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

ASL-MS0107-Diary09-1905

 

James A. Wickersham diary, February 21, 1905 to November 24, 1905.

 

            DIARY

            of

JAMES WICKERSHAM

February 21, 1905 

            to

February 17 {November 24}, 1905.

 

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[February 1905]

 

            -1905-

Valdez to Fairbanks

            -February 21st -

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.

 

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            -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.

            23rd

Left Beaver Dam early – down Tiekel

to forks & up north fork – lunch at the

Telegraph station where we met Jacobson

 

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& 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

 

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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

 

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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.

            -26th-

Left Copper Center at 6 am – a warm

 

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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.

            -27th-

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

 

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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

 

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This hostelry consists of a tent & a lean

too log cabin – a very primitive affair

kept by one John Gillespie – 26 mi.

            -28th-

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”.

 

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[March 1905]

 

            -March 1st-

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

 

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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.

            -2nd-

Cold at our camp last night – but

clouded up after midnight & warmer

& snowed all day today-

 

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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.

            -3rd-

From Caseys Cache the trail was good – 

over the ice – About 15 miles below Caseys C

coming into the Delta from the westside is

 

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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.

            -4th-

“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”

 

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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 15Ί 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.

 

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The trading post is on the bank of the Tan

ana – about Ό 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 5th-

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

 

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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.

            -6th-

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.

 

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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

 

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1st     Walter E. Clark.

2nd     Judge W.A. Day-

3rd     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.

 

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Late this evening received telegram

from Perry, at Seattle as follows:

“I congratulate you – reappointed

today with cabinet officers.”

                        Geo. G. Perry, Marshal

            -7th-

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

10th 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

 

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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.

            -8th-

Went to the office today & got things

to going.  Called a term of court

for April 10th.  Heilig at work here.

Everything in good shape so far as I can

see – but I am sore and tired.

            -9th-

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

 

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            -10th-

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 4th Ave & Cowles St. for $250.

- house on property cost that much.

Mail last night – letters from Debbie

Major Lacey & others – nothing official.

            -11th-

Heard the application for injunction

 

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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.

            -12th-

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

 

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            -13th-

Working to get my office & house

in shape.  Electric lights in house –

Have agreed to lease my 10 ft. frontage

on 2nd 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.

 

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            -14th-

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

 

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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 2nd Avenue.

            -16th-

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

 

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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 2nd 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!!

 

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            -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

            -18th-

Finished arranging papers & letters

in my office – bought sideboard for the

house – set up phonograph & getting

carpet ready to go down on floor.

 

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            -19th-

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.

            -24th-

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

 

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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

 

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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 6th

nineteen hundred and section seventeen sixty

one revised Statutes.     Moody.”

 

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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.

            -25th-

Sent for John L. McGinn yesterday and offered

him the Commissionership at Fairbanks but

he is in great doubt whether to accept it

 

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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.

            -26th-

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

 

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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

            -28th-

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

 

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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.

            -29th-

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.

            -30th-

Made out my quarterly expense account and

Feb & Mch salary acts. & ford. to Washington

 

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            -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 1st-

     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.

 

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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

 

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limit on the 21st 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.

            -3rd-

Let “lay” to Krause – Date April 1st

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 -

 

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            -4th-

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.

            -6th-

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

 

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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 1st 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

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -7th-

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 

 

<page break>

 

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!

 

<page break>

 

Bought corner of Cowles – west side

between 4th & 5th Ave. 125 X 150-  $550.00

            -8th-

Court today – but only small case.

Claypool & Dillon came down and

spent the evening with me.

            -9th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -11th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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 & 2nd as also the Bonnifield

Bank on the other corner.

 

<page break>

 

            -12-

Hensley v Fairbrom[?], Wright, et. al on trial.

Edgar was elected Town Marshal again

5 to 2.  Beautiful weather.

            -14th-

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 2nd story on building

Whist party tonight at Judge Irwins

& I went with Lizzie.

 

<page break>

 

            -15th-

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.

            -16th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -18th-

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.

            -19th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -20th-

Beautiful weather – spring.  Decision

today in Miners Coop Assoc v. Monarch.

            -22nd-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -24th-

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 Cafι”, put a second story on with private

dining rooms upstairs & has a fine place.

            -26th-

The Chena river is rising fast & looks

like ice will go out in a day or two – busy

in court-

 

<page break>

 

            -27th-

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.

 

<page break>

 [May 1905]

            -May 1st-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -May 2-

Beautiful day –river falling & ice will

not go out for several days yet.

Have finished fixing up cabin at

4th & 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

 

<page break>

 

            -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.

 

<page break>

 

            -May 7th-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -8th-

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.

            -9th

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -10th-

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

 

<page break>

 

- 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-

            -11th-

Cain v Stafford.   The “Florence S.” first

steamer came up from Chena today.

Koyukuk launched :

 

<page break>

 

            -12th-

“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

 

<page break>

 

            14th

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.”

            -15th

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.

 

<page break>

 

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-

            -16th-

Bonanza Case Affirmed.

The great copper case over which I

was so maliciously assailed by Heyburn

Senator from Idaho & other senators

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -18th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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

            -19th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

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-

            -20th-

Things “warm” out at Cleary – one

of the boss gamblers has announced

his determination to “fight” & today

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

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”

 

<page break>

 

            -26th-

            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.

            -27th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -30th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

Edgar has sold his home on

2nd Ave. to Perry for $2500.

Gambling was “turned loose” last

night again – Perry has the

matter in charge!

 

[June 1905]

 

            -June 4th-

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

 

<page break>

 

            June 6th 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 7th-

Trial Berks v Sigler – mining case.

Debbie has not telegraphed – so I

presume she is coming without it. 

 

<page break>

 

            -June 9th-

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.

            -10th-

Telegram from Debbie – is at

Dawson & leaves on Susie on

Monday – here about 18th.

Opinion in Redden v Harlan-

a whack at wild cat staking.

 

<page break>

 

            -12th-

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 17th – 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.

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -14th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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 1st 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.

 

<page break>

 

            -18th-

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.

            -19th-

We were 6 hours getting up from

Chena last night – the Chena is the

lowest known.  Debbie well & stronger

than last year.

            -20th-

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-

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -24th-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -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.

            -26th-

Trial Jury today - & cases heard.

Bandit holding people up on trail

daily – Perry seems to be paralyzed.

            -27th-

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

 

<page break>

 

            -28th-

Jury trials every day.  Am to deliver

4th of July Oration & am to marry

Miss Noyes and Harry Chisholm

tomorrow evening at home in Graehl.

Railroad to Chena done Sunday!

            -30th-

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 1st-

River cutting around town side of drift

at Cushman street – incompetent town

officials cut drift on lower or town

side & Cushman street bridge total

 

<page break>

 

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 2nd 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.

 

<page break>

 

            -July 3rd

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 4th-

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 4th- no speeches – just rain

& high water.

 

<page break>

 

            -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.

            -6th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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

            -7th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -8th-

Jury out in “Cleary City” case - - still

raining some but river going down-

            -9th

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -July 17th-

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 12th.

Trials daily & much work.

Felix Pedro & Hanot report

strike on upper waters of 

Chena – or across divide.

 

<page break>

 

            -20th-

McChesney could not pay for the

corner of Cushman & 3rd 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

 

<page break>

 

            -29th-

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

 

<page break>

 [August 1905]

 

            Aug 4th

Since last Monday have been

engaged in trying case of U.S. v.

Yuko Perovich – for the murder

of Jacob Jaconi – on Oct 29th

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -7th-

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 2nd trial

of U.S. v Harry Owens today

 

<page break>

 

            -9th-

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.

            -13th  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!!

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -16th-

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.

            20th-

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!

 

<page break>

 

            -23rd-

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-

            -24th-

48 years old today

 

<page break>

 

            -26th-

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!!

 

<page break>

 

Sunday 27th

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!

 

<page break>

 

            -28th-

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 3rd

Rented the house on 1st 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,

 

<page break>

 

covered tent also with lumber to keep

the snow from breaking it in.  I will

sleep in tent until I go about 16th

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.

 

<page break>

 

Commissioner to the new Kantishna Precinct

embracing the Kantishna river watershed

& all that part of the Kuskokwim in the

3rd Division &c:  Order Sep. 1, 1905.-

            -6th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -7th-

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 18th

            -8th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -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 18th or 20th

            -13th-

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!!!

 

<page break>

 

            -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.

 

<page break>

 

            -16th-

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. 1st 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

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

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 17th-

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

 

<page break>

 

            -18th-

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-

 

<page break>

 

            -19th – 19th

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

 

<page break>

 

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-

            -20th-

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

 

<page break>

 

still snowing – none in the

Tanana – and the winter seems

nearer here than in that valley.

            -21st-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -22nd-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -23rd-

With Str. “Sarah” – pulling & puffing – but she

is still fast on the bar.  Staid with her

 

<page break>

 

all day – the Str. “Hermann” with

oil barge – the “Sarah” and “Hannah”

burn crude oil – came up this evening.

            -24th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -26th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -28th-

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.

            29th

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -30-

Passed White River early this morning

- beautiful clear day – snow on the

mountains, making good time.

 

[October 1905]

 

            Octo 3rd

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 –

            -4th-

Left Whitehorse at 10 a.m. – the

“Casca” hove in sight & we waited for

her.  Dinner at Bennett & reached

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

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”

 

<page break>

 

            -6th-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -7th -

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.

 

<page break>

 

- 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.

            -9th-

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.

            -10th-

Valdez at 8 oclock.  Went

to the St. Elias Hotel - saw

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

& 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.

            -11th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -12th-

{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

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -13th-

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

 

<page break>

 

            -14th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

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

 

<page break>

 

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-

 

<page break>

 

            -16th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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-

 

<page break>

 

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.

            -18th-

Rainy but went hunting – saw

5 moose on mountainside – 2

in valley – but got none – saw

the falls on Juneau Creek.

 

<page break>

 

            -19th-

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-

            -24th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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-

 

<page break>

 

            -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 15th were unanimously

elected – Wickersham, Lathrop, Blum,

Smith.  (signed) James Fish.”

Sorry that my office prevents my

accepting – but it would not be

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -26th-

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.

            -27th-

The 25th 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-

 

<page break>

 

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -28th-

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

 

<page break>

 

- 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 -

 

<page break>

 

            -31st-

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 1st-

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

 

<page break>

 

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. 

 

<page break>

 

            -Nov. 2nd-

“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 3rd-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            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

 

<page break>

 

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 -

 

<page break>

 

            -9th-

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

15th is attracting attention & the

newspapers have announced me

as a candidate for delegate – but

I have promptly denied it & they

 

<page break>

 

will so announce.

            -10th-

Visiting Seattle – nothing

particular except denying that

I am candidate for delegate.

            -11th-

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.

 

<page break>

 

Jennie is grown to be a handsome

woman - is a good wife & mother

Everybody well at Buckley-

            -13th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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-

            -14th-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -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.

 

<page break>

 

            -16th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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!

            17th

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

 

<page break>

 

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!

 

<page break>

 

            -19th-

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

 

<page break>

 

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!

 

<page break>

 

                        -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.

            -21st-

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.

 

<page break>

 

            -23rd-

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 – 

            -24th-

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.

 

 

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-MS0107-Diary09-1905.htm