| SKAGWAY: August 16, 1897—Skagway a genuine mushroom mining town and a corker. Tents and packhorses in every direction. Garvin had located a lot. Last night a religious meeting held outdoors, singing and "experiences". A saloon tent opposite meeting, a dance every night at the dance house. A continuous string of outfits going up trail. Town part in light timber and part in clearing, great mountains on both sides; 28 feet of tide here. Fine cold spring water in plenty, meals in tent restaurants "4 bits", a number of stores in tents.
Freight rates over pass very high....The trail reported to be almost impassable, a number of accidents to horse and man. Many turning back much discouraged and closing out their outfits very cheap. Horses selling from $125 to $200. Many of the Klondykers are armed to the teeth, town very orderly, have seen no one under the influence of liquor so far. Good boats can be had for $5.00 and may lying around deserted as it is claimed it is impossible to pack them over the trail.
—Diary of James J. Cooper of New York, Klondike trip from Tacoma, WA
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