Item 1 - Letter from John Macoun to Huia Onslow

2 sheets

Department of Mines, Geological Survey, Ottawa. Sent to 'Hon H. Osborne [sic]', Rideau Hall, Ottawa.- The trip Onslow mentions could almost certainly be 'made in one season', but though it is easy to reach Fort Simpson in Spring, but from there Onslow would have to ascend the Laird river to its source, for which he would need 'reliable men' because of the high water. The Survey's geologists have descended the Laird, but he does not know of any who have gone the other way. It would not be difficult to go to Dawson via Fort Good Hope at the mouth of the Mackenzie, 'up Peel's River 30 miles and down the Porcupine to the Yukon'.

Adds that Mr McConnell, who has made the trip down the Laird, is willing to advise Onslow on 'all three routes to Dawson by way of the McKenzie'. Will introduce them if necessary.

This plan was prevented by Onslow slipping on ice and breaking his leg; see M. Onslow, Huia Onslow: A Memoir (1924) pp 59-60. Onslow says that he was 'about to make [his] fortune in a gold mine' when the accident happened.