Sept 11/97
Deya Alaska

Sheeps Camp 16 mls above Deya Alaska [ed. additonal picture1, picture2, picture3 ]
Dear Geo & Jo:
We are in camp here it is 5 miles of the summit would have been on it but has been raining I am well & healthy have not had even a cold cannot get enough to eat If we had a couple of weeks of good weather could get through it but am afraid the weather will not permit. We have been working terrible hard packing 50# & 75# over mountains that we would not think of walking over at home. Tom See could not keep up with us & pulled out 6 miles below he said he was going to prospect there awhile hope he never will catch us as he is a nuisance. We will go over to the Lake & if too late to go down in a boat will build a cabin & wait till it freezes up & start on sleds. There are about 300 people here in tents I have seen dozzens of horses killed by the trail we just came over at first it seemed terrible to look at but I am getting use to it now. A man was caught stealing at Deya yesterday an was shot three times a fellow stole a watch here yesterday and the people held a meeting to see what to do with him but I have not heard this morning. Our provisions etc. are in better shape then any we have yet seen. We are getting strong as as mules but am not working in the rain as many are doing I have not heard from you yet, got one letter from Dr Crockett you surely did not write at once
hope I will get several from you when next boat comes in we get mail here every two weeks it will be longer after awhile. still address me at Deya Alaska after we get settled for a while, will write you
The man is waiting for this so will have to quit
From Everett Barton