Dear  Rob. —

I  have  now  I  believe  finally  completed  all  preparations  for  the
campaign,  and  enclose  sundry  and  various  inventories  of  things  sent.
In  addition  to  what  has  already  been  referred  to,  we  have  just  packed
another  box  for  Gov.  McTavish,  containing,  besides  some  things  for
him  and  Donald  Gunn,  one  package  of  scissors  and  large  blow  pipe
and  labels  addressed  to  you  at  Ft.  Simpson,  another  of  things  to  be
left  for  you  at  Fort  Chipewayan,  and  a  package  of  books  for  Mr.  Ross.
Also,  we  sent  12  of  the  Agassiz  coffee  cans,  each  holding  three
gals.  These  to  be  filled  with  95%  alcohol  at  Chicago,  and  3  lbs.  of
arsenic  in  two  boxes,  placed  on  top  of  the  cans  inside  the  box.  They
will  be  screwed  down  and  iron  strapped,  marked  "Poison  Preserving
Fluid,"  but  no  poison  actually  introduced  into  the  spirit.  .  ..
This  will  make  nearly  100  lbs.  of  arsenic  to  different  points  which  I
hope  will  satisfy  even  your  inordinate  demands.  About  42  gallons
95%  alcohol  this  year  and  about  20  last  year  with  shot,  bottles  etc.
ad  libitum,  should  meet  any  ordinary  demands.  I  hardly  think  the
Arctics  will  want  any  supplies  of  this  kind  in  addition  for  some  years
to  come.
