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2 4. The unexpected delay in the arrival of the commissioners, and the advance of the Season, render it impossible to Establish the other posts ordered for your District. Other troops, however, will be sent to you as Early as practicable in the Spring. In the meantime, you will inquire into, and report upon, the more prominent points in the District--their relative importance in regard to trade, to the probable settlement of the country, influence upon the Indians &c. Among the places which have been suggested for military posts, are Portland Canal, opposite Fort Simpson; the mouth of Stakine River; Port Mulgrave in Berring's Bay; Chugachmuik Gulf in Cook's Inlet; St. Paul, Kodiak Island; Captatin's Harbor, Ounalaska Island; Fort Alexander, Bristol Bay; Fort Michael, Norton Sound; and some point or points on the Youkon River. As not more than four additional companies can be sent to your command next year, it is not proposed that you occupy all these points, but you will report upon their relative advantages, and the means necessary for occupying those which you may select. 5. Prepared materials for officers' quarters, barracks, hospital, store-houses, &c for two companies, will be sent with your command to Sitka. It is presumed that, at least, some public buildings there will be transferred to you for the accomodation of your troops. You will, therefore, use only so much of these prepared materials as you may find absolutely necessary, reserving the remainder for the other posts which are to be established next Spring. 6. Every possible precaution must be taken by your command at Sitka against fire. You will appreciate the importance of this when you reflect upon the probable condition of your command, should its provisions and stores be destroyed by fire during the coming winter. A fire-engine, with proper apparatus, will be furnished by the Quartermaster's Department; and you will see that your men are properly instructed