Tenth Annual Report on Introduction of Domestic Reindeer into Alaska, with Map and Illustrations, 1900.

Herein, it is stated that the Secretary of the Interior is directed to transmit to the Senate the report of Dr. Sheldon Jackson upon "The introduction of domestic reindeer in the district of Alaska" for 1900. Following a letter of transmittal from the Secretary of Interior to the President of the Senate, this document presents General Agent of Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's tenth annual report. Jackson's report begins by noting the influx of miners and related workers made it hard for him to engage passage from Washington, D.C. to Alaska. Reaching Siberia intending to purchase reindeer, the party found the population ill or recovering from la grippe, measles, and pneumonia. Many herders were ill, and a number had died. Only 29 head of reindeer could be purchased. The epidemic extended throughout the Aleutian Islands on both the Siberian and American sides, as well as on the Lower Yukon River. Hundreds of natives died at the Teller Reindeer station, half of the native population died, including whole families. This occurred during fishing season, diminishing the food supply as so few natives could catch or dry fish. Children from the Teller Reindeer Station and several mission stations whose lost parents went to an orphanage established by missionaries. The U.S. revenue cutter "Bear" was authorized to distribute provisions to central points as possible for allocation by missionaries, government teachers, and government officials. Jackson reports on the herds at Eaton Station, Golovin Bay, Teller Reindeer Station, Cape Douglas, Cape Prince of Wales, Point Hope, Point Barrow, Gambel, and St. James Episcopal Mission. He cites laws to protect reindeer and to punish those who set prairie fires which ruin reindeer pastorage and burn the moss they eat. Data on domestic reindeer number, distribution, and ownership in Alaska in 1900, population increase from 1892-1900, and expenditure of the reindeer fund from 1899-1900 are provided. Jackson goes on to note that construction has started on a military telegraph line which will be of great help in regulating the work among the reindeer stations. Jackson then details his itinerary, leaving Washington, D.C., for Alaska on April 23, 1900 to visit reindeer stations and schools, procure reindeer, and arrange for Lapps to return to their country following the end of their contracts. Jackson's 18,587 miles of travel ended on September 8, 1900. Appendices include the Eaton Reindeer Station daily journal, reports from the Golovin Bay, Cape Prince of Wales, Point Barrow, St. Lawrence Island, and Gambell reindeer stations; and correspondence and reports on Lapps' request for a pay increase, telegraph-line construction, Kotzebue Sound reindeer mail contract, hoof disease, epidemics among the natives, trouble with dogs, and military reindeer use.