Eighth Annual Report on Introduction of Domestic Reindeer into Alaska, with Map and Illustrations, 1898. Senate of the United States, 55th Congress, 3rd Session (March 13, 1898). Document No. 34

In the eighth annual report on introduction of domestic reindeer into Alaska, General Agent for Alaskan Education Sheldon Jackson notes that 1898 saw a government relief expedition to whalers stuck in ice near Point Barrow as well as a government commission sent to Lapland to procure a Lapp colony and purchase a herd of reindeer to transport supplies to the destitute people in Alaska's mining regions. Detailed accounts of these experiences are given. A new reindeer station was established near Unalaklik. The report includes data on herd numbers and distribution in 1898 and on herd increase from 1892 to 1898. It also notes that several Eskimo children were taken to the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania. Two teachers, along with the wives and children were lost at sea in separate incidents while returning to their schools. Jackson made several recommendations in the report, including his suggestion that the government loan each mission association 100 deer for five years on condition that two Lapp families take charge of the herd, with the mission furnishing food and clothing and the government paying salaries. Jackson provides data estimating the five-year increase from 100 deer. On December 23, 1897, Jackson was directed by the Secretary of the Interior to report to the Secretary of War for temporary duty concerning Yukon River-region relief. The Secretary of War gave orders for Jackson to go immediately to Norway and Sweden to purchase 500 head broken to harness, along with sleds, harness, and drivers, transport it into the U.S. for use in hauling supplies to the Yukon Valley. Appendices include station reports from the Eaton, Teller, and Golovin Bay stations; the Teller daily logbook; reports on the Point Barrow Relief Expedition; discussion of Yukon Valley agriculture, correspondence and contracts on Lapp employee procurement and on reindeer acquisition and sales; supply lists; and recommendations on the disposition of Lapps and reindeer.