It is only due to the superhuman efforts almost of the men in the employ of the B.Y.N. Co., that the safe arrival of the mail from Dawson Monday night was accomplished. Laboring in water up to their waists with the thermometer from 20 to 25 degrees below zero and in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles, the picked and tried men of the company, after tireless efforts, brought the mail safely to White Horse.

A graphic and detailed account was given to a Skagway Alaskan reporter Tuesday by Capt. Lee of the steamer Emma Nott, who brought the mail in company with the regular carriers.

He, with the first and second engineers of the Emma Nott, left the steamer Nov. 20 with 250 pounds of mail matter brought from Dawson. The ice was none too firm but they had orders to get the mail to White Horse. The mail was loaded on hand sleds and the trio started.

They traveled twenty miles along shore ice. Tired and weary they reached a point near Clark's road house, only on the opposite side of the river. The channel being free of ice and no boat being near they constructed a raft, and after several attempts, landed right side up and the mail safe.

The ice was thick at the road house but after resting over night they were surprised to find in the morning that the river had risen and carried the ice away. They struck out along the side as best they could until overtaken by the regular carrier to Dawson. There were three of the latter, with three dog teams of five dogs each and carrying nearly 2000 pounds of mail.

They joined forces and made six miles against great odds. The ice froze up in the river, then a jam would form, then out would go the ice. That night they returned to Clark's and early next morning put forth again.

The trail along the left of the river was bad, running finally into a shelf. Six attempts were made to get across the river, and finally after being pitched in the cold water several times they landed on the opposite shore. The mail was not wet but the men were in bad condition.

They piled snow around their trouser legs and let it freeze in order to keep out the cold.

The second day they made little headway, having to travel over dead timbers and through thickets, as the shore ice was gone and what remained was unsafe. That night the mail was cached and a return was made to Clark's for refreshments and a good nights rest.

The third day the trail was again hit and this time they were not to turn back. The six slid along on their hands and knees, following no trail, but going blindly until they came to a deep canyon. Here the mail was rolled down to the river and the men and dogs tumbled after. They reached Ritchie's roadhouse that night and took the trail early next morning.

From there to White Horse only dogged determination accomplished their hazardous purpose – over ice an inch thick that gave and sank: dogs picking their own way. The weight of a human foot meaning a break through.

The ice was rough. The men were tired and the poor dogs' feet were bleeding, but still the men kept on. The ice was the roughest ever known and much praise is said to be due "Charlie” and "Dave,” two of the carriers, over this part of the trail for their worthy efforts in pushing along.

Excellent time was made to Selwyn from Whalen, part way the dogs being replaced by new carriers and a horse and a mule. From Whalen to Minto, a distance of 46 miles, good time was made. Arriving at Mackay's the cut-off was taken to Wilson's. Here shortly after leaving, another mishap occurred. The river had risen eighteen feet and the ice had come up with it. The party looked at the trail and then started forth. But the thin ice gave way and down they plunged in 18 feet of cold water. The men quickly cut the traces so the animals could be freed and then sought to save the mail which had floated on the sleds.

A new start was then made and Carmack's was reached that night. An all night run was kept up – through and over the cut-off they flew to lower La Barge, arriving there Sunday night.

Here the team was changed and starting across the lake, which seemed perfect, the outfit broke through, and before help could be given two horses were drowned, but the mail got off with but a wetting. No blame, Capt. Lee said, could be attached to anyone of the party for the disaster. The ice seemed perfect and anyone would have taken the same trail. From there on to White Horse soundings were made constantly, two men going fifty feet ahead of the team.

By constantly plugging away the men finally reached White Horse Monday night with the mail.

The Daily Evening Star, Thursday, December 12, 1901