us – Miss

Jessica Frazier, of Cleary, and

Messrs. Templeton & Dunbar,

traveling men for Seattle mercantile

houses. Took rooms at Phoenix Hotel

Baths – change of clothes & went

to bed – tired – successful - Happy

-28-

We did not get in too soon –

there is a gale of snow & wind

from the mountains today – it is

a real Valdez glacier wind & cold.

Am carefully going over the

business to see what there is

for court next week.

This was a happy day again

- I felt as a mother does who is

presented with a beautiful son after

she has received a beautiful daughter –

I received my first copy of the

Second Alaska Reports.

It is immaterial how hard my enemies

may damn me, they cant take away the

success of my work in Alaska as it

is embalmed in the 1^st or 2^nd Alaska

Reports! Telegraphic reports tonight

say that Senator Nelson called yesterday

on the President to present his last appeal

to him not to reappoint me, - and that

he refused to be interviewed afterward.

that the Dept. of Justice says I will

be reappointed Saturday - Congress

adjourns Monday! If that is correct

it means that the President will give

me another recess appointment on

Tuesday! which will be good for a

year.

March 1^st

Debbie stands the trip fine – it did

her good. Parsons and Chisholm

are here waiting for the boat, and are

to take lunch with us at noon –

-2^nd-

Getting ready for court on Monday

Preparing Instructions to the Grand

Jury, - intend to submit to them

the protests & charges against

Saloons in Valdez –

Mr. Harlan got in tonight

We attended ladies party

at “Tillakum Club” – Mrs. W

won the prize for “500.”

-3-

Snowing. Santa Clara in

- The lawyers from Seward

also got in yesterday on the

“Northwestern”. Mr. L. C. Hess of

Fairbanks is here on his way in.

-4-

March 1907. Term of Court.

Convened.

Have heard nothing yet about the

action of the President – my term

expires tonight: Whether I am

judge tomorrow or not depends

on whether he gives me a new recess

appointment. I am going ahead

upon his assurance that he would

do so!

One of the men who came into

Donnellys Rd. House, on the Delta

on Feb. 20, frozen, died while Harlan

was there – the other recovered.

Received a telegram at

3. p.m. as follows: -----

“ Washington D. C. March 4, 1907.

Hon. James Wickersham

Valdez, Alaska.

Qualify as district judge

third division Alaska under

recess appointment signed today.

Bonaparte, Attorney General.

“

President Roosevelt did what he

promised he would do, and that in

spite of Hoyts miserable fiasco.

This appointment is the fifth or

sixth recess appointment which

the President has given me in the

face of the most extraordinary fight

ever made against a presidential

appointment – so far as I know.

It gives me great satisfaction

since it confounds McCumber

and his false charges. My enemies

will thrust greatness upon me if

they do not quit! This verdict

certainly puts an end to the charges

now on file with the Senate, and which

were rehashed by Senator McCumber

in his letter of July 3, 1906, to the President.

I sent a reply to the Attorney Generals

telegram saying:

“Telegram received qualified accordingly.

Court in Session.” He will thus

know that I am here and at work.

-5-

Court work is slow and cases of

minor importance. I gave Holman

of Copper Center, a copy of Hutsons

report against him & of the Attorney

Generals letter – He is much concerned

about it, and is gathering testimony

to disprove the charges.

Debbies cold is better but she is not

as well here as in Fairbanks – She

is anxious to get away and thinks

she will go on the Saratoga.

-6-

No jury work yet – cases are

not ready – The Grand Jury is at

work – and but little to do. They

are examining into the Holman charges

and Holman is here and busy with them.

“Saratoga” came in tonight –

Jim, Hill, Tiffany, Ketterer, Larson

& wife & others going to Fairbanks

are here. A hundred people in this

boat – and the stage carries but

Nine!!

Mr. Harlan got in from Fairbanks

4 days ago – Alice Gertrude (Snow)

came in from same today. They are

domiciled at the Phoenix!!!

-7^th-

Court work – nothing new –

-8^th-

Court work – John L. McGinn

got in from Fairbanks today.

Dinner tonight with the

Wikidels. Grand jury working

slowly – on Holman case &c.

and on Valdez license matters &c.

-9-

Telegraphic dispatches

tonight say that the President

has appointed one Alfred Connelly,

an assistant Attorney General, to

come to Alaska this summer &

make the Third Investigation:

I am thus again to be subjected

to a secret and Star Chamber

trial, upon charges which they

dare – or do, not – show me, made

by persons unknown and upon the

evidence of witnesses who do not

face me. It is an attack of

cowards from ambush, and is

fostered and encouraged by

the hopeless incompetency of

the Department of Justice.

I have courage to fight open enemies

and even secret enemies – but to

longer continue to contend against

incompetence and ignorance

and even worse in the Depart=

=ment of justice is heartbreaking

I shall not submit to another

investigation, but will resign to

take effect June 6, 1907, - the

end of my seventh year as judge

in Alaska. It will require

more courage to resign than to fight

but I am determined to resent any

further insult and degradation

by the Department of Justice

and know of no other way of doing

it. Still the 1^st and 2^nd Alaska

Reports, are some satisfaction

even for it all – but I am not

obliged to stand more.

Have tried two jury cases

today – and a divorce case {today}.

The business of the court is moving

more rapidly. Grand jury will

report on Monday & be discharged.

Will probably indict Graff &

report strongly for Holman.

-10-

Sunday – beautiful sunny

day – nothing new.

While the telegraphic dispatches

say that “Alfred Connelly” an assistant

Attorney General, is to conduct the

investigation against me – no such

name appears in the list in the Dept. of

Justice – but “Alfred W. Cooley.”

appears and that is probably

the person intended. He is from New

York, and that fact renders it more

probably that he is the one intended.

-11-

Grand jury makes Final and a

Special Reports, and was dis=

charged. They exonerated Holman

and strongly advocated his being

retained as Com. at Copper Center.

Trial of U.S. v Baily, for murder

begun, - it will take 2 or 3 days.

Str. “Saratoga” back from Seward

& goes out tomorrow night.

-12-

Continuation U.S. v Bailey –

got jury this evening at adjournment.

Mrs. Wickersham went out on

“Saratoga”. Mrs. Heilig, Mrs. Reynold

=son, Lyman R , and 5 other stage

people got in at 9. oclock and

also went out on Saratoga. They

report that both weather & trail

were fine all the way. John McGinn

also went out – he was sober enough

this afternoon to come up to see me

- but was normally drunk when

the boat started. Mr. Harlan &

“Alice Gertrude”, Mrs. Snow, had

adjoining rooms also. Poor Harlan

he seems to have utterly collapsed

- he has made such a public spec

=tacle with this woman that nothing

more can be done to help him. He

is reported to carry on his demonstra

=tions of affection even in the open

public vehicles, & Mrs. Heilig, &

Mrs. Reynoldson brought out stories

from Fairbanks & on the trail that shows

what I now begin to consider – that

his grief over Ed’s death has unsettled

his mind. He and Mrs. S. have been

rooming at the “Phoenix” and “Dad”

Osgood, told Mrs. Allen, his sister, that

“Mr & Mrs. Harlan came into the bath

house and took their bath last night.”

Mrs. Allen came to inquire of Mrs. W

of Mrs. Harlan was in town & Mrs. W

innocently enough said “No” – that

she was in York, Neb. – and the cat was

again out of the bag and on the back fence.

Harlan seemed ~~very much~~ no, not

“very much,” – but rather stolidly interested

in the fact that Mrs. W & Mrs Heilig

& Mrs. Reynoldson were going on the

same boat with him & Alice. Abe

Stein brought him down a big black

bottle – he is drinking heavily - & I

fear that his usefulness is about

ended – he must be 62, or thereabouts.

He talked to John McGinn in a very

foolish fashion about this infatuation,

for the woman & John repeated it to

me in the same maudlin way, & as

wisely as a drunken owl could, announ

ced that Mr. Harlan “was going to hell

as fast as he could.”

“We condone the sins that we’ve a mind to”

“By damning those we’re not inclined to.”

Gave Mrs. W $200. in money &

check for $1000.

-13^th-

Trial of U.S. v Bailey, for murder

1^st degree, jury secured & case

well advanced. Mail from

Fairbanks on last night stage.

Copy of last “Northern Light”

Dodges editorial is an attack

is as usual. Also a letter from

Dick Wood, telling me of a row at the

Club – Carr called Dodge & Maddocks

“Sons of B” - &c and when Charles, of

the Northern Light assumed responsibility

Carr told him that he was worse than

a Son of a B . Woods says that

10 of the advertisers in the “Light” (?)

withdrew their ads: Dodge’s ed

=itorial says he was “threatened

and labored with during the past

week by all sorts and conditions

of men and women,” to quit his

blackguarding the court, but

he announces his intention not

to do it. Still this effort this week

shows that he is laboring hard to

maintain himself. He is so

virulent and unfair that he will

readily disgust people with him

self and paper – so “give the calf

rope enough and it will hang

itself.”

-14-

Trial of U.S. v Baily finished &

instructions to jury at 8. p. m-

jury out & case finished for this term

It is a doubtful case.

Defendants attorneys announced

at the conclusion of the instructions

to the jury that they took no exceptions!

-15-

The jury in U.S. v Bailey returned

a verdict at 9 oclock this morning

of Murder in the Second Degree.

The “Northwestern” came into

the harbor at noon. Judge Gunnison

is aboard, also Kellum & wife

Clarence Berry & wife, Zeig & wife,

Ivor Johnson, Pete Annance &

a lot of other Fairbanks people.

Gave a dinner at Wikidels to

Kellum & wife, Berry & wife & Ed. S.

Orr. Judge Gunnison went over

to the Fort Liscum & could not come.

Jury trial of A.C. Co. v Butler – the

verdict for plaintiff.

-16-

Jury case of Hugh Murray v

Threiman Mining Co. all day –

A high glacier wind blowing

clouds of snow flying, and a

regular Valdez storm prevailing.

Judge Gunnison cannot get back

from the post today. Heard the

Bankruptcy of the Chilita Devel. Co

on objections of Nazina Trading Co

and Herman Meyer. Overruled

objections & closed the case finally

The “Northwestern” was blown away

from the dock by the high winds this

morning early, and went out of

the harbor to Seward – she carried

away a lot of Fairbanks folks

who had gone aboard to sleep

& left a lot of Seward people

who slept ashore - & there is

some disappointment & cussing

in consequence. Have determin

=ed to adjourn court on Saturday

night week – 24^th – and go to Juneau.

E. C Hughes, and the Hubbard-Elliott

people, & Carson from Salem, Or.

the the Mrs. Elliott side are here -

-17-

Sunday. Working on instructions

to jury in 3 Man Mining case.

Wind has quieted down some &

probably Gunnison can come

over from Ft. Liscum today. Am

invited to dinner this evening at

4 oclock at Geo. M. Esterlys –

Capt & Mrs. Hemlick & Judge Gun

-nison will also be present.

-18-

Judge Gunnison left here

this morning for Fairbanks.

Case of Hugh Murray v 3 Man

Min. Co. still on trial – one of

the witnesses for plaintiff has

clearly committed bold perjury,

& plaintiff and his attorney

know it – and still offer

him as a witness!!

-19-

Instructed jury in Murray v

3 Man Mining Co – and they

have been out all day & tonight

- and it looks very much like

a hung jury.

Have been trying case of Elliott

v Elliott & Hubbard & Elliott

Min. Co. &c. An equity case by the

first wife of H.C. Elliott to recover

an interest in his mines on account

of a grub stake agreement made

in 1897 – She is Elliotts first wife

- his second & present wife is

young & dashing – the first is

plump and buxom – and they

glare at each other, while he looks

at the ceiling or out of the window.

It must be damned embarassing

to have two beautiful wives at the

same time. The case will take

some days. Wrote to Debbie

tonight & “Northwestern” will take

it out. Windstorm is over & the

weather is pleasant again.

Pressing court work hard.

-20-

Trial of Elliott v Elliott, Hubbard

&c. still on – an interesting case

Jury in Murray v 3 Man Min. Co.

was unable to agree & discharged.

This makes it a burden for the judge

to decide the case in One Man Min. Co

v Murray, when exactly the same

facts are involved.

-21-

Trial of Elliott v Hubbard –

Elliott Co. et. al. still on – it

is interesting as containing the

history of the Stampede up the

Copper River in 1897 – ’98, and

as the line upon which a

Chicago divorce! some romance

and a little sentiment are

strung.

We hear tonight that the Steamer

“Northwestern” which is over

due from Seward is on the rocks

at La Touche – no lives lost.

-22-

I concluded the hearing of

the testimony in the case of Elliott

v Hubbard – Elliott Co. et. al. this

afternoon. E. C. Hughes of Seattle

attorney for the defendant insisted

upon oral arguments – but I refused

to permit it since that would necessitate

reading a great mass of testimony

letters, &c. and since I must leave

on Sunday on the Str. “Portland” &

wish to finish the other business

of the court. He urged – truthfully

that $25,000,000 seemed to be involved

in the case – and that the court ought

to hear the fullest argument – I agreed

to that but replied that briefs in

writing should be filed by all

parties – the plaintiffs to have 20

days to file & serve – the defendants

20 days thereafter to file & serve

& plaintiffs 10 days thereafter

for reply - & the case took that course.

-23^rd-

It has been the most stormy period

at Valdez since Mrs W left that

I have ever seen – high winds &

clouds of flying snow – a regular

blizzard – for many days at a

time. The worst I ever saw.

Sentenced Jacob R. Bailey

for Murder in the 2^nd degree

25 years: Decided case of

One Man Mining Co v Hugh Murray

- for plaintiff – Also decided

every other matter before the court

- including applications for

liquor licenses in Valdez.

Denied the Suessdorf license

because it was within 400 ft. of

the church – and granted all the

others – denied that Worttmans

Road House – because on Mil. Res.

Court is done - & I am ready

to go to Juneau on the Portland

tomorrow.

-24-

Worked all forenoon in the

office – signing orders for pay

of jurymen, witnesses &c. &c

and left Valdez at 1. p.m

sharp on the Str. “Portland”

Prince William Sound is calm

as a millpond – and at nine

tonight we are at Sea, - it is

a moon lit night – calm & fine

Looks like a fine trip. The

Hughes’, Carson & Mrs. Elliott

No 1. and Tom Lyons & his wife

Murray & others on board –

I leave Valdez without an

unfinished bit of work behind

me – everything is done and

I am greatly pleased thereat.

-25-

Fine day – calm as a mill

pond and I did not miss

a meal – though I do not

enjoy the smell of the ship

-26-

It was rough this morning

and as I had nothing else

to do I remained in my berth

- we passed Yakutat by

and came straight across

to Icy Straight – entered it

this evening, and we are

now sailing along with that

long line of ice bergs coming

out from Muir Glacer. On

bored are my old friend and

guide, Col. Revell, who went

with Mr. Stewart & I to Kenai

lake & river moosehunting

in Oct 1905, - Mrs. Sam Wall

- talking about the rate of interest

on loans, & a number of Fair

banks & Seward people –

Weather inside & we will

get into Juneau on record

time.

-27-

Arrived in Juneau this morning

at 6 oclock – Occidental Hotel.

Bath, shave – clean clothes –

Went to Court House at 10 -

Judges rooms are much finer

than anything in my district

or home. Began the reading of

every paper in Decker Bros

v. Berners Bay Min. Co.- the

particular case which the Attorney

General requested me to try at

this place. Have concluded

to go on down to Seattle & Tacoma

tomorrow night to visit Debbie

& Darrell – I can easily

return before the 8^th of April

when court meets & there is

nothing much to do till then.

Took dinner tonight with

General Distin – Acting Gov

=ernor in Gov. Hogatts

absence – at the “Mess.”

-28-

Continued examination of the

record in Decker Bros. v Berners

Bay. Min Co. Called attorneys

in & asked them to arrange

docket of cases ready for

trial. Examined papers

in disbarment of Cobb –

Dinner tonight with Shoup

& family & Genl. Diston.

Will leave for Tacoma in

morning on “Humboldt.”

-29-

Left Juneau just before noon on

the Humboldt – Capt. Baughman.

Making slow time on account of the

Narrows. Met George Marx – one

of C. D. Lane’s experts who has just

returned from the new quartz strike

on Chichagoff. Is. Marx went

over the Chilcoot Pass in 1883

& was working a bar at the

mouth of Stewart Riv. when

Schwatka came down the Yukon –

Carr & his party were at Ft. Reliance

in 1882 – Marx was induced to

go in by Schelfin – who went

up from the mouth.

-30-

Ketchikan at 1. p.m. The whole

country covered with snow & cold.

Snowing after leaving Ketchikan.

Tonight calm but cloudy

-31-

Snow storm – squall - as we

entered Millbank Sd – but this

evening when we crossed Queen

Charlottes Sd. it was clear &

fine. Coasting down the

east shore of Vancouvers Is.

with the “Dolphin” in the distance

behind us – burning coal like Ves

=uvius” to catch & pass us –

Home tomorrow -

-April 1^st

This morning we are in the

Gulf of Georgia – We now begin

to see the “Musquito fleet” – small

tugs and vessels of all kind &

it looks good! Trip has been

very pleasant – no worry – no

troublesome passengers – a

good ship & captain. On

board: Elliott, Sr. Hughes & wife

Francis & wife – of the Elliott case.

Nowell, of the Berners Bay case

has had the room next to mine

but has attended strictly to his

own business as have the others.

Only a few passengers aboard.

Cloudy, but temperate – We’ll

be in Seattle at 7. this evening.

3. p.m. Port Townsend – the great Str.

S.S. “Minnesota” passed us going

out. Puget Sound looks as good

as biscuits to a hungry man –

Reached Seattle at 6:30 and

found Debbie at the Rainier –

Grand Hotel – but Darrell over at

the Navy Yard at Bremerton. Am

delighted that I came – found

that most of the Fairbanks people

- including Barnette, McGinn &

others had gone on the “Saratoga”

-2-

Darrells 25^th Birthday.

He came over this morning from

the Navy Yard – we ordered him a

fine new suit of civilian clothes.

Had an automobile ride, and a

good dinner & then he and Debbie

went to the theatre to see Blanche Walsh.

Major Richardson is here & Jarvis

and they tell me that Birch will

be here tonight

-3-

Telegraphed for mother to come

to Tacoma – Debbie & I went

over and met her. Took all

my books up to the library

including those at Geo. Reids

office. Deposited money in the

Nat. Bank of Commerce

- my bal. there is $3,500. –

Visited Tom & Kate – back to

Seattle on the Inter Urban Ry-

-4-

Called on Col. Blethen, of Times

Wilson of P-I. & other of my

Seattle friends. Birch took

dinner with us - & had a talk

with him – he seemed to want

me to become their Alaska

counsel – attorney - but I

finally said “No” – I explained

to him that the Railroad – Mines

-Transportation consolidation

would necessarily have to have

general counsel at Seattle &

that the Alaska attorney would

be merely a lesser part of

the plan – and that I could

not afford to become the

lesser part. He agreed to

present the proposition to the

Morgan-Gugenheim people

of making me the general counsel

- but nothing definite was done

or accomplished –

Major Richardson was at

breakfast with me this morning

- he said that it was reported

to the President & his friends that

I was engaged in an attempt

to elect a Fairbanks delegation

from Alaska for 1908 – and that

it was considered objectionable.

I assured him that while I was

friendly to Mr. Fairbanks that

I did not intend to take an

active part in the matter &

that he might say so – that

if I did so – I should first

resign. Called on Mr. C. D

Lane – who is now totally blind.

Left Seattle on the “Dolphin”

at 10:30 tonight for Juneau.

Darrell & Debbie at the Rainier

Grand.

-5-

Active Pass at 8. a.m – passed

Seymour Narrows at 4 p.m.

Heavy wind astern all day – the

“Dolphin” is greatly overloaded

- I notice that her boats are

cleared ready to lower & they

gave every one instruction in the

method of putting on life belts!

Boyce, District Atty. is aboard.

Millbank Sd. Stern wind

good weather.

-7-

Ketchikan early this morning

& Wrangell at noon. We wait

=ed till 4:30 at Wrangell wharf

on account of low tide in Narrows.

Visited Indian town with R. J. Davis

of Tacoma – inspected totem poles

old grave sites, &c. Met Morris

Hailey – once enlisted soldier –

discharged at Ft. Wrangell – now

runs small store & buys furs

from Indians. Also met Bronston

Dep. Col. of Customs, Snyder, Com

& Recorder. Wrangell is steadily

declining in appearances &c –

Beautiful Wrangell Narrows!

Kake Indians live just north

of the Narrows – In 1853 a band

of these rovers killed Col. Ebey,

Col. of Customs of Puget Sound

on Whidby Is. & carried his

head off to their far northern

home.

-8^th-

We remained the latter part

of the night at the Keegan Cannery

in the little bay just south of the

Taku Inlet {the old Taku village}

- left there at

8:30 & arrived at Douglas

at 10:30 – took the ferry &

was in court at Juneau

promptly at 11 oclock –

Called court – Page, Clerk,

Shoup, Marshal – Heard

the Motion calendar all

afternoon. A strike is

on at the Treadwell Mines

- 75 U.S. soldiers there under

command of Col. Greene – 10^th

Inf. U.S.A. He and I took

dinner this evening with

Marshal Shoup & discussed

the plan of the Marshal & the

U.S. forces acting in concert

in case of riot there.

It does not now seem that

trouble will ensue – the prompt

appearance of the troops has

had a quieting effect - &

I think it probable that the

strike will dissolve & fall

of its own weakness – but

the forces are prepared for trouble

-9-

Busy setting pleadings in Decker

v Berners Bay Min. Co. Case, & today

consolidated that and the case for the

foreclosure of the Mortgage – set the

case for trial on the 11^th. Finished

the call of the Motion Docket – an

overgrown, fat and wobbly docket!

Wrote the Attorney General in

answer to information that he had

instructed clerk to deposit funds

in First Nat. Bank, protesting

against such action because, 1^st

- it gives the public moneys into

the banks hands to loan at from

3 to 5% per month : 2^nd it

prevents the clerk from paying the

Marshals checks – and they are

then discounted at from 5% to

10% - It is a smooth scheme

of the First National to break

up our efforts to keep the Marshals

checks at par!

-10-

Miss Yule, principal of the High

School, accompanied by Mrs. Shoup,

came to invite me to deliver an oration

on Seward, on “Seward Day” – May 16.

I promised to consider the matter

and give my answer late –

Appointed L. L. Williams, Jury

Comr. to draw Petit Jury for this term.

Finished the call of the Motion Docket

& all dilatory pleas to date settled.

-11-

Trial of Decker Bros. v Berner’s

Bay Min. & Mill. Co. begun – this

is the most important case in the

district – begun 10 years ago by

the appointment of a Receiver &

involves more than a million dollars.

The real contest is that of priority

between a mortgage for $500,000.

& a larger amount of subsequent

Receivers certificates. Testimony

now under way.

-12-

Trial in Decker v Berner’s Bay M & M

Co continued. At nights I am

now preparing my report & decision

in the matter of the charges against

Hohman, Com. at Copper Center.

Have consented to deliver an

oration on Seward Day – May 16^th.

-13-

Trial of Decker Bros. v Berners

B. M & M. Co. continued –

Drew trial jury in court at 1:50

L. L. Williams jury commissioner &

C. C. Page, Clerk. 36 jurors drawn

for April 29^th.

Louis Levy came with his parents

to Sitka in 1869 - talks the Thlingit

language – buys furs, &c. sells

Indian curios. He is a fine fellow

& I am trying to get him to assist

me in collecting small but typical

Thlinget outfit, weapons, carvings

&c.

-14-

The “Transcript” is published

by J. W. Frame here in Juneau,

and has for a long time been

criticising & roasting me. In

its issue yesterday it made

full apology – took it all back,”

and commended me for the manner

in which I have carried on the work

of the court here. The other two

Juneau papers, - the “Record-Miner”

& “Dispatch” have editorially

done likewise.

Gov. Hoggatt arrived this morning

from Wash. D. C. Met him & the

Marshal Shoup, at Gov. house to

-night to confer on Treadwell

labor strike which is growing

more dangerous. Gov. tells me

that Bonaparte, Atty Genl. thinks I am

at fault for not personally seeing

that gambling laws were enforced –

- as if I were a policeman or marshal

-15-

Trial of Decker v Berners Bay case

still on.

Recd. telegram from Henderson repeating

telegram from Atty. Genl. asking if he

was depositing court funds in First

Nat. Bank. I explained the matter

to the Gov. who agrees with me that

the bank ought not to be permitted

to so use the public funds that they

will destroy the public credit –

but he does’nt understand either.

Frame, ed. “Transcript” & Levinsky

the Pres. of the strikers union at Tread

=well had street fight today – Five

strikers arrested for beating up a

non-union man at Douglas.

Wrote Debbie short letter.

-16-

Sent Atty. Genl. telegram about

court funds in 1^st Nat. at Fairbanks

asking him to wait till he received

my letter of explanation of the 9^th.

before making further demand on

clerk at Fairbanks to deposit funds.

Berners Bay case hearing.

-17-

Berners Bay evidence closed

& arguments now on hearing.

Made up my Quarterly Acts.

for year last past and send them

to Atty. Genl : amts as follows:

1906, April – June Quarter - $501.40

“ July – Sept. “ 85.75

1907, Jany – Mch “ 421.30

Total - $1008.45

The June Quar. is for my Washington

Expenses – at Raleigh Hotel from

April 1 – to June 26. my bill for the

previous Jany – Mch Quarter is

unpaid also, and I will probably

have to fight to get here – the rest

will be all right – no trouble.

Wrote Debbie good long letter

today. Sent Bob. Coles $100. on

grub stake for 1907 -

-18-

Arguments in Decker Bros v

Berners Bay Co. case still on

- all day and forenoon tomorrow.

-19-

Telegram from Atty. Genl over=

=ruling my objections to depositing

Clerks money in the First National

Bank – I have telegraphed some

to Clerk with instructions to comply.

-20-

Finished taking testimony in the matter

of the disbarment proceedings against

J. H. Cobb – brought by Shackleford.

The fight grows out of the old case

of Decker v Berners Bay Co. et. al. &

the evidence does not disclose any

act of particular moral turpitude

on Cobbs part – though he did not

quite obey the instructions of his

client. Have instructed the attorneys

to propose briefs & statements of

fact – will decide it after I do the

Berners bay civil case.

-21-

Sunday – working on my opinion

in Berners Bay cases – George & I

took dinner with Gov. Hoggatt at

the mansion on the hill. The Gov.

is a widower & lives alone – Jap. cook.

George Irvine – attorney from Ketchikan

is staying with him & we four had

a jolly dinner & a good cigar.

-22-

Heard Motion docket-

-23-

“Jefferson” in from Sound. Letter

from Debbie. Tried case of

Juneau v Ashby – decided it.

Began Decker v Decker.

Mrs. Tom. McGowan “blew in” –

with telegram from Tom to Judge

Williams asking intercession

with Governor to let games run

at Fairbanks till close of navigation.

I positively declines to do anything

to aid the matter – it will be a good

1907

- April 23 – continued

thing to close them up & forever

stop the threat which always

lurks behind the bad practice.

Fairbanks is now a closed town

& I intend to see that it remains

so - & Valdez too.

-24-

Mrs. McGowan – Tom McGowans

wife came in last night and met

me at the Hotel she had a tel

-egram from Tom to see about the

efforts to close gambling at

Fairbanks – I declined to do

anything in the matter and I

think she has failed to get any

information more than it was

closed by order of the Atty. Genl.

She left this afternoon on the

“Jefferson” for Seattle. Took

dinner with Gov. Hoggatt &

talked politics for an hour.

-25-

Still hearing the consolidated

cases of Decker v Decker, invol

=ving an old estate matter here in

Juneau into which Barnes has

inserted his nose up to his shoulders.

-26-

Finished trial of the three consol

=idated cases of Decker v Decker

= this noon and decided them at

once against Mrs. Decker, who

was crying fraud – at Barnes

suggestion. Barnes is a typical

shyster lawyer – thoroughly unscru

=pulous and dishonest & she is a

fool widow with some money & a

healthy desire for a man. Also

heard the case of Rea v Electric

Light Co. but it went over till morn

=ing for argument. There have

been five continuous days of the most

beautiful sunny spring time I

have seen for a long time.

-27-

Decided the great bugbear

case of this Division today –

The Berners Bay Case – in favor

of the prior lien of the bondholders.

This case has been in this court

for ten years, being begun in

1897!! Read an opinion –

& since I decided against the

local certificate holders I expect

that a new crop of kickers will

now start up like weeds from the

muck patch.

I must now prepare my opinion in

the companion case – In re Disbarment

of Cobb - who is being prosecuted by

the bondholders for whom I decided

the above case.

Had a house full of ladies today

when I read my opinion – on

notice had been given until 3 hrs

before the opinion was read but

they came in on short notice!

[newspaper clipping:]

“THE DISPATCH, Juneau, Alaska.

OFFICIAL PAPER OF THE CITY

Judge Wickersham appears to have

grasped the situation and is winning

the favorable comment of attorneys

and litigants by his prompt action in

disposing of important litigation

which is retarding the growth of this

section. In the past twenty days he

hasa accomplished wonders by his

tireless efforts to clear business. It is

hard to conceive why a few people in

Fairbranks could stir up such a moun-

tian out of small ammunition in the

fight against his confirmation . It

looks as if Teddy knew right from

wrong when he carried the Wicker-

sham banner into the face of the

enemy and planted it on the hill of

re-appointment We are glad that

southeastern Alaska, with few excep-

tions, stood solidly behind Wicker-

sham. He is certainly making good in

this section.”

-28-

The Record-Miner said this morning:

[newspaper clipping:]

“THE BERNERS BAY CASES

The decision yesterday of the

Berners bay cases is one of the

most important judicial events

that has ever taken place in

southeastern Alaska. These

matters have been in court for

[newspaper clipping continues:]

ten years and the litigation has

been ably conducted by the at-

torneys on both sides; the rights

of the respective parties have

been carefully looked after and

the last act in the great legal

drama was played yesterday af-

ternoon when Judge Wickersham

handed down his decision. There

were large interests at stake in

these noted cases and there were

quite a number of local parties

who held claims in the shape of

receiver’s certificates, but the

great bulk of these were in the

hands of two or three individu-

als. Those interested as well as

the people at large will not be

sorry that the law’s delay is

over. It was time a decision was

reached, no matter which side

was sustained. All parties in

terested will now, each in their

turn, have opportunity to pro-

tect their rights by application

to a higher court. The people

of Juneau, as a whole rejoice

that the Berners bay cases are

out of the local courts.”

Dinner this evening (Sunday) with Gov. Hoggatt

- present Col. Greene, Capt Marshal

Shoup, Geo. Irving of Ketchikan and I.

-29-

Trial jury comes into Court his

morning. Case of U.S. v Reed

- spent all day & an evening

session trying to get a jury – went

over till tomorrow. A large num

=ber of lawyers & litigants interested

in the “Perseverance Mining Case”.

have arrived & evidently that litigation

is going to expand greatly.

-30-

Beautiful sunny morning.

Got jury in U.S. v Reed & case on

trial. Boyce, Barnhill & Irving

U.S. Dist Atty & deputies for U.S.

Shackleford & Lyons for defendant.

May Day.

A beautiful sunny day. Hard

at it in U.S. v Reed. Mail today

letter from Debbie & several from

Fairbanks -

-2-

Recd. papers from Fairbanks.

Dodge & his friends won out

in the city election and have

charge of the city government.

The Business Mens Ticket – headed

by Dr. Cassels was defeated – and I

am not sorry. The gambling

has been shut down – never to go

again – and the Unions have also

practically shut down the mines.

Hard times will catch the whole

outfit within 6 mo. and they will be

damning Dodge & my opponents

for conditions which were inevitable

anyway – but my opponents got

hold of the handle just when it

gets hot – and I shall be interested

in seeing just how long they will

enjoy it. I shall see that the

heat is maintained at the boiling

point till they are warm through!

May 3

The Record-Miner has this editorial

this morning:

[newspaper clipping:]

“ Judge Wickersham is making

a record for prompt work on the

bench here. His example is fair-

ly contagious, with all who have

business with the court this

term.”

Trial of U.S. v Reed, murder

has occupied all week – submitted

to the jury today. Have taken

up the case of McFarland v Perseverance

Min. Co. – an equity case, on account

of so many foreign counsel & witnesses

here.

May 4^th

U.S. v Reed – Verdict “not guilty”.

Perseverance Case on trial now.

Fairbanks papers & mail – Dodge

& his fellows are already fighting over

the spoils. Gunnison seems to be

at work in good shape. Dome

Creek case set & probably on trial.

-5-

Beautiful sunny Sunday.

Dinner with Gov. Hoggatt – the

Shoups – Marshall & Mrs. & the

two daughters & Miss Trimmer

also Genl. Distin present.

-6- (Wrangell)

Heard motion docket all day.

The ~~Ketchikan~~{Wrangell} Sentinel” had an

editorial last week severely arraign

=ing Gov. Hoggatt for calling out

the military at Treadwell – it was

so rankly traitorous – another Editor

is U.S. Commissioner, Justice of the

Peace &c. The Governor wrote me a

letter enclosing the paper and

requesting his removal – I telegraph

=ed the whole to Judge Gunnison

& requested his action – Today he

telegraphed to me requesting me to

give the Com. notice & to act –

I wont hesitate to give him notice

& then remove him! -

-7^th-

Trial of the McFarland v Perseverance

Co. – mining & water right case.

With Gov. Hoggatt & Marshal Shoup

went over to Douglas & Treadwell

tonight to call on military officers

- Col. Greene & Capt. Dean.

They & a portion of their forces will

leave for Ft. Seward tomorrow as

the Treadwell strike seems to be in

a state of collapse.

-8-

Newspaper dispatch this morning

says Atty. Genl. Bonaparte leaves

the Cabinet – I am glad of it, as

he seems to be against me. He

listened to Hubbard - & took

prejudice without knowledge

I gave Snyder, Com. at Wrangell

notice by telegraph to show cause

why he should not be removed for

denouncing Gov. Hoggatt for calling

out troops at Treadwell -

Snyder answered my telegram

- halfhearted & sly disapproval.

I gave him 3 days to answer & will

do nothing more till Monday –

-9-

Just received letter from Debbie

& enclosed was the following clipping:

[newspaper clipping:]

“ANDERSON INDICTED

ON CHARGE OF FORGERY

Special to the Post-Intelligencer.

FAIRBANKS, May 2. – L. B. Anderson,

former owner of the Times, of Fairbanks;

E. B. Condon, leyman for Anderson on

Dome Creek, and James Osborne have

been indicted by the grand jury on a

charge of forging the name of V. A.

Green to a quitclaim deed to a quarter

interest of the Anderson group on Dome

Creek, in favor of Anderson. This caused

a sensation. Anderson today transferred

his interest in newspapers to Frank Man-

ley, Roy Maddocks and John Ronan.”

Evidently Barnette & McGinn are

getting busy with Anderson & his

malicious gang of blackmailers.

I am glad that they are fighting during

my absence. Manley, Ronan and

Maddocks show up – they are

the “gut” that connects the Siamese twins

- the Times & Northern Light

I am tired ! Tired all the time &

sometimes in court I feel as if I must

adjourn & go out to the mountains &

rest. My friends tell me that I work

to hard – too many hours on too many

days & months. But I cant stop

for a while – not till the Annual

Investigator has come & finished

Ordered Grand Jury drawn today

to meet on the 20^th & also announced

that I would not go to Skagway to

hold term beginning June 3^rd.

Business here is much more important

than that at Skagway. Another case

involving a half interest in the Perseverance

mines in the Silver Bow basin was submitted

to me for trial yesterday on stipulation

- parties refused to come into court

except upon my promise to try the case.

They evidently wish the case tried and

decided at once – before Gunnison

gets home, - and I will do it.

-10-

McFarland v Alaska Perseverance

Case still dragging along.

Recd. telegram from Atty. Genl.

today as follows:

Washington, D.C. May 10, 07.

Wickersham, U.S. Dist. Judge.

Juneau, Alaska: It is desired

that you remain at Juneau until

all business before present term

of court is completed.

Bonaparte.

This means the Gov. Hoggatts attempt

to keep Judge Gunnison at Fairbanks

till my investigation is finished &

make him work some, has succeeded-

Attended the reception given to

Gov. Hoggatt by the ladies – held at the

hall and was a most enjoyable

affair. I went with Genl. Distin

- poor old man – he is brokenhearted

over the recent death of his wife

& son -

-11-

“Cottage City” came in last night

from Seattle – mail. Trial of the

case of McFarland v Alaska – Per

=severance Co. still on – all week.

Evidences finished today & arguments

on – but postpone further argument

till Monday evening, as I intend to

take up jury cases on Monday.

-12-

A rainy blue Sunday –

I am engaged now in preparing

a 30 minute talk to the school

children – the Seward Club – for

the 16^th – the 106^th anniversary

of the birth of Wm H. Seward.

Dinner with Gov. Hoggatt.

-13-

Trial of Leon v Alaska Treadwell

Co – personal injury case – jury –

Also heard argument in evening

McFarland v Alaska Perseverance

Co -

-14-

Genl. Greeley is reported in the

newspapers as having delivered

an address to Geographical Soc.

in Chicago, wherein he said that

Alaska judges ought to be hanged

& only represented private interests.

I called the matter to Gov. Hoggatts

attention & he has promised to

call it to the attention of the Dept.

Dinner with Gov. Hoggatt, Geo.

Irving & Marshal Shoup tonight

Gov. H. has written a formal letter

to his department and to President

Roosevelt calling attention to Genl.

Greeleys “knock”. I doubt if it

will accomplish any other

good purpose than to challenge

the alleged facts in Greeleys talk.

Jury trial in Treadwell case on.

Also argument in Perseverance

case.

The Greeleys attack is as

follows:

[in margin:] Juneau Record-Miner

In this he said that

he was surprised that

all public officers a few

years ago were not hanged

-the newspapers bring

it to date.

[in margin:] Juneau “Transcript.”

[newspaper clipping:]

“ Chicago, May 13. – General Greely

in his address before the Geographical

Society here Saturday night declared

that Alaska is badly governed. He

says the nation treats Alaska as if her

citizens were Indians instead of pro-

gressive Americans. He further de-

clared the courts were only the instru-

ments of private interests. He de-

clared in closing that Alaska has

never been treated fairly.”

-15^th-

Accepted resignation of John

Burton, Com. at Cordova, and

appointed Lee Van Slyke in

his place. Treadwell damage

case still on trial.

Heard argument in the Water Case

till 10. tonight & am tired as

a dog. I have talked well but

too long – 12 hrs. on bench today.

-16-

Telegrams from Fairbanks

[newspaper clipping:]

“Fairbanks, May 16. – Upon motion

of the defendants a non-suit was grant-

ed against Burnett in the famous Dome

creek mining case which Judge Wick-

ersham refused to try. Later upon ap

plication Judge Gunnison granted an

injunction restraining the striking

miners from interfering with the

washing up of the dumps. This is be-

lieved to be the opening wedge for the

settlement of the strike.

Fairbanks, May 16. – A twelve hun-

dred dollar nugget was found on Dome

creek yesterday. Today Deputy U.S.

marshals are protecting the non-union

men washing up the dumps. The

strikers will hold a meeting this even-

ing to pass resolutions against govern-

ment by injunction in the Tanana dis-

trict.”

And from Washington:

"newspaper clipping:]

“ Washington, D. C., May 16. – Assis-

tant District Attorney Cooley will be

unable to go to Alaska this summer to

investigate certain charges against

Judge Wickersham by reason of press-

ing business here. It is not known

whether any one else will be assigned

for the trip.”

I wonder whats up now?

-17-

Delivered short oration in

Seward today at the Methodist Church

upon request of Juneau Seward Club,

- a high school club. Also decided

case of Leon v Alask Treadwell Gold

Min. Co. – jury case – but I instructed

a verdict for the defendant –

see opinion. Letter from Debbie –

she and Darrell are having their visit

together at Bremerton – I hope it

may not be their last one.

Argument in the Perseverance Water

Case, ended last night – after

having been up in earnest fight

each day for 10 days! Will prepare

my opinion & decide it as soon

as possible – for it is an important

case. Received telegram from

Judge Gunnison today to remove

Snyder as Comr. at Wrangell

for traitorous attack on Gov. Hoggatt.

-18-

Made order today for Judge

Gunnison removing A. V. R.

Snyder as Comr. &c. Wrangell –

Heard motion to strike parts

of complaint in Pearce v Alaska

- Perseverance Min. Co. – granted

the motion and simplified the

issues very much – I hope.

-19-

Capt. Hugh Murray invited several

to go on his newly rebuilt boat

“Elsie” – to Takon bay & glacier today

- Gov. Hoggatt, Genl Distin, Geo.

Irving, Geo. Jeffrey – Geo Simpson

Miss Chapin, Mrs. Ramsey – sister

& Mrs. Kennedy & the reporter for the

Record-Miner & his wife - & three

or four more – It was a beautiful

sunny day – Takon inlet was

clear calm & unruffled – it

was warm bright and a happy

trip. Dinner with Gov. Hoggatt tonight

-20-

Grand Jury empanelled &

instructed: B. M. Behrends, foreman.

Jury trial Alaska Mildred Min. Co.

v Ebner begun. Indictment

against crazy murderer – & he was

ordered sent to Insane Asylum – Marshal

Shoup went out with him.

-21-

Trial Alaska Mildred Min. Co vs.

Ebner – verdict instructed for the plft.

for $10,299.00 At work on my

opinion in Perseverance Mining

Case {-22-} Newspaper dispatches

today say the President will not

have any further investigation made

against me – that he intends to stand

by Judge Day’s reports as follows:

- on next page. Had confidential

talk with Gov. Hoggatt about it

& he assured me that he intended

to go back to Washington this

winter & make a fight in my & as

he puts it – in behalf of territories interest

Substance of todays dispatch

is as follows:

[newspaper clipping:]

“Washington, D. C., May 22. – The

department of justice today announced

that further investigation of the

charges against Alaskan Federal Judge

James Wickersham is to be stopped by

order of President Roosevelt. The

president has notified the department

that he will stand by the judge on his

record up to date, including as it

does, the former strong report in his

favor filed by examiner Day.”

-23^rd-

Finished case of Young v Ebner

yesterday – granted a non-suit

Grand Jury is actively at work

& will probably end its labors this

week. Beautiful weather.

Dinner with Mr & Mrs Page, clerk

of court, yesterday evening & met

Mr. & Mrs. Summers.

-24-

Louis Lane, my Nome companion to

Cape Prince of Wales in 1902 – Jany.

came in on the “Jefferson” this morning

on his way to Chichagoff island.

Jury trial today verdict for plft.

We are getting along fine with the

work of court – Grand jury returned

half a dozen indictments – nothing of

importance & I can probably

close up all jury work in two

weeks more – without they get more

work ready than is now at issue.

Dinner with Mr & Mrs Dautrick last

evening. Miss Yule, principal of

the Juneau schools, Gov. Hoggatt &

I constituted the visitors. Am at

work every spare moment on my

opinion in the Perseverance Water Case.

25-

Beautiful spring day – warm &

once in a while a sprinkle of rain.

Finished all jury cases & let the

jury go till Monday when I begin trial

of criminal cases just indicted-

Grand jury is done – but stands over

till Monday to make reports & finish

up a belated matter- There is about

a weeks work in criminal matters &

then I’ll take up civil jury business

that is new & finish it – then discharge

the jury & go to equity work –

Gov. Hoggatt went down to Seattle this

afternoon on “Jefferson” to attend formalities

of breaking ground for the Seattle-Alaska

-Yukon Fair. Am at work on my opinion

in the water case McFarland v Perseverance

Min. Co – a very interesting case.

-26-

[newspaper clipping:]

“THE DAILY RECORD-MINER

SUNDAY, Mary 26, 1907

MAKING A RECORD

James Wickersham has been

doing a great work since the

first day he opened court in Ju-

neau. The cases on the docket

have been taken up and tried

without delay and disposed of

promptly. The work that the

Judge has done at this term has

been of great benefit to the dis-

trict. Before he came litigants

in this division suffered by the

law’s delay. Mindful of this the

Judge undertook to administer

[newspaper clipping continued:]

justice promptly. In cases left

to the judgment of the court the

decisions was prompt and the ag-

grieved litigant had the opportun-

ity of taking his case to the up-

per court and in this way even

the man who lost was nearer

the end he sought.

Judge Wickersham is a man

of ability, learned in the law and

as a judge he has proven himself

worthy of the confidence of the

people. This mining district

will take on prosperity after the

docket is cleared up.

All honor to Judge Wicker-

sham!”

-27-

Trial U.S. v Dankovich, for

shooting Jap. at Treadwell -
Rainy & warm – The Grand

Jury reported & was discharged

this afternoon – the criticised

Genl. Greeley severely for his

attack upon the Alaskan courts

& called upon the Department

for an investigation & Greely

for an apology

-28-

Trial Dankovich still on.

Circuit Court of Appeals has

affirmed my opinion in

Marks v Gates 2^nd Alaska 519.

-29-

Dankovich verdict ‘ “Not guilty”.

[newspaper clipping:]

“PRESIDENT DECIDES

TO STAND FIRMLY

BY JUDGE WICKERSHAM

Post-Intelligencer News Bureau.

WASHINGTON, May 21, - The presi-

dent has stopped the investigation be-

gun in the Judge Wickersham case in

Alaska when it was made known in

February last that because of the com-

plications introduced by the Hoyt re-

port the nomination of Judge Wicker-

sham would not be sent to the senate

during the session.

The president said that he should

give the judge another recess appoint-

ment and then order a third investi-

gation during the coming summer.

The report on last summer’s investi-

gation by District Attorney Hoyt made

it impossible to secure confirmation of

Judge Wickersham by the senate, for

while Hoyt found nothing against the

judge’s honor or integrity, he reached

the somewhat surprising conclusion

that he should be superceded in office

because the community was divided on

the subject of his fitness. Even this

kind of a report strengthened Judge

Wickersham’s enemies in the senate,

and the president concluded to have

another investigation.

Alfred W. Cooley, an assistant at-

torney general, was chosen to make it.

After further thought on the matter,

however, the president made up his

mind to stand by Judge Wickersham

on the record to date, including as it

does the former strong report in favor

of the judge made by W. A. Day.

WALTER E. CLARK”

-30-

Decoration Day-

No jury – but I am preparing

opinion in the Perseverance Water Case.

Got a letter from Debbie this morning

on the “Dolphin”.

-31-

Trial U.S. v Mila – a police

court case.

-June 1^st-

Bishop Rowe at hotel –

Hung jury in Mila case. Telegram

from Judge Gunnison saying

that he is trying the Dome Creek

cases & will not finish before

August!

- June 2^nd

Dinner this evening with Genl.

Distin & Bishop Rowe. Am

finishing up my opinion in the

water case – Perseverance –

& will deliver it tomorrow.

Shoup is back home.

-June 3-

Delivered opinion in the case

of McFarland v Perseverance Co.

-4-

Trial U.S. v Burke, verdict of

guilty of Larceny from Dwelling

The jury cases for this term are

ended and jury discharged – kept

one juror as there are one or two

jury cases that may be ready for

trial in a few days –

Argument on motion to strike

in Pearce v Sutherland – the same

real parties as in the Water Case –

& plaintiffs move to dismiss their

case without prejudice to new suit.

If this granted it will greatly less

=en the business of the term. They

evidently concluded from my opinion

in the Water Case that I would be

against them on the other case.

There seems to be general satisfac

=tion in the camp with my opinion

in the water case, as it settles the rights

of miners, fisheries & manufacturers

to the use of water from public streams

& protects them from riparian rights

-5-

Little to do in court today. Sentenced

Burke to penitentiary for 18 months.

I had some doubt in his case & gave

him a short sentence for that reason –

but he is a bad man & to get him out

of the Territory I sent him to McNeils

Island, Wash. penitentiary.

Have begun an opinion in the

matter of the Disbarment of Cobb.

-6^th-

Engaged in long winded argument

in case of Int. Trust Co. v Griffin,

one of the interminable Nowell Gold

Min. Cases – which when concluded

wont decide anything – intend to

refuse to decide question – temporary

injunction, & set case for trial

on the merits & then decide it finally.

-7-

The “Record-Miner” this morning says

editorially:

[newspaper clipping:]

“ The court now in session will

go down in history as the turn-

ing point between dull times and

prosperity. It is now clearly

seen that it is important to have

a real live court if you want good

times. Long live Judge Wick-

ersham.”

The passenger list of the Dolphin –

telegraphed from Ketchikan – shows

Mrs. Wickersham on board. I

wonder why she did not telegraph

or write me that she was coming!

Received telegram this eve

=ning from John L. McGinn

Fairbanks, saying that the

case of Nelson & Hensley vs -

Meehan & Larson, had been

affirmed in the Circuit Court

of Appeals. San Francisco

Good!!

-8-

Debbie came this morning on

the “Dolphin” – I am glad to have

her with me. Darrell will be in Brem

=erton for months yet, & she will stay

with me awhile and then go back

and stay with him till time to go

into Fairbanks. She is having a

pleasant time there – everybody

for Alaska has been through Seattle

& she has met most of them & seems

to have greatly enjoyed the meeting.

Many of them met Darrell also.

Spent all day hearing the appli

=cation of the Alaska Pacific Ry. Co.

for injunction to prevent the Copper

Riv. Ry Co. from crossing their terminal

grounds at Katalla. Shackleford

& Lyons represent plaintiff & Bogle[?]

from Seattle & Winn of Juneau

represent the Copper Riv Co.

-9-

Sunday – rainy – nothing much

Worked on Cobb disbarment case.

I am greatly pleased that the case

of Nelson & Hensley v Meehan & Larson

was affirmed. It is the case that

Senator Nelson fought me so vic

=iously about in the Senate – His

10 page brief on the law now goes

to the waste paper basket - & I

stand affirmed by the Circuit Ct. of

Appeals. Every case they have

fought me on - the Copper Case from

Valdez & this case especially – also

the Wild Goose case from Nome, has

been affirmed on appeal!!

[written over diagonally:]

It was really reversed and

I am now – not pleased

-10-

Heard arguments all day in the

Katalla Railroad Cases – a mean

close case – Beautiful weather.

Debbie thinks she has a mission

to keep me from working – but it

only adds a little more work to

what I do -

-11-

Decided the Railroad Case from

Katalla today – Refused to issue

Injunction – which was the only

question involved in the hearing.

Reception at Shoups today

in honor of Mrs C. S. Johnson – the

wife of Judge Johnson died –

Mrs. W assisted & is consequently

worn out & in bed –

-12-

Heard demurrer & motion in Pearce

v Sutherland & Perseverance C. Case

Hearing will go on tomorrow.

-13-

Sustained Demurrer to Complaint

in Pearce v Sutherland & Perseverance Co.

Heard rumor that Nelson v Meehan

had been reversed instead of affirmed –

- telegraphed for information & Monckton

Clerk. Ct. App. answered.

“Appeal Nelson v Meehan dismissed.”

That really leaves a doubt.

-14-

“Jefferson” came in during the night

Mr. & Mrs. Harlan on board en route

to Fairbanks. Telegraphed Monckton

Clk. Ct. Ct. App. for copy opinion in

Nelson v. Meehan. Trying the case

U.S. v Anderson, ejectment from Blk

32, Juneau, U.S. reservation for schools.

Dautricks gave a card party

for Mrs. W tonight – very pleasant.

-15-

Am preparing opinion in Elliott

vs Elliott – Hubbard Copper Case.

Mail brings me some Fairbanks

papers – they disclose that Dodge &

Marquam, who now seems to be acting

as associate editor of the Times, are

none too friendly to Gunnison, but dare

not quite break over on account of the

precarious conditions in which the

arrest of Anderson & Condon for

forgery has left them - but they will

be abusing him later. Their attacks

on me are intermittent but virulent.

The Dome Creek cases are dragging

along - & it is my judgment

-16-

The “Humboldt” came in today. Gov.

Swineford & Gov. Brady, on board. Also

Zip, the N.C. agent at St Micheals & Mrs.

E. T. Barnette & her beautiful little

daughter Virginia. Mrs. W & I went

down & called on Mrs B & she came

up to lunch with us. She is very bitter

against those who are fighting her husband

- but I warned her against the cancer

of hatred & revenge, - that it did those

more harm who harbor it than those

against whom it is directed. Still

advice is cheap & cannot change

human nature. Mrs B. looks well

though she has been sick & is greatly

humiliated & worried over his troubles.

Beautiful day – working on my opinion

in Hubbard-Elliott mining case &

watching a flock of eagles out of the

courthouse window as they fish

at the mouth of Gold Creek.

-17-

Dismissed Cobb v Otterson on

motion of Cobb – he was’nt ready –

Trial of Thorndike v Perseverance

Co. over tells to the Martin Lode Claim

begun. Working nights & odd mom

=ents on opinions in Hubbard Elliott

case.

-18-

Thorndike v Perseverance Co. continued

The excursion steamer “Spokane”

came in today with a large party of

tourists on board, - among them Prof.

George Davidson, long in the U.S. Coast

& Geodetic Survey – I called on him.

He told me that it was 57 years ago

today that he came into San Francisco.

- he was then 25 years old. He has had

more to do with coast surveys than

any other man on the Pacific coast

& is the recognized & accepted authority

in all such matters. He told me

that he had been engaged in the careful

noting of Japanese wrecks for many

years – that he has recorded 75

authentic cases – that he has a mass

of manuscript on that subject now

ready to work into shape & upon

my urging that he & he along could

do it satisfactorily he agreed to go to

work on it at once. He has now

retired from active work but is nearly

blind.

-19-

Trial Thorndike v Perseverance Co.

Working hard on Hubbard – Elliott opinion.

Mrs. W will go home on next Monday

& I will follow as soon thereafter as possible

Skagway term will be abandoned & I will

go to the westward – Valdez & Seward –

& hold a term to finish up business there

so that I wont have to come out in

midwinter.

-20-

Thorndyke v Perseverance Case still

on trial. News from Darrell that

his orders have come assigning him

to “Nebraska” – battleship.

-21^st-

Decided Thorndyke v Perseverance

Case in favor of defendant. It is

a technical case – not important

except that it is a close question

of law on the question of the

sufficiency of a notice of mining location

We are to take dinner – formally –

with Gov. Hoggatt tonight. The Shoups

Mr & Mrs Kinzie, &c are to be there.

Dinner: Gov. Hoggatt – Mr & Mrs. Kinzie

Mr & Mrs Shoup & Mrs W & I – fine –

-22-

Tried jury case today. Called term

of court at Valdez for July 29^th

Rainy.

-23-

Gov. Hoggatt invited Mrs. W - &

me to go to Silver Bow Basin to

see the mines & we went. Had a

fine day – a pleasant trip – a good

lunch with Mitchell, Supt. Persever

ance Mine, a pleasant visit with

Otterson & wife & greatly enjoyed the

grand scenery of the basin.

Dinner this evening with the

Shoups. Debbie intended to go

home this evening on Jefferson

but she is reported now to sail

on Tuesday morning.

-24.-

Trying a log case – am about

through with trials. Will leave

here about July 4^th & come back

about Aug. 20, to settle matters

of appeals &c. Papers today from

Fairbanks – but nothing new.

-25-

Debbie went home this morning

on the Jefferson. Finished trial

of Rapp v Jorgenson today.

Dinner with Gov. Hoggatt tonight.

-26-

Motion Calendar – began trial

of Walker v Shackleford –

Finished opinion in Elliott

v Hubbard – Elliott Copper Case.

-27-

Finished case of Walker v Shackle

=ford today, - instructed jury to sign

verdict for defendant. It is a

“spite” case brought by Cobb against

Shackleford on the barest and

most unfair technicality & grows

out of their bitter personal war

=fare which I hope to mollify

in this case and in the disbarment

proceeding against Cobb, brought

by Shackleford. Dinner tonight

at Treadwell with Kinzie’s – Gov. Hoggatt

Shoups Stoess[?], & I were present.

-June 28-

Finished up the last case

on the trial docket today &

called for others but no more

responded – Dismissed the

jury.

Received in the mail today the

opinion in Nelson v Hensley v

Meehan & Larson – instead of

being affirmed the case was

reversed, much to my regret.

That is the case that Senator Nelson

fought me on, - and while ordin

arily I care only to be right in

such matters, in this I cared to

be affirmed – but was’nt.

Well its forgotten, by me.

Busy finishing up my correspondence

& signing licenses. Will go on the

morning of the 3^rd & take record

in the Elliott case & finish that

up – make up the completed record

on appeal &c. in Seattle.

-29-

The very unpleasant duty of dec

=iding the disbarment proceedings

against Cobb, lawyer, performed.

The Marshal informs me that the

Governor is greatly disappointed

because I did not disbar Cobb

- & expresses his diappointment

- that he has said that he now wont

go down to Seattle with me, &c.

Well, I am sorry that he feels

that way, but I have the strongest

sense of having done right & will

stand the consequences. The

Marshal says that I did right in

his judgment – that he would

have done just that & nothing else.

I did not disbar Cobb,but

did criticise his actions and

lectured both he and his senior part

=ner, Maloney, unmercifully –

I also criticised Shackleford,

for bringing the disbarment proceeding.

-30-

My action yesterday in refusing

to disbar Cobb seems to have been

a great disappointment to the Governor

& other enemies of Cobbs, and they

have been denouncing me severely.

It seems that last fall when Shackleford

was preparing these charges he grew afraid

of Gunnison & filed charges & statements

showing the facts against Cobb in the Dept.

of Justice, and made special application

that I come here – or be sent here – to try the

charges on account of Judge Gunnisons

prejudices in Cobbs favor. Now that I have

decided against disbarment they are ugly –

- well they can go to hell – I did right & that

ends it.

Major Richardson came in on the “Port-

=land,” last night from Valdez. He tells

me that the RR situation there is bad –

that no real railroad building is yet

under way, & that it looks more as

if the Copper Riv. Co was trying to drive

the Bremer road {out} of the field than to build

a railroad itself. Richardson

thinks Katalla a bad port & terminus

for the road

-July 1^st-

Well, Gov. Hoggatt, Shackleford

& others of their – and my – friends

are tearing their hair & rending

their garments because I did

not disbar Cobb – They have

involved Marshal Shoup in

the matter and have distressed

him greatly with their mutterings.

I am as greatly disappointed

as they are, for I expected decent

treatment from them & did not

get it. Well, they can go to the

devil – I never have tempered

my legal duties to send either

friends or enemies &

dont intend to do so.

Finis, Governor!

-2^nd-

Finished up the business of the term

- signed orders, &c. and all liquor

licenses that were not opposed.

Continued hearings of those in Juneau

& one in Douglas and one in Skagway

till Judge Gunnison returns.

George Jeffry will remain

here to get out transcripts, &c.

I have just bought some interesting

Chilkat Indian curios from Jim

Williams, newphew of the Chilkat

chief “Hlat –redge” – the chief

is in the last stages of disease, the

tribe has either died off – joined

the whitemans ways and habits &c.

& the old chief finds Indian ways

& customs deseated & is selling

out the rich & rare objects of value

which slavery, the customs service

of Chilkat over the trade from

the interior to the coast, &c. gave to

his ancestors, & I am getting some

of them. I bought two copper

masks – 2 Chilkat blankets – a finely

carved ceremonial spoon & two

rare copper knives with carved

handle ends. It is the finest

Indian work I ever saw.

Gov. Hoggatt & Shackleford

still off the reservation & hostile.

I am now also, and it’s a feud!!

-3^rd-

Left Juneau this morning at

10 oclock on City of Seattle.

Marshal Shoup came down

to see me off – I judge from what

he says that he intends to resign

soon. Lawlor, the Gov. private

secretary came to bid me goodby

- I could not learn whether it was

a formal and official courtesy

from the Governor, or just Lawlors

private act.

-July 4^th-

Ketchikan – Dixons Entrance.

Seven years ago I was on the

City of Seattle, in this identical

neighborhood on my way into the

Interior of Alaska the first time.

How different things are today

with me & my family Howard

then sat on my lap as we crossed

the swells – seasick but clinging

to me trying to ward it off – bless

his frail but courageous body –

his death left me an old man with

no child to remain with & support

me. Darrell will always be in

the navy – What a mistake it

is not to have a family of children

A dark & cloudy forenoon

raining & a blue fourth!

Music and dancing this

evening – the boat has two lady

musicians – a violinist & pianist.

Those who danced had a pleasant

evening.

-5-

Beautiful day – we seem to be

getting into another world – out

of Alaska into sunshine –

crossed Queen Charlottes Sound

at noon.

-6-

Beautiful morning – a

cloudless sky - & warm.

San Juan Is – Mt Baker & the

Olympics, De Fuca Straits.

Abe Stein, & Mrs. Jaffe,

& 2 or 3 others from Fairbanks

on board – also Jack Dolson

& wife & “Bob” & Mrs Jewett

from Circle City, Seattle 3 p.m-

Reached Seattle at 7:30

& went to the Ranier-Grand

Hotel – Debbie met me &

we went over to Bremerton

Navy Yard to see Darrell.

-7-

Remained at Bremerton last

night & had an hours visit

with Darrell. Debbie has

good rooms at the “Roosevelt”

rooming house. We came

back to Seattle at noon –

Mr & Mrs Perry –(U.S. Marshal)

came in & spent the evening.

Warm & bright Sunday.

-8-

Recd. letter from E. C. Hughes, Pres.

State Bar Assoc. inviting me to

participate in the proceedings of that

body & on Saturday night at the

banquet to make a 5 min. talk.

“Jerry” Cousby, lawyer from

Fairbanks got into town today –

he tells me that Judge Gunnison

granted a non-suit against the

defendants – thus giving Barnette

a practical victory, and thus

leaving the case just where it

started – Aside from this nothing

is done & Jerry says that a whole

years accumulation awaits

my return. He says that Anderson

& Condon want me to try their case!

The old reprobate was willing to

fight me until he gets caught

& then he wants me to try his

case & help him out. I shall

greatly regret it if I am forced

to try him. Called on Senator

Piles today – also E. C. Hughes,

John P. Hartman, John L. Wilson

Chilberg, Pres. Yukon-Alaska Fair,

& others. We are at Rainier-Grand

& will stay here till we {I} go north –

Perrys are at the Butler.

-9-

Went over to Tacoma – paid

my life Ins. &c. back in the

evening. Attended reception

at Rainier Club, to Garfield

Sec. of Int. & Judge Ballinger

Coml Genl. Land Office.

-10-

Getting my teeth dentistried!

Dinner today with Dave King,

who is preparing a “chaser”

to “The Looting of Alaska,”

for Appletons Magazine & who

intends to use the fight against

me as the “chaser”. Darrell

intended to come over & go to the

theater with us tonight – but

telephoned at last moment

that he could not come.

-11^th-

Dentistry. Debbie went to Bremerton

to see about Darrell & I went to Tacoma.

-12-

Returned from Tacoma this morning

Made arrangements with Gilstrap to

put my copper masks & Chilkat

blankets in cases. Debbie got

back from Bremerton last night

She says Gov. Hoggatt was looking

for me – he afterwards told me that

Secretary Garfield wished to see me

& that he tried to find me. The Secretary

is gone to Portland this morning but

I am not sorry about it. Hughes

Pres. of the Bar Assoc. talked with

him about me, & that probably started

his inquiry. My meeting the other

night at the Rainier Club was

a pleasant one & probably it

was just as well not to talk

more.

Attended State Bar Association

today. We called in a body on

Vice President Fairbanks – who

was very pleasant to me.

Hoggatt goes back to Alaska

on tonights boat. Our relations

are strained & never will be as

pleasant again. Shackleford

is here arranging the record in

the Katalla Railway Case on appeal

-13^th-

Attended State Bar Assoc. today.

The Banquet tonight was a bril

=liant affair – and my part in it

was spectacular. E. C. Hughes

Pres. made a speech of welcome &

Judge Burke was toastmaster.

Upon a raised floor three small

tables were occupied – the smallest

by the Vice President C. W. Fairbanks.

Hughes & Judge Burke, another

with Senator Piles at the head ~~was~~ {by}

Gov. Mead, U.S. Dist. Judge Whitson

Chief Justice Hadley of Wash. Judges

Root and Crow, Wash. Chief Justice

Aleshine, of Idaho & ~~myself~~ me.

The great body of the lawyers – 200

and more, occupied the great dining

room – Banquet at the Stander

Hotel. The Com. of the Genl. Land

Office, Judge Ballinger, was on

the list as the first speaker but

was out of the city & I was asked

to take his place & did so, but with

the privilege of talking on Alaska.

The audience had had a good dinner

& plenty of champagne – and other

strong drinks & were in a happy

& hilarious condition. They sung

Huges down when he introduced

the toastmaster & cut the latters

talk very short with singing

“He’s a jolly good fellow” – and

I opened on house that wanted

to sing and be joyful – but not

to listen to talk – My “Irish” was

roused & before I got through I had

them fully under control – though

it required both courage & strength.

The Governor – Mead – followed

& then the Vice President – after

wards Congressman Humphrey

& Senator Piles. The following

is a portion of the “Times” account

of the speech making -

[newspaper clipping:]

“WICKERSHAM ASKS

AID FOR THE

NORTH

Federal Judge in Alaska De-

clares He is Weary of Acting

as Governor and Wants Con-

gress to Give People Power.

DUTY IS OWED BY

CITY OF SEATTLE

Impassioned Appeal of Jurist

Overshadows the Vice-Presi-

dent’s Speech in Importance

at Bar Association Banquet.

[newspaper clipping continued:]

Tired, disgusted and disheartened

in an effort to bring organization

to Alaska, to separate the ju-

diciary from the executive department

and to grant to Alaskans a modicum

of self-government, Federal Judge James

Wickersham last night appealed to the

bar of the State of Washington for as-

sistance. Set down on the program to

succeed Judge R. A. Ballinger in re-

sponse to the toast, “The Law, the Land

and the Home,” Judge Wickersham

plunged boldly into a recital of Alaskan

wrongs, and for the first time since he

has been on the bench in Alaska struck

back at the Congress which has ignored

his reappointment and demanded that

Alaska be considered.

Judge Wickersham is a picturesque

figure of Pacific Coast legal evolution.

A pioneer lawyer, territorial judge, re-

form municipal official, legislator and

Alaskan pathfinder he talked to the State

Bar Association without embellishment

and without equivocation. For three or

four years he has been fighting from

session to session of Congress for a

confirmation of his reappointment and

he is now preparing to go into the in-

terior of Alaska to remain there during

the winter. What Congress does or does

not do will not affect him and the speech

he delivered last night was a defiant

challenge to politicians. It was distinct-

ly the sensation of another wise prosaic

banquet, relieved only by the enthusiasm

with which favored speakers were re-

ceived. In comparison with the sledge

hammer ultimatum of Judge Wicker-

sham, the speech of Vice-President Fair-

banks partook of secondary importance.

[newspaper clipping continued:]

“If my career at the bar were to end

with the achievements and results of

this week’s work,” said retiring Presi-

dent E. C. Hughes, of the State Bar

Association, “I would be quite content.”

Then in turn he lauded Judge Wicker-

sham. Chief Justices James F. Ailshie

of Idaho and Hiram E. Hadley of

Washington, Justices Root and Crow

of the state supreme bench, who at-

tended the association’s meeting; Fed-

eral Judge Edward Whitson, Secretary

James R. Garfield of the interior de-

partment and Vice-President C. W.

Fairbanks. He introduced Judge

Thomas Burke, who acted as toastmast-

er and who was received by the State

Bar with every mark of enthusiasm.

Judge Wickersham was the first

speaker before the banqueters. “I

want to request the assistance of the

lawyers of the State of Washington to

remedy a system of government insuf-

fient and unsatisfactory to the people

of Alaska,” boldly asked Judge Wicker-

sham. “I know that it is a bad govern-

ment and that it is resented by Amer-

ican citizens. What we want to do is

to reach the senators and the represen-

tatives of the State of Washington.

Will you help us? Will you help us

get a government for, by and of the

people of Alaska.

“When I went to the North there was

no court house; there were no records,

no jails, nothing. There was merely a

broad expanse of territory and the only

thing between Alaska and Siberia that

looked like a semblance of government

was the commission I bore signed by

President McKinley. I began up there

with only the assurance of the govern-

ment at Washington that they would

support every good thing I did.”

Judge Wickersham recounted the dif-

ficulty of locating centers of popula-

tion to appoint commissioners of the

court. Incidentally, he spoke of Fair-

banks and a voice suggested the Vice-

President. “Fairbanks, Alaska, like

Fairbanks of Indiana, is pure gold,” re-

torted Judge Wickersham. Then he re-

verted to Alaska affairs:

“The governor of Alaska has no pow-

er. He is a mere figurehead. He has

authority to appoint his own secretary,

to name notaries public and to make

reports to the President and there his

authority ends. He is sworn to see that

the laws are enforced, but if they are

not he has no authority to enforce them.

All he can do is to report to Washing-

Ton.

[newspaper clipping continued:]

AID FOR THE

NORTH

Judges Have All Power

“The judges in Alaska have all the

power. They grant liquor licenses and

inquire into the character of the men

who receive them. They lay out all

commissioner districts, appoint all

justices of the peace and other of-

ficers in that country. It is a wrong

system and never should have been al-

lowed.”

“Tell Roosevelt about it,” cried a

voice from the audience.

“Roosevelt knows all about it and

what I want is to inform the representa-

tives of this state about it. The people

of Washington and especially the people

of Seattle do not realize conditions in

Alaska. You talk about your trade

with the Orient when there is, compara-

tively, not a dollar’s worth of original

trade from Seattle to the Orient. With

us you have a trade amounting to

$20,000,000 a year. We have more coal

than Pennsylvania; more gold than Cali-

fornia, more tin than Wales, more fish

than all the rest of the world combined.

All this trade is tributary to the city

of Seattle and I want to say to the

people of Eastern Washington that we

are buying you wheat and eating you

flour, too. Won’t you help us? As a

judge in that country I want to be rid

of the duties of governor. I want to

be free from politics.”

A moment later Governor Mead re-

marked in response to his toast that the

woes of Judge Wickersham differed from

his own. Unlike Judge Wickersham,

he said he like the work of governor

and in fact was delighted with it. He

lauded President Hughes of the bar as-

asociation and the fraternity in general.

Vice-President Fairbanks, introduced

by Toastmaster Burke as a man “whose

career bids fair to be crowned by the

very highest office in the land,” paid

[newspaper clipping continued:]

an eloquent tribute to the American

government and the American bar. A

felicitious remark from the banquet ta-

bles on the Christian Endeavor Conven-

tion gave the Vice-President opportun-

ity for retort that in the simultaneous

meeting of the national convention of

Christian Endeavorers and the State

Bar Association he saw a special pro-

vidence and expressed the hope that the

Endeavorers who had conquered in for-

eign lands might be able to exert an

influence upon the membership of the

State Bar Association.

Vice-President Speaks.

“Our Country and Its Lawmakers”

was the toast assigned to the Vice-

President and he took a leaf from his

own experience to discuss the tribula-

tions of the lawmakers. He declared

the lawmakers were unable to satisfy

their constituents no matter what they

did and added “even the supervising

architect of the universe cannot satisfy

all.” Then of the lawmakers he added:

“He must satisfy one man out of the

85,000,000 in this country. If he will

follow the dictates of an upright pur-

pose and the righteousness of his own

conscience he will satisfy himself. I

have found in my own experience that

if he does satisfy himself he will ulti-

mately satisfy everybody.”

The Vice-President paid a glowing

tribute to the legal profession, holding

that tributes paid to the American con-

stitution and form of government were

in effect tributes to the legal profes-

sion. He congratulated this state upon

the selection of its congressional dele-

gation.

United States Senator S. H. Piles

was a late speaker at the banquet, in-

formally discussing the work of the

delegation and congratulating the bar

upon its success.

Judge Burke then introduced James F.

Ailshie, chief justice of the supreme

court of Idaho. In his introductory re-

marks Judge Burke praised in the high-

est terms the people and the bench of

Boise, Idaho, for their actions in the

famous case of the State against Hay-

wood, charged with the murder of Gov.

Steunenberg. He dwelt on the trial to

considerable extent and eulogized Judge

E. C. Wood, who is trying the case.”

-14 -

We - Debbie & I – went to Buckley

on the early morning train to see

Mother – She is well – strong & just

as healthy as I ever saw her. The

home place looks fine – Harry is

well as ever, and everything is good.

Aunt Hixey died July 1, and Uncle

Jimmy is grieving – he seems lost

& wants to leave Buckley though

he has a good home & friends here.

-15-

The large Queen Anne cherry tree

is loaded with fine fruit – the

strawberries are not all gone &

chicken – fried chicken is ripe!

Charlie Hanson & Jen. came

down & we went up to visit them.

-16^th-

Went from Buckley on the early

morning train to Seattle & took my

Indian curios to Tacoma – to the

Ferry Museum – also took my

years accumulation of rare books

from Reids office to the home library

The Davis are keeping the place

in good condition, but it makes

me unhappy to go into my library

& see the book cases filled to burst

=ing with my treasures & locked

& bolted! We go over to Bremerton

tomorrow – Dinner with Uncle

Tom & Aunt Kate. Staid at

Donnelly Hotel –

-17-

Bremerton to see Darrell

He is on “Nebraska” – first class

battle ship, & is in bed with the

result of youthful indiscretion!

Too much of a good time!

-18-

Seattle – ready to go to Alaska.

Closing up Katalla Ry case,

with attorneys &c. Left for

Valdez at 9:30

-18^th-

At sea sea sick

damn the sea!

sea sick Oh Lord –

Dying Dead

Damn it Foggy

Kayak Is. Can sit up!

& eat. Think I may live.

-24^th-

We reached Katalla harbor on

yesterday morning – but the

storm & rain kept the barges

away & we did not get ashore

until this forenoon. Several

of us – Capt. Schage – with us

went on shore – about a mile

of Copper Riv. Road built &

breakwater begun. Katalla

is just emerging from the woods

& mud. Bad harbor – but.?

Fine day & got away toward

Valdes in late afternoon -

-25-

Reached Valdes this morning.

Everything here is quiet & orderly

- nothing new around courthouse.

Not much business in sight – but may be

enough. Appointed ~~J. L. Gavigan~~

{Robert Ferguson} jury

commissioner & ordered trial jury for

July 31, & grand jury for August. 5.

-26-

Answering correspondence –

Miss Josephine Derringer is

doing work for me in absence of

George. Was invited to dance at the

McKinley Hall last night – attended

for a short time & renewed my social

acquaintance with a lot of people.

Tonight had invitation to party at

Mrs. Shouses – Crandalls, Cantwells

Scotts, &c present.

-27-

Letter to Debbie – “Portland” due

Andrew Holman just showed me telegram

saying that the first steamer on the Copper river

had just arrived at Copper Center. Name

of Steamer

-28^th-

Sunday – rainy – hazy – quiet.

-29-

Court met in Special Session

Nothing much to do before Wednesday

when the jury will report. “Saratoga”

came in on return trip to Seattle.

-30-

The lady reporter whom I now have

employed for this short term is stout –

plump, 25 – fine looking, & affectionate.

I removed her desk & typewriter down

to the second room of the Dist. Atty. office

today, since I am greatly irritated by a

complaisance which I am too damn badly

scared to return. One’s hair & other things

cant both stand at the same moment

with any satisfaction: I never

have had a woman around before & I

never will gain. Mrs. President Mad

=ison once asked an Indian chief what he

wanted with 3 wives – his reply cant

be improved upon – but the judges

rooms are not for that sort of amusement.

Cap. Anderson acquitted by the jury

at Fairbanks yesterday. I hope

he will now understand that false

charges, even, are uncomfortable &

damaging – but he wont – he has

no sense or judgment.

-31-

Raining – raining – the sun has

not appeared since I’ve been in

Valdes – nothing but rain. The

trial jury called this morning and

“Yucatan” came in : Mr. Perry on

board – letter from Debbie who seems

to be well & happy – newspapers, &c.

August 1^st

Beautiful sunny day, first since

I came to Valdes. Harry Elliott,

& party came on Yucatan to visit the

Hubbard-Elliott mines. E. C. Hughes

lawyer from Seattle & others. Signed

findings & decree in Hubbard Elliott case.

Embezzlement case against Graff

tried today - Verdict – not guilty.

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary12-1907

<http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary12-1907.htm>

Return to Top

Begin: ASL-MS0107-Diary13-1907-1908

James A. Wickersham diary [13], August 1, 1907 to January 12, 1908.

[cover]

[TYEE

No. 3

REPORTERS’ NOTE BOOK]

Private Diary.

August 1^st 1907

February 12^th 1908.

“Hands Off.”

[LOWMAN & HANFORD

STATIONERY AND PRINTING CO.

DEALERS IN TYPEWRITER SUPPLIES

616-620 FIRST AVENUE, SEATTLE]

[newspaper clipping]

“Table of Distances”

lists 41 locations between Valdez and

Fairbanks with distances in miles]

August 1^st, 1907.

The Chamber of Commerce and

lawyers of Seward made application

to me in the spring to hold court at

Seward & to appoint a deputy clerk

there. I forwarded the matter to the

Atty. Genl. and when I reached Valdes

a week ago I received a letter from

the Atty. Genl. approving the matter

& fixing the clerks salary at $100. per mo.

The following telegraphic correspond

-ence then took place with Stier:

“Valdes, July 31, 1907.”

Stier, Clerk District Court

Fairbanks, Alaska

Department approves appointment

deputy clerk Seward. Salary one

hundred dollars per month.

Desire you to appoint Myra H. Cox,

daughter Commissioner Howlett. Telegra

=ph me your approval to take effect

August first and also telegraph instruct

-ions to her about her oath and bond.

“James Wickersham, District Judge.”

Answer:

“Fairbanks, Alaska, July 31, 1907.

James Wickersham, District Judge,

Valdes, Alaska.

I do not see that I need a deputy clerk

at Seward. I have trouble enough now

without complicating things by the appoint

=ment you ask. I prefer to let things

be as they are. There is no need of a

deputy clerk at Seward. Will have

no woman connected with my office.

“ Stier, Clerk.

Reply

“Valdes, Alaska, July 31, 1907.

“Edward J. Stier, Clerk district Court,

Fairbanks, Alaska.

Your telegram refusing to appoint a

deputy clerk at Seward received.

If you will not assist the judge of this

court, who has long confided in your

loyalty, in the establishment of the

necessary aids to the administra

=tion of justice in this district you

should resign. My judgment

must prevail in the matter of the necessity

for the appointment at Seward and

you must act as requested or

resign. Answer promptly.

“ “James Wickersham

District Judge.

To this peremptory demand

I received the following:

“Fairbanks, Alaska. August 1^st, 1907.

“James Wickersham, District Judge

Valdez, Alaska.

Have done as you requested – app

=ointed Myra A. Cox a deputy clerk

to reside at Seward. Have notified

her about bond and oath. Henderson

leaves here on Sixth of this month

for short vacation and will report

at Valdes on the first of October.

“ “Stier, Clerk.

And here endeth a lesson to a

good clerk who has grown arrogant

through kindness.

-2^nd-

Nothing in court of importance

No jury cases ready till next week.

Telegram from Fairbanks saying

that Perovich had been repreived

until next February! I

suppose Gov. Hoggatt did it – he

has been in Fairbanks for a week or

so. It’s a case of mistaken clemency.

for Perovichs {act of} murder was cold-blooded

- secret – at night – for money!!

-3^rd-

Nothing in court – raining.

“~~Bertha~~ {Yucatan}” is in harbor from ~~Seattle~~ Seward.

-4^th-

Sunday – sunny day.

It was the “Yucatan” came in last

evening – but the Bertha is

in today. Had a bath and

a big sleep today. Also

assisted Scott, Dep. Dist. Atty.

in concluding some Katalla

criminal business for tomorrow.

-5-

Grand jury called – instructed –

Dr. Boyle appointed Foreman.

Trial civil case Graff v Butler.

“Yucatan” goes out south at midnight

Mr Perry & two insane prisoners

& guards go

-6-

Decided Graff v Butler for deft.

Beautiful day – nothing in court.

-7-

Indictments returned today

Spicer, Assault with int. comt. Rape.

3. Carbans “ “ “ to kill

Hugh Murray “ & Battery

Beautiful day- Court work

running slow – but the glacier

streams high & ugly -

-8^th-

Raining – Lee Van Slyke here

from Cordova. Reports things

there looking good, & probability of

the Ry. coming in there from Katalla.

Bought 1/9 inteest in 37 acres

of land on water front at New town

- west of Valdes : John Lyons, Geo.

Baldwin own the other parts.

Have been half sick for three days

- but feel better this morning

- too much cigars & coffee.

Telegram from Stier, clerk, Fairbanks

saying that case of Nelson & Hensley v

Meehan & Larson was settled & dismissed

Also one from Judge Gunnison asking

if he might establish new Comr.

precinct at Hot Springs for Manley;

I answered to put it off till I

reached there in September!!

Snowing on mountain tops in

plain sight – here in the valley

its warm and comfortable.

Trial jury case = U.S. v Spicer.

Assault with intent to rape Maude Roe –

= verdict: “Guilty.”

-9^th-

Reynolds & Gov. Brady, of the

Reynolds Development Co. took a

boat load of people to their mines

on La Touche Island – Reynolds

insisted on my going but I could

not – it is a complimentary –

advertising scheme for their

mine & I decline to be used

for stock selling purposes.

Trial U.S. v Hugh Murray for

assault & Battery – “Not guilty.”

10-

Grand jury at work: continued

civil case “3 Man. Min Co v Murray”

till next term. Mr. Mullan,

a prominent lawyer from Salem,

Ohio, is here & has visited the court

several days & today Ostrander & he

came & he tells me he will make a

personal report of conditions here

to the Ohio Senators & personally

urge them to assist in my confirmation

“Bertha” back from Reynolds excursion

- Reynolds came to see me – he

is highly complimentary & says Gov.

Brady is now my friend & will do all he

can to secure my confirmation? Reynolds

& his company have bought the Keystone

Wharf – the Sawmill &c. &c. and now

at 9.p.m. they have a Mass Meeting

in McKinley Hall & I just heard him

shout to the delighted Valdesians that

his electric Ry. to the Summit up Lowe

river would be built “before the snow flies.”

I am careful to keep away from the

scheme – their meetings or any entangling

alliance! for I am informed that

they have been paying dividends on

their stock out of subscriptions!

I can hear the swelling applause

of the mass meeting over in the Hall

as Reynolds & Gov. Brady give

vent to abuse of the “Trusts” &

plead for support to the “Alaska

Home Railroad Co”!

Grand jury still at work.

Beautiful day.

-11^th-

Sunday. The town is feverish this

morning with the effect of last nights

“railroad-promoter-get-rich-quick”

“knock-out-the-trusts-while-theyre-waiting”.

meeting. The meeting was a most

skillful game to get the citizens of

the town bound to the Reynolds-Brady

scheme, and it succeeded to the

amount of nearly 100,000 dollars

subscription. Reynolds and Brady

made promoting speeches – and they

had “cappies” prepared to begin

the subscriptions – for instance

they bought the Keystone wharf for

$6000, but the price was made

$7000 & Lathrop took a $1000

subscription & I presume many

others were on the same basis.

People are out staking lots

this morning, and the “Rosy Dawn”

is just dawning. However, it is

an interesting proposition. Reynolds

& his company have just purchased

the Alaska Steamship Co – the “Portland”

“Bertha”, “Jeanie” &c. and have declared

rate war on the Northwestern Co. and

now this Ry. project is launched just

at a time when Hawkins is expected

here to change the Northwestern Ry.

back from Katalla to Valdez. – The

N.W. people admit the Katalla ter

-minal to be error after spending

nearly half a million dollars on it

& when they turn back to look at their

old Valdez project, Reynolds jumps

in with his scheme, and binds

the business men in 3 year rate

contracts, takes possession of

stragetic points, gathers a large

popular subscription, and

is in possession of much that

is vital & will cost the N.W. large

amounts of money if they attempt

to dislodge him:

To the scheme last night

Hemple subscribed $5,000.

Snyder “ 2,500.

Levy & Co “ 2,500.

Lathrop “ 1,000.

Hubbard “ 1,000

&c. &c. &c

They presented a franchise to the town

for a 99 year right of way &c. agreeing

to protect the town from the inroads

of the glacial stream for that time

as a consideration therefor!! Foxy!

I have’nt seen the franchise yet

but I presume that its exclusive &

for 99 yrs. & leaves nothing out that

Reynolds wants. Reynolds has

also bought ½ interest in the “Prospector”

and will install a first class newspaper

plant – so he told me. They have

their newspaper people with them,

and they have certainly gone to shouting

“before the snow flies”.

Gov. Brady opened the Mass Meeting

last night by reading from the Bible!

the story from Nehemiah about the

valiant young man who gathered

a few resolute souls a round him

& rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem

- & then took Reynolds for the young

and ardent soul who now intended

to rebuild the wall of protection

from the Trusts – the Morgan-Gug

genheimer bad men who are threatening

to capture Alaska by building a

railroad for the purpose of hauling

the Bonanza copper mines output

to the coast!! Both of them denounced

the “Trusts” in the name of the Bible

and the People, yet only a few

hours before the meeting, they had

both signed an iron clad trust

contract for joint & high rates between

their Keystone & the Lathrop wharves.

The whole “revival” meeting is so

ludicrous & funny to one who is

able to stand aside & look on

- but the gullibles flocked to their

“mouners bench” with subscriptions.

-12^th-

The commissioners jury of six doctors

called on Saturday to determine the

sanity of “Joe Carbone” – an Italian

accused by three indictments of cutting

with intent to kill – found him sane.

- the remarkable feature of the verdict

being that Six Doctors should agree!!

Now, however, we must try him & he

is a shrieking jumping Italian

of the Mafia or Black Hand class.

Steamer “Santa Clara” coming

up the harbor: Later: Mail: letter

from Debbie and also mail from

Fairbanks. Nothing important

except that Clum – “Major” Clum –

is candidate for Congress against

Cale.

-13^th-

Two important criminal cases

today U.S. v Eagan, forgery, guilty,

& U.S. v Carbone, assaulting officer

in jail & stabbing – guilty.

The Alaska Home Railroad is

really at work & Reynolds has the

town interested. He will probably

get the road out to the Canyon this

fall – but?

Telegraphed & asked Judge Gunnison

if he wished to remain in Fairbanks

this winter – he said “No.” Also

telegraphed the Atty. Genl. situation

& asked to transfer Jap. poachers

cases to Juneau – they wont get

here before 25^th & I must go by

that time to get to Fairbanks

before the freeze up.

-14-

Telegram from Ray, Asst. Dist.

Atty. from Seward {to Lathrop, Dep. Marshal}

saying that he

had just arrived there on the Revenue

Cutter “Manning” with 63 Japanese

poachers on the Seal Islands &

would reach Valdes tomorrow:

I at once telegraphed Atty. Genl.

“Valdes, Alaska, August 14, 1907.

“The Attorney General, Washington D.C.

“Revenue Cutter Manning will reach

“here tomorrow with sixty three Japanese

“seal poachers for tiral. This early

“arrival gives me time to hear cases.

“The grand and trial jury in session

“now. Has department special instructions

“to give. James Wickersham

“ District Judge.”

-15-

Court work small – waiting

for witnesses on Saratoga, and the

“Manning” with Jap. poachers-

Dinner with Mrs. Geo. Esterly –

present Capt & Mrs Hemlich,

Lt. & Mrs. Shuman, Mrs. Hazlett

Mr. Sam. Blum, & I : after diner

we went to Ladies Evening 500.

Club at the Tilacum Club.

About Midnight The

Manning came in – Capt.

Cantwell. comdg: 63 Japs.

-16-

Jap. cases before Grand

Jury. “Manning” & officers

have to remain here for trial

so it will have to be pushed

Another case against Carbone

tried today – Verdict: Guilty.

Dist. Attys. busy trying to get indictment

against the Jap. poachers, who are

now in custody of Marshal.

Created Iliamna Precinct

today & appointed T. F. McLean

Commissioner.

“Saratoga” in – no letter from

Debbie.

Capt. Cantwell of “Manning”

was captain of the “Nunivak,” and

I visited him & his boat in the mouth

of Dall river, above Rampart

in Feb. & Mch. 1901.

Reynolds seems to be crazy!

He is either an unappreciated genius

or an ass – he is paying three prices

for property – and buying recklessly.

-18-

Grand jury returned two indictments

- one against each crew of the two

Japanese seal poachers on St Paul

Island. Appointed Henry Fukanga,

Jap. interpreter, also Ostrander, Leedy,

& Ritchie, attorneys to defend them.

Arraigned them, overruled motion to quash

indictment - & empanelled jury in

case No 106, against the “Kiawa” crew.

Trial will proceed Monday.

-19^th-

Sunday – Prepared instructions

in writing in Japanese cases –

in doubt on one point – viz: the

Japanese sealing vessel & part of

crew remained outside 3 mile

limit – but boats crews came

within & killed seals – Query:

Has the court – the U.S – jurisdiction

to try & punish the crew that

aided & abetted from the open

ocean outside our territorial

limit? I have instructed the

jury that such jurisdiction exists

- but I am in some doubt.

Reynolds is exhibiting signs

of greater genius or ranker insanity

in his “plunging” in real estate &

other schemes here. The town is

greatly excited in a speculative

way - & the end is not yet.

-19-

Trial U.S. v Kadota & 33 other

Jap. seal poachers before jury.

Grand jury returned indictment

against “Big Mike” Sullivan

& others for riot at the crossing

of the Railroads at Katalla.

Jury found three men of the

Kadota crew – guilty.

-20^th-

Verdict of guilty in the Kadota

matter of 3 men this morning

after all night session of jury.

Trial of the other crew today.

- Watanuki & 28 others –

Busy closing up term – think

I can get away on “Saratoga”

-21^st-

The jury in the Watanuki Jap

case out all night – this

morning I instructed them

to compromise & render a

verdict if possible & in an

hour they agreed – found Capt.

Watanuki & two boats crews

“guilty” – 7 men in all, &

3 in Kadota crew.

Sentenced prisoners today

Carbone – 2 cases – 10 yrs –

Eagan, forgery – 10 yrs.

Spicer, assault with intent to rape

a “wild cat” girl – one year. I

felt strongly for Spicer. He was

a soldier – 2^nd Oregon, Co. G.

& has a fine war record – the

girl is a nasty little cat - &

still I could not do less than

1 yr. it was the minimum

Also sentenced the Japs -

Fined 3 men of the Kadota

crew $300. each - $900.

Capt. Watanuk - 500

6 members of Watanuki crew

$200 each 1200.

$2600

Signed a lot of Saloon licenses

= but refused Kid Browns appli

=cation for “dance hall” in the

McKinley Hall – I called “Kid”,

& the dance Hall men in the office

& notified them that women in

saloons must be stopped –

Lathrop, Dep. Marshal & Scott,

Asst. Atty. present.

Organized the Prince William

Sound Com. Precinct & appt.

S. A. Crandall, Commissioner

to take effect Oct. 1.

All the business of the court

was concluded – I leave

with a good feeling behind.

- Even the “Prospector” said

something nice about the

report of the Grand Jury in favor

of my confirmation.

Reynolds, made me a written

offer this afternoon to employ

me as Genl. Counsel, at a

salary of $12,000. a year

& an interest in the schemes.

He makes the offer to be good

for 6 months & intends to

work for my confirmation

Leave Valdez at midnight

on the “Saratoga”

- 22^nd –

Reynolds is on the Saratoga

going to Seattle on a flying trip

- & I will probably have to

talk with him about his offer

& his Valdes scheme of Railroad

&c. I will not consider any

offer of employment from him

or anyone else until I am

confirmed – or resign.

I do not yet understand Rey

nolds, or his scheme. He

has paid out more than $200,000.

in cash in Valdes in the last 10

days – Within three days he

has bought out A. L. Levy & Co

& S. A. Hemple & Co. both bankers

& merchants – He paid Levy

& Co. $50,000. cash on act.

& Hemple a like amount

& is to pay the balance in 60

days – the bal. will amount

to $300,000. He has bought

$100,000. with of real estate

& is building railroad & rebuilding

wharves, &c. lavishly. All this

occurring in a town which

was without hope & dead only

10 days ago has created great

excitement & fills me with

curiosity as to the source and

limit of the means of this

Alaskan Monte Cristo. Is he

plunging? or is it a well

laid plan to do big things

from a plenteous treasury?

We ran into Land Lock Bay

early this morning and are lying

at a small new wharf loading

copper ore which comes down

from a new mine half a mile

above us – on the mountain

wall – by wire cable which

ascends at a 45º angle.

It is Joe Bourke & Steeles

mine. Capt. OBrien & I

were invited up to the house

& took lunch with Mr & Mrs.

Steele & the baby – a 10 mo.

old, fat, happy baby boy.

Raining & we will get out

about dark with enough

copper on to well ballast

our ship – Raining!!

Judge Thompson from

Danville, Ill. is on board.

He has been into the Matanuski

Coal Fields – is not enthusiastic

Judge Adelbert P. Rich.

of the Supreme bench of New York

- from Brooklyn – was in

Valdes this week. He brought

me letters from Judge Hazel

U.S. Dist. Judge, Buffalo, N.Y

& Congressman Sereno Payne.,

asking me to assist him &c.

He & his wife took lunch with me

He was here to inspect a copper

prospect about 12 miles up

Lowe River – nearly opposite

Camp Comfort – I assisted

in getting him a guide, &c.

-23-

Arrived in Katalla early

this morning. “Yucatan” &

“Jeanie” anchored off the

point. Reynolds & his agents

are here gathering up men

- snatching them from the

other roads. The Jeanie

will take 250 or more of them

to Valdes. Dick. Ryan got

aboard here. Hawkins

is still here – but goes to Valdes

soon. Morrison of the

Bruner road goes with us to

Seattle. Under way to sea

at 12. noon. Mr. Harlan

is on “Yucatan” – going to Valdes

to try the Jap cases!!

1907

August 24^th

My 50^th Birthday

A beautiful day – and

not sea sick – but I am

never comfortable at sea.

25-

E. C. Hughes, lawyer, of Seattle

is aboard – this is his 52^nd birthday

Beautiful day – strong fair –

north-wind & we are making good

time. Passing along a few miles

off Queen Charlottes Island.

Reynolds is a bright, virile,

fellow, with some good ideas

& large ones too, but in some

things he is very ordinary

& exhibits poor judgment.

In his attempts to organize the

industries of Valdes has entered

into a dance-hall scheme with

“Kid” Brown - & proposes to aid

a vaudeville scheme organized

by himself & the “Kid.” But more

reckless than this attempt join

“hookshops” & dance halls to his

legitimate schemes is his

open flaunting of “Johnnie”

or Myrtle Eaton – a “prostituting

fairy” – a graduate from the Horse

Shoe Dance Hall – and who now

offers fancy millinery as her

mask for more respectable (?)

prostitution. She is with

Reynolds – he seats her at

his elbow at the dining room

tables, talks with her confiden

=tially & publicly & their affair

ois so bold, open, defiant & foolish

as to call forth much adverse

criticism. He is easy – for

she is a cheap flower – and

lacks both style & sense.

Poot, his hotel manager, Crary

his newspaper manager

{Quinn, his electric manager,} and

other heads of his various depart

=ments re on board – and are

all – even Kid Brown is –

disgusted with the cheapness

and commonness of his

vices – It is even too poor & cheap

to attract those who would excuse

a fair display of vice.

Queen Charlottes Islands-

we’ve coasted 10 miles or less

{off shore} along

‘em all day. They’re mountainous –

and with few harbors next the Ocean.

Timbered – craggy - & rough.

-26^th –

Off north end of Vancouver Is-

Another fine day – wind blows

from the north – clear – and the

feeling that –

“The melancholy days have come

The saddest of the year

With waiting winds & naked woods

And Meadows brown & sear.”

The first day of fall – and a fine

one – but it makes one feel one

=some. The longer I stay in

Alaska - the more I feel that

I am falling forever away from

my home and friends. There

is the usual betting on the hour

of our arrival in Seattle, in which

I do not join. Have met old

“Cal. Huddleston” – miner,

plainsman, hunter and simple

life enjoyer, from the Yentna

- under the shadow of Mt. McKinly.

Also C. F. Yeaton of Sunrise,

70. years old, pioneer: both these

old men are going out with a

small fortune to rest the balance

of their days in peace, - hale

hearty, strong & courageous.

Reynolds & Miss Eaton are

now spoken of as “Reynolds

& his maid.” “Love is blind

but the neighbors are not.”

-27-

In the Straits of de Fuca

this morning at 6 a.m.

Quiet gentle, placid, sun

=shine, green fields & comfort.

It costs to be a pioneer or

empire building judge!

Arrived in Seattle at 5 oclock

found Debbie at Rainer

-Grand Hotel – Darrell O.K.

-28-

Still in Seattle – nothing

doing. Perrys here – No

news of interest.

-29-

Debbie went with Darrell

over to Bremerton – will bring

her trunk &c. Bishop Rowe came

in from Nome on the “Puebla” today

he took lunch with me.

-30-

Went to Tacoma – looked

after my taxes, &c. Tacoma

does not keep pace with

Seattle – its a slow, sleepy

place – but I love it just

the same.

-31-

In Seattle - Perrys go

north tonight on the Dolphin.

Debbie & I each bought a

warm fur coat for winter.

Henderson, dept. clerk is

here & gave me news from

Fairbanks – nothing of

any importance.

Sept. 1.

Dinner with Capt. & Mrs. Jar

=vis. “Buster”, “Billie” & Anna.

Greatly enjoyed my visit – Jarvis

Boys are fine manly fellows.

Sept. 2.

Went over to Tacoma. Debbie

& Darrell came & we took a

carriage ride out to our Puy

=allup valley land. Went to

the theater, and saw some of our

Tacoma friends. Donnelly Hotel.

Sept. 3.

Back to Seattle, packed &c. The

“Northwestern” came in from Nome

- Gov. Hoggatt came – he is cold

& unfriendly & he and Shackleford

are trying to fill Jarvis with

prejudice. Bishop Rowe

is here – Dean Stuck & Mr.

Jenkins, episcopal minister at

Ketchikan, ditto.

Took the SS “Humboldt”

Capt. Baughman tonight for

Juneau & Alaska.

-4^th-

Gulf of Georgia – beautiful day.

Took sick this evening

- severe chill – high fever.

-5-

Very sick today – taking

quinine – seems to be an

attack of malaria.

- 6

Ketchikan – am much

better today.

-7-

Reached Juneau at 4 oclock

& went to courthouse – called

court. Settled several bills of

exception on appeals &c. &c.

Worked till midnight – got

everything done for the lawyers

but the clerks records could

not be written – so Page

& Fox, deputy, came with

us for Skagway.

-8^th –

Ft. Seward for an hour, arrived

at Skagway in evening and

went to the “5^th Avenue Hotel.”

Kept by Charlie Runner &

Miss Burke. Am now

Am now –

preparing my letter of

resignation directed to the

President.

Sick tonight & called in

Dr. Braun, - he has washed

me out with salt water &

hopes Ill be all right tomorrow.

-9^th-

Skagway to White Horse.

Beautiful sunny day –

fall weather – fine trip.

-10-

Our boat will not go out

till late tonight = this forenoon

I spent in preparing my

formal letter of resignation

- which I have finally agreed

on with Debbie. We’ve

talked it over constantly

since leaving Seattle – I

tried to get her to remain

in Seattle, agreeing to resign

& come out from Fairbanks in

February – I must go in

there to collect moneys & arrange

my business affairs – but she

preferred to go in with me &

come out, if necessary, in March

over the snow. – So I am now

preparing my letter of resignation

with her assistance.

I am determined to quit –

I only fear the President

may not understand it

as I want him to.

My letter of resignation reads

as follows:

“Juneau Alaska Sept. 7, 1907

Theodore Roosevelt: President of the

United States. Washington, D.C.

Sir: I wish to resign the office

of District Judge of Alaska, to which

you have so frequently appointed me.

Several things make it desirable

to do so at this time besides the

fact that I am a poor man and

now have a reasonable and proper

opportunity to re-enter the law practice

with a fair prospect of accumulating

a small competence before opportunity

fails or old age overtakes me.

The first of these is that it seems

hopeless to expect those senators

who have opposed my confirmation

to ever cease to do so.

At a recent term of court held

by me at Juneau, Alaska, upon

special request of the Attorney General

I had the misfortune to decide an

important cause involving the

career of a young lawyer in a

way contrary to Governor Hoggatts

views. Thereupon the Governor

withdrew his friendship, which I

had highly valued, and criticised

me so that his loss of confidence

became publicly known. His

view was both unjust and pre

=sumptous, but his opposition

and refusal to support the

court added greatly to my

burden.

I have greatly desired a

confirmation by the Senate of your

action in reappointing me as

judge in this frontier district, but

I now think it is vain to expect it.

However, since you have approved

my service by several recess

re-appointments and have thus repeat

=edly given your high endorsment

thereto, and since the Senate would

have confirmed by a large

majority except for the rule of

unanimous consent which per

=mitted two Senators to prevent

it, I shall bear this injustice

with patience.

I do not wish to abandon my

post, however, without your consent

nor until you can supply my suc

=cessor. By repeatedly appointing

one in the face of opposition you

have assumed a responsibility

that places me under such obligations

that I do not wish my resignation

accepted without it is entirely

satisfactory to you.

Then, too, it will be some time

before you can get my successor to

Alaska, and I shall deem it a

duty to keep court in active progress

until you can do so. My successor

can come into Fairbanks via Valdes,

at any time after January first

1908, and could take the oath

of office at Valdes. It is highly

necessary to keep court open in

that way.

I have the honor, therefore,

to request that my resignation

as district judge of Alaska, third

division, be accepted to take

effect not later than March 1^st

1908.

Respectfully,

“ James Wickersham

“ District Judge, Alaska

Some other considerations

appeared important enough to

mention as grounds for my

action – Debbies health

and my inability to give her

attention in Alaska being

an important one – but I

concluded to base it only upon

those mentioned. George

wrote the letter for me on a

type writer borrowed from

the White Pass Ry. & I sent

it in an envelope to Page,

Clerk, Juneau, with instructions

to put it in the Post Office

- & the end of my political

career was reached with{out} a

pang of regret – with real

genuine feeling of relief.

I can now begin to organize

my home – library – and

my own private fortune.

-11^th-

We left Whitehorse this

morning – rather about mid

=night – on the Str. “Selkirk”

Lake La Barge, 30 Mile, &c.

Fine day and the most beautiful

coloring I ever saw – The frosts

have colored the leaves yellow

-gold and red – the hills & mount

=ains are thus showing the talent

of the frost king for coloring –

-12-

Minto – Selkirk - & the Pelly.

As we go north it falls & looks

more and more like early winter.

My dysentery is some better but

I am far from over the attack.

Debbie stands trip well -

-13

Indian Red. at Breakfast

25 miles from Dawson, which

we’ll reach at 10 oclock.

Major Wood

{Comdg. the N.W. M. Police} came with us

from Whitehorse. The major

is tall – slender, clean shaven

50, looks like a Sioux Indian

& drinks “scotch whisky.”

Capt. Fitz Horrigan, his aid, is

rather portly, greyhaired, social,

and looks and flirts like an

Irishman – handsome Mrs.

Murphy, with little “Jack” her

two year old son has not lacked

for attention. Arrived here

just too late to catch the “Hannah”

which left for down river yester

day at noon.

-14^th

Dysentery bad.

Poor old Dawson – she is

on the down hill side of life –

cabins uninhabited – going to

decay – everything looks as if

the town is utterly deserted.

Dinner last evening with

the Roedigers. Nothing new.

Jack. Robinson, Depty. Marshal

from Eagle is here trying to extra

=dite a deserting soldier

from Eagle – for embezzlement.

Major Wood send Capt. Horrigan

to show me a complaint which they

had received from Thos. McGuire

a British subject, complaining

of sentence for petty larceny

at Ft. Gibbon. I promised to

look into the facts when there

-15-

Sunday – cloudy & the first

snow of the season – Remained

around hotel all day –

The Str “Dawson” came down

from Whitehorse : Kellogg & wife

Lynch, from Esther Creek & others

for Fairbanks came on her.

-16-

Nothing about boat from the

lower river yet. The N.A.T. & T.

boat “Hamilton” is now due

but not reported at Eagle.

The launch “Eli” went down

to Eagle on Saturday: the Gillil

=ands, Howard Turner & Jack

Robinson went down on her.

-17-

No boat for down river yet.

Today called on U.S. Consul

Coles, Gov. Hendreson, Judge

Dugas, and on Messrs Perry

& Thomas, managers for the

Guggenheims – the great combine

for dredging Eldorado, Bonanza

& the Klondyke. My dysentery

is gradually getting well!!

-19-

Steamboat! The “Hamilton”

passed Eagle at 9:30 this morning

& will be in Dawson tomorrow

- & will go back down the river

on Saturday. Dinner with

Mr & Mrs. Finnie & “Dick” Jr.

Beautiful day

-20^th -

Patiently waiting = Regina Hotel.

Dinner with the Roedigers tonight

They kept open house today

“At Home” & Mrs. W met many

of the Dawson ladies.

Roediger had telegram from

Ward – “News” – Fairbanks saying

that the Republicans held a

primary election at Fairbanks

yesterday to elect delegates to the

Republican Territorial Convention

at Juneau in Nov - Cale was

endorsed against Clum.

Taft won – and Casey Moran

Ed. News. Challenged Dodge

to vote on me – and that my

friends also won out.

Had dinner with Governor

Henderson tonight – a formal

dress affair – though few present.

Gov & Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. W

& I, and Ex Gov. Congdon & Capt

Fitz Horrigan – in his English

red coat. A very pleasant

affair – though my shirt stud

broke out & my shirt front

annoyed me by spreading open.

Boat tomorrow at 2:0

-21^st-

Left Dawson at 4 oclock

on steamer “Charles Hamilton”

with a crowded list of passengers.

Forty Mile early in evening &

owing to darkness laid up

there till daylight -

-22-

Eagle – Remained nearly all

day at Eagle – Visited the town

& our old home – wandered

around the post, &c. There

are not half as many people

at Eagle as there were in

1900, and but for the Ft. Egbert

it would be nearly deserted.

Mr & Mrs. Meyers are the

last of the old friends there –

except Cora – no Mrs. Cora

Thompson – with two babies.

The Str. “Seattle No 3.” was

also at wharf – Major Richardson

& Harry L. Cohn, asst. dist. atty.

on board. I had quite a

long talk with Major Richardson

& told him I had resigned.

He expressed regret at that

and mildly criticised Hoggatt.

He gold me that Hoggatt said

he was angry at my criticism

of Shackleford in the Cobb case,

& that I did not come to him

& make an explanation!!!

-23^rd-

Circle City - & snowing.

Appointed R. M. Dobson, justice

of the peace, here, in aid of

Votan, who is temporarily out

of the country. Heavy snow

- bought some Indian tanned

moose hides. Lying at woodyard

near Halfway island, tonight

loading wood -

Passed the “White Seal” & the

“Lavelle Young” going up the

river, early this morning

above Circle.

While in Circle two Indian

girls – young woman – met me

{on the street} one of them smiled at me in

an ingratiating way. I glanced

at her and passed one. Again

I met them, and again both

smiled and seemed to wish

to attract my attention – but

I swelled up with Virtue and

passed on. A third time they

met me – on the street crossing

and again a smile – and a

determination to gain my

attention – this time it

became so apparent that I was

forced to stop when the

youngest and best looking

came close up and said in a

low tone. “How much divorce

cost?” They knew I was the

Judge who granted divorces and

she wished one – while she

waited. Even Circle City

squaws are assuming Chicago

airs! I explained – not to her

satisfaction either – that she

must see a lawyer. She left

me, without a smile, and in

evident disgust at my lack of

appreciation and power.

Snow a foot dep.

-24-

Ft. Yukon in the forenoon.

Some signs of prosperity –

a new log Episcopal Church,

& McInroys new trading post

give a sign of life to the old

place. Much quarreling &

bickering – Miss Wood the

Episcopal teacher has gone

into the trading post business

& it will do great damage.

Already Beaumonts & the

McInroys crowd are against

her and will do all in their

power to injure her trade &

her influence with the

Indians. Nearing Fort

Hamlin tonight.

-25-

Rampart in the forenoon

Met Comr Ballou, and Dep

Mar. Drake. Inspected offices

&c. & visited people. Left some

of our passengers – Met the

“John C. Barr” in the afternoon

below the “Rapids,” – and the

exchange of passengers and

freight made – the “Barr” taking

us & the Hamilton taking the

Barrs up river passengers

& barge & returning to

Dawson. The Barr is

much smaller than the

Hamilton & our crowd filled

it to overflowing. The state

rooms are small with three

berths in each. Cots – the

floor and the tables were used

to supply the want of beds –

and 90 people were to be fed

in a small hall – in three

sittings. Capt. Blair

kindly offered us his room

on the texas – the upper deck,

and thus relieved Debbie

from much discomfort.

We reached Ft. Gibbon about

8. p.m. and left there at

midnight for Fairbanks.

Comr. Bathhurst interviewed

me on the necessity for making

his a recording district –

& I am impressed that it ought to be.

-26^th-

Cosna, & Hot Springs.

A beautiful fall day – no

snow – the river high – a

bright sun; a pleasant

room – makes it a very

pleasant trip for us –

The Barr is making good

time & we will get in Saturday

morning. Capt. Barr

is a New York City boy &

during the winter – when off

duty on the Yukon, runs a ferry

from Jersey City to 23^rd St.

N.Y. Our room on upper

deck a pleasure to Debbie.

The river is high -

-27-

Nenana – the country

at the mouth of the Ne-na-na

is the prettiest in Alaska.

-28-

We reached Chena at 7:20

- just too late to catch the

train & waited 2 hours

for trains to Fairbanks –

Edgar is conductor on the

train & informed me that

the “Times” this morning

had the first announcement

of my resignation.

Many of my friends are

disappointed that I resigned

- but they did not have to bear

the burden, pay the expenses

nor repay the losses by

worry & years of fight

-ing without an opportunity

to fight back. I am

satisfied – and that ends it.

The Times & News have the

usual editorials – one

claiming the victory & the

other announcing my retire

=ment with great credit, &c.

Beautiful day – Received

my second class mail of

last winter!!

[newspaper clipping:]

“(Times Special Service.)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 ==President Roose=

velt announced tonight that he had received the

resignation of James Wickersham as judge of

the Third Judicial Division of Alaska, the same

to become effective upon the appointment

of his successor.

The president further announced that the

resignation would be accepted, and that he

would appoint Judge Wickersham’s successor

in October upon his return to Washington from

his Western trip. It is understood that Judge

Wickersham will engage in the practice of law

at Fairbanks. M’CORMACK.”

[second newspaper clipping:]

“ The fight that has been made

against the reappointment and con-

firmation of James Wickersham as

judge of the Third judicial division

of Alaska is at last at an end.

This result has been brought about

by the tender of his resignation to

President Roosevelt, to take effect

upon the appointment of his successor

and the announcement by the presi-

dent that such appointment will be

made by him upon his return to

Washington in October.

In view of all the circumstances of

the situation, The Times feels that is

is fully performing its duty to the

public by presenting the facts with-

out extended or unnecessary com-

ments.

The position which this paper has

taken and which it has steadily pur-

sued is well known.

It has fought its fight without

fear and without hope of reward ex-

cept such as it may share with the

general public when confidence in”

[newspaper clipping continues:]

the judicary shall have been re-

established and the feeling of fear,

uncertainty and oppression which has

heretofore existed in this division

shall have been removed.

The satisfaction which we feel at

the outcome is entirely impersonal.

We glory and exult in the defeat or

adversity of no man.

The Times took up the cudgel

against what it conceived to be a

judicial situation that was a travesty

upon law and a mockery upon jus-

tice. In the contest which followed

it nailed its colors to the mast, to

remain there until the ship sank or

the battle for right was won. The

fight has been won. To this result

we feel that The Times has in no

small way contributed and that in so

doing it has remained true to its

principles and has justified its exist-

ence.

It is now to be hoped that in ap-

pointing a judge for this judicial di-

vision President Roosevelt will be

fortunate in his selection. All that

The Times desires in this regard is

to see the district court presided over

by a judge whose legal learning and

ability shall command respect and

whose honesty and integrity shall in-

spire the confidence of all.”

The above extracts

from the Morning Times

& those following

from the Evening

News of the same day

[newspaper clipping:]

“WICKERSHAM’S RESIGNATION.

Judge Wickersham has resigned. For

two years he has had such a move,

he says, under consideration, but re-

fused to step down while under fire.

During that time he has been pelted

right and left by men who opposed

him because his decisions did not suit

them. Investigators have been sent

here but they failed to find any of

the charges against the presiding

judge substantiated.

To be sure he was charged with

bowling a game down at Fred Mar-

tin’s, but that had nothing to do with

his decisions in court on mining ques-

tions. A moral or mental giant of

this city brought in the gambling ques-

tion to oust the judge whose mining

decisions were not to his liking. And

so it has bone. The camp was split

into factions. The men who were

fighting the judge kept him there by

that very fight. The president told him

personally after reading the the report

of the investigators that he would re-

main judge as long as he was presi-

dent.

The live sprit of the camp was

killed. The Wickersham matter was

drawn into every municipal or dis-

trict affair. No person or persons

could make a move in the camp but

his or their motive was questioned

It became so unbearable the people

cried enough.

Last summer a Mr. Cooley was sup-

posed to come in here and investiagte.

He failed to show up. The activity

of the anti-Wickersham men began to

wane, and it died a few days ago at

the republican primaries, when the

judge was endorsed, even though a

train load of republicans (?) were

brought from the creeks to defeat

such an end.

Seeing that the fight against him

had come to an end Judge Wicker-

sham resigned.

The fight has brought what? Noth-

ing except discord and strife. It has

injured the town and the district. It

ahs cost the anti’s thousands of dol-

lars to keep it up. Judge Wickersham

could have made several times his sal-

ary had he been practicing law. He,

too, is loser. And after these men

quit and find the fight useless, they

are astonished to see Judge Wicker-

sham step down and out.

Our earnest and sincere hope is

that his successor will be as capable

and fearless as he has been, for

as years roll by this records as a

judge will stand out with ever

increasing brilliancy.”

[newspaper clipping, line breaks ignored:]

“JUDGE WICKERSHAM

LEAVES THE BENCH

WASHINGTON, D. C., Sept. 27. –

President Roosevelt today received the

resignation of James Wickersham as

judge of the Third judicial division of

Alaska. The letter of resignation asks

that Judge Wickersham’s successor be

appointed as soon as possible after the

resignation is accepted.

The president stated that he had not yet

considered the question of a successor to

Judge Wickersham, and would not do so

until after his return from his trip through

the South late in October.

The resignation came as a great surprise,

even to the intimate friends of the judge.

No reason is given for the resignation, but

it is stated that Judge Wickersham has been

for a long time desirous of entering the

private practice of law in Fairbanks.

After a very pleasant trip down the river

from Dawson, Judge Wickersham arrived in

Fairbanks this morning, being a passenger

as far as Chena on the Barr.

The one topic of conversation around

town today was his resignation as judge of

the Third judicial division, and he gave the

story personal confirmation on his arrival.

“The report that I have resigned is true,”

said the judge to a representative of the News

upon his arrival this morning. “It is a matter

of extreme gratification to me that throughout

the controvrsy which has arisen over my

retention of the office I have had the confidence

of the president, and have all along had his

personal assurance that, so long as he was

president of the United States, I would occupy

the office of judge of this division..

“My private interests are such, however,

that I cannot, with any degree of justice to

myself, continue to longer serve the government

in that capacity.

“My resignation is to take effect on or before

the first of March next, and I am hopeful that

my successor will have been appointed and will

have qualified by that time. Who my successor

will be I have no idea. I have not interested

myself in the matter in any way.

“I have had the feeling that the court has

enjoyed the confidence of the people since the

time of the Third division was organized, and the

public’s endorsement of the work of my office

as expressed in the vote at the Republican

primaries held last week is gratifying to, and

appreciated by, me.”

Judge Wickersham will immediately proceed

with the term of court already called.

After his sucecssor qualifies he will engage

in the practice of law, making his permanent

residence in Fairbanks, where many flattering

inducements have been offered to secure his

services in a legal capacity.”

-29-

Sunday – at home trying to

get things comfortable – The

house is in pretty good shape

& old “Don”, our dog, was very

happy to see us.

-30-

Getting office work going slowly.

I am greatly surprised at the

report that the Anderson jury

- for the trial of Cap. Anderson

for forgery – was fixed by Barn

=ette, to help Anderson off-

The story is that for some arrange

=ment between Anderson and

Barnette – McArthur, Barnettes

brotherinlaw was left on the jury

with an agreement to “hang” it

- the record shows that McArthur

was on the jury – that he voted for

acquittal, and no possible

human excuse for Anderson’s

having McArthur on the jury

can be made, except that he

was “fixed.”

October. 1^st

Working in office &c.

Octo. 2^nd

Our house in pretty good shape

& we are now quite comfortable.

In the matter of the delegates

to the Juneau Convention a “funny”

mix up has occurred. Owing

to the fear that none of the delegates

might be able to go there, Heilig

- for the delegates – and without

much thought – sent the creden

=tials for the 14 delegates, with

an appointment of proxy by

each, but the name of the proxy

in blank – to be filled in – to

Louis P. Shackleford, at Juneau.

when I told him that Shackleford

was Hoggatts partisan – and

opposed to Cale, to Territorial

government, to me, and to

everything the delegates had

been elected to support – there

was blank consternation.

It has resulted in an

agreement to send Tozier

out with proxies from the delegates

& a cancellation of Shacklefords

power. Claypool desired to

go, but I insisted that he could

not be trusted and McGinn &

Tozier agreed with me – Tozier

will have to go overland during

this month by stage – an unpleasant

trip!

Octo. 3.

Nothing new – at work in office.

Have consulted with Cousby,

Acting District Attorney about

fixing the Anderson jury, but he

finds much trouble to disco

=ver a statutory provision

under which they may be punished.

-4-

Nothing much, except that

candidates for the Judgeship

are springing up thickly.

Harlan telegraphed me from

Valdes saying that he contemplated

being a candidate & asking me

to endorse him & saying that

he regretted my resignation.

His impudence made me mad &

I telegraphed back that I would

not endorse him & that I

regretted that he was not in

Fairbanks attending to his business.

-5^th-

Am about to enter into a business

arrangement with Heilig, Tozier,

Lloyd & Taylor, in a mining scheme

in the Kantishna – they offer me

1/16 interest in the whole thing

for $5000. and I am almost

persuaded to take it.

Dinner tonight with Mr & Mrs.

Dundas.

-6^th-

Completed preliminary plan

for contract tomorrow by which

I am to purchase a 1/16 interest

in Lloyd & Taylors mines on

the Kantishna, for $5000.00

We are to organize the Alaska

Stibnite Co. and the Conwyl

Mining Co. – the first to take over

the Antimony mines – the second

the gold mines (quartz - & placer).

Snowing – looks like winter.

Dinner with Capt & Mrs. Barnette.

After dinner B talked to me

about partnership in law business

with McGinn, as soon as I am

off the bench – said but little, but

think well of it.

-7^th-

October Term of Court.

begun this day.

-8^th-

Finished purchase of 1/16 int.

in gold mines & stibnite mines

from Lloyd, et. al. by deed from

Heilig = paid Heilig $5000.00

and he gave me deed.

Court work slow yet.

Grand & Trial jury drawn.

-9^th-

Assisted Heilig, et al. in the

formal organization of the Conwyl

Mining Co. and the Alaska Stibnite

Co. – the former with authorized capital

stock of $2,000,000. the latter $1,000,000.

Thomas Lloyd, Wm Taylor, Heilig

Z. A. Scouse, & Tozier & I incor

=porators. Snowing. Nothing

much in court.

-10-

Court work dragging & hard

to get the attorneys to do anything.

Am preparing remarks on “Alaska

Territory”, for delivery at banquet

on 18^th – the 40^th anniversary of

the raising of the American flag in

Alaska. I hope to make it

clear that Alaska is a territory

- has a “territorial form of gov

=ernment,” and that those

who – like Gov. Hoggatt, say

they oppose the adoption of a

territorial form of government for

Alaska, do not think or

speak clearly.

-12-

Busy in court – am now

getting work started.

Snowing & wintry.[continued below]

-13-

Busy on remarks for anniversary

of Flag Day – on Alaska, a

Territory.

-14-

Grand Jury empanelled –

Court now working.

Appointed Jerry Cousby,

Dist. Atty. act. Disability

of Harlan – at Valdes.

[April 12 entry continues at bottom of page:]

Met McArthur on street &

refused to shake hands with him.

Said to him that I ~~refused~~ had no use for

a man who sat on the Anderson jury

& acted as he did – He complained to

McGinn who told him the less he said the better.

-15-

A row with Pratt today.

He is attorney for Leber who

was served with subpoena

last winter to appear in

court, but ran away. We

caught him at Valdes on a

contempt proceeding & allowed

him to go on bail. The case

now comes up for trial. Pratt

demanded a jury trial – which is

in the discretion of the judge – and

for fear that my action would

be adverse – Pratt advised

him to go – so Pratt says –

he came into my office at

before court met at noon

and in effect said to

me – no one being present –

“I am going to ask for a jury

trial – I dont want you to

try it – If you do it will be

very disagreeable for you.

and then began to talk &

argue about the case.

I said nothing but quietly

got him out of the office.

When court met and the case

was called for consideration

he asked for a jury trial – Stevens

objected – and I refused to

allow it upon the ground that

it was my duty to protect the

court from assaults.

I then repeated from the bench

in presence of Heilig, de

[written in margin:]

He said he advised Leber to go away in

violation of the orders – subpoena.

Journet, Dundas, Magnin

& others the conversation which

Pratt had carried on in the

privacy of my chambers – he

admitted the conversation

- whereupon I roasted him

&& said that I had met with

many disagreeable things

while holding court here

but the most disagreeable

of all was he & his clients.

That I would set the Leber

case for trial on Friday &

that if Leber was not here

I would send a warrant

for him. Pratt walked

out chewing tobacco like a

cane mill, but thinking.

-16-

The Chena River is frozen over

& all boats in winter quarters.

This is two or three weeks early.

The “Florence S.” a small steamer

employed by Tom Lloyd & Taylor

to take our supplies up to the

Kantishna got no farther than

Chena. This will greatly hinder

them in the winters work on the mines.

Court work getting brisk.

Grand jury at work and

Cousby acting District Attorney.

Beautiful, sunny, cold days

& clear nights. Good trails.

-17-

Have been hearing contempt case

against John Klonos, et. al. for two

days – refused to convict for contempt

because no bond to secure injunction

violated.

Banquet tonight in celebration

of 40^th anniversary of Alaska Day

- the day when American Flag

was raised first at Sitka

I made an Address: “Alaska,

a Territory,” other good addresses

and an enjoyable meeting

I took the legal position that

Alaska is a Territory, and

now has a Territorial form of

government. My reception was

flattering – highly gratifying.

-18

Banquet last night successful –

pleasant & agreeable.

Leber contempt case went over

until tomorrow at 2 oclock.

-19-

All day typing the Leber Contempt

case. Pratt threatened that if

I tried it he would make it

disagreeable for me and he did.

He raised all kinds of small

& immaterial points & argued

them at great length – accused

me of bias & prejudice &c. &c

but I preserved both my temper

and dignity and went ahead

with the case – till 5:30 this

evening - & I am tired.

News of the 19^th

[newspaper clipping:]

A FAMOUS SPEECH.

As years roll by and historians

settle down to their work of record-

ing the big things in the life of

Alaska the speech made by Judge

Wickersham at the Alaska Day ban-

quet Thursday evening will come in

for its full and well-deserved share

of space in history.

It was an able and remarkable ad-

dress inasmuch as it dispelled some

false notions that have been held re-

garding the political status of Alaska

and at the same time held up in a

remarkably clear light the rights

which are for some reason withheld

from citizens of this territory.

Judge Wickersham had carefully

prepared himself for the occasion.

Guided by a judicial turn of mind he

did not stop his investigation to es-

tablish the exact status of the terri-

tory until he had examined all the

supreme court decisions where the

question of its political affiliation

with the nation was one of the ques-

tions to be determined. And in this

regard it might be said that he is

perhaps the best authority in Alaska

regarding this one feature of our

ties with the union.

He set everyone right on the dif-

ference in the cries between terri-

torial government and self-govern-

ment and when he said that while

it was provided that Alaska was

to be a territory with the three

popular branches of government he

made a distinct impression on

everyone by the emphatic manner in

which he said that while the execu-

tive and judicial branches had been

provided, the legislative branch was

still lacking.

That the speech will be copied far

and wide there can be no question,

for not only will Alaskans study it

closely, but also our friends on the

Pacific coast who are hearing our

cry to congress and who wish to

assist us if possible.

Clearly and concisely describing

the political standing of Alaska it

was with the greatest enthusiasm

that the eminent jurist turned to the

toastmaster and declared that he

had been, is now and would always

be in favor of the people governing

themselves. And this man who has

had more executive work to do in

Alaska than the appointed governor,

said with true spirit of a patriotic

citizen that the highest ideals of

government is one “of the people, by

the people and for the people.”

We not only earnestly suggest that

every citizen read the speech care-

fully to put himself in possession of

important and until now little known

facts about our political position,

but we would ask that some of the

friends of Governor Hoggatt take

him quietly to some secluded spot

and read it carefully to that gentle-

man.

Fairbanks Tribune 19^th

[newspaper clipping:]

“ Judge James Wickersham’s address

on Alaska, a Territory” was nothing

short of amazing as an education in

the matter that has during the last

year involved the entire territory, the

question as to whether home rule

should be given Alaska. There was

no evasion in the speech, the whole

being a powerful argument on behalf

of a territorial form of government.

Every paragraph of that speech

should be read by any man who has

the slightest desire to study the im-

portant question. The speech is print-

ed in full in the Fairbanks daily pa-

pers, and also would be reproduced in

The Tribune but for lack of facilities

to handle an article of such length.”

-20

Tozier is going on--------

afternoon to ----------

Having the res----------

Claypool who is trying to prevent

Tozier supporting me for delegate

to the National Convention. He- Clay-

pool, wants to go, but the delegates

here don’t want him. I don’t

want to get into a fight about

it. Have raised $450 to pay

Tozier & expenses - & I loaned

him $500. more – but on his

distinct agreement in Heiligs

presence that he would pay it.

-21-

Trial of U.S. ex. re. Fleming v Leber

concluded – Pratt has made good

his threat that he would make it

disagreeable for me if I tried the

case – he & Leber filed affidavits

that I was biased & prejudiced,

against Liber &c. and Pratt gave

his usual intense personal

bias to the case all the way

through, but I kept my temper

& found Leber guilty & fined

him $250.00 & costs.

Also ordered Dept. Dist. Atty.

to prepare charges for contempt

for threatening me & for advising

Leber to violate the subpoena.

-22-

Telegrams this morning say the

case of Charlton v Kelly was

affirmed by the Circuit Ct. of Appeals.

Hope so, for the instructions in

that case are very important

in mining cases.

Trial of Pratt, for contempt,

called at 4 oclock, but he asked

for more time & I granted 24 hours.

It is still hard to get the

attorneys down to work & no

jury trials heard so far.

Dinner with St. Georges tonight

-23^rd-

The Pratt case was tried today

He demanded all kinds of

impossible rights, but after

permitting him to read what

he called his explanation to

purge him of contempt – which

was in effect a statement that

the court had misunderstood

his meaning – or lied about it.

I held that he had no right to a

trial – no right to a hearing

to prove that the court was

wrong – but that the “judicial

eye had seen, the judicial ear

had heard, the judicial mind

had formed its judgment,” and

the only thing further to do was

for “the judicial arm to reach

forth and administer the

punishment” – which {it} I

did and imposed a fine

of $300.00 He was greatly

relieved when I did not give

him a term in jail as he

expected – and deserved.

-24-

Newspaper reports are that

the Anti Hoggatt people have

a majority in the Juneau con

=vention – and will endorse

local legislative government

for Alaska. I anticipate

a bitter fight between the factions

The reports say that Cale is

leading for nomination for

Delegate and that I am also

favorably mentioned. The

“Times” this morning has a

strong Cale editorial - and

declares itself in favor of his

renomination – I at once

sent for the News reporter &

gave out the statement that

I am not a candidate. I will

not be a candidate and will

not accept the nomination

if tendered. I am for Mr. Cale.

The News published that

tonight & sent a telegram

of that kind to the P-I. at Seattle

Tonights dispatches say

that there is almost a panic

in the money market in New York

Gov. Hoggatt is yet at Valdes

investigating the recent shooting

in the Keystone Canyon.

-25-

Court work now good & the

lawyers beginning to move.

Trying jury cases.

Outside telegraphic

news that President says

he will not appoint any

local candidate for judge

- but all such and all dis

patches are guesses.

Beautiful weather.

Another telegram from Darrell

saying that he had been order

=ed back to the Nebraska.

Created the Ft. Gibbon

Recorders Precinct today.

Appointed John Bathurst

Commissioner.

-26-

Beautiful fall weather.

Jury trials in court.

Dinner at home tonight

Mr & Mrs St George & Mr & Mrs Dundas.

Attended “High Jinks” at

the Tanana Club. I have now

consented to join the Club – and

intend to be more social – now

that I am out of office –

or soon will be. I

responded to the toast tonight

of “The Court” – and spoke

in a humorous & reminiscent

way upon the Dignity of the

Court – relating anecdotes

of undignity.

-27-

Dinner with Mr & Mrs. Mark Sul

=livan – three months married –

lawyer friend and good fellows.

-28^th-

Court work progressing.

News tonight says the people

of Valdes in general political

caucus adopted resolutions

censuring Gov. Hoggatt for

his interference in criminal

examination of Hozlett, Hosey

& other officers charged with the

shooting in the Ry. row in

the Canyon. Also that the

caucus endorsed Harlan –

=think of condemning Hoggatt

& endorsing Harlan, for judge!

Its funny. Hubbard & two

anit-Guggengenheim men – these

Home Ry. men were elected

delegates – instructed for Roosevelts

policy & Cale. Thats a hot

shot at the Governor, but a

fatal one for Harlan who will

find Hoggatt blocking his

way to the judgeship. I

can almost forgive Hoggatt

because of some of his enemies

- if it was’nt for Dodge &

some of his friends.

-29^th-

U.S. v Orr. – Cousby for U.S.

Pratt for defendant. Pratts

trial of a criminal case is a

greater crime than that

which is being tried.

-Nov. 1-

Court work progressing.

Grand jury finished & adjourned.

Tozier, delegate from Fair

=banks with 20 proxies has not

yet arrived even at Valdes.

In that connection dispatches

from Seattle say that Perkins

is candidate for Delegate –

that Nome & Third Dis.

delegates have combined,

- it looks as if Dodge &

Ronan were trying to trade

Cale off and combine with

the Ryan-Perkins push

to control the Juneau convention.

Tozier will be traded out of his

power before he gets to the convention

- if signs are evidence.

[newspaper clipping:]

“PRESIDENT’S

COMPLIMENT

Says He Will Appoint No Judge

Until He Gets the

Right One.

MAY BE OKLAHOMA MAN

Roosevelt Says He Must Be

as Strong a Man as Is

Judge Wickersham.

(United Press Service.)

WASHINGTON, D. C., Oct. 31.-

Owing to the many inquiries that

have been made as to who would be

the successor of Judge Wickersham,

of Alaska, the president has given it

out that he will not name a man until

he has found one who is as strong

as Judge Wickersham, whom he held

in the highest esteem and confidence.

There is some talk of S. H. Reed,

of Oklahoma, being given the ap—

pointment, but whoever secures the

appointment will have to be satis-

factory to both the attorney-general

and President Roosevelt.

GREATEST OF COMPLIMENTS.

What greater compliment could any

man ask for? President Roosevelt

says he will not appoint a successor

to Judge Wickersham until he finds

a man as strong as the latter.”

25 degrees below Zero.

-Nov. 3^rd-

Have been trying Pratt, lawyer,

for contempt of court in advising

and instructing Leber to disobey

the subpoena of this court last

Nov. Have the case under

advisment to prepare a

written opinion. Pratt

filed a motion for a change

of judge alleging bias and

prejudice, and filed an affidavit

setting up the fact that he has

long been fighting my confirmation

&c. and that I knew of his

opposition & was therefore

prejudiced against him.

An interesting law point is

also involved:

-4^th-

U.S. v Bandom & Thompson

- “sniping” - stealing gold

from the drift by working miners.

Guilty – a clear case.

The News tonight prints

the record of my 8 years trials.

No of final judgments 1726,

“ “ appeals affirmed 33

“ “ “ reversed 10.

[newspaper clipping:]

“ A LASTING MONUMENT.

In another column we are able to-

day to present a statistical review

of the cases which have come before

Judge Wickersham while serving in

Alaska. The very figures of cases

tried, appealed, sustained and re-

versed speak in more eloquent terms

of his ability, keen judgment, knowl-

edge of law, fearlessness and honesty

than a volume of praise. Such rec-

ords live and grow and stand out

with more prominence as days go by

and become the monument which is

erected for but few men before death

demands a life’s review and the peo-

ple weigh careers.”

Tozier got to Valdes yesterday &

caught Str. “Portland” for Juneau,

on time & O.K.

-5-

Trial Dubois v Robinson

with jury. Telegram from

S. F. today that Circuit Ct. of

Appeals. affirmed Marlatt

v Noyes,- one of – rather Dodges

only case with any merit.

Read Masonic funeral

service at burial of Dr. H. V.

Nichols, a pioneer of Circle

& Fairbanks

40º below this morning.

-7^th-

Trying jury case for two

days – Dubois v Robinson

- wood case. Working

on Decision in re Pratt. contempt

Recd. marked copy of Juneau Record

- Hoggatts paper, with marked copy

article saying that Gov Hoggatt,

demanded my resignation & the

President yielded & asked me to

resign. At the time this article

was published Hoggatt was in

Juneau – saw it & adopted

the lie thereby! I am greatly

disappointed in his character

for I thought he was both cour

ageous and truthful. I knew

Shackleford was a poor little

Apache, but I thought the Governor

was to brave to stoop to adopt

a lie to hurt even his bitterest

enemy.

[newspaper article, line breaks ignored:]

“Fairbanks Daily News, Monday, Novemb

{Nov 4, 1907}

Record of Wickersham’s

Decisions on Appeal

In Eight Years Has Tried 1726 Cases---33

Have Been Taken to Higher Courts.

Only in 10 Instances Has Decision of

Court Been Reversed---Attorneys

Agree That This is a Remarkable

Record.

One of the very interesting questions before

the people of the Tanana for some days past

has been: “How many decisions of Judge

Wickersham, taken to the circuit court of

appeals, have been reversed?”

At some expense and a great deal of

trouble, The News has taken pains to gather

a very complete digest of the work of Judge

Wickersham, not only while acting as Judge

of the Third division, but also while occupying

the bench of the United States district court at

Nome and Juneau.

The result of the investigation, as shown in

the tabulated statement which follows, can

only be construed with the utmost favor to

Judge Wickersham.

A record of 30 per cent of reversals, which

the table shows, is considered something very

remarkable by members of the local bar

association. The News went to the pains of

ascertaining from the members of the bar, of

the district court of the Third division, the

general average of cases reversed on appeal

from district courts to the circuit court of

appeals and from these two, together with

the appeals taken from state supreme courts

to the United States supreme court. A very

large majority of the attorneys interviewed

were of the opinion that 50 per cent of reversals

would be a very safe average.

Judge Wickersham himself was interviewed

on the subject by a representative of The News.

Speaking, without any knowledge of the reasons

which prompted the interview, the judge was of

the opinion that 40 reversals, on appeal, out of

every 100 cases, would be a very fair average.

Many of the attorneys also pointed out the

fact that appeals are taken on fine point of law

which the court must necessarily decide off hand

during the course of trial, and which the higher

courts must also necessarily have time to decide

after mature judgment has been passed on their

merits, and after consulting their authorities on

the questions involved.

The fact that out of 1,726 cases in which final

judgment has been given, Judge Wickersham’s

decision has been appealed from but 33 times,

and his decision reversed in but 10 instances,

speaks volumes for the legal attainments of the

court, and makes more incomprehensible than

ever the reasons for the bitter fight which has

been waged against him.

Bt it also said to the credit of the local bar

association that they view with favor the view

taken by the circuit court of appeals of the

Ninth circuit that minor errors in practice, and

minor errors in judgment of the district courts

of the United States bear but little weight with

the gentlemen comprising that court, but that

the appeals are largely decided on the general

principles involved, and by a preponderance

of th evidence presented therein.

The following table clears up every moot

point which brought about its compilation:

The Records of the District Court at

Fairbanks, Nome, Valdez and Juneau show

that Judge Wickersham rendered final

judgment, decree, or sentence curing the past

eight years in the total number of cases

pending in that court before him as follows:

Final. Judgments.

Fairbanks…. 831 Nome… 537

Valdez……. 243 Juneau… 115

Total number of final

judgments in eight years, 1,726

Cases Appealed.

To the Circuit Court of Appeals and Supreme

Court of the Unites States.

Total number of cases decided on appeal… 33

Total number of cases affirmed on appeal… 23

Total number of cases reversed on appeal… 10

Total number of cases decided in eight years 1726

Total number of cases reversed in eight years 10

Percentage of appealed cases reversed, 30 per cent

Percentage of appealed cases affirmed, 70 per cent.

Cases Appealed from Judge Wickersham and

Decisions given by Appellate Court as Follows:

Stockslager vs. U. S., 116 Fed. 590 Affirmed

McDougal vs. N.W. Com. Co., 120 Fed. 1021 “

Ames vs. Farrelly, 121 Fed 820 “

Price vs. McIntosh, 121 Fed, 716 “

Piper vs. Cashell, 122 Fed. 614 “

Reedy vs. Wesson, 122 Fed. 1021 “

Walton vs. Wild Goose Mining Co., 123 Fed. 366 Affirmed

Bruce vs. Murray, 123 Fed. 366. Reversed

Pacey vs. McKinney, 125 Fed. 675 Affirmed

Anvil Gold Mining Co. vs. Hoxsie, 125 Fed. 725 Reversed

Richards vs. U.S., 126 Fed. 105 “

Owens vs. U. S., 130 Fed. 279 “

Brosnan vs. White, 136 Fed. 74 “

Meehan vs. Nelson, 137 Fed. 731 Affirmed

Copper River Mining Co., vs. McClellan, 138 Fed. 333 Affirmed

McConnell vs. U.S., Oct. 23, 1905 “

A. C. Company vs. Debney, 144 Fed. 1 Reversed

Madden vs. McKenzie, 144 Fed. 64 Affirmed

Hemple vs. Raymond, 144 Fed. 796 “

Johanson vs. Sondheim, 145 Fed. 620 “

Martin vs. Whites Guardian, 146 Fed. 461 Reversed

Bartolis vs. Cascaden, 146 Fed. 739 “

Lange vs. Robinson, 148 Fed. 792 Reversed

Callahan vs. Peterson, Oct. 12, 1906 Affirmed

First National Bank vs. Fish, 150 Fed. 524 “

Marks vs. Gates, 154 Fed. 481 “

Meehan vs. Nelson, June, 1907 Reversed

Charlton vs. Kelly, Oct., 1907 Affirmed

Hardy vs. U. S., 186 U. S. 224 “

Binns vs. U. S., 194 U. S., 486 “

Perovich vs. U. S., 205 U. S. 86 “

Nov 8^th 1907

This mornings paper

announces the appointment

on yesterday of Silas H. Reed,

of Oklahoma, as District

Judge in my stead. Well

I’m glad the long fight is

over – I m glad I’ve had it,

and I am satisfied with

my efforts. It was the best

I could do – it was done

honestly and ever without

fear, though with such errors

as inevitably happens

to those who do their best.

I only hope Judge Reed

will come on in soon &

relieve me of the burden.

-9^th-

Judge Reid is said to

be an Illinois mare &

a heavyweight – physically

& mentally.

Heard the motion calendar

today & am tired as a

dog, but engaged in the

preparation of an opinion

in the Contempt case of

Pratt. Fine warm weather.

D. T. Boone, Sr. came in to

see me last night & showed

me the copies of indictments &c

from Texas against Frank Manley,

whose true name is H. B. Knowles

& wanted me to take up case

against him – but I refused to do so

[newspaper clipping in margin:]

“(United Press Service)

WASHINGTON, D. C. Nov. 8. – The

announcement was made yesterday by

President Roosevelt that he had appointed

Silas H. Reid, of Oklahoma, as judge of

the Third judicial division of Alaska to

succeed Judge Wickersham.”

-10-

A warm day – raining

tonight. Busy writing

opinion in re Pratt

contempt case.

-11^th-

Read my opinion U.S. v

Pratt, holding him guilty

of Contempt, & fined him

$250.00 Trying the

case of Andrak v Berry et. al.

Dundas & de Journel, for plft

& McGinn & Clark for defts.

Dundas is a clever sparer

- but not up to the line that

McGinn occupies as a

lawyer.

-12-

The “Times” roars gently

this morning in defense

of Pratt, but says finally

that he must depend

upon a calm public opinion

and the appellate court

for vindication!! My

but thats gentle. If Dodge

were here there would be

no waiting for calm public

opinion or the appellate

court – Bi. would make

an affidavit! I also

ordered Cousby to bring

another charge against Pratt

for filing his vicious affidavit

for change of venue.

-13-

Warm – Trying case Andrak

v Berry, - equity case over title

to 2 miles suing ground on

right limit of Ester Creek.

Sent $275. by telegraph

yesterday to Henderson, Valdes.

to pay repairing sidewalk &

house. – Fear Reynolds failure

will tear down price of real estate

there – had better have sold.

-14-

Hell of a time at the Juneau

convention. Hoggatt, Dodge

& John Corson of Nome are

making a personal fight

on me – a curious alliance!

-Nov 14^th-

Received following letter today:

“The White House.

“ Washington,

“ September 26, 1907.

“My dear Judge Wickersham.

“ I am in receipt of your letter

“of the 7^th instant and accept

“your resignation with regret.

“I appreciate fully, however, why

“you feel that you must leave.

“With all good wishes ~~from~~{for} your

“future believe me, sincerely yours,

“ Theodore Roosevelt.

“Hon James Wickersham

“District Judge, Juneau, Alaska.

-15-

Press dispatches from

Juneau are that the Heid –

Cale – Nome – Tozier

combination won out, defeating

Hoggatt – declaring for local

government &c. & electing Six

delegates to the National Repub

=lican Convention – Recd.

telegram from Tozier & Harry

Steel from Nome saying that

they had elected me one of the

delegates.

-16-

Delegates to the National

Convention elected at Juneau

1. John. G. Heid – Juneau.

2. Frank Ballaine, Seward.

3. James Wickersham, Fairbanks.

4. Dick Ryan, Nome

5. Perkins, “

6. Capt. Johnson, “

This list must be gall & wormwood

to Hoggatt & Dodge – Heid – to

Hoggatt & myself to Dodge.

But they, like we, took a warriors

chance, and must lie still

& die gentlemanly and without

spattering the stage with gore.

The “Times” has nothing today.

[newspaper clipping:]

“ The final decision of the convention

which met with staisfaction throughout

was that Captain Johnson, Dick Ryan and

W. P. Perkins, of Nome; Judge James

Wickersham, of Fairbanks; John E.

Belaline, of Seward, and John G. Heid,

of Juneau, be delegates. The following

alternates were named:

First division, Sol Ripinsky, Haines;

L. S. Keller, Skagway. Second division,

Harry Steele and J. Gilroy, Nome.

Third division, D. A. McKenzie, of

Cordova, and J. K. Brown, Fairbanks.

The following territorial committee was

appointed: First division, Hunt, Simpson

and Shea; second division, Cassel, Pepper

and Melroy; third division, Sheldon,

Valdez, chairman; John L. McGinn,

Fairbanks; Youngs, Seward.”

-17-

Beautiful weather – the ther

=mometer registering about

zero, and above – clear

cold & crisp. Today sent

out copies of my the News reprint

of my resignation and the Presidents

reply thereto, to the newspapers

in South Eastern Alaska, from

Seward to Ketchikan, to overcome

the story persistently repeated

by Hoggatts friends that he

procured the President to request

my resignation. I am greatly

disappointed that Hoggatt should

thus approve so malicious a

lie about another official.

Have consented to Thompson

publishing my Answer to Charges

& Interrogatories to McCumber in

his Labor Union paper. He thinks

it will both fill space and be of

interest – I doubt the latter,

but have consented to his wish.

He will publish the announcement

in his first issue tomorrow.

His paper will represent the Miners

Union – the Federation, - I do

not think it will do either them

or me harm for them to know

the truth about the McKenzie

-Nelson scheme to boss this

region – it may assist in

preventing the corrupt exploitation

of the camp for that gang by Dodge

-18^th-

Found Pratt guilty of

Contempt for filing his bitter

& contemptous affidavit

& fined him $1.00 and

sentenced him to imprisonment

in jail for 1 hour, and suspended

him from practice till February

1^st 1907.

-19-

Sent Gov. Hoggatt today

the following telegram:

“Will you send me for my

official information by first

mail copies of all letters or

communications adressed by

you to the Department or President

complaining of my action, with =

=drawing your support or

requesting my removal: Please

answer by telegraph.”

His newspaper at Juneau

keeps asserting by innuendo

that he is preparing secret

charges against me, and I

intend to make him show

up face to face if possible.

-20-

Hoggatt is of the Dodge

Pratt, Manley bird evidently.

He is afraid – or intends to

attack me secretly – In answer

to my telegram of yesterday

he says by telegraph today:

“You should apply secretary, Interior

“and President who have all letters

“written by me concerning you.”

Well, I’ll wait for the next move & then

give him a broadside he wont

soon forget. I am greatly disap

=pointed in that phase of his

character – I supposed that

he would say: Here is my statement

and opinion of you – now what

are you going to do about it?

But, instead, he keeps in the

dark, makes secret attacks

and charges & refuses to face

me even when challenged.

I shant treat him that way

-21-

This mornings Times

has a long editorial attacking

Dick, Ryan & Perkins as {for} being

“McKenzie men.” – this from

Dodge – who has for three

years been acting with McK

=enzie, Nelson, McCumber

Nye & Manley, in attacking

me!! Have just put Casey

Moran, Ed. News, next to

the true story hoping that

he will roast them in return.

Have disallowed Harlans

Mch & June quar. Acts – &

today forward to Atty. Genl.

orders, accounts, &c.

Acting upon Hoggatts suggestion

I have this day written to Loeb, Sec.

of the President, & to Garfield, Sec. of

Interior, asking for copies of

all the Gov’s letters against me.

I also wrote a personal letter to

Judge Ballinger, Comr. of the

Genl. Land Office, asking him

to go to the Sec. & get me the letters.

I also wrote Ballinger quite

fully about the matter.

-22^nd-

The most glorious winter

weather imaginable –

the weather remains just about

zero – clear & sparkling.

Casey Moran – the News –

roasted the Times & Dodge

last night for going back on

their pal – McKenzie,

- this mornings “Times”

gives me a good editorial

notice – of my Nome experience,

& admits that McKenzie cant

control me – it’s a weak effort.

-23^rd-

Call of the motion calendar,

and set cases for the next

month – till Christmas

and will then let jury go

- if not before. Judge Reid

ought to be confirmed & get

to the Territory sometime in

December of January 1^st

- 24 - Sunday –

Wrote letters – sent copies

of statement of business done

by me in way of final judgments

to Atty. Genl. Bonaparte, Solc.

Genl. Hoyt, Senator Knox,

Vice Pres. Fairbanks, the P-I

-Times &c. & wrote them letters

thanking them for supporting

me in my struggles &c.

~~Dinner last~~

-25-

Dinner last night to

Capt. & Mrs. Barnette

Mr & Mrs Perry –

first formal dinner we

have given this winter.

-26-

Work from Press dispatches

says that Judge Reid will

leave Oklahoma on Dec

8^th for Valdes - & that he

will hold a term there, &

then come on in to Fairbanks.

His clerk will come with

him – his name is O. A.

Wella. This will break up

our court calendar.

-27-

Shackleford, Irving & Dodge

are shouting – down in S.E. Alaska

for another convention – to elect

them as delegates to the Nat.

Con. Some fellows dont

know when they’re licked.

Fine weather – just zero.

Working in court – but will

now only try cases that

will not be appealed since

there will not be time enough

to make up bills of exception, &c.

-28^th

Thanksgiving Day-

Warm – fine – slightly cloudy –

A year ago it was 45º below

zero. Today it is 10º above -

Trails are fine & the whole fall

has been pleasant.

The Miners Union is now the owner

& publisher of the “Miners Union

Bulletin.” – Thompson, ~~Publisher.~~{Editor}

He has prevailed upon me to let

him publish my correspondence

with Senator McCumber & the

interrogations. He is doing so

- and each week the Bulletin

will have a chapter on the

“Crime” as he calls it.

-29-

Trial jury case for two days.

Debbie had a nice luncheon

party today – of her lady friends

in the Bridge Whist Clubs.

I paid W. H. Mockler

Two Hundred (200) dollars

today for Assessment Work

on Discovery Claim on Wolf

Creek & 1^st Bench off

Dis. on Right Limit.

Asst. Work for 1907 –

Ivor Johnson owns 1/7 int

in Dis. & Frank Maess

1/8 in int. in 1^st Bench R. L.

Maess paid for me on our

claim last year & I am

paying him back, but

Johnson will owe me

$50.00

-30^th-

Nov. has been a glorious month.

Nothing unusual -

court work progressing

Dec. 1.

The Times this morning has

a special telegram saying

that Judge Reid wont

leave Washington till he

is confirmed. Hope he

has better luck about it

than I’ve had.

-Dec. 2-

George bought 1/8 int. in the

Golden Gate Assoc. Cl. at the

mouth of Cleary Creek. I also

have an 1/8 int. bought last

spring from Mr. Harlan.

-3^rd-

Letter in court.

Called a Special Term of

Court to meet at Valdes

on January 6^th 1908. I did

this because Judge Reid cannot

do it after his arrival there for

30 days - it would throw

him behind that much.

If he does not want to hold

the term it can lapse and

no harm is done.

Have joined the Curling Club.

We have a new rink on

2^nd St. next to Perrys.

The Dept. suspended $187.00

of my Sept. quarterly account

& I have today written

a long explanation of

the reason why I went to Valdes

via Seattle & why I remained

9 days in Dawson!!

-4^th-

Recd. copy of the opinion of the

Circuit Court of Appeals in the

case of Charlton v Kelly & Hill.

(2^nd Alaska.532). The opinion

affirms my instructions in that

case, and, in my judgment,

makes it the most important

case that I have ever decided.

It finally settles the law for

Alaska on questions of staking,

recording, discovery & possession.

It is creditable to me and the

language of affirmation

very flattering. In view of

all the abuse which has been heaped

upon me in relation to these matters

it is a matter of profound

satisfaction to me.

-5-

Beautiful winter – clear

& about zero – fine.

I am now taking interest

in the Curling Club – and I

find it good sport. We have

a rink on 2^nd St. between

Wickersham & Cowles – a

first class place with double

- or two rinks.

Wrote long letter to Sulzer,

M. C. from New York, in answer

to his rcd. yesterday. He suggested

law & business relations & I

told him to make them specific.

Wrote him to get Cale & Hoggatt

together – and to supports the Presidents

views on Alaskan legislation

Recd. telegram from Stephen

Birch, Seattle, advising me

not to invest money in Stibnite

Mines – too late – its in.

Still I was glad to hear from Birch

as I feared he’d forgotten me.

-6-

I was asked by Thompson, Ed. of

the “Union Miners Bulletin” to meet

tonight with Barnette, of the Fairbanks

Banking Co. Parsons of the Wash-Alaska

Bank & Hurley of the First Nat. Bank

to hear a statement from some

of the representatives of the Union

in relation to a proposed settle

=ment of the strike which was

begun last spring and which

threatens to continue next

spring with renewed vigor.

We met in the court room at

7 oclock. p.m. tonight and

Stephenson, delegate from

Treadwell, Moran, president

of the Tanana Miners union

and Cullen & Wedgwood of

that Union met with us.

They stated their wishes:

viz: That the Union be recognized

that an eight hour day be agreed

to with a wage of $5.00: and

that they made no point against

non-Union men, except they

wished liberty to secure them

by persuasion to join the

Union. They said they

wished to meet a committee

from the Miner Owners Union

to consult about a compromise

and settlement of differences

& a settlement of the strike

before spring. We agreed

to see the Mine Owners Union

& try & arrange a meeting

early next week.

-7-

But little court work.

Do not hear anything more about

Judge Reid – his name does not

appear to have been sent to the

Senate for confirmation yet.

Sent $105.00 to Capt. Jarvis

Seattle, to buy & send me 1000

ore sacks for Stibnite Min. Co.

at Kantishna.

-8-

Sent check of $50.90 to the

Agent Wash. Life Ins. Co. Port

land, Or. in payment of

my semi-annual due Jany. 9.

~~-9^th-~~

Court work – nothing much.

Beautiful weather.

-9^th-

Court – new trial in

Warren v Foster today.

Learned tonight that all

three banks – Barnettes,

1^st Nat. & Wash – Alaska,

are all in bad condition –

& I expect that they will

all join the Tanana Electric

Co. soon -

-10^th-

I drew out of Fairbank’s

Bk. this morning the sum of

$5304.50 being the amount

of my savings deposit, and

also $4800.00 which latter

sum I loaned to Hill and

Barnette, personally, for one

(1) year, upon their joint

note..int. 10% per annum.

Financial matters outside

look decidedly bad, - the

Seattle Banks are all in a

clearing house scheme – do

not pay out cash, but only

certificates: also Sunday Times

contains account and I get

other information that Causten

is annoying Barnette at

Seattle by sundry doubtful

suits, which damn his credit,

stop his money flow, and do

as much or more injury as if

Barnette should pay the whole

of Caustens claims. Upon inquiry

I find that the U.S. Marshal has

no money & the Clerk but $7000

in local banks. The Clerks is

in the First National, which was

made a depository & the funds

placed there by order of the

department over my written objections.

{Dec 10} This mornings Times

says, by telegraphic dispatches,

that the Nat. Rep. Committee

has refused to recognize the

action of the Juneau convention

in naming 6 delegates, has

cut the number to 2, and will

insist upon another convention.

The secret of this action is that

the Committee is opposed to Taft

for whom this Juneau Con. instructed

and to Roosevelt.

Telegrams also say that Hoyt.

was appointed Atty. Genl. of

Porto Rico – a high sounding

title with little salary - & just

Hoyts size.

-~~12^th~~ {11^th}-

Am having daily & hourly

meetings almost with the

Com. of Union Miners & the

Com. of Operators, trying

to get compromise &

settlement of Strike.

Tonight we got a final

settlement so far as the two

Committees are concerned, of the

Strike of the miners begun

nearly a year ago. The

Committee for the Miners were:

Steffenson, Moran, Cullen

& Wedgwood: for the Mine

Owners, Lawson, Hammill,

Robertson, Rhodes & Riley;

and the Committee on Arbi-

=tration. Parsons, Barnette,

Bonnifield & Wickersham.

The effort was set on foot

by Thompson, Ed. of the “Miners

Union Bulletin,” and he

seemed greatly pleased at

the settlement. The final

terms agreed on are:

Outlines of a Plan of Settlement of the Diff-

=erences now existing between Mining Employees

and Union Miners in the Fairbanks Mining District Alaska

1. The employers shall pay not less than

Five ($5.00) dollars per day of eight (8) hours

and board, for Union Miners employed by

them from April 1, 1908 to October 1, 1098.

2. That Union men will work with non-Union

men, without objection, and both parties

shall fairly recognize the open shop

principle as applicable during the season.

3. That the eight hour time shall not

apply to pointmen, engineers and such

other employees as necessarily must

work longer to keep plant in operation.

4. That neither employers nor Union

men will seek to interfere with men at

work in an effort to draw them away

from or into the Union; all such efforts

must be made out of work hours and

so as not in any manner to interfere

with the work in progress.

5. That employers will not treat

Union men differently than they do

non-Union men, while either or

both are employed, either in food,

lodging, or manner or time of payment of

wages; that the Union will not seek to

intermeddle with the control of the employer

by walking delegates or other system.

6. In the event of any operator being

financially able to pay his men a portion

of their wages from time to time he will

do so without discount.”

I wrote the first five and Parsons

the 6^th clause, - after talking, examining,

weighing &c. &c. over & over again!

for days. Everyone on the several

Committees was particularly pleased

at the happy result. The Union

& the Assoc. will both submit the

plan to their people on Saturday

night & if it carries by a majority

vote – the strike will be settled

- I am pleased with the present

result & urged it strongly on

both organizations.

-13 12^th-

The Fairbanks Banking Co

failed to open its bank this

morning: it is closed for

want of currency – not

that it is not solvent and

able to pay its depositors

but because the currency

of the camp has been sent

outside. The News issued

an Extra Morning Ed. announcing

the failure and printing a full

statement by Barnette in

which he gave the financial

situation of the Bank and

pledged his own private

fortune to pay its debts.

A “run” has begun on the

First National & the Washington

-Alaska, and fear is that both

will go under. Barnettes

Bank was not incorporated –

it was a partnership concern

& he and his partners, Woods

& Hill are responsible individually

for all its debts, but that is

not true of the other two banks,

and a failure there means

great loss and damage.

I also suspect that the

First National will be found

in a highly criminal shape.

The government funds are in it

& it is a government depository.

Verily, the pessimist hath a day

or two of happiness ahead.

-14 {13^th}-

The Times this morning has

four columns of the most vicious

editorial against Barnette

& the Bank! The effect thereof

was to make Barnette & his friends

mad – McGinn went to Bonnifield

Pres. of First Nat. & told him that

he withdrew as his attorney & now

intended to fight everybody

connected with the Times – That

meant Manley, - Bonnifields

backer & the heaviest stockholder

& borrower in the 1^st National.

I am informed that Barnette &

McGinn will begin both civil &

criminal proceedings against

Maddocks, Manley & Marquam.

A year or so ago I tried a

case from Eagle against Sneveley

involving the Townsite v Homestead

& Sneveley was beaten. I had

forgotten it until this morning

when I received a threatening

letter from him enclosing copies

of two of the most scurrilous

letters possible which he said

he had sent to the President

during this last summer.

As I always do, I filed it {them} away

and will forget that such a man

as Snevely ever existed. If

I gave attention to every blackmailing

blackguard in the country who attacks

me I’d have nothing else to do.

-14th -

Heard the motion of de Journel &

Dundas to compel Bonnifield

- 1^st Nat. Bk. to give security & to

take oath as Receiver, in case of

Cascaden v Dunbar. et. al. where

they & attorneys for defendants had

agreed to his appointment as

their trustee – where they appointed

him trustee – without bond or

oath & at a time when they thought

- that is Milles & De Journel did –

more of Bonnifields friendship

than of my fairness. Refused

to grant relief demanded.

It was an attempt to hurt

Bonnifield at a time when he

is caught in a financial pinch.

-15-

The Morning News is out with

big heading of “Charge of Embezz

=lement against Roy Maddocks.”

It seems that he owed Kellum

several thousand dollars on the

last summers division of

gold dust and could not pro

=duce the gold – he had used

it in paying the Times expenses

to blackguard me & others.

The News says Mrs M got

his accusers to give him time

& he probably got the money

& paid it last night.

It is an outrageous spread

of printers ink – in perfect

line with the Dodge-Maddocks

efforts – and therefore too

contemptible for clean newspap

-er men to indulge in. Still,

those who live by the sword, must

expect to feel its point some

time. Anderson got his

in the form of an indictment

and trial for forging, & now

Maddocks is blackened by

unfair charges & Dodge will

sooner or later be kicked

by a mule!

The News this morning says

that the Miner Owners accepted the

terms of compromise last night

but that the Miners Union rejected

it!! and our labor was in vain.

That means a bitter & prolonged fight.

-16-

The Banking situation is still

more strained today. Taking

advantage of Sunday respite the

1^st Nat. & Wash-Alaska have

entered into clearing house scheme

- neither today will pay a dep

=ositor but $50.00 for today

& tomorrow & on Wednesday

they will not pay money at all,

but only certificates signed by the

clearing house committee.

There is the worst feeling

of pessimism, unrest &

distrust in the town that has

ever existed. It is the full

bloom of Dodge pessimism

hatred, suspicion, & injustice.

It is rapidly growing worse,

and Maddocks is now threatening

to publish attacks on Mrs. Barnette

& B is threatening to attack him

personally if he does – Further

personal newspaper attacks

on Marquam & Kellum are

threatened – Really, Dodge

=ism is a foul but blooming

plant.

-17-

Checks on hand in Safety Dep. Vault

in Ed. Steirs box.

Date. Nov 1, 1907. 416.66

“ Aug. 9, “ 416.67

“ Sep. 3 “ 416.67

“ Sep 24 “ 416.66

“ Oct 1, “ 416.67

“ Nov 5 “ 377.60

2460.93.

All salary vouchers but the last and

it is expense voucher.

The Times this morning contains

a denial of the News Maddocks Em

=bezzlement article & Kellum

adds his denial! That means

that Kellum was, himself, threat

=ened with exposure!!

At noon today Adams, lawyer,

came down to the house to see me &

said that he wished to make a

proposition to employ me as

attorney in a matter which could

not possibly arise before me

- but in Washington – for

Bonnifield! I understood

it to mean in relation to his

efforts to square himself with

the Comptroller of the Currency

- I told Adams that I

could not accept any such

employment just now – not

till I was relieved by Judge Reid

and did not allow him to talk

to me about it.

This afternoon Postmaster

Clum called & said he had a

telegram from the Comptroller

asking him to suggest the name

of a person for Receiver of the

1^st Nat. – Clum wished me to

assist him in securing the appt.

of Vachon, who is his promised

son-in-law! I suggested

himself! and Ed. Stier.

He went away without deciding

anything. I have since

learned that the First Nat. tele

graphed to the Comptroller asking

permission to go into the clearing

house scheme – that Adams

prepared the telegrams, - but that

in Answer they had notice to

close up – to do no more bus

=iness & await appointment

of a receiver!! And thus

new laurels adorn the brow

of Dodge the pessimist!

-18-

The 1^st Nat. opened this

morning – I learn

that they have secured

permission from the Controller

to do so – but they are

not yet on the clearing

house basis – Stier has

been appointed Registrar &

Clum & Preston, a valuation

Com. for the 1^st Nat. & the Wash

-Alaska, who propose to

act together. The affairs

of the W A were in such

shape that the Com. issued

certificates for them, but

refused to do so for the

1^st Nat.

-19-

1^st Nat. on clearing house

basis today. The news

=papers have quit their

warfare & the cowardly fear

of Commercialism is doing

what the Golden Rule

cannot do - making

the discordant elements peace

ful and quiet.

The News tonight has a

telegram from Washington

saying that a hitch has occur

=ed in the matter of the confirm

=ation of Judge Reid, &

that Harlan is in Washington

- a candidate for the judgeship.

-20-

Times this morning has a

telegram that Judge Reid is

in Seattle & will take the

first boat for Valdes to

hold court there. I hope

thats true for I want to go

to work in my own office.

-21-

On the 19^th I sent a

telegram to Gov. Hoggatt, Wash. D. C.

asking for information about Judge

Reid & where he would be here. Recd.

ans. today saying he was in Seattle

on his way to Valdes. Banking

matters are settled down – the 1^st Nat

& W-A. are on a clearing house

basis of repudiation and the

Fairbanks Bk. will go on the same

basis on Monday. This scheme

is a practical repudiation of all

their debts until after the clean

=up in the spring and summer.

- but its even then better than a

receiver and 5% on the dollar!

The newspaper blackguardism has

also quieted down – the weather

is fine & it’s a good time to rest.

-22-

This mornings News says that

Harlan is on the carpet for an explan

=ation in Washington – before the

Atty. Genl. with Hoggatt acting

as accuser. The charges are not

set out, but are said to be serious.

The Sec. of the Interior attends also

and I judge that Harlan is

also accusing the Governor of

being kindly disposed toward the

Guggenheim’s at the Valdes

examination of Hasey, Hazlett &c.

for the Canyon shooting affray.

If I had any doubt of the

charges against Harlan being

sustained – I’d get in & help the

Governor, but think I’ll let

em fight awhile.

Met Parsons, Pres. W A. bank

at Tanana Club last night &

he intimated that his people would

want me to attend to their law bus

=iness after I go out of office.

Barkis[?] is willin.

-23-

McGinn & I had talk today

about partnership – I told him

that I thought him the best lawyer

in Alaska, and that I wished to form

a partnership with him, but that

I objected to going into the Fairbanks

Bk. Co. offices on account of the

charges I was friendly to Barnette

&c. We left it at about that.

Received telegram from Lathrop

saying that Judge Reid desired

me to appoint Jury Commissioner

& call grand & trial jurors for

Jany 20^th. I telegraphed to

John Y. Ostrander asking him to

name some good democrat

as jury commissioner.

-24-

Another long talk today with Barn

=ette about partnership with

McGinn – nothing final.

Telegram from Ostrander

advising Anthony J. Dimond,

as jury commissioner. I made

order appointing him &

calling for drawing of juries

for Jany 20^th. Heard case of

Manley v Chute, application for

temporary injunction today –

advisment till 26^th. Cold 20º tonight.

-25-

Christmas Day.

We attended a beautiful mid

=night mass at Father Monroes

church last night – mass per

=formed by Father Crimont –

& sermon by Father Corbley.

It got cold last night

25º -30º below zero.

Delegate Cale asked me by

letter, received last mail, to prepare

a bill providing a limited form

of legislative government for

Alaska, and I am engaged

in the work. I am copying very

closely after the Porto Rican

bill – as that gives a strong argument

for its passage by Congress.

-26-

Have determined to open an

independent law office –

and not become a mere retain

=er, of Barnettes – as I would

by going in to McGinns office

I will open my own office &

invite McGinn to join me

- so that I can take business

- and get it, too, from others

than Barnette.

Judge Reid left Seattle today.

for Valdes – on Str. “Northwestern”.

Granted Manley a temporary

injunction against Chute,

- an impartial act, since

I think both are precious

scoundrels.

-27-

Engaged on preparation or organic

act giving Alaska a legislative

assembly – preparing for Cale

at his request.

It got cold Christmas Eve –

but next morning it was warmer

& now as usual – just around

zero – beautiful winter weather.

-28-

Court today : granted new trial

in Heikella v Boucher – a mining

case tried last winter – also in

Webster v Enlund on Dawson

judgment. Sustained demurrer

to indictments in U.S. v McRea

& Sweeney, &c. Rented rooms

from Ed. Stier in Hamilton Blk

for offices - $75. per month.

-29-

Decided a lot of important

matters yesterday, but could not

finally adjourn because there

are some things left over till Monday

& Tuesday. Telegram from Hender

=son saying that Judge Reid would

probably not get to Valdes until

Jany 1^st.

This mornings paper says – telegraphic

dispatches – that Hoggatt will be support

=ed by the President – that Harlans

case will be determined as soon as the

President returns from Pine Knot

- about next Monday – Harlan will

be removed!

Jack Healeys wedding reception

was one glorious rousing drunk.

-30-

The Mine Owners Assoc. have

now about concluded to employ

Abe Spring, as their secretary

& Organizer – a good choice.

Sam Bonnifield is still in the

Hospital suffering from nervous

prostration on act. breaking

of 1^st Nat. Bank, - which,

however, is still limping along

after a repudiation of its

debts – by paying certificates only –

Busy getting all matters

ready for severance of my

official duties – my offices

in the Hamilton block – just east

of courthouse about ready

for occupancy

December 31^st 1907.

I intend to close the records

of the court and adjourn tonight.

Seven and a half years

ago when I came into the Yukon

country as its first resident

judge, there was not a court

house nor any other public

building, nor a public rec

=ord nor any outward form

of civil government in the

whole great region from the

boundary line to Asia!!

from the Arctic to the Pacific!!

I reached Eagle City on July 15,

1900. My party consisted of

myself & wife & son Howard –

Clerk of Court A. R. Heilig

wife, daughter Florence, son Reed,

& Mrs. Heiligs sister, Mrs. Whittaker

- a nurse. ~~Geo. G. Perry,U.S. Marsh.~~

& Geo. A. Jeffery, court stenographer.

We were met at the landing

by Emil Query, mayor, and by

the whole population of the

camp & the dogs. We had no

houses, no offices, no money

- no public money – nothing

but a Commission from President

McKinley appointing me judge

and a set of blank records.

Heilig & I rented a log cabin

each, until we could build one

- we built as soon as we could

buy some logs – Geo. Dribelbis

helped me build one – of 2 rooms

We set to work to collecting

money from licenses – liquor,

occupation, trade, mercantile &c

and that winter we had enough

money to and did build the

first courthouse & jail in

the great interior of Alaska

- the first between Nome &

Sitka- on the interior. I also

laid out & created the Eagle,

Circle & Rampart precincts

& appointed Comr’s. therein

with powers as probate judges,

justices of the peace, recorders

& Coroner.

And this government

was formed in the interior

of Alaska in 1900.

To this date 35 cases

decided by me have been

decided on appeal –

24 were affirmed and

11 were reversed –

70% were affirmed and

30% “ reversed.

Millions of dollars in value

have gone through my hands

- actually and in litigation

- but no one has yet accused

me of a graver crime in

connection with decisions

than favoring Barnette!!

- a silly charge – easily

made, hard to prove &

still harder to disprove!

so Ill not try it.

Heilig remained my clerk

for 3 years and a half-

for 4 years – one term – then

Ed. Stier, - who goes out of

office with me. Geo. A. Jeffery

is still with me – he will

quit the government service

& go into private practice

Telegrams from Washington

say Harlan has resigned -

Court opened for the

last time – for me as judge –

this afternoon at 2 oclock.

After several final formal

matters had been disposed

of – John Dillon, read

an address – highly compliment

=ary, and then on behalf of

the bar presented me with a

beautiful gold watch, appro

=priately inscribed – covered

with small gold nuggets.

I replied thanking them for

the gift and making a

short reminiscent talk on

the establishment of the

courts in the interior of

Alaska – and we then

~~informally~~ formally adjourned

court & had a smoker.

Jany 1^st 1908.

Cold - 45º below zero – foggy.

We had a new years party at

our house last night, - the

ladies of the Bridge Whist

Club & their own husbands.

We had a fine time! Drank

the old year out & the new one in.

Spent the afternoon calling.

This evening I received

telegrams – from J. M. Lathrop

Valdes, wishing me compliments

of season, - from Henderson

saying that Judge Reid had

arrived there on this evening &

one from Roediger saying that

he was willing to undertake

the newspaper combination in

Fairbanks if arrangements could

be made satisfactory =

Jany 2^nd

Telegraphed congratulations

to J. M. Lathrop & Josie Der

=ringer, married in Seattle &

on boat to Valdes with Judge Reid.

Also to Judge Reid offering to

assist him here if possible.

Recd. ans. from Judge Reid saying

“Many happy returns of the New Year.”

Am busy today arranging

my office – getting in furniture.

Five minutes before 5 oclock in

Tuesday evening, Dec. 31, de Journel

& Heilig filed a motion for a new

trial in Thomas v McEachern –

Fenwick & James – an act in

violation of their agreement in open

court. I made an order today

overruling it – without even a

hearing. and did right, too.

I gather from telegrams from

Valdes that Judge Reid has not yet

taken his oath office – probably

awaiting confirmation.

-~~3^rd~~ 5^th Sunday-

Nothing new in public way today.

Dinner at home tonight – Edgar &

Lizzie, Fred Crouch & Charley Joynt

- my boyhood schoolmate & playmate.

We had a good dinner – it has

turned warm – about zero again.

-6^th – Monday –

Recd. telegram this morning from

John Y. Ostrander saying that the

first business transacted by

Judge Reid at opening of court

at Valdes was my admission to

the bar. So that I am now an

Alaskan attorney as well as

ex-judge. Busy organizing an

office. Business is coming in

& it looks all right.

Warm - 5º above zero.

[newspaper clipping:]

“FAIRBANKS DAILY NEWS

JUDGE WICKERSHAM.

With the assumption of his duties

as judge of the Third division, by

Silas H. Reid, James Wickersham is

released from the obligations of his

former office and again assumes the

labors of a good citizen.

The News, together with a large

majority of the Tanana citizens,

views with regret the retirement of

James Wickersham to private life.

For years he has been subjected to

one of the fiercest assaults that have

ever been made upon a man’s char-

acter, both as regards his public and

private acts. That he, or any man,

should be able to withstand such an

unmerciful and unprincipled attack

is a matter of comment. Yet through

it all this man has stood unafraid

and unscathed.

The fight that was made on Judge

Wickersham has been the cause of

more dissension among the people of

this division than all other causes

combined. That it is over has caused

a sigh of relief to arise from every

man in the district. That the man

whose character was attacked has

come out of the fray with a clean

slate is a matter of pride to all.

In the years to come, when the

smoke of battle has cleared away

and people are able to look at the

acts of Judge Wickersham and view his

record without emotion, the verdict

of the Alaskan historian will be that

he was a man to whom the adjective

great must be applied; that he is the

one who stands pre-eminent among

his contemporaries for the good he

has accomplished.”

-7^th-

Beautiful weather.

Recd. big mail from the outside.

Letters from Judge Day, Judge Rich,

Col. Blethen, of the Seattle “Times”, Brainerd

of the P-I. and Perkins of the Ledger,

Geo. Baldwin & others, all speaking

in the most friendly terms about

my labors as judge – terminated

by my resignation.

Judge Day said:

“Dear Judge Wickersham:

I received a day or two ago your letter

dated Nov. 12, with a clipping from the

Fairbanks “Daily News,” reviewing your

work as a judge in Alaska. It’s a man’s

work you have been doing there – admin

=istering justice on the frontier, - and

Alaska, not you, will be the loser by

your laying it down to take up {again} the

practice of your profession.

The men who shall follow you as

judges in Alaska will find their path

=way easier and safer for the trails which

you broke or blazed through a country

little known to white men when you

entered it.

You have had a stormy experience.

That was inevitable to the man who first

carried the law into mining camps on the

outskirts of civilization and there

enforced it fearlessly and without favor.

It required great moral and physical

courage to do that.

You owe no thanks to me for

upholding you to the President.

I wish you the utmost success

in your practice and would welcome

seeing you whenever you come east.

Very sincerely yours,

W. A. Day

“This letter is particularly gratifying

to me – Judge Day was the Assistant

to the Attorney General of the United States,

and was specially sent by the Pres

=ident in 1904 to investigate me.

His report was strongly in my

favor. He is now Vice President

- practically Genl. Manager, of the

Equitable Life Assurance. Co. N.Y.

Judge Rich is one of the judge

of the Sup. Ct. Appellate Div. N.Y.

and lives at Brooklyn, N.Y. I

met him last spring in Valdes.

His letter is as strongly written

as Judge Days – though without

the interest to me that Days has.

Letters from Darrell - his boat

is at S. Fran. & he met Frank

there recently – Frank seems

to be a tramp printer

-8-

Made agreement, oral, with

Parsons, Pres. Wash-Alaska

Bank to act as attorney for

the new bank being organized

by him – a National Bank.

He wants me to take some

stock and become a director

and also act as Attorney for

the Bank & the Railroad.

I consented to do so. He

will leave in the morning

for Seattle when the new Bank

will be organized.

-9-

Paid Peoples & others for

furniture, carpets &c. for office.

Am finished the bill for Cale

for establishment of a

Territorial Government in

Alaska, and will get it

off to him on the next mail.

Have followed the Porto Rican

bill – also Oregon Territory bill.

- made it simple & limited.

-10-

Perovich application for

commutation is denied

by the President! He mur

=dered Jaconi, at night

secretly, & robbed & burned

the body & cabin. He

will now be hung – and

it is a just punishment

- conceding that the death

penalty is ever just.

The trial & execution of

Fred. Hardy in 1901, for

the murder of three prospectors

on Unimak Is. gave security

throughout the Aleutian

Is. - & this will strike terror

into the hearts of murderers

in this frontier region.

-11^th-

40º below this morning but

fine weather – calm & quiet.

Kellum employed me yesterday

in his financial squabble with

Dunbar & the 1^st Nat. Bank.

Business is coming in O.K.

[newspaper clipping:]

“By the resignation of Judge Wick-

ersham, Alaska loses the foremost

member of her judiciary, whose bitter-

est enemies, and he has made many,

will not deny either his judicial abil-

ity or his legal attainments. – Katalla

Herald.”

-12-

30º below this morning.

Beautiful weather. Attended

AB Smoker last night & talked

to the boys on paternalism – of

miners, A.B’s Curling Rinks, &c.

-13-

The Montonegrin friends of

Perovich are trying to get the

Russian Consul to aid him,

& Rev. S. Hall Young tells me that

Perovich now says that he dont

know whether he killed Jaconi

or not – sometimes he thinks he

did and sometimes not.

He told Young, and Young came

& told me that he, Perovich, belongs

to the “Black Hand” Society whose

basic idea is revenge on those

whom they imagine have injured

them - & he threatens me & others

with the Vendetta in case he

is hanged!! I’ve been killed a

dozen times before, by jaw smiths –

and I guess I can stand it again.

-14-

John L. Dillon is now actually at

work to help Perovich – to keep

him from hanging - & he repeated

more of the “Black Hand” threats

to me. I am surprised that a

Marshal, Minister & Lawyer

would permit such talk to

go out and repeat it & seemingly

encourage it by consulting

with the men who talk it &

then by repeating it seriously.

Dillon told that his threats

come from Perovich’s brother.

Weather growing warmer.

No telegraphic news.

Wires down.

-15-

Warmer. Jeffry has been

sick for two or three days.

Attended “Charity Ball”

given by the Catholic people

tonight – in Gordons

Rink. A beautiful

affair – more than 200

couples present.

A regular Chinook

wind is blowing and the

thermometer has gone up

to 30º above zero-

-16^th-

It is melting this morning

32º above zero, warm

& almost sultry.

-17^th-

Caught a cold in consequence

of the warm wave – played a good

game of curling on the rink

last night & had dinner at

midnight with the Hamiltons

The wires to the outside are down

and no news – Mail last night

- Louis D. Campbell, lawyer, mayor

of Tacoma, banker, and otherwise a

good citizen, died in California

a few days ago. Also my friend

Babbitt, clerk, high Mason and

friend – died suddenly in Tacoma.

Weather cooler today. We now

have the office in shape and

some little law business coming

in all the time – looks encouraging.

[written in margin:]

Letter from Darrell: is in So. Cal.

on way to Magdalena Bay -

-18^th-

Letter from D. T.[?] Boone today asking

me to give him an opinion as to his

(& Ben’s) status and rights against

Manley in the case of Manly v Durand.

Tanana Club Annual Meeting

& Election. Barnette elected President

& made a short talk and was

received in a very cordial way.

-19-

Sunday –

10º below this morning, 35º below

tonight.

-20^th-

45º below zero this morning

Stier delivered my certificate of

admission as an attorney at the

Alaskan Bar – written in fine

penmanship by Mr. Rich H.

Geoghegan.

Barnette and McGinn are

attempting to reorganize their bank

and are trying to take into it a

number of the most prominent

operators – including the Jessons,

Berrys and other of my friends.

I feel that I am being crowded

out of things that I could have

controlled if I had gone in with

Barnette and McGinn and that

I gained but little, in a business

way, - nothing really, but present

losses – by refusing their offers

of cooperation and partnership.

Still I am sure that I did right

and that my position now cannot

be misunderstood by any one –

- I care more for my own view of

the situation than of any one else’s

and I feel that I did right –

I should have felt uncomfortable

if I had bone in with them, and

as it is I feel right – ~~so what’s~~

~~the difference,~~ feel that my own

conscience is clear, that to this

date in Alaska I’v done only

what an honest man ought to do.

what I’v lost in money, and

I’v lost much of that, I’v gained

in the satisfaction that I’v done

right. I could not satisfy

myself to go in with Barnette

after the Anderson jury fixing

case.

-21st-

Kellum told me today that

Gov. Hoggatt had telegraphed

to Claypool to get in his

application for Dist. Atty. at

once, - that means, so Kellum

thinks – that Hoggatt favors Claypool.

= The scheme seems to me to be –

Claypool for Dist. Atty. & Clum for

Congress!! Barnette, McGinn & the

Mine Owners Assoc. all work together

for that end – and will all support

Hoggatt in turn.

45º and 50º below zero and

everything is closed down for a

warmer day. Am working on

Kellums case = gave Boone

opinion today on Manley v

Durand case.

22^nd

Still 45º below zero – a heavy

cold fog covers the earth.

Claypool has just gone from my

office – he wanted me to write a letter

to the Atty. Gen. saying that he ~~was~~ {is}

a competent person to hold the office

of Dist. Atty. – not endorsing him

but merely stating the fact of his

experience and competency.

I will not do it- and told him

so – because I have not endorsed

anyone and will not do so.

Wrote to Cale saying

that he ought to go to the President

& insist that he be permitted to

name the District Atty. for his own

home town – thats the Washington

rule of politics.

-23^rd-

Warm this morning - 10º above

zero – a change of 60º within 24

hours! – but a change for the better.

It is 25º above zero tonight

a change of 75º degrees within

48 hours. Am amused about

“Major” Clums latest. He has had

issued, in newspaper form, what

he is pleased to call the “Clum

Record” – in it he announces that

he is a candidate for Delegate

to Congress, and publishes,

probably, every newspaper

account of himself which

has ever appeared. It is one grand

display of silly vanity &

ought to defeat even a great

man – but it may not. The

Record is being distributed publicly.

-24^th-

The “Times” this morning has the

story that Judge Reid has authority

from the Attorney-General to change

the residence of the Court and Court

officials to Valdes. The least

harmful effect of this action will

be to divide the courts work at

this place and double his salary,

since he will get all his expenses

while holding court here, where

he ought to remain at least

10 months out of the year. My

expense account was always

small because I was forced

to remain in Fairbanks the greater

part of the year. The removal

will be a blow to Fairbanks.

-25-

Warm & pleasant.

Sent copy of “Clum Record,”

to Cale & pointed out that Claypool

& Clum were working tandem.

Hoggatt has beaten Cale out on

appointments of postmasters at

Skagway & Valdes & this will give

Cale a chance to find out where

he stands with the administra

=tion – Hoggatt will endorse

Claypool! Clegg & Latimer

are candidates - Latimer

says Cale has endorsed him!

Long letter from correspondent

in Valdes about Reids reception

He said he knew nothing about

the mining laws, but he knew the

homestead laws!! He talks

friendly about me.

-27-

Pleasant weather – busy in

office & it seems as if I am to

have plenty of work.

-28-

Rev. Mr. Betticher came today

to warn me of threats made by

Perovich that I am to be killed

by the “Blackhand Society” in case

of his execution. I gave him

my opinion that it would be an

outrage upon law, society and

the church if he paraded Perovichs

body through town – to the church

& thence back to the cemetery in

a public funeral – that it would

also convince his misguided followers

of the “Black Hand” that the Church

approved Perovich, his crime & the

condemnation of those officials who

brought him to justice.

The “Unions” are going to have a

public meeting on Friday evening

to explain their position to the people

of Fairbanks – they sent Cullen

to asked me to present and to

preside – I told him I would

not do so – but the News tonight

says I am to preside and have

consented to speak!! I am

sorry they cant let me alone.

-29-

The “Union” has flooded the town

with posters giving me as one of

the speakers in their meeting

tomorrow night. Abe Spring

came to see me on behalf of the

“Mine Owners Assoc” & I told

that I had been asked but had refused

to either preside or speak.

George Jeffery went to the Creeks

on Sunday and has’nt got back

yet. It’s his first visit to the

Creeks, and he needs the change.

-30^th-

Still warm & nice weather.

Peter Vidovich is the most enlight

=ened and sensible of the Slavonians

here, and he is intensely interested

in the Perovich case. They received

a telegram from Dillon this morning

saying “Motion argued

yesterday. Denied this morning.

Can do no more.” Vidovich came

to me & begged me to help them

which I have done by sending

telegrams to Dillon urging him to

apply for habeas corpus & on denial

to appeal. Also to employ Ostra

=nder & one of Judge Reids

colony – Vidovich asked me

to ~~notify~~ {say to them} ~~that~~ that he would

guarantee reasonable attorney

fees, which I did. Peter

seems to be afraid – he promised

to pay me any sum of money

if I could get a stay of the

death penalty. Dillon

could do it if he was nt so

lazy - they now think that

Dillon buncoed them & knew

that he could do nothing!

I sent telegrams this aftrenoon

and at 8 oclock we had telegrams

back saying to telegraph bond

that appeal had been allowed

in Perovich case!! Vidovich

is acting with great energy.

- Marshal Perry first telephoned

me that he has telegram that

appeal is allowed also!

Sent telegram to Dillon calling

his attention to secs. 766 & 1040.

U.S. Rev. Stat. which settle the

rule to be followed.”

-31^st-

~~Sent a telegram to Judge~~

~~Reid this morning saying,~~

~~“I did not discover force of~~

~~Sec. 1040. R.S. U.S. until long~~

~~long after advice to Marshal.~~

~~It makes the case so different~~

~~that my judgment now is that court~~

~~ought to grant stay of execution~~

~~pending appeal. Have so advised~~

~~Marshal. Show this district attorney~~

~~and Dillon.”~~

Did not send the above

telegram – Sargeant Merrill of

the Signal Corps just brought it back

to me with the information that the

Marshal had just received a telegram

making it unnecessary to send it.

Marshal brought me his telegram

“The President has granted repreive

“to Vuko Perovich till the first of Friday

“in March 1908, answer. Bonaparte.

Atty. Genl.”

After constantly bombarding Dillon

with telegrams received telegrams from

him tonight showing that he had

taken an appeal from the denial

of the Writ of Habeas Corpus & that

a stay of execution was granted & the

hanging prevented for the present.

(Learned from Peter Vidovich that 120

Montenegrins – miners – met in town at his

warehouse tonight – they fully intended to

attempt a rescue of Perovich – because

of the dishonor of having one of their country

men hanged – the first in the interior of

Alaska. Vidovich was scared white

- he certainly thinks there would have

been an attack on the jail & people killed

but for the repreive - & the appeal.)

Peter told me he thought his own

life in great danger.

Feb. 1, 1908.

Bot Edgars ½ interest in machinery

owned by him & Fred Crouch = $500.00

This leaves him still owing me

$290.00 Nothing much today.

Beautiful weather – the finest winter

I ever saw.

-Feb. 3-

The fight is on between the

Mine Owners Assoc. & the Miners

Union – and we are to have

squabbles, tie ups and trouble

this summer instead of

work, wages and wealth.

The Union is now threatening

and bulldozing non-Union

laborers – the Union is a slave

driver - & as bad as the Trusts.

Have just received a letter from

Garfield, Sec. of the Interior

enclosing a copy of Governor

Hoggatts letter to the President

withdrawing his recommendation

in my favor. Hoggatts letter

is a tame one – he says that

having noticed my behavior

at Juneau, and having consulted

with people in at Fairbanks

he thinks my longer continuance

on the bench inadvisable!!

His letter was dated Sept. 13,

while my letter of resignation

was dated Sept. 6^th – a week

before. The Secretary calls

attention to that fact, and

says that he is also authorized

by the Attorney General to say

to me that Governor Hoggatts

letter had nothing whatever

to do with the acceptance

of my resignation. In

answer I thanked Garfield

& said to him that the matter

was now closed so far as I

am concerned. But I cant

help but remark to myself

that I am ahead of the Governor

on the face of the correspondence.

-4^th-

The fight between the Operators

& Union is getting warmer.

A lot of striker are arrested

- and both sides have been

to me today to take part.

in the case – but I refused

both. I am going to keep

out of merely bitter fights

that dont concern me or pay

me a fee or do me any good.

Telegraphic dispatches

say that Circuit Court of Appeals

reversed me in the case of

Johansen v White and affirmed

me in Katalla railroad case.

-5-

Recd. information that Judge

Reid may not come to Fairbanks

until in June, - he, too,

seems to be having trouble

about confirmation & does

not want to get too far away

until the matter is settled!!!

-6^th-

Recd. telegram from Dillon

saying that he had secured a

stay of execution in the Perovich

case until final judgment on

appeal.

-8^th-

Attended St Mathews Ball last night.

Bishop Rowe had reception before the ball,

- but at the ball. The Union strikers

have sent out 50 men to guard

the Valdes trail & turn incoming

laborers back – they (the strikers)

are armed with rifles & have already

held up the stage mail, &c. and

roused great excitement. The

business men of Fairbanks, in News

last night denounced the Union

as a menace to the camp & declared

they would support the operators!!

-10-

Went out to Esther Creek today

to examine stakes, lines, &c on

overlap between Smith & Jesson’s

bench claims. I represent Smith

Erwin & Fisher, who want to quiet

their title &c. Fine day & I enjoyed

my visit greatly. There are “plants”

- boilers, hoisting works on every

claim from way above Discovery

down almost to the railroad &

the Creek is a thriving camp.

-11-

George Dribelbis got in today

from Valdes - & he is highly interest

=ing in his descriptions of Judge

Reid & his Oklahoma friends.

- he says they are “hungry.”

-12-

Vidovich who is appearing

for Yuko Perovich, got all the

petitions &c. off to President today

asking for the commutation of

the death sentence to life imprisonment.

Much threatening of trouble from

the Union men – strikers – against the

incoming workmen. 30 of latter

got in last night – Abe Spring

went out on the trail & brought them

in – after Perry had forced the Union

strikers to quit patroling & come in

Several hundred strikers have gathe

red today in the street in front of the

lodging house where the non-Union

men are, & seek to intimidate them

by incendiary speeches, threats, &c

They sought to assault & mob Abe

Spring & but for the deputy Marshal

with drawn revolver would have done so.

Things resemble the old “Chinese Exodus”

days in Tacoma – only here the Marshal

is not in sympathy & is acting with

vigor – and 30-40 Winchester rifles!

-13-

Attended Masonic lodge last night

- work in 3^rd – first in the Tanana

or Yukon country. Lodge has

been in existence during January

- I have attended – its first work in

the 1^st or 2^nd The lodge room is in

the Auditorium, corner 2^nd & Wickersham

Sts: Bob Taylor is Master. Barbour

of Wash-Alaska Bank advised with me yester

day, and today he quit receiving certificates

of the 1^st Nat. Bank and is going upon a

cash basis. Stier & the trustees object

some but it will come all right.

Strike situation quiet.

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary13-1907-1908

< http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-MS0107-Diary13-1907-1908.htm >

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Alaska State Library - Historical Collections, PO Box 110571, Juneau AK 99811-0571
mailto:ASL.Historical@eed.state.ak.

< http://library.alaska.gov/hist/fulltext/ASL-F909.W52-2000.htm >

James A. Wickersham diary [01], 1900.

Ledger

Answer due in Winyea case

Just received telegram from

Ketchumstock Billy & his family

Special February Term of Court

James A. Wickersham diary [02], Jan. 1 to Sept 29, 1901.

James A. Wickersham diary [03], Sept. 30, 1901 to Feb. 12, 1902.

James A. Wickersham diary [04], February 12 to December 31, 1902.

George A. Jeffry left via St. Mich

Capt. Jarvis, Col. of Customs for

Crossing Dakota

James A. Wickersham diary [05], January 1 to May 15, 1903.

James A. Wickersham diary [06], May 16th, 1903 to Sept. 17, 1903.

James A. Wickersham diary [07], Sept. 17, 1903 to July 31, 1904.

James A. Wickersham diary [08], July 31, 1904 to Feb. 20, 1905.

James Wickersham

Mrs. Crawford is the first white woman

Filed affid. of Labor of Discovery on

Havery T Gamble “ “ “ 75.00

Marshal,” Will you investigate!!

“Your residence and that of Attorney and

Left Seattle on Excelsior for

Judge Thomas Humes had died at

Pay Abe Spring his salary as license

Shall remove Heilig promptly if I

The President has reappointed you

Measles in Jail – 25 or 30 prisoners

Bar Assoc. of Valdez preparing strong denial

Judge Humes body reached here from Fairbanks

P. C. Sullivan is to be appointed U.S. Dist

James A. Wickersham diary [09], February 21, 1905 to November 24, 1905.

Creeks “clean up” from 20 to 100%

-8th-

The jury found Ole Peterson insane

Edgar has sold his home on

Edgar & Lizzie left for the States today

Debbie left for New York

Decided last night & so informed

Set the jury cases in which Clay

James A. Wickersham diary [10], December 4, 1905 to June 22, 1906.

The President reappointed

Was given written notice by Senator

W. B. Hoggatt of Juneau

Monday – My case came up

Cushman also told me that Kittredge

I shall certainly resign after a

I learned this morning certainly

Barnes nomination as Postmaster

End: ASL-MS0107-Diary10-1905-1906

James A. Wickersham diary [11], June 22, 1906 to Feb. 7, 1907.

Mrs. Minnie Richardson

Henry M. Hoyt, Dist. Atty

McCumbers charges in his letter

Just recd. telegram from Attorney

Well, if the decision is against me

Charged Grub Stake Agreement with Hood so

James A. Wickersham diary [12], Feb. 8, 1907 to Aug. 1, 1907.

James A. Wickersham diary [13], August 1, 1907 to January 12, 1908.

I do not see that I need a deputy clerk

Reply

Bought 1/9 inteest in 37 acres

Brady is now my friend & will do all he

Theodore Roosevelt: President of the

Sir: I wish to resign the office

I have greatly desired a

I do not wish to abandon my

Left Dawson at 4 oclock

After dinner B talked to me

The “Florence S.” a small steamer

I am not a candidate. I will

Two Hundred (200) dollars

Called a Special Term of

Sent check of $50.90 to the

I drew out of Fairbank’s

The secret of this action is that

Steffenson, Moran, Cullen

Outlines of a Plan of Settlement of the Diff-

The Fairbanks Banking Co

Received telegram from Lathrop

-8^th-