REPORTS RELATIVE TO THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. h /}/7 / • '3 J' .-zf- SENATE DOC. No. 21. REPORT RELATIVE TO THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. JANUARY g, i860. RICHMON"D : CLEMMITT A JONES, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS. 1874. 4^- REPORT. City of Washington, Dec. 21, 1859. To the Honorable the Legislature of the State of Virginia : The undersigned, commissioners upon the question of boundary between the States of Maryland and Virginia, in virtue of the authority x?f the Acts of Assembly under which they respectively hold their commis- sions, beg leave respectfully to report : That they met at Washington city on the 18th August, 1858, and made the subjoined application (marked A) to the honorable Secretary of War, for the services of an officer of the United States engineers to aid them in the discharge of their duties. That in accordance with this request, the honorable Secretary of War kindly and promptly responded, by detailing Lieut. N. Michler, U. S. topo- graphical engineers. That the commissioners again met, by appointment, at New Creek, Va., and, with Lieut. Michler, proceeded thence to the locality of the Fairfax stone. The spot and stone were easily recognized and identified, Sept., 19th, 1858, by the commissioners and Lieut. Michler. The following gentlemen did them the honor to accompany them, viz : James R. Partridge, Esq., Secretary of State of Maryland, Hugh Lennox Bond, Esq., of Baltimore, Philip Pendleton, Esq., of Alleghany county, Maryland, and John Coneway, the guide. This duty performed, the petitioners again met, September 30, when, in company with Lieut. Michler, they proceeded to the eastern shore of Mary- land and Virginia. Whilst at Horn town, Va., the accompanying instructions (marked B and C) for commencing the duties entrusted to him, were agreed upon and given to Lieut. Michler. The commissioners- met again at Baltimore, October 28th, and addressed the additional instructions (marked D) to Lieut. Michler. The accompanying report and maps of Lieut. Michler show the progress of the work up to this date ; and we submit his estimates as the basis of ap- propriations for the erection of permanent and prominent monuments to mark such boundary lines as said States may concur 'in establishing. The commissioners take this opportunity of acknowledging the zeal and intelligence of Lieut. Michler, and of returning to him their thanks for the able manner in which he has discharged his duties, and recommend a suita- ble compensation be made for his services. They are also under great obligations to the superintendent of the U. S. coast survey, for much valuable information contained in a number of tra- cings of manuscripts — maps of the topography in the vicinity of the eastern shore boundary. ANGUS w. McDonald, Commissioner for Virginia. THOMAS J. LEE, Commissioner for Maryland, A Washington, Aug. 19th, 1858. Sir, The undersigned, commissioners for the States of Virginia and Mary- land, to retrace and mark the boundary lines between the two States, have the honor to request, with the approbation of the Governors of their respect- ive States, the assistance of the general Government, and that the colonel of the corps of topographical engineers of the United States army be author- ized by you to detail an officer of that corps, skilled in astronomy, and fur- nished with the necessary instruments, to be placed in charge of the parties to be employed upon the above duty. It is our desire, should our request be granted, that the officer detailed should not be a native or citizen of either of the two States we represent. We desire to proceed with the execution of the work as early as prac- ticable. We have the honor to be, sir, Very respectfully, (Signed) ANGUS W. McDONALD, Commr for Virginia. THOS. J._ LEE, Commr for Maryland. Hon. John B. Floyd, Secretary of War. B Commission for Tracing the Boundary Lines between Maryland and Virginia. HoBNTOWN, Accomac County, Va. October 2, 1858. Sir, The commissioners desire that you proceed at once to obtain, by ac- tual survey, as accurately as possible, a plat of the old Scarborough line, traced somewhere about the year 1668, from near the mouth of the Poco- moke to the sounds near the sea ; and also a continuation of this line, west- wardly along and near the north shore of Pocomoke bay, to Tangier sound. It is supposed that there is still standing some old marks of the Scarbo- rough line, but that nevertheless, where these marks do not exist, a close approximation can be had from the limits of the lands of those persons owning adjacent to it. You will please, therefore, ascertain as you progress, and mark on your plat, as nearly as you can, the names of the proprietors on each side of the line, with the limits of their tracts adjoining it, noting the parts of the line that are now acknowledged and adopted as such, and those parts that may be still in doubt. It is inferred, from documents in possession of the commissioners, that the commission of 1668 did not mark the line west of the Pocomoke, and that, in all probability, you will find no marks to guide you. You must therefore be governed in the direction of your line westwardly from the Pocomoke to Tangier sound, by the main or average direction of the whole line on the east side of the river (the line dividing Worcester from Accomac). It is equally desirable to note, along this portion of your work, the names of the proprietors, and limits on said line of lands of each, with the location of all dwellings and improvements adjacent, and also the limits of marsh and firm ground, upon the southern side of your line especially. As the preliminary step of the commissioners is merely to obtain the best local information, you will, to avoid misapprehe^nsion on the part of thosp interested, please explain to them the object of your survey. The originals of your notes and plat you will for the present retain in your possession, subject to the future orders of the commissioners, and trans- mit to each of them a certified copy of the plat, with such explanation as you deem essential. To carry out these instructions, you will be allowed to employ one assist- ant (a surveyor and draughtsman) at a compensation of four dollars per day 6 for the time lie may be employed, and such number of laborers as you may deem necessary, having strict regard to economy in your expenditures. You will please submit an estimate of what amount of funds you will re- quire for the present. "We are, sir, very respectfully, A. w. McDonald, Comr for Virginia. THOMAS J. LEE, Com' r for Maryland. Lieut. N. Michler, U. S. Top. EngWs. Commission for Tracing the Boundary Lines between Maryland and Virginia. HoRNTOWN, Accomac County, Va., October 4th, 1858. Sir, At the conclusion of the preliminary examination you are instructed to make by our letter of October 2d, you will please proceed to the Fairfax stone, at the head of the North Branch of the Potomac, as ascertained and identified by us on the 19th September last, and prosecute, as far as the season will permit, such astronomical observations as may be requisite to determine the direction of a meridianal line from this point to the Pennsyl- vania line. As it is not probable that the whole of this line could be traced this fall, you will for the present confine yourself to the astronomical part merely, and to establishing as many distant points along the line as you may deem essential, as checks to the surveys in tracing and marking the same. For which purpose you are authorized to retain the services of your as- sistant, at the same compensation, and to employ such laborers as you may require. You will please, also, inform us of the probable amount of funds you may require for this service. We are, sir, very respectfully, A. w. McDonald, Comrnr for Virginia. THOS. J. LEE, CommW for Maryland. Lt. N. Michler, U. 8. Topo. EngWs. D Baltimoee, October 28tli, 1858. Sir: In addition to the instructions contained in our joint letter of October 2d, you will please extend your survey to tbat portion of islands in Chesapeake bay, through which the Maryland and Virginia boundary is supposed to pass, between Watkins' Point and Smith's Point, so as to give the commissioners, as nearly as you can, the names of the landholders upon each side, with the extent of the lands of each along the line. And as it appears that the United States coast survey topography does not at present include what is now called the mouth of the Potomac river, you will also include that in your surveys. By joining these detached surveys with the nearest coast survey trigno- metrical point, we will be enabled, with the aid of that triangulation, to locate them accurately upon a general map, if necessary. ANGUS w. McDonald, Coram r on the 'part of Va. THOS. J. LEE, Commr'for Maryland. Mr. Michler will please send each of us accurate copies of the above by mail. A. w. McDonald. Lt. N. Michler, TJ. /S. Topo. Engrs. LIEUT. MICHLER'S REPORT. Maryland and Virginia Boundary Survey Oefice, Washington, D. C, December 20, 1859. Gentlemen, Agreeably to orders from the War department, dated Adju- tant General's Office, Washington, August 20th, 1858, I had the honor of being assigned, in accordance with your request, to the special service of assisting you in tracing and marking the boundary lines between your re- spective States, Maryland and Virginia. Copies of said orders were en- oloBed to each of you, by letters addressed you on the 27th of August, 1858. 8 I now have tte pleasure, in pursuance of the several instructions since received from you, and in compliance with your wishes, as expressed in the different conferences held upon the subject, of submitting to you a report of the progress made of the survey under my charge, comprising the labor on the ground, and the subsequent mapping of certain portions of the field notes ; and also to call your attention to such matters as remain to be at- tended to in order to render the work complete. In the accompanying Appendix will be found copies of each and all the several official communications which have passed between us, including both instructions, reports and estimates ; also a copy of the original grant made to the baron of Baltimore, defining the confines of the lands constituting the old colony of Maryland ; the agreement of the commissioners of 1668 ; and also a copy of an extract from the records of the Virginia Land office, de- fining the position of the locality designated Smith's Point, at the mouth of the Potomac river — all arranged in the order of their respective dates. On the 19th of September, 1858, by invitation of the commissioners, I visited, in company with several other gentlemen, the head springs of the north branch of the Potomac, to ascertain the position of, and identify " Fairfax stone," planted near said springs by the commissioners appointed to fix the limits of the immense tract granted Lord Fairfax, between the Rappahannock and the Potomac. Upon finding it, I was directed to assume it as the initial point of the western meridianal line, which subsequently the commissioners requested me to trace. Again, during the latter part of the same month, and the first days of October, I accompanied the commissioners to the Eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia, to ascertain the existence and nature of any marks along the boundary line between Smith's Point, at the mouth of the Potomac and the Atlantic ocean, stretching across the Chesapeake bay and the peninsula of the Eastern shore. The result of these examinations was the reception of the joint instruc- tions of the commissioners, dated severally on the 2nd, 4th and 28th of Oc- tober, 1858, and which I successively proceeded to comply with at such pe- riods of time as circumstances would permit. My attention was first drawn to that section of the boundary line between the States, referred to in the charter from the English crown to Cacilius, baron of Baltimore, of which the following is an extract : "All that part of the peninsula, or chersonese, lying in the parts of Ame- rica, between the ocean on the east, and the bay of Chesapeake on the west, divided from the residue thereof by a right line, drawn from the promontory) or head land, called Watkins' Point, situate upon the bay aforesaid, near the river of Wighco on the west, unto the main ocean on the east." The Watkins' Point here referred to was designated by the commissioners, Philip Calvert, chancellor of the colony of Maryland, and Edmund Scar- borough, surveyor general of the colony of Virginia, in certain articles of agreement, drawn up and signed by them, June 25th, 1668, after discharging their duties, as " the point of land made by the north side of Pocomoke bay and the south side of Annamessex bay." At the same time the divisional line between the two colonies was described to be, an east line ran with the " extremest part of the westernmost angle of said Watkins' Point over Poco- moke river, and thence over Swansecute's creek, unto the marsh of the sea- side, with apparent marks and boundaries." Your instructions of the 2d of October, 1858, desired me to proceed at once to obtain, by actual survey, as accurately as possible, a plot of the old Scarborough line, traced somewhere about the year 1668, from near the mouth of the Pocomoke to the sounds near the sea, and also a continuation of this line westwardly along and near the north shore of Pokomoke bay to Tangier sound." In accordance with these instructions, I proceeded to Horntown, Accomac county, Virginia, south of and within a few miles of the line now recognized as the boundary by those residing along and near it, and on the 29th of No- vember commenced the duties assigned me. My party consisted of one as- sistant surveyor, Mr. John de la Camp, and five men, employed as chain- men, rodmen and instrument bearers. At first considerable delay was ex- perienced in consequence of the frequent rains, which prevented the party from taking the field, but subsequently the weather proved very favorable and propitious for the survey. The instruments used during the execution of this portion of the work, comprised a very excellent Brunner theodolite for obtaining all horizontal angles, and a steel chain of fifty feet in length for measuring distances. To test the accuracy of these measurements, angles were frequently taken from the several successive stations to some one promi- nent object, visible from each; or, where this could not be done, the same common points would be connected by different surveys along the several roads between them, each being a verification of the other. It was impossi- ble to triangulate across the peninsula, owing to the extremely level nature of the country, and being heavily timbered with pine ; the expense of cut- ting the numerous lines of sight and of building stands for the instruments, to say nothing of the great loss of time, was not warranted by the nature of the work. It is well known to the honorable commissioner from Maryland, that on a previous examination made by himself, when on duty connected with the United States coast survey, that a not very favorable report was made by him as to the practicability of connecting the triangulations on the Atlantic coast with that down the Chesapeake bay, across or in the neighborhood of this very belt of country. The survey was also checked by connecting it both on the Atlantic coast, and on the shores of Pocomoke bay, Tangier sound and Chesapeake bay, with many stations of the United States coast survey triangulation. This connection is particularly advantageous in enabling the results of the recent survey to be laid down accurately upon any general maps of the two States, should it be desirable to do eo at any 10 future time. With a small Schmaloalder compass, numerous reconnoisances of roads and lanes and trails were made adjacent to the main work. For the sake of general information, these are laid down in connection with the more accurate survey along the line. In order to unite the present line with some permanent, fixed place, as a point of reference, the survey was com- menced in the principal street of the town of Horntown. It is also con- nected with other well known localities — as New Church, Wagram, Pitt's wharf and Shelltown. An accurate plot of Horntown, as it appeared on the 29th of November, 1858, is one of the results of our labors. From this initial point the line of survey was carried along the State road leading to Snowhill, as far as its intersection with what the citizens of the two States, residing in the neighborhood, now recognize as the boundary line ; thence it continued towards the east, along or near this line, to the shore line of the marsh near Chincoteague bay. Afterwards it was resumed at the point of intersection with the State road, and a line run westwardly and continu- ously along and near the designated boundary to the Pocomoke river. Having ascertained from these surveys the general direction of the marked line between Chincoteague bay and the Pocomoke river, this course was pre- served in the survey made beyond this last river, as far as the shore line of Jane's island, bordering on Tangier sound, only deviating from it when com- pelled by the nature of the country. In explanation of the manner in which the work was executed, I must say that no one direction or course was assumed and run, but that the sur- vey was made along the roads and lanes most convenient to and on either side of the reputed boundary, and at no great distance from it. Sometimes, however, when necessary and expedient, it ran across fields or through woods. This was done to expedite matters as much as possible, as it fre- quently did away with the necessity, and the consequent labor and loss of time, of cutting long lines of sights through pine woods, when existing roads not only wind round or through them, but necessarily lead near the more settled portions of the country. From the main line ofisets were made to or, as more frequently happened, the survey passed immediately by such points of local interest as were acknowledged by parties in both States as old boundary marks. Some of these marks consisted of old blazed trees — such as oak, hickory, gum, cherry, persimmon, mulberry and sycamore. Near every point of intersection of the boundary line with the roads leading from Virginia into Maryland, the neighbors point out some immense oak, with its huge, wide-spread branches, venerable with age, which has become celebrated the country round, as " the marriage tree." Under the shade of these trees, the most noted of all the boundary marks, and just across the line, youthful couples go to be united in holy wedlock — fleeing from the wrath of parents, or from the stringency of the marital laws, or perhaps for the mere pleasure and excitement, ihey run away from home to commit an act, of which many live to repent when too late. 11 Other marks of the line are to be found in either country roads or lanes, or in divisional fences between the neighboring farms, or in gates, or some- times in houses, known and admitted to be such by all persons, irrespective of state — the localities being handed down from one generation to another, and their history being recorded in the memories of the oldest inhabitants. Nor was there any trouble in ascertaining their position. Either interest as to the correctness of the line, or curiosity to examine the instruments, or to see what was being done ; or, as frequently happened, the mere want of something else to do, or sometimes promptings of mere kindliness of heart, disposed many persons to offer every assistance in their power, and induced them to accompany the party for miles on their way, to impart such infor- mation as was desirable, and the obtainance of which might otherwise have occupied a great deal of time not easily spared. Along the whole length of the line between Chincoteague bay and the Pocomoke river, a distance of between eighteen and nineteen miles, there were existing of such marks, at the time of the survey, thirty trees ; one gate ; the site of the ruins of an old house, standing at the time the Scarborough line was run ; two State roads, located on the line, measuring nearly 10,800 feet — making, in all, an average of one mark for every half mile. At the end of each day, a rough field plot was made of the work done, and on reaching the Pocomoke these marks, when laid down on the map, were found to be nearly on the same straight line. The general direction of this furnished the course, as has been previously stated, of the survey west of that river. The instrumental stations of the boundary survey, near the Atlantic ter- minus, were connected with one of the secondary trigonometrical points of the United States coast survey at Snead's house, and also with several minor localities, such as signals, houses, barns, fences, roads and shore lines, as laid down by their plane table parties, thus making a great many points in com- mon between the two works. In the prolongation of the li>e westwardly along and near the north shore of Pocomoke bay to Tangier sound, several of the coast survey signals, those of the secondary triangulation connected with the primary one on the Chesapeake bay, came successively in range of our instruments at different points. They are called Marumsco, Watkins' Point, Jane's Island and Horse Hammock, on Smith's islands. As on the Atlantic coast, a great many other points were made common to both surveys. Along the line of the'entire survey, as desired in your instructions, "the names of the proprietors" "on each side of the line" were accurately ascer- tained, "with the limits of their tracts adjoining it." At the same time, " the parts of the line that are now acknowledged and adopted as such, and those parts that may be still in doubt," were noted. In addition to the above, the locations of all dwellings and improvements adjacent, together with their exact horizontal dimensions and relative positions, are established; and alec the limits of marsh and firm ground, including the character of the 12 latter, whether cultivated or wooded. A survey of the Pocomoke river, from the point where the line touches it down to its mouth, was also made. Your additional instructions of October 28th, 1858, called upon me to extend my survey " to that portion of islands in Chesapeake bay through which the Mary- land and Virginia boundary is supposed to pass, between Watkins' Point and Smith's Point, at the mouth of the Potomac." Although two different ef- forts to reach Smith's islands proved unsuccessful, in consequence of the high winds on the Chesapeake, and the extreme cold weather at the time^ greatly interfering with all field work ; stiir, from the few angles taken on Jane's island to different points on the former, with the assistance of the coast survey sheets, and such information as was gained from the neighbor- ing inhabitants, I am able to furnish the information desired by you in your instructions. The field work of the Eastern Shore section of the survey having been completed, my party returned to Washington on the 1st of December, 1858. The ofl5ce duties, in connection with the mapping of the field notes, com- menced at once, and were continued, without interruption, until the first of the following June, 1859. Preparations were then made to take the field again, in order to trace and mark the western meridian line through Fairfax stone. During this term of office work, seventeen sheets of maps were con- structed. Fifteen of these, on a scale of 1-5000, represent topographical features of the country surveyed, drawn in very minute detail — setting forth all the facts and information gained during the field operations, as explained in the previous pages of this report; The figures in red ink denote the numbers of the stations occupied by the instrument in the survey. They are useful in exhibiting the relative position of the present line to the dif- ferent landed estates along it, showing also their limits, their character, and the names of the proprietors. They will also serve as guides in the retracing and remarking of the line, should it be deemed advisable to do it, and now stand as lasting monuments to the exact locality of the line, as it is now known. Two of these drawings, on a smaller scale of 1-32000, are general maps of the whole line, compiled from the detailed sheets, and also in part from the United States coast survey charts. These latter were kindly placed at my disposal by the officers in charge of the office directing those surveys. By inspection of these maps, the whole subject of the Eastern Shore section of the survey becomes elucidated. It will be seen, by an examination of the first sheet, that the full straight line drawn in red ink between the Chinco- teague bay and the Pocomoke river, starting from this river, and running "thence over Swansecute creek unto the marsh of the sea-side," passes through, or very nearly so, all the boundary marks, as laid down from the plot of the field notes, and represented on the maps by asterisks. Two only of the marks are at any distance from this straight line, and there not more than three hundred and fifty feet. This shows that the line originally traced and marked by Scarborough and Calvert was very well executed, consider- 13 ing the inaccuracy of the instruments used in those days. The azimuth, or direction of this line was 5° 15' north of east at the time of the recent sur- vey, in November, 1858. From a long series of magnetic observations, made by the United States coast survey, the annual change in the variation of the magnetic needle has been nicely determined. Computing the amount of this change, which has taken place during the last one hundred and ninety years, and combining it with the actual variation, as obtained at Snead's house, a coast survey station, it will be found that, at the time Scarborough and Cal- vert first ran the line, in 1568, the variation of the needle must have been nearly, if not quite, 5° 15' north of east. This shows that the direction of the line then marked by the commissioners was due magnetic east, and that in all probability it was run with a compass, without allowing for any varia- tion of the needle. The second sheet of the general map exhibits the fact that the line be- tween Chincoteague bay and the Pocomoke river, run " with apparent marks and boundaries," when prolonged across the latter river, and along and near the north shore of Pocomoke bay to Tangier sound, represented on the second drawing by a broken red line, reaches the sound at the westernmost point of Jane's island, about 500 feet south of the coast survey signal planted on the same island. No boundary line marks of any kind were found west of the Pocomoke, and the inhabitants professed to be in ignorance of the existence of any. Assuming Watkins' Point to be a peninsula or neck of land, such as North Point, near Baltimore, or Smith's Point, at the mouth of the Potomac, and not a mere mathematical point, I think the results of the recent surveys clearly prove its position, as defined by the commissioners, Scarborough and Calvert, namely, " the point of land made by the north side of Pocomoke bay and the south side of Annamessex bay ;" or that neck of land now known as " Little Annamessex." The name of "Annamessex bay" does not now exist on any of the recent maps. However, there can be but little doubt that the mouth of the Big Annamessex river, so much resem- bling an inland bay, may have once given rise to the name. Although the angle of this point of land, where the land now strikes the sound, is even at this day the most western one, still many years ago the land made out into the sound a much greater distance. Jane's island is said by Captain John Nelson, aged 72 years, to have extended, within his recollection, to the present position of the Light ship, now anchored about a mile and a half out from the present shore line. Stumps of trees are said to exist in the marshes and in the water between the main land and Watt's island, showing that it pro- bably was once one continuous neck of land as far south as that island. On the second sheet is also found a map of Smith's islands, the southern ex- tremities of which have always been acknowledged to be within the juris- diction of Virginia. With the exception of four or five acres of firm ground, mere sites for rude fishermen's huts, the other portions of these islands, south of what is considered the boundary line from Smith's Point to Watkins' 14 Point, across tlie Chesapeake bay, consists of salt marshes. Drawing the line from Smith's Point, at the mouth of the Potomac, the locality described in the grant of land from Sir William Berkeley to Samuel Smith, dated the 18th of March, 1650, across Smith's islands, at or near the point where said line is said to pass, it will be seen that it intersects the prolongation of the Scarborough line, very near the anchorage of the Light ship, and where for- merly existed the shore line. This point of intersection must be very nearly the position of the initial point, " the westernmost angle of Watkins' Point," from which the old Scarborough line was originally run. The coincidence between the relative positions of these lines, and the facts concerning them> is very remarkable. A map of the line across Chesapeake is drawn on a scale of 1-128,000, and is found on the second sheet of the general map. It is also seen on the same map, that the land lying south of the prolonged or broken line, is principally marsh — the area of the firm land, south of it and west of the Pocomoke, not exceeding eight square miles. This portion of the country, including tne different necks of land known as Pocomoke, Marumsco and Little Annamessex, is now considered to be in the county of Somerset and State of Maryland — the people paying taxes and placing them- selves under the jurisdiction of that State. East of the Pocomoke, however, the marked line is really the divisional one between the two States of Mary- land and Virginia, separating Worcester county in the one State, from Ac- comac county in the other. It is so recognized by those living in peaceful possession of property on both sides of it. This portion, in several instances* forms the limits of lands between proprietors claiming possession by origi- nal patents derived from one or the other of the respective States — these patents calling for the boundary line as the divisional line between adjoining tracts, as near as could be ascertained by enquiry, the following list of land- holders possess such patents, viz : From Maryland. From Virginia. Mrs. Elizabeth Mason. William Rowley. Mr. Esa Boston. Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, " Henry Pope. Capt. James Chapman. " " " Mrs. Louisa Jane Dennis. Major Guy Holland. " " " " " " " Mrs. Elizabeth Seymour. Mr. James Payne. Mr. William Aydelott. " Alfred Pilcher (lane between). " John Brittingham. The lands of James Aydelott, Thomas Marshall, John Whelton, Solomon Marshall and Samuel T. Ball, call for one common trunk of a tree, a line mark, situated in the marsh between the farms of James Aydelott and Sam- uel T. Ball. This list may be erroneous and incomplete in some respects, as I had no access to the plots of the survey of the two counties. The following is a list of land proprietors along the marked line between Chincoteague bay and the Pocomoke river, and its prolongation to Tangier 15 sound. The heavy line indicates when the boundary line is the divisional line between adjacent farms. When a name crosses it, the proprietor owns land in both States : Maryland side. Mrs. Elizabeth Mason. Mr. Broughton. Esa Boston (in Newtown). Henry Pope. Major Guy Holland. Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor. Virginia side. William Rowley. Mrs. Tabitha Tull Henry Clay Lindsey. Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor. Capt. James Chapman. Mrs. Louisa Jane Dennis. Mrs. Elizabeth Seymour. Dr. Pitt. • Gideon Tull. James Payne. Samuel Ball. John Mills. Samuel Davis. Aired Pilcher. Dennis' mill pond at Wagram Crossing Swansecute creek : Alfred Selby. John Silverthorn. William Aydelott James Aydelott. Thomas Marshall. John Whelton Solomon Marshall. Mrs. Harriet Tull. I TuU's mill Thomas Hargis (Melville's farm). John Brittingham. Thomas Slocumb. Irvin Merrill. Mrs. L. T. Dennis' saw and grist mill. Mrs. Louisa Jane Dennis. Benjamin Tull. Mrs. Elizabeth Merrill. After crossing Pocomoke river, the following is a list of proprietors along and in the neighborhood of the line of survey : John Melbourne. Mrs. Sarah Ann Broughton. S. S. Hoggs. Isaac T. Marshall. James S. Revell. * James S. Revell. Willianl Adams. Daniel Boston. Mrs. Susan Bell. Stephen Coulbourne. Capt. James Adams. Robert Price's heirs. Richard Davis. 16 (Crossing Marumsko creek.) Samuel Thomas Adams. James Revell. James Sanberson. Henry Connor (crossing East creek). James Bedsworth. ! Doubtful whether tenants or owners. Benjamin Lankford. John Morris, John Ward, Lorenzo Melbourne. Henry Whittington. Charles Bell. John Bell. Isaac Horsey. Benjamin Macready. George S. Handy. William Handy. James Horsey. Edgar Horsey. Mrs. Hennie Horsey. Henry S. Handy. (Crossing Ape's Hole Creek.) Lorenzo Daw Lawson. Mrs. Elizabeth Hickman. Samuel Danik. Josiah Sterling. Abraham Somers. Benjamin Somers. John Riggings, Albert Horsey. Mrs. Grace Sterling. Richard Sterling. William Moore. William Henderson. Mrs. Millie Davy. Shedrik Sterling. Jason Riggings. Benjamin Somers. David Sterling. John Somers. (Somer's Cove.) T . T 1 J f Riggings & Somers' - J ane s Island. < °° M, x ( (btone.) James Faws. Michael Somers, George Evans, Severn Evans, Benjamin Thomas. By examining the detailed maps, Nos. 13, 14 and 15, it will be seen that the neck called " Little Annamessex," is very thickly settled, presenting more the appearance of an extended village. The inhabitants are mostly of a seafaring character. Besides the small amount of farming done by them, their chief occupation seems to be on the water, either fishing, oystering, or in carrying cargoes of potatoes, oysters and other commodities to the Balti- more market, or other ports on the bay. Although only occupied in the field during the month of November, 1858, a good portion of which time was either very wet or extremely cold, still I am able to report that, in this time the party surveyed over 41 miles of roads, and measured 1,016 angles with the Brunner theodolite, at the same time locating all the lands and dwellings along the line of survey. 17 The following is a list of the direct distances along the line from the At- lantic coast to Smith's Point, at the mouth of the Potomac : From the Atlantic coast to west shore of Chincoteague bay, 7.23 miles. From west shore of Chincoteague bay to east bank of Pocomoke river, ig.Ql « From east bank of Pocomoke river to Jane's Island coast, - 14.98 " From Jane's Island coast to Smith's Point (mouth of Potomac), 19.32 ". Total distance, - . - . 60.44 miles. Before closing the report relating to the survey on the eastern shore of Maryland, and in order that it may not be necessary to refer to the matter again, I now take the pleasure of stating that all the original maps both de- tailed and general, have been constructed and drawn under my direction, by my assistant, Mr. John de la Camp, to whom I would respectfully call the attention of the honorable commissioners, for the very able and beau- tiful style in which he has performed this duty, as well as the energetic man- ner in which he assisted me whilst prosecuting the field labors. While absent during the last summer, engaged in tracing and marking the western meridian line, the office duties were continued and the duplicates of the de- tailed sheet were drawn. In the course of a few weeks I hope to be able to inform you of the completion of both detailed and general maps in du- plicate. A set of these maps is intended for each State. As they are not yet entirely complete, I would respectfully submit them at present to the commissioners for their inspection, requesting, however, that they may be returned to this office for final completion, at their very earliest convenience. Your instructions, gentlemen, of October 4th, 1858, contain the following extract : " At the conclusion of the preliminary examinations you are instructed to make by our letter of October 2d, you will please proceed to the Fairfax stone, at the head of the North Branch of the Potomac, as ascertained and identified by us on the 19th of September last, and prosecute, as far as the season will permit, such astronomical observations as may be requisite to determine the direction of a meridianal line from this point to the Pennsyl- vania line." As the season was already advanced into winter before my party re- turned from the survey on the eastern shore, and the meridianal line being located on the top of the Alleghany mountains, the weather would not per- mit me to take the field again until the month of June of this year. Pre- vious to doing so, I had the honor to submit to you an estimate for funds to enable me to prosecute the tracing and marking of the line. On the 5th of June my party left Washington lor Oakland, Alleghany county, Maryland, 3 18 the most available point to the scene of our labors. At this place my ar- rangements, such as the purchase of supplies and camp equipage, were made preparatory to establishing my first camp. The instruments used on the work were again furnished me by the bureau of topographical engineers, and consisted of a large portable astronomical transit, a zenith telescope, a sextant and artificial horizon, two theodolites, three surveyor's compasses, with chains and pins, two cistern barometers, one sidereal and two mean solar box chronometers, together with other necessary articles appertaining to such surveys. In consequence of the more varied and laborious nature of this duty, my party, this season, had increased numbers. It consisted of one principal surveyor, Mr. John de la Camp ; one computer, Mr. Louis Daser ; one guide, five men as instrument bearers, rodmen and chainmen ; one at- tendant on observatory ; from five to ten axe-men, according to circum- stances, and one cook. The transportation of instruments, provisions and camp equipage from Oakland to Arnold's farm, the nearest and most ac- cessible spot to the initial point for wagons, and the subsequent packing them on the backs of the men, for nearly a mile up and down steep faces of the mountain, was attended with considerable labor and difiiculty. Neither on this, the first moving, nor on any subsequent occasion, when changing from camp to camp, was the trouble and anxiety light, in consequence either of the absence of or the impassable condition of the roads of the country, or the constant dread of some accident happening to the delicate parts of the instruments. Any false step or neglect might have delayed the work for a long time, before they could be repaired or replaced by others. The party reached the head springs of the north branch of the Potomac on the 17th of June. To avoid the porterage over the mountain of tents and their appurtenances, very convenient and commodious huts were built for shelter at night and from rain. This camp was a most beautiful one, surrounded by immense forest trees of every variety, peculiar to the Alle- ghanies, forming the densest and most delightful shade, supplied from springs of the most deliciously cool water, and furnished with every desira- ble comfort — sometimes even delicacies, in the shape of game — the life was truly a very agreeable one. The occasional visits from friends formed plea- sant episodes, and made the time pass most delightfully. The view from it was but limited, as the massive growth forbid any far penetration of sight. The initial point of the work, the oft mentioned, oft spoken of " Fairfax Stone," stands on a spot encircled by several small streams flowing from the springs about it. It consists of a rough piece of sandstone, indifferent and friable, planted to the depth of a few feet in the ground, and rising a foot or more above the surface. Shapeless in form, it would scarce attract the attention of the passer by. The finding of it was without difiiculiy, and its recognition and identification, by the inscription " Ffx," now almost oblit- erated by the corroding action of Water and air. In order not to disturb the 19 stone, the first observatory was built immediately in rear of it. The instru- ment used in ascertaining the direction of the line at the first principal station, the middle point of the Fairfax Stone, was a large portable astro- nomical transit by Wurdemann, employed in connection with a sidereal chronometer. It was placed in position on the meridian, by the method of high and low stars. An open cut was then made through the timber, vary- ing from twenty to twenty- five feet, so as to give a clear line of sight to the next highest point to the north, on the top of the ridge on the backbone of the Alleghanies. When brought into the field of view of the instrument, a signal was placed on the ridge in the direction of the line, by means of gun- powder flashes at night, the distance being too great to direct the movements of a flag by day. Thus the position of the second principal station was established. Any intermedi^ate points on low intervening ridges, visible from the instrument, were then marked without disturbing its posi- tion. The low valleys of flats between said points were afterwards run and cut out by prolonging the direction with a small theodolite. To give sta- bility to the transit whenever used, it was always set up upon stone piers, built of the best material at hand. The stones were rudely dressed, and sunk some three feet into the earth. Upon removing the instrument from the first principal station, a monument of stone was erected to mark the spot where it stood. It was then carried to the second principal station — the same work gone through with as at Fairfax Stone. By sighting back to the first monument the transit was at once placed in position on the meridian ; and observations on high and low stars verified the accuracy of the line. The same process was gone through with at every succeeding transit station. The point on the backbone of the mountains is well marked by nature, as it stands on a sharp ridge, and within a few feeet of its highest point. The view from this point was most extensive and magnificent. The eye could look for miles in every direction. The valleys of the Cheat, the Blackwater, the Potomac and the Youghiogney rivers, all could be traced early in the morning or late at evening, by the white lines of delicate fog rising up from the water. To the south lay impenetrable forests, whilst to the north farms and glades were spead out before the admiring gaze. A visit to this station, not far from the head springs of the Youghiogheny, is well worth the trou- ble of the traveler. From this the third principal station was established on Lauer hill, be- sides several others on the low ridges between. The position is not a very high one, and much more accessible than the rest. Between these two the line intersects the Horse Shoe Run road and the Northwest turnpike. The fourth principal station was on the top of Snaggy mountain. Before reach- ing it, the line crosses the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. From the top of this mountain another very extended landscape is presented to the eye. This is truly the most important of all the stations along the line, as from 20 it you can overlook with the transit nearly the entire length of the merid- ianal line. It is also a well marked position by nature, in consequence of its great altitude and the small area of its summit. From the fact of the line passing immediately over the highest point, it becomes a prominent land- mark. The fifth principal transit station is on Fike's hill, a spur of Briarry mountain. It is but a few miles to the north of the village of Cranesville, the line passing only a short distance to the east of that place. From this station the meridian marks were established by flashes on Evans' hill and Sickles' hill, to the north — the latter a mile south of Mason and Dixon's line, the southern boundary of Pennsylvania. This last distance, like all the intermediate ones between the principal sta- tions, was run with the Brunner theodolite. It was impossible to see the point of intersection of the meridian and Pennsylvania lines from the last transit station, owing to its low position. Mason and Dixon's line is here marked by stakes, surrounded by heaps of loose stones, one mile apart from each other. By tracing the line between these marks, its juncture with the meridian was determined. This terminating point is alongside of the turnpike leading from Cranberry summit, on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, to Smythfield, in Pennsylvania, and within a few feet of where the road crosses the boundary of the last State. Its position is therefore easily found. A monument of cut stone designates the spot. Each of the principal stations and also the intersection of the line with the Northwest turnpike and the railroad, are marked in the same way. The total length of the western me- ridian is about 37 miles. With the exception of a few miles along the entire distance, a broad, open cut from twenty to forty feet through a heavily tim- bered country has been made, which will serve to mark it for many years to come. The gap varies in width according to the size of the timber, and de- pends much upon the overhanging branches. The trees were felled outward from the line, and a sufficiently broad opening made to prevent the limbs from interfering with an open vista through its length. Within 4,132 feet north of Fairfax stone, the line crosses the north branch of the Potomac, the stream making a bend to the west and north from the springs, before assum- ing its general course towards the east. It has a narrow sheet of water there twenty feet from bank to bank, running through laurel swamps. This point was marked by planting a heavy stake. The meridian, starting from one of the highest points of the Alleghanies, has been traced north to the Pennsyl- vania line over the tops of some of the roughest and most inaccessible por- tions of those mountains. It passes over ridges and glades, and the narrow and pent up valleys of several mountain streams flowing both to the east and to the west, and occasionally through some open field. There were very few clearings along it. In the first place, the country does not become very 21 thickly settled until north of the railroad ; and in the second place, many portions of the lands along it are so indifferently poor, that as long as so much better is to be found, but" little inducement is offered to settle there. Again, as so much doubt existed among the inhabitants as to the true po- sition of the line, many were deterred from making any improvements along it. The meridian as traced by me last summer, differs from all previous lines run ; some varying too far to the east, others too far to the west. The oldest one, and that generally adopted by the inhabitants as the boundary line, passes to the east ; and from measurements made to it, I found that it was not very correctly run. The surveyor's compass was used for the purpose, and some incorrect variation of the needle allowed. Owing to the thick and heavy growth of timber, it is utterly impossible to run a straight line cor- rectly through it, without first opening a line of sight. It could only be ap- proximately done. When north of the railroad, and the nearer the Pennsylvania line is ap- proached, the settlements and farms become more numerous; and if the meri- dian line is adopted as the boundary, it will cause great litigation, as the patents of most of the lands call for the boundary as their limits. On the Pennsylvania boundary the new line is about three-quarters of a mile west of the old; on the railroad, feet; at Weill's field, 85 feet; on the Northwest turnpike, about 40 feet; and on the Backbone, about 20 feet. The meridian was traced by me, with the assistance of Mr. L. Daser. At all the principal stations, astronomical observations on north and south stars were made with a Gamby sextant and artificial horizon for latitude ; and also a series of barometrical readings, taken with Green's cistern barometers at many points. These last were often interrupted, however, and no connected or continuous set obtained, owing to the necessity of myself and assist- ant absenting ourselves from camp, either to establish distant signals or to superintend the cutting out of the line. The necessary computations for getting the heights of the different mountain points have not yet been made, but a profile of the line will be furnished in connection with the maps of the western meridian, whenever authority is granted me to make them. The latitudes have already been completed. Observations with the transit upon the moon and moon culminating stars, to obtain the longitude of the line, during parts of three successive lunations, were also made, but the results have not yet been computed. At the same time that I was engaged in tracing and marking the meridian, other field operations were being conducted by my principal assistant sur- veyor, Mr. de la Camp. I had placed him in charge of a party to survey all the roads, streams, trails and lands in the neighborhood of the line, and also to sketch in all the general topographical features of the country. In running his line of surveys, he at the same time measured with the vertical circle of 22 the theodolite the angles of elevation and depression of the different courses, so that a true representation of the character of those mountainous regions can be given on the maps. This system of leveling, combined with the lines of levels run along the track of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad; and the barometrical measurements, made at the principal stations, will furnish a great deal of useful information — supplying the elevations above the level of the sea, of many interesting local points along and in the neighborhood of the line. These surveys were conducted as far as the monument erected on the railroad, although still some incomplete work remains to be attended to south of it. The belt of country beneath the railroad and the Pennsylvania line has also still to be surveyed along the line. The lateness of the season would not have permitted the completion of this work, even if the necessary funds had been available at the time. The distances along the line were also measured between Fairfax Stone and Stahl's hill, and stakes between ten and twelve feet high above the ground, and some four inches in diameter, were also planted as marks, in addition to the stone monuments at the principal stations. These monuments varied from four to six feet above the ground, about two feet square on the base, and capped with a small pyramidical stone. The following is a list of monuments, stakes, their localities, and the dis- tances between them, as far as measured or obtained from their differences of latitude : STATIONS. Distance in feet. Latitudes. Fairfax stone monument 39° 11^ 33^^ obs. Stake at crossing of North Branch, 4131 6816 9302 15243 19704 22246 25273 26672 29961 34082 37956 41617 45857 49554 52591 62833 106544 138922 192751 Stake on Arnold's hill Stake at crossing of Laurel run , Monument on Backbone , 39° 14' 04'^ comp. Stake at crossing of first branch of Youghiogheny river, Stake on Freeland's hill Stake at crossing of main branch of Youghiogheny river, Stake on John Roth's hill , Stake at intersection of Horse-shoe road Stake on Hentze's hill Stake at intersection of Weill's road Stake at intersection of Reinhard's road Monument at intersection of turnpike , 39« 19^06'' comp. Stake at intersection of road to Oakland Stakeon Stahl's hill Monument on Lauer hill 39° 21' ^4'' obs. Monument on Snaggy hill 39° 29' 06" obs. Monument on Fike's hill 39° 34' 26" obs. Mason and Dixon's parallel 39° 43' 18" obs. Distance from Fairfax Stone to Mason and Dixon's line, is 36.6 statute miles. On the 27tli of September last, I tad the honor to report to the commis- sioners that the last monument at the intersection of the western meridian line and Mason and Dixon's line on the 23d of the same month. The time occupied in tracing and marking the meridianal line was longer than at first calculated upon. The unpropitious weather at the commencement of the work during the latter part of June, and near the close of our labors from the 15th to the 22d of September often prevented all field work. Heavy rains at those times interfered very much with the progress of the survey. The dense growth of timber along the line, the excessively rugged nature of the country, much more so, than at first anticipated, the few cleared fields en- countered in consequence of the doubt as to the exact locality of the line ; the diflBculty of transportation and many other reasons — all caused a great deal of delay, and rendered the expenses of the work much greater than at first estimated for. I beg leave to inform the commissioners of the very able as- sistance rendered me by my assistants in conducting the field labors, in con- nection with the marking and tracing of the western meridian. I would also take this opportunity of oflicially informing them of the many acts of kind- ness shown myself and party by all whom we were so fortunate to meet, whilst prosecuting the duties to which, by your request, I have been assigned, and take this method to return our many thanks to them. Upon returning to Washington, my party were all discharged, retaining only Mr. de la Camp as draughtsman, to complete the unfinished maps of the Eastern Shore section. It will probably take until the end of the next January to finish them in toto. On the fourth of October, 1859, I submitted an estimate for office work to the commissioners, in connection with the plotting of the notes of the surveys during the summer. In reply, I was directed by them to suspend for the present any work upon the maps of the Western meridianal line. In conclusion, I would respectfully flEber for your consideration, an esti- mate for completing the field works on the western line, planting additional monuments, and to make the maps of said line ; also to trace and mark the Eastern Shore section. To complete Western section drawings, .... $3,000 00 To complete field work on Western section, including marking of boundary, 1,900 00 To complete Eastern Shore section 800 00 Contingencies 300 00 $6,000 00 24 This sum total, six thousand dollars, has to be divided between the two States, requiring from each the sum of three thousand dollars. The proba- ble time it will take to complete the field work and drawings is eight months ; and I would request that I may be enabled to commence operations at the very earliest convenient date. The above estimate is made, supposing the meridian line is the boundary line, or approximately for any other line of a proportional length, that may be adopted by the two States, as the nature of the country would in either case be similar. I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, Your ob't servant, N. MICHLER, Lieut. Top. Engrs. U. S. A. In charge of Survey. Angus W. McDonald, Esq., Commissioner for Virginia. Thos. J. Lee, Esq., Commissioner for Maryland. 25 Commission for Tracing the Boundary Lines between Maryland and Virginia. HoBKTOWN, Accom,ac County, Va., October 2, 1858. Sir, The commissioners desire that you proceed at once to obtain, by actual survey, as accurately as possible, a plat of. the old Scarborough line. traced some where about the year 1668, from near the mouth of the Poco- moke to the sounds near the sea ; and also a continuation of this line west- wardly, along and near the north shore of Pocomoke bay, to Tangier sound. It is supposed that there are still standing some old marks of the Scarbo- rough line, but that, nevertheless, when these marks do not exist, a close approximation can be had from the limits of the lands of those persons owning adjacent to it. You will please, therefore, ascertain as you progress, and mark on your plat, as nearly as you can, the names of the proprietors on each side of the line, with the limits of their tracts adjoining it, noting the parts of the line that are now acknowledged and adopted as such, and those parts that may be still in doubt. It is inferred, from documents in possession of the commissioners, that the commission of 1668 did not mark the line west of the Pocomoke, and that in all probability you will find no marks to guide you. You must, therefore be governed, in the direction of your line westwardly from the Pocomoke to Tangier sound, by the mean or average direction of the whole line on the east side of the river (the line dividing Worcester from Accomac). It is equally desirable to note, along this portion of your work, the names of the proprietara, and limits on said line of the lands of each, with the location of all dwellings and improvements adjacent, and also the limits of marsh and firm ground, upon the southern side of your line especially. As the preliminary step of the commissioners is merely to obtain the best local information, you will, to avoid misapprehension on the part of those interested, please explain to them the object of your survey. The originals of your notes and plat you will for the present retaip in your possession, subject to the future orders of the commissioners, and trans- mit to each of them a certified copy of the plat, with such explanations as you may deem essential. To carry out these instructions, you will be allowed to employ one assist- ant (a surveyor and draughtsman) at a compensation of four dollars per day for the time he may be employed, and such number of laborers as you may deem necessary, having strict regard to economy in your expenditures. 26 You will please submit an estimate of what amount of funds you will re- quire for the present. We are, sir, very respectfully, A. w. McDonald, CoraW for Virginia. THOMAS J. LEE, Com'r for Maryland. Lieut. N. Michlee, U. 8. Top. EngWs. Commission for Tracing the Boundary Lines between Maryland and Virginia. HoRNTOWN, Accomac County, Va., October 4th, 1858. Sir, At the conclusion of the preliminary examination you are instructed to make by our letter of October 2d, you will please proceed to the Fairfax Stone, at the head of the north branch of the Potomac, as ascertained and identified by us on the 19th September last, and prosecute, as far as the season will permit, such astronomical observations as may be requisite to determine the direction of a meridianal line from this point to the Pennsyl- vania line. As it is not probable that the whole of this line could be traced this fall, you will for the present confine yourself to the astronomical part merely, and to establishing as many distant points along the line as you may deem essential, as checks to the surveyors in tracing and marking the same. For which purpose you are authorized to retain the services of your assistant,, at the same compensation, and to employ such laborers as you may require. You will please also inform us of the probable amount of funds you may require for this service. We are, sir, very respectfully, A. w. Mcdonald, Com/mr for Virginia. THOS. J. LEE, Comm'r for Maryland. Lt. N. Michlee, U. S. Topo. Engo-s. 27 Baltimoee, Oct. 28tli, 1858. Sir, In addition to the instructions contained iu our joint letter of Oc- tober 2d, you will please extend your survey to that portion of islands in Chesapeake bay through which the Maryland and Virginia boundary is sup- posed to pass, between Watkins' Point and Smith's Point, so as to give the commissioners, as nearly as you can, the names of the landholders upon each side, with the extent of the lands of each along the line. And as it appears that the United States coast survey topography does not at present include what is now called the mouth of the Potomac river, you will please also include that in your survey. By joining these detached surveys with the nearest coast survey trigno- metrical point, we will be enabled, with the aid of that triangulation, to locate accurately upon a general map, if necessary. ANGUS w. McDonald, Commr on the part of Va. THOS. J. LEE, Commr for Maryland, Mr. Michler will please send each of us accurate copies of the above by mail. A. w. McDonald. Lt. N. Michler, TJ. S. Topo. Engrs. HoRNTOWN, Accomac County, Va., November 3d, 1858. Gentlemen, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your addi- tional instructions, dated October 28th, 1858, Baltimore. A copy of them for each of you separately, accompany this communication, which will be sent to each individually. I reached this place on the 28th ultimo (Thurs- day), during the afternoon. On Friday morning the survey was commenced, but I was soon compelled to suspend operations. At 10 A. M. of that day a violent rain drove the party in, and continued unceasingly until Sunday morning. On Monday we worked all day, the weather being clear and warm. Yesterday morning (Tuesday) a northeast storm set in, and up to the time I write, there has been no cessation of rain. From present appear- ance, there is not much prospect of its clearing up. A eouiinenceiuent of the survey, at least, has been made; and, irom what I can learn, I am 28 convinced that there will not be much difficulty in progressing rapidly, as soon as the weather permits. My party consists of one assistant, Mr. John de la Camp, and five men as chainmen, rodmen, and instrument bearers, I will keep you advised, at every favorable opportunity, of the progress made. I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, Your ob't serv't, N. MICHLER, Lieut. Top. Engrs. U. S. A., In charge of Survey. Angus W. McDonald, Coiinmr for Virginia. Thomas J. Lee, Cotnmrfor Maryland. ^■e^. DOC. No. XXVni. g^^ REPORT A