With the aid of Mr. Kerr, it is expected that you will secure definite geographic information as to the belt of country traversed by you. Very respectfully, G. K. GILBERT, _Chief Geologist_. _Approved_, J. W. POWELL, _Director_. * * * * * DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, GEOLOGIC BRANCH, _Washington, D. C., May 28, 1890_. Mr. I. C. RUSSELL, _Geologist_. SIR: You will proceed at the earliest practicable date to Tacoma, Washington Territory, and thence by water to Sitka, Alaska, at which point you will make special arrangements to visit the St. Elias range of mountains and make geological examinations as per instructions otherwise communicated. Mr. Mark B. Kerr, Disbursing Agent, will report to you at Victoria, B. C., and accompany you on the expedition, assisting you in the capacities of Disbursing Agent and Topographer. On the completion of {193} your work you will return to Washington, the route being left to your discretion, to be determined by considerations which cannot now be foreseen. Very respectfully, G. K. GILBERT, _Chief Geologist_. _Approved_, J. W. POWELL, _Director_. * * * * * DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, GEOLOGIC BRANCH, _Washington, D. C., May 28, 1890_. Mr. MARK B. KERR, _Disbursing Agent_. SIR: You are hereby detailed to assist Mr. I. C. Russell, Geologist, who starts at once on an expedition to Alaska, under the joint auspices of the National Geographic Society and the United States Geological Survey. It is expected that you will immediately aid him in disbursement, and that you will act during the exploratory part of the expedition as topographer. Your duties will, however, not be limited to these special functions, but you will be expected to perform any other duties he may assign to you, and to labor in every way for the success of the expedition. It is expected that you will be reappointed to the grade of topographer on the United States Geological Survey on the 1st of July, 1890, and you will please take the required oath of office before your departure. The money remaining in your possession as Disbursing Agent includes that needed to meet Mr. Russell's salary and your own, and also the sum of $1,000, allotted from the funds of the Geographic Branch for expenses of the expedition prior to June 30. This amount you will expend as directed by Mr. Russell, and his authority and certificate will need to accompany your vouchers in rendering account of the same. Very respectfully, G. K. GILBERT, _Chief Geologist_. _Approved_, J. W. POWELL, _Director_. * * * * * DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, GEOLOGIC BRANCH, _Washington, D. C., May 28, 1890_. Mr. MARK B. KERR, _Disbursing Agent_.