The topographic work should be controlled by triangulation. As many positions on this coast are approximately known, including a number of the prominent peaks, astronomical determinations of position will not be necessary unless needed to supplement the triangulation.
The details of your outfitting and the management of the work will be left to your own judgment.
Very respectfully, HENRY GANNETT,
Chief Topographer.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.
Memorandum of Instructions to the Party sent out under the Direction of Mr. I. C. Russell, assisted by Mr. Mark B. Kerr, to explore the Mount St. Elias Region, Alaska, 1890.
The general object of the expedition is to make a geographic reconnoissance of as large an area as practicable in the St. Elias range, Alaska, including a study of its glacial phenomena, the preparation of a map of the region explored, and the measurement of the height of Mount St. Elias and other neighboring mountains. Observations should also be made and information collected on other subjects of general scientific interest as far as practicable.
The purpose of these instructions is mainly to suggest the lines of investigation that give promise of valuable results, but it is not intended that they shall limit the director of the expedition in the exercise of his own discretion.
GARDINER G. HUBBARD, Chairman,
MARCUS BAKER,
WILLARD D. JOHNSON,
Committee.
Washington, D. C., May 29, 1890.