PHILLIPS LIBRARY HARVARD COLLEGE OBSERVATORY. 1 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 with funding from Boston Library Consortium Member Libraries https://archive.org/details/reportofsecretar00unit_8 t X . t I ■* 7SU , , 058 % / S5^ . \ kV 5^ \ *' ^*\ VK. \ "N -* > V> ) , #' t OmLUBRARV WOV 1 % W0 eat heartily of it, which no doubt prevented them from being ill. They also found some relief from eating the fruit of the yucca and the cactus . 42 S. Doc. 121. Some think the stream we are on is a tributary to the San Pedro : others think it falls into Santa Cruz river. This party had seen no signs of the Mexican commissioner and his party, and great uneasiness was now expressed for Doctor Webb. Young Mr. Pratt gave me a delicious peach, about an inch and a half in diameter, which he brought from Tubac. It was now decided that we would return to Mr. Whipple’s camp on the San Pedro, where we had plenty of sheep and cattle. Our camp was accordingly broken up, and we marched early enough, by the same route we had come, to reach the head of the valley before night. After rising from it to the plains we encamped at a water-hole a little before sunset, very near the place where my party had halted on the 14th to reconnoitre this valley. We found here on a hill-side plenty of wood for cooking. September 18. — Marched at the usual hour, still upon the back track. Passed, near mid-day, a herd of wild horses, and several herds of an- telopes in the course of the day. My party went in advance of Mr. Bartlett’s, keeping the proper trail for the camp on the San Pedro.* When it was near time to halt for the night, Mr. Bartlett sent a man, with his compliments, to say that by beating more to the right, (which was over some pretty rough ground,) he had found an old deserted rancho on the borders of a small stream, and inviting me to come and encamp with him. We did so, which cost us an additional march of four or five miles over som6 very rough ground. We reached this spot about half an hour after sunset. This proved to be the old rancho of Babacomori, as we afterwards learned. It was an important grazing establishment, and was de- populated about the time and in the manner already alluded to. It is situated on one of the branches of the San Pedro, called also by the name of the Babacomori. One of our men shot, to-day, a young felina ; and Mr. Clark pre- pared the skeleton, though the head was somewhat mutilated by the ball. It is of a light fawn or brownish red on the back ; lower parts white, spotted with black ; tail short and tapering, tipped with black and slightly ringed ; the upper part of the outside of the ear black, lower whitish, as noted by Mr. Clarke, to whom belongs the credit of this description. September 19. — On rising this morning I found that Mr. Bartlett had despatched two men, about two hours before daylight this morning, to Mr. Whipple’s camp on the San Pedro, for some sheep and flour. He gave me no notice of his intention, which I thought strange, because I wanted to communicate with Lieutenant Whipple. His camp is not more than twenty-five miles north-northeast of us. This morning, after breakfast, we saw two men approaching our camp from the south, at full run. They proved to be Mexican soldiers from Santa Cruz, and were on their way to Lieutenant Whipple’s camp on the San Pedro, with a letter from General Conde, addressed to any person or persons, either of the Mexican or the American com- mission, whom they might happen to fall in with. Fortunately our camp happened to be in the route they were pursuing, and it was delivered to us. This letter, written in Spanish, stated that General S. Doc. 121. 43 Conde, with his son and others of his party, after eight days’ wan- dering, had at last found Santa Cruz. The route they had pursued, on starting from the San Pedro, was much too far to the west, and had taken him by a circuitous course through the deserted village of Tubac, &c. He had suffered much from hunger, as he had been out eight days, and had only two days’ provisions when he left the San Pedro. The let- ter stated that should these men meet with any one of either commission washing to go to Santa Cruz, they would guide them thither. They were of the provincial troops stationed at that place, which they left yes- terday. We*were now informed for the first time that the California emigrants had varied their route, in part, from Colonel Cooke’s road, so as, by bending to the south, to pass through Santa Cruz, and thus avoid a very rough portion of it. It was in consequence of this that the por- tion of it which I had expected to encounter was obliterated. Mr. Bartlett informed me that- he should go to Santa Cruz. It was not a matter for me to interfere with, as he would have his own way, though it would keep Lieutenant Whipple waiting on the San Pedro before undertaking the Gila survey. It was my best route to go to the Copper Mines. It was necessary now to send another courier to the San Pedro for an additional supply of provisions for this journey. A soldier was armed and mounted on one of my best mules and despatched on this errand. A great many fish were taken in the Babacomori to-day. From their appearance I should say there are several quite new species among them. They were carefully preserved as specimens to take home. Specimens of plants were also preserved. • The tw r o Mexican soldiers remain with us as guides to Santa Cruz. Scjftcmbe?' 20. — This morning Mr. Clark and I were about to recoil- noil re for a good place for our wagons to cross the Babacomori stream, when we perceived our messenger of yesterday returning to camp, leading his mule, which was very lame. He reported that he had got within seven or eight miles of Lieutenant Whipple’s camp, Avhen he saw about thirty Indians, and being alone, he hid himself in a ravine when they approached him, and he thus eluded them. There he re- mained all night. The Mexican soldiers now told us there were a number of Mexicans engaged in hunting wild cattle upon this stream and the San Pedro, to supply the troops at Santa Cruz with beef, and that these were probably the men our soldier had taken for Indians. This afterwards proved to be true. The Mexicans are about the color of Indians; that is, the class who pursue this occupation ; and they dress and are equipped very much like them, so that the mistake was a very natural one. Our interpreter and another man were then sent on this errand. Not long after they left us, the messenger who went early }~estcrday morning returned with four sheep, already butchered. A portion of this meat was immediately issued. To-day a Mexican gentleman, Sefior Garcia, to whom belonged the party that was hunting wild cattle, arrived at our camp. He is very intelligent, and gave us much interesting information of the general topography of the country. He told me he was interested in extensive 44 S. Doc. 121. gold mines in California, where he had lately been. In company with him came several men : among them was the step-father of the Sehorita Inez Gonzales, a soldier in the provincial company stationed at Santa Cruz. He told me he was employed as a guide by my brother, Major Lawrence Pike Graham, of the 2d dragoons, in 1848, and accompanied him from Santa Cruz to San Diego; that he was with him four months in all. The meeting between him and his step-daughter was very affecting. I supposed, at the time, that he was her father. In the afternoon, Mr. Lawson and I w T ent into her tent to congratulate her on being restored to her father. She then explained to us that he was her step-father, and said, “Mi gloria esta en Santa Cruz,” alluding to her mother. September 21. — We had a real equinoctial rain, which lasted all this day. The men who were sent on the second message to the San Pedro for sheep, returned, bringing eleven on the hoof. A letter was brought to me from Lieutenant Whipple, dated St. Peter’s Spring, on the Rio San Pedro, September 20, 1851, in which he writes, “My private stores, issued to the whole party since the 15th instant, will soon be consumed. I hope Mr. Bartlett will succeed in obtaining a supply at Santa Cruz. Mr. Gray left his camp, en route for Santa Cruz, on the 16th; Mr. Force accompanied Xt him, to make a reconnaissance of the route. They took with them two pack-mules and several men, hoping to hasten back supplies of flour and sugar. Nothing has been heard of , them since their departure.” We learned, further, from the men who came from Mr. Whipple’s camp, that Mr. Gray’s party had taken Gen- eral Conde’s route to go to Santa Cruz. This seems, indeed, to be a very discouraging state of affairs. I strongly advised Mr Bartlett, if he would go to Santa Cruz, to unite Lieutenant Whipple’s party with his, as they were all bound upon the same service — the Gila survey ; and not leave him alone with his small party on the San Pedro, almost without arms, and very much exposed to attacks from the Indians, who might at least surprise and drive off his mules and cattle. My sugges- tions were not, however, heeded. Senor Garcia sent us to-day, from his camp near the mouth of the Babacomori, some dried beef. His men allowed it to get wet in the rain, and most of it spoiled. September 22. — We started this morning for the long-sought Santa Cruz. Some of the Mexican cattle-hunters went in advance of us. We overtook them late in the afternoon, and found them skinning a wild bull. They had another tied by the horns to a tree. They gave us as much of the meat as we wanted, which, though very acceptable, we found very tough. It is in this way that Santa Cruz is supplied with meat. Before we encamped, we entered a very rough, hilly re- gion, covered with oak and thick undergrowth, which impeded our wagons very much. We encamped for the night among these hills, upon a pretty little stream which afforded water enough for the ani- mals and ourselves. September 23. — We had some difficulty in getting our wagons over this range of hills, and they were a good deal racked by the roughness of the ground. About 10 a. m., we reached the head of the beautiful valley in which Santa Cruz is situated. The grass was abundant and very luxuriant. The mules feasted on it as they travelled. Our course S. Doc. 121. 45 has been generally very nearly south since we left the Babacomori ; we made some easting to get over the broken hills, then resumed very nearly our former course. After travelling a few" miles dow n the Santa Cruz valley, we met Mr. Salazar, and Mr. Henry C. Force, one of Lieutenant Whipple’s assistants, who had accompanied Mr. Gray’s party. Mr. Salazar had passed my camp on the San Pedro on the night of the 9th instant, without letting me know it. I regretted it, be- cause I wished to induce him, if possible, to make arrangements for joining me in the survey of the Rio’ Grande at an earlier period than he had proposed. He now told me distinctly it would be impossible for him to begin that work before the first week in November. He was returning with provisions, to enable him to finish the north line to the Gila, which the Mexican commission was carrying on ex parte. * It seems Mr. Salazar was fortunate in missing Gen. Conde’s track from the San Pedro. He took a course which brought him to the vil- lage of Tucson,' * where he obtained provisions to travel upon. The Mexicans say this village is only two days’ ride from the Pimo village, on the Gila. Mr. Gray and Mr. Force followed the track of Mr. Salazar, which was lucky for them, as it seemed to have saved them much suffering. They reached Santa Cruz yesterday. Mr. Force w r as now, after having made a very interesting sketch of the route, returning to Lieut. Whipple. I asked him if he was carrying with him any flour? He said he could not obtain that or anything else at Santa Cruz, and had only a loaf of bread as a present for the Lieu- tenant. From all I learned from him I concluded it was best not to detain him, but to allow him to go on with Mr. Salazar’s party as far as Lieut. Whipple’s camp. It was known, as we approached Santa Cruz, that, the Seflorita Inez Gonzales was with us. This valley is so level that our party could be seen a long way off. Her mother, assisted by the priest, had prepared for a very interesting reception of this long-lost child. Nearly all the village turned out, the young girls all dressed in white, and, forming a procession, conducted her to the church, where divine service was performed and thanks offered up to the Divine Creator for her deliver- ance. We reached this village about four o’clock in the afternoon. The parties did not all come in together. Here I met General Conde, his son Mr. A. Conde, Captain Jimenes, and others of the Mexican com- mission. General Conde very kindly told me he had engaged quarters for me in the village, adjoining his own, a very cool, comfortable adobe house. All the houses here are built of that material. I thanked the General, but I declined the quarters, because I thought I ought to en- camp with my men, and accordingly chose a spot overlooking the valley, where we pitched our tents and stationed our wagons. General Conde gave me a history of his travels between the San Pedro and this place. He was deceived in his impressions as to the direction of this village from the camp on the San Pedro. He was five days without anything to eat, except a few peaches he found at Tubac and sgme mesquit beans they gathered from the bushes on the * Improperly written Tubson on DisturneU’s map. 46 S. Doc. 121. plains. But for these he thought that he and his party would all have perished. He told me he twice dismounted from his horse intending to shoot him for provisions, but could not have the heart to do it. He was much thinner than when I last saw him, but he was very cheerful and did not look at all ill. He, however, told me he was suffering very much at his stomach, and had to be cautious to eat nothing but the most digestible food. I found this village to answer very nearly to Captain Castro’s description of it. Its population does not appear now to exceed three hundred and fifty persons. Many are, however, absent on hunting ex- peditions after wild cattle, &c. Perhaps there may be between four hundred and four hundred and fifty residents belonging here, when all ajjp at home. The people are poor, and many of them have a squalid appearance. In approaching the village we passed by a large field of green corn, and next to it was another of pumpkins, water-melons, musk-melons, &c. The villagers appear to subsist chiefly on such trash as this at this season. A few pigs and some poultry are seen about, but their owners seemed unwilling to sell them. We are told we will not be able to procure any meat here, and but little flour ; for, although there is a grist-mill here, there is great difficulty in procuring wheat to grind. We found Dr. Webb, secretary to Mr. Bartlett, here, on our arrival. September 24 to 27. — I succeeded in getting from the miller here a few fanegas of pinole , as it is called here, which signifies a coarse flour made from parched wheat without being bolted, equal to about one hundred and fifty pounds per fanega ; also a few fanegas of flour. Of this supply I turned over to Mr. Gray, to deliver to Lieutenant Whipple on the San Pedro, one hundred and fifty pounds. Mr. Bartlett told me he intended to visit or send to some of the vil- lages, to the south, in order to procure flour and sugar. That then he would accompany the surveying parties down the Gila. General Conde told me he intended to do so, too ; and both of them expressed the belief that they would finish the survey of this river and be back at El Paso in January, 1852. On the 26th Mr. Clark and I hunted throughout the village to see if we could purchase meat, poultry, or anything else to improve our scant supply of provisions, but we were entirely unsuccessful, any further than to get dried beef enough for a single meal for all our party. A half-grown hog was offered to us for the enormous price of eight dollars, and a common-sized hog at twelve dollars, which we de- clined giving. We were not enabled to buy poulty, eggs, or anything else. Milk and butter are exceedingly rare, although the country offers but little, in its natural aspect, but the best of pasturage. On this day, the 26th, I called on Commissioner Bartlett, at his tent, in company with my secretary, Mr. Lawson, and requested him to permit me to see the journal of the proceedings of the joint board, so far as related to the agreements and understandings in respect to the mode of carrying on the field-work, the organizations of parties, & c. # He refused me this satisfaction. I told him that by his instructions from the Department of the Interior of October 23, 1850, it was con- templated that I would be present at the board when these details S. Doc. 121. 47 were being arranged, and that our government evidently intended that I should be in possession of full information on these points. He still, however, refused me all opportunity to know from the record what was done in respect to these matters. On the 27th we succeeded in purchasing about eighty pounds of very bad dried beef, for which we had to pay the price of thirty-seven and a half cents per pound. More was offered at that rate, but we declined it; as, having now flour enough to last my party to the Copper Mines, we determined to start on the 28th, and depend, in part, on killing wild cattle, if we should be short in meat. Some interesting fish were taken in the Santa Cruz river, which runs through this valley in a southerly direction. These specimens will be found in the collection which I brought in with me on my return from the boundary. The river here is but a small brook. The church is like all village churches in northern Mexico. It has its ornamented altar, its fountain of holy water, and a few oil paint- ings. I saw only one that I thought good. It was a very old one of the Mother and infant Saviour. Although very dirty from age, the grace of attitude, the coloring, and the chiaro oscuro were very good. The building is of rubble-stone, plaistered in front. The cracked tone of the bell was very disagreeable. This and the abominable howling of the numerous dogs at night annoyed us very much, the latter keeping us awake. September 28. — General Conde called at my tent this morning. He complained very much of the sensation at his stomach, about which he felt uneasy. He told me he was about to send off his despatches to the city of Mexico, and again asked me whether I would put Lieu- tenant Whipple back upon the line he was taken from, between the Rio Grande and the Gila, after he should finish the survey of the last mentioned river ? I gave him pretty much the same answer I had given on this subject when he spoke to me about it at the camp on the San Pedro, on the morning of the 9th instant. He said he expected in a few days more to complete his supply of provisions for the Gila sur- vey ; that he intended to accompany the parties on that survey, and when finished, he would return immediately through Sonora to El Paso, where he hoped to be in January ensuing.* About noon to-day I set out with my party on our return to the Copper Mines. I confess I felt no little distress of mind to think that so much time had been lost that ought to have been applied to the work upon the line. I had done all in my power to promote its pro- gress ; but there was a great want of concert of action between the commissions of the two governments, which was calculated to produce confusion and delay in spite of the best plans of organization for the scientific departments that could possibly have been adopted. On the 10th of October we arrived at the Copper Mines, having *Note. — After my return to Frontera in November, I learned from Mr. Salazar y Larre- gui that General Conde’s indisposition increased to a serious illness, which obliged him to abandon the idea of accompanying the parties on the survey of the river Gila, and to retire to Arispe in o der to obtain medical advice. He was seized with a gastric fever, as I was in- formed, which brought on a decline that terminated his life on the 19th of December, 1651 , aged about fifty years. 48 S. Doc. 12'. been absent forty-four days instead of eight, as had been expected. We were occupied here, in making the necessary preparations to dis- mantle and abandon this establishment, until the 1st of November. It was necessary for the quartermaster to go down to El Paso to obtain transportation for the public property which was to be transferred to Frontera. On arriving at Dona Ana, arrangements were made to put a survey- ing party in the field to survey the river downward, in accordance with the direction of the joint commission of the 7th of September. Mr. Commissioner Bartlett assured me it was understood at the joint board that in beginning thus high up it was in order that the sur- vey might embrace both of the points in dispute in regard to the ques- tion, which was the true initial point on the Rio Grande, since the protest entered by Mr. Gray? This point, Mr. Bartlett assured me, was still an open question ; that our government would be in nowise committed upon it in beginning thus high up. Under these circum- stances I could have no objection to making the survey. When prop- erly made it would be very useful in exhibiting information which would shed light on the question in dispute, and thus tend to an equi- table settlement of it. The youno- oentleman who had been designated as its chief in the plan of organization on our part, of August 27, was ill with rheumatism, and was reported by the physician of the commission as unfit for dut} r . The gentleman next to him had gone to El Paso, whilst I was ab- sent from that place, and the other members of the surveying corps present were not willing to assume the responsibility of conducting this survey. I offered the position to two of them, who declined it, stating as a reason their want of experience in the use of the instruments. I w T as obliged, then, to place Mr. Wright, one of my computers, in charge of it. He was a good mathematician, and had some knowledge of surveying, and was willing to undertake the task. After having ffiven all instructions necessary to set this party in the field, I continued on to Frontera. Here I learned that the young gentleman who had been designated as the head of the other surveying party, for the Rio Grande, was at the village of El Paso, and was also ill.* I was, therefore, obliged to assign my draughtsman, Mr.Hippel, to the charge of this party, for there was no one else there who had experience and a knowledge of instru- ments sufficient to conduct it. I had been cut off, by the United States commissioner, from all means of knowing the merits of those who were stationed at the Copper Mines, when I arrived there, and I was allowed no participation in the selections that were made when the corps was reduced in number. Of course I could not be in any way responsible for its efficiency ; and I so wrote to the Department of the Interior under date of August 16, 1851.+ The organization, as it ex- isted after the reduction, was forced upon me by the commissioner in violation of the most emphatic instructions to the contrary. On communicating with Mr. Salazar y Larregui, the Mexican as- tronomer and surveyor, who was appointed to co-operate with me as *See physician’s certificate, Appendix No. 152. f See Appendix No. 121. S. Doc. 121. 49 the representative of the Mexican commission, I found him ill also. He was suffering, at El Paso, with an harassing attack of intermittent fever. This rendered him unfit for field duty, and there was no engi- neer officer or surveyor, of the Mexican commission, with him to take his place. On the 12th of November I addressed to him a note ex- pressing my regret at his illness, and proposing to call upon him at his own house, in order that we might at once enter into the necessary ar- rangements to forward the work, in accordance with the agreement of the joint commission of the 7th of September, 1851. He replied, on the following day, to the effect that he had been instructed by the Mexican commissioner, under date of the 30th of September, (two days after my last conference with him at Santa Cruz,) that he might agree with me upon the plan, but that he (Mi. Salazar) must not go on with this work until he (General Conde) should return to El Paso. The correspondence that ensued between Mr. Salazar and my- self on this subject will be found in the Appendix, marked Nos. 143, 144, 153, and 154. This led to the agreement between us of the 24th November, which is annexed, marked No. 15G ; and the progress of my parties on the Rio Grande and the fruits of their labors were thus officially ratified. But for this arrangement nothing but the pros- pect of the most vexatious and continued delays would have awaited us. It was on the day after the conclusion of this agreement that the orders of the Department of the Interior, recalling me from this work, were delivered to me. I immediately entered into arrangements with Brevet Major W. H. Emory, of the topographical engineers, the officer appointed to relieve me, to turn over to him the instruments with which I had, for the second time, fitted out this boundary expedition, and the other public property in my custody, as was directed by the Depart- ment of the Interior. The annexed paper, marked No. 176, will show what that equipment was, and how far my exertions contributed to re- lieve this work of the destitution, in regard to surveying apparatus, which had absolutely paralyzed its operations before my arrival. The annexed paper, marked No. 175, will show, in full, what the equipment was before my arrival. It is an abstract of Lieutenant Whipple’s invoice, rendered to me, of all the commission had in pos- session when I arrived. It includes everything he received from Major Emory, and everything he procured afterwards. From the foregoing statement I beg leave now to present for your consideration the following SUMMARY, VIZ ; 1. I was detailed for this boundary service, and directed to report to the Department of the Interior for its instructions, on the 21st of October, 1850, which order I obeyed without delay. On the 23d of that month the instructions of the department were issued to me; (see No. 12.) They required me to look into the state of the astronomical and sur- veying apparatus, as far as the files of that office would afford inform- ation on the subject, and to submit to the department my views in regard to any further supplies that might be necessary in that department of the equipment, and when this should be completed to join the commis- 50 S. Doc. 121. sion in the field. A copy of the instructions to Mr. Commissioner Bart- lett, of the same date, was furnished to me, by which both he and I were directed by the Department of the Interior to be governed. (See No. 13.) 2. I asked to be allowed to look at Mr. Commissioner Bartlett’s return of instruments taken by him into the field. There was no such return to be found. After perusing, as I was requested to do, the whole of the boundary correspondence, I came to the conviction, and so reported to the depart- ment, that the equipment taken out to El Paso was altogether inade- quate to the work to be accomplished, and I immediately adopted steps to have instruments made of a description suitable to the service. No time was lost in doing this# It was begun at a moment when nobody but myself would believe or admit that there was any deficiency. The department relied upon the commission’s being supplied at El Paso with instruments which Mr. Gray was directed to convey thither from San Diego, under its orders dated the 23d of October, 1850, (the day I received my instructions,) which orders did not leave Washington until about the 7th of November, or perhaps later, judging from the post- script, which shows that it was not mailed in time for the first steamer after its date. (See page 6, ante.) This brought its departure from Washington to a later day than that appointed for the joint commission to begin its operations at El Paso. Mr. Gray never undertook to transfer these instruments to El Paso. .His orders to do so did not reach him at all at San Diego. He left that place about the same period as their date, and reached Washington .about the middle of December, 1850, demonstrating that all refi- nance for instruments on this measure had entirely failed. The department afterwards abandoned altogether the idea of obtaining instruments from San Diego, and ordered all that were not necessary for running the fine between that place and the mouth of the Gila to be shipped to New York, where they did not arrive until some time towards the end of the } r ear 1851, or beginning of 1852. 3. In November, 1850, Major W. H. Emory was directed to make to the Department of the Interior a return, founded on the best inform- ation in his possession, showing the then condition and distribution of the apparatus which had been in his possession. This return was not .accomplished until about the 8th of January, 1851. It was then made -under his supervision, at the Department of the Interior, and on the 10th of that month it was placed in my possession; (see No. 173.) It proved that all my views, in regard to the deficiency in the equip- ment of instruments carried out by Commissioner Bartlett to El Paso, were substantially correct, and that, had I not taken the proper steps to remedy the evil before leaving for El Paso, the expedition must have failed for a long time to make any progress of any account in the sur- veying department of the work. 4. In January, 1849, under the orders of the Hon. James Buchanan, -Secretary of State, I equipped this boundary expedition with a complete set of instruments which had been used under my direction in the survey of the northeastern boundary. This equipment, together with some items that were afterwards added to it, was immediately carried to the Pacific, in order to begin the survey of the boundary at San S. Doc. 1-21. 51 Diego, in conformity with the requirements of the treaty. After making a survey of the harbor of San Diego, and another of the locality showing the junction of the river Gila with the Colorado, and having determined the latitudes and longitudes of those two points, which are the extrem- ities of the straight line forming the southern boundary of California, the joint commission adjourned, on the 15th of February, 1850, to meet again at El Paso del Norte on the first Monday of the following No- vember, from whence to resume operations in the field. A few days after the adjournment at San Diego the Hon. John B. Weller retired from the post of commissioner on the part of the United States. It does not appear that any steps were taken by his successor to transfer the main bod^ of the instruments to the new point of begin- ning. All the information that could be obtained from the files of the Department of the Interior on this subject was contained in Major Emory’s letter from San Diego, of April 2, 1850. By this it appeared that Lieutenant Whipple would be ordered to select from the instru- ments in his charge, and those shipped to Boston, sufficient to set up an observatory at the Paso del Norte, as soon as he could get funds; and stating that it would expedite the work if he were sent there im- mediately, and in advance of the commission. (See p. 3, ante.) The transfer here contemplated amounted to only enough instru- ments to set up an observatory at El Paso. Nowhere could I find any indication of a transfer to that point of the main body of the instruments applicable to the surveying department. The return made out in the Department of the Interior, in January, 1851, above alluded to, showed that there remained at San Diego and its vicinity, at that date, the principal part of the surveying apparatus, namely : 7 theodolites, (including the two which w^ere set down as goniome- ters,) which appeared to be the total number borne on the return. 3 (out of the 4) surveying compasses. 10 (out of the 13) prismatic compasses. 10 (out of the 13) surveying chains. 80 (out of the 110) marking pins. 3 (out of the 5) sextants. 1 (the only one) parabolic reflector, for use in tracing meridians, parallels of latitude, &c. I do not enumerate the meteorological apparatus, and other articles intended for collateral objects of investigation, as they afforded no aid 4tb the main object in view, namely, the running of the line. ^ The same return showed that there had been placed in the posses- sion of Lieutenant Whipple, to take to El Paso, the following, viz: 3 astronomical transits. 6 chronometers. 1 repeating circle of reflexion. 2 sextants. 1 astronomical telescope, (of 4 feet,) with equatorial mounting. No theodolite or railroad transit whatever. 1 azimuth or field surveying instrument, (but it was without its tripod stand for mounting it for use.) 52 S. Doc. 121. IS : v 1 surveyor’s compass only. 2 prismatic compasses only. No surveyor’s chain whatever. No marking pins whatever. 1 reconnoitring spy-glass. The supply of' meteorological and magnetic apparatus, for observing on the climate, and the dip, variation and intensity, was liberal enough } but, while these were very interesting objects of attention, they did not aid at all in the running of’ the boundary line. And yet there remained only about one hundred and forty-five or one hundred and fifty miles to be surveyed and marked on the Pacific side — that is, between San Diego and the mouth of the Gila river ; whereas, there remained to be surveyed and marked ft#n El Paso del Norte, by running westward to the mouth of the Gila, and eastward to the mouth of the Rio Grande, about twenty-five hundred miles, including the sinuosities of the rivers. It was a line stretching almost entirely across the American continent, from the Gulf of Mexico to within one hundred and fo^-five or one hundred and fifty miles of the Pacific ocean. It may Ns. very justly be called the most extensive geodetic line ever projected, by any nation, in ancient or modern times. The preparations for un- dertaking it, then, should have been, and had yet to be made, commen- surate with its magnitude ; and this important duty, and all the respon- sibilities belonging to it, were devolved upon me, and had to be per- fected after the developments made by the return of January, 1851. Fortunately, I had been looking to these preparations from the first mo- ment I was detailed for this duty ; and on the 19th of the succeeding month, the main body of the equipment I had prepared had been shipped from New York, and was on its way to the field of operations. Almost all the surveying apparatus proper had been made in the in- strument shops, under my own supervision, after I was detailed for the duty, and they could have been procured in no other way. 5. The next defect in the organization of this commission, most im- portant to be remedied, was the manner in which selections had been made in appointing the surveying corps. - There were, proportionably, but few of its members who had had any experience in A the use of instruments. Many of those appointed computers, whose duties were to compute out the results of astronomi- cal observations as they were made, did not understand mathematics at all, and were altogether disqualified for their duties. These being things well understood when I was detailed, and know- ing, as I did, that the work could not go on without a reform in these respects, one of my first steps was to request that the Department of the Interior would make application for several officers of topographi- cal engineers, in addition to the two then upon the work, to assist me. I considered them indispensable to the reform in the scientific corps, contemplated by the instructions of October 23, 1850. Instead of this assistance, one of the two officers above alluded to was taken from me by the Department of the Interior, and set to run- ning the line, and erecting the monuments, between San Diego and the mouth of the Gila, leaving but one to aid in the extensive surveys be- tween the mouth of the Rio Grande and the mouth of the Gila. S. Doc. 121. 53 When the department informed me of this, I very respectfully ad- dressed a letter to it, dated January 4, 1851,* requesting that an ap- plication might be made for three other officers of that corps to aid in this extensive work. In that letter will be found the following remark: “From all that I can learn of the organization that has gone out, I am satisfied that my chief aid in the scientific duties on this line must be derived from the corps of topographical engineers.” I was unable to get the assistance asked for. In my letter to the Department of the Interior, dated at Indianola, Texas, April 26, 1851, 1 stated, “up to this moment no officers liave reported to me, and I have been compelled to continue the very arduous duty of attending personally and alone to superintending every detail connected with the service I was appointed to direct.”! It was not until the 10th of May, 1851, that any officer did report to me for duty on this work. On that day Lieutenant W. F. Smith, of the topographical engineers, joined me at San Antonio, Texas. Two days afterwards Lieutenants Tillinghast and Burnside, of the artillery, reported tb me there as quar- termasters and commissaries of the commission under the new system. In my letter to the topographical bureau of the 30th of June, 1851, reporting my arrival at El Paso, I stated “ I would be very glad if two graduates of the Military Academy of the present year could be de- tailed for this service, and ordered out, by way of Santa Fe, to report to me on this line. The great extent of this boundary renders at least four assistants from the corps very necessary to insure the de- sired progress in surveying and marking it. Civil engineers of the necessary qualifications cannot be obtained in this part of the country, and they could not be engaged at the north except at very high sala- ries — more, indeed, than the appropriation will bear.”| In addition to Lieutenant Whipple, who was already on the line before I was detailed, only one officer of topographical engineers (Lieutenant W. F. Smith) ever did join me whilst I was in charge of it. Lieutenant Michler, who had been named for the duty, was on a sick leave, and absent from San Antonio when I arrived there. He did not get his orders to report to me until long after I was upon the line. He arrived at El Paso with the order to relieve me the latter part of November, 1851. His reporting to me was a mere matter of form to enable me to order him to report to Major Emory, which I did on the 3d of December, preparatory to resigning my post to that officer, under the orders of the department. 6. After the equipment of instruments had been shipped from New York, and I had forwarded a schedule of them to the department, I proceeded to Washington under the request contained in the letter of the chief clerk of the Department of the Interior, dated February 11, 1851.§ On my arrival, which I think was on the 25th of February, I report- ed myself in person to the honorable the Secretary of the Interior. Im- mediatety, the letter from Mr. Commissioner Bartlett, alluded to in the chief clerk’s letter to me, was put into my hands for perusal. It con- *See Appendix, No. 29 ISee Appendix, No. 77. fSee Appendix, No. GO. § See Appendix, No. 45. 54 S. Doc. 121. veyed to the department the information that Commissioner Bartlett was at El Paso, destitute of surveying instruments, and that he had sent an agent (Mr. Sanford) to New Orleans, who, after purchasing provisions, was instructed to go to New York and purchase a set of instruments. That, while General Conde, the Mexican commissioner, was aided by the services of several officers of the Mexican engineer corps, who appeared to be very efficient, the surveying corps on the part of the United States was totally inefficient, with the exception alone of Lieutenant Whipple, and requesting that the evil might be remedied by the detail of more officers of that corps. In regard to the destitution in instruments I had, by my own perse- verance, anticipated the remedy of that evil, and the instruments were on their way to the field of operations but a few days after the commis- sioner’s call for them reached the department. In regard to supplying efficient engineers, I had before brought that subject to the attention of the department, and had done all in my power to procure them. The third point in Mr. Bartlett’s letter was an expression of dissat- isfaction with his quartermaster, and stating that it was his original wish that an army officer should have been detailed for that post. This led to the change of system for the quartermaster’s and the commis- sariat departments of the commission, both of which it was determined should be filled by army officers of experience, if the detail of two for that purpose could be obtained. It was at the request of the depart- ment that I agreed to take charge of them. The department accord- ingly applied to the War Department, and the detail was ordered. These officers were directed by the Department of the Interior to report to me, leaving it to me, as they stated to me, to give them the necessary instructions.* I certainly understood that I was to govern, and to be responsible for, the expenditures in these two departments, and hence, when these officers reported to me at San Antonio, I at onced placed them on duty and prescribed the fiscal system and the rules of accountability by which they were to be governed, which I submitted without delay to the department.! When, by the reply of the department, I found nothing said in relation to this proposed fiscal system,! ai *d the com- missioner seemed to claim the disbursements as his exclusive prerogative (except for the purchase and repair of instruments,) I immediately addressed a letter to the department, stating that the two officers would no longer feel authorized to act as disbursing officers, unless they should receive instructions from the department to that effect.^ I desired not to transcend the wishes of the department. 7. That when I was consulted by the honorable the Secretary of the Interior, in regard to the agreement between the commissioners for running the southern boundary of New Mexico upon the parallel of lati- tude 32° 22', I gave it as my opinion that such a line would not be in accordance with the treaty, and stated that I would not put my instru- ments up on that latitude, determined from observation. I will state *See Appendix, Nos. 67 and 68. tSee Appendix, No. 66 — Doc. H, appended thereto. JSee Appendix, No. 70. §See Appendix, No. 120. S. Doc. 121. 55 here, in regard to this matter, that I conceived this to be a purely pro- fessional question ; and that the commissioner of the United States had no power to require me to do what I conceived would be a violation of the treaty and a wrong to my own country, when, at the same time, the whole responsibility of the act would have fallen on me. I presume the veiy object of attaching me to the commission was to guard the just interests of the United States in points of a professional nature like this, and not that I should be a mere subservient agent of the com- missioner, in violation of my own convictions. 8. Notwithstanding all the preparations I had to make before setting out for El Paso, which preparations were necessary before the survey- ing corps on the part of the United States could be set to work in the field, I arrived there with the advance of that very escort and army- wagon train which Mr. A. B. Gray was informed by the Department of the Interior, under date of October 23, 1850,* (the day I was ordered on the duty by that department,) would be the first to leave San Anto- nio for EJ Paso. Not only did I accomplish this, but I carried with me, and delivered in perfect order, the valuable and complete equipment of surveying and other instruments, which were the fruits of my own un- wearied exertions and assiduity, continued day and night, from the mo- ment I was called on for this duty up to that of my arrival at El Paso.t Nearly all the surveying corps had been waiting in idleness for eight months before my arrival for the want of such an equipment, and would have been obliged so to wait many months longer, but for the steps I took, amidst many discouraging circumstances, to prepare it. The let- ter of instructions to Commissioner Bartlett^vith my appointment for this service, although mailed immediately at Washington, could not, and did not, get beyond San Antonio, Texas, until the opportunity af- forded by the escort, with the advance of which I arrived with this equipment at El Paso. That letter had lain at San Antonio from No- vember, 1850, to May, 1851, for the reason that there were no means for forwarding it sooner. It was taken up at that place by a bearer of despatches from the Department of the Interior, who left Washington in March, 1851. He went up with Captain French’s escort and wagon train, until within a certain distance of the Rio Grande, when, joining a party of gentlemen who were travelling light, they pushed forward in advance, by which means those instructions reached Commissioner Bartlett, at the Copper Mines of Santa Rita, on the same day (June 24, 1851) that I reached El Paso.f This was the first moment that Commissioner Bartlett had ary official information from the Depart- ment of the Interior that I was assigned to duty with the boundaiy commission.^ I trust it will not be considered an unpardonable digression, if I mention another fact here to show that I had committed no act of delay ‘Si * See Appendix, No. 14. f See Appendix, No. 176. t The distance from El Paso to these Copper Mines is about 180 miles. § It will be seen that Mr. Bartlett expressed gratification that I was to be assigned to this duty, in his le'ter of December 19, 1850, written from El Paso. It was a mere rumor, how- ever, which bad reached the Mexican commissioner, General Conde, through the newspapers he received from the city of Mexico, taken from the newspapers of Washington. The gentle- men of the Mexican commission communicated this piece of news to those of the United States commission. There was no official information of it, however, until my arrival at El Paso. 56 S. Doc. 121. up to the moment of my arrival at El Paso. It is that Major Backus, of the third regiment of infantry, than whom the whole army will bear me out in saying there is not a more prompt or energetic officer in the service, was at Washington in November, 1850, on his way to El Paso to assume the command of the military post at that place, under the orders of the War Department. He proposed to me that we should travel together, which at first we expected to do from Washington. I soon discovered that I could not depart before the requisite equip- ment for my duties could be prepared. He could not wait, and pushed on for his post. On arriving at San Antonio, he did every thing in his power to get forward, but could not. He was compelled to remain there until the departure of Captain French’s train and escort. The same thing detained Captain Sitgreaves, of the topographical engineers, and his party, who were bound on the survey of the Zunia river. I was in the mean time occupied with preparations which I have shown, and will presently still further show, were indispensable to set the sur- veying corps to work on the boundary line. These were completed, and with them I arrived at El Paso in company with those two officers. Had I gone with them from Washington, it would have been a long time before that journey would, or could, have been of any benefit to the boundary survey. 9. In regard to the importance of my preparations, and of the manner in which my time was spent before leaving for El Paso, I have already shown, as far as official returns and documents in the posses- sion of the department could show, that the equipment of instruments turned over to Lieut. Whipple at San Diego, in March, 1850, to be transferred to El Paso, was deficient in the surveying department, and entirely inadequate to the task of running and marking the line. It only remains now to show what the supply of instruments actually was when I joined the commission at El Paso, the 24th of June, 1851. This will be seen by the accompanying abstract, marked No. 175. Here it is shown, that at the time of my arrival the equipment in the astronomical and surveying departments was confined to the follow- ing : 3 astronomical transits. 5 chronometers. 1 pocket watch chronometer. 1 repeating circle of reflexion. 3 sextants. 2 astronomical telescopes, four feet long, and mountings. 1 azimuth, or field surveying instrument, (but it was without its tripod stand, for mounting it for use.) No theodolite or rail-road transit whatever. 1 surveyor’s compass, in good order for service. It was, however, purchased from Mr. Hippel, at El Paso, in May, 1851, the month before I arrived there. 1 surveyor’s compass, in indifferent condition, made by Gambey. 1 surveyor’s compass, by R. Patten; totally unfit for service; be- sides, it was without a tripod stand. 3 prismatic compasses. 2 surveyor's chains, only* S. Doc. 121. 57 19 marking pins. 1 reconnoitring spy-glass. As usual, and for the reasons given, I do not notice the meteorologi- cal and magnetic experimental apparatus. It shows that the equipment for the surveying department proper was totally inadequate to the object to be accomplished ; it shows that even if Commissioner Bartlett’s surveying corps had been judiciously organized and appointed, he could not have given employment in the field to more than the one-fourth or one-fifth part of them, before my equipment arrived. It will be seen by reference to No. 176 that the equipment prepared and carried out by me consisted, besides the me- teorological apparatus, of the following instruments, of chief import- ance for running the line, exclusive of those I found with the commis- sion when I joined it, viz : 2 astronomical transits. 2 chronometers. 1 chronometer watch. 1 astronomical telescope. 1 large astronomical altitude and azimuth instrument, by Trough- ton & Simms, of London. 6 theodolites, in good order. 8 surveyor’s compasses, in good order. 3 Kater circles, two by Troughton & Simms and one by Dunn, suitable either for astronomical or surveying purposes. 2 parallactic telescopes, for measuring distances without the use of a chain, or for observing occultations of stars, eclipses, &c. 15 surveyor’s chains. 138 iron marking pins. 2 prismatic compasses. 10. In regard to my detention at El Paso, or rather Frontera, be- fore proceeding to the Copper Mines, and to my ordering Lieutenant Whipple in to report to me, it is shown clearly, I presume, that for me to have passed by Frontera, which was the repository of all the plots and note-books of the work that had been done belore my arrival, would have deprived me of every means of knowing anything of the relative merits of the young gentlemen from among whom selections were to be made in reorganizing and reducing the surveying corps. This was the first step committed by the Department of the Interior, conjointly to the United States commissioner atid myself. For me to have entered blindly upon it, would have been an act of injustice to those of the corps who possessed the requisite qualifications and to the true interests of my government. It would have cut me off* from all means of meeting and acquitting myself of the responsibilities imposed upon me by the instructions of the department itself. Lieut. Whipple’s aid in the matter was indispensably necessary, because he had had the direction of the field duties of the corps before my arrival, and knew more than any one else of the relative qualifications of the different in- dividuals. Besides, it will be remembered that I was informed by good authority, when I arrived at El Paso, that the United States commis- sioner was expected there at that time, and was probably on Ins way 58 S. Doc. 121. down. In order to leave no doubt on this point, on the 26th of June I addressed a letter (No. 71) to him, and sent it by express to the Copper Mines. In it I expressly stated as follows : “I have sent in- structions to Lieutenant Whipple to proceed to this place with as little delay as practicable, as I think his presence very necessaiy before we proceed with the reorganization.” He received it on the 30th of June, and instead of answering me by express, as he was bound by a proper regard for the public interests to do, he adopted the slowest possible mode of conveying his answer to me in sending it by a wagon train that was coming to Frontera for provisions. The answer is dated July 1, and it did not reach me until the evening of July 8, after Lieutenant Whipple had arrived, and we had entered on the duties for which I ordered him down. In this answer Mr. Commissioner Bartlett expresses no objection whatever to the step which he knew Lieutenant Whipple was about to take.* And yet, in his letter to General Conde, the Mexican commissioner,! of July 11, which, together with the one from General Conde, f was forwarded to the Department of the Interior as a complaint against me, Mr. Bartlett says : “ This step on the part of Lieut. Whipple has surprised me much. The first intimation I had of his intention was a note which I received from him on the 30th ult., in which he says that he has received orders from Col. Graham to report himself in person to him at Frontera, near El Paso. This is certainly a move- ment I did not anticipate, and for which I see no good reason. I was advised by my government that Colonel Graham had been appointed chief astronomer, &c., and would report himself to me. In doing so, I expected, as a matter of course, that he would present himself here. Had I been apprized of Lieutenant Whipple’s intention, or Colonel Graham’s orders, I would have instructed Lieutenant Whipple so^n to arrange matters before obeying the orders, that there should have been no interruption in running the line. I will make every exertion in my power to have the work resumed forthwith.” It is impossible for me to reconcile this correspondence between the commissioners of the two governments with the fact that they both knew full well, previous to the 1st of July, of Lieutenant Whipple’s intention to obey my order, and to join me forthwith at Frontera. It soon afterwards became known to all the Mexican authorities about El Paso, and to* General Conde, that I was making reconnais- sances about Frontera, with a view to obtain information of the neigh- boring localities, and that I had become acquainted with that of “ La Salinera,” which no member of the American comtnission had, before my arrival. It constituted a piece of evidence which the Mexican commissioner probably did not relish, and it was his interest to get me removed from the commission on the part of the United States if he could. 11. I had no difficulty in finding the position of “La Salinera,” (the Saline.) It corresponds with that which is given to it on the treaty map. Its locality has always been known to the inhabitants of ♦See Appendix, No. 72. fSee Appendix, No. 181. J See Appendix, No. 180. S. Doc. 121. 59 the town of Paso. They have been in the habit for many } T ears of resorting to it for a partial supply of salt. I collected a specimen of the salt formed there and* gave it to Professor T. F. Moss, the geologist and mining engineer of the Amer- ican commission. He afterwards (on the same day as myself) visited it and collected a further specimen. The supply yielded here, although small, is a desideratum with the inhabitants of the town of Paso, where it is a costly article, owing to the expense of transportation from a long distance. When I witnessed this natural monument, considering that the south- ern line of New Mexico, in relation to it, must have been well known when the said line was established, I asked Lieutenant Whipple how it was that the line was being run so far to the north. He informed me he had advised against it, and referred me to his written opinion, given at the time to the United States Commissioner, on the subiect. (See No. 186.) There need have been no difficulty, in my opinion, in finding the true southern boundary of New Mexico, as described in the treaty and laid down on the map, nor in proving how far from the Rio Grande that boundary should run west. The scale of the map would have been a safe guide in this. It was, however, made a matter of closet negotiation, without going out, or sending the surveyors out, to examine the most important and obvious localities laid down on the treaty map, in the immediate vicinity of the line. 12. When I reached the Copper Mines, after having obtained the necessary information at Frontera, the United States commissioner was not ready to proceed with the work. When the line wdiich was being run from the Rio Grande west, on the parallel of 32° 22', was protested by Mr. Gray, the United States surveyor, in the latter part of July, 1851, Commissioner Bartlett withdrew his own party from the line, and called on the Mexican Commissioner to suspend operations on it also. The Mexican commissioner refused to do so, and ran that line out ex parte* The United States commissioner admitted that this line was not valid without the concurrence of the United States surveyor. Although the 23d of August had been agreed upon by the joint com- mission, at its meeting held on the 20th of the preceding month, as the day for meeting on the Gila, (at the mouth of its tributary, the Rio Pri- eto,) much of the intermediate time, which ought to have been devoted to the reorganization of our surveying corps and to other preparations, was wasted in the discussions which unavoidably ensued from the re- fusal of the United States commissioner to ‘receive and recognise me in the capacity which he w r as instructed to do by the Department of the Interior. Pending this delay, the Indians made several incursions upon us and deprived us, stealthily, of a large portion of our mules and horses, which embarrassed us in our means of transportation. The United States commission did not leave the Copper Mines, to proceed on towards the commencement of the Gila survey, until the 27th of August, 1851. The engagement of the two commissions was to go “forth- with to the Gila and trace it, from the point where the western boundary 60 S. Doc. 121. of New Mexico intersects it, to its junction with the Colorado.” (See No. 88.) The day appointed for this meeting on the Gila, to commence work there, was the 23d of August, and surely both commissions were bound, under their joint agreement, to direct their attention and their resources to that object. Instead of this, however, the Mexican commission di- rected all its attention and all its resources to the running out, ex parte, of the protested line. It evaded the stipulated meeting by pushing on with that ex parte work, keeping the United States commission in pur- suit, which was constantly kept up until the evening of the 5th of Sep- tember, the day on which this ex parte survey along the protested line was completed by the Mexican party. Nor did the Mexican commission, even now, make any efforts to join in the Gila survey as had been agreed upon. The provisions of that commission had become nearly exhausted at the moment it allowed the United States commission to overtake it. All the resources it obtained immediately thereafter were devoted, not to going on with the survey of the Gila, but to running out, exyarte, the protested north line towards the first branch of that river. No protest was entered by the United States commissioner against this proceeding. On the contrary, both commissioners having, by a deviation from the course agreed upon at the meeting of the 20th of July, nearly exhausted their present supply of provisions, they both agree to go in search of Santa Cruz to obtain more before they can pos- sibly put themselves in position to begin the work before them. They both get bewildered and lost, and nearly perish with hunger before they can be relieved. Even on reaching Santa Cruz, it was found not to afford the requisite supplies. When I took leave of them, on the 28th of September, at Santa Cruz, no calculation could be made of the probable time when they could be in position to commence the work, which it was agreed upon should be begun on the 23d of August. From Santa Cruz I returned to the Copper Mines, and had the quar- ters there dismantled, and thp public property transferred to Frontera, near El Paso, where I arrived at the time appointed by Mr. Salazar y Larregui, to co-operate in the joint survey of the eastern division of the work, in pursuance of the agreement of the joint commission. I found him ill and unable to take the field; and no officer or surveyor on the part of Mexiccf was there to fill his place, or to execute the work under him. In reply to my note of November 12, (see No. 143,) proposing to call upon him to arrange plans for going on immediately with this work, he informed me that the Mexican commissioner had instructed him, under date of September 30 — two days after my last conference with him, at Santa Cruz — not to go on with it until he, the Mexican com- missioner, should return to El Paso, (see No. 144;) a thing which he had no expectation of doing until the month of January following. Under every probable contingency there was reason to apprehend the period would be much later; for the survey of the Gila was to be accomplished before his return journey to El Paso would begin ; and I S. Doc. 121. • 61 he would then have before him a march, by the route he proposed to take, of between eight hundred and a thousand miles. The arrangement made with Mr. Salazar, herewith submitted, marked No. 156, showing the plan of operations by which the work should go on, prevented the long detention which must otherwise have ensued, from the instructions of General Conde. The circumstances connected with my recall from this work are now fully laid before you; as also the labor which devolved upon me, in my endeavors, by the new system adopted, to extricate the scientific department of the commission, on the part of the United States, from the state of disorganization into which it had fallen, before I was con- nected with it. I will now respectfully ask your attention to some of the fruits of this new system, reaped whilst everything was still progressing under my instructions; and you will be enabled yourself to compare it with what was done in eight or nine months before the system I adopted went into operation. I refer you to the accompanying report from Lieutenant Whipple, marked No. 171, of his survey of the river Gila, executed under my instructions, in accordance with the New System. It embraces about five hundred miles of the boundary, surveyed conjointly with an officer of the Mexican engineer corps, (Captain Jimenes,) in a manner that will no doubt prove satisfactory to both governments, between the 27th of August and the 14th of December, 1851. Within the same period a survey of reconnaissance was made, with small portable instruments, suitable for such purposes, of about two hundred and twenty miles, between the Copper Mines of Santa Rita, in New Mexico, and Santa Cruz, in Sonora. Numerous astronomical observations for latitude and longitude were made on this expedition by Lieutenant Whipple, which, when t educed, will correct the run of the work, and give us the only authentic knowledge of that portion of country that has ever been obtained. Its topography, embracing its plains, its few water-courses, and its mountain ranges, has been cor- rectly laid down in the notes of the surveyors, and only require to be plotted in order to their exhibition on a map. It gives me great pleas- ure to award, as I do, to Lieutenant Whipple and his assistants, all the professional credit which may appertain to these surveys. I feel well assured they are well and faithfully done. The last mentioned, that is to say, between the Copper Mines and Santa Cruz, was made under my personal supervision; and I am thus enabled to say that, as we progressed southward over those plains, after crossing the protested line, * the facilities offered by the natural features of the country for a great national railway, or even for a common road, greatly increased. The mountain ranges present lofty peaks, and deep indentations or passes. These last afford ready facilities for passing, in almost any general direction, with but little deflection. From Lieutenant Whipple’s report, it is to be inferred that there are short spaces to be found, along the valley of the* Gila, of a rougher character ; but the rock of this country is generally of a friable char- acter, and easy to be removed. • 62 S. Doc. 121. The average difficulty, from physical causes, of constructing a rail- road across the American continent, from Indianola on the Gulf of Mex- ico, by way of San Antonio and El Paso, to the Pacific coast, is, un- doubtedly, far less than that met with upon most of the railroads already constructed in the United States. In crossing the great Sierra Madre no difficulties are presented. It is done by a rise so gradual that, were we not admonished by the fall of the mercury in the ba- rometer, we would be unconscious of its elevation of five to six thou- sand feet above the level of the sea. The climate along the whole belt of country traversed is here particularly favorable to such a work. It is open all the year round. There are no frosts to up-heave the foun- dations of such a road and disadjust it annually. There are no deep snows remaining for months upon the ground to obstruct a passage. I present to you, herewith, a table, marked No. 177, and a barometric profile, marked No. 191, deduced from my own observations and those of my assistants, Mr. John Lawson and Lieutenant W. F. Smith, topographical engineers, of the route we travelled from Indianola, via San Antonio, Castroville, Fort Inge, Howard’s Spring, Ojo Escondido, Eagle Spring, El Paso del Norte, and Dona Ana, to the Copper Mines of Santa Rita, in New Mexico. It shows the Copper Mines (Colonel Craig’s quarters at Cantonment Dawson) to be six thousand three hun- dred and fifty feet above the level of the sea. This, however, is an elevation in the mountains several hundred feet higher than may be encountered in passing the Sierra Madre, at favorable points that are to be found. It will be borne in mind that the elevations are laid down on a distorted scale in comparison with the scale of the horizontal dis- tances. The general character of the country, as exhibited by this profile, is fully seen ; and it is evident that it may be traversed by loco- motive engines on a railroad, from ocean to ocean, at the desired speed for travellers. There are elevations in this general profile which will be much reduced by the careful examinations that would precede the choice of the exact route. I trust you will pardon this digression. Should it add an iota to the stock of information which is now being developed on this interesting subject, I shall have been fully rewarded for all the pains and trouble of transporting the delicate instruments over a thousand miles of this great plain, to obtain its profile. In addition to the surveys above alluded to, under the new system of conducting this boundary survey, I may mention about one hundred miles of work done on the Rio Grande, before my recall reached me. •In a little more than four months’ work, after the new system went into operation, between six and seven hundred miles of the boundary was surveyed, under my direction and instructions, notwithstanding the many embarrassments that were thrown in my way by the refusal of the United States commissioner to invest me with all the means the government had directed, to aid in pushing the work forward. Previ- ous to my joining the commission in the field, it had been there, in po- sition for work, for nine months, at a great cost to the government. The fruits of its labors were about one hundred miles of survey on the Rio Grande, that had to be rejected entirely, because it was so im- perfectly done that it could not be plotted, and seventy-five miles on S. Doc. 121. 63 the parallel of 32° 22', which was suspended under the protest of the American surveyor. Under the New System the objects of investigation of a collateral character — that is, those not necessarily connected with the running of the line — were not by any means neglected. The collections in zoology, made between April 1 and the middle of November, 1851, the greater part of which 1 brought home with me under the recall, are now to be seen in the cabinet of the Smithsonian Institution in this city. I would ask attention to the state of preservation in which they now appear, after a journey averaging more than twelve hundred miles over-land, added to the distance of sea transportation from Indianola, Texas, to New York. I w r ill also ask attention to the fact that this collection renders to the science of zoology upwards of one hundred and fifty new species, and a number of new genera of animated na- ture unknown to science before. (See Nos. 188 and 189, Appendix.) I render the credit of this collection to my enterprising assistant, Mr. John H. Clark, and the credit of the scientific descriptions to the dis- tinguished professors in the science, Baird and Girard, of the Smith- sonian Institution, who are now engaged upon them. In the science of botany the success under the New S 3 r stem will, I trust, be considered satisfactory. According to the estimate of Pro- fessor Asa Gray, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, this collection will probably, when fully examined, present to that branch of natural sci- ence about three hundred and upwards of new species and a number of new genera of plants not before known or described. (See No. 190.) With this collection, brought home under the order of recall, were about three hundred and fifty packages of seeds of different plants collected on the plains and in the valleys and mountains of T exas, New Mexico, and Sonora. A portion of these seeds (including some from almost every package) was sown in the public garden near the west base of Capitol hill, in this city, where the proceeds from them may at any time be seen. The credit of this collection I render to my industrious assistant, Mr. Charles Wright, who made it, and the credit of the sci- entific descriptions to Professor Asa Gray, of Cambridge, Massa- chusetts, who is now r employed upon the specimens. When the examinations of these collections shall have been com- pleted, they will be rendered with the more full report I propose to make upon the scientific operatioris of the work, whilst it was under my direction. I am not aware that a single specimen in zoology or botany was ever sent in by that portion of the commission which pre- ceded me to El Paso. Nearly all the appliances for preserving the col- lections in botany, and the stationery provided for the secretary’s rec- ords, were left at Indianola, and will be found noticed, wfith the spoiled bread, in the report of the board of survey, made under my order, marked C, appended to document No. 60. In lieu of these the wagons were loaded with whiskey, that ought never to have been allowed among the public stores at all. I do not mention these things because I presurfie to claim aught of * credit for anything that was accomplished by myself, but rather that I hope the fruits^) f the New System may be found to vindicate, in some degree, the importance of preparation before setting out on an expe- 64 S. Doc. 121. dition of such magnitude as this, to a distant region difficult of access, and devoid of all resources save those which are taken along. In reviewing this whole subject, I am entirely at a loss to know upon what ground it is that the Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Inte- rior, has accused me of delay in the performance of my duties. In the letter df the honorable Secretary to the honorable the Secretary of War, dated September 11, 1851, (see Appendix No. 179,) he says: “Before Colonel Graham left here, I was much annoyed and became dissatisfied with his long, unnecessary delay in joining the commission in the field; and since then, accounts of other delays and interruptions have reached me, officially and otherwise, which I felt called upon to communicate to the President,” &c. In answer to this charge, I can only reply that there were no delays of any kind whatever, on my part, that were not necessary and justifi- able under my instructions and responsibilities. On the contrary, as, I presume, will be seen from all the facts contained and set forth in the documents hereto appended, every alacrity was shown in making preparations which were necessary to rescue the work, on the part of the United States, from the dilemma of a long delay in which I found it — arising from the omissions and mistakes of others, before I was at- tached to the commission — and in which it must have long continued, had I not furnished the means for relieving it on my joining the com- mission in the field. All the work that was done in running the line, up to the time of my recall, that could be made available on account of the necessary accuracy, was the result of the New System, and of the preparations made by me, except alone the 75* miles along the pa- rallel of 32° 22', which were suspended under the protest of the United States surve} r or. Independent of the improvements in the scientific department of the work, the commissariat and quartermaster’s departments were equally reformed and reduced to system, under the fiscal rules laid down by the order of May 12, 1851, contained in the paper marked H, appended to the accompanying document No. 66. I have been an officer of the army for 35 years. For 33 years of that time I have served actively and faithfully in my corps. I have never in my life been guilty of a moment’s delay in the performance of my duties, as is well known to that corps and to the army. With a single exception, there is not an officer of that corps who has been employed on any of our boundary surveys who is not my pupil. They have all been taught promptness under my instruction and by my example ; but they have likewise been taught that proper preparation and system were necessary, in order to render their labors practically useful. I appeal, in my justification, to the facts set forth in the foregoing statement, and in the documents submitted with it. I desire, before closing this communication, to make my acknowl- edgments for the enterprising and valuable services rendered to the commission by Lieutenants Whipple and W. F. Smith, of the corps of * It has been supposed there were 175 miles of this line run out by Mr. Bartlett’s party, but this is a mistake. There were only 75 miles run out on that line before the protest which was made against it in July, 1851. • S. Doc. 121. 65 topographical engineers, and Lieutenants Tillinghast and Burnside, of the artillery, whilst they were under my command. I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel , Topographical Engineers . Col. J. J. Abert, Chief of Topographical Engineers , Washington . 5 66 S. Doc. 121. APPENDIX. No. 1. Revere Hotel, Boston, August 10, 1850. Dear Sir : Your magnetic instruments were opened and examined at Cambridge, and, according to Mr. Bond’s suggestion, I concluded to take but one, leaving the other at his observatory, subject to your order. The two are similar in construction, and, with the fox dip and intensity circle, one only seems necessary. Mr. Bond recommended that I should take all the suspension tubes, fearing lest some might be broken ; hence the instrument I leave is defective in that respect. At a small expense it could be prepared for service. I leave, also, both portable tripods. I hope my next report of this instrument will be more interesting. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. W. WHIPPLE. Joseph Henry, LL. D., Secretary of Smithsonian Institution . No. 2. Baltimore, Thursday evening , August , 1850. Dear Sir: I forgot to leave the memorandum for the order to Lieu- tenant Whipple. Let it be as follows: “ To Lieutenant A. W. Whipple : You are authorized to receive any instruments belonging to the United States which were used or intended to be used in the Mexican boundary survey, and which are now in Boston and New York, and transmit to this department your receipt for the same. These instruments, it is understood, are to be used in the same service. “ Lieutenant A. W. Whipple, u Irving House , New York.” I would also like to have the chronometer which Mr. Ewing told me was at our service. This may be sent by express to Lieutenant Whipple. By sending the above order to-morrow you will greatly oblige, yours, truly, D. C. Goddard, Esq. JOHN R. BARTLETT. S. Doc. 121. No. 3. 67 New York, August 13, 1850. Sir: I hastily enclose receipts for the instruments taken from the possession of Messrs. Bond & Son, Boston, and of Messrs. Blunt, New York, where these instruments were placed by Major Emory. As soon as possible I will transmit to the department full receipts in proper form. I have the honor to be, sir, with high respect, very truly, your obe- dient servant, A. W. WHIPPLE, Lieutenant United States Topographical Engineers. D. C. Goddard, Esq., Acting Secretary of the Interior , Washington , D. C . The receipts are as follow, viz: Boston, August 10, 1850. Received of Messrs. Bond & Son, as per order of D. C. Goddard, esq., acting Secretary of the Department of the Interior, the following instruments belonging to the United States, to be used in the Mexican boundary survey, viz : 1 box containing transit telescope, by Trough ton & Simms, London. 1 box containing stand for above instrument. 1 box containing Ertel transit. 1 box containing six barometers : one by Green, No. 2 ; two by For ten, Nos. II and 19; three by Bunten, Nos. 462, 463, and 464. A. W. WHIPPLE, Lieut . U. S. Top. Eng., Assist. Astron., fyc., U. S. B. C. New York, August 13, 1850. Received of Messrs. E. & G. W. Blunt, as per order of acting Sec- retary of the Interior, the following named instruments, belonging to the United States, to be used on the United States and Mexican boundary survey, viz : 1 box containing 1 azimuth instrument, by Draper — azimuth circle 9J inches diameter. 1 box containing 3 barometers. 1 — do do. 1 box containing 1 small horizontal magnetic apparatus, after the plan of Hansteen. 1 standard rod of wood for adjusting surveving chains. A/W. WHIPPLE, Lt. U. S. Top. Eng., Assistant Astronomer, fyc., U. S. B. C. 68 S. Doc. 121. No. 4. Mexican Boundary Commission, Indianola, September 2, 1850. Sir : As, upon consultation with yourself and other officers of the commission, it has been determined to survey the route over which we pass from this place to El Paso, will you please to cause a party to be organized for the purpose of effecting that object. I am, very truly, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner , Bvt. Lt. Col. McClellan, U. S. Top. Eng., Chief Astronomer , Sfc. No. 5. Camp Ewing, Indianola, (Texas,) September 3, 1S50. Sir : You are hereby detailed to organize parties for the purpose of making a rapid survey from Indianola, Texas, to El Paso. You will give general instructions as to the manner in which the operations shall be conducted, and, as far as your other duties will permit, you will give your personal attention to this survey. Orders have been issued for a sufficient number of assistants, engi- neers, laborers, &c., to report to you for this duty. I am, very respectfullv, your obedient servant, j. McClellan, Bvt. Lt. Col., Capt. Top. Engineers. Lieut. Whipple, Assistant Astronomer, fyc., U. S. B. C. Nc. 6. Camp Ewing, Indianola, (Texas,) September 4, J 850, Sir : You having been appointed geologist and mining engineer of the United States boundary commission in the survey from this place to El Paso, you will please make those examinations which properly belong to the branches of service which are intrusted to you. It is desirable, also, that you pay such attention to objects of natural history as may be in your power. Mr. S. P. Sanford is detailed as your as- sistant. All the various parties in the field are desired to aid } T ou with the means at their disposal. Upon our arrival at El Paso, you will please make a detailed report of your explorations, giving due credit to each person who may have afforded you valuable information or assistance. Very respectfully, ycur obedient servant, A. W. WHIPPLE, Lt. Top. Eng., Assistant Astronomer U. S. B. C. Theodore F. Moss, Esq., Geologist and Mining Engineer, U. S. B. C. S. Doc. 121. No. 7. 69 Extract from a report to the “ Hon. J. R. Bartlett , United States Commis- sioner ,” dated at Dona Ana, New Mexico , April 25, 1851. [N. B. — This was added as a postscript by mutual consent, and forwarded to him in my communication of May 4, 1851.] “ Two, only, of the reports required by the original instructions have been rendered : one the meteorological, the other from Theodore F. Moss, esq., geologist and mining engineer of the commission, giving a sketch of the geological features presented upon the upper route from San Antonio, which he traversed with yourself. Mr. Moss has since been actively employed in the valley of the Rio Grande del Norte, at the Copper Mines, and upon the Rio Gila, in collecting specimens and acquiring information which should reflect credit upon the labors a P •M C/i .2 ‘3 0 .s *5b-S p G. 0 G3 1 0 CO P a cr G3 P3 >-* X o cO p # G 0 *"0 r^> ^ G r/T b£ *0 1 0 ,G a 0 S^» G P P 0 pG 0 G3 3 2 G c2 +-> P . +-> o o r O G 0 2^.2 o c CD -73 i§-£2 S b€ _•» 0 fc* O fe P co E.-eSlI c S-is-SS *->0 0 0 c CO o CD 53 j§ a c . p >-> 5 -* 0 S-. 0 71 3 > 0 o 0 00 rG £ rG P -*-> 0 3G H ^ S g 2 P C3 ■a 0 o rG 3 o CO CD *P cr 0 5 -» P3 G P t? 3 O M 0 G 2 pO J o rH 4_) 0 w-S Jg2* « §•= u ^ 0 0 » ^ CG . ’ P 5-t co T3 co p S J ^ 6 2^ 0 0 0 p CO I— I p p # ^ G3 co 0 ■2 § 0 p "3 P3 o P p P o pq pq pq o O o O P3 O C o r G O o O ra P3 P3 TS P P P P W W pq pq • ; rH G r— , , 00 • ^ G CO . . CM O' P 0 . d c CO 0 pa i> 00 X O •G5 P3 z G P CM >Y ! • co' 5-i UO CO 0 rH co O £ 0 co 0 * o -Q b 2 p p w _§ j§ p w .2® o iO ~ CO 2 CM G S-i np 0 G to p*3 CM 2 «> 0 c * s o 0 1-0 to ^' 3 P CO g>C _§ « -p 2 SO CM II S c 0 . •S 0 M cc £g co O P 5-i 3 G n ^0 § !^ ■ 0 G p ►> G 2 0 s §.2 c -a u’Jl c be G G „ 0 0 CO 0 t) co s-h .2 (MO u i s o p GD 5-. rS CO co p a O G S "o 0 I s O 5-i P GG 5h 0 r— *< CO CO p « tti t3 .a 5 —i P o Sh 0 3 GG P P 3 0 0 ' 2 ^ 2 co G p -G 0 8 >-< ni CO co P a G ^ 8 a 2J 8 O W 0 5-5 ^ G i— t 0 13 Is p *C o 2* 0 G . ^ O jB . •tG c aJ j-i 0 P 0 P 0 ^ P ^ CO CJ 2 ^ Cu a . - G P 0 8 °.S 5 — < 5 — i . OJ § B | o rf ’ 'ICO B e “? r2 - 0 ' ^ ‘O 0 * 0 CO n _ ©» P P . *-> •C O 0H 3 o 0 - Jh ' P 5-i 0 0 0 ■*-> 3 -M 0 § a .p o -2 -JO fe 0 .2 30 S-, 5h P « « -G s «D UO STATEMENT — Continued. 94 S. Doc, 121, E. & G. W. BLUNT. Received, New York, January 24 , 1851 , of Messrs. E. & G. W. Blunt, the instruments mentioned in the above invoice, in the condition therein mentioned. J* D. GRAHAM, Major Topographical Engineers , Bvt. Lieut . CoL S. Doc. 121, 93 The repairs and improvements required for these, as specified in the column of “remarks,” were immediately ordered, and were executed as soon as it was possible to do them with accuracy. They are now' in good order for service,- except the three cistern barometers, Nos. 226, 227, and 228, which I have left in charge of Mr. James Green, instru- ment maker, in New York, to repair, and hold subject to my future order. The altitude and azimuth instrument made for me in 1841 by Troughton & Simms, of London, was delivered to me at West Point by Professor W. H. C. Bartlett, on the 3d instant, in pursuance of an order to that effect from the engined!* department at Washington. Besides the above, several other instruments, belonging to the north- eastern boundary service, not heretofore required for the present bound- ary, have, by certain improvements and additions, been rendered suitable for the present service. All the above instruments, added to those which have been made to order under my direction, make the equipment sufficient to meet the present demands for the United States and Mexican boundary line, and place us beyond dependence on those which were left on the Pacific. The whole equipment thus provided under my direction, including all the above mentioned, is as follows, viz : Articles. R< marks. Two portable astronomical transits. Three sidereal chronome- ters. Two theodolites, suitable for triangulating, and the de- termination of azimuths — with tripod stands. One of these was purchased F ebruary, 1851, by Colonel Graham. The other was originally purchased in 1839, by him, for the United States and Texan boundary. The object-glass was de- fective somewhat, but has been im- proved in New York, and repolished. One of these is by Brithaupt.. Azimuth circle reads, by four verniers, to 30" each. The vertical circle reads, by aid of three verniers, to 15" each. The other (No. 501, by Ertel) was re- ceived from E. & G. W. Blunt, under Four other theodolites, read- ing to minutes, for traverse work on the line— with tripod stands. One altitude and azimuth in- strument for astronomical order of Department of the Interior, of January 2, 1851. A new tripod- stand and new spirit-levels have been made for it under my direction. Made to order, by my direction, for the present boundary service. I used this instrument in 1844 to deter- mine the latitude 46° 25', where inter- 96 S. Doc. 121. STATEMENT— Continued. Articles. Remarks. purposes. The altitude circle is eighteen inches, and the azimuth circle sixteen inches in diame- ter — each reading, by op- posite micrometer micro- scopes, to seconds. This instrument was made to my special order in 1841 by Troughton & Simms, of London. One repeating circle of re- flexion by Dolland, No. 125. Reads to 10". One Kater circle, No. 45, by Dunn. The altitude and azimuth circles are six inches in diameter, and each reads to 10". Two other Kater circles, Nos. 46 & 47, by Trough- ton & Simms, of London. The azimuth and altitude circles of these are each six inches in diameter — each reading to 10". One parallactic telescope of three feet focal length, with a single spider-line micrometer. This instru- ment is used for the deter- mination of distances, by accurate micrometer mea- surements of the angle of subtense of a rod of given length, or of its own base, and dispenses with all measurements with the chain. It is a new inven- tion. Two rods of wood, the one twelve feet and the other thirteen feet long, accu- rately graduated, and pro- vided with two targets sected by the southwest branch of the river St. John — a point indicated in the treaty of Washington. Having been temporarily deposited at West Point in April, 1849, I obtained it there, under an order from the engi- neer department, on the 3d of Febru- ary, 1851. Received from E. & G. W. Blunt, of New York, January 24, 1851. Received from E. & G. W. Blunt, of New York, January 24, 185 1 . I have had a firm tripod-stand made for this instrument, thus making it useful as a theodolite, when required. These belong to the northeastern boun- dary, to which I am responsible for them. I have had firm tripod stands made for them both, which will make them available and useful as theodo- lites, when required to be used as such. Made by my special order for this service, by Mr. Wm. Wiirdeman, instrument maker, Capitol Hill, Washington city. It has a portable tripod stand, and the whole is packed in a case about three and a quarter feet long, and will con- stitute but about one-third part of a load for a mule. It weighs, w hen packed in its wooden box, and that placed within a leather pannier, about fifty-six to sixty pounds. Made to order by E. Draper, of Phila- delphia, and graduated according to the United States standard measure. S. Doc. 121. STATEMENT— Continued. 97 Articles. Remarks. each, to be used with the above instrument. These rods can be detached into two equal parts, so as to reduce them to a conve- nient length lor packing on a mule. Eight surveyor’s compasses or circumferenters ; six with tripod stands, and two with single staffs, and ball and socket motion. Two prismatic compasses, for reconnoitring in the vicinity of the boundary line. One horse-shoe magnet. f Two pairs of bar magnets, i Ten surveyor’s chains, of fifty feet each, with iron marking-pins. Four other surveyor’s chains, three of one hundred feet each, and one of fifty feet, will* iron marking-pins. Three syphon barometers — their scales carefully grad- uated by United States standard measure. Four standard thermome- ters. Three thermo -barometers, for determining the cor- responding height of the barometric- mercurial col- umn, by observing them when their bulbs are sub- jected to water at the boil- ing temperature. Two aneroid barometers. Four portable barometers 7 Made to my order for this service in Phil- adelphia and New York. Purchased by me for this service. Light jacob staffs have been made for them according to my direction, so as to make them available for surveying purposes * if emergency should require it. Made to my order in New York. To be used in re-magnetizing compass-nee- dles when necessary. Made to my order for this service, and adjusted by United States standard measure. Belonging to the northeastern boundary service, to which I am responsible for them. I have taken them for present use under the emergency, to be restored when required. Made to my order, by James Green, of New York, for this service. Made to my order, by same, for this ser- vice. Made to my order for this service by Mr. W. Wiirdeman, instrument maker, Capitol Hill, Washington. They are very portable, and safe in transporta- tion. Parchased for this service from E. & G. W. Blunt, New York, February, 1851. Received from E. & G. W. Blunt, of 98 S. Doc. 121. STATEMENT— Continued. Articles. Remarks. on Hassler’s plan, with their cisterns. The cist- erns are detached from the tubes filled with mercury, when being transported, and united again when required for observation. Their numbers are 5, 6, 234, and 235. One tripod to nine and a half inch azimuth instrument, by E. Draper. This is taken along to restore it to the instrument to which it belongs, now in the field with the commission. Four standard rods of five feet, for adjusting chains. Three cisterns, belonging to barometers, by Green, made on Hassler’s princi- ple; Nos. 237, 238, and J240. These are taken .along to restore them to ithe remaining portion of the barometers to which they belong, now in the field with the commission. Eight ob serving-lanterns. One keg of sperm oil. I Four tin cans of do., hold- f ing one gallon each. J One levelling instrument and tripod, No. 95. New York, January 24, 1851, as men- tioned in preceding invoice and receipt. They were repaired under my direc- tion by James Green, of New York, and are now in good order. Received from E. & G. W. Blunt, New York, January 24, 1851. (See pre- ceding invoice and receipt.) Made under my direction, and graduated by the United States standard measure. Received from E. & G. W. Blunt, New York, January 24, 1851, as per pre- ceding invoice and receipt. F or illuminating the astronomical instru- ments at the observing stations. This belongs to the northeastern bound- ary service, to which I am responsible for it. I have had it put in good order for use on the Mexican boundary ser- vice. All the above mentioned instruments are packed in good outer boxes for safe transportation by land. So soon as I can collect all the bills for the work which has been Rone here and in Philadelphia, I shall repair by land via Washington S. Doc. 121. 99 to New Orleans, and sail from thence by steamer to Indianola, where I shall probably arrive quite as soon as the schooner William H. Hazard. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Brevet Lieut . Col., Head of Scientific Corps U. S. B. C . Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Department of the Interior . No. 48. Bureau Topographical Engineers, March 3, 1851. Sir : Lieut. W. F. Smith and Li^ut. Michler, of Colonel Johnston’s command in Texas, have been directed to report to you for duty in El Paso. Col. Johnston has been informed that you would probably be at San Antonio by the 1st of April: if so, those officers were to report to you at that place. Very respectfully, J. J. ABERT, Colonel Corps Topographical Engineers. Brevet Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Corps T. E., Washington • No. 49’ Washington, March 4, 1851. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday, informing me that Lieuts. W. F. Smith and Michler, of the corps of topographical engineers, have been directed to report to me for duty at El Paso. I have to request that the orders to those officers may be so modified as to require them to repair to Indianola, Texas, and report to me there. I have been obliged, since I was detailed for duty on the commission for marking the boundary between the United States and Mexico, to have a new equipment of surveying instruments constructed, in the work-shops of the best makers in Washington, Philadelphia and New York, which has been done under my own personal direction and su- pervision. This became necessary from my having early foreseen that the supply for the surveying department, which was counted upon from the collection transported two years ago to San Diego, on the Pa- cific end of the line, would fail to be available for the operations to be resumed at El Paso, within anything like a reasonable time; a fact which has been verified by the United States commissioner, who states under date of the 30th of December last, at El Paso, that he was then destitute of surveying instruments, and that he had despatched an agent to New York with instructions to purchase a supply. This is a thing that could not have been done, for, from all the instru- ment making establishments in our country, not one-fifth part of what was required could have been found ready made, and for sale, of a 100 S. Doc. 121. quality fit to be used. F our months at least, dating from the present time, would have been required to complete the task. Fortunately this great loss of time has been prevented by the measures I adopted. My new apparatus (with the exception of a few articles not imme- diately required and which will follow me) is finished, packed, and shipped, and is now on its way by sea to Indianola, Matagorda bay. It is for the purpose of assisting me in its safe transportation from thence to El Paso, that I desire to have the services of the two officers who have been detailed as my assistants on this duty. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Major To]). Engineers, Brevet Lieut . Col. Col. J. J. Abert, Chief Topographical Engineers. No. 50. Bureau Topographical Engineers, March 5, 1851. Sir : Your letter of the 4th has been received. Lieutenant Colonel Johnston will be required to order those officers to report to you at In- dianola, in conformity with your request. Respectfully, J. J. ABERT, Colonel Corps Topographical Engineers . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham. No. 51. Colonel Graham to the Secretary of the Interior. Washington, March 6, 1851. Sir : The construction of a new equipment of instruments for the surveying department, for running and marking the line of boundary be- tween the United States and Mexico, having been completed, so far as to satisfy our present exigencies, the subject of next importance, which I beg leave to present for your consideration, and to recommend for adoption under the orders of the department, is a reorganization of the system under which the quartermasters and commissariat departments of the work shall be conducted. The reduction which Congress thought proper to make, in its session just terminated, in the estimates sent in for this work, for the fiscal year which will commence on the 1st of July next, renders it absolutely ne- cessary that a system insuring the most watchful economy, as well as a vigorous efficiency, should be introduced into these two branches of this service. With this view, I respectfully recommend that they both be adminis- tered by officers of the army possessing the requisite experience derived from actual service performed with our army in the field, provided the honorable the Secretary of W ar can afford this aid from his department. I have already consulted the General-in-chief of the army and the Commissary General of Subsistence upon this subject, and from the very S. Doc. 121. 101 liberal and favorable view they have been pleased to take of it, I am encouraged to request that application may be made to the War De- partment for the detail of two competent officers, from the line of the army, to perform the duties of quartermaster and commissary-in-chief to the scientific corps of the boundary commission, the one for the east- ern and the other for the western division of ‘the work. The economy, strict accountability, and efficiency, with which these two departments of the public service have been administered for many years past in the army, render it exceedingly desirable that they should be introduced as an important element to success in the present exten- sive and difficult undertaking. General Gibson has assured me that his department will very cheer- fully undertake, under the system proposed, to supply to these officers any quantity of provisions that may be required for this service, through- out its whole duration, to be delivered to them at El Paso, or at any of our military stations upon the Rio Grande, to be paid for out of our own appropriations, at the same cost, including that of transportation, for which they are or may be supplied to the army at those stations. The army provisions are always of a quality superior, and more du- rable in a warm climate, than can be obtained at the same cost under any other arrangement. The large quantities contracted for yearly, the perfect knowledge possessed of the relative capabilities for supply throughout every quarter of our country, the experience in inspecting and packing subsistence stores of every description, which are all pos- sessed in so eminent a degree by our military commissariat, are well calculated to insure to it these advantages in a more eminent degree than can be found elsewhere. The supply of our western division — extending from El Paso to the mouth of the river Gila — with subsistence, will be attended with diffi- culties, which can only, in my opinion, be surmounted by the arrange- ment proposed, enabling us at the same time to progress regularly with the scientific department of the work. This division embraces a desert country, of near six hundred miles, through which the line must be sur- veyed and marked. It affords, within itself, no resources from which to draw subsistence. Everything must be transported throughout this whole extent. Under the proposed system, I feel assured that depots of provisions may be formed along that line, and pushed forward in ad- vance as the wOrk progresses, in a manner that will prevent many em- barrassments not otherwise to be avoided, and that will insure success to that difficult part of the work before us. I know of no other system in which I can feel full confidence. On the eastern division, difficulties also present themselves, which, although not so great as on the western division, still require the same system to be adopted. Besides the duties of receiving, issuing, and accounting for the pro- visions, these officers would be charged with the direction and general superintendence of all transportation, including the custody of all bag- gage wagons, horses, mules, oxen, &c., employed for that object, and they will be allowed, at the expense of our own appropriation, the ne- cessary number of subordinate assistants, responsible to them, directly, for the prompt and faithful execution of all orders given to them. 102 S. Doc. 121. So far as I can at present foresee, it is my opinion that this system, if adopted, will do more than any other to set the work in efficient operation, and to coniine its expenses for the fiscal year within the limits of the appropriation recently granted by Congress, a condition which should in no event be transcended. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, X D. GRAHAM, Lieut, Colonel , fife. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, / Secretary of the Interior . No. 52. Washington, March 7, 1851. Sir : I have the pleasure to report to the department that, on the 3d of the present month, Lieutenants W. F. Smith and Michler, of the to- pographical engineers, were detailed by the colonel of that corps for duty under my orders, and directed to report to me, at Indianola, for service on the boundary survey. Their assistance in safely transporting the instruments from Indianola to El Paso will be very valuable to me. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . Colonel , fife . , fife. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior. No. 53. Bureau Topographical Engineers, March 11, 1851. Sir : Your orders are so far modified that you will report, personally, without delay, to Colonel J. D. Graham, corps topographical engineers, at Washington. Respectfully, J. J. ABERT, Col. Corps Topographical Engineers. Lieut. W. F. Smith, Corps Topographical Engineers • No. 54. Fort Adams, R. I., March 11, 1851. Dear Sir : Your letter, making me the offer of a situation on the boundary survey between the United States and Mexico, reached me to-day. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to accept the situation you offer, nor could the inducements mentioned suit my in- clinations more perfectly ; but having recently accepted the situation I S. Doc. 121. 103 now hold here, and entered into arrangements for the ensuing summer, which I cannot very well change, I am obliged to decline the offer, thanking you most sincerely for the very flattering manner in which you have conveyed it. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN F. REYNOLDS, Brevet Major 3d Artillery . To Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Corps of Top . Engineers , Washington City . No. 55. Colonel Graham to the Secretary of the Interior . Washington, March 12, 1851. Sir: I have the honor to present herewith, to the department, a statement of my expenditures on account of the equipment that was necessary for the use of the scientific corps of the commission for run- ning and marking the boundary between the United States and Mexico. This includes the purchase of a new outfit of instruments— chiefly made under my immediate supervision and direction since I was de- tailed for duty on this service — a measure that was absolutely neces- sary before the commission could go into active operation, owing, as heretofore stated, to the fact that the great body of the instruments for surveying purposes, furnished two } r ears ago for this object, was left at San Diego, on the Pacific. I am anxiously awaiting the detail of the officers last applied for, in order to proceed with them to the field. At the Adjutant General’s office every effort is now being made to select them so as not to inter- fere with the requirements of the military garrisons — a condition that must be kept in view. I submit also a statement of the additional funds required for my own immediate department; and I have to state, in submitting it, that it is all I shall require for it from this time to the end of the fiscal year, which will terminate the 30th of June, 1852. Being responsible for the efficiency of the equipment in instru- ments, under every emergency that can occur throughout a long and difficult line, I have formed my estimate with the closest economy that will enable me to meet that responsibility. I find, on inquiry at the Adjutant General’s office, that the demands on the military garrison at San Antonio — in furnishing escorts for the large trains belonging to the army, in keeping up scouting parties against the hostile Indians for the protection of the neighboring settle- ments, and for keeping the garrison itself in proper force — are so great that a special escort cannot be ordered for me, to enable me to proceed rapidly from San Antonio to El Paso. To go with one of the heavy trains would occupy sixty days between San Antonio and El Paso. It appears to me very important that I should be enabled to perform that journey in half that time, with all the instruments requisite to set 104 S. Doc. I2I. the surveying parties in active operation so soon as I arrive at El Pa so. I accordingly embrace in my estimate the expense necessaiy to equip an escort of twenty men, including the officers and members of the scientific corps, who will be of my party. The arms estimated for are in addition to two Sharp’s rifles, three double-barrelled guns, four Colt’s pistols, and four small belt-pistols already procured and paid for, as shown in the account rendered to the office of the F ifth Auditor. These are all, in my opinion, necessary for distribution, under cer- tain emergencies, among the members of the surveying parties, for self-protection against the hostile savages of the country. The re- mainder of the estimate will be about balanced by the gain of time in the active operation of the commission in prosecuting the surveys. The great advantages to be gained by it will be in effecting the reor- ganization at an earlier period, and in enabling us to proceed with the field duties at the season which affords abundant grass for the ani- mals. The statements and estimates are embraced in the accompanying papers, marked A and B. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col., Head of Scientific Corps, Sfc., fyc. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior, fyc., fyc., fyc. A — (Appended to No. 55.) A statement showing amount oj moneys received and expended by Lieutenant Colonel J. D. Graham, head of scientific corps, life., on account of the Mexican boundary commission. 1850, November 15. Received amount of treasury war- rant No. 2035 $7,500 00 1851, January 11. Received amount of treasury warrant No. 2224 2,500 00 10,000 00 Accounted for. Amount of vouchers rendered to office of the Fifth Audi- tor, February 28, 1851 $4,633 11 E. & G. W. Blunt’s bill for instruments made, repairs, &c., rendered 1,444 81 E. Draper’s bill for instruments, &c., made 769 50 Gideon & Co.’s bill 492 00 James Green’s bill for instruments 4 242 00 Wm. Bond & Son’s bill for chronometers, and repairs.. 331 67 S. Doc. 121. 105 Barrow & Jones’s bill for instruments $450 00 Wiirdeman’s bill for instruments and repairs 590 00 D. Campbell’s bill for panniers, &c 165 00 Lutz’s bill for do 120 00 Paid freight from New York to Indianola 100 00 Simms’s bill, London, for one transit and four theodolites, small, and two sextants, (estimated,) payable on ar- rival in Boston 1,720 00 11,058 09 Amount received as above 10,000 00 Required to meet above accounts 1,058 09 J. D. GRAHAM, Liet, Col., Head of Scientific Corps, fyc., fyc. B — (Appended to No. 55.) Estimate of funds required by head of the scientific corps for the following objects, viz: 1. For balance, as per footing of paper A $1,058 09 2. For two ambulances, with springs, for the transporta- tion of chronometers and instruments immediately required, with harness included, at $200 each 400 00 3. For five light wagons, with four-horse harness, at $160 each, with covers 640 00 4. Twenty-eight wagon-mules, or horses, at $100 each.. 2,800 00 5. Twenty horses, with equipments, for mounting escort, at $120 each 2,400 00 6. ®F orage for forty-eight horses, for thirty days, at $12 each per month 576 00 7. Hire of seven teamsters, for theJrip from San Antonio to Ef Paso and back, at $50*ach 350 00 8. Hire of eleven men for escort, at same rate 550 00 9. Purchase of fifteen Sharp’s rifles, at $45 675 00 10. Purchase of sixteen Colt’s pistols, at $32 512 00 11. Accoutrements and ammunition 200 00 12. Subsistence of twenty-seven men (including the team- sters) thirty days, fifty cents each per day 288 00 13. Transportation to Indianola, and other contingencies not to be accurately foreseen up to El Paso 500 00 Amount required 10,949 09 106 S. Doc. 121 I certify the above to be a true and correct estimate, to the best of my belief and judgment. J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . Col ., Head of Scientific Corps , this place with as little delay as practicable, and report to me. I shall be glad if you will bring with you a list of the party now acting under your direction, and also an account — as near as it may be made without more than a day’s detention — of all the instruments and other public property now in your possession, including wagons, harness, horses, mules, and camp equipage. Please have your party properly provided for in your camp during your absence. In great haste, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col ., Head of the Scientific Corps , §V. First Lieut. A. W. Whipple, U. S. Corps Topographical Engineers , near Cool Spring , New Mexico . 131 S. Doc. 121. No. 74. Colonel Graham to Lieutenant Whipple, [Extract.] Frontera, June 2G, 1851. My Dear Sir: * * * * * Understanding that Mr. Bartlett is not now with you, I must request you to present my profound respects to General Garcia Conde, the Mexican commissioner, and his suite, particularly including Mr. Salazar, whom I think I had the pleasure to know in the city of Mexico. I hope soon to have the pleasure of making my respects in person to those gentlemen. I remain, very sincerely, yours, J. D. GRAHAM. Lieut. A. W. Whipple, 8fc., fyc . , fyc. Cool Spring , New Mexico, No. 75. Lieutenant Whipple to Colonel Graham. Station 11, June 29, 1851. Colonel: Your orders of the 2Gth instant reached me lale last evening. I will hasten to carry them into effect. It is necessary for me to return to my camp, beyond the Mimbres, to obtain the lists you require, and provide for the subsistence of the party. I will then, with as little delay as practicable, report to you at Frontera observatorv. J I remain, sir, very respectfullv, your obedient servant, A. W. WHIPPLE, Lieut. U. S. Topographical Engineers . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Topographical Engineers , Head of the Scientific Corps , Frontera Observatory, Texas. No. 76. Lieutenant Whipple to Colonel Graham. Station 11, June 29, 1851. Colonel: lam happy to learn that you have arrived safety and with good instruments. It will give me great pleasure to present your respects to General Garcia Conde and his suite, and I shall particularly include my friend Mr. Salazar, whom I expect to find at my camp, near Cool Spring. 132 Doc. 121. I have heard him speak of his pleasure in meeting' with you in the city of Mexico. I am obliged to you for having taken the trouble of bringing the commission you speak of. May I ask the favor of presenting my compliments to Mr. Chandler, Mr. Gray, &c. I will despatch one of the escort this day with your letter to Mr. Bardett, at Cantonment Dawson (Santa Rita del Cobre.) I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. W. WHIPPLE. Lieut. Col. Graham, Head of Scientific Corps United States Boundary Commission , fyc., Sfc., Frontera . No. 77. Colonel Graham to Colonel Alert , Chief Topographical Engineer . Frontera, on the Rio Grande, Six miles above El Faso del Norte , Texas , June 30, 1851. Sir: I have the honor to report to you that my command from the corps of topographical engineers attached to the commission for run- ning and marking the boundary between the United States and Mexico, consists, at present, of First Lieutenant A. W. Whipple, now on the line, and Second Lieutenant Wm. F. Smith, present at this place. Lieutenant Whipple has been attached to this duty since the com- mission, on the part of the United States, was first organized. Lieu- tenant Smith, who reported to me at San Antonio, on the 10th of May, Is the only officer of the corps that has been added to this command since I was detailed to take charge of it, and he now stands in the place of Second Lieutenant and Brevet Captain Hardcastle, of the corps, who was relieved from my command by the Department of the Inte- rior, in December last, and directed to remain on the Pacific. The order of the bureau, of the 3d March last, addressed to Lieut. Col. Johnston, which directed that Lieutenant Michler should report to me for this service, was not served upon Lieutenant M. The com- manding general of the 8th military department would not allow this to be done, inasmuch as that officer had been assigned to duty under the orders of the commanding general of that department; and it re- quired an order from the general headquarters of the army to relieve him. The matter was referred to Washington by General Harney ; but before the orders of the War Department, of April 29, reached San Antonio, Lieutenant Michler had left that place and proceeded to the north on a sick leave. I would be very glad if two graduates of the Military Academy, of tlie present year, could be detailed for this service and ordered out, by •way of Santa Fe, to report to me on this line. The great extent of this boundary renders at least four assistants from the corps very ne- cessary, to insure the desired progress in surveying and marking it. S. Doc. 121. 133 Civil engineers of the necessary qualifications cannot be obtained in this part of the country, and they could not be engaged at the north ex- cept at very high salaries — more, indeed, than the appropriation will bear. I arrived at the military post of El Paso, with my party and all the instruments which I had caused to be constructed for this service, on the 24th of this month, with the advance of Captain S. G. French’s military escort and government train of wagons. This was the earli- est possible day I could have arrived there ; for it is the only military escort or government train that has come out to this frontier post since I was detailed for this service. Major Backus, 3d infantry, and Capt. Sitgreaves, topographical engineers, who left Washington early in the winter, had both been detained at San Antonio awaiting an opportunity to go to El Paso. They availed themselves of the same escort, and reached El Paso at the same time with myself and party. I am happy to state that my party arrived in good health, and the instruments, including chronometers and barometers, (the most delicate of all the transport,) arrived in good order. My total time from San Antonio to El Paso was thirty-seven days. The number of actual marching days was twenty-nine. My instrument return, for the quarter ending this day, will be imme- diately made out and forwarded to you. In case a mail route should not be established between San Antonio and El Paso, a circumstance which will be known to you at Washington, I would recommend that communications to me should be forwarded via Independence and Santa Fe, and that the commanding officer at the latter post be re- quested to forward them, by the express, to this place. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Brevet Lieut. Col., Head oj the Scientific Corps, fyc., fyc. Colonel J. J. Abert, Chief of Topographical Engineers , Washington, D. C. No. 78. Colonel Graham to the Secretary of the Interior. Frontera, (White’s Rancho,) on the Rio Grande, Six miles above El Paso del Norte , Jidy 1 , 1851. Sir: I have the honor to report to the department, that I arrived at the military post of El Paso, with my party and my small train of wagons, loaded with instruments, provisions and camp equipage, on the 24th ultimo, with the advance of Captain S. G. French’s military escort and army wagon train. This is the first military escort or army wagon train that has reached El Paso since I was detailed for duty on the United States and Mexican boundary commission, and it is the first opportunity, since that period, by which the instruments for this service could have been transported here in security. 134 S. Doc. 121. I left San Antonio on the 19th of May, and overtook Captain French's train on the 7th of June at Camanche Spring, SO miles on this side of the point where we crossed the Pecos river. After this we marched gen- erally with that train, until we reached the valley of the Rio Grande, when we came on and arrived two days in advance of it. I left San Antonio on the 19th of May, and my total time to El Paso was 37 days. The number of marching days was 29, having halted on the way as many as eight days in the aggregate, to repair wagons and rest and graze the animals. The officers and men of my party all arrived in good health and without any accident whatever. My first object on arriving was to secure a safe and convenient place to store the instruments, &c., as it was necessary I should lose no time in unloading the five wagons hired from the quartermaster’s department* in order to turn them over to Capt. S. G. French, United States army* in time for him to get them ready for his return trip to San Antonio, in compliance with my agreement with Major Babbitt. The supplies brought up by Captain French filled all the storehouses at the garrison belonging to the quartermaster’s department, and we could find no ac- commodation there. I found, however, that ample storage was afford- ed at this rancho, which is hired from Mr. White for the use of the commission. On the 25th of June my party and the wagons were all unloaded, and their contents stored, and 1 am happy to inform the de- partment that all the instruments reached here in safety, after a journey of eight hundred miles overland, a portion of the route being along very hilly and rough, rocky roads. I have this day turned over to Captain French the five wagons and twenty-nine mules, together with the harness and other gear delivered to me at San Antonio by Major Babbitt. One of the mules furnished by him was left on the route so diseased that he could not proceed, and probably died on the plains. Understanding at El Paso that Mr. Bartlett, United States commis- sioner, was expected there from the Copper Mines in a few days, I sent an express to him on the 26th, informing him that under this information I would await his arrival here. So soon as my express returns I shall proceed to join Mr. Bartlett, should he not design coming here. In the mean time I have been busily engaged in preparations necessary for the field, which must be perfected here. Mr. W. T. Smith’s train, with the supplies for the commission, under the contract with Ponce de Leon, was reported to me yesterday as being near San Elizario. Mr. Smith had exhibited to me the contract* for this transportation, and requested, before we left him on the route, to be in- formed where he should halt his wagons to deliver these stores. There being ample storage at this place already under the hire of the commission, I directed Lieutenant Tillinghast to proceed below and order the wagons to unload here, as he and Lieutenant Burnside, the officers detailed as quartermasters and commissaries to the commission, will have to take an account of the articles as they are delivered, in order to enable them to settle for the transportation, and to make their returns to the depart- See Appendix No. 79. S. Doc. 121. 135 ment of everything they receive, which, under the system of account- ability adopted, must be covered by their account of issues. While at Fort Inge, on the Leona river, in answer to inquiries if any instruments had been left there belonging to the commission, I was in- formed there were a number of articles, marked as belonging to it, in charge of Mr. Howard, sutler at that post. With the view of ascertain- ing whether any of the lost instruments were among them, I directed a board of survey, consisting of Lieutenant Wm. F. Smith, corps of topo- graphical engineers, and Lieutenant A. E. Burnside, 3d regiment of artillery, quartermaster and commissary for the commission, to inspect these articles and report upon them. My order and the proceedings in the case are hereto appended, marked M, by which it will appear that the articles in question con- sisted of twelve barrels containing whiskey, and that no instruments were found. Although these barrels were marked as the property of the United States boundary commission, I directed Mr. Howard not to forward them, or to incur any expense on them on account of the commission, but to await in relation to them the orders of whom it might concern. I w r ould recommend that my letters be sent via Independence and Santa Fe, and be addressed to me at El Paso del Norte. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col., Head of the Scientific Corps, fyc., fyc., Sfc. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior, Washington. M — (Appended to No. 78.) [Special Order No. 5.] Fort Inge, Leona River, Texas, May 24, 1851. Understanding that there are a number of packages now in the cus- tody of Mr. Howard, sutler of this post, marked as the property of the United States boundary commission ; with a view to ascertain their contents, and especially whether there are among them any astronom- ical or surveying instruments, a board of survey, to consist of Lieuten- ant W. F. Smith, of the corps of topographical engineers, and Lieu- tenant A. E. Burnside, of the 3d regiment of artillery, attached to the said commission, is hereby appointed to proceed to make a survey and inspection of the said packages. The board will forthwith perform the duty assigned to it, and will report the contents and present condition of the said packages, in order to a decision as to the expediency of having them, or any of them, sent forward to El Paso del Norte for the use of the commission. J. D. GRAHAM, Brcixt Lieut . Col., Head of the Scientific Corps, fyc., Sfc., 136 S. Doc. 121. Fort Inge, Leona Rivek, Texas , May 24, 1S5L The board met pursuant to the above order — present all the mem- bers. The board, after careful examination, find that no instruments or public property of any kind were left in charge of Mr. Howard, sutler at Fort Inge, marked as the property of the United States boundary commission, except twelve whiskey barrels, two of which were nearly empty, and the remainder have had more or less of their contents- drawn out. These barrels it appears were first placed in an open storehouse, where they were probably opened by persons unknown, and were afterwards, for better keeping, turned over to Mr. Howard, who says he did not become responsible for them. The whiskey was of a very inferior quality. The board having no further business, adjourned. WM. F. SMITH, Lieut. Topographical Engineers . A. E. BURNSIDE, Lieut . 3 d Artillery , Quartermaster and Commissary U. S. B. C- No. 79. Contract for Transportation of Provisions, See „ Articles of Agreement entered into this day , between the United States and Mexican Boundary Commission , by their Commissary , George F. Bart- lett, and Juan Maria Ponce de Leon, of El Paso del Norte . Whereas the said George F. Bartlett, commissary as aforesaid, is about to transport from Indianola, on the Gulf of Mexico, or horn San Antonio, such articles of merchandise, provisions, liquors, arms, am- munition, baggage, and whatever may be the property of the commis- sion, or the commissary, to El Paso del Norte, and to such other places this side of, or at the Copper Mines, as may be required for the several parties interested ; and whereas the said Juan Maria Ponce de Leon is desirous of receiving and transporting the said property to its said destination : Now, therefore, it is mutually agreed upon, and the said United States and Mexican boundary commission, by their commissary, George F. Bartlett, of the first part, enter into contract with the said Juan Maria Ponce de Leon, of the second part, to the following effect, viz : The said party of the first part agrees to furnish the said arms, am- munition, merchandise, & c., &c., at Indianola or at San Antonio, in good merchantable condition, to be transported to El Paso del Norte,, or be}’ond, as above expressed, at as early a date as possible, to the extent of or near forty thousand pounds or more ; and the said party of the second part agrees and binds himself to receive and transport the said arms, &c., in wagons to be drawn by mules, to El Paso del S. Doc. 121. 137 Norte, or beyond, as above expressed, and to deliver the same in like good order and condition, unavoidable accidents of the road only ex- cepted ; and the said party of the second part is to receive from the said party of the first part at the rate of fourteen cents per pound from Indianola to El Paso del Norte. But, in case the said goods, or any portion of them, shall have reached San Antonio or be on their way from the coast when the teams of the said Ponce de Leon arrive at that place, then the said Ponce de Leon is to receive only thirteen cents per pound ; and for such articles as he may receive at the Leona station he is to receive only twelve and a half cents per pound. It is further agreed by the said party of the first part, that in case he deems it necessary to transport by contract the stores, &c., men- tioned above, or any part thereof, to the Copper Mines, he will pay the said party of the second part six cents per pound from El Paso to the Copper Mines for said transportation. It is further agreed, that the said party of the first part shall not be liable for demurrage, in case the articles above mentioned shall not be at Indianola on the arrival of the train at that place. The said party of the second part also further agrees and binds himself to return to Indianola in the month of August next, and trans- port from thence to El Paso additional supplies for the boundary com- mission, which the said party of the first part agrees and binds him- self to furnish on the same terms and at the same rate as above men- tioned, viz: fourteen cents per pound to the extent of fifty thousand pounds, or thereabouts. In payment of the transportation mentioned in this contract, the said party of the second part is to receive one-third in cash, if required by him, and the remainder to be paid on delivery in a draft drawn by the commissioner on the treasury of the United States. Sealed, signed, and delivered at El Paso del Norte, this seventh day of February, one thousand ei«ht hundred and fifty-one. GEORGE F. BARTLETT. [seal.] J. MARIA PONCE DE LEON, [seal.] Witness : Charles Phillips, W. F. Smith. No. 80. [Circular.] Frontera, June 29, 1S-51. The members of the scientific corps of the United States boundary commission who have in their possession instruments or apparatus of any kind belonging to the commission, or notes, records, plots, or maps of work accomplished, will please make out and submit to the head of the scientific corps full returns of the same, to embrace the quarter that will end on the 30th instant. The condition of the instruments or apparatus will be particularly stated in the remarks opposite to each item. J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col ., Head of the Scientife Corps , U. S. B. C. 138 S. Doc. 121. No. 81. [Orders.] Frontera, June 29, 1851. The work on the part of the United States boundary commission, under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, will be suspended on the line until it can be inspected by the head of the scientific corps, appointed by the President of the United States on the part of the said commis- sion, who will proceed to perform that duty at the earliest practica- ble day. Lieutenant Whipple, United States topographical engineers, will give instructions accordingly to the party under his direction. J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col ., Head of Scientific Corps U. S. B. C. [Sent to Lieutenant Whipple, Cool Spring, N. M.] No. 82. Frontera, Texas, July 1, 1851. Lieutenants O. H. Tillinghast and A. E. Burnside, United States army, who have been detailed as quartermasters and commissaries in chief of the United States commission of boundary, under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, are authorized to receive from Don Juan Maria Ponce de Leon, or his authorized agent, all articles of merchandise, provisions, arms, ammunition, baggage, and other property marked as belonging to the United States boundary commission, or transported as such under the contract with the commissary of said commission dated February 7, 1851, and to settle for same according to said contract. J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col ., Head of Scientific Corps U. S. B. C. No. 83. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham. Headquarters U. S. and M. B. C., Santa, Rita ( Copper Mines,) New Mexico, Jidy 1 , 1851. Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th ultimo (written in pencil,*) announcing your arrival at Frontera, with the instruments for running and marking the bound- *The sending of this letter in pencil was an inadvertent mistake of my cferk, who very hastily made a copy in pencil, in order to transfer it to my letter-book, so as not to detain the express. Unfortunately, without being aware of it, he enclosed the pencil copy to the com- missioner, instead of the original So soon as 1 discovered the mistake I made a suitable explanation and apology to Mr. Bartlett, as I was incapable of treating him, intentionally, with any slight in the manner of addressing him. J. D. GRA.HAM. S. Doc. 121. 139 ary line under the treaty with Mexico, and that, having heard at El Paso that I was expected there in a few days, you would await my arrival. In reply, I have to state that I have had no idea of visiting El Paso at present, and that no one was authorized to make such a statement. Furthermore, the settlement of my quarterly and yearty accounts to the 30th of June, the accumulation of business during my late absence of a month, and the replies to numerous letters and despatches, just received by Mr. Sanford, all of which require my immediate attention, will render it absolutely impossible for me to leave here at this time to meet you at Frontera, to re-organize the scientific corps of the boundary commission. I shall be glad, therefore, if you will meet me at this place, which is in the centre of our present operations, when I will unite with you in carrying out the instructions of the Department of the Interior. I remain, very truly, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Chief Astronomer and Head of the Scientific Corps U. S. Boundary Commission , Frontera , Texas . N. B. — This letter was not sent to me by express, but was sent by a wagon train which came down from the Copper Mines of Santa Rita to Frontera for provisions, under charge of Mr. Myer, the late quarter- master, who handed it to me a little before sunset on the Sth of July, 1851, after Lieutenant Whipple had joined me at the latter place. J. D. GRAHAM. No. 84. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Frontera, July 10, 1851. Dear Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 1st instant, which was handed to me on the evening of the 8th, by Mr. Myer. Understanding from you that the impression which seemed to pre- vail at El Paso when I arrived there, that you contemplated an early visit to that place, was erroneous, I have the honor to acquaint you that I shall proceed, in a few days from this time, to join you at the Copper Mines, where I shall very cheerfully unite with you in the labors which will devolve upon us, under the instructions of the De- partment of the Interior. I have the honor to be, very truly, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col.) Head of the Scientific Corps. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner , fyc . , Sfc., §c.. Copper Mines . 140 S. Doc. 121. No. 85. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett . Froxtera, July 13, 1851. Dear Sir: I beg leave to introduce to you Lieutenant A. E. Burn- side, of the 3d regiment of United States artillery, one of the officers recently detailed, by order of the President, to perform the duty of quartermaster and commissary to the United States commission of boundary, under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Lieutenant Burn- side is an officer of great merit, and I feel assured you will be pleased to have him at your station. He has been instructed to take charge of the commissary’s stores delivered to Mr. Myer here for transport- ation to the Copper Mines, and to superintend their issue. In addi- tion to the stores called for by vour letter of the 30th ultimo, to Mr. Myer, we have procured here, and sent forward with his train, five thousand pounds of flour. There was neither flour nor hard bread among the stores delivered by Mr. W. T. Smith, agent for Ponce de Leon. I was in hopes I could have been accommodated with two wagons and teams from Mr. Myer’s train, but it was necessary to load them all in order to send forward the provisions. I shall, however, obtain the necessary transportation the best way I can, and proceed to join you in the shortest time practicable. I will bring with me the drawings, &c., executed by Mr. Vaudricourt, which you desired to be sent up by Mr. Murphy. In order to inform myself upon every proper point (as far as was in my power, at least, while in this vicinity) preparatory to the reorganization of the scientific corps, I have been obliged to call on all its members here, to present their works for my inspection ; and, since I learned you did not design visiting El Paso, I have found it necessary to give even more time to this object prepar- atory to joining you. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J, D. GRAHAM, Lieutenant Colonel , fyc., fyc. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner , Copper Mines , N. M. No. 86. Colonel Graham to Lieutenant Burnside. Frontera, six miles above El Paso, July 13, 1851. Sir : You will please proceed to the Copper Mines, and on the ar- rival there of the subsistence stores which were delivered on the 12th inst. to James Myer, esq., for transportation thither, you will please take charge of them and have them stored in such place as shall be provided by direction of the United States commissioner for that pur- pose. They will then, until further orders, be issued, under your di- S. Doc. 121. 141 rectioft, to the members of the U nited States boundary commission stationed there and in that vicinity, upon provision returns, setting forth the number and names of the persons for whom they are required, duly approved by the United States commissioner, or myself after my arrival there. Until further orders one army ration per day will be allowed to each individual entitled to subsistence from the stores of the commission. Whenever fresh meat can be got, from one-fourth to one-third of the meat portion of the ration will consist of salt pork or bacon, and the balance will be fresh. Any requisition which the commissioner may make for his own subsistence will be honored. Mr. G. S. Peirce, assistant on the United States boundary survey, not being at present necessarily occupied by other duties, is author- ized to proceed with you and act as your assistant for the present. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . Col., Head of the Scientific Corps , $fc., §c. Lieut. A. E. Burnside, 3 d U. S. Artillery , Q. M. and Commissary U. S. B. C., Frontera Texas . No. 87. Frontera, Texas, July 18, 1851. Sir: Understanding that the last train from San Antonio brought up several boxes of boots and shoes, bought at government expense for the use of the members of the United States boundary commission, and we being in extreme want of such articles, would beg that you would allow the United States boundary commission commissary to issue them to us. M. SEATON, M. VON H1PPEL, GEO. G. GARNER, JOHN H. CLARK, JOHN LAWSON, THEO. F. MOSS, JAMES P. ESPY, Jr. Col. J. D. Graham, Head of the Scientific Corps , Sfc. No. 88. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham* Headquarters of th? Boundary Commission, Santa Rita del Cohre , July 23, 1851. Sir: General Conde, the Mexican commissioner, has removed his encampment to the Bouro [Burro] mountains, some sixty miles* distant from here. On his way thither, July 19, he called upon me. This 142 S. Doc. 121. offering the last opportunity, for some time to come, for an interview, it was embraced to hold a meeting of the joint commission. At this meeting it was agreed that the commissioners and surveyors, with the necessary assistants, should proceed forthwith to the Gila, and trace it, from the point where the western boundary line of New Mex- ico intersects it, to its junction with the Colorado. Mr. Gray and myself are now engaged in making the necessary preliminary arrangements preparatory to starting. As the favorable season is now rapidly passing away, it is important to be in the field with as little additional delay as possible, otherwise our progress will be materially impeded, if not, indeed, absolutely arrested, by the setting in of violent rains, which usually prevail in this region the latter part of the season. I am desirous of having your advice in reference to the astronomical party which it may be thought best should accompany us. You will, therefore, oblige me by proceeding to this place at the earliest practi- cable moment, bringing with you such instruments as in your opinion should be taken w r ith us on such a trip as is proposed. Mr. M. Seaton, now at Frontera, has been selected as one of my proposed party, and I will thank you to direct him to report himself to me at once. You will also greatly oblige me by furnishing for use, on this occa- sion, ten or twelve of the panniers which were brought out by you for commission purposes. Hoping to see you very shortly, I remain, sir, respectfully vours, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Chief Astronomer , fyc., U. S. B. 0., Frontera , Texas, No. 89. Lieutenant Tillinghast to Col. Graham . Frontera, August 1 , 1851. Colonel: I am sorry to inform you that the Apaches have made a descent upon the few refuse mules I had, and run them off. They, at the same time, took about twenty from Mr. White. Mine were with Mr. White’s muleteer, and in charge of his Mexican herders. Messrs. Lawson, Chandler, and myself followed them twenty miles, and were compelled to give up the chase. I send you by Mr. Barry all the arti- cles you asked for. Mr. Lawson will tell you the news, &c. Very respectfully, yours, O. H. TILLINGHAST, Quartermaster and Commissary , B. C. Col. James D. Graham, Head Scientific Corps, fyc., Copper Mines , N. M. S. Doc. 121. 143 No. 90. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Camp at the Copper Mines, August 2, 1851. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 23d ultimo, which was handed to me by Mr. Barry, whom I met on my way to this place, on the 27th. With regard to the instruments for the survey of the river Gila, I have to state that I brought with me for that object a sufficient supply to equip a full surveying party and a reconnoitring party. Availing myself of the wagon which was sent down from this place in charge of Mr. Barry for that purpose, I sent Mr. Lawson back to Frontera to bring up an additional supply, which, with those already here, will be ample for the survey of the river Gila. While at Frontera, I occupied myself in looking carefully into the state of the work so far as it has hitherto progressed. From the note- books and drawings deposited there, together with the explanations of Lieut. Whipple, I have been able to obtain information which will tend greatly to expedite the future progress of the survey, in the active pros- ecution of which I am ready to co-operate with you at the earliest moment. I shall be ready at any hour you may name to enter with you upon the duty of reorganizing the scientific corps, of organizing parties, &c. As a preparatory step 1 have to request that the instructions of the Department of the Interior of the 23d of October last, defining my position and duties, may be officially made known to the coips. I have the honor to be, sir, verv respectfully, }'Our obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Principal Astr. and Head of the Scientific Corps . J. R. Bartlett, Esq., V . S. Commissioner , fyc., &fc., fyc. No. 91. Colonel Graham to Lieutenant Whipple . Camp at the Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 4, 185 L Sir: You will please give instructions to the members of the scien- tific corps of the United States boundary commission, now at this place, to turn over to you, this morning, all the instruments belonging to the commission in their possession. We will then proceed to inspect them, in order that such as may be found in fit condition for service may be made available for that purpose in the distribution which will be made to the parties now being organized for the field. 144 S. Doc. 121. The barometers and other meteorological instruments need not be dismounted, but will be inspected as they are now mounted for obser- vation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Pr . Astr. and Head of Scientific Corps U. S. B. C. Lieut. A. W. Whipple, U. S. Top. Eng's, Sfc., U. S. B. C. No. 92. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham . Headquarters of the Boundary Commission, Santa Rita del Cohre, August 4, 1851. Sir: Your letter of the 2d instant, advising me that you “shall be ready at any hour” I may name “to enter upon the duty of reorganiz- ing the scientific corps, of organizing parties,” &c., has been duly re- ceived. I have long been anxious for a reorganization, and also for a diminu- tion of the scientific corps, believing that thereby greater efficiency and economy will be attained. On these subjects, I made known my views to the Department of the Interior some time since, and have rea- son to believe they were approved, inasmuch as I have been enjoined “to reorganize the commission at once, and curtail the force employed to the lowest possible limit consistent with a proper discharge of the business fx ret ci connected with the mpmd' As I am anxious that this business should be attended to with as little additional delay as possible, I would propose eleven o’clock this morning for you to meet me at my house, “to aid me in organizing parties and giving the necessary directions to subor- dinates.” Immediately upon the reorganization being completed, I will take the necessary steps to make known to the heads of the several parties “the instructions of the Department of the Interior of the 23d October last,” and through them cause your true position, &c., to be communi- cated to all under them. Your most obedient servant, J. R. BARTLETT, Commissioner. Lieut. Coh J. D. Graham, Chief Astronomer , fyc., fyc., <$£. S. Doc. 12 J. No. 93. 145 Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Camp at the Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 4, 1851. Sir: I have just received your letter of this morning, and will with great pleasure meet you at the hour proposed by you, at the office of the boundary commission, for the transaction of the business committed to us. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieutenant Colonel , t Jfc*., 8fc., fyc. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S . Commissioner , Sfc., Sfc., fyc. No. 94. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, New Mexico , August 6 , 1851. Sir: I have to request that you will, as soon as convenient, give me, in writing, your reasons for refusing, as you did, at your office this morning, in presence of nearly all the members of the scientific corps, whom you had assembled there to meet me, to receive and recognise me in the capacity of principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps on the part of the United States, to assist you in running, tracing, and marking the line of boundary between the United States and Mexico, under the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, a position to which you were instructed by the Department of the Inte- rior, under date of October 23, 1850, I was appointed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Brin . Astr. and Head of the Scientific Corps. J. R. Bartlett, U. S. Commissioner , fyc., fyc. No. 95. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham . Headquarters U. S. Boundary Commission, Santa Rita del Cohre , August G, 1851. Sir: In consequence of the misunderstanding between us as to the interpretation of my instructions from the Department of the Interior, 146 S. Doc. 121 Washington, bearing date of October 23, 1850, you will oblige me by furnishing me with copies of any other instructions or credentials which you possess relating to your appointment in the commission. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Prin. Astr., 8fc., 8fc., 8ft'., Santa Rita del Cobre, No. 9G. Colonel Graham to Mr, Bartlett, Copper Mines, August 6, 1851. Sir: I have just received your note of to-day, and in reply have to state that I have no “credentials” of my appointment as principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps on the part of the United States in the boundary commission, other than an official copy of the instructions of the Department of the Interior, addressed to you under date of October 23d last, and the letter of the department enclosing them to me, of the same date, which I read to you in your office yes- terday, which letter charges me with the duty of superintending the equipment of the astronomical and surveying apparatus for the fine, and informs me officially that both you and myself are to be governed by the said instructions to you of October 23, a copy of which letter .to me I herewith enclose. The fact is, no additional credentials are necessary. My position and .duties are as fully defined in those instructions, and as clearly, as they possibly could be, and I feel assured that no little surprise will be .created in the minds of the President and Secretary of the Interior .that you should entertain any doubts whatever in regard to the matter. However, I await very respectfully the reasons, in writing, which you promised me this morning. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Prin. Astr. and Head of the Scientific Corps . J. R. Bartlett, Esq., V . S. Commissioner, fyc., 8fc., fyc., Present. No. 97. Colonel Graham to Lieutenant Tillinghast . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 6, 1851. Sir : Except the issues to the members of the scientific corps, and tthe men employed and now stationed at Frontera, you will please make S. Doc. 121. 147 no issues of provisions or property, unless on requisitions communicated through me, with my approval attached thereto. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . Col., Head of Scientific Corps , fyc., fyc., U. S. Boundary Commission . Lieut. O. H. Tillinghast, Quartermaster and Commissary , U. S. B. C ., Fr outer a. No. 98. Mr. John Bull to Lieutenant Whipple . Santa Rita del Cobre, August 6, 1851. Sir: Your “circular” note of the 5th instant, relative to instruments, came duly to hand. 1 take this opportunity to state that, recently, our official relations have essentially changed; that I have been instructed by the commis- sioner to report to A. B. Gray, esq., chief surveyor of the United States boundary commission, under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and that I have accordingly done so. Under existing circumstances, I have thought proper to withhold an answer to your note, until I might have an opportunity of consulting with Mr. Bartlett upon the disposition of the instruments in my charge, and for which I had given receipts, and now, in conformity with direc- tions from him , I most cheerfully turn them over to you. The following list comprises all the instruments received from you, excepting one plumb-line, which was lost: One azimuth compass, by Lewart, with tripod, &c.; one azimuth compass, by Gambey, with tri- pod, &c. ; one prismatic compass, with staff; one reconnoitring and protracting instrument, after the plan of Sir Howard Douglas; one lev- elling-rod (broken by accident;) one 100-feet chain and nine pins; two 50-feet tape-lines ; one ivory protractor and scale ; one right-line draw- ing pen. You will please send me, by the bearer, a receipt for the above enu- merated instruments. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN BULL, First Assistant Surveyor , U. S. B. C . Lieut. A. W. Whipple, Topographical Engineers , U. S. A., Sfc., fyc., t$t\, Camp at Santa Rita del Cobre , Present . 148 S. Doc. 121. No. 99. Colonel Graham's plan for conducting the joint survey and demarcation of the boundary , under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 6, 1851. Sir: With a view to expedite the survey and demarcation of the boundary between the United States and Mexico, and to bring the whole work to as early a termination as shall be consistent with a proper regard to accuracy, I beg leave to submit to you, for the con- sideration of the joint commission of the two governments, the follow- ing plan of operations to be entered into immediately, viz : That the line between the mouth of the Rio Grande and the mouth of the river Gila shall be divided into two divisions, to be called the eastern and western divisions ; the eastern division to extend from the highest point of boundary on the Rio Grande to the mouth of that river, and thence three leagues from land, opposite to said mouth, into the Gulf of Mexico, in accordance with the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The western division to extend from the aforesaid highest point of boundary on the Rio Grande across the country until the line inter- sects the first branch of the river Gila, as provided in the treaty, and thence down the said branch and river to its mouth. That each division shall be subdivided into two portions, to be called subdivision 1st, and subdivision 2d, as follows, viz : FOR THE EASTERN DIVISION. Subdivision 1st. — To consist of that portion included between the aforesaid highest point on the Rio Grande, thence down that river to the mouth of the river Pecos, or Puerco. Subdivision 2d. — To extend from the mouth of the said river Pecos, or Puerco, down the Rio Grande to its mouth, and thence three leagues from land, opposite the said mouth, into the Gulf of Mexico, as before mentioned, and in accordance with the treaty. The distance of three leagues to be accurately sounded to a width necessary to show upon the map the best channel for the entrance of the vessels of the two republics into the river. FOR THE WESTERN DIVISION. Siibdivision 1st. — To consist of the line across the country from the Rio Grande to the first branch of the river Gila, as described in the treaty. Subdivision 2d. — To extend from the aforesaid point on the first branch of the river Gila, down that branch and river to its mouth, in accordance with the treaty. It is considered that the surveys down the Rio Grande and the Gila need not be attended with a triangulation. Although the most accurate, this is, at the same time, an expensive S. Doc 121. 149 and slow mode of proceeding, and is not necessary to the satisfactory accomplishment of the object committed to the joint commission. It will be sufficient if the shores of these streams are laid down by simple traverse work with small, light theodolites, or surveyor’s compasses, and the measurements made with the chain. The run of the work to be corrected by determinations of latitude and longitude from astronomical observations at suitable points; these points to be connected in longitude by observing signals made by flashes of gunpowder, &c., compared with the local time, provided it is found practicable without retarding the progress of the surveys. The two .shores of these two rivers respectively to be connected in relative position by offsets measured or observed across as often as may be necessary, to lay them down of correct width upon the maps. The course of the deepest channel of the Rio Grande, where it has more than one, to be determined by such soundings as may be necessary to .satisfy the surveyors on both sides who may be charged with the operations. THE MARKING OF THE LINE. The fifth article of the treaty requires that the boundary line shall be designated by landmarks established upon the ground, which shall show the limits of both republics, as described in the said article. The only portions of the line included between the mouth of the Rio Grande and the mouth of the Gila, which will require thus to be marked, are the islands in the Rio Grande, which are said to be but few in number, and the line across the country, between the waters of the said rivers. Various modes have been resorted to by nations for marking their con- terminous limits on land. Sometimes mounds of earth or of stones, piled up six or seven feet high, have been adopted; sometimes posts of timber, charred to preserve them from decay, have been inserted in the ground lor this purpose. On Mason and Dixon’s line, run to divide the provinces of Maryland and Pennsylvania, which was completed in the year 1768, posts of stone, with appropriate inscriptions on the sides facing the respective territories, were resorted to. On the north- eastern boundary of the United States, run and marked in the years 1843, ’44, and ’45, posts of cast-iron, with suitable inscriptions formed in the casting, were used with great economy, and their durability gives them a decided preference over all others, provided they can be oast within such distance of the line as to confine the expense of trans- portation within reasonable limits. This may be found practicable. If so, I would recommend their being adopted. Those for the islands in the Rio Grande should have brief inscriptions indicating the repub- lic to whose jurisdiction they may respectively belong. As principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps on the part of the United States, I am prepared with instruments and means suffi- cient to set immediately into active operation the surveys of both sec- tions of the western division, and of the first section of the eastern division, and I request that the commission on the part of Mexico may 150 S. Doc. 121. be invited to co-operate with us in pushing the work forward upon this plan without delay. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col., Principal Astronomer and Head of the Scientific Corps on the part of the United States . J. R. Bartlett, £sq., U. S. Commissioner. No. 100. Mr. Gray to Colonel Graham. Encampment, Santa Rita del Cobre, August 7, 1851. My Dear Sir : I have been instructed by the commissioner, Miv Bartlett, to prepare and submit to him a programme of the entire force, together with instruments, subsistence, &c., which will be required on my part, to aid in running, tracing, and marking that portion of the boundary line between the United States and Mexico which runs along the Gila river, agreeable to the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, and in conformity with the decision of the joint commission. 1 am instructed by the commissioner to understand that he refers alone to the linear survey, and not to any astronomical duties which may have to be performed. I have prepared the programme in com- pliance with his orders, therefore, and in accordance with my instruc- tions from the department of October 23, 1S50 ; but my wish is now to aid and assist you in your astronomical and scientific duties, to con- sult and co-operate with you upon all points, as I have heretofore stated and desired; knowing that you wall not expect me, in any such co-operation, to swerve from the spirit and text of my commission, based as it is upon the sacred obligations of a treaty, and bearing the signature of the President and seal of the Department of State. Let not a mere difference of interpretation in the meaning of instruc- tions from the department to the commissioner, prevent us from a harmonious co-operation. Let it not interfere with the public interest, particularly at so critical and delicate a period in which the commis- sions of both nations are now placed towards each other. It is a moment when the solemn obligations which we are under to our country requires all our united energies to sustain her just rights, and in carrying out fully the stipulations of the treaty. Before presenting to the commissioner this programme, in compliance with his order, appoint any hour that may be convenient to you, and I wall call at your camp and consult with you, and endeavor to agree upon a co-operation which shall be perfectly satisfactory to us both. I am sure every effort will be directed on your part, as well as on mine, to further the progress of this work by complying with the decisions of the joint commission. It is necessary for the preservation of that S Doc. 121. 151 peace and harmony, and concert of action, which alone can enable us to meet the high expectations of our government. With high esteem and consideration, very faithfully and truly, I re- main yours, &c., &c., A. B. GRAY. Col. J. D. Graham, U. S. A ., Principal Astronomer , Sfc., Sfc. No. 101. Colonel Graham to Mr. Gray . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 7, 1851. My Dear Sir: I have just had the honor to receive your letter of this date by the hands of Mr. Prioleau. I regret to be obliged to say that I cannot answer the official parts of it until I shall have received from Mr. Bartlett, United States commissioner, the reasons in writing, which he assured me he would give me, for having refused, yesterday morning, in the presence of nearly all the scientific corps, to acknowl- edge the authority of the President of the United States, contained in the instructions to him of October 23d last, which he undertook to de- clare to be in violation of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. I am now awaiting those reasons and the acknowledgment, by the commis- sioner, of the President’s authority in the case, and of the position he has been pleased to assign to me. In the mean time it will give me great pleasure to see you at my quarters, and to continue to cultivate that friendship and regard which have so long subsisted between us. So far from my being capable of wishing to see you swerve from any of the duties or obligations of the high post of trust which the President and Senate have conferred upon you in this commission, I am, and always have been, ready to acknowledge and respect it. I conceive that it in nowise clashes with that to which the President has been pleased to assign me, as principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps, and which it is my duty to maintain. In regard to the delay which has grown out of this state of affairs, in pushing forward the work, the responsibility must rest where it is due. I have not only procured, or superintended, the making of all the instruments and apparatus which are to give life and action to the sci- entific corps in the field, but I have watchfully superintended their trans- portation from our northern cities to this place. I have made every possible effort in my power to prevent delays, and my great anxiety is to see the work advanced, at the same time that I claim to have the authority of the President respected in regard to my position. It will give me great pleasure, my dear, sir, to see you, and to unite with you in bringing this matter to that issue which shall rightfully promote the progress of the work. I remain, with great regard, yours, very truly, A. B. Gray, Esq., Sfc., Sfc., Sfc., Present. J. D. GRAHAM. 152 S. Doc. 121. No. 102. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham . Headquarters U. S. Boundary Commission, Santa llita del Cobre , August 7, 1851# Sir: In your letter of yesterday you say, “I have to request that you will, as soon as convenient, give me in writing your reasons for refusing, as you did, at your office this morning, in presence of nearly all the members of the scientific corps whom you had assembled there to meet me, to receive and recognise me in the capacity of principal astrono- mer and head of the scientific corps, on the part of the United States, to assist you in running, tracing, and marking the line of boundary be- tween the United States and Mexico, under the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo — a position to which you were instructed by the Department of the Interior, under date of October 23, 1850, I was appointed.” In reply I will state, that the gentlemen were assembled on this occasion by your particular request to me on the day previous. In your letter to me of the 2d instant, you “ request that the instruc- tions of the Department of the Interior of the 23d of October last, de- fining my [your] position, may be officially made known to the corps.” In reply, on the 4th instant, I stated that, “ immediately on the reorgani- zation being completed, I would take the necessary steps to make known to the heads of the several parties the instructions of the De- partment of the Interior of the 23d October last, and, through them, cause your true position to be communicated to all under them.” My object in deferring this announcement was, as stated to you at one of our interviews, that the reorganization to be made by us might be first completed, as a considerable diminution was to be made in the commission by order of the department. At the second interview we discussed more plainly the position you were appointed to fill as “principal astronomer and head of the scien- tific corps,” in which there was a great diversity of opinion with regard to what is meant by “scientific corps.” In fact, there was a direct conflict in our views. Hence was more clearly seen the propriety of my deferring the announcement of your position until this was amicably settled. At your departure from my office you requested an introduc- tion to the members as a favor. I assented, and proposed that this in- troduction should take place the following morning at 10 o’clock. The members of the commission, including those attached to the astronomi- cal and surveying parties, clerks, and other officers, assembled accord- ingly, and were separately introduced by me to you as Colonel Graha m. After an hour spent in familiar conversation, I announced to the party that my object in inviting them to my quarters was, that they might be personally and officially introduced to Lieutenant Colonel Graham, of the topographical engineers, who had been detailed as principal as- tronomer, &c., to assist me in running, tracing, and marking the line of boundary between the United States and Mexico, under the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.” With your position as “ head of the scientific corps” so imperfectly understood by us, I deemed it improper to announce you in that capacity, S. Doc. 121. 153 as it would at once lead to interminable difficulties and contentions ; for, according to your interpretation of the term, you would at once take under your control every officer and assistant in the commission — from Mr. Gray, the United States surveyor, downwards — connected with the astronomical and surveying parties. After the introduction referred to, you requested me verbally to read my instructions of the 23d of October last, from the Department of the Interior, defining more fully your position. In reply I stated that, after mature reflection, I had decided not to read these instructions, announcing your position as- “ head of the scientific corps,” as we differed so essentially in the in- terpretation of these words ; and that it was not a proper subject for public discussion. You still urged it, and, for the reasons stated, I as strenuously declined, deeming it undignified and improper. These are my reasons for not acknowledging you as “head of the scientific corps” on the occasion referred to. I cannot but express my surprise that a gentleman so well acquaint- ed with the proper course to be pursued in such cases should, for a moment, entertain the opinion that the “members of the scientific corps” were, or would be, by me assembled for the purpose by you above specified, having at the time in your possession my letter of the 4th instant, already referred to, wherein I decline doing anything of the kind until certain preliminaries are arranged. I am now preparing, as promised, a written opinion as to my inter- pretation of the instructions referred to, which shall be transmitted to you immediately. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Principal Astronomer , <5*c., fyc. No. 103. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Copper Mixes of Santa Rita, An gust 8, 1851. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday at a late hour of the afternoon. I await the written opinion, which you inform me will be transmitted to me immediately. When it is received, I will reply to both in one communication. In the mean time, to prevent further loss of time, I beg to submit to you the accompanying general plan for field operations,* which I had prepared, to hand to you on the 6th instant, but which was not presented, in consequence of the occurrence at your office that day. I am ready to assist you in carrying out this plan, under the instructions of the Depart- ment of the Interior of October 23d last, in the capacity therein assigned See No. 99 of this Appendix. 154 S. Doc. 121. me, should it meet the approval of the joint commission of both govern- ments. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . Col ., Principal Astr. and Head of Scientific Corps , on the part of the United States, J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner , fyc., fyc., Present . No. 104. Mr. Bartlett to Lieutenant Burnside . Santa Rita del Cobre, August 8, 1851. Sir: I have to request that subsistence be furnished to H. C. Pratt, draughtsman, and his son, John Pratt, both of whom are members of the boundary commission. For the appointment of these gentlemen I hold myself responsible. Yours, respectfully, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner. Lieut. Burxside, Quartermaster and Commissary , U. S. B. C. No. 105. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 8, 1851. Sir: Lieutenant Burnside, quartermaster and commissary to the boundary commission, has shown me your requisition on him for provis- ions for Mr. H. C. Pratt, draughtsman, and his son, Mr. John Pratt, who you state are members of the boundary commission. These gentlemen arrived here yesterday, and having not been ad- mitted members of the scientific corps, I trust you will, on reflection, see that I could not authorize the issue of provisions to them from the bound- ary stores, under the responsibilities imposed upon me by the Depart- ment of the Interior. The instructions of the department particularly state that the selec- tion of draughtsmen, and other members of the scientific corps, is to be approved by both you and myself, due regard being had to their scien- tific qualifications. Now I understand that Mr. Pratt — a gentleman for whom I have great regard — is an artist, and not a scientific draughts- man. Until I can have an opportunity to satisfy myself and you on this point, as my instructions from the department require, you will see that I could not approve the requisition in their behalf, as members of the scientific corps. S. Doc. 121. 155 In my instructions to Lieutenant Burnside, of July 13th, in regard to the rule which will govern issues, I stated, “any requisition which the commissioner may make for his own subsistence will be honored.” As your guests, these gentlemen can easily be provided for until their cases are disposed of, as those of Mr. Clark and Mr. Wright are, who are considered as my guests and are provided for at my expense, until regularly admitted. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col ., Prin. Astr. and Head of Scientific Corps. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S . Commissioner , fyc., fyc., fyc. No. 106. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham. Headquarters U. S. Boundary Commission, Santa Rita del Cobre , August 8, 1S5 1. Sir : The Secretary of the Interior, under date of October 23, 1850, informs me that you had “ been detailed as principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps, on the part of the United States, to assist you [me] in running, tracing, and marking the line of boundary between the United States and Mexico, under the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,” and that }mu “ will be received and recognised in that capacity.” I am willing to receive you as directed by the Hon. Secretary of the Interior ; but as there seems to be a very broad difference of opin- ion between you and myself as to the meaning of the words “head of the scientific corps,” it is my duty to explain them as I understand them. I think the misunderstanding arises, in a great measure, from the unquestionably accidental omission of the word “ topographical,” which preceded the term “ scientific corps” in the instructions given to your predecessors. After examining the instructions of my predecessors, wherein the duties of chief astronomer, &c., are defined, it is my opinion that the duties of this officer are, to “determine all astronomical points, and to direct the mode of running all astronomical lines ;” also, as head of the topographical scientific corps, to take the immediate charge of, and to give written and verbal instructions to, all parties of that corps on duty in the field aiding the United States surveyor or his party, and to parties stationed at astronomical observatories or elsewhere, the great object had in view, and steadily kept in view, being, “to assist ” me in running, tracing, and marking the line of boundary. My instructions of October 23, 1S50, also state, “ he [Colonel Gra- ham] will meet with the joint commission of the two governments, and will aid you [me] in digesting and arranging (in concurrence wiih the Mexican commissioner and his associates) the plan of operations in the field, (taking care to observe the terms of the treaty,) and in organi- zing parties and in giving the necessary directions to subordinates.” The first clause, stating that “you will meet with the joint cominis- 156 S. Doc. 121. sion of the two governments,” is in direct violation with the terms of the fifth article of the treaty, which acknowledges but two officers, viz : “ a commissioner and a surveyor.” Furthermore, General Conde, the Mexican commissioner, has stated, at the meetings of the joint com- mission, that he could not, and would not, acknowledge the claim of any person to take a seat at the board save those authorized in the article referred to. The claim so strongly urged and reiterated by you at our interviews, to a seat there, cannot, therefore, be acknowl- edged. With regard to your aid in “ digesting and arranging the plan of operations in the field, and in organizing parties and in giving the necessary instructions to subordinates,” I shall most gladly avail my- self of it, and am willing to consult you in all the plans, organizations, and directions which appertain to your position as “principal astrono- mer and head of the scientific corps,” as I understand and have ex- plained the duties of that office. But, in devising plans and making organizations, I cannot interfere with the prerogative of Andrew B. Gray, esq., appointed by the Presi- dent surveyor, under the fifth article of the treaty. Mr. Gray is com- missioned and instructed in terms which cannot be misunderstood, and his duties under the treaty are so explicit that they cannot be mis- interpreted : consequently the claim so strenuously advanced by you, at our two late interviews, that in case Mr. Gray entered the field in the performance of his duties as surveyor, he must receive his instructions from and report to you , I cannot for a moment recognise. I have been honored by the President with the appointment of commissioner, under the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ; I have been duly commissioned and sworn to carry oat the solemn stipulations of that article ; I have received my instructions (a copy of which you possess) in reference to them, and these, as in duty hound , I shall obey . It is recommended to me “ that such a reorganization of the scientific corps, on our side, should take place as soon as practicable,” “as will tend to promote the progress of the important work before” me “ and bring it to as early a completion as practicable.” In this work, $s ad- vised, I shall be most happy to receive your co-operation. “ It is recommended that the scientific corps, on our side, be placed under the immediate direction of Lieutenant Colonel Graham, to re- ceive from him such written and verbal instructions as he may deem necessary to a full understanding of the duties to be performed on all parts of the work, and that all reports be made to him,” &c., &c. I heartily approve of this recommendation , confining the instructions and directions to parties whose duties appertain to the topographical and astronomical corps, instead of extending them so as to subject the sur- veyor under the treaty to your orders or control so long as he is exer- cising the authority and discharging the duties incumbent on him by the terms of his commission and the treaty. Whilst I acknowledge the propriety of the subordinates making their reports to you, I would state that I expect these, with whatever per- tains to them, will be transmitted by you to me, as head of the com- mission, and be disposed of in no other manner. I exceedingly regret that there should be any misunderstanding be- S. Doc. 121. 157 tween us as to the interpretation of my instructions and the treaty stip- ulations ; and that increased obstacles should, in consequence, be thrown in the way of prosecuting the important work before me, which has already been delayed so long by circumstances entirely beyond my control. But the solemn treaty between the two governments ; my oath to see the stipulations of the fifth article of that treaty strictly en- forced ; the duty I owe to the United States surveyor — holding office, like myself, under that treaty — whose rights I am bound to protect ; all convince me of the justice of my course, and that the interpretation I have put upon my instructions is right, and should be by me en- forced, and will be by our government sustained. In case it should eventually be found that we cannot agree on the subject at issue, I shall, of course, refer the whole matter to the Secre- tary of the Interior for adjustment, and despatch a messenger for the purpose to Washington. Wishing to treat you with the utmost courtesy, I give this notice, that, if desirable, you may avail yourself of the opportunity to transmit letters, &c. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Principal Astronomer , 4*c., Sfc., §‘c. P. S. — I have deferred sending this letter in order that I might re- ceive a reply from A. B. Gray, esq., to one which I addressed him, inquiring his opinion relative to his powers, rights, and duties, under the treaty and by his commission. His answer confirms me in the position I have above taken relative to the surveyor. J. R. B. No. 107. •* Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 9, 1851. Sir : In order that I may be the better prepared to co-operate with you in the duty of reorganizing the scientific corps of the United States boundary commission so soon as I am recognised by you in the posi- tion assigned me by direction of the President of the United States, I have respectfully to request that you will, as soon as convenient, fur- nish me with a list showing the names, occupation, or station, and the rate of compensation, of the members of the scientific corps, emploves, &c., now attached to the commission. Much time will, I conceive, be saved by your compliance with this request, as it will enable me to compare the present organization with that which I shall have occasion to suggest as sufficient to carry on the field operations upon the plan I had the honor to submit to you yester- 15S S. Doc. 121. day for the consideration of the joint commission of the two govern- ments. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col . , Principal Astronomer and Head of the Scientific Corps on the part of the United States . J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner , fyc., fye., fyc. N. B. — Mr. Bartlett positively refused to give me the information asked for in the above letter, and hence I have been unable to form any idea of the expenses incident to this boundary survey. J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., and Head of the Scientific Corps . No. 10S. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 9, Ip. m., 18*51. Sir : Before I proceed to reply to your communication of the 8th instant, which I received an hour ago, I must request that }mu will furnish me with a copy of Mr. Gray’s letter to you, alluded to in } r our postscript, as you state that his opinions relative to his powers, rights, and duties, confirm you in your position. If my request is acceded to, I will, with your permission, call at your office immediately for the purpose of perusing it in anticipation of the copy, in order to expedite my reply, and thus save time. I await your answer, and remain* very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Principal Astr. and Head of Scientific Corps. J. R, Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner . No. 109. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham » Santa Rita del Cobre, August 9, 1851. Sir : I have yours of this evening, requesting me to furnish you a copy of Mr. Gray’s letter, referred to in mine under date of yesterday. In reply, I have to state that this letter is not now in my possession. Furthermore, as Mr. Gray is in camp at this place, it seems to me that the most proper course for 3 r ou to pursue is to apply to him for a copy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Principal Astronomer , S. Doc. 121. 159 No. 110. Colonel Graham to Mr, Bartlett . Copper Mines, August 9, 1851. Sir : It is with great surprise that I have just perused your note in reply to mine of this evening. I protest that the opinion of Mr. Gray, which was called for by you officially, upon a subject of grave public concern, and which was rendered to you in writing, and con- tained arguments which it would appear exercised a great influence over your mind in causing you to decide upon a course in direct oppo- sition to the instructions of the President, should, and must of right, become a part of the archives of the commission over which you pre- side. I further protest that it is due to me that you cause me to be furnished officially with a copy of that document, in order that I may have an opportunity to refute the arguments it may contain, and thus endeavor to free your mind from their influence. I do, therefore, most respectfully repeat my request, and I hope you will call upon Mr. Gray to render his document to you for your official files, and that you will furnish me with a copy of it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut, Col., Principal Astr. and Head of Scientific Corps. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner . No. 111. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham . U. S. Boundary Commission", Santa Rita del Cobre , August 11, 1851. Sir : In reply to your Verbal request this morning, I enclose the fob lowing extracts from my instructions from the Department of the In- terior, of the 11th March, but for the future must most respectfully de- cline furnishing other official information from my files, or otherwise, until the matter now at issue between us is in some manner disposed of, excepting, of course, documents bearing on the question. After speaking of the appropriation, the Secretary requests me to “ reorganize the commission at once, and curtail the force employed to the lowest possible limit consistent with a proper discharge of the busi- ness connected with the service.” # That “ two officers of the army, to act as quartermaster and commis- sary, will be ordered to report accordingly, and it would seem proper that their reports should be made hereafter to Lieutenant Colonel Gra- ham, the head of the scientific corps, who will be responsible to you.” Again, that a sum of money “ will probably be advanced to Colonel 160 S. Doc. 121. Graham, on his estimates, for the astronomical and surveying branch of the service, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Principal Astronomer , Sfc., Sfc., Sfc. N. B. — There came enclosed in the same envelope which contained the foregoing communication, the following list of names, in the hand- writing of John R. Bartlett, esq., United States commissioner, without any note or communication addressed to me in relation to it. J. D. GRAHAM. No. 112. List of the members of the Boundary Commission, attached to the Surveying and Astronomical Corps, A. B. Gray, United States Surveyor. Mr. Radziminski, Principal Assistant Surveyor. John Bull, 1 st Assistant Surveyor. J. H. Prioleau, do. T. Thompson, 2d Assistant Surveyor. M. T. W. Chandler, Meteorological Recorder. H. C. Force, do. do. J. P. Espy, do. do. Mr. Houston, do. do. James Henning, Computer. J. O’Donoghue, do. H. Campbell, do. P. Crenion, do. M. Von Hippel, Draughtsman. George G. Garner, Assistant. T. W. Jones, do. C. A. Snowden, do. George S. Pierce, do. William White, Jr., do. A. P. Wilbar, do. Raymond Nias, do. C. M. Simms, do. T. W. Tansill, do. F. Wheaton, do. J. A. Phillips, do. James Steele, William Bausman, J. T. Scott, selected l>y Mr. Gray to carry the instruments and chain — Mr. Bausman as clerk. M. Seaton, selected by Mf. Gray to aid in surveying duties. R The preceding is a true copy of a list in the handwriting of John . Bartlett, esq., commissioner. A. W. WHIPPLE, Lieut, U* S, Topographical Engineers » 161 S. Doc. 121. No. 113. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham . Headquarters U. S. Boundary Commission, Santa Rita del Cohre , N. M., August 12, 1851. Sir: Mr. A. B. Gray, United States surveyor, under the treat^of Guadalupe Hidalgo, has sent me a memorandum of surveying instru- ments which he will require for his duties in running, tracing, and marking the boundary line along the Gila, which I have to request may be furnished to him at once. They are as follows: J 2 goniometers, or transit compasses. 2 surveyor’s compasses, with verniers. 4 measuring chains, (2 of 100 feet and 2 of 50 feet.) 4 tape-lines for measuring, (2 of 100 feet and 2 of 50 feet.) 1 standard measure. 2 B untin’s barometers. 2 detached thermometers, (here on hand.) 1 levelling-rod, (here on hand.) 4 plumb- bobs. 4 prismatic compasses. The joint commission having agreed, on the 20th of July last, to sur- vey the Rio Gila to its junction with the Colorado, 1 have to request that you will detail such a party as you may deem proper, to attend to the astronomical duties in this survey, and instruct said party as you may think advisable for the important work to be accomplished. It is necessary that the astronomical party should be at the mouth of the Rio Prieto by the 23d instant, at the furthest, on which day General Conde will be there with the Mexican commission. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner.. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Frinciyal Astronomer , fyc., fyc., fyc. No. 114. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 13, 1S51.. Sir: I have already acknowledged the receipt of your two commu- nications of the 7th and 8th instant, the latter received late on the evening of the 9th ; and I will now proceed most respectfully to reply to them. Your letter of the 7th purports to be a statement^ the facts, involv- ing all the important points as they occurred, up to the time of the- meeting with the scientific corps at your office ; that is to say, the morning of the 6th, when you declined publicly to receive and ac- knowledge me, or to introduce me, as “ head of the scientific corps.” I regret exceedingly to be obliged, injustice to this subject, which is one of public concern, to say that you have not presented it throughout 11 162 S. Doc. 121 according to my views of the occurrences. In saying this, I assure you I intend no personal disrespect. My object is to remind you of some important incidents bearing upon this matter, not touched on in 3 7 our letter of the 7th, and to exonerate myself from the rebuke you have been pleased to undertake to pass upon me in the last paragraph bift one of that letter; in which you say, “ I cannot but express my sur- prise that a gentleman so well acquainted with the proper course to be pursued in such cases should, for a moment, entertain the opinion that the ‘ members of the scientific corps’ were, or would be, by me assem- bled for the purpose by you abov^ specified, having at the time in your possession my letter of the 4th instant, already referred to, wherein I decline doing anything of the kind until certain preliminaries are arranged.” In my letter to you of the 2d instant, I expressed my readiness to enter immediately with you upon the duty assigned us of reorganizing the scientific corps. My letter closed with these#vords : “As a prepara- tory step I have to request that the instructions of the Department of the Interior of the 23d of October last,* defining my position and duties, may be officially made known to the corps.” This letter was written late at night of the 2d, the day of my arrival here, and was not handed to you until the morning of the 3d. It was answered by you on the morning of the 4th, appointing 11 o’clock that morning for our meeting. You conclude that letter by saying, “imme- diately upon the reorganization being completed, I will take the neces- sary steps to make known to the heads of the several parties 4 the in- structions of the Department of the Interior of the 23d October last,’ ; and, through them, cause your true position, &c., to be communicated tto all under them.” I confess, at the time I did not think this was the proper routine of proceeding ; but I was unwilling at the outset to raise points with you in writing upon a matter which seerped to me of no great moment, and which I thought could best be adjusted when we met, should any cir- cumstance attending our conferences arise to make it important. I accordingly answered your note immediately, assenting to the hour proposed, and forthwith repaired to the office of the commission, where our meeting took place. It lasted until about 3 p. m., I think. You appeared that day to be somewhat disposed to construe the instruc- tions of the 23d of October different from what I thought their context plainly, imported in regard to my position. This reminded me of the expression, “your true position,” which occurs in your note of that morning, and I asked you to state to me very frankly whether or not you intended anything pointed by that expression ; adding, that when I first read your note, I was very near replying to you thaj; my true position was already defined by the in- structions of the 23d of October, and that it was not a matter for us to discuss. You replied that you scarcely recollected the form of the phrase, and asked me to let you look at the letter, which I did. You cast your eyes over that part of it, and observed that you intended no stress or •See No. 13 of this Appendix. S. Doc. 121. 163 point whatever in using the word “true,” and I expressed myself per- fectly satisfied. At the second day’s meeting (the 5th) we proceeded to look over the names of the members of the corps, with a view to entering at once upon the reorganization. You, however, asked me to state my views as to the relative position of Mr. Gray, the surveyor under the 5th article of the treaty, and that of myself. I observed to you that I thought Mr. Gray’s position a much more elevated and responsible one than if he were to put himself at the head of a mere surveying party ; that, as a member of the board of com- missioners appointed to decide upon the line — as your colleague, ap- pointed to supervise and see that it is properly run and marked in accordance with the treaty — he occupied a high civil station, far more responsible and, important than that of a practical surveyor engaged in executing the details of the work; and that I inferred, when the instruc- tions of the 23d of October were issued, the department probably con- templated his confining his attention and energies, as in the case of yourself, to the first-mentioned object. But you insisted on putting the case to me, that if Mr. Gray should choose to take charge of a sur- veying party in the field, did I conceive that he was to execute this duty under my instructions ? I replied that I did not perceive how it could be otherwise, under the Secretary’s very plain instructions, but that I thought there was no necessity for his doing such a thing ; and I emphatically stated that I did not lay claim to any right to command Mr. Gray to take a surveying party, and thus to exercise a control over him. I moreover stated to you clearly, that the instructions of October 23d not only require me “to report to you,” (evidently for the informa- tion of both Mr. Gray and yourself, as members of the American board,) “as often as you may desirq, all operations and their progress,” but that they also hold me “responsible to you” (in your capacity of presiding officer of the American board, no doubt) “ for the success- ful prosecution of the scientific departments of the work.” I presented to you emphatically for consideration the question, how would it be possible for me to undertake these responsibilities unless the surveying parties were put under my immediate control as head of the scientific corps, to receive from me, in the language of your instructions from the department, “such written and verbal instructions as he [I] may deem necessary to a full understanding of the duties to be performed on all parts of the work?” And when the question was put to me at this meeting, how Mr. Gray could conscientiously authenticate, with his signature, the maps which are required by the 5th article, “ to designate the boundary line with due precision,” unless he conducted the surveys of that line in person, I acknowledged the obligation resting upon me to do all and every thing that might be requisite to satisfy both your mind and his upon this point. I especially called your attention to that kindred obligation, so forcibly expressed in the initructions, which says : “ Should doubts arise between yourself and the Mexican commissioner as to the proper location of any part or parts of the boundary described in the treaty, Lieutenant Colonel Graham will be required to cause to be surveyed 164 S. Doc. 12L any route, line, or lines that you may deem necessaiy to elucidate and satisfy your mind in relation to any such questions, and to make report to you thereon, accompanied by such plans or drawings as you may deem necessary. F or the accuracy and faithful execution of these duties, he will be held responsible to you as the commissioner of the United States.” Finally, I observed that I could not consent to this scanning of the instructions with a view to find flaws or inconsistencies in them, or words to that effect, and stated that our only business then was to proceed to the re-organization, which contemplated a consider- able reduction in the corps ; and I here reiterated my desire to be officially presented to the corps in the capacity designated in those instructions. As a reason for this, I stated to you that it was really necessary that I should have an opportunity of conversing with the members of the corps, and of examining the works of % those who had been actively employed, so that I might become acquainted with their relative merits before I could undertake to vote upon their respective claims to be retained in the corps, and that I could not with propriety visit them, or send for them to visit me for these objects, until my official capacity was announced to them by you. You admitted the propriety of the grounds I took, and, at my request, the understanding was that you would, at ten o’clock the next morning, assemble the members of the corps at your office, and there present me to them in my official capacity as principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps, and cause the instructions from the Department of the Interior, of the 23d of October, to be read to them. We all accordingly assembled on the morning of the 6th instant at the office of the commission, and, as stated in your letter of the 7th, the members of the corps were separately introduced to me, as they arrived, (for but few were there when I presented myself to you) as Colonel Graham. „ After some time spent in familiar conversation, you announced to the gentlemen present that your object in assembling them was that the} r might be personally and officially introduced to — (then reading from a paper written in pencil, which you held in your hand, you added :) — Lieutenant Colonel Graham, of the topographical engineers, who had been detailed as principal astronomer, &c., to assist you in running, tracing, and marking the line of boundary between the United States and Mexico, under the 5t,h article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. I was standing near by and on your left at the time, and observed to you that you had left out a part of my official title, and requested, with a view to a full understanding of my position, that you would cause the instructions from the department of the 23d of Octo- ber last to be read. This you declined ; and I asked you, in the presence of all, if this was not the understanding when I parted with you the afternoon previous, and if, indeed, it was not the very object of calling the meeting? You replied to the effect that you had intend- ed to do so, but that on reflection since we parted, you had come to the conclusion not to have the instructions read ; and you went on to state some reasons, one of which was that you conceived that there were some parts of the instructions which were in violation of the treaty, or which clashed with the treaty, or words to that effect. S. Doc. 121. 165 Sir, I will not conceal from you my surprise that you should have changed your mind, since parting with me the evening previous, in regard to what was understood by me to be the primary object of the meeting; nor that, having changed it, you should not have given me some inti- mation of that change before you proceeded to announce me officially to the corps in the limited capacity in which it seems you consider me as standing, in direct opposition to that in which you are instructed to receive and recognise me. I expressed great regret at this state of affairs, and observed that I did not see how the work could proceed until I was received and rec- ognised as the instructions require ; that the orders addressed to me, under the same date (October 23, 1850,) from the Department of the Interior,* expressly command me, as well as youi^elf, to be governed by the instructions to you, so often alluded to, of the same date. Finally, I requested you to furnish me with the reasons, in writing, which had brought you to your recent determination, in order that I might the more fully comprehend them, and have an opportunity to answer them, which you promised to do, and I then took leave of you. I will now proceed most respectfully to reply to the reasons you have presented in }mur letter to me of the 8th instant, which was not hand- ed to me until late in the afternoon of the 9th. In this letter you say : “ I am willing to receive you as directed by the honorable the Secretary of the Interior ; but as there seems to be a very broad difference of opinion between you and myself as to the meaning of the words ‘head of the scientific corps,’ it is my duty to explain them as I understand them. I think the misunderstanding arises in a great measure from the unquestionably accidental omission of the word ‘ topographical,’ which precedes the term ‘ scientific corps’ in the instructions given to your predecessors.” Sir, this interpolation upon the context of a public document, to make it suit one’s own peculiar views of what its meaning should have been, is entirely inadmissible. If this is allowed in one case, it may go on in another, and another, until the meaning of the whole instrument is so changed that the obligations it was intended to impose shall have entirely vanished. Moreover, the interpolation in question would ren- der the phrase thus altered entirely inconsistent with its other parts. It would make it inconsistent with the recommendation of the depart- ment, “that the scientific corps on our side be placed under the im- mediate direction of Lieut. Col. Graham, to receive from him such written and verbal instructions as he may deem necessary to a full unihrstanding of the duties to be performed on all parts of the work , ana that all reports from the heads of parties be made to him from time to time, as he may direct; and he will be required to report to you, as often as you may desire, all operations and their progress , and he will be held responsible to you for the successful prosecution of the scientific departments of the work.” It would make it inconsistent with the paragraph which says : “ Should doubts arise between yourself and the Mexican commissioner as to the proper location of any part or parts of the boundary described in the See No. 12 of this Appendix. 166 S. Doc. 121. treaty, Lieut. Col. Graham will be required to cause to be surveyed any route, line or lines, that you may deem necessary to elucidate and satisfy your mind in relation to any such questions, and to make report to you thereon, accompanied by such plans or drawings as you may deem necessary. For the accuracy and faithful execution of these duties he will be held responsible to you, as the commissioner of the United States.” Both the above quotations clearly show that it was intended by the department that the head of the scientific corps should be charged with the immediate control (under your general supervision, of course) of the whole surveying corps, both topographical and civil, and that he is to undertake the responsibility of seeing that all their duties are executed properly. • The sentence as interpolated upon would be inconsistent with the portion of the instructions which says: “When the field duties shall be completed, or at any time that it may be found absolutely necessary to suspend them, owing to impediments of climate, &c., the plotting and drawing of the maps will be prosecuted under the direction of the head of the scientific corps, and under your general supervision, in co- operation with the Mexican commissioner and his scientific corps; the selection of the draughtsmen and the other members of the scientific corps on our side to be approved by Lt. Col. Graham and yourself, due re- gard being had to their scientific qualifications.” Undoubtedly the term “scientific corps” was intended here to embrace not only the topographical and civil branches of the surveying department, but also the draughtsmen. The interpolation would render the sentence inconsistent with the paragraph next preceding the last in the instructions, which says: “ The head of the scientific corps will have the custody of the astro- nomical and surveying instruments and apparatus* for which he will be responsible to this department, [that is, the Department of the Inte- rior] and he will be charged with their distribution to the assistants and surveyors, as he may deem necessary for the performance of their duties, they being accountable to him for the same.” This sentence allows of no doubt whatever of the intention of the department to give to the head of the scientific corps a full control (under your gene- ral supervision, of course) of the whole surveying department, civil as well as topographical. In the next or third paragraph of your letter you say: “After ex- amining thp instructions of my predecessors, wherein the duties of chief astronomer, &c., are defined, it is my [your] opinion that the duties of this officer are, to determine all astronomical points ana to direct the mode of running all astronomical lines ; also, as head of the topographical scientific corps, to take the immediate charge of, and to give written and verbal instructions to, all parties of that corps on duty in the field, aiding the United States surveyor or his part} 7 , and to par- ties stationed at astronomical observatories, or elsewhere, the great object had in view, and steadily kept in view, being to ‘ assist' me in running, tracing, and marking the line of boundary.” There is cer- tainly no doubt as to the great object in view, as you have stated it, namely, to assist you in running, tracing, and marking the line of S, Doc- 121. 167 boundary. But has not the President the right to determine in what manner, and by whom, you shall be so assisted? Undoubtedly you will admit he has. Then, must we look to the instructions to your predecessors, and to my predecessors, to find out in what manner and under what sort of an organization, on our side, these things are to be ■done, when we know that different and more recent instructions have been issued by the same authority directly to us, in regard to this sub- ject? Surely not; because the more recent instructions supersede the former ones and render them no longer binding upon us, except in so far as they may, in other of their parts, harmonize with the more recent ones. If the President had a right to detail an officer to per- form th^duties of “chief astronomer and head* of the topographical scientific corps,” to assist you in the duties specified, he undoubtedly has an equal right to detail one as “ principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps,” both typographical and civil , for the same object. And this, it seems, was his intention, as clearly shown by the more a*ecent, and therefore binding, instructions of October 23, 1850. A reason is even given in that document for the change of organization, namely: “to promote, in -the best manner, the progress of the important work before you, and to bring it to as early a completion as possible;” and “ for the purpose of establishing a system of responsibility and discipline throughout .” Under the former system the responsibilities to the commissioner, in regard to these duties, ran through two separate and distinct channels, namely: the “chief astronomer and head of the topographical scientific corps,” and the civil surveying corps. Under the new system they are made to run through but one channel, namely: “the principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps,” embracing evidently both the topographical and civil branches of that corps. The clause next before the last of the fifth article of the treaty says : •“In older to designate the boundary line, with due precision, upon au- thoritative maps, and to establish, upon the ground, landmarks which shall show the limits of both republics, as described in the present ar- ticle, the two governments shall each appoint a commissioner and a surveyor, who, before the expiration of one year from the date' of the exchange of ratifications of this treaty, shall meet at the port of San Diego, and proceed to run and mark the said boundary in its whole course to the mouth of the Rio Bravo del Norte. They shall keep journals, and make out plans of their operations, and the result agreed on by them, shall be deemed a part of this treaty, and shall have the same force as if it were inserted therein,” &c., &c. If I understand you rightly, you base your position, in opposition to the instructions emanating from the President of the United States, upon that expression in the fifth article which, in defining the duties of the commissioner and surveyor, says they shall “proceed to run and mark the said boundary, in its whole course,” &e. Now, if this ex- pression imposes the actual performance of this duty on the surveyor in propria persona , it imposes it on the commissioner likewise; for he must “ proceed to run and mark the said boundary,” as the colleague of the surveyor. But I am quite sure the commissioner never contem- plated the performance of any such duty in the field. If, however, it 168 S. Doc. 121. can be dispensed with by the commissioner, it can likewise be by the surveyor, who, like the commissioner, still maintains the importance of his position, in sitting in judgment over the whole work, to be satisfied, and to be able to authenticate, by his signature, the result to be agreed upon, as required by the treaty — that is, the correct running and mark- ing of the line. It is evident enough that the practical part of the op- eration is to be performed by authorized agents ; and the President of the United States has, in this instance, chosen to designate the princi- pal one to act on the part of our own government. He had a right to choose the agent for this purpose in whose scientific qualifications he reposed the most confidence; and if the selection has fallen on art individual as humble as myself, still the position assigned tolhat indi- vidual must be recognised, out of respect to the President’s mi thority* Now', I will go a step further, and say that, although the commis- sioner and surveyor are to be left free and untrammelled in their con- scientious decision as to where the boundary is to be run and marked, in order to make it conformable with the conditions of the treaty — a sacred instrument, which is to secure perfect equity to both nations in this respect — yet, w'hen that decision is made and agreed to by the agents of the two governments, the President has a perfect right to in- struct or to appoint a special agent, with power to instruct the sur- veyor as to the manner in which the line so agreed upon shall be run out upon the ground, and as to the manner in which it shall be delin- eated upon the maps. He has a perfect right to say how far the sci- ences of astronomy or geodesy shall be applied to this practical ope- ration. He has a perfect right to say whether the military topography, on the side of the fine next to our own territory, shall be minutely laid down with a view to the defence of the frontier ; and he has a right to instruct the surveyor, either directly or through an agent, on these points, which in nowise affect the extent of the limits that may be agreed upon. Sir, there is no inconsistency in Mr. Gray’s acting under my instruc- tions, if he undertakes to perform surveying duty in the field. The act of Congress of May 15, 1850, places my position, as astronomer, sim- ply, in precedence of his, and the President has caused my position to be defined in relation to all who go into the field to perform duty as members of the scientific corps. The President and the honorable the Secretary of the Interior had a perfect knowledge of Mr. Gray’s po- sition wdien the instructions of the 23d of October last were issued ; and in defining the position of the head of the scientific corps, as therein so clearly set forth, the relative position of every other member of the sci- entific corps, in respect to that officer, was also defined. I waited nearly lour days for your promised reasons, in writing, for the position you took, on the 6th instant, against the President’s author- ity ; and when, on the evening of the 9th instant, I received your com- munication containing those reasons, I find in a postscript thereto this remark : “I have deferred sending this letter, in order that I might re- ceive a reply from A. B. Gray, esq., to one wffiich I addressed to him, inquiring his opinion relative to his powers, rights, and duties under the treaty and by his commission. His ausw'er confirms me in the position I have above taken, relative to the surveyor. J. R. B.” S. Doc. 121. 169 I immediately applied to you, in two written communications, on the evening of the 9th, for a copy of Mr. Gray’s answer to your invitation in regard to this matter, both of which you afterwards acknowledged to me you duly received the same evening. After waiting two days for a reply to my second note, and receiving none from you, I called on you in person, on the 1 1th instant, at the office of the commission, and after some conversation on the subject, you admit- ted that this paper of Mr. Gray’s was properly a part of the archives of the commission and ought to be preserved on its files, and said ydu would send to Mr. Gray for it ; and I certainly understood you to say you would have a copy furnished to me. In your note to me, of that date, you virtually promise me that paper. You say therein, “In reply to your verbal request this morning, I enclose the following extracts,” &c., “but for the future must most respectfully decline furnishing other offi- cial information from my files, or otherwise, until the matter now at issue between us is in some manner disposed of, excepting, of course , doc- uments bearing on the question .” Under this exception I had a right to expect that paper, together with the one from you inviting it. I waited a day and a half longer, however, without receiving either. I then (last evening) sent Lieutenant Burnside to you, with a verbal request that you would send the papers to me. He returned and informed me that you declined doing so, adding that the paper was in Mr. Gray’s hands, and that if I wanted it 1 must apply to him for it, or words to that effect. Thus, after four days’ delay since receiving your “reasons in writing,” am I deprived by you of an opportunity to see and refute arguments which have evidently influenced you to take ground in opposition to the President’s authority — a ground which calls on me also to disobey the same authority in a manner that would render me liable to be pun- ished by the sentence of a general court-martial, as you must be very well aware. Now, sir, a similar controversy arose between Mr. Gray and Major Emory last year, on the Pacific — that is, as to seniority or precedence of position — which was referred by Mr. Gray to the Department of the In- terior, and was decided, as you are aware, in Major Emory’s favor. Knowing this, and in order to prevent any misunderstanding whatever, on Mr. Gray’s part, as to our relative positions under the instructions of the 23d of October, I took occasion in Washington last winter, when we were both there together, to say emphatically to Mr. Gray, that if he had any such ideas in regard to my position as he had entertained in regard to Major Emory’s, he owed it to the public interests, as well as to himself, to declare them at once to the Department of the Interior, with a view to having the matter adjusted at the department, and not wait until we should be several thousand miles beyond reference to the department to raise points for dispute. Mr. Gray referred to his having been, ten years before, under obligations to me for much in- struction in regard to the use of instruments in his profession, whilst we were engaged in surveying the boundary between the United States and the then republic of Texas; and, waiving all objection to the posi- tion assigned me by the instructions of October 23d, he expressed him- .self entirely satisfied. I myself spoke to the honorable the Secretary of the Interior, also, on this subject, and understood him to say that 170 S. Doc. 121. Mr. Gray had signified to him his perfect satisfaction in regard to my position. How is it, then, that this question is mooted here, at this distance from the seat of government, at a time when it is known it cannot be referred to Washington without so delaying the work before us — already too long delayed — in such a manner as to produce the most disastrous results to the public interests? I do not understand from Mr. Gray that it is he who has taken the initiative in this matter ; but, on the contrary, that he is perfectly wil- ling that I should be received and recognised as “principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps,” in accordance with the President’s command, and that it is with you that the objection rests. I respect- fully ask that, if I am under any misapprehension in regard to this matter, I may be so informed by a frank avowal from you both. In your letter of the 8th inst. you say: “The first clause, stating that ‘you will meet with the joint commission of the two governments,’ is in direct violation of the fifth article of the treaty, which acknowl- edges but two officers, viz: a ‘commissioner and a surveyor,”’ &c. I beg you to bear in mind that, at our two meetings, (on the 4th and 5th inst.,) I distinctly stated that I laid no claim whatever to vote, or to take part in any discussions whatever at the board, touching mat- ters that are exclusively committed, by the fifth article of the treaty, to the joint commission. The clause, in full, reads thus: “He [the prin- cipal astronomer and head of the scientific corps] will meet with the joint commission of the two governments, and will aid you in digesting and arranging (in concurrence with the Mexican commissioner and his associates) the plan of operations in the field, (taking care to ob- serve the terms of the treaty,) and in organizing parties, and in giving the necessary directions to subordinates.” The object of my meeting with the joint commission of the two governments is clearly defined. It must be, “in concurrence with the Mexican commissioner and his associates,” for a specific purpose stated; and there would have been no difficulty whatever in arranging this matter in a manner perfectly satisfactory to the Mexican commis- sion, had you not so abruptly terminated our deliberations by the course you pursued on the morning of the 6th inst. The fact is, the matter had been but very partially touched on, and no conclusion had been definitely arrived at on that point. I trust I have convinced you that you were mistaken in the belief that this “ misunderstanding arises in a great measure from the un- questionably accidental omission of the word ‘ topographical,’ which preceded the term ‘ scientific corps ’ in the instructions given to your [my] predecessors.” If any further proof is wanting to satisfy your mind on this point, I trust you wall recognise it in the annexed certified copies of official documents, emanating from three distinguished members of the Presi- dent’s cabinet, in addition to that contained in the instructions from the Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Department of the Interior — namely, documents marked — A.*' — A letter from the Hon. William A. Graham, Secretary of the A is the same as No. 16 of this Appendix. S. Doc. 121. 171 Navy, and Secretary of War and of the Interior ad interim, addressed to the Hon. Daniel Webster, Secretary of State, (who was temporarily absent from Washington at the time,) dated “Department of War, October 21, 1850.” B. # — A letter from the Hon. W. S. Derrick, acting Secretary of State, announcing Mr. Webster’s “cheerful concurrence in the arrangements proposed,” dated “ Departmentof State, Washington, October 28, 1850.” C. # — A communication from the Hon. C. M. Conrad, Secretary of War, to Colonel J. J. Abert, commanding topographical corps, dated “War Department, January 6, 1851.” By all three of these members of the cabinet you will perceive I am named as “ principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps,” &c., &c., &c., in its broad sense, just as it is written by the Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Department of the Interior. The word “ topographical ,” which you had supposed was an “ unquestionably accidental omission,” is purposely omitted in each and every one of these documents, the same as it is in the instructions addressed to you by the Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Department of the In- terior, under date of October 23, 1850. To conclude the proofs upon this subject, let us for a moment ask ourselves the question, had it been intended that the surveyor, under the 5th article of the treaty, should have the immediate direction of the civil branch of the scientific corps, would he not have been designated as the person to act in conjunction with yourself in its reorganization ? The topographical branch of that corps was not required to be re- organized. There were no selections from or reductions of that branch of the corps to be made. These were confined to the civil or survey- ing branch of it. But it was not the surveyor, under the 5th article, that was appointed to act with you in this business. On the contrary, it was the “ principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps” — the officer especially appointed to take the immediate direction of their labors in the field — who was and is especially appointed to co-operate with you in that duty. Again, if it had been intended that the said surveyor should have been put in the immediate charge of the surveying department, would he not have been put in charge of the surveying instruments, and in- trusted with “ their distribution to the assistants and surveyors,” as he might “ deem necessary for the performance of their duties,” and would they not have been made “ accguntable to him for the same?” Such, however, is not the case. All these prerogatives and duties were espe- cially assigned to the “ principal astronomer and head of the scien- tific corps,” as he is designated in your instructions, and he is respon- sible to the Department of the Interior alone for those instruments. I trust, sir, you will review this whole transaction. I trust you will take proper time to deliberate upon it. It is a matter of grave public importance, and involves the interests of our country in a most momen- tous degree. I trust you will reflect that my oath of office, which binds me to “observe and obey the orders of the President of the United States * B and C are the same as Nos. 17 and 31 of this Appendix. 172 S. Doc. 121. and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to the rules and articles for the government of the armies of the United States,” forbids that T should disregard the orders of the President, communi- cated by the honorable the Secretary of the Interior, of October 23, 1850, (a copy of which I had the honor to forward to you on the 6th instant,) which require me to be governed by the instructions to you of the same date. I request that you will carefully review that docu- ment, with a view to examine particularly the obligations which it im- poses on me from first to Iasi,. And then, sir, I trust you will bring your mind to acknowledge my true position. I am ready and anxious to commence, without further delay, and to push on with every possible energy, the important work before us, and in full respect to your position as commissioner of the United States, having come here to aid and assist you to the utmost of my abilities in the office assigned me, which you must be well aware was not of my seek- ing, but which, “owing to circumstances of great public emergency,”, as is stated in the letter to the Hon. Daniel Webster, Secretary of State, already exhibited to you, was devolved on me by the orders of the President. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, ]Lt. Col., Principal Astr. and Head of Scientific Corps. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., Commissioner , Copper Mines of Santa Rita. N. B. — No answer to this communication was ever made by Com- missioner Bartlett. J. D. G. No. 115. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, Avgust 14, 1851. Sir : I think it very important that the labors of Mr. Moss, especially since the date of his last report, submitted the 24th of December last, should be made profitable to the government, and that he should be allowed to take with him to Washington, where he informs me he will go, the minerals and fossils he has collected while attached to the boundary commission. He will there be enabled to take them up for description, in aid of a final report he will make, to be considered a part of the proceedings of the commission. I respectfully recommend this course for your approval. The pres- ent is certainly the best opportunity for having these minerals, &c., sent home. Your reply to this proposition will very much oblige, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Principal Astr. and Head of Scientific Corps, fyc., §c. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner , §c., fyc. S. Doc. 121. 173 P. S. — I have addressed a note to the honorable the Secretary of the Interior, recommending that Mr. Moss be allowed reasonable time • to make out his final report. J. D. G. No. 116. 1 Mr . Bartlett to Colonel Graham . Headquarters U. S. Boundary Commission, Santa Rita del Cohre , N. M., August 14, 1851. Sir : In reply to yours of this date, relative to Mr. Moss, I beg leave to say that if he has any inquiries to make or business to transact in relation to his late connexion with this commission, his proper course is to apply directly and personally to me. I shall be happy to furnish him every facility I can, consistently with the course I long since adopted to govern myself by, in reference to the reports of the various depart- L ments. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Principal Astronomer , fyc., §’c. No. 117. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham. Santa Rita del Cobre, August 14, 1851. Sir : The party which has been preparing for several days to leave for Santa Fe starts this morning. Mr. Murphy will take the stage at Santa Fe, and proceed at once to Washington, and will be the bearer of any letters or documents you may wish to send. Yours, respectfully, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, §'c., §'c., fyc. No. 118. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 14, 1851. Sir : I have just received your note of this morning, and beg leave to say, in reply, that it will not be in my power to avail myself of Mr. 174 S. Doc. 121. Murphy’s services in carrying letters to Washington for me. I must await your answer to my communication of last evening ; and I avail mysell ol this opportunity to say that so soon as I am recognised arid received by you in the capacity assigned me by direction of the Presi- dent, which was fully understood and concurred in by his cabinet, (full proof of which I have given you,) I shall be prepared to enter on my proper duties. All the instruments, both astronomical and survey- ing, which are necessary for the expedition on the Gila, have been in preparation here for a week past, and can be packed ready for trans- Ml portation in twenty -four hours afier I am recognised in conformity with the instructions as they were understood by the above-mentioned authorities. 0 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . Col., Head of the Scientific Corps, fyc., fyc. J. R. Bartlett, U. S. Commissioner , fyc., &{c., §‘c., Copper Mines of Santa Rita , New Mexico. No. 119. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 15, 1851. Sir : I have deferred answering your communication of the 12th instant, informing me of Mr. Gray’s “memorandum of surveying in-* struments which he will require for his duties in running, tracing, and marking the boundary line along the Gila,” because I hoped you would be induced, on cool reflection, to recognise me in my proper position, and thus remove every difficulty attending this question. You are fully aware that it is only as “head of the scientific corps” that 1 can, without disobeying my instructions, dispose ol' these instruments to others for use on the line, and only then in the manner directed in those instructions. I am at a loss to know upon what authority it is that Mr. A. B. Gray takes upon himself the organization of surveying parties and the distribution of instruments to them, when he is fully aware that these duties have been especially committed to others by the proper au- thority. If he has any authority, however, for his proceedings on this subject, and you or he will show it, it shall be acknowledged and respected. 1 am now ready to have turned over to you, upornyour requisition upon the commissary and quartermaster, subsistence and transporta- tion for yourself and Mr. A. B. Gray, and the persons to accompany you, in order to enable you to meet the Mexican commission, and thereby preserve the faith of our government. But I cannot recognise any of the heads of surveying parties until they are organized as our instructions require, nor until they report to 8 . Doc, 12 1. 175 me for instructions, as is required by the proper authority of our gov- ernment. The instruments mentioned in your letter of the 12th instant cannot be issued, except to the heads of parties as they shall report to me for instructions. I have no right to give up public property for which I am responsible to my government, nor to allow it to be used except in accordance with the orders I am obliged to obey. I cannot subject myself to the rebuke of being unfaithful to the trust reposed in me. I refer you to the last paragraph but one of the instructions of October 23, 1850, which says : “ The head of the scientific corps will have the custody of the astronomical and surveying instruments and apparatus,, for which he will be responsible to this department ; and he will be charged with their distribution to the assistants and surveyors, as he may deem necessary for the performance of their duties — they being accountable to him for the same.” When the authority of the President is respected, and I am recog- nised in my proper position by you, I shall immediately submit a list of names, and proceed to co-operate with you in organizing the various astronomical and surveying parties, and shall take care that they are provided with instruments and all the necessary means for the per- formance of their duties. # I can take no part in what is going on in direct opposition to the au- thority of the President of the United States. 1 shall myself visit General Conde, at his camp, as I wish to pay my respects to him and my friend Mr. Salazar ; a#d I shall, unoffi- cially, acquaint these gentlemen with the internal organization which the honorable the Secretary of the Interior, by authority of the Presi- dent of the United States, has thought proper to prescribe for the scientific corps on our side, and also of the ample supply of instru- ments of the best kind, both astronomical and surveying, which I have prepared and brought out here by their authority, in order that we might be enabled to co-operate with them in bringing the survey and demarcation of this boundary to a satisfactory termination in the short- est time practicable. I now close this correspondence with you on this subject, until it can be referred to the government at Washington. I am, very respectfully, sir, your most obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col ., Frin. Astr.f and Head of the Scientific Corps on the part of the United States . J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner , Copper Mines of Santa Rita , New Mexico. 176 S. Doc. 121. No. 120. Colonel Graham to the Secretary of the Interior . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, New Mexico , August 16, 1851. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5th of June last.* As nothing is said in regard to the plan for the organization of the quartermaster’s and commissariat departments of the commission, which I had the honor to submit for your consideration and approval — if it should meet your approbation — with my communication from San An- tonio of the 12th of May last, Lieutenants Tillinghast and Burnside will not feel authorized to continue to act as disbursing officers any further than the funds now in their hands may allow, unless they should receive your instructions to that effect. They will not, therefore, feel authorized to make any further drafts on the department. From the moment these officers entered on their dudes, the most striking evidences of order, industry, and economy were apparent, at the same time that increased comforts were secured to the members of the commission. % 1 cannot too highly commend them to the confidence of the depart- ment. With great respect, I have the honor to be your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . Colonel , Head of Scientific Corps, U. S. B. C. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior , &fc., fife., fife., Washington . No. 121. Colonel Graham to the Secretary oj the Interior . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 16, 1851. Sir : I reported to the department on the 1st ultimo my arrival at El Paso, on the 24th of June, with the advance of Captain French’s military escort and army wagon-train. That letter was forwarded by Captain French, who left El Paso about the 8th of July on his return to San Antonio. The proceedings of the United States commissioner and myself, since that time, will be sufficiently shown by the accompa- nying correspondencef which I submit to the department. It shows a state of affairs here of a most painful character. After so long a delay in going on with the surveys of the boundary, involving at the same time very large expenditures of money, in consequence, in a great measure, of a want of the necessary instruments on our part, but *No. 70 of this Appendix. t See preceding Nos. 71 and 72 ; also Nos. 84 to 99 inclusive, and Nos. 102 to 119 inclusive. S. Doc. 121. 177 partly from other causes, it was to have been hoped that, when these instruments arrived, a spirit of energy and activity would be infused into the scientific corps, and that every thought would be directed to pushing the work forward. But what was my surprise at being denied at the outset, by the United States commissioner, the position assigned me by }mur instruc- tions of the 23d of October last, which were brought to him here by Mr. Sanford about the time of my arrival at El Paso. The decided course taken by Mr. Bartlett on this point caused much time, which ought to have been spent in laboring in the field, to be taken up in the discussions which unavoidably followed. The result will be fully seen by the correspondence which accompanies this communication. Pre- vious to its development, hoping it would have a different issue from what has taken place, I took every step in my power to prepare, and submit to the United States commissioner, plans for active operations, such as I thought best calculated to secure their earliest completion, and in regard to which I had vainly counted on his hearty co-operation. Perhaps my surprise ought now to be the less in consequence of the rumors which prevailed at El Paso, soon after my arrival there, that the commissioner did not intend to receive me as your instructions re- quired ; that he considered these instructions as not binding him posi- tively. At the time, I treated these rumors as idle and not worthy of notice. Even now, Mr. Bartlett holds that the general instructions he received from your predecessor are binding on hiiQ, notwithstanding the more recent ones. There seems to be a strange inconsistency here, since Mr. Bartlett quotes, in his letter to me of the 4th instant, that part of your instruc- tions to him of March, (the 11th, I think,) which says he has been en- joined to “ reorganize the commission at once, and curtail the force employed to the lowest possible limit consistent with a proper discharge of the business connected with the service.” (See No. 92.) The instructions of your predecessor were issued, if I mistake not, at a time when it was believed that Congress would grant appropria- tions upon a scale so liberal as to allow of many collateral investiga- tions in this new and but little explored country, in addition to the mere work of running and marking the line. But Congress, by the appro- priation bills, passed after Mr. Bartlett was far distant from the seat of government, was decided in discountenancing any expenditure not necessary for the absolute running and marking of the line, &c., as specified in the fifth article of the treaty, except alone the examinations authorized in the sixth article with regard to ascertaining the practi- cability of a road, canal, or railway on or near the river Gila. The course which Mr. Bartlett thought proper to pursue on the 6th instant cut me off' entirely from any participation with him in the reor- ganization of the scientific corps. I have no means of knowing the number of persons attached to the commission, nor of ascertaining the rates of compensation, nor the expenses of the present organization. It is a matter which he has taken into his own hands, denying me all in- formation on the subject, and of course I cannot be in any way respon- sible for it. He never answered or took anv official notice of mv letter 12 178 S. Doc. 121. to him of the 9th inst. in regard to this matter.* Wishing to conciliate, in every possible manner consistent with a proper respect for the au- thority of your department, this unfortunate difference, I several times sought and obtained personal interviews with Mr. Bartlett at his office. On the 11th instant I waited on him in person, and, among other sub- jects, I urged him to send me the list of members of the commission, with their stations and rates of pay set opposite each name, in compli- ance with my letter on that subject of the 9th, which I supposed, when I left him, he intended doing. Instead of which, however, he sent me under the same envelope with his letter of the 11th, as it were in de- rision of my position, the paper marked No. 24, f which is in his own handwriting, purporting to be a “list of members of the boundary commission attached to the surveying and astronomical corps.” This list, it will be seen, is neither authenticated by his signature, nor does it embrace the rates of compensation, nor but a very small portion of the persons under pay. Not satisfied with this paper, and supposing the commissioner may, through inadvertence, have misunderstood my wishes, and not desiring myself to vex this question by too much correspondence in writing, I requested Lieutenant Burnside to wait on him, which he did late in the afternoon of the 1 1th, and informed him that the paper sent was not authenticated with his signature, nor did it contain all the information asked for by my letter of the 9th, and begging him to send me the in- formation in full. The commissioner replied to Lieutenant Burnside, that the paper he had already sent me was all he intended to send me. He had already authorized or allowed Mr. Gray to organize and lead off, into a separate camp, all the members of the surveying corps stationed here. My opinion is, that the organization is now considerably larger and more expensive than it need be for all the duties required of this commission. The department will no doubt be informed, that the progress of the survey on the line between the Rio Grande and the Gila was arrested under a protest from Mr. Gray, in the latter part of July. With that question Ido not interfere, as its decision belongs peculiarly to the joint commission. It may be proper, however, that I should state, that Mr. Bartlett consulted Lieut. Whipple, the acting astronomer at the time, professionally, in December last, in regard to the point from whence the line should depart from the Rio Grande. The point agreed upon is about thirty-four miles, or 29' 36" of latitude farther north than that which would have been adopted if Mr. Whipple’s opinion had pre- vailed. The correspondence on that subject is hereto annexed, marked E, F, G.J It is a part of Lieutenant Whipple’s official correspondence turned over to me, when I relieved him here. The accompanying hasty sketch, marked A, will show the manner in which that line was being traced when I joined the commission. When it was suspended under the protest of Mr. Gray, it had pro- gressed as far upon the great circle (or chord, in projection, of the *See No. 107 of this Appendix, f The same as No. 112 of this Appendix. JThe same as Nos. 185, 186, and 187 of this Appendix. S. Doc. 121. 179 parallel of latitude) as the point marked station 12 ; that is to say, about seventy-five miles west of the Rio Grande. The points on the curve, however, had only been laid down as far as the point marked sta- tion 8. A triangulation which was going on in order to determine the extent of the three degrees of longitude .with accuracy, had progressed as far as the same point. 1 hereto attach also a hasty extract from the treaty map of Disturnell of 1847, showing the line A B, marked as the southern boundary of New Mexico, and the line C D which was actually being traced as the boundary when its progress was suspended under the protest ; making a difference of territory of about 5,950 square miles. Although Mr. Bartlett designated Lieutenant Whipple to act as surveyor during the temporary absence of A. B. Gray, esq., it was not until the 23d of April, 1851, after the initial point on the Rio Grande had been agreed upon by himself and the Mexican commissioner, and the astronomical observations were all completed at that point. Lieu- tenant Whipple’s function was confined to the mere tracing of the line after it had been agreed upon by the two commissioners. He had no voice whatever in the deliberations or decision as to the position of that point. 1 allude to these circumstances, sir, to show, as I trust it will, how important it was that I should not surrender into the hands of Mr. Bartlett, on his demand — being, as it was, in defiance of his instruc- tions from you — the responsible position to which you had assigned me. He undertook to repudiate me publicly before the scientific corps, as its appointed “head,” and then demanded that 1 should surrender the function assigned me, and the surveying instruments, to another. I did all I could to conciliate this question, but I felt it a point of sacred duty not to compromise the President’s authority, nor to allow it to be tampered with. I asked myself the question, if I surrendered those instruments into hands that might direct their use improperly, would I not be proving recreant to my duty ? I weighed the matter most seriously and deliberately, and I could come to no other conclusion than that it was my duty to obey the orders given me, and make them the criterion of my conduct. I trust, sir, I shall meet the approbation of the President and } r ourself. I have served my country faithfully and industriously for thirt}*-three years, amidst vicissitudes and hardships that I will not dwell upon here ; but I will say that the most painful position of my whole life is that in which J. R. Bartlett, esq., United States commissioner, has placed me on this occasion, in not only repudiating publicly the official position in which }mu placed me by authority of the President, but in declaring that that position was in violation of the treaty stipulations. I trust, sir, I need say no more. I throw my case into the hands of the President of the United States most respectfully for his disposal, conscious that I have acted but from a single motive — a clear sense of duty. In regard to matters touching the commissariat, I must leave them, for want of time to enter into details, to the . explanations which will be made by Lieutenant Burnside, an officer of the highest honor and 180 S. Doc. 121, the highest merit, in whose statements the most imp-licit confidence may be placed. I send him as special bearer of this despatch. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant,. J. D. GRAHAM, Bt. Lt. Col , Topographical Engineers , Principal Astronomer and Head of the Scientific Corps on the part of the U, S. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior , $*c., fyc., Washington. No. 122. Colonel Graham to Lieutenant Tillinghast. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 21, 1851. Sir: Three wagons belonging to the boundaiy commission will meet you on their way to Frontera to bring provisions from thence, under the commissioner’s requisition for the Gila expedition, and to supply this post. The quantity required is shown by the within requisition I request that you will despatch Mr. Garner back to Frontera with these wagons, with instructions to have them loaded, agreeably to the requisition, and then to proceed in charge of them to this place with as little delay as practicable. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Bvt. Lt. Col., Head of the Scientific Corps , ^t., <$r. Lieut. O. H. Tillinghast, U. S. A ., Quartermaster and Commissary U. S. B. C. No. 123. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham . United States Boundary Commission, Santa Rita del Cohre , August 21, 1851. Sir: Mr. A. B. Gray, United States surveyor, has just sent me the names of the persons he has selected to aid him in the linear survey of the Gila. I enclose you a copy of his programme and requisition for provisions, and, as requested by him, desire that the names of the laborers and servants he has hired may be placed on the roll of the quartermaster, and the subsistence issued accordingly. Lieutenant A. W. Whipple has sent me the names of Alexander McDonald and Bernard Marron, whom he has employed as laborers in the astronomical department. S. Doc. 121. 181 I have also to request that their names may be placed on the quar- termaster’s roll, and subsistence issued thereon. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner. Lieut, Col. J. D. Graham, Sfc., Sfc., Sfc . No. 124. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham . Copper Mines, August 19, 1851. Sir : Mr. Gray directs me to say to you that he wishes your plan sent up to him for examination before he discusses it. Yours, very respectfully, J. R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Colonel J. D. Graham, <$ r c., Sfc.., Sfc . No. 125. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 19, 1851. Sir : I have received your note of this morning, and I send to you herewith the paper showing the system I would propose we should be governed by, which, while it recognises all the principles laid down in the instructions of the 23d of October last, will, I trust, be satisfactory to all parties. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Colonel , Principal Astronomer , Sfc., Head of the Scientific Corps. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., United States Commissioner, Sfc., Sfc., Sfc. No. 126. Colonel Graham’s programme , submitted to J. R. Bartlett, esq., United States commissioner, at the Copper Mines of Santa Rita, New Mexico, August 19, 1851. The following system is adopted in conducting, on the part of the United States boundary commission, the surveys for defining the said boundary, viz : 182 S. Doc. 121. Lieutenant' Colonel Graham, as head of the scientific corps, will prescribe the system of conducting the said surveys, embracing the forms of the note -books, and the system of laying down the topography, which shall be uniform in manner and style throughout the work; and he shall issue such instructions to the heads of parties as shall conduce to a full understanding of the said system ; taking care, however, that the lines run shall in all cases conform strictly with those -which the joint commission of both nations shall have adjudged and decided to be the true line of boundary, under the fifth article of the treaty. The reorganization of the scientific corps, directed by the instructions of the 23d of October last to the United States commissioner, shall be immediately perfected in the manner therein directed. So soon as this is done the parties shall be organized — as also therein directed — and they shall be assigned to the various portions of the work, accord- ing as those various portions may be directed, by the board of joint commissioners, to be put under survey. The heads of these parties shall then report to the head of the scientific corps for such Avritten, and verbal instructions as he may deem necessary to a full understand- ing of the duties to be performed by those parties. They shall report their work to him, from time to time, as he may direct; and he shall make report to the United States commissioner, as often as he may desire, of the operations that are going on, and their progress ; and the said head of the scientific corps shall be held responsible to the said commissioner for the successful prosecution of the scientific depart- ments of the work. The head of the scientific corps will be charged with the distribu- tion, to the heads of organized surveying parties, of such instruments as he may deem necessary to the performance of their duties. In case A. B. Gray, esq., should choose to head a surveying party in the field, that party shall be governed, like others, by the foregoing regulations. He shall be consulted as to the organization of his party, and shall be supplied wfith the necessary instruments for the same. It shall be the prerogative of the commissioner and the surveyor, as- a board, at all times to require and receive such information from the head of the scientific corps in relation to the field-work, as shall satisfy them that it is accurately and faithfully done, so that they may be enabled to authenticate the maps showing the line agreed on under the treaty ; and the said head of the scientific corps shall at all times render to them full information on this point. No. 127. Mr. Gray's counter-programme^ submitted to the United States commissioner at the Copper Mines of Santa Rita , Avgust 19, 1851. The following system will be adopted in conducting, on the part of the United States boundary commission, surveys for defining the said boundary, viz: Lieutenant Colonel Graham, head of the scientific corps, as under- S. Doc. 121. 183 stood by our government, may prescribe a system of conducting the said surveys, embracing the forms of the note-books and system of laying down the topography, to be uniform in manner and style throughout the work ; and he shall issue instructions to the heads of such parties as the United States commissioner may place under him, all of which shall conduce to a full understanding of the system adopted ; taking care, however, that the lines run shall in all cases conform strictly with those which the joint commission of both nations shall have adjudged and decided to be the true line of boundary, under the fifth article of the treaty. The reorganization of the scientific corps, directed by the instruc- tions of the 23d of October last to the United States commissioner, and as interpreted by him and the head of the scientific corps, shall be im- mediately perfected in the manner therein directed. So soon as this is done, a reorganization of parties shall take place, as the commis- sioner shall prescribe (taking care to observe the terms of the fifth article of the treaty,) and they shall be assigned to the various portions of the work, according as the commissioner may direct. The heads of all parties placed under the head of the scientific corps shall re ceive from him such verbal and written instructions as he may deem necessary to a full understanding of the duties to be performed by those parties. They shall report their work to him from time to time, as he may direct; and he shall make reports to the United States com- missioner, as often as he may desire, of the operations that are going on, and their progress ; and the said head of the scientific corps shall be held responsible to the said commissioner for the successful prose- cution of the scientific departments of the work placed under him. The head of the scientific corps will be charged with the distribution, to the heads of organized parties, of such instruments as, under the circumstances in which we are now placed, he shall deem necessary to the performance of their duties. In case the United States surveyor, commissioned under the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, shall choose to head a surveying party in the field, that party shall be governed, like others, by the foregoing regulations. He shall be consulted as to the organi- zation of that party, and shall be supplied with the necessary instru- ments for the same. It shall be the prerogative of the commissioner and surveyor on the part of the United States, as a board, at all times to require and receive such information from the head of the scientific corps in relation to the field-work as shall satisfy them that it is accu- rately and faithfully done, so that they may be enabled to authenticate the maps showing the line agreed on under the treaty ; and the said head of the scientific corps shall at all times render them full informa- tion on this point. That the surveyor, under the fifth article of the treaty, shall take the direction of the party for the linear surveys of the Gila river, under the above system ; and Lieutenant Colonel Graham, principal astrono- mer and head of the scientific corps, shall issue all instructions to such astronomical party as he may deem necessary to accompany the com- missioner. He shall further have charge of all astronomical and sur- veying parties on the Rio Bravo del Norte, to issue such instructions 184 S. Doc. 121. and such orders as he may deem necessary for carrying out the stipu- lations of the fifth article of the treaty — it being believed by the Amer- ican commission that the survey of that river should be prosecuted with all vigor and despatch — and that they shall immediately, upon joining the Mexican commission upon the Gila river, as per agreement, procure their consent for the same. Under the circumstances existing in the American commission, from a difference of opinion relative to the construction to be placed on the instructions to the commissioner, of the 23d of October last, from the department, the foregoing is deemed necessary to carry out the faith of the government with a foreign commission, and to create a harmonious spirit of co-operation and concert of action on the part of officers of our government whose commissions emanate from the President. The whole subject to be modified by any orders from the President of the United States hereafter, or, in the absence of such orders, as shall be judged by the commissioner for the benefit of the public in- terest. * [Rejected by Colonel Graham as inconsistent with the instructions from the Department of the Interior, of October 23, 1850.] No. 128. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett L , in relation to the Programmes . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 21, 1851. Sir : I endeavored to see you last evening, and also this morning, to return to you the accompanying papers, but I could not find you at home. The programme which I presented on the 19th, while I had hoped it would conciliate in such a manner as to cause the work to go on cheerfully and with spirit, preserved the principles laid down in the instructions of the 23d of October last, from the Department of the In- terior. It at the same time places the surveyor, with yourself, in a high position for that sort of supervision of the work which may be necessary to satisfy both your minds as to its accuracy and conformity with the treaty. This supervision you will perceive is not confined to a single surveying party, but to the whole work; and as I understood you, when 1 pre- sented the paper for your perusal, to say it met your approbation, I was in hopes there would be no opposition to it from any other quarter. The counter proposition from Mr. Gray, which you have allowed me to examine, while it accepts all I conceded, adds conditions adverse to those which are binding upon me by the instructions. Those I can- not transcend or compromise. It will be a source of great regret to me if we cannot go on with the work under my programme, at least until the decision of the department in the case is made known to us. Surely there can be no objection to acknowledging the system pre- S. Doc. 121. 185 scribed by the department, until the matter in dispute is settled by the proper authority. I respectfully return to you all the papers, and remain your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Principal Astr. and Head of Scientific Corps . J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner, fyc., Sfc., fyc. No. 129. Colonel Graham's organization for the survey of the Gila river. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 22, 1851. Sir : I haVe the honor to present to you the following organization I propose of the astronomical and topographical party to be employed, on the part of the United States, in the joint survey of the river Gila. I consider this organization necessary, and I respectfully request your approval of the same. The names of all the men are already on the quartermaster’s list, except that of Harper, and I request your assent to have his added thereto : ORGANIZATION. Lieutenant A. W. Whipple, principal assistant astronomer and topo- graphical engineer. Assistants, H. C. Force, F. Wheaton, Hugh Campbell, J. O. Donoghue. Instrument carriers and attendants, J. R. Neide, B. Marron, Thos. Harper. Laborers, James Halstead, Frederick ShaafF, A. McDonald. Charles Fitzgerald, cook to Lieut. Whipple. David Smith, servant to do. For Lieut. Whipple’s assistants and the other members of his party, one cook, one servant. Two arrieros, one herdsman. I would recommend that wagons be sent from this place to General Conde’s camp to transport a portion of the provisions. This will di- minish the number of pack-mules requisite for the transportation, as far as that place, of the subsistence, &c. ; and it will further diminish the number necessary between that camp and the mouth of the San Pedro, where supplies may be again drawn from the Pimo village, at which point it is proposed a depot shall be formed by sending wagons round by Colonel Cook’s road. 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col., Principal Astr., and Head of Scientific Corps . J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner, fyc., Sfc., fyc. Approved : JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . 186 S. Doc. 121. List of the Astronomical and Topographical party for the United States boundary survey of the Rio Gila. ORGANIZATION. Lieut. A. W. Whipple, principal assistant astronomer and topo- graphical engineer. Henry C. Force, assistant, eight hundred dollars per annum. Frank Wheaton, do. fifty dollars per month. Hugh Campbell, do. sixty dollars do. John O’Donoghue, do. sixty dollars do. J. R. Neide, instrument carrier and attendant, thirty dollars per month. Bernard Marron, instrument carrier and attendant, thirty dollars per month. Thomas Harper, instrument carrier and attendant, thirty dollars per month. James Halstead, laborer, thirty dollars per month. Frederick ShaafF, do. do. Alex’r McDonald, do. do. . Charles Fitzgerald, cook to Lieut. W., do. David Smith, servant to do. do. Pablo , cook, twenty-five dollars per month. Guadalupe Medina, servant, do. do. Antonio Avelos, arriero, do. do. James H. Smith, do. do. do. Thomas M. Fulton, herder, do. do. I recommend the within [above] rates of compensation as, in my opinion, just and reasonable, on the United States and Mexican boundary survey. J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col., Head of the Scientific Corps, tyc., fyc. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 24, 1851. I approve the foregoing list, and the rates of pay assigned to each member. JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner. No. 130. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham. United States Boundary Commission, Santa Rita del Cotn'e, New Mexico , August 23, 1851. Sir: Desirous that the entire force of the boundary commission should be actively employed at the earliest possible day, while the sea- son, which is already far advanced, continues propitious for field-work, S. Doc. 121. 187 I think it of the highest importance that the survey of the Rio Grande should be commenced at once, and carried on simultaneously with that of the Rio Gila, for which the surveying, astronomical, and topograph- ical parties have already been organized. I have, therefore, to request that you will immediately organize such a party for the survey of the Rio Grande, to perform the duties neces- sary for the linear survey, as well as for the astronomical and topograph- ical portion of the work, “ as will tend to promote, in the best manner, the progress of the important work before you, and bring it to as early a completion as practicable.” To the party or parties so organized, you will give “ such written and verbal instructions as you may deem necessary to a full understand- ing of the duties to be performed on all parts of the work.” You will also require all reports from the heads of parties to be made to you, from time to time, as you may direct ; and from time to time as I may direct, you will please report to me the progress of your operations, for the successful prosecution of which you will be held responsible. It appears to me that the proper place to commence the survey will be at the astronomical observatory at Frontera, near El Paso, and thence run down the river. My object in desiring this portion of the river to be early surveyed is, in order that the island on which stand the towns of Isleta, Socorro, and San Elizario, may be permanently se- cured to the United States, in whose territory and under whose juris- diction it now is. A few years since, the main channel of the Rio Grande ran east of this island. It is now west. But with the constant changes of this river at its annual overflows, it may abandon its present and resume its former channel, thereby transferring this valuable island and its population to Mexico. A week’s longer delay may cause an irreparable loss to us, for the tendency of the river this year is again to the eastward ; the regular period for the annual rains is already upon us, and from the unusual aridity of the past season, there is reason to apprehend that when they do set in, it will be with unusual violence, thereby increasing the lia- bility of our incurring, indeed rendering almost inevitable, the loss of the island alluded to. The inhabitants have long manifested much un- easiness, lest by delay they should be thrown under a foreign jurisdic- tion, which is another important reason v/hy the survey should be hast- ened forward, that they may be relieved from their present anxiety by being secured in their property and protected in their citizenship. I therefore deem it of the utmost importance to survey the river and fix the boundary, from the observatory to the foot of this island, with the utmost expedition consistent with a proper performance of the work. The survey alluded to you will carry on until you receive further in- structions from me. The parties for the survey of the Rio Gila to its junction with the Colorado having been organized, viz : that for the linear survey under A. B. Gray, esq., United States surveyor under the treaty ; and the as- tronomical and topographical portion under Lieutenant A. W. Whipple, it is my intention to proceed with them, on Monday, the 25th instant, to meet General Conde, with the Mexican commission, on or near the Gila, there to enter on the important work before us. 188 S. Doc. 121. In your programme of the astronomical party, under Lieutenant Whipple, for the survey of the Gila, you suggest the sending of wagons with supplies by Cooke’s road to meet us at the Pimo village, and the mouth of the San Pedro. This plan was determined on by me after my personal examination of Cooke’s road for nearly two hundred miles, and in my requisition on the quartermaster for transportation I included two wagons for the purpose. These wagons will prove serviceable to us from the Pimo village downwards, as the road is said to be good. In order that the organization of the party or parties, for the survey of the Rio Grande proposed, may be made before my departure, you will please present a programme of the same for my approval. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner . Lieut. Colonel J. D. Graham, Principal Astronomer , Sfc., fyc., fyc. No. 131. Colonel Graham to Mr. Bartlett. Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 26, 1851. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the 23d instant, which was handed to me on the evening of that day. On the following morning, when I was about to reply to your letter, with a view to obtaining information that would enable me to proceed at once with the organization called for, for the survey of the Rio Grande, I was interrupted in my labors, alike with all the other mem- bers of the commission, by the sudden incursion of the Indians, who surprised the herdsman and drove off all the cattle belonging to the commission, amounting to ninety-four head. I immediately collected a party of twelve, from the gentlemen and employes of the commission, who were armed and mounted, and sent in pursuit. A greater number could not be equipped for want of sad- dles and bridles. This party, headed by Lieutenants Whipple and Smith, of the to- pographical engineers, immediately pursued the Indians, and soon res- cued the greater part of the cattle. Several, however, together with a number belonging to Mr. Hayes, still remained in their possession. The party, therefore, continued to pursue, and succeeded, about night- fall, in surprising the marauding band in the highlands, near the Gila. They routed the Indians and retook all the rest of the cattle, except, perhaps, one or two head. The pursuit was kept up for thirty-five or forty miles. The party was obliged to sleep upon the ground where the Indians were routed, and did not, therefore, return here until }’es- terday afternoon. They were too much fatigued for me then to enter on the business of an organization. I S. Doc. 121. 189 I have now to request that you will furnish me with the names of all those members oPthe scientific corps who are not already assigned to parties under your authority and sanction. I will then immediately proceed to obtain such information as will, I hope, enable me to pre- sent to you this afternoon the desired organization for the Rio Grande. In regard to the period of beginning the survey on that river I would respectfully suggest, that under no contingency would the line of boundary marked by it be binding on the Mexican government, unless it be by a conjoint operation sanctioned by the commissions of both governments. So soon as a meeting of the joint commission takes place, and the arrangement is concurred in on both sides, I shall be prepared to commence the work ; and it would not be practicable for me to make the necessary arrangements sooner. I have to request, as a preparatory step, that you will make appli- cation to the Department of War, through that of the Interior, for a military escort of one company of troops, to attend me on the survey of the Rio Grande. At least twenty men will be necessary as an escort from the mo- ment we reach the foot of the island below San Elizario until we reach Presido del Norte. Below the last-mentioned point, until we reach Eagle Pass, a full company will be required. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . Col., Head of the Scientific Corps , <^c., fyc., §c. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner , fyc., fyc., fyc. No. 132. Colonel Graham's Instructions to Lieut . Whipple for the survey of the Gila • Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 26, 1851. Sir: You are charged on the part of the United States boundary commission, (in co-operation with such officer or surveyor as may be designated on the part of the Mexican boundary commission, under the fith article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo,) with the astronomical and topographical surve} r and delineation of that part of the boundary between the two republics which is marked by the river Gila. It our joint labors will commence at the point on the said river which shall be agreed upon by the joint commission of the two governments as the termination of the line overland from the Rio Grande; that is to say, at the point where the said line shall be found and agreed upon as in- tersecting the first branch of the river Gila; and they will be continued from the said point, down the middle of the said branch and of the said river Gila, until it empties into the Rio Colorado. You will per ceive by the fifth article, that the middle of the first branch, and of the river named, constitutes the boundary line. It will be necessary, there- fore, in your survey, that such frequent offsets or measurements be 190 S. Doc. 121. made across the branch and river in question, as will enable you to determine the width with sufficient accuracy for the projection of the line indicating the boundary in its true position upon the maps. Should any portions of the said branch or river be divided by islands into one or more channels, they should all be surveyed, and the one which shall be found to be the deepest will be adopted as the line of boundary. The topography along the line and in its vicinity, embracing the po- sition, direction, and height of mountains, also the course of all tribu- tary streams within at least half a mile above their mouths, should be laid down with as much accuracy as the time allowed by the commis- sioners, who will descend the river with you, will admit. The system and style of topography will be that which was adopted for the north- eastern boundary of the United States, with which you are well ac- quainted. With a view of perfecting your map as far as practicable in its geographical features, you will multiply your astronomical obser- vations for the determination of latitudes and longitudes, at as many points in your progress as practicable. Your proficiency in the science of astronomy, and your experience in the practical use of all the re- quisite instruments, acquired during your service on the northeastern boundary of the United States, and also upon this Mexican boundary, would seem to render any minute instructions from me unnecessary upon these points. I will, however, suggest, that as it will be difficult to obtain differences of longitude with accuracy by the run of your chronometers exclusively, over a country so rough as that you will traverse, — where you cannot go and return over certain sections of it for the purpose of obtaining the travelling rates of those time-pieces, — you should not depend solely upon them, but that you should, in addi- tion, watch for the occultations of stars by the moon, and also observe, at important points, the meridian transits of the moon’s bright limb, and the moon culminating stars, as often as practicable, for the deter- mination of absolute longitudes. I recommend that there should be such frequent comparisons of your field-notes, and those of the officer or surveyor appointed on the part of the Mexican commission to co-operate with you, as may be necessary to insure a coincidence of results. Should any discrepan- cies inadvertently arise on any part of the line, they should be cor- rected before progressing beyond the points where they may occur. You will continue, as frequently as may be practicable without de- taining the surveys, the observations for the magnetic declination, dip, and intenshy with the F ox instrument. The assiduity with which you have already carried a magnetic section, embracing the above men- tioned elements, from the Gulf of Mexico to this place > over more than half the distance across the continent, renders it very desirable that this interesting line should be continued, after the same system, to the Pacific ocean. When completed, it will furnish to the scientific world the most extensive and one of the most interesting magnetic sections which has ever been accomplished. The forms of the note-books for the surveys will be the same as those adopted on the northeastern boundary of the United States; and for the S. Doc. 121. 191 sake of a uniform system, you will please require all your assistants to conform thereto. The last paragraph of the sixth article of the treaty authorizes ex- aminations to ascertain the practicability of constructing a road, canal, or railway, which shall in whole or in part run upon the river Gila, or within one marine league of either margin of the said river. You are authorized to give so much of your attention to the examinations that may be necessary to enable you to report upon the practicability of the improvement c^jitemplated by this article, as may be consistent with the performance of the other duties here assigned to you. When the field duties herein assigned you are completed, you will return as soon as practicable across the country to El Paso, and report to me for further duty upon the line. Should the United States com- missioner return by way of the river Gila, or by Cooke’s road, you will accompany him by that route ; but if not, you will probably find the route by Mazatlan and Chihuahua the most convenient one, and you will in that case return by that route to El Paso, and there make out your report to me. A continuance of your magnetic and astronomical observations on your return is very desirable, and is particularly en- joined upon you, as far as it may be found practicable. For the travelling and personal expenses of yourself and your assist- ants, on your return, you will make the necessary requisition on the United States commissioner, w'ho has charge of the disbursements. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Pr. Astr. and Head of S. C. on the part of U. S. Lieut. A. W. Whipple, U. S. Top. Eng., Pr. Ass’t Astr., fyc., fyc., Sfc., Copper Mines of Santa Rita. No. 133. Mr. Bartlett to Colonel Graham, in relation to Funds. Santa Rita del Cobre, New Mexico, August 27, 1851, Sir : In order to enable jmu to carry on your work on the Rio Grande, and to furnish the commissary and quartermaster with the pecuniary means required by them for their departments, I have placed funds in the hands of Mr. Henry Jacobs, assistant secretary of the commission. Any vouchers for expenditures approved by you, or by the commis- sary or quartermaster, will be paid on being presented to Mr. Jacobs, who will then transmit them to the Fifth Auditor for my credit as dis- bursing officer. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. BARTLETT, Commimoner. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Principal Astronomer, §'c. 192 S. Doc. 121. No. 134. Colonel Graham's organization for the survey of the Rio Grande . Copper Mines of Santa Rita, August 27, J851. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from you of the list of members of the scientific corps of the boundary commission con- nected with the surveying parties, which I understand from you are all that are not detailed for duty on the Gila, amounting to sixteen in number. As head of the scientific corps, I will now present, from those names and others attached to the commission, such an organization as will, I trust, enable us to go on with the Rio Grande portion of the boundary survey with despatch. Although I have had but little opportunity of knowing most of the young gentlemen whose names are contained in the list, yet I shall be always ready to impart to them every instruction in my power to make them acquainted with their duties. I . — For two astronomical stations. Lt. Col. J. D. Graham, principal astronomer and head of the scientific corps of the United States boundary commission. Lt. W. F. Smith, topographical engineers, assistant astronomer to head of scientific corps. M. Von Hippel, draughtsman to head of the sci- entific corps G. G. Garner assistant James Henning do P. Crenion do J. P. Espy do J. H. Clark computer Charles Wright do Wm. White, jr sub-assistant Thos. W. Jones do $1,500 per annum. 800 do 60 per month. 60 do 60 do 60 do 60 do 50 do 50 do Mechanics to each astronomical station. 1 instrument repairer, with tools. 1 carpenter, (Ferguson,) with tools. 1 blacksmith, with tools and forge. 3 laborers to each astronomical station. 1 teamster to each astronomical station, $25 per month. 1 wagon, with six mules, to each astronomical station. 1 instrument ambulance, with four mules, to each astronomical station. 1 cook to head of scientific corps, $30 per month. 1 servant to head of scientific corps, $25 per month. 1 cook to assistant astronomer in charge of separate station, $30 per month. S. Doc. 121. 193 1 servant to assistant astronomer in charge of separate station, $2-5 per month. 1 cook to assistants, &c., of 1st astronomical party, $30 per month. 1 servant to assistants, &c., of 1st astronomical party, $25 per month. 1 cook to assistants of 2d astronomical party, $30 per month. 1 servant to assistants of 2d astronomical party, $25 per month. II . — For two surveying parties. First. — Charles A. Snowden $800 per annum. E. A. Phillips 50 per month. Two chainmen 30 do Two flag bearers 30 do One station marker 30 do Two laborers 30 do Two teamsters 25 do One cook 30 do One servant 25 do Two wagons, of six mules each. Second . — Thomas Thompson 800 per annum. A. P. Wilbar , 50 per month. Two chainmen 30 do Two flag bearers 30 do One station marker 30 do Two laborers 30 do Two teamsters 25 do One cook 30 do One servant 25 do Two wagons* of six mules each. III . — Assistants in meteorological department. 1. M. T. W. Chandler. 2. Jam'es H. Houston, sub-assistant $50 per month. IV. — Quartermaster's and commissariat department. T. W. Tansill, clerk to Lt. Tillinghast $70 per month. Geo. S. Pierce. . . .do. .Lt* Burnside 70 do With the necessary quartermaster’s and commissary’s laboring men, and such wagons and animals as may be required for the public ser- vice. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Principal Astr. and Head oj Scientific Corps. J. R. Bartlett, Esq., U. S. Commissioner , fyc., fyc., fyc. Approved : 13 JOHN R. BARTLETT, Commissioner. 194 S. Doc. 121. [Appended to No. 134.] Members of the boundary commission connected with the surveying parties not detailed for duty on the Gila, M. Von Hippel, draughtsman. M. T. W. Chandler, meteorological recorder. J. P. Espy, jr., . do. do. Thomas Thompson, second assistant surveyor. James Henning, computer. P. Crenion, do. J. H. Houston, sub-assistant. T. W. Jones, do. C. A. Snowden, do. W. White, jr., do. A. P. Wilbar, do. Raymond Nias, do. E. A. Phillips, do. T. W. Tan sill do. Mr. Wright, assistant computer. Mr. Clark, do. The above was received from J. R. Bartlett, esq., United States commissioner, at the Copper Mines, on the 26th of August, 1851, at 8 o’clock p. m. J. D. GRAHAM. August 26, 1S51. No. 135. Further instructions from Colonel Graham to Lieutenant Whipple in regard to the Gila survey. In Camp, Sonora, Mexico, September 7, 1851. Sir: In a personal interview I have had to-day with J. R. Bartlett, esq., United States commissioner; General Garcia Conde, Mexican commissioner; and Jose Salazar Y Larregui, esq., astronomer and sur- veyor on the part of Mexico, — I have been officially informed by these gentlemen that Captain F. Jimenes, of the Mexican engineers, attached to the commission on the part of Mexico, has been designated and charged on the part of the said commission, under the 5th article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, to co-operate with you in making a joint survey and delineation of that portion of the boundary between the two republics which is marked by the river Gila. The understand- ing by the joint commission, I am informed, is, that you are to act un- der my written instructions, and that Captain Jimenes is to act under the written instructions of Mr. Salazar, astronomer and surveyor on the part of Mexico, in this joint proceeding. I am much gratified that an S. Doc. 121. 195 officer of the merit and scientific qualifications of Captain Jimenes should have been selected by General Conde as your colleague in this important work. You will please communicate with Captain Jimenes in regard to the joint duties assigned to you, respecting which you have received my instructions of the 26th ultimo. I feel assured that your joint labors will be conducted in that spirit of harmony and professional zeal which will enable you to unite all the information you may obtain in the course of your surveys in one map, to be completed in duplicate, and alike, and to be officially ren- dered to the commissioners for authentication and deposite in the archives of their respective governments. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieutenant Colonel , Principal Astronomer and Head of the Scientific Corps on the part of the United States . Lieutenant A. W. Whipple, U. S. Topographical Engineers , fyc., fyc. No. 136. From Mr. Gray to Colonel Graham , Head of the Scientific Corps , fyc. • In Camp, September 7, 1851. Sir : By a communication just received from the’commissioner, I am directed to apply to you for the instruments necessary to perform my duties in making the linear surveys for the demarcation of the bound- ary on the Gila river. I would not apply to you on this day; but the commissioner tells me that we wi]J start early to-morrow morning, and it becomes necessary that I should be prepared. I will therefore be glad if you can furnish them to me at your earliest convenience. As, by the instructions, you are held responsible to the department for the instruments, and are charged with their distribution to the assist- ants and surveyors, as you may deem necessary for the performance of their duties, I will be accountable to you for the same. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. B. GRAY, U. S. Surveyor . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, U. S. Top . Engineers , Chief Astronomer , . 133 of this Appendix. S. Doc. 121. 199 No. 143. Colonel Graham to Don Jose Salazar y Larregui . Frontera, Texas, November 12, 1851. Dear Sir : It was with great regret that I heard of your indisposi- tion at El Paso, on my arrival here, and I beg to assure you of my best wishes for ^our speedy restoration to perfect health. I will endeavor to call on you at El Paso to-morrow, when I hope we shall be able to make the necessary arrangements for the joint sur- vey of the Rio Grande, in compliance with the resolution of the joint commission on the 7th of September last. I shall, with great pleasure, do everything in my power to push the work forward in such manner as shall be agreeable to you, and best suited to accomplish the object of our respective governments. With great regard and consideration, I remain, very truly, your obe- dient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut, Col ., Principal Astronomer , <^c., fyc., Sfc., on the part of the United States. Jose Salazar y Larregui, Esq., Prin. Astr ., on the part of Mexico , El Paso. No. 144. Sefior Don Jose Salazar y Larregui a Senor Don James D. Graham. Paso, Noviembre 13, 1851. Querido Senor: No crei necesario contestar la muy apreciable de V. fecha de ayer porque hoy debiamos vernos en casa para arreglar el plan de trabajos del Rio Bravo, segun me dice V. en su grata, despues de manifestarme su sentimiento por el mal estado de mi salud. Tuvo V. en efecto la bondad de venir a verme, y aunque de palabra dige a V. cuales eran las instrucciones relativas que tenia del Sr. Gene- ral Garcia Conde, no tengo inconveniente en darselas por escrito como ofreci a V. para satisfacer sus deseos. Para no alterarlas, copiare ex- actamente lo que dicho Senor General me dice con fecha 30 de Setiembre ultimo: “Las instrucciones que de oficio acuerdo para con el Coronel Graham sobre los trabajos en el Rio Bravo, se reducen a lo mismo que dige a V. de palabra; que nosotros no podemos emplear un ano y medio 6 dos anos en la topografia de todo su curso hasta Matamoras, porque las instrucciones que tengo del Gobierno se reducen a fixar puntos astrono- micos en las orillas de los rios, y que ellos determinen su curso, recon- ociendo el canal para fixar el limite en donde haya dos 6 mas de dichos canales. “Como a esta fecha no se con que recursos puedo contar en el Paso, no puede hacer nada; convendra solamente el plan con el Coronel Gra- ham, y esperara mi llegada.” Sin embargo de que estas instrucciones no mi permiten comenzar ninguna clase de trabajos, podre arreglar con V. el plan a que se de- 230 S. Doc. 121. Dan sujetar, y hare lo posible, para emprender algunos tan luego cnmo este restableeido o lleguen los ingenieros que dege concluvendo ciertas operaciones. Quedo de V. con el mayor respeto y consideracion su muy atto. S. S. Q. B. S. M. JOSE SALAZAR Y LARREGUI. SenorCoronel Don J. D. Graham, Astronomo en Gefe , Sfc., tyc., de la Comision de los Estados Unidos. No. 144. [Translation.] Mr. Salazar y Larregui to Colonel Graham . Paso, November 13, 1851. Dear Sir : I did not think it necessary to reply to your much esteemed favor of yesterday’s date, because we were to meet to-day at my house to arrange the plan of the work upon the Rio Bravo, as you propose in your letter, after expressing your regret for the bad state of my health. You had, indeed, the kindness to come to see me, and although I verbally mentioned to you what were the instructions in regard thereto which 1 had from General Garcia Conde, I do not hesitate to give them to you in writing, as I promised, in compliance with your wishes. In order that no error may be made in them, I will copy exactly what the said General writes me, under date of 30th September last : “ The instructions which I give you officially in writing, in regard to the work with Colonel Graham upon the Rio Bravo, are the same as those I mentioned to you verbally : that we cannot spend a year and a half, or two years, in the Xopography of its whole course as far as Mata- moras, because the instructions I have from the government are limited to fixing astronomical points on the banks of the rivers, and that they shall determine their course, examining the channel in order to fix the limit, where there are two or more of said channels. “As I do not, at this'time, know what resources I can count upon at the Paso, nothing can be done ; you will only arrange the plan with Colonel Graham, and await my arrival.” Although these instructions do not permit me to commence any kind of work, I can arrange with you the plan which it must follow, and I will do my best to commence upon it as soon as I am well, or the engineers arrive, whom I left finishing certain operations. I remain, with the greatest respect and consideration, your most obedient servant, JOSE SALAZAR Y LARREGUI. Colonel J. D. Graham, Astronomer-in-chief, Sfc., tyc., Sfc., U. S. Commission . S. Doc. 121. i No. 145. 201 Colonel Graham's instructions to Mr. M. Hippel. Frontera, near el Paso del Norte, November 13, 1851. Sir: You are assigned to the duty of surveying the Rio Grande, commencing at some point about one mile above this place ; and you will continue the survey down the river until you receive my further instructions. Messrs. J. P. Espy and E. A. Phillips will act as your assistants on this survey. You will include within your survey all towns, villages, and habita- tions in the immediate vicinity of the river. The adjacent topography will also be included within such distance, on either' side, as shall be practicable without retarding materially the progress of the work. Mountain- ranges may be laid down, with sufficient accuracy for the accomplishment of the -object in view, by observing, from a sufficient number of stations, as vour work progresses, the bearings of remarka- ble summits, or other points, and then sketching between these points the general contour of these ranges. In order that your survey may be connected with the astronomical points that may hereafter be estab- lished, you will lay down with care the positions of all churches and other remarkable buildings in the vicinity of your line ; and you will, also, for the same purpose, occasionally designate your survey-stations by stakes driven firmly into the ground and properly numbered. You will please survey, with accuracy, all islands that may occur in the Rio Grande below this place ; and you will give me due notice thereof, in order that a joint examination, by soundings, may be made of the channels surrounding these islands, by yourself and an officer, or surveyor, on the part of the Mexican commission, to determine which is the deepest channel, and, accordingly, to which of the two republics such island or islands belong. You will please note the growth of the soil and its adaptation to ag- ricultural purposes, and, also, whether the bottom lands are subject to overflow. Your surveyor’s chains should be frequently compared with the standard-rod furnished to you, and the difference noted, in order that your measurements may be correctly reduced in plotting your work. I herewith enclose to you a circular* in relation to the necessary monthly reports, returns of instruments, &c., which you will please observe. * I am, verv respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Head of the Scientific Corps U. S. B. C. M. Hippel, Esq., U. S. Boundary Commission. ♦No. 139 of this Appendix. 202 S. Doc. 121. No. 146. Colonel Graham to Mr, Hippel. Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, November 14, 1851. Sir: In answer to your inquiry, I have the honor to inform you that your pay, as draughtsman to the head of the scientific corps, was fixed, at the Copper Mines, in Augut last, by J. R. Bartlett, esq., United States commissioner, and myself, at $1,500 per annum, with the understand- ing that you were to perform surveying duty in the field when re- quired — this rate of pay to commence from the time that your survey- ing duties in the field should begin. Mr. Espy’s pay was fixed, at the same time, at $60, and Mr. Phillips’s at $50, per month, (both now serving as your assistants,) to take effect from the time their surveying duties in the field should commence. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut, Col., Head of Scientific Corps. M. HrppEL, Esq., U. S. B . C., Camp near El Paso • No. 147. Colonel Graham to the Hon. S. Pleasonton , Fifth Auditor. Frontera, near El Paso, November 16, 1851. Sir: I herewith forward to you, by the mail which will leave here to-morrow, my accounts relating to the United States and Mexican boundary survey, to include th'e 31st of October, 1851, by which you will see they are balanced to that date. Please acknowledge their receipt, directing to me at El Paso del Norte, via Independence and Santa Fe. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ' J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Col., Head of Scientific Corps , tyc., §'c. Hon. S. Pleasonton, Fifth Auditor , fyc., fyc., Washington. P. S. — Voucher No. 26 will be handed to you by Lieut. George Thom, topographical engineers, as it is in his care at Washington. S. Doc. 121. 203 No. 148. Colonel Graham to the honorable the Secretary of the Interior . Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, November 16, 1851. Sir : I have the honor to inform you that the surveys of the rivers Gila and Rio Grande are going on in accordance with the plan pro- posed, of progressing at the same time with both the eastern and west- ern divisions of the work. The survey of the Gila is progressing under the organization proposed by me, and approved by Mr. Bartlett on the 24th of August last, by which Lieutenant Whipple is charged with that survey on our part. On the 7th of September, at a meeting of the joint commission of the two governments, Captain Jimenes, of the Mexican engineer corps, was designated to co-operate, on the part of the Mexican commission, with Lieutenant Whipple, in the survey of the Gila. This expedition is accompanied by Mr. Bartlett and Mr. Gray, and also by General Conde, the Mexican commissioner.* It is expected that this survey will be completed in January, and that the parties will be here some time in that month. , On the 23d of August Mr. Bartlett requested me to organize a party for the survey of the Rio Grande, which I completed on the 27th, in the best manner which the qualifications of the surveying corps would allow, and on the same day it was approved by him.f I was also charged with the direction of the astronomical work on the Rio Grande, to be assisted by Lieutentant Smith, topographical engineers. At the meeting of the joint commission on the 7th of September, Mr. Salazar, astronomer on the part of Mexico, was designated on the part of the Mexican commission to co-operate with me on the Rio Grande. He, however, informed me that he could not commence this part of the work before about the 1st of November. He arrived at El Paso about that time, but in ill-health ; in a few days, however, he expects to be well enough for duty. In the mean time the American party is progressing with the survey, and to-morrow I shall put a second party on another section of the river, so as to push * the work forward with all possible activity. On the 13th instant Mr. Salazar addressed a note to me, in answer to one from me of the 12th, stating that since the meeting of the joint commission General Conde had instructed him to agree with me as to the j)lan of the survey, &c. ; but not to proceed with the work, on their part, until his (General C.’s) return to El Paso, which will not be before January. I enclose copies of the notes that passed between us on the subject, marked A and B, (Nos. 143 and 144 of this Appendix.) We are to meet to-morrow in reference to this subject, and I shall endeavor to induce MV. Salazar to agree to go on with the work ; and if I cannot succeed in that, I shall endeavor to induce him to assent to the result of our surveys, so far as the partition of islands may be in- Vide page 47, ante. f See No. 134 of this Appendix. 204 S. Doc. 121. yolved. Although I was in camp with the joint commission on the 7th of September, when they held their meeting to digest the plans for the field operations, &c., I was not afforded by Mr. Bartlett an oppor- tunity to be present in order that my views might be given on these points, in accordance with the instructions of the department to him of October 23, 1850, although I had requested that such an opportunity might be afforded me. All that I know of the result of that meeting is contained in Mr. Bartlett’s letter to me of the 9th, a copy of which is hereto attached, marked C, [No. 137 of this Appendix] and what was verbally com- municated to me by Mr. Bartlett and General Conde, in presence of Mr. Salazar and Captain Jimenes, after the meeting adjourned, in re- gard to Mr. Salazar’s being assigned to co-operate with me on the Rio Grande, and Captain Jimenes with Lieutenant Whipple on the Gila. On a subsequent occasion I called on Mr. Bartlett and requested him to allow me to see the record of the proceedings at the meeting alluded to, which he declined doing, although I informed him the department supposed me to be present, and at least to know what was done in the meeting in regard to organization of parties, & c. I shall do all in my power to have the whole boundary line surveyed by tho end of the year 1852, which I yet hope to be able to accom- plish if I am allowed the necessary discretion in the matter. The line across the country, between the Rio Grande and the Gila, can be run out and marked in three or four months’ field-work. The erection of the monuments can also be completed before the close of the coming year. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt, Col,, Principal Astronomer and Head of Scientific Corps, Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior , Washington, No. 149. Colonel Graham's Report to Colonel Albert , Chief Topographical Engineers, Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, November 16, 1851. Sir: I have the honor to report to you that the surveys of the Gila and Rio Grande are now progressing satisfactorily, by parties organized and acting under my direction, and I have now reason to hope the sur- vey of this whole boundary line will be completed by the end of the year 1852. The length of the Rio Grande portion of the line is estimated by those best acquainted with the sinuosities of the river at from 1,800 to 2,000 miles. The line across, from the Rio Grande to the Gila, can be run and S. Doc. 121. 205 marked, in my opinion, by three or four months’ work the ensuing spring and summer. The officers of topographical engineers attached to my command on this duty are First Lieutenant A. W. Whipple and Second Lieuten- ant Wm. F. Smith. Lieutenant Whipple is now engaged upon the survey of the Gila, and Lieutenant Smith is to co-operate with me in the astronomical work on the Rio Grande. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Major Topographical Engineers, Brevet Lieut . Colonel. Colonel J. J. Abert, Chief of Topographical Engineers, Washington. No. 150. Colonel Graham to the Secretary of the Interior. Frontera, near el Paso del Norte, November 16, 1S51. Sir : 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, of the 5th of July last, on my return to the Copper Mines from Sonora, on the 10th ultimo. Mr. Campbell’s account, alluded to in your letter, will have been paid when this reaches }'Ou ; and as I have balanced my account with the boundary commission, as rendered to the Fifth Auditor, I respect- fully request that a requisition may be made in my favor for $3,515 9S, arid the amount paid to Lieutenant George Thom, topographical en- gineers, who will pay the accounts mentioned in the accompanying paper R, and will then render them, in my name, to the Fifth Auditor for settlement. Very little additional expenditure will then be neces- sary during the continuance of the boundary survey, on account of the instruments, &c., for the scientific corps. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Colonel, Principal Astronomer , Sfc. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior, Washington. R. Requisition for funds required on account of the scientific department of the survey of the United Stales and Mexican boundary line. Amount required to pay — 1. The account of Gideon & Co., Washington $492 00 2 do Wm. Bond & Son, Boston 331 67 3 do James Green, New York 242 00 206 S. Doc. 121. 4 . The account of E. & G. W. Blunt, New York •. .. $1,444 56 5 do E. Draper, Philadelphia 769 50 ii do F. A. Lutz, Washington.... 236 25 Amount 3.515 98 J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . CvL, Principal Astronomer , U. 8 . B. C. Paso del Norte, November 16, 1851. I respectfully request that the honorable the Secretary of the Interior will cause a requisition to be made out in my favor for the above amount, to be paid to my agent, Lieutenant George Thom, United States top- ographical engineers, at Washington, who will pay the accounts above specified, and will take receipts on them in my favor, as I have forward- ed them to him duly certified and approved. He will then render them, in my name, to the Fifth Auditor of the Treasury for settlement. J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut . CoL 9 Head of the Scientific Corps , U, 8, B. C. No. 151. Colonel Graham to Lieutenant W. F. Smith . Frontera, November 17, 1851. Sm: You are hereby relieved from the duty of acting quartermaster and commissary of the boundary commission, and will please turn over all public property in your possession, belonging to those departments, to Lieutenant O. H. Tillinghast, quartermaster and commissary, &c. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieutenant Colonel , U. S . B. C. Lieut. W. F. Smith, Corps of Topographical Engineers , Frontera . No. 152. Dr* Diffendciffcr's certificate of the illness of Mi\ T* Thompson* El Paso, November 17, 1851. 1 certify that Mr. Thompson’s health is such that it would injure him to walk from El Paso to F rontera at the present time. W. L. D1FFENDERFFER, M. D. 207 S. Doc. 121. No. 153. Colonel Graham to Don Jose Salazar y Larregui. Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, November 3 9, 18*51. Dear Sir : In pursuance of our conference of Monday last I beg leave to submit for your consideration the following plan I propose for our conjoint survey of the Rio Grande — the determination of this subject having been committed to us by the joint commission of the two gov- ernments. 1. The course and sinuosities of the river shall be run out by means of small light theodolites, or surveyors’ compasses, from the point where the line from the Gila shall strike it to its mouth, and the measurements be made with the chain, or by means of observing the angle of subtense of a standard rod of given length with portable telescopes, provided with spider-line micrometers attached to their eye- pieces. 2. The run of the work to be corrected by determinations of lati- tude and longitude from astronomical observations at suitable points; these points to be connected in longitude by observing signals made by flashes of gunpowder, compared with the local time at the two or more stations, to be thus connected, whenever the necessary facilities shall be afforded by visible heights within convenient distances for making these signals ; otherwise by the transmission, back and forth, of chronometers. 3. All islands shall be surveyed with care, and the channels on both sides carefully sounded, in order to the determination of the deepest channel, (where there are more than one,) and, consequently, under which jurisdiction the islands shall fall. 4. Soundings shall be carried out from the mouth (or mouths, should there be more than one) of the Rio Grande to a distance of three leagues into the Gulf of Mexico, in order to ascertain the deepest and best channel for the entrance of vessels. I believe, that by placing several parties on different sections of the river at the same time, its survey can be completed, after the manner above described, by the end of the year 1852. I regret that your instructions from General Garcia Conde, commis- sioner on the part of Mexico, should prevent your co-operation with me at once in the survey of this river, because the government of the United States has urged the pushing forward of this work as rapidly as we can. A further delay would cause, on our part, much additional expense, as our parties are at the same cost for pay and subsistence, whether they be working or not. For this reason I have thought myself justifiable in placing, as I have already done, two surveying parties on the river. I hope you will feel authorized at least to join with me in the determination of the deepest channel, wherever islands may occur, so that it may be known to which of the two republics they may respectively belong, as our survey progresses. It would also give me great satisfaction if you would at once, or as 208 S. Doc. 121. soon as } 7 our health may permit, join me in that portion of the work which General Garcia Conde is willing to adopt, and in which the fore- going plnn concurs; namely, the astronomical work for the determina- tion of latitudes and longitudes at suitable points on the river, as we may hereafter agree upon them. With great regard and consideration, I remain your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieutenant Colonel , Principal Astronomer and Head of the Scientific Corps on the part oj the V. S. Don Jose Salazar v Larregui, Principal Astronomer and Surveyor on the Part of Mexico , El Paso del Norte. No. 154. Don Jose Salazar y Larregui d Coronel Graham . Paso Norte, Noviemhre 22, 1851. Muy SeNor mio de mi aprecio: Anoche recibi la atenta nota de V. fecha 19, en la cual somete a mi consideracion un plan de operaciones para recorrer el Rio Bravo. Dire a V. que no podemos menos que convenir en lo general de las que deben practicarse y que por lo mismo no dudo que haciendole ligeras alteraciones al plan de V. quederemos definitivamente arreglados. Dichas alteraciones las propondre a V. el lunes 6 inartes proximo, dia en que espero tener el gusto de pasar a ver a V. Soy de la opinion de V. sobre que empezandose a la vez varias sec- ciones en las operaciones del rio se concluiran a fines del ano entrante. Tanto, 6 mas, que a V., me es sensible que las instrucciones del General Garcia Conde, no me permiten comenzar a trabaja.r, como V. lo ha hecho, segun me dice, nombrando secciones de ingenieros con tal objeto. Para este paso que ha dado V. se cree disculpable porque de otra manera sin fruto alguno haria V. gastas de consideracion; y yo no solo creo que lo es V. sino que esta autorizado, pues en la junta de Setiembre ultimo se aprobo el plan que el Senor A. B. Gray, y yo for- ma mos el dia anterior a consecuencia de la resolucion de los Srs. co- misionados del mismo dia. En dicho plan parte -3a. al hablar sobre los trabajos de que V. y yo hemos sido encargados, al concluir se dice lo siguiente: “ C ualesquiera de las partes (de uno uotro Gobierno) puede comenzar en conformidad con las instrucciones de su comisionado ; y si la una lo hiciere antes que la otra, esta puede 6 hacer los trabajos 6 satisfacerse de su exactitud, verificandolos.” En cuanto a concurrir con V. para decidir cual es el canal mas profundo, en donde haya islas, lo hare tan luego como se presente la ocasion. Aunque las instrucciones del General Garcia Conde, no me aut^rizan para comenzar ninguna clase de trabajos, sino que he de esperar su llegada a este punto, terminare la contestacion a la nota de V. dicien- dole que me sera tambien muy grato trabajar de acuerdo con V. en la S. Doc. 121. 209 parte astronomica comoV. desea; y me prometo hacerlo si logro salvar algunas dificultades. Con el mayor respeto quedo de V. su atto. S. S. Q. B. S. M. JOSE SALAZAR Y LARREGUI. Senor Coronel Don J. D. Graham, Jefe del Cuerjpo Cientijico de la Comision de los Estados Unidos , <^c., &fc. No. 154. [Translation.] Don Jose Salazar y Larregui to Colonel Graham . Paso del Norte, November 22, 1851. Sir : I received last night your esteemed favor of the 19th, in which you submit to my consideration a plan of operations for the survey of the Rio Bravo. I will say to you that we very nearly accord, in general, as to what is to be done, and hence I do not doubt that with some slight altera- tions in your plan, we shall be entirely in accordance. I will propose said alterations to you next Monday or Tuesday, when I hope to have the pleasure of calling upon you. I am of your opinion, that by commencing several sections in the op- erations upon the river at the same time, they will be finished by the close of next year. I regret as much as yourself, or even more, that the instructions of General Garcia Conde do not permit me to commence the work as you have done, as you tell me, by appointing parties of engineers for that object. You are not to be considered blamable in taking this step, because otherwise you would be at considerable expense without any result. And I not only think you blameless, but authorized to do so ; because, in the meeting of September last, the plan that Mr. A. B. Gray and I formed the day before, in pursuance of the resolution of the commissioners of the same day, was approved. In the third part of said plan, in speaking of the work intrusted to you and myself, in conclusion it says as follows : “ Either of the parties (of one or other government) may commence in conformity with the instructions of its commissioner; and if one should do so before the other, the latter can either do the work or sat- isfy itself of its exactitude by testing it.” In regard to joining you in order to decide which is the deepest chan- nel where there are islands, I will do so as soon as the occasion occurs. Although the instructions of General Garcia Conde do not authorize me to commence any kind of work, but to await his arrival at this place, I shall close this answer to your letter by saying that it will give me great pleasure to go on in concert with you in the astronomical 14 210 S. Doc. 121. part, as you desire ; and I promise to do so if I succeed in removing some difficulties. I am, with the greatest respect, your most obedient servant, JOSE SALAZAR Y LARREGUL Colonel J. D. Graham, Chief of Scientific Corps of U. S. Commission , fyc.> fyc. ‘ No. 155. Colonel Graham to the Secretary of the Interior. Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, November 24, 1851. Sir : I had the honor to address you on the 16th instant in relation to the progress of the surveys upon the United States and Mexican boundary line. That communication was forwarded by the mail which left here on that day to go via Santa F e and Independence. On the 17th a second surveying party was put upon a section of the Rio Grande below this place, so that we have now two surveying par- ties actively employed upon this river on the part of the United States commission. Although these parties are not accompanied by any representative from the Mexican boundary commission, yet, in pursuance of an agree- ment with Mr. Salazar, the Mexican astronomer and surveyor, (a copy of which is annexed, marked D,) our labors will be authenticated on the part of that commission as they progress, and thus be rendered final. We have now about sixty days’ subsistence stores on hand. These, added to the supplies expected by Ponce de Leon’s train in the course of the present or early in the ensuing month, will, I trust, enable us to push the work forward upon the eastern division with a rapidity and a degree of accuracy that will prove satisfactory to the two governments. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Head of Scientific Corps, fyc. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Department of the Interior, 6fc., Sfc., §c., Washington . No. 156. D — (accompanying No. 155.) Flan for the conjoint survey of the Rio Grande, or Rio Bravo del Norte, formed and agreed to by Lieutenant Colonel J. D. Graham, prin- cipal astronomer and head of the scientific corps, on the part of the United States boundary commission, and Don Jose Salazar y Larregui , principal astronomer and surveyor on the part of the Mexican boundary commission. (November 24, 1851.) We, the undersigned, in pursuance of authority delegated to us at a meeting held in camp on the 7th of September, 1851, by the joint com- t j S. Doc. 121. 211 mission for running and marking the boundary between the republics of the United States and Mexico, under the 5th article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, do certify and authenticate the following as the re- sult of our conferences, held on the 13th, 17th, and 24th of November, 1851, at and near El Paso del Norte, in regard to the survey of that portion of the Rio Grande, or Rio Bravo del Norte, which constitutes a part of the boundary between the two republics, under the aforesaid treaty, viz : It is agreed — 1. That the course and sinuosities of the river shall be run out by means of theodolites of portable and convenient size, or by surveyors’ compasses, and the measurements made with the chain or by means of portable micrometer telescopes for observing the angles of subtense of a rod of given length, placed at various distances. All towns, villages, and habitations in the immediate vicinity of the river, shall be surveyed and laid down upon the maps, and also the topography, as far as it can be done without too much retarding the work. Should the commission on the part of either of the two govern- ments, however, find it inconvenient to make this survey so minute as is above described, the said party may, at its option, confine this degree of minuteness to the inhabited and any other portions of the river that may be deemed to possess sufficient interest, and make a more rapid and more general survey of the other portions. Such party shall, however, in that case, satisfy itself as to the correctness of the more minute surveys of the other party ; and when so satisfied, shall au- thenticate it by signing the notes of survey, and the maps projected therefrom. 2. The run of the work will be corrected by determinations of lati- tude and longitude from astronomical observations at suitable points, to be selected as the work progresses. Whenever the necessary facil- ities shall be afforded by visible heights, within convenient distances, these points will be connected in longitude by observing signals made by flashing gunpowder, compared with the local time determined from observation at the said points. When such facilities do not occur, the connexions in longitude will be made by the transmission back and forth of chronometers, showing the difference in local time at such sta- tions. 3. All islands shall be surveyed with care, and the channels on both sides ascertained by soundings, in order to determine which is the deepest, and consequently to which government the said islands be- long. Whenever either party, or the surveyors of either party, shall have surveyed any island or islands, due notice shall be given to the other party, and they or their surveyors shall thereupon proceed to make such examinations of the channels as may be necessary to deter- mine which is the deepest ; and having agreed upon this point, they shall make a conjoint certificate stating that the said island or islands belong to the republic of the United States or Mexico, as the case may be, which certificate shall be signed in duplicate and transmitted to the commissioners of the two governments for their information, as early as may be practicable. 4. Should the Rio Grande or Bravo del Norte be found to flow into 212 S. Doc. 12F the Gulf of Mexico by more than one channel, all shall be sounded, so that the boundary line may be laid down along the middle of the deepest one. Soundings shall then be carried out from the mouth of this deepest channel to a distance of three leagues into the Gulf of Mex- ico, in order to show the best entrance for vessels into the river. Either party desiring it may extend these soundings to the said distance of three leagues out from the entranc? of all the said channels, the result to be considered as for the benefit of the navigation of both countries, and to be rendered for that object in duplicate to the commissioners of the two governments. 5. Should either party be prepared to commence the survey of this river before the other, the aforesaid party may go on with it, conform- ably with the foregoing articles, and the result, on being verified and assented to by the other party, will be authenticated and agreed to by both, and be so reported to the joint commission of the two govern- ments in writing and in duplicate. J. D. GRAHAM, Lt. Col., Principal Astr . and Head of Scientific Corps on the part of the United States. JOSE SALAZAR Y LARREGUL Frontera, near El Paso Del Norte, November 24, 1851. No. 156. [Duplicate in Spanish.] Plan para los trabajos unidos del Rio Grande , 6 Rio Bravo del Norte , formado y convcnido por el Teniente Coronel Don J. D. Graham , astron- omo principal y gefe del cuerpo cientifico por parte de la common de limites de los Estados Unidos , y Don Jose Salazar y Larregui , aslronomo principal y agrimensor por parte de la Mexicana. Nos, los infraescritos, conforme a la autoridad, que en la junta de 7 de Setiembre de 1851, nos delego la comision unida para recorrer y demarcar los limites entre las dos republicas de los Estados Unidos, y de Mexico, segun el art. 5 del tratado de Guadalupe Hidalgo, cer- tificamos y autorizamos el seguiente como resultado de nuestras con- ferencias tenidas en y cerca del Paso del Norte los dias 13, 17 y 24 de Noviembre de 1851, sobre las operaciones de aquella porcion del Rio Grande 6 Bravo del Norte que constituye una parte de los limites entre las dos republicas segun dicho tratado, a saber. Queda convenido : 1. Que el curso y sinuosidades del rio se Ueven por medio de teodo- litos de tamaho portatil y conveniente, 6 de compases de agrimensor, y que las medidas se trazen con cadenas, 6 con telescopios portables de micrometro para observar los angulos que subtende, a varias distancias, una serial de longitud dada. Todas las ciudades, villas, y lugares habitados, a inmediaciones del rio se topografiaran y pondran en las mapas estendiendose ademas la topografia hasta donde se pueda sin demorar mucho los trabajos. S. Doc. 121. 213 Sin embargo, si la comision por la parte de uno de los dos Gobiernos tiene inconveniente en hacer la topografia tan minuciosa como se de- scribe antes, dicha parte puede segun su deseo limitar el grado de pre- cision a las porciones habitadas u a otras del rio que se consideren dignas de interes, y hacer la mas rapida y mas general en las otras porciones. Sin embargo, dicha parte, en tal caso, se satisfacera de la topografia mas minuciosa de la otra parte, y cuando este satisfecha, la autorizara firmando las datas de ella y los pianos hechos segun ellas. 2. El conjunto de los trabajos se corregira determinando latitudes y longitudes por observaciones astronomicas hechas en los puntos que se elijan al progresar aquellos. Siempre que se presente la oportunidad de que se vean puntos elevados a distancias convenientes, estos se relacionaran en longitud observando senales de fuego comparados con el tiempo local determinado por observaciones hechas en dichos puntos. Cuando no se presente tal oportunidad, dicha relacion en longitud se hara por transporte de ida y vuelta de cronometros que indiquen la diferencia de tiempo local en dichas estacione?. ,3. Todas las islas se topografiaran con cuidado, y los canales de uno y otro lado se sondearan para determinar cual es el mas profundo, y por consiguiente a que Gobierno dichas islas perteneceran. Siempre que alguna de las partes, 6 sus agrimensores, hubiesen topografiado una 6 mas islas, se dara el aviso correspondiente a la otra parte, y ella 6 sus agri- mensores procederan a harcer los reconocimientos necesarios para determinar cual es el canal mas profundo, y habiendo convenido en este punto, haran un certificado unido en el que conste que dicha isla 6 islas pertenecen a la republica de los Estados Unidos, 6 a la de Mexico, segun sea el caso, cuyo certificado se firmara por duplicado, y se mandar tan pronto como sea posible a los comisionados de los dos Gobiernos para su inteligencia. 4. Si se encontrare que el Rio Grande 6 Bravo del Norte desemboca en el Golfo de Mexico, por mas de un canal, todos se sondearan para de- terminar cual es el mas profundo, y por consiguiente la linea limitrofe. Desde la embocadura de dicho canal se haran sondeamientos en el Golfo de Mexico hasta la distancia de tres leguas para marcar la meior entrada de los buques al rio. Si una de las partes desea estender los sondeamientos mas alia de la distancia de tres leguas para la entrada a todos los canales, el resultado se considerara en beneficio de la navegacion de ambos paises, y con este objeto se hara una relacion por escrito y por duplicado a los comisionados de los dos Gobiernos. 5. Si una de las partes estuviere preparada para comenzar las ope- raciones del rio antes que la otra, dicha parte puede haceiio en conformi- dad con los articulos anteriores, y el resultado verificado y convenido por la otra parte, se autorizara y convendra por ambos, y asi se pondra en conocimiento de la comision unida de los dos Gobiernos por escrito y por duplicado. J. D. GRAHAM, Astronomo •principal y gefe del cuerpo cientifico yor parte de los Estados Unidos, JOSE SALAZAR Y LARREGUI. Frontera, Cerca del Paso, Nov. 24, 1851. 214 S. Doc. 121. No. 157. Major Emory to Colonel Graham . Near El Paso, November 25, 1851. Sir : I have the honor to deliver to you, by the hands of my secre- tary, Geo. C. Gardiner, esq. ? a sealed despatch from the Department of the Interior. [See No. 160.] I also send an extract from my letter of instructions dated Septem- ber 13th, and a copy of an order from the Secretary of the Interior dated September 15, 1851. [See Nos. 158 and 159.] I will thank you to inform me when it will be convenient to give me an interview, in relation to the duties devolved on me by these in- structions. The assistant adjutant general at San Antonio placed in my hands two packages directed to you, which I also send. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. EMORY, Captain and Brevet Major Corps Topographical Engineers. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Corps Topographical Engineers , fyc., Frontera . No. 15S — (Delivered to Colonel Graham with No. 157.) Department of the Interior, Washington , September 13, 1851. Sir : Brevet Lieutenant Colonel J. D. Graham having been relieved, by orders of this date, from duty with the commission lor running and marking the boundary between the United States and the republic of Mexico, you are, with the concurrence of the Secretary of War, hereby appointed chief astronomer to the commission and head of the scien- tific corps. You will accordingly proceed, with as little delay as possible, to join the commission in the field, and relieve Colonel Graham of the duties devolved upon him by the instructions to the commissioner dated 23d October, 1850. * * * * * Enclosed you will receive an order directing Colonel Graham to turn over to you all the instruments, instructions, stationery, and camp equipage, except so much of the latter as may be necessary for Colonel Graham’s convenience in returning home : for all these you will re- ceipt to him in duplicate. #####** I am, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, ALEX. H. H. STUART, Secretary. Brevet Major Wm. H. Emory, Corps of Topographical Engineers , Bresen\ S. Doc. 121. 215 No. 159 — (Delivered to Colonel Graham with No. 157.) Department of the Interior, Washington , September 15, 1851. Sir : Lieutenants A. W. Whipple, W. F. Smith, of the corps of topographical engineers, Ambrose E. Burnside of the third regi- ment of artillery, and O. H. Tillinghast of the first regiment of artillery, attached to the commission to run and mark the boundary line be- tween the United States and Mexico, are hereby required to report themselves to you, as chief astronomer and head of the scientific corps of that commission, and are hereafter subject to your orders as such. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. K. HALL, Acting Secretary . Brevet Major W. H. Emory, Chief Astronomer , tyc., fyc. No. 160 — (Delivered with No. 157.) The Secretary of the Interior to Colonel Graham , recalling him from the United States and Mexican Boundary . Department of the Interior, Washington , September 13, 1851. Sir : I have to inform you that, with the approbation of the Presi- dent of the United States, you are hereby relieved from duty as chief 'astronomer and head of the scientific corps attached to the commission for running and marking the boundary between the United States and the republic of Mexico. This will be handed to you by Brevet Major Wm. H. Emory, on whom your duties have been devolved, and to whom you will turn over all the instruments, instructions, stationery, and camp equipage (except so much of the latter as may be necessary for your convenience in returning home) which may be in your charge, or under your -direction, belonging to or in the boundary service. You will receive from him duplicate receipts therefor, and file one of them in this department. When this shall have been done, you will report yourself to this de- partment in person. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, " ALEX. H. H. STUART, Brevet Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Corps of Topographical Engineers, U. S. A. Secretary . 216 S. Doc. 121. No. 161. Colonel Graham to Major Emory . Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, November 25, 1851. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, to-day, of your communication of this date, together with the documents therein men- tioned. I shall be ready to-morrow, or at any moment that may suit your convenience, to give you the interview which you request, and to com- ply with the directions of the honorable the Secretary of the Interior of the 13th of September last, in regard to turning over to you the instru- ments, instructions, stationery, &c., so soon as the necessary invoices and other papers can be made out. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Major Topographical Engineers , Brevet Lieut. Colonel. Brevet Major W. H. Emory, Corps Topographical Engineers , near El Paso . No. 162. Major Emory to Colonel Graham . Near El Paso, November 26, 1851. Sir : I received your letter of the 25th last night, and will, if agreea- ble to you, be present at your post to-morrow at eleven o’clock. Mr. Edward Ingraham, assistant on the boundary survey, the bearer of this note, 'will prepare any papers for me which may be necessary in the transfer of the property. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. EMORY, Brevet Major Topographical Engineers. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Corps Topographical Engineers. No. 163. Major Emory to Colonel Graham. Near El Paso, November 29, 1851. Colonel : In accordance with our verbal understanding yesterday, I send my secretary, G. C. Gardiner, esq., and Mr. Edward In- graham, assistant on the survey of the boundary between the United States and Mexico, to copy from your invoices the receipts which I S. Doc. 121. 217 will give } T ou. At any hour you will send either of these gentlemen, to say they are ready for my signature, I will come up and sign them. It would aid me to have a copy of the orders given by you to the officers ot the army, surveyors, and assistants on the work. I will also thank you to inform me, if in your power, where the com- missioner is at this time. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, W. H. EMORY, Brevet Major Topographical Engineers . Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Corps of Topographical Engineers , 17. S. A . No. 164. Colonel Graham to Major Emory . Frontera, near El Paso, November 29, 1851. Major : I received your letter of this date this morning, by the hands of Mr. Gardiner, and, in reply, I have to state that I left Mr. Bartlett, the United States commissioner, at Santa Cruz, in Sonora, on the 28th of September last. He was en route for the Gila, intending to accompany the surveying party down that river to its mouth. He informed me that he expected to be in El Paso by January next. So soon as the invoices of the instruments and other property can be completed I will give you notice, in order that the receipts may be made out from them. I will also have copies of the instructions alluded to in your letter, and enclose them to you as soon as they can be transcribed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Brevet Lieut . Colonel . Major W. H. Emory, Corps of Topographical Engineers. No. 165. Mr. Jacobs , disbursing agent to the United States Commission , to Colonel Graham. U. S. Boundary Commission, Magoffin's Rancho , near El Paso , December 2, 1851. Sir : I informed you on the 30th ultimo, when I was at Frontera, that 1 could probably furnish you with $300, and Mr. Lawson, your secretary, with $250, for the purpose of defraying your expenses home. I yesterday had an interview with Mr. Magoffin, for the purpose of making some monetary arrangements, but, in consequence of the requi- sitions of the commissioner, made in July last, not having been honored 218 S. Doc. 121. by the Secretary of the Interior, I was unable to obtain any advance from Mr. Magoffin; and, in fact, the requisitions that I now hold will not cover my indebtedness to Mr. Magoffin, for money advanced, by $1,500. You will, therefore, perceive that it is entirely out of my power to furnish you the sum required. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY JACOBS, Assistant Secretary to the Commissioner , U. S. B. C. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Principal Astronomer , fife., U. S. B. C., Frontera. No. 166. Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, December 3, 1851. Sir: In conformity with the directions of the Department of the In- terior, of September 15, 1851, you will report yourself for duty to Brevet Major W. H. Emory, topographical engineers, who has been assigned by the Department of the Interior, with the concurrence of the Secretary of War, to the duty of chief astronomer and head of the scientific corps of the United States boundary commission, for running and marking the line between the United States and Mexico. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Brevet Lieut . Colonel Top . Eng . Lieut. O. H. Tillinghast, 1st Artillery . Lieut. W. F. Smith, Topographical Engineers. Lieut. Nathaniel Michler, Topographical Engineers. No. 167 — (In compliance with No. 163.) Frontera, December 7, 1851. Major : I enclose to you herewith copies of the following papers, viz : No. 1 . Extract of instructions from the Department of the Interior to me, dated October 23, 1850. [No. 12 of this Appendix.] No. 2. Instructions from the Department of the Interior to J. R. Bart- lett, esq., United States commissioner, dated October 23, 1850. [No. 13 of this Appendix.] No. 3. Organization for the astronomical and topographical survey of the river Gila. [No. 129 of this Appendix.] No. 4. Instructions to Lieutenant Whipple for the survey of the river Gila, dated August 26, 1851. [No. 132 of this Appendix.] No. 5. Organization for the astronomical and topographical survey of the Rio Grande. [No. 134 of this Appendix.] S. Doc. 121. 219 No. 6. Letter from J. R. Bartlett, esq., United States commissioner, to me, in relation to fiscal arrangements for paying the expenses inci- dental to the survey of the Rio Grande. [No. 133 of this Appendix.]^ No. 7. Additional instructions to Lieutenant A. W. Whipple, United States topographical engineers, in relation to his co-operation with Cap- tain F. Jimenes, of the Mexican engineer corps, in the joint survey of the river Gila. [No. 135 of this Appendix.] No. 8. Letter from J. R. Bartlett, esq., United States commissioner, informing me that at a meeting of the joint commission, held September 7, 1851, it was agreed that Mr. Salazar, astronomer and surveyor of the Mexican commission, should co-operate with me in the survey of the Rio Grande. [No. 137 of this Appendix.] No. 9. Instructions to Lieutenant A. W. Whipple, to return by the most practicable route to El Paso del Norte, after finishing the survey of the river Gila. [No. 140 of this Appendix.] No. 10. Instructions to Mr. Charles Wright in regard to the survey of a section of the Rio Grande. [No. 141 of this Appendix.] No. 11 . Instructions to Mr. M. Hippel in regard to die survey of an- other section of the Rio Grande. [No. 145 of this Appendix.] No. 12. Plan for the conjoint survey of the Rio Grande, entered into by Mr. Salazar and myself*, in pursuance of authority delegated to us by the joint commission of the two governments, at the meeting held September 7, 1851. [No. 155 of this Appendix.] I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Major Top. Eng ., Brevet Lieut . Colonel . Brevet Major W. H. Emory, Topographical Engineers , Frontera. No. 168. Colonel Graham to the Secretary of the Interior • Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, December 10, 1851. Sir: I have received the orders of the department of the 13th of September last, which were sent up to me, from El Paso, by Major Emory, on the 25th ultimo. On the 28th Major Emory reported himself here, in person, and arrangements were made for my turning oyer to him the instruments, instructions, stationery, and camp equipage in my charge belonging to the boundary service, all which was completed, and the necessary duplicate invoices and receipts interchanged, by the 7th inst. As directed by the department, I shall proceed to Washington and report myself to you in person, as soon as practicable. As Major Emory probably will require the military escort, which accompanied him from San Antonio, to proceed on with him until he joins the United States commissioner, I shall endeavor to induce a small party of 220 S. Doc. 121. gentlemen, who are desirous to get to San Antonio, to join me, with Mr. Lawson and my servant, in going through to that place in a few days. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, Lieut. Colonel , fyc . , tyc. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior , fyc., fyc., Washington . No. 169. Frontera, near El Paso, December 11, 1851. Colonel : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated December 7, and the papers enclosed with it, numbered from one to twelve. (See No. 167.) I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. EMORY, Capt. and Brevet Major Corps T. E. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, Corps of Topographical Engineers . No. 170. Lieutenant Whipple to the Department of the Interior , forwarding a copy of his report to Colonel Graham of the purvey of the Gila . San Diego, California, January 16, 1852. Sir : Enclosed is the copy of a hasty report to Col. Graham, under whose orders has been conducted an astronomical and topograhical survey of a portion of the United States and Mexican boundary upon the Rio Gila. Newspapers and private letters, received at this place, tend to con- firm the rumor that Col. Graham has been relieved from duty on this commission. Mr. Bartlett, the commissioner, left us upon the Rio San Pedro, to visit some of the frontier towns of Sonora, proposing to meet us at the Pimo village. Nothing has since been heard from him. A vague rumor is, however, afloat, which places him at Guaymas. The necessity of coming to the Pacific for provisions was not an- ticipated. I arrived with a party of eighteen persons, and without the power to discharge them. For their subsistence 1 have been obliged to pledge my private credit for several hundreds of dollars. 1 deem it necessary to communicate this condition of things to the department. Unless the Secretary is informed that the commissioner will soon arrive at this place, I would respectfully request that funds may be sent me to pay off* the men and take back myself and four assistants to Paso del Norte, or wherever our services may be required. S. Doc. 121. 221 I now propose to avail myself of Major Heintzelman’s command, at the Colorado, to complete the survey of the Gila; and then, at this place, await new orders, or the means of returning, as directed by Col. Graham, to El Paso. Should the rumor prove true that Major Emory supersedes Col. Gra- ham as principal astronomer, See., upon this commission, I hope the de- partment will do me the favor to order me and my four assistants to Washington, to complete the computations of the astronomical, mag- netic, and meteorological observations that have been made by myself, and to construct maps of the various surveys and reconnaissances per- formed under my direction, which extend, connectedly, from India nola, (Texas,) by way of Paso del Norte, to San Diego, upon the Pacific ocean. To be allowed the privilege of bringing up this work, to show whether my labors have or have not been creditable to the commission, will be esteemed an act of justice for which I shall be grateful. It would be highly gratifying to me to be ordered home by way of China, in order to complete our already extensive series of magnetic observations. The extra expense, however, will, I fear, prevent the department from extending this indulgence. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. W. WHIPPLE, Lieut. U. S. T. E., attached to U. S. and Mexican B. C. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior, fyc., i fa., Washington , D. C. No. 171. Lieut . Whipple's report to Col. Graham, on the survey of the Gila . San Diego, California, January 10, 1852. Colonel: I have the honor to report my arrival at San Diego, with the party of the boundary commission under my command. Nearly the whole time since you left us upon the San Pedro, until our arrival here, we have been upon a short allowance of provisions. With fourteen and a half days’ rations of flour and without an escort, we left St. Peter’s Springs, upon the Rio San Pedro, on the 3d of Octo- ber, 1851. We arrived at the desired point on the Gila, northeast of Mount Graham, on the evening of the 9th. The transit instrument was mounted the same night, and both limbs of the moon were observed for longitude. The topographical survey of the Gila was commenced at this point. My excellent assistants in this portion of the work, Henry C. F orce and F rank Wheaton, are worthy of great praise for their industry and skill in the performance of their duties. I should be pleased to have their names brought before the department at Washington, and their merits appreciated. The survey was carried on without difficulty below the junction of Rio San Francisco, as far as the entrance to the canon of the Pinal Llano mountain. Into this we forced our way, although the Indians told us 222 S. Doc. 121. that neither man nor beast could pass through. In some places by wading, in others by climbing upon the sides of the canon, which rose perpendicularly from five to fifteen hundred feet in height, the survey progressed for eight or ten miles. The want of men, and of provisions, prevented us from sending out reconnoitring parties in advance. The train passed over mountains, rough and steep, upon the north side of the river. Having succeeded in reaching a gorge by which a mountain stream leaps into the river, we were here compelled to abandon our wagon and lead the pack mules over steep mountains. The following extract from the meteorological observations will give an idea of our route : Hours. Inches. Bank of the Rio Gila, October 26, 8J a. m Bar. 27.779 Canon Spring, “ 27, sunrise “ 27 .470 Iron Hill, “ 28, 6 a. m “ 26.517 Summit Pass, “ 28, 8J a. m “ 26.073 Cascade Grotto, “ 28, 9 \ a. m “ 27.194 Cascade Grotto, “ 29, 7 J a. m “ 27.229 Pinal Pass, “ 29, 1 £ p. m “ 25.790 Rio Gila, November 1 4J p. m “ 27.903 The Cascade Grotto is too wildly beautiful to pass unnoticed. De- scending over twelve hundred feet in an hour, we plunged into an In- dian garden, where were melons, maize and beans, a.nd, to our surprise, a field of cotton. This fertile spot is an inclined plane, evidently formed by deposite from a mineral spring which gushes from the mountain, irri- gates the fields, and then follows a ravine leaping from cliff to cliff in beautiful cascades, until it joins the Gila, which appears in view a thousand feet below the garden. Passing beneath the first waterfall, one enters a charming stalactite cave, consisting of two apartments richly decorated. At the foot of the precipice are flowering shrubs and matted vines, whose red flowers gaily contrast with the verdure which surrounds them. This singular formation is filled with petrifactions. In one place was seen the trunk of a large cotton-wood tree, cropping out of a bed of coarse limestone, and completely petrified. A chip showed distinctly bark and fibre. From this point the Gila was inaccessible ; and having lured an Indian from the hills, we followed his guidance and reluctantly turned our backs to the river. Surrounded by a great body of Pinal Llanos, we passed through their strongholds, and on the 1st of November again struck the river, probably not more than ten miles below the point at which we left it. Having surveyed up as far as possible from this place, we then fol- lowed the course of the Gila to the mouth of Rio San Pedro. Here, while observing moon culminations for longitude, we sent a party eighty miles to the Pimo village, where flour was purchased. Decem- ber 9 tk, we met this party on its return. When we arrived at the Pimo village, Colonel Craig, with an escort of twenty-three men, and Captain Barry, with about twenty-eight days’ rations, were awaiting us. The banks of the river from the Pimo settlement to the junction of the Rio S. Doc. 121. 223 Salinas, are fertile, producing crops of cotton of the first quality. The Marricopas have been driven by the Yumas from their settlements near the Salinas, into closer proximity to the Pimos. Within the last year many have been killed, including Ju^n Antonio Llunas, a Marricopa by birth, but commander-in-chief of the confederate tribes. If pro- tected from incursions of Apaches and Cuchans, (Yumas) the Marrico- pas would gladly return to their fertile fields upon the American bank of the Gila, and, in case of an Indian war, they would prove a valua- ble auxiliary to our troops. The Safinas at the junction is a beautiful stream, clear as crystal, large as the Gila, and, to our surprise, not salt . Having progressed with the topographical survey to within about eighty miles of the junction of the Gila with the Colorado, our supplies of provisions failing, we were obliged on the 14th of December to post- pone its conclusion until provisions could be procured at the army depot, at Camp Yuma. In lour days we reached the junction. Here, meeting Captain Jimenes and party, of the Mexican commission, who had arrived the day previous, to our consternation we learned that the military post had been abandoned. There was no alternative but to follow the sol- diers. Crossing the Colorado, we arrived the 1st of January, 1852, at Santa Isabel, where Captain Davidson kindly saved us from suffering by hunger. On the 8th of January we encamped in San Diego. The agricultural resources of the Gila are of little value to the United States, more than nine-tenths of the soil susceptible of cultivation being upon the Mexican bank. Settlements could, however, be supported at the mouth of the Rio San F rancisco, opposite the mouth of Rio San Pe- dro, upon the Salinas, and at the junction of the Gila with the Colorado. F rom what precedes, it may be inferred that it would hardly be prac- ticable to construct a “road, canal, or railway,” to run wholly upon the river Gila. The cation of the Pinal Llano mountains is a complete barrier. The pass below the junction of the San Pedro is equally im- practicable. Between the Pimo settlement and the junction of the Gila with the Colorado, nature interposes no serious obstacle to the construc- tion of a way of communication, such as the travelling public may de- mand, but from the Pimo village to the Rio del Norte, I know of no practicable route, even for a wagon road, except by entering the State of Sonora to avoid the Pinal Llano mountains. Possibly a route may be found following the course of the Safinas towards Santa Fe. Other- wise a jornada must be traversed to Tucson, in Mexico; thence, crossing the Rio San Pedro, a road may pass from spring to spring, leaving the Guadalupe pass to the south, and may proceed in the vicinity of the southern boundary of New Mexico to Dona Ana. Four permanent military posts should at the same time be established near this route, one at Colonel Craig’s Cantonment Dawson, [since call- ed Fort Webster,] among the copper mines of New Mexico, where a well watered and fertile valley, rich in precious metals, would soon sup- port a flourishing settlement ; one at the mouth of Rio San Pedro, where the Pinal Llanos Indians would be intercepted in their marauding ex- peditions to Sonora ; and the third upon the excellent cotton lands at the mouth of the Safinas. The fourth, upon the Colorado, has already been established by order of the War Department. 224 S. Doc. 121. By treaty stipulations with Mexico, “it is solemnly agreed that all in- cursions into her territory, of our savage tribes, shall be forcibly restrain- ed by the government of the United States.” But at present, Indian depredations in Sonora are notorious. Scores of our own citizens, also, have been slaughtered by these roving robbers, and we have seen their bones bleaching by the road side. The government is, therefore, bound to station a strong military force upon this frontier. Protection to set- tlers will enable the resources of the country to be developed ; emigrants, assured of safety and of supplies at these depots, will avoid the perils and expense of a sea voyage, and the country will learn soon whether the wants of the people require, so as to render “ advantageous,” the construction of a “ canal or railway,” which may in part run upon the river Gila. The construction of a wagon road by the route proposed, through Sonora, for the use of both countries, would be of no less advantage to Mexico than to the United States. An agreement to this effect is, in fact, necessary to the fulfilment of the treaty stipulations with reference to the protection of the frontier. This done, and some slight encourage- ment given to trade, and the now half depopulated province of Sonora will soon become one of the most flourishing States of Mexico. : From the day of first striking the river Gila to the time of reaching its mouth — seventy days — astronomical observations were made every night, except two, which were cloudy. The whole number of astro- nomical and meteorological stations upon the Gila was forty-six ; nearly all of these were also magnetic stations. Between the mouth of the Gila and this place are three intermediate astronomical and magnetic stations, besides several made on my trip from San Diego to the Colorado, in September, 1849. Thus is completed a consecutive chain of magnetic stations, extending from the observatory at Cambridge, Massachusetts, by way of Galveston, San Antonio, and Paso del Norte^ta the Pacific ocean. At most of these stations the three elements, incff^atio/i, declina- tion , and intensity , have been observed. In the astronomical and mag- netic departments, John O’Donoghue and Hugh Campbell have been my invaluable assistants. The magnetic instrument used was made by Mr. George, of Falmouth, under the direction of the celebrated Mr. F ox, the inventor. It is the same that was turned over for this service by yourself, at the close of the northeastern boundary survey. With it I observed at Chagres, Gor- gona, and Panama, in 1849. It is believed that a map, exhibiting the results obtained, will prove of much interest, and, when published, will add credit to the depart- ment under which the operation has been conducted. What a misfor- tune that we have not the power to embrace the present opportunity, by returning to the United States by way of China and the Mediterranean, to surround the globe with a series of magnetic observations. Not only would the value of the results upon the boundary be greatly enhanced by such direct comparison at European observatories, but, passing through or near the maxima of horizontal intensity, the lines of no-variation would be crossed, and an exceedingly interesting belt of observations might be completed around that part of the world, at present (with reference to magnetism) so little known. S. Doc. 121. 225 Notwithstanding the recent hostility of the whole tribe of Apaches, Colloteros, Pinal Llanos, and Tontos, through which we passed without an escort, nothing but kindness was received from them. The Yumas and Cocopas, though glorying in the belief that they had driven away the small detachment of United States troops stationed among them, still treated us with respect and favor. The vigilance of Colonel Craig gave them no opportunity of showing hostility. One sad accident I have to record : it is the death of Thomas Harper, an excellent young man from Kentucky, and a member of my party. While bathing in the Colorado, he was seized with a cranjp, sank, and, although a dozen leaped into the water to afford assistance, the rapid cur- rent swept him far beyond their reach, and search for him was fruitless. Major Heintzelman is now preparing to re-establish the military post at the Colorado. As soon as this is done, 1 hope to be able to obtain supplies of provisions, and in ten days after the recommencement of the work the survey of the Gila will be completed. In the mean time, until the arrival of Mr. Bartlett, who is supposed to be at Guaymas, or while awaiting other means of procuring supplies for our return, nwself and assistants are actively employed in computing our observations and plot- ting the notes of the survey. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. W. WHIPPLE, Lieutenant U. S. Topographical Engineers. Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham, U. S. Top. Eng., Head of the Scientific Corps for the survey of the U. S. and Mexican Boundary . No. 172. Colonel Graham to the Secretary of the Interior. Washngton, March 25, 1S52. Sir: I have the honor to enclose to you, herewith, Brevet Major W. II. I imory’s receipt to me for instruments, stationery, and camp equipage, turned over to him at Frontera, near El Paso del Norte, on the 6th of December last, in conformity with orders from your department.* This document has just arrived from Indianola, with other articles which 1 was obliged to leave there to be forwarded. I have respectfully to request that I may be allowed to have a. duplicate of the copy of Lieutenant Whipple’s report to me (which he forwarded to the department, from San Diego, in January last,) of the survey of the river Gila, as it will probably be a long while before 1 can receive the original, which he forwarded from San Diego, addressed tome at El Paso del Norte, t I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. D. GRAHAM, But. Lieut. Col., Sfc., &‘c. Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, Secretary of the Interior , fyc., fyc., &fc. * An abstract of this receipt will be found in No. 176 of this Appendix. | It is No. 171 of this Appendix. 15 J. D. G. No. 173. — Synopsis of the return fs? instruments belonging to the Mexican boundary commission , made by Major William H, Emory , as appears by his “ returtQ 1 dated March 30, 1850, and the receipts , respectively , of Lieutentant Whipple , Brevet Cap- tain JHardcastle , Mr . A. B. Gray, and Dr. C. C. Parry ; also oj the instruments with which he is chargeable on the books of this department . \_Made out at the Department of the Interior in January , 1851.] 226 H. Doc. 121. ioj pajunooaB pnoj, + -uojsog'uog Tg puoa oi uapoMg yobiuq ui podding 'JIJOA UI JuniH ‘M 'D ’S 3 •sassdj\I ijjiav jjot * XlOUia Xq Xubj o *JQ oi ioao pauinj, ^•xiouia Tbiv Xq XuJ 9 g y oj ioao pdiunj. 4 Xiouig -fe^ Xq 3[JSB0pjBH UIBJ -dB 3 oj J9 ao paujn j, •xaouia f®I\[ Xq 3|ddiq^vV jq oj ioao poujnj, CO »"H f-H i-iPSO'S' « £ ^ 3 °J 5 rT 3 =2 « w X Km C 6 s« 5 .s S _ fee 5 . B c c c®=o £ tl B M i- • i— i ■ — * V c Q, £ fc- 1 — ■ cc-^-C C3 C ® <50 MOHQPSK g-c S c 3 o o O r- t- S. Doc. 121 . 227 33 « -o c « Q. X v i— I ^ H riff( H H d ^ i— I 1 — I O* i— i 00 l— i—i d 00 ira ^ 1-1 U) d d d • • • • • • • • • • • • • rH • • • • • • • • • • • • 40 • • I r— I I— I 1 — < hW l"H CM ififl | J £ P § o - § £.2 •_» c ’i-S £ | o ^ „ ®.s CJ _ _ £ C -3 0-5 s '"T -o o o.« X o 'i _ ^ _ O O ^ U 8 a 3 part _Q a, -JG • — c . 00 2 £ C 3 V »- w 00 tUO = £ •- '> -C a3 3 oo c -Q C O N 3 -3 oo O c oo •“ s “ js £ 6 f) C OO _U> « « -i ,a T v o n.’£ g| k 2 c O SQ Is 0 . V •S & m © ■” ui -O O !o i-i — a. C "G ~ ~ 2 C Kfl ; 3 « C ° •• k. es ^ -T- StfS* C 5 r ^5 S ^ c . ce o oo^Jjg 3 '5 « ! fcW.iEn csSs E * “OD S«S| £•? g.2 J= - O C 2 2 ® ."s 3 - o = £ ©> <1 ffl rt Sq « . » o ts s 3 8 !l“= i § .5 s ^ g & Ji ■£ cq 228 S. Doc. 121. §P*g o fsl O* CO ’Of) ® <3 | © •* ^ »0 Sj-i ^ GO h ^ o Ah ^ O ^ JJ ^ • S !g ** 1^ s J •H ^ ^ fe s .8 'N i rs 5> 52 >j ^ -S « S ^ n j- cb erf es erf to o sz; SK) JH :<3 o _ o £ ^ co b •to . W QJ ^ ^ c>* QJ § ^ - sg ^ o 8 ^ fS^ ' • t^r-O .. ^ r5 e gi f: - ■§ a S § • 2 l| ^ § *\S ^ a? CO sj 8 Co JU “ ^Crf § s <0) CO §1 8 QJ CO '»< .= '— ; «■« 0.2 I s - S3 o si O - > >> ° 5 -a g 3 O fll g j= b hi zp m ji u, x £ £S 3 " 2 C SITS *c .£ S ST3 C® fi ; m — a> ? >S » ® Sf £ o cs S® "a -£ t J t § t c 5 2 3 O ® O* 3 2 5 cs 72 ui <; H gq ^ 02 Ph ; O « ! "5 x »dS c gs _ CUD 5 . 2-0 3 “ o c c £ 2 = 0 ® *2 2 £.2 ~ £ S’© OB a © s £ c -e o Cu II *§ So” _ - m m Q-S~ o § -O be 5 £.2 ■= S c | o £ — — E o c u l as © ® O o « : ra r2 00 Q.5JS w .. E-E — fvn ^ ^*r- © p c .£« 6 ’ w-c ® .£ 60-P © P Rj e S ce © p s = o — W> u 2 ^ c © .o c ? V a — £-g 5 = ir « £ - ^,, o © ® 'S 2 X c rJ '5 © -C ~ £!® m — -C O O CL,QSir.GoQO ©~S ^ 0 _ „ © t- p •e sh - e Jr ^ O) “5 ® T3 -3 5ft <5 § |S 03 .P- 73 ® -C Ph £ ® © S 2 -5 ® O" -o S Jg g'g The original is endorsed “ D. C. Goddard, chief clerk. 230 S. Doc. 121. No. 175. Abstract of Lieut. Whipple's invoice of instruments , turned over by him to Lieutenant Col. J. D. Graham , at El Paso del Norte and the Copper Mines of Santa Rita , between July 8 and August 4, 1851, being all that were on the boundary line before the arrival of Lieut. Col. J. D. Graham. Instruments. Remarks. Two astronomical transits. One large astronomical azi- muth instrument, with transit telescope, for as- tronomical purposes, (by Ertel & Son.) One equatorial telescope, with a double wire mi- crometer, a divided lens micrometer, and a stand. One astronomical portable telescope, to open and shut, with slide joints, four feet long, (by Frauen- hofer.) One repeating circle of re- flection. Five chronometers. One pocket watch chro- nometer. Three sextants, is indifferent. Three artificial Five observing one of them horizons. . anterns Four bottles of purified quicksilver. Four tin cans, (five gallons each,) with sperm oil. One barrel of lamp oil, (partly full.) F our lamp fillers. Fifteen balls of lamp-wick. One flask spirits turpentine. One box of plaster of Paris, (half-bushel.) Thirty-one signal rockets. One surveyor’s compass, with telescope and tripod. This is the one named in the invoice of Lieut. Whipple as a transit, as it may also be used as such; making, with the two first-mentioned, a total of three as- tronomical transits. One is good ; the others are bad and out of repair. Bought of Mr. Von Hippel, at El Paso, in May, 1851. Cross-hairs very coarse. Fit for use. S. Doc. 121. STATEMENT — Continued. 231 Instruments. Remarks. One surveyor’s compass, with telescope, (by Gam- bey.) j One surveyor’s compass, with six-inch needle, (by | Patten.) Three prismatic compasses. Four heliostadts, (two are small and without tele- scopes.) Two levels and tripods Two pair of levelling rods. . One reconnoitring glass. One coming-up spy-glass. One reconnoitring and pro- tracting instrument, after the plan of Sir Howard Douglass. One camera lucida Two surveying chains. Nineteen iron marking pins. Six tape-lines One dip and intensity instru- ment, (Fox’s plan.) One dip-circle One magnetic declinometer, (by Thos. Jones, London.) One Hansteen magnetic hor- izontal force vibrating ap- paratus. Six cistern barometers Cross-hairs very coarse; the glass plate, covering the needle, cracked. [Not reliable.] Very bad; old pattern and much worn ; it is without a tripod and cannot be used. Glass plate of one of them cracked. One somewhat worn from an improper use of the levelling screws. The spirit level was taken off’, by Lieut. Whipple, for use on another instrument. One pair unfit for use. F or copying and reducing drawings. Three much worn in service. Requires repairs before it can be used. The needles were ruined in an attempt to adjust them by filing. The axis of one is much bent and very rusty. This was the condition of the instrument when purchased at second-hand by Lt. Strain, United States navy, at Philadel- phia, in July, 1850. Two are in good order ; the glass tubes of two others are broken; one other has no mercury in its tube ; the cistern of an- other leaks; the attached thermometer of one of those reported good, is broken. 232 S. Doc. 121. STATEMENT — Continued. Instruments. Remarks. Three syphon barometers. Three Hassler’s barometers. One aneroid barometer. Two boiling-point thermo- meters. One standard thermometer. Two thermometers. Three hygrometers, (wet and dry bulb.) Two rain-gauges. # Four quart-bottles of ether [for supplying spirit-lev- els when required.] The above is a correct abstract. J. D. GRAHAM, Lieutenant Colonel . N. B. — One of the astronomical transits mentioned in the first item of this invoice is the instrument which Commissioner Bartlett, in his despatch to the Department of the Interior, of December 30, 1850, from El Paso del Norte, reports as “the most valuable telescope be- longing to the commission.” He there says it was in one of “ two boxes of astronomical instruments which were lost between New York and Indianola, together with five boxes of other valuable articles.” He then goes on to say he had understood these boxes were in New Orleans, and that he had directed Mr. Sanford to look them up and forward them to Indianola, with the provisions he was ordered to purchase, to the effect that they might all go together to El Paso. That Mr. San- ford was then to go to New York to procure some surveying instru- ments, with which the commission was entirely unprovided, or words to that effect. That Mr. Sanford was then to return to Indianola and San Antonio in time to take the first train that should go up to El Paso. I have to remark that Commissioner Bartlett was entirely mistaken in the idea that two boxes of astronomical instruments were lost from the equipment he started with for the boundary line. He was equally mistaken in supposing that any telescope whatever, belonging to his equipment, was lost or left on the way. The instrument he alludes to, as such, was the telescope and axis, together with the levels, the eye- lenses, micrometer, &c., constituting the portion of the large astronomi- cal transit, which I so assiduously searched for at New Orleans, Gal- veston, Indianola, San Antonio, and Fort Inge, on the Leona river — when on my way to join the commission in the field — under the sup- S. Doc. 121. 233 position that it had really been lost, or left on the way by Commissioner Bartlett’s party, in the autumn of the year 1850. This will appear by reference to No. 59 of this Appendix. On my arrival at Frontera (near El Paso) in June, 1851, much to my surprise, I found this instrument there, in the store-room with other ar- ticles belonging to the commission. It had actually been carried up by Commissioner Bartlett’s party, which arrived at El Pa\o in December, 1850. He was, however, totally unacquainted with this fact until in- formed of it by me, when I joined him at the Copper Mines of Santa Pita, the beginning of August, 1851. The portable stand to this instrument is, in fact, the only apparatus, belonging either to the astronomical or surveying department, that Mr. Commissioner Bartlett started with, which was lost or left behind by him or his surveying corps. It was in box No. 583, and will be found included in the report of the board of survey, (see document B attached to No. 59 of this Appendix) which examined Mr. Sanford’s collection, at New Orleans, which he supposed to contain a supply of surveying instruments, and had so represented them to the Department of the Interior, when he arrived at Washington in February, 1851, from El Paso. J. D. GRAHAM. 234 S. Doc. 121. No. 176. Instruments belonging to the United States boundary commission turned over by Brevet Lieutenant Colonel J. D. Graham , United States topographical engineers , principal astronomer , head of the scientific corps , Sfc., Sfc., to Brevet Major TV. H. Emory , at Frontera, near El Paso del Norte , December 6, 1851. Also, instruments issued by Lieutenant Colonel J. D. Graham to Lieutenant A. TV. Whipple , August 27, 1851, and to Lieu- tenant N. Michler , February 2, 1852. Total number of instru- ments turned over by Colonel Graham. Instruments. Turned over to Major Emory. 5 Astronomical transits 4 1 Y’s and apparatus for lifting and reversing the axis and telescope of Berlin transit (by Pistor & Martin) _. 1 1 1 Marble block for the support of same transit. . . Astronomical altitude and azimuth instrument reading by micrometers to seconds (by Trough ton & Simmsl 1 1 3 Astronomical telescopes 2 1 Equatorial mounting for astronomical tele- scope, with cast-iron bed-plate to support the same 1 2 2 Portable altitude and azimuth instruments or Kater circles, adapted for astronomical and surveying purposes (by Troughton & Simms) Repeating circles of reflection 2 2 3 Sextants 2 2 Artificial horizons 1 7 Chronometers 4 2 Chronometrically adjusted time-keepers (by Hutton) 1 6 Plates of German ground-glass, for repairing artificial horizons, when necessary 6 1 Portable repeating circle or universal instru- ment (bv Dunnl 1 1 Divided lens micrometer, for astronomical tel- escope 1 1 Pair of extra Y plates, with micrometer ad- justment ___________ 1 2 Observing tents 2 10 O Observing lanterns 13 1 1 1 3 1 S. Doc. 121. No. 176 — Continued. 235 g X £ .5 > £ ^ o 0 T3 ~ ^ 2 2 jsei 1 2-3 3 w c c So «oo 5 SO 1 7 4 17 9 12 3 26 2 1 16 4 31 15 3 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 6 11 5 17 157 Instruments. Chronometer-basket and cushions Bottles of quicksilver Quart bottles of ether (one nearly empty) , Gallons of lamp-oil, in cans Extra tin oil cups Quart cans of plaster of Paris Lamp-fillers Balls of lamp-wick Reading lenses. Box of sperm candles Blank books Nautical almanacs Rockets and sticks Pairs of leather panniers with connecting straps . Leather cases for chronometers Mahogany cases for do. Piece of gum-elastic packing cloth Bow ditch’s Navigator Bowditch’s Useful Tables Hack ley’s Trigonometry Bourn’s Practical Engineering and Surveying. . British Association Catalogue of 8,377 fixed stars, reduced to January 1, 1850 Francoeur’s Geodesie Francoeur’s Uranographie Francoeur’s Astronomie Burrit’s Geography of the Heavens Burrit’s Celestial Atlas Pearson’s Practical Astronomy, 2 vols. 4to Callet’s Tables Parallactic telescopes, for measuring distances without the use of the chain, and for observ- ing occultations of stars, eclipes, &c., &c Azimuth instrument (by Draper, of Philadel- phia) with its tripod stand Transit theodolites and tripod stands Surveyor’s compasses Prismatic compasses Surveyor’s chains Iron marking Dins > I c w -O C rk .o £ ° £2^3 3 IS c c £ o *3 % ° 3 so H Instruments. 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 3 1 6 8 12 4 8 3 1 2 2 5 5 2 2 5 2 1 2 14 1 1 Five-feet standard measures, for adjusting chains Heliotropes Camera-lucida, for reducing drawings Engineer’s levels and tripod stands Spirit-level, in brass bed Spare bubble for do Vial of shellac gum Nest of spider-lines Small files Turn-screw and wire for stretching spider- lines Extra spirit-level for theodolite Pairs of bar-magnets Horse-shoe magnets Levelling rods, with targets and plummets Reconnoitring and protracting instrument (Sir H. Douglass’s plan) Tape-lines, for offsets Pocket compasses Blank books Blank letter books Collimating screens, for portable heliotropes. Leather haversacks Piece of cod-line (100 feet) Reconnoitring spy-glasses. Hassle r barometers with cisterns and apparatus for same Green’s Hassler barometers, with do. do Syphon barometers Cistern barometers Aneroid barometers Thermo-barometers Hygrometers (wet and dry bulb) Mason’s thermometer (wet and dry bulb) Rain-gauges Blank books Magnetic dip and intensity instrument (Fox’s plan) Magnetic declinometer 3 2 1 3 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 3 1 4 8 12 4 8 3 1 1 2 5 3 2 1 4 1 1 1 14 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 Turned over to Lieuten- ant Whipple. S. Doc. 121. No. 176 — Continued. 237 Total number of instru- ments turned over by Colonel Graham. Instruments. Turned over to Major Emory. Turned over to Lieuten- ant Whipple. 1 Magnetic horizontal force-vibrating apparatus . . 1 1 Box of chemical tests, for mineralogical and geological department 1 2 Boxes of mathematical drawing instruments.. 2 1 Brass circular protractor 1 1 Paper of brass tacks 1 8 India ink and sapia drawings 8 2 Sketches in pencil 2 4 Note-books of the survey of El Paso 4 1 Map of El Paso 1 1 Sketch-book with sketches 1 5 Pieces of pear-wood, for making curved rulers. 5 2 Wooden triangles 2 A true abstract : J. D. GRAHAM, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Topographical Engineers . 238 S. Doc. 121. No. 177. Tabic showing the barometric 'profile of the route from San Antonio , via Cas- troville , Fort Inge , Howard's Spring, Ojo Escondido , Eagle Spring , El Paso del Norte , and Dona Ana , to the Copper Mines of Santa Rita , m New Mexico , m 1851. From observations made by , and under the direction of Brevet Eieutenxmt Colonel J. D. Graham , United States Topographical Engineers , (J'c., ' A^42z yZ~ 44 'fr-erf' r ' >i L-/ - ^ ~ 444 y£y si - j^r_ ^ V ^T- */" y^rjr. /? y* W l- ' fZ , ^^ 7 / - y 4 /&/f 4/f . 4^ i^zAu^ , /i£^aC / 4 £>fr— Af /4^2a?uy. - /tt A **£_ ^ 3 <2 4> ^ /. V '/cey&YHs jdZT * ?^/ ~ f? . ^ 4*1 -g^L^. . HE¥ MEXICO Mexican. Boundary. SKETCH A. Referred loin Colonel Graham s Report to the Hon: The Secretary of the Interior, of August 16 “ L 1851. To face page 17# of Senate JSx.Hoc. 121, 32'!? Congress, 117 Session . . Parallel of 32' 22' JT.Latitade ( From Station 12, this live was run ant ox parte, to its Western 'Extremity, by the Mexican Commission Scale of Miles and decimals of Miles. Longitudes Mexican! Boundary EXTMACT 3PJS.OM THE Referred to in Col: Graham's Report to the Hoi i. tire Secretary of file Interior of -Au^i! 1 16*1851. i To fack page t7 Senate, Dxu Doc: t2I, ) f 3Z? Congress, / 'f* Session. o FrA Cristobal T.5. DuMal&Coo IrthTPlnfel* . T7a Cakdada X • W’ Florida El0 A° F*S£lcajzari< L. C aiul eloria.