Peters and Koch spent part of [1] Evening here - the war of course occu- pied part of our conversation. Great speculation as to time of arrival of our steamer - I say earliest date will be 22nd, probable date 25th. Peter says 27th. Ek says 5 Aug. Rasmussen says 6 Aug. 19 July. Wednesday. Few cirrus clouds in a.m., cloud- turning less afternoon, calm or light variable winds. Low lying fog about all day. Temp. min. 29; 8a.30; 12m.35; 4p.35; 8p.38o Peter came over with Koch about 9:30 and the latter went out with Ek and Dr. for long hike on mountains. Captain Comer went to the old igloo refuse heaps to dig. Peter stayed with me till 2:30, telling me some- thing about his varied life. He help-