Identifier: reportsofexplora03unit_0 (find matches)
Title: Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean
Year: 1855 (1850s)
Authors: United States. War Dept Henry, Joseph, 1797-1878 Baird, Spencer Fullerton, 1823-1887 United States. Army. Corps of Engineers
Subjects: Pacific railroads Discoveries in geography Natural history Indians of North America
Publisher: Washington : A.O.P. Nicholson, printer (etc.)
Contributing Library: San Francisco Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: California State Library Califa/LSTA Grant

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hese, astro-nomical and meteorological observations were made, as a basis for future operations ; and thegeologist, the botanist, and the zoologist employed themselves in examining the surroundingcountry to obtain collections in their various departments. A special expedition was made tothe summit of Sugar-loaf mountain, where meteorological observations were taken, and manyinteresting additions made to the scientific collections. On the 11th of July, I learned by letter from Mr. White, who was in charge of the campequipage from Philadelphia, that the boat on which the property was being transported fromCincinnati had run aground upon a sand-bar in the Ohio river. To remedy, as far as possible,the misfortune of this delay, we borrowed tents and wagons from Capt. Montgomery, proposingto proceed with the survey so slowly as to afford the party an opportunity to become acquaintedwith the duties which would be required of them, and enable our own train to overtake us whenit should arrive.
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PART L ITINERARY. CHAPTER I. From Fort Smith to Scullyville. Commencement of the survey.—Thunder-storm.—Rings plantation.—Scullyville.—Arrival of stores at Fort Smith.—Explorationsin vicinity of the Poteau.—Visit to Fort Coffee.—Choctaw Academy.—Account of the Choctaws and their government. July 14, 1853.—From Camp Wilson, a few hundred yards south of the fort, the survey wascommenced, with chain, compass, and level. The astronomical and harometric stations wereconnected with the town and with the flag-staff at the barracks. The chainmen and rodmenbeing ignorant of their duties, little more than teaching them could this day be accomplished.The parties at present are divided as follows: Mr. Albert Campbell, surveyor ; Mr. Hutton,leveller; Mr. Sherburne, barometric observer; Messrs. Jones and Gaines, signal bearers; Messrs.Garner and Parke, astronomical assistants. Our astronomical instruments consist of two sex-tants of 8-inch radius, divided to 10, by Gambey, of Pari

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