31st CONGRESS, I SENATE. ] Ex. Doc 
 
 1st Session. No. 34. 
 
 4-4-4- 
 REPORT 
 
 OF 
 
 THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 IN ANSWER TO 
 
 ./I resolution of the Senate calling for information in relation to the opera- 
 tions of the commission appointed to run and mark the boundary between 
 the United States and Mexico. 
 
 FEBRUARY 28, 1850. 
 
 Referred to the Committee on Finance. 
 
 MARCH I, 1850. 
 
 Ordered to be printed. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington , February 27, 1850. 
 
 ' SIR: In compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 19th instant, 
 I herewith transmit a copy of all the correspondence on file in the depart- 
 ment relating to the operations of the commission appointed, pursuant to 
 the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, to run and mark the 
 boundary between the United States and Mexico, showing the progress 
 made in executing said commission, and embracing a detailed statement 
 of the amount of money expended therein. 
 
 The reports of the commissioner are very vague and unsatisfactory, and 
 I am not in possession of the necessary data on which to found an estimate 
 of the amount which may be required for the completion of the work. 
 Among the papers herewith, is a letter from Colonel Abert, of the corps 
 of topographical engineers, enumerating the difficulties in the way of 
 making up sucli estimate here. For the current fiscal year, it is supposed; 
 tli at the sum of fifty thousand dollars will be necessary. 
 
 I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 
 v Hon. MlLLARD FlLLMORE, 
 
 President of the Senate. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 Washington City, January 19, 1849. 
 
 GENTLEMEN: You will receive herewith the list of instruments belong- 
 ing to this department furnished by Major Graham on the 29th December 
 last. 
 
[ 34 ] 2 
 
 Major Graham and Major Emory will proceed immediately to New York, 
 and, if they should deem it advisable, to the other cities where these instru- 
 ments are deposited; and Major Graham, in whose custody they now are, 
 will deliver such of them to Major Emory, the chief of the corps of topo- 
 graphical enginers designated to accompany the commissioner and sur- 
 veyor under the 5th article of the late treaty with Mexico, as he may deem 
 necessary for correctly running and marking the boundary line between 
 the two republics, taking duplicate receipts for the same. Major Graham 
 will deliver one of these receipts to the department, and preserve the 
 other. 
 
 Major Emory will then proceed at once to cause any or all of the instru- 
 ments so delivered to him to be repaired, if need be, and fitted for the 
 survey of the Mexican boundary, and to be packed and placed in boxes 
 for transportation on mules. 
 
 All the actual expenses incurred in executing these instructions, as well 
 as the personal expenses of Majors Graham and Emory, will be paid out 
 of the appropriation made on the 12th August last, not exceeding .$50,000, 
 "for the expenses of running and marking the boundary line between the 
 United States and Mexico, and paying the salaries of the officers of the 
 commission." Accounts of these expenses, properly vouched, will be 
 settled by the Fifth Auditor. 
 
 Major Emory, after having received and examined such instruments as 
 he may require, will report immediately to this department what other 
 instruments he may deem necessary for the survey, together with their 
 probable cost, and where they may be obtained the most speedily and 
 upon the best terms. 
 
 I am, gentlemen, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JAMES BUCHANAN. 
 . Major J. D. GRAHAM and Major WILLIAM H. EMORY, 
 
 of the Topographical Engineers of the U. S. Army. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 WusJdngton, January 24, 1849. 
 
 SIR: The fifth article of the treaty requiring that the commissioners and 
 surveyors of the United States and Mexico respectively should meet at San 
 Diego before the 30th May, 1849, no time should be lost in organizing the 
 commission on our part, preparatory to its departure for the place of desti- 
 nation. As you will be held responsible for the able and faithful execu- 
 tion of the important public trust confided to you by this article of the 
 treaty, the President deems it proper to leave to you the organization of 
 the commission, enjoining it upon you, at the same time, to employ as few 
 persons to assist you as may be compatible with the successful and effi- 
 cient performance of your duties, and to study economy, as far as practi- 
 cable, in all your expenditures. 
 
 The organization will be effected solely with a view to run and mark 
 the boundary line between the two republics, although the selection of 
 individuals for this purpose may be made with reference to the incidental 
 collection of information relative to the construction of "a road, canal, or 
 railway" along the river Gila, as provided for by the sixth article of the 
 treaty. 
 
3 [34] 
 
 In organizing the commission, you are referred for any information 
 which you may deem necessary to Andrew B. Gray, esq., who has been 
 appointed surveyor under the treaty, and Major William H. Emory, of the 
 topographical engineers, whom the President has designated to be " chief 
 astronomer and head of the topographical scientific corps of the commis- 
 sion." 
 
 Congress, by the civil and diplomatic act of August 12, 1848, has 
 appropriated, "for the expenses of running and marking the boundary line 
 between the United States and Mexico, and paying the salaries of the 
 officers of the commission, a sum not exceeding fifty thousand dollars;" 
 and the President considers that he will best effectuate the intentions of 
 Congress by directing that the expenses of the commission, for one year, 
 shall be so graduated as not to exceed this appropriation. 
 
 You will be charged exclusively with the disbursement of the money 
 thus appropriated, with the exception of the sum which maybe necessary 
 to execute my instructions of the 19th instant to Majors Graham and 
 Emory, relative to the delivery of astronomical instruments from the 
 former to the latter, for the use of the commission. 
 
 Your salary as commissioner, as well as that of the surveyor, will com- 
 mence from this date. In case Congress should not declare by law what 
 these salaries shall be, they will be fixed by the President, before the depar- 
 ture of the commission from the United States. Under the head of con- 
 tingent expenses of the commission will be embraced your reasonable 
 personal expenses while in service, and those of the surveyor, chief 
 astronomer, and the other officers of the topographical engineers who may 
 be detailed to assist you in the field ; the pay and subsistance of assistant 
 surveyors, chain carriers and laborers; and the incidental arid necessary 
 expense of exploring parties; the purchase of stationery, of tents and 
 camp equipage; and the purchase or hire of horses, mules, and vehicles for 
 the transportation of the same. 
 
 Of all these expenses you will keep a regular account, which, together 
 with the necessary vouchers, you will render and transmit quarterly to the 
 Fifth Auditor of the Treasury for settlement; and to meet the same, as 
 likewise the payment of the salaries, you will, from time to time, as occa- 
 sion may require, draw upon the department, taking care not to exceed in 
 the amount drawn at any one time the sum which will be required to meet 
 the actual and necessary expenses of the commission. 
 
 After the commission on the part of the United States shall have been 
 properly ^organized under your direction, and before your departure from 
 the country, you will receive further instructions. 
 
 I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JAMES BUCHANAN. 
 JOHN B. WELLER, Esq., t( Commissioner for running the boundary line 
 
 between the United States and the Republic of Mexico, under the fiftk 
 
 arti-le of the treaty with that republic concluded on the 2d February, 
 
 1848," 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 Washington, 13th February, 1849. 
 
 SIR: In my instructions of the 24th ultimo, I promised to send you 
 further instructions before your departure from the United States. I now 
 
[34] 4 
 
 proceed to perform this duty. The fifth article of the treaty with Mexico 
 of the 2d of February, 1848, as amended by the Senate, (two copies o-f 
 which are herewith transmitted,) clearly prescribes your duties. 
 
 This article places you in a highly responsible position; because it de- 
 clares that the boundary line between the two republics which shall be 
 run and marked by the joint commission shall be deemed a part of the 
 treaty, " and shall have the same force as if it were inserted therein." 
 The action of the commission, therefore, will be final and conclusive^ 
 and the President has full confidence that, in the discharge of your im- 
 portant duties, your conduct will be characterized by prudence, firmness, 
 and a conciliatory spirit. While he desires no advantage over the Mex- 
 ican government, you will take care, in running the boundary, that all 
 our just rights under the treaty shall be maintained. Your first duty 
 -will be to run and mark that part of the boundary consisting of a straight 
 line from a " point on the coast of the Pacific ocean, distant one marine 
 league due south of the southernmost point of the port of San Diego/ r 
 to " the middle of the Rio Gila, where it unites with the Colorado." 
 
 It is not apprehended that you will encounter much difficulty in deter- 
 mining either of these points. This southernmost point of the port of 
 San Diego is to be ascertained by the treaty "according to the plan of 
 said port made in the year 1782 by Don Juan Pantoja, second sailing- 
 master of j;he Spanish fleet, and published at Madrid in the year 1802, 
 on the atlas of the voyage of the schooners Sutcl and Mex-icawi, of which 
 plan a copy is herewith added, signed and sealed by the respective pleni- 
 potentiaries." You are furnished with a certified copy of this plan, 
 which appears to fix precisely what is the southern limit of the port of 
 San Diego; and a point on the Pacific " one marine league south of this 
 is the place of beginning." 
 
 The middle of the Rio Gila, where it unites with the Colorado, being a 
 natural object, there can be but little difficulty in ascertaining this point. 
 The duties of the surveyor are sufficiently indicated by the treaty itself. 
 
 Those of Major William H. Emory, the chief astronomer, will be to 
 determine all astronomical points, arid to direct the mode of running all 
 astronomical lines on the boundary. 
 
 Lieutenant J. W. Whipple, arid Brevet Captian E. L. F. Hardcastle,of 
 the corps of topographical engineers, have been designated, under the 
 authority of the President, to accompany Major Emory, as his assistants, 
 The remainder of the boundary runs along the middle of the Rio Gila 
 and the Rio Grande, with the exception of that portion of it between 
 " the point where the Rio Grande strikes the southern boundary of JNew 
 Mexico; thence westwardly along the whole southern boundary of New 
 Mexico, (which runs north of the town called Paso,) to its northern termi- 
 nation; thence northward, along the western line of New Mexico, until 
 it intersects the first branch of the Rio Gila, (or, if it should not intersect 
 any branch of that river, then to the point on the said line nearest to such 
 branch, and thence in a direct line to the same.") In regard to this lat- 
 ter portion of the line it is impossible to give you specific instructions, 
 for the want of accurate geographical information. It can only be ascer- 
 tained by examinations and surveys upon the ground. Besides, the 
 treaty itself declares that the " southern and western limits of New Mex- 
 ico mentioned in this article are those laid down in the map" of the United 
 Mexican States published at New York, in 1847, by J. DisturnelJ of 
 
5 [34] 
 
 which a copy was added to the treaty, bearing the signatures and seals of 
 the plenipotentiaries. You are now furnished with, a certified copy of 
 this map. 
 
 You are also furnished, as bearing upon this subject, with the copy of 
 a map of New Mexico which was attached to the atlas to Thompson's 
 edition of the Geographical and Historical Dictionary of America and of 
 the West Indies, by Colonel Don Antonio de Alcedo, published at Lon- 
 don, in 1812 a work of the highest authority. 
 
 My successor in office will most probably obtain farther information in 
 regard to this portion of the line, and, as the work progresses, will doubt- 
 less deem it proper to give you further instructions. I deem it unneces- 
 sary, therefore, to say more at present on this subject. I need scarcely 
 add that the President expects you will perform your duties under the 
 treaty with as little delay as practicable, consistently with accuracy. 
 
 As it is indispensable that each government should be furnished with a 
 full and circumstantial record of the proceedings of the commissioners, 
 they will doubtless order such record to be kept in duplicate. This duty 
 will naturally devolve upon the clerks appointed on both sides, under the 
 supervision of the respective commissioners, who will be responsible for the 
 accuracy of such records, and for their safe delivery, properly certified, 
 to the respective governments, at the expiration of the commission. You 
 will, with that view, provide the clerk appointed on the part of the United 
 States with suitable instructions respecting this and any other duty which 
 it shall be deemed proper to assign to him. 
 
 As soon as the boundary shall have been ascertained and marked, you 
 will cause a true and accurate map to be made of the country through 
 which it passes, in its entire extent. A duplicate copy of said map, certi- 
 fied by the commissioners and surveyors on both sides, will accompany 
 the records of the proceedings of the commission. 
 
 The joint report or declaration by the commissioners of " the final re- 
 sult agreed upon by them," under the fifth article of the treaty, will also 
 be transmitted to the Department, to be filed with the journal or record 
 of their proceedings and the map. 
 
 As soon as the commission shall be organized, you will transmit to this 
 department a list containing the names of the several persons composing 
 it, the nature of the duties assigned to each individual, and the compen- 
 sation allowed to them respectively; and will also from time to time in- 
 form the Secretary of State of any change which you may, by circum- 
 stances, be induced to make in its organization. The sixth article of the 
 treaty provides that "if, by the examinations which may be made, it 
 should be ascertained to be practicable and advantageous to construct a 
 road, canal, or railway, which should in whole or in part run upon the 
 river Grla, or upon its right or its left bank, within the space of one marine 
 league from either margin of the river, the governments of both republics 
 will form an agreement regarding its construction, in order that it may 
 serve equally for the use and advantage of both countries." Although 
 you are not required to make the examinations referred to in this article 
 under the appropriation made by Congress on the 12th of August last, 
 which is limited to " the expenses of running and marking the boundary 
 line," yet the President would be gratified if you could cause these ex- 
 aminations to be made incidentally, without seriously interfering with 
 your appropriate duties. The inquiry is one of great importance to the 
 
[34] 6 
 
 country; and any information which you can communicate to the depart- 
 ment on the subject will be highly appreciated by our fellow-citizens. 
 Major Emory has received from Major Graham, under my instructions; all 
 the instruments belonging to the department which he believed to be 
 suitable for running the boundary line between the two republics. 
 
 In a report which he made to the department, dated at New York on 
 the 4th instant, he states that these are not sufficient, and furnishes a list 
 of those which will be required. Several of the latter he deems it indis- 
 pensable that he should carry with him, to wit: 
 
 1 box chronometer $285 
 
 1 heliotrope 100 
 
 1 reconnoitring glass 50 
 
 1 portable astronomical telescope 190 
 
 4 Nautical Almancs, 1849 10 
 
 1 copy Catalogue Stars, British Association 20 
 
 1 set of charts coast of California 2 
 
 1 Daniels's hygrometer 15 
 
 4 Hassler's Logarithms, at $1 4 
 
 6 thermometers, at $4 24 
 
 6 observing lamps 15 
 
 4 cases drawing instruments 40 
 
 4 bottles ether (sulphuric.) 
 
 ^ bushel plaster of paris. 
 
 2 observing tents, at $40 80 
 
 1 equatorial stand, price estimated 100 
 
 In your absence, the President has not hesitated to advise him to pur- 
 chase these instruments, not doubting that you would promptly pay for 
 them out of the appropriation. As it Avill be impossible for him to reach 
 New Orleans before the 28th instant, you will not take your departure 
 thence until after his arrival. 
 
 The President has determined that your salary shall be at the rate of 
 $- per annum, and that of the surveyor at the rate of $ per an- 
 num; but should Congress before its adjournment fix your salaries at 
 different rates, this will be the guide in settling your accounts from the 
 beginning. 
 
 The military escort, on the part of the United States, to accompany the 
 commission, has been placed by the President under the direction of the 
 Secretary of War. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JAMES BUCHANAN, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, Esq. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 Washington, March 15, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have to inform you that Congress, at its late session, omitted to 
 pass any act prescribing the amounts of the salaries of the civilians attached 
 to the commission of which you are the head. Consequently, until this 
 omission be remedied, compensation for your services as commissioner, 
 ^ for those of Mr. Gray as surveyor, cannot be lawfully paid; and no 
 
7 [34] 
 
 charge for salary, on the part of either of you, can properly form an item 
 in the statement of your account to the Treasury. It will, therefore, be 
 necessary, in any drafts which you may have occasion to make on this 
 department for the purpose of carrying your instructions into effect, to 
 make them, on their face, chargeable solely to the appropriation for the 
 "expense* of running and marking the boundary between the United 
 States and Mexico" leaving the salaries to be settled at some future day 
 by Congress. 
 
 I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN M. CLAYTON. 
 JOHN B. WELLER, Esq , 
 
 Commisiomr of the United States under the 
 
 fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. 
 
 PANAMA, March 24, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Your note of this date, informing me that a whaler would be here 
 in about ten days upon which I can secure passage for my party, at $250 
 each, to San Francisco, has been received. As I would probably have 
 great difficulty in obtaining transportation from thence to San Diego, the 
 point of destination, I cannot engage the vessel to which you allude. 
 
 As my party numbers some thirty-live persons, and a considerable 
 amount of supplies, I prefer obtaining, if possible, transportation direct to 
 San Diego. I will be obliged to you if you can facilitate my movements in 
 this particular. As it is of the last importance to my government that the 
 surveyor and myself should be at San Diego previous to the 30th of May 
 next, I will thank you to secure passage for us on the first steamer which 
 may come in. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 U. S. Commissioner. 
 WILLIAM NELSON, Esq., 
 
 United States Consul. 
 
 PANAMA, March 27, 1849. 
 
 SIR: On the 16th January last, I was appointed by the President of the 
 United States, with the consent of the Senate, to run the boundary be- 
 tween that government and the republic of Mexico, under the fifth article 
 of the treaty concluded at Guadalupe on the 2d February, 1848. By 
 the terms of that treaty, the commissioners are required to meet at San 
 Diego, on the Pacific, previous to the 30th May next, and, under instruc- 
 tions to proceed to that point without delay, I reached this city on the 16th 
 instant. 
 
 I have with me a full complement of engineers and employes, all of 
 whom are necessary to enable me to execute the orders of the government. 
 This party now numbers thirty-three persons, and three or four more may 
 probably arrive in a few days. I have made every reasonable effort to 
 secure transportation to San Diego, but thus far have wholly failed. You 
 
[34J 
 
 8 
 
 
 are aware that the treaty under which 1 am appointed terminated a bloody 
 war; and a failure to meet the commissioner on the part of Mexico at the 
 time designated will produce delay, which may result in serious difficulty 
 between the two governments. 
 
 The emigration to California is increasing so rapidly that it is of the 
 utmost importance that the boundary should be established at once. The 
 friendly relations between the two governments can only be maintained 
 by clearly defining the rights of each. You will see, upon reflection, 
 that delays and difficulties of the most harassing character will probably 
 result from a failure on my part to meet the requisitions of the treaty. A 
 steamer (the " California") belonging to Messrs. Aspinwall & Co., for 
 whom, I understand, you are agent, is expected here daily. This vessel 
 is connected with the government of the United States by a contract to 
 transport the mail. I doubt not more than a sufficient number to fill her will 
 be here, on her arrival, holding tickets from the company. I would regret 
 very much to see those enterprising citizens delayed or disappointed; but 
 it is, in my opinion, a case where private interest should yield to the pub- 
 lic good. Seeing no other practicable way of getting to San Diego, I have 
 to request that passages may be secured for myself and party as soon as she 
 arrives. 
 
 You, as the representative of the United States here, will, I doubt not, 
 feel every disposition to aid me in executing a most important commission ; 
 and I am confident, from their high reputation, that Messrs. Aspinwall 
 & Co., if they were present, would not hesitate in directing room to be 
 made for us. 
 
 I am, dear sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 WILLIAM NELSOX, 
 
 United States Consul, Panama. 
 
 PANAMA, NEW GRANADA, May 14, 1849. 
 
 SIR: As you have advised me that you cannot find transportation for 
 more than ten of my party on the steamship "Panama," I desire that the 
 following persons may be registered as passengers: 
 
 John B. Weller, Dr. E. K. Chamberlin, James Nooney, jr., William 
 A. Taylor, D. Gahagan, A. B. Gray, William R. Kinder, H. H. Robin- 
 son, C. J. Whiting, Gilbert Murdoch, and two servants, (colored.) 
 
 So many inconveniences and delays will result from leaving a portion 
 of my party here, that I must again request that every effort maybe made 
 to secure transportation on the "Oregon" for the remainder of the party. 
 Nearly if not all the employes will be required very soon after I reach 
 San Diego, and I dislike the idea very much of separating from them. 
 Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, 
 United States Commissioner. 
 Captain STOUT, 
 
 Agent for Aspimcatt cj* Co. 
 
9 [31] 
 
 iH*#***r 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 Washington, June 20, 1849. 
 
 SIR: The President having thought proper to appoint you the commis- 
 sioner on the part of the United States for running and marking the 
 boundary line under the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 
 I transmit your commission in that character. You will also receive 
 herewith a copy of the several instructions which this department has 
 addressed to your predecessor. It is not considered that you will need 
 any further instructions at this time; I would, however, invite your special 
 attention to the necessity of the regular transmission of your accounts 
 and vouchers for settlement at the Treasury Department, as those in- 
 structions require. Any drafts, also, which you may have occasion to 
 draw on account of the expenses of the commission, must be addressed to 
 the Secretary of State, and not to the Secretary of the Treasury. 
 
 You will also forward to this department a full list of the pers ns (other 
 than military or naval) in the service of the commission on our part, with 
 the rates of compensation allowed to each; and will apprize the depart- 
 ment of any changes therein which may from time to time take place. 
 
 Your compensation, as well as that of your predecessor, will be settled 
 by Congress at their next session. 
 
 1 am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN M. CLAYTON. 
 
 To J. C. FREMONT, Esq., 
 
 San Francisco , California. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 Washington, June 26, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Your letter from Panama, under date the 20th March last, marked 
 No. 1, has been received. 
 
 Il> is to be regretted that you should have omitted to comply with that 
 part of your instructions which requires you to furnish the department 
 with a list of the persons employed to assist you in the discharge of your 
 duties. In the absence of such a list, and of a statement of the compen- 
 sation stipulated to be allowed to each person, it is impossible for the de- 
 partment to form an estimate of the probable expenses of the commission. 
 
 Your instructions also direct you to transmit your account of those ex- 
 penses at the close of every quarter, with the vouchers requisite for ad- 
 justment of the account at the Treasury. The first quarter, since your 
 appointment, expired on the 3Ist of March last; but, although large sums 
 had been advanced to you previously to that time, no account or vouchers 
 in support thereof have yet been received from you. Under these circum- 
 stances, the department has deemed it necessary to suspend the payment 
 of your drafts, of which a memorandum is subjoined. 
 
 The President having thought proper to appoint Mr. J. C. Fremont the 
 commissioner on the part of the United States to run and mark the 
 boundary line under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, you will transfer 
 to him all the papers arid other public property in your custody relating to 
 the duties of that office. 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN M. CLAYTON. 
 
 To JOHN B. WELLER, Esq. 
 
[34] 
 
 10 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 Washington, June 28, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Your letter from Panama of the loth ultimo, with the accompanying 
 lists of persons in the service of the commission, was received at- this 
 department on yesterday, the 27th instant. 
 
 The difficulties which you anticipate in regard to the running and 
 marking the boundary line from the Pacific towards the Rio Grande may 
 be realized; but, without actual experience of them, it would be prema- 
 ture even to take into consideration your suggestion as to reversing that 
 course and beginning the demarcation at the eastern end of the line. In- 
 asmuch, however, as the starting-point for tracing the boundary, as well 
 as the proceedings of the joint commission with reference thereto, are 
 prescribed by the treaty, it would seem that the Executive of neither gov- 
 ernment has any discretion in regard to them, or any more right to change 
 them than they would have to change the direction of the line itself. If 
 it should be found to be impracticable to execute the duties of the com- 
 mission as the treaty contemplates and enjoins, a supplementary article 
 will be necessary to impart validity to any deviations therefrom. 
 
 It may, as you suggest, be advisable occasionally to make presents to 
 the Indians who may be met with along the route of the commission. 
 Careful discrimination, however, will be necessary in selecting articles 
 for this purpose. They should be acceptable to the Indians, but not such 
 as would enable them to injure the commission, in case their permanent 
 good will should not be secured. The cost of the presents, also, should 
 be moderate, and our share thereof should bear a just proportion to the 
 fund appropriated by Congress for the expenses of the commission. 
 
 Upon this subject, however, -you had better consult and make some 
 arrangement with the Mexican commissioners. If presents should be in- 
 dispensable, they would be for the common benefit of both parties, and 
 both should equally share the expense. 
 
 I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN M. CLAYTON. 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, Esq. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 Washington, June 28, 1849. 
 
 SIR: In a letter from this department under date the 26th instant, you 
 were informed of your appointment as commissioner of the United States 
 under the 5th article of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. With that 
 letter, one addressed to your predecessor was also transmitted, which, 
 however, it is deemed advisable you should not deliver or forward to him 
 until you are about to enter upon the duties of the office. The letter for 
 him which is herewith transmitted you will consider as addressed to 
 yourself, when you shall have communicated to him that above referred to. 
 I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN M. CLAYTON. 
 J. C. FREMONT, Esq. 
 
II [34] 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 Washington, July 20, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have received your letter of this morning, and have to inform 
 you in reply that, by the act of 2Sth August last, a sum of $50,000 was 
 appropriated " for the expenses of running and marking the boundary line 
 between Mexico and the United States, and paying the salaries of the 
 officers of the commission;" that of this sum commissioner Weller has 
 received, in a payment in advance and accepted drafts drawn on the De- 
 partment of State $33,325 00 
 
 That vouchers in support of his disbursements have been re- 
 ceived, but have not yet been passed by the Fifth Auditor, 
 for. . " 24,849 32 
 
 Leaving overpaid and wholly unaccounted for a balance of. . . $8,475 68 
 
 You will perceive from this statement that the whole sum appropriated 
 for the service of the current year was $50,000, and that more than two- 
 thirds of this amount has already been drawn by the commissioner, before 
 and since his removal from office. Under these circumstances, the de- 
 partment must decline to pay any farther drafts of Mr. Weller, until his 
 vouchers have been received and his accounts adjusted at the proper office 
 of the Treasury. 
 
 I have only to state, with reference to your bill for travelling expenses 
 as bearer of despatches from Panama to Washington, that it is inadmissi- 
 ble, and cannot be allowed. Your employment in that character was 
 neither warranted by the instructions of Mr. Buchanan to the commis- 
 sioner, nor by the usages of the department in such cases. 
 I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN M. CLAYTON. 
 
 C. L. WELLER, Esq., 
 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 Washington, November 21, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Your letter of the 15th of September last has been received. I 
 learn from it with regret that you wish to be relieved from your duties as 
 astronomer and topographical engineer in connexion with the commis- 
 sion on the part of the United States for marking the boundary pursuant 
 to the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Your claims and peculiar aptitude 
 for that service were so generally acknowledged that there was every 
 reason to hope you might not be severed from the commission until the 
 close of the business confided to it. Entertaining no doubt, however, 
 that the reasons to which you allude are sound, and that the public will 
 derive advantage from your employment in any other professional duty 
 which may be assigned to you, your request is acceded to; and in a letter 
 of this date I have requested the Secretary of War to designate your suc- 
 cessor. 
 
 In regard to the civil assistants to whom you refer, it is presumed that 
 
[ 34 ] 12 
 
 it would be best for them to remain, with a view to aid your successor in 
 the discharge of his duties. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. M. CLAYTON. 
 Brevet Major W. H. EMORY, 
 
 Topographical Engineers, San Diego, California. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 
 Washington, November 28, 1849. 
 
 SIR: The letter addressed to you by this department under date of the 
 2 1st instant has been detained for the purpose of being sent by the officer 
 whom the Secretary of War might appoint as your successor. It appears, 
 however, from the communication of Mr. Crawford of this date, a copy 
 of which is enclosed, that the order for your relief which had been re- 
 quested of him would be so greatly inconvenient to the military service 
 that he deems himself constrained to deny the request. 
 
 Under these circumstances, it is hoped that you will continue to dis- 
 charge the duties of commander to the escort, and chief astronomer to 
 the commission, with the same fidelity and ability by which you have 
 attained your high professional and personal character. 
 
 1 am, sir, veiy respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. M. CLAYTON. 
 
 Brevet Major W. H. EMORY, 
 
 Topographical Engineers, San Diego, California. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, December 10, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- 
 tion of the 7th instant, with the accompanying documents, therein enu- 
 merated. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, &c., 
 
 T. EW1NG, Secretary. 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON,, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 WAR DEPARTMENT, 
 
 December 13, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, since my letter of the 28th 
 ultimo, it has been determined to relieve Brevet Major Emory from duty 
 with the boundary commission in California, as soon as he shall have 
 completed his calculations of the survey of the line between the Pacific 
 and the junction of the Colorado and Gila rivers, so as to obtain the action 
 of the commission thereon. 
 
 Orders have been given to this effect. Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Mc- 
 Clellari, of the topographical engineers, who has been directed to replace 
 
13 [34] 
 
 Major Emory, is now in the city, and will be required to wait upon you 
 for such further instructions as you may have to give. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 GEORGE W. CRAWFORD, 
 
 Secretary of War. 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 BUREAU OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 
 
 Washington , December 14, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor of enclosing a copy of the orders to Brevet 
 Lieutenant Colonel McClellan, who has been directed to relieve Major 
 Emory upon the Mexican boundary survey. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel McClellan will report himself to you for any di- 
 rections or instructions which you may think proper to give. 
 Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. J. ABERT, 
 
 Colonel Corps Topographical Engineers. 
 Hon. J. M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary Department of State, Washington. 
 
 BUREAU OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 
 
 Washington., December 14, 1849. 
 
 SIR: By direction of the honorable Secretary of War, you are hereby 
 assigned to the duty of the survey of the boundary line between Mexico 
 and the United States, from which duty, on your joining the command, 
 Major Emory will be relieved. 
 
 You will therefore repair to San Diego, California, as soon as practi- 
 cable, and, learning at that place the station of Major Emory, which will 
 probably be at the mouth of the Gila, you will repair thither and report 
 yourself to the American commissioner as the chief officer of the corps on 
 the duty. Lieutenants Whipple and Hardcastle, now on the duty with 
 Major Emory, will remain on the duty under your command. 
 
 Before moving under this order, you will call upon the Honorable Mr. 
 Clayton, Secretary of State, and obtain from him copies of such instruc- 
 tions as Major Emory has received; and you will also receive from 
 him such additional instructions as he may think proper to give. 
 
 You will not omit the monthly reports to this office required by the 
 regulations. 
 
 Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. J. ABERT, 
 Colonel Corps Tographical Engineers. 
 
 Lieut. Colonel J. MCCLELLAN, 
 
 Corps Topographical Engineers, Washington. 
 
[34] 14 
 
 BUREAU OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 
 
 Washington, December 15, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Not being at the time aware that the business of the survey of the 
 Mexican boundary had been transferred to the Department of the Interior, 
 Lieutenant Colonel McClellan, who is ordered to relieve Major Emory on 
 that duty, was directed to report for instructions to the State Department. 
 This error having been corrected, Lieutenant Colonel McClellan is now 
 directed to report to you for any instructions you may desire to give. 
 Copies of the letters from this office to Lieutenant Colonel McClellan are 
 respectfully enclosed, for your consideration. 
 
 Respectfully; sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. J. ABKRT, 
 
 Colonel Corps Topographical Engineers. 
 Hon. T. EWING, 
 
 Secretary of the Interior, Washington. 
 
 BUREAU OF TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 
 
 Washington, December 15, 1849. 
 
 SIR: By a letter from the Hon. Mr. Clayton, Secretary of the Depart 
 ment of State, it appears that the "business connected with the commis- 
 sion referred to (Mexican boundary survey) has, by the President's order, 
 been transferred to the Department of the Interior. ' ' You will please, there- 
 fore, call upon the Hon. Mr. Ewing, Secretary of that Department, in 
 reference to any instructions, as indicated in the letter to you from this 
 bureau of the 14th instant. 
 
 Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. J. ABERT, 
 
 Colonel Corps Topographical Engineers. 
 Brevet Lieutenant Colonel J. MCCLELLAN, 
 
 Corps Topographical Engineers, Washington. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, December 17, 1849. 
 
 SIR: In a communication from yourself to Colonel John B. Weller, 
 United States commissioner, under date of June 28, 1849, reference is 
 made to a letter from said commissioner, dated at Panama, May 15, 1849, 
 and received at your department June 27, 1849. As no such letter appears 
 among the papers transferred by you to this department, I have to request 
 that you will transmit the same to me at your earliest convenience. 
 Very respectfully, &c., 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, Secretary of State. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF STATE, 
 Washington, December 18, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I transmit herewith a letter from Mr. C. L. Weller, under date of 
 
15 [34] 
 
 the loth instant, and await your directions respecting the requests therein 
 preferred . 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN M. CLAYTON. 
 Hon. T. EAVING, 
 
 Secretary of the Department of the Interior, Washington. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, December 19, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you the enclosed duplicate of a 
 communication to the Hon. John B. Weller; and to request that, in 
 accordance with the terms of the same, you will at once receive and take 
 care of all the books, papers, and other property which he is therein 
 directed to turn over to you. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 Major WM. H. EMORY, San Diego, California. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, December 19, 1849. 
 
 SIR: The direction of the commission for running and marking the 
 boundary line between the United States and Mexico having been trans- 
 ferred to this department, I have to inform you, in case, on the receipt 
 of this, Colonel Fremont shall not have entered upon duty as your suc- 
 cessor, that your services are no longer required in said commission ; and 
 to request that you will immediately turn over to Major W. H. Emory 
 all the books, papers, and other property in your possession belonging to 
 the United States, and pertaining to the boundary service, for which you 
 will take receipt in duplicate the one to be forwarded to this department, 
 and the other to be preserved by yourself. 
 
 You were advised by the Secretary of State, under date of the 26th of 
 June last, that, on account of your failure to comply with your instruc- 
 tions to render to the Fifth Auditor quarterly accounts of your expendi- 
 tures, with the necessary vouchers, payment of your drafts was sus- 
 pended. 
 
 As this barrier to payment still exists, I desire to call your attention to 
 the importance of an early adjustment of your accounts. 
 I have the honor to be, &c., 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, San Diego, California. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, December 20, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Your communication of the 15th, addressed to the Secretary of 
 State, has been transmitted to this department for answer. 
 
[ 34 ] 16 
 
 You were advised by the Secretary of State, under date of July 20, 
 1849, that the payment of the drafts of John B. Weller, United States 
 commissioner, had been suspended; and I need only to remark, that the 
 reasons which induced that suspension, and which were set forth to you, 
 still exist in full force. 
 
 As to your application for pay on account of your salary as a subaltern 
 in the commission, I have to state that it should be made to the commis- 
 sioner, he being charged with the disbursement of the appropriation made 
 by Congress for the boundary service. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 C. L. WELLER, Esq., 
 
 Present. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, December 28, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have received your communication of the 24th instant, and have 
 to state, in reply, that in the official instructions given by the Department 
 of State to commissioner Weller, under date of January 24, 1849, he was 
 required to keep a regular account of the expenses of the commission, and 
 to render and transmit the same quarterly, with the necessary vouchers, 
 to the Fifth Auditor for settlement. 
 
 The amount received by Mr. Weller prior to July 20, 1849, in 
 a payment in advance and accepted drafts drawn on the 
 
 Department of State, was $33,325 00 
 
 Vouchers in support of his disbursements had been received 
 (only a part of which have been passed by the Fifth Auditor) 
 for 24,849 32 
 
 Leaving overpaid and wholly unaccounted for a balance of. . . 8,475 68 
 
 Under these circumstances, you were apprized, July 20, 1849, that fur- 
 ther payment of Mr. Weller's drafts would be refused, until his vouchers 
 were received and his accounts adjusted at the proper office of the 
 Treasury. 
 
 As no additional vouchers or accounts have yet been received from him, 
 I must still decline to make additional payments. 
 
 I desire, however, to express the hope that Mr. Weller will, by an early 
 settlement, enable the department to meet all the lawful expenses of the 
 commission. 
 
 It is understood that you consider yourself officially connected with the 
 commission, under an appointment from the late commissioner; but the 
 department being unable to perceive that you have rendered or can render 
 any aid in the execution of the duty required of that by a protracted resi- 
 dence in this city, your sendees will be no further required therein. 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 
 C. L. WELLER, Esq., 
 
 Present. 
 
17 [ 34 ] 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, December 28, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have to request that you will, at your'earliest convenience, fur- 
 nish me with a statement of the amount of money paid to commissioner 
 AYeller, the whole amount of vouchers filed in support of his disburse- 
 ments, and the amount of those vouchers which have been rejected, with 
 the reasons for their rejection. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 STEPHEN PLEASANTON, Esq., 
 
 Fifth Auditor of the Treasury. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, December 31, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have received your favor of this date, with the accompanying 
 letter from Mr. Asa France, and have the honor to state, in reply, that no 
 vouchers or accounts have been received from John B. Weller, late Uni- 
 ted States commissioner, since July last, and that payment of his drafts 
 has therefore not been resumed. 
 
 In compliance with your request, I herewith return to you Mr. France's 
 letter. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 Hon. CULLEN SAWTELLE, 
 
 House of Representatives. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington , January 8, 1850. 
 
 SIR: Mr. John B. Weller having been relieved from duty as head of the 
 commission to survey the boundary line between the United States and Mex- 
 ico, and the direction of said commission having therefore fallen temporarily 
 on you, I have to request that the persons employed on the work may be 
 reduced to the lowest number consistent with the proper, though econo- 
 mical, management of the business confided to you, by the discharge of 
 all such as are not indispensable to the proper performance of the work, 
 and whose services can therefore be dispensed with without detriment. 
 
 The number of surveyors ought not to exceed three ; and in red-ucing 
 your force, you will have a view to the suggestions of Col. Abert to Lieut. 
 Col. McClellan, a copy of which is enclosed. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 Maj. WM. H. EMORY, San Diego, California. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, January 9, 1850. 
 
 SIR: I have to request that you will, as early as may be practicable, 
 furnish this department a statement, showing 
 
 1st. The names of all persons employed by the late commissioner, Mr. 
 Ex. 2 
 
[34] 
 
 18 
 
 Welter, on the Mexican boundary, their compensation and duties re- 
 spectively. 
 
 2d. The names of all such as you may discharge in pursuance of my 
 letter of yesterday, their compensation and duties. 
 
 3d. The names, compensation, and duties of all persons who may com- 
 pose the commission after its reduction by you. 
 
 You will also keep the department advised of whatever changes may 
 from time to time be made. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 Maj. WM. H. EMORY, 
 
 San Diego , California. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, January 22, 1850. 
 
 SIR: For the better prosecution of the work of running and marking 
 the boundary line between the United States and Mexico, I have the 
 honor to request that you will detail for that service Lieut. Beale, of the 
 navy, whose familiarity with the country to be traversed will much facil- 
 itate the operations of the military and civil officers of the government 
 now engaged upon the work. 
 
 If it is in your power to comply with this request, I will thank you to 
 direct Lieut. Beale to report to this department. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWING, Secretary. 
 Hon. WILLIAM BALLARD PRESTON, 
 
 Secretary of the Navy. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, January 29, 1850. 
 
 SIR: Lieut. Beale is very desirous to go upon the duty for which you 
 have detailed Lieut. Strain. The latter suggested to me that he did not 
 wish to stand in the way of his friend Lieut. Beale. I enclose a letter 
 from Col. Benton on the same subject for your perusal, which you will 
 return. I submit the matter entirely to your judgment, not wishing at all 
 to interfere in the selection, and being satisfied that you have furnished me 
 an officer efficient to discharge the duties for which he is detailed. I 
 bring the subject to your notice at the request of Col. McClellan. 
 I am, very truly, yours, 
 
 T. EWING. 
 Hon. Mr. PRESTON, 
 
 Secretary of the Navy. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, January 24, 1850. 
 SIR: Will you do me the favor to inform me of the name of the officer 
 
19 [ 34 ] 
 
 for service on the Mexican boundary commission; in compliance 
 with the request contained in my letter of the 22d inst. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EW1NG ? Secretary. 
 Hon. WM, B. PRESTON, 
 
 Secretary <of the Navy. 
 
 DEPARTMENT OP THE INTERIOR, 
 
 January 25-, 1850. 
 
 Snr. In the correspondence relating to the. Mexican boundary, it ap- 
 pears that $33,325 has been pad on the drafts of the United States com- 
 missioner. Will you oblige me-, as soon as practicable, with a statement 
 showing the p(ace where each draft was drawn, the date, payee, and 
 amount? 
 
 It also appears that the amount of vouchers filed by said commissioner 
 is $24,849 32, and that only a part of these vouchers have been passed at 
 your office. Will you please inform me what portion of them have not 
 been passed, and state the reasons which induced their suspension? 
 Very respectfully, &c., 
 
 D. C. GODDARD, Chief Clerk. 
 STEPHEN PLEASANTON, Esq., 
 
 Fifth Auditor of the Treasury^ 
 
 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
 
 Washington, January 30, 1850. 
 
 SIR: Your letter of this date is received. Your request for permission 
 to proceed to Philadelphia is complied with 5 and further orders will be 
 directed to you at that place. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 T. EWLNG, Secretary. 
 Passed Midshipman ISAAC G. STRAIN, 
 
 United States A?y,, Washington <city^ D* C. 
 
 BUREAU OP TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, 
 
 Washington^ February 9, 1850. 
 
 SIR: In answer to your letter of the 25th January, desiring to have an 
 estimate of the probable expense for the next fiscal year in the prosecu- 
 tion of the survey of the boundary between Mexico and the United States, 
 I have the honor to stale that, having no knowledge whatever of the exist- 
 ing arrangements of the survey, the business having been conducted under 
 the supervision of the Slate Department, I do not possess any of the data 
 upon which an estimate would have to be founded. 
 
 1st* I do not know what property is now in the possession of the com- 
 mission, or the condition of the property, and cannot state what addi- 
 tions or renewals will be required. 
 
 2d, Nothing is known in this office of the compensation paid to persons 
 employed, or of their numbers* 
 
[34] 
 
 20 
 
 3d. Nothing is known in this office of the number of horses of wagons 
 used or required. 
 
 4th. Nothing is known in this office of the cost of foraging animals or 
 of feeding men on the duty. 
 
 5th. Nothing is known in this office of the amount of existing deb8s r 
 and, consequently, of the portion of any future appropriation which will 
 have to be applied to arrearages. 
 
 As an estimate cannot therefore be made according to usual forms, it is 
 respectfully suggested to ask for an appropriation of fifty thousand dollars 
 for the duty. 
 
 In reference to that part of your letter desiring information of the number 
 of persons which such a duty will require, allow me respectfully to refer to 
 a memorandum submitted to your consideration a few days since through 
 Colonel McClellan. 
 
 Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. J. ABERT, 
 
 Colonel Corps Tographical Engineers, 
 Hon. T. EWING, 
 
 Secretary of the Interior, Washington. 
 
 WASHINGTON, January 3, 184. 
 
 SIR: I think it proper that you should be informed that a very consider- 
 able portion of the most valuable instruments used on the northeastern 
 boundary survey, and now in possession of Major J. D. Graham, do not 
 belong to the Department of State, and that it is exceedingly probable 
 that, under arrangements in progress, they will be needed by the Topo- 
 graphical Bureau for other surveys, and I think it will not be practicable 
 for the State Department, without inconvenience to other branches of the 
 public service, to obtain the use of them. 
 
 The instruments that do belong to the State Department are insufficient 
 in number, and many of them not adapted to the nature of the service to 
 which they are to be applied the survey of the boundary between the 
 United States and Mexico. 
 
 Army order No. 65 assigns me to the command of the party to be de- 
 tailed from the army to run that boundary. Under that order I had the 
 honor to report to you in person, the day following the date of that order. 
 
 I then stated my impression that immediate steps should be taken to see 
 that proper instruments were procured for the survey. A more exact 
 knowledge, subsequently derived from Major Graham, of the number and 
 condition of the instruments which he designs to turn over to the depart- 
 ment, makes it my duty to inform you that, unless immediate steps are 
 taken, it is probable the instruments cannot be had, in order to enable the 
 commission to meet agreeably to the terms of the treaty. 
 
 I beg leave respectfully to suggest that, as I am already assigned to duty 
 under your orders, such of the instruments as may belong to the State 
 Department may be immediately turned over to me, that I may proceed to 
 put them in condition for service, to make such alterations in them as 
 may be required to meet the peculiarities of the service, and to prepare the 
 information by which you will be enabled to supply the deficiencies when 
 the appropriation for running and marking the boundary becomes availa- 
 
21 [34] 
 
 ble. This recommendation, if adopted, need involve no immediate 
 expenditure. The propriety of this work being confided to the officer who 
 is to use the instruments, I am sure, need not be dwelt upon. He will be 
 held responsible for the results, and should, therefore, be allowed the 
 selection, within reasonable limits, of the means by which he is to attain 
 them. 
 
 I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. EMORY, 
 Brevet Major U. S. Army. 
 Hon. JAMES BUCHANAN, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, 
 
 Washington , January 10, 1849. 
 
 SIR: On the receipt of your letter of the 3d instant, asking for the loan of 
 the zenith telescope belonging to this department, that had been for some 
 time ift the hands of Major Graham, of the typographical engineers, I re- 
 ferred it to the superintendent of the military academy, requesting him 
 "to report forthwith whether the instrument can be spared from the course 
 of instruction in the department of philosophy, Major Graham having noti- 
 fied that it is ready, with the other instrument loaned to him, to be re- 
 turned, if wanted at the academy." The superintendent, in his reply, 
 just received, says, after consulting with the professor of philosophy , "that 
 the particular instrument referred to by Major Emory would be very use- 
 ful in the department of philosophy.'"* This being the case, and know- 
 ing that the instrument was sent in the first instance to the academy, at 
 the request of Professor Bartlett, for use in practical instruction in astrono- 
 my, I am under the necessity of declining the proposed loan. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOS. G. TOTTEN, 
 Brevet Brigadier General U. S. Army. 
 Major W. H. EMORY, 
 
 United States Army? Washington. 
 
 WASHINGTON, January 11, 1849. 
 
 SIR: As far as I have been able to ascertain, the two instruments men- 
 tioned in the enclosed letter of General Totten were purchased for the 
 use of the Ohio and Michigan boundary, in 1835; but, the appropriation 
 having been expended under the War Department, the instruments may 
 be considered as belonging to that department. 
 
 They are both of great value, and one of them, the zenith telescope, 
 was used by me on the northeastern boundary. It will appear by the letter 
 of General Totten that they are now both required in the department to 
 which they belong. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with great regard, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. EMORY. 
 Hon- JAMES BUCHANAN, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
[34] 22 
 
 NEW YOUK, February 4, 1849, 
 
 SIR: In compliance with instructions of the Department of State, Jan- 
 nary 19, 1849, 1 have the honor to report that I have received from Major 
 J. I). Graham such instruments as were deemed " necessary for correctly run- 
 ning and marking the boundary line" between the United States and 
 Mexico. Two invoices one dated New York, January 29, 1849, the 
 other dated Boston, February 1, 1849 exhibit the character and condition 
 of these instruments, and are herewith enclosed.. I have been compelled 
 to adopt, in a great measure, Major Graham's report of the condition 
 of the instruments, as it would take more time than I am allowed 
 to set up each instrument and examine it in detail. The higher class 
 of astronomical instruments such as the Trough ton and Semmes 
 telescope, the transit, and the altitude and azimuth instrument though 
 admirably adapted for service on the northeastern boundary, intersected as 
 that boundary was at many points by the great thoroughfares of travel, 
 are, in consequence of their size, unsuited for general use on the Mexican 
 boundary, and can only be used at or near points accessible by sea San 
 Diego and the mouth of the Del None. At these points, however, they 
 can be profitably used. The repacking such instruments as require 
 it and were of convenient size to carry into the interior on the backs 
 of animals, was completed yesterday. Many of these could have been 
 rendered still more profitable by placing the different parts of the same 
 instrument in different boxes; but this is a nice operation, involving the 
 skill of the best instrument makers, and would take one or two months 
 to complete; it has therefore not been attempted. The region in which 
 we operate being destitute of trees of sufficient size to afford stands for 
 the instruments, I have ordered castings to be made for portable stands. 
 I have also ordered the observing tents put in condition for service. Both 
 the castings and fixtures for the tents will be completed in the course of 
 the week. 
 
 I now proceed, in further pursuance of your instructions, to " report 
 what other instruments" are deemed " necessary for the survey, together 
 with their probable cost, and where they may be obtained the most speed- 
 ily and upon the best terms*"* 
 
23 
 
 [34] 
 
 Instruments. 
 
 Price. 
 
 Where to be obtained. 
 
 1 pocket chronometer* 
 
 1 box chronometer 
 
 2 heliotropes, at $100 
 
 2 reconnoitring glasses, at $50 
 1 portable astronomical telescope 
 
 4 Nautical Almanacs, 1849 
 
 4 Nautical Almanacs, 1850 
 
 1 copy Catalogue Stars, British 
 
 Association 
 
 1 Daniel's hygrometer 
 
 1 set charts coast of California 
 4 Hassler's Logarithims,at$l.. 
 6 thermometers, at $4. . 
 
 2 artificial horizons, at $20, 
 
 (with boxes for mercury) . . 
 
 6 observing lamps 
 
 1 36-inch transit 
 
 1 36-inch zenith telescope 
 
 4 cases drawing instruments, at 
 
 $10 
 
 4 bottles of ether, (sulphuric.) 
 ^ bushel plaster of paris. 
 
 2 observing tents, at $40 
 
 1 equatorial stand 
 
 $200 
 
 285 
 
 200 
 
 100 
 
 190 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 20 
 15 
 
 2 
 
 4 
 
 24 
 
 40 
 
 15 
 
 400 
 
 700 
 
 40 
 
 80 
 100 
 
 Wm. C. Bond, Boston. 
 Do do 
 
 E. & G. W. Blunt, New York, 
 Do do 
 
 Do do 
 
 Do do 
 
 Do do 
 
 Do 
 Do 
 Do 
 Do 
 Do 
 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 do 
 
 Do do 
 
 Do do 
 
 Troughton& Semmes ? London, 
 Do do 
 
 Price estimated. 
 
 *Mr Bond has one by Park & Frodsham, No. 648, of tried excellence. 
 
 NOTE. Words included thus ( ) are defaced in the original, and are 
 here supplied from the text. 
 
 (If) an arrangement could be made by which the (use) can be ob- 
 tained of the transit and the zenith (telescope) mentioned in my letter to you 
 of the 1 st January, (the two corresponding instruments estimated for in 
 the (above list,) respectively, at $400 and $700, would not (be needed.) 
 These instruments are now at the store of Mr. E. & G. W. Blunt, New 
 York, awaiting transportation to West Point. The object of sending these 
 instruments there being for the purpose of instruction, as stated in Gen- 
 eral Totten's letter, enclosed in mine of the llth, I would propose, if no 
 other means could be adopted to place these instruments at the disposal of 
 the State Department, (where they have been for many years,) to exchange 
 for them the large and valuable altitude and azimuth instrument by 
 Troughton & Semmes. This is one of the best instruments of the kind 
 in the country, and combines all the parts of both the other instruments, 
 but unfortunately it is too large for use on the Mexican boundary. The 
 instrument referred to is the first named on the invoice herewith sent. 
 A letter received from the Hon. John B. Weller, commissioner, &c., re- 
 quests that all these instruments, intended to go overland, may be sent 
 to New deans before the 23d. 
 
[34] 
 
 24 
 
 I return herewith the list of instruments furnished me from the records 
 of the Department of State. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. EMORY, ' 
 Brevet Major United States Army. 
 Hon. JAMES BUCHANAN, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 NEW ORLEANS, March 7, 1 849. 
 
 SIR: I received half the amount of draft sent me for three thousand dollars 
 by the United States commissioner upon the Secretary of the Treasury, for 
 purposes necessary to outfit and expenses of party, &c., in the boundary 
 Iin6 service. When I left Washington, ten days ago, immediately after 
 receiving the certificate to a copy of the treaty map, it was supposed that 
 I would meet the commissioner here, and in that event would not require 
 the balance of the amount of draft charged to me. 
 
 I advised Mr. Weller that we were coming, but, from the irregularity of 
 the telegraph, presume he did not receive my despatch. I found on my 
 arrival to-day that three of the other officers attached to the survey, from 
 unavoidable detention, (frozen state of the Ohio river,) did not reach this 
 city either, until two days after the departure of Mr. Weller, who sailed 
 on the 2d instant. I therefore found it necessary to advise you of my 
 want of the other fifteen hundred dollars, and to save time I sent the dis- 
 patch by telegraph, asking permission to draw on the department for the 
 same. 
 
 A vessel will leave this for Chagres in a short time, and I apprehend 
 there will be no delay to prevent our reaching San Diego almost as soon 
 as the commissioner. 
 
 AVith highest esteem, I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 ANDREW B. GRAY, 
 Surveyor under 5th article of treaty with Mexico. 
 
 Hon. Mr. CLAYTOX, Secretary of State, Washington city. 
 
 PANAMA, NEW GRANADA, March 20, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor to report that, under instructions from your de- 
 partment of the 24th January last, I embarked from New Orleans, with 
 the necessary number of employes, on the 2d instant, and reached this 
 city on the 16th. On the 30th of January, at my request, a letter was 
 addressed to the American consul in this city, directing him to have trans- 
 portation ready for me and the party by the 12th instant at Graces; and. 
 although this letter had been duly received, the transportation had not 
 been provided, nor could I hear of the consul in any way until I reached 
 Panama.* His conduct here generally has given much dissatisfaction to 
 the citizens of the United Slates emigrating to California; but I have not 
 given such investigation to the various charges made against him as to 
 enable me to say how far they are true. 
 
 The charges for transportation over the isthmus are enormous, and 
 there is but little prospect at present of a diminution. 
 
 * See Mr. Nelson's explanation. J. M. C. 
 
25 [ 34 ] 
 
 The steamer " Orus" navigates the Chagres river only 15 miles, and 
 passengers and freight are carried from thence to Gorgona (about 35 miles) 
 in canoes. 
 
 The greater portion of my party will remain at Gorgona until all the 
 supplies reach this place. I have with me four months' supplies for the 
 whole party six months' supplies having been shipped, previous to my 
 leaving the United States, from New York to San Diego direct. 
 
 There is no transportation here now, and from present indications it is 
 exceedingly doubtful whether the party can be gotten to San Diego for 
 months to come, unless a government vessel should touch at this point. 
 I intend, however, to obtain transportation for myself by the first steamer 
 which comes in, so as to comply with the 5th article of the treaty. It is 
 probable I will have to go to San Francisco and travel by land thence 
 to San Diego. 
 
 It is important, in my opinion, that the appropriation made by the act 
 of* Congress of the 12th of August, 1848, to defray the expenses, &c., of 
 running the boundary, should be placed in a position where my drafts 
 upon it will be duly honored. The employes generally will desire to re- 
 ceive their pay in the United States, and I have to request (if consistent 
 with the views of the department) that the funds may be drawn from the 
 treasury and placed to my credit in New York, say the " Bank of Amer- 
 ica." I will then be enabled to discharge the demands against the com- 
 mission without difficulty or delay. The amount now in my hands will 
 be wholly inadequate to pay the expenses here and transportation to San 
 Diego. 
 
 Major Emory, chief of the topographical engineers, reached this city on 
 yesterday. Mr. Gray, the surveyor, has not yet arrived. As his presence 
 at San Diego previous to the 30th of May is indispensable, I may possi- 
 bly be detained by his movements. 
 
 At all events, the department maybe assured that all in my power will 
 be done to carry out the provisions of the treaty. 
 
 In the mean while, I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obe- 
 dient servant, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 Hon. SECRETARY OF STATE. 
 
 PANAMA, March 25, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I joined the commission for 
 "running and marking the boundary between the United States and Mex- 
 ico" at this place on the 17th instant, in charge of all the astronomical 
 apparatus and surveying instruments for the use of the commission, ex- 
 cept those sent by the steamers Northerner and Senator, via Cape Horn, 
 of which you have been heretofore advised. 
 
 The commissioner reached here one day before me. I exhibited to 
 him my instructions from the State and War Departments, and informed 
 him of the condition and place of the apparatus confided to my care, and 
 the steps taken, under instructions of the Department of State, in regard 
 to it. 
 
[34] 
 
 26 
 
 It was not possible, as those instructions contemplated, to leave New 
 York before the 1st of March; nor was it practicable to carry the instru- 
 ments overland to New Orleans to ship on board the steamer Alabama, 
 which sailed from that port for Chagres on the 2d instant; and I was com- 
 pelled to ship them, and take passage for myself and party, in the steamer 
 Northerner, which sailed direct from New York to Chagres. Everything 
 has arrived here in safety, and in good condition for immediate service, 
 except some of the astronomical books and tables left with one of my as- 
 sistants and my servant in New Orleans. The means of getting from this 
 place to San Diego are left with the commissioner. It may be proper, 
 however, to inform you that, being charged, in addition to my other du- 
 ties, with the command of the military escort intended to protect the com- 
 mission, I will make the attempt to reach San Diego in time to report the 
 escort in readiness so soon as the commission assembles, so that no delay 
 will happen from that cause. 
 
 I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. EMORY, 
 Bvt. Maj. United States Army, fyc. 
 
 Hon. SECRETARY OF STATE. 
 
 STEAMSHIP FALCON, 
 
 At Sea, March 26, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Up to the last moment before leaving New Orleans, I waited with 
 anxious expectation a despatch from your department; but, receiving none, 
 I finally sailed, early in the morning of the 21st instant, for Chagres, 
 which latter port we expect to reach in all to-morrow. 
 
 At Panama I hope to join the commissioner, and to proceed with him 
 to San Diego. I should have waited till hearing from you; but, finding 
 little reliance is to be placed in the present system of conducting tele- 
 graphic communications, and fearing lest no other favorable opportunity 
 would again occur in some time for me to proceed on my mission, I 
 deemed it advisable to take the responsibility of at once embarking. I 
 hope it will have met with your approval, and that of the President. 
 
 I forward a few papers which 1 had withdrawn for the purpose of ma- 
 king copies, and which I beg leave to ask may be filed for reference in 
 your department: they are the originals. 
 
 I have the honor to remain, veiy faithfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 ANDREW B. GRAY, 
 
 United States Survey or under treaty with Mexico. 
 Hon. Mr. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State, Washington city. 
 
 PANAMA, May 9, 1849. 
 
 SIR: The enclosed package, addressed to Wm. Cranch Bond, director 
 of the observatory at Cambridge, contains a series of astronomical and 
 other observations intended for review by the A. academy of Boston. 
 
 These observations, and the object in sending them to the academy, 
 
27 [ 34 ] 
 
 being connected directly with the service on the boundary \vith which I 
 have been honored by the Department of State, induce me to request they 
 may be forwarded under the frank of the department. 
 I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. EMORY, Bvt. Maj. U. S. Army, 
 Chief Ast. and Top. Eng. U. S. Boundary Survey. 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, June 16, 1S49. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place on the 1st in- 
 stant, with ten of my party. I regret that the unnecessary detention of the 
 steamer at Panama, by the agent of Messrs. Aspinwall & Co., prevented 
 me from complying with the requisitions of the treaty. Another portion 
 of those engaged upon this survey came in, a few days since, on the Ore- 
 gon, and the balance still remain at Panama. In consequence of this di- 
 vision, I have been subjected to much trouble, and a good deal of ex- 
 pense, which otherwise would not have been incurred. 
 
 General Garcia Conde (who I understand is the commissioner appoint- 
 ed by the republic of Mexico) has not yet arrived. I received, however, 
 a few days since, a letter from our consul at San Bias, advising me that 
 he sailed from that port in a British vessel for San Diego on the 24th 
 ultimo, with his suite and one hundred and twenty soldiers. His arrival, 
 therefore, is daily expected. No time will be lost upon our part in organ- 
 izing the commission, and placing the parties in the field. In the absence 
 of instructions, (if agreeable to the Mexican commissioner,) we will pro- 
 ceed with the work as if the meeting had taken place within the time 
 prescribed by the treaty. 
 
 It will require some time to secure the necessary transportation to pass 
 from the Pacific to the Colorado ; and it may be found wholly impractica- 
 ble to prosecute the work from this direction beyond that point. In the 
 existing state of military discipline here, I apprehend the necessary escort 
 could not be easily obtained beyond that river. Two companies have 
 been reported to me by the commanding officer of the escort one compa- 
 ny of sixty-one dragoons; the other, twenty-two infantry, effective and 
 non-eifective. I have no information as to the number agreed upon by 
 the respective governments; but in my opinion this force will be entirely too 
 small. Our expenses have already been so great, that I fear the appro- 
 priation made by the act of Congress of August 12, 1848, will be quite 
 exhausted soon after the work is commenced. Our limited means will 
 retard our progress very much, and in the end subject us to expenses 
 which otherwise might have been avoided. The Congress of 1848, 1 am 
 sure, could not have anticipated the state of affairs in this country, else 
 the appropriation would have been much more liberal. As it is, I tan 
 only promise to use the means at my command to the best advantage. 
 
 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 Hon. JNO. M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. 
 
[34] 
 
 28 
 
 PUEBLO OF SAN JOSE, August, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have had the honor to receive, by the hands of Mr. Beale, United 
 States navy, your letter conferring on me the post of commissioner of the 
 United States for the determination of our boundary line with Mexico. 
 I feel much gratified in accepting the appointment, and beg to offer 
 through you to the President my acknowledgments for the mark of con- 
 fidence betowed upon me, and which he may be assured is fully appre- 
 ciated. Colonel Weller is now at San Francisco, having just arrived 
 from the south. His reports of the actual state of the survey will proba- 
 bly suggest instructions for me. I will see him within a few days, and, 
 after having made myself acquainted with the condition of the work, 
 shall be able to communicate understandingly with the department. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 J. C. FREMONT. 
 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 CAMP RILEY, CALIFORNIA, September 15, 1849. 
 
 SIR: General orders No. 65, dated Adjutant General's office, Washing- 
 ton, December 27, 1848, placed me in command of the escort to the 
 United States boundary commission, and directed me to report for further 
 instructions to the Secretary of State. I did so report, and received an 
 order transferring to my custody all the astronomical and surveying in- 
 struments destined for service on the boundary between the United States 
 and Mexico. I received at the same time information that I was to be 
 the chief astronomer and topographical engineer on the work. 
 
 In the instructions to the United States commissioner, dated Washing- 
 ton, February 13, 1849, (a copy of which I obtained at my own re- 
 quest,) I am designated as the chief astronomer and topographical en- 
 gineer. Beyond this, I have received from the Department of State no 
 instructions, nor have I received a letter of appointment. Being on the 
 ground as commander of the escort, I have retained the custody of these 
 instruments, and have performed the duties above designated. 
 
 It is questionable in my mind whether the Department of State has fol- 
 lowed up its intention conveyed in the preliminary instructions of Feb- 
 ruary 15. But if it has done so, and I am considered as occupying the 
 position of chief astronomer and topographical engineer, I now desire, 
 for reasons which, in my judgment, form an insurmountable obstacle to 
 the proper performance of these duties, to be released from all duty with 
 this commission. I request the person may be designated to whom the 
 instruments in my custody shall be turned over. They are at present dis- 
 tributed between Captain Hardcastle, Lieutenant Whipple, Mr. A. B. 
 Gray, and myself. 
 
 In due season, an account will be rendered of my astronomical determi- 
 nations on this work, as well as those of the officers under my command, 
 and the commission will be furnished with the result. 
 
 By the time of receiving my recall, I hope to have finished the determi- 
 nation of the astronomical line forming the boundary between the Pacific 
 and the mouth of the Gila river, and it will be a convenient point for the 
 transfer of the work to other hands. 
 
29 [ 84 ] 
 
 The commissioner has been absent on business since the 16th August, 
 and I am without the means of knowing what is to be done with the 
 civil assistants brought out by me; but I respectfully ask consideration for 
 them, more particularly for the two scientific gentlemen Professor James 
 Nooney and Dr. C. C. Parry; and that, should their services be no 
 longer required, directions may be given to have their expenses paid back 
 to their homes. 
 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. EMORY, 
 
 Brevet Major Corps Topographical Engineers, fyc. 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State* 
 
 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, 
 
 October 4, 1849, 
 
 SIR: The sketch which accompanies this note will show you the posi' 
 tion of the initial point of boundary between our country and that of the 
 Mexican republic, as fixed by the survey of the southern part of the port 
 of San Diego, and measurement of the marine league, agreeably to the 
 decision of the joint commission of July 9, and in conformity with the 
 5th article of the treaty with Mexico. It will also show approximately the 
 direction that the line will take over the ridge of highlands which come 
 down to the Pacific, and across the valley of the river " Tia Juan" the 
 same valley up Avhich we travelled on our recent reconnoissance to the 
 mountains separating the desert from the ocean. 
 
 I had advised the surveyor on the part of Mexico of my having com- 
 pleted the surveys necessary for me to determine the southernmost point 
 of the port, as called for in the treaty ; and a few days after your departure 
 to San Francisco we exhibited to each other small plans of our triangula- 
 tions, &c., which agreed without any difference. But the changes from 
 local causes by time, &c., which have taken place in that portion of the 
 port, and the peculiar features which it now presents, caused Mr. Jalazar 
 to think the southernmost point to be further to the north than I had be- 
 lieved was represented on the map accompanying the treaty. A difference 
 in the season of the year, which possibly may have been the case, in which 
 the two surveys were made, (that of 1782 and that of our own,) might also 
 make a difference in its appearance. 
 
 I pointed the positions of one or two points in the range of bluffs bor- 
 dering the low salt flats, and in which time seemed to have made no 
 change, and proved the identity of this range very nearly with the black 
 curve line representing the boundary of the port of the map of Don Juan 
 Pantoja. He desired to make a few more measurements, which he did, 
 and advised me of his being induced to believe that the line of coast on 
 the treaty map was the same very nearly with the highland or line of 
 bluffs mentioned. The difference between the point agreed upon by us 
 and that first supposed by him was some 3,500 feet, and which places the 
 initial point that distance further south. 
 
 The parallel from which we commenced the measurement of the marine 
 
[34] 
 
 30 
 
 league was that of the highest point at which indications were noticed of 
 the overflow of salt-water, or the water of the port. 
 
 Every degree of accuracy was pursued in the marine-league measure- 
 ment, and the number of metres taken for its length was 5,564.6, accord- 
 ing to the authority of " Francoeur. " The double red line upon the 
 sketch will show that two offsets were necessary to avoid inequalities and 
 irregularities in the surface of the ground, and to obtain a level plain, as 
 far as practicable. 
 
 The initial point, as will be seen by the sketch, falls upon the sand 
 beach within a hundred metres of a plain triangularly shaped and eleva- 
 ted by a bluff bank about 50 feet above the level of the sea. It is also 
 backed by a mountainous spur which puts out from the great chain reach- 
 ing from Upper to Lower California, and is an excellent natural position 
 for a monument to fix the limit of the two countries. 
 
 My parties are now actively engaged in. the field ; and when I will have 
 returned from the reconnoissance to the mouth of the Gila river along the 
 line, and which I am desirous of accomplishing within the next 20 days, 
 I will then, I hope, have made the requisite triangulations to fix the mouth 
 and vicinity of that river for mapping; also, have obtained in that time suffi- 
 cient topography and notes enough of the line between the Pacific and 
 that point. This will enable us, so soon as the latitudes and longitudes of 
 the two extremes are determined by the astronomical party engaged upon 
 that duty, to make out a very correct plan of this whole line, (between 
 said points,) sufficient for the purpose of demarcation, and for the erection 
 of monuments at those points decided upon at any time by the joint com- 
 mission hereafter. 
 
 I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 ANDREW B. GRAY, U. S. Surveyor, fyc. 
 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, U. S. Commissioner. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, October 5, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, since my despatch of the 28th 
 July last, the commission has been actively engaged in executing the im- 
 portant duties imposed by the treaty. The boundary line from the initial 
 point on the Pacific to the junction of the Gila with the Colorado will be 
 an astronomical line connecting the two points. To obtain the azimuth of 
 this line, the determination of latitude and longitude of its extremities was 
 necessary. The determination of this line is nearly completed. Major 
 Emory, the chief astronomer of the commission, finding no suitable point 
 for an observatory at the initial point on the Pacific, established one at 
 "Camp Riley," and determined its geographical position, in latitude and 
 longitude, by no less than three hundred observations on stars near the 
 zenith, and its longitude by observations on every culmination of the moon 
 and the moon-culminating stars which was observable since the estab- 
 lishment of his observatory, on the 20th July last; and these results have 
 been carried from his observatory to the initial point by a single triangle. 
 In a very few days, all the necessary computations will be completed. 
 
 On the 8th ultimo, Lieutenant Whipple, of the astronomical party, with 
 a suitable escort, was sent to the Gila, and is now at the junction of that 
 river with the Colorado, for the purpose of observing with a view to deter- 
 
31 [34] 
 
 mine the latitude and longitude of that point. Captain Hardcastle, of the 
 same corps, in the mean time has been despatched to the mountains this 
 side of the desert, between the two points, to conduct the signals by 
 means of which Major Emory will be enabled to connect the two extremes 
 of the time in longitude. In the event this fails, the absolute determina- 
 tions in longitude, made respectively by Major Emory and Lieutenant 
 Whipple, will be resorted to, and the azimuth of the line forming the 
 boundary completed and marked on the ground. I will', in a few days, 
 send a detachment of the surveying party along the line to make a topo- 
 graphical sketch of the country between the two points; and I have no 
 doubt within twenty or thirty days this great work on the west side of the 
 Colorado will be completed, and nothing will remain except to fill in a few 
 intermediate points. This, with the placing of suitable monuments on 
 the Pacific and at the intersection of the Gila with the Colorado, will 
 complete what has always been regarded the most difficult portion of the 
 work. The distance will be about one hundred and thirty miles. As a 
 natural boundary, the Gila and the Rio Grande constitute a large portion of 
 the remainder of the line. It is thought no difficulty will be found in 
 establishing it. 
 
 I must again repeat, that unless Congress, at an early day in its next 
 session, appropriate the necessary means, the work must be suspended. 
 
 My movements have already been much retarded for the want of funds, 
 and I trust the commission may not be thus embarrassed in future. If 
 the joint commission is broken up from any cause, the work is inevitably 
 suspended for an indefinite period. 
 
 I send herewith a map, prepared by the surveyor, Mr. Gray, with an 
 explanatory note, showing his operations in determining the initial point 
 in the boundary. 
 
 No communication whatever has been received from your department 
 since the 15th March last. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, November 3, 1849. 
 
 SIR: The forms and ceremonies necessary to fix and determine upon 
 the face of the earth the initial point in the boundary between the United 
 States and the republic of Mexico, on the Pacific, were gone through 
 with on the 10th ultimo, in presence of various members of the joint com- 
 mission and numerous other witnesses. 
 
 In consequence of some changes which have evidently taken place 
 in the southern part of the port of San Diego since the survey of Don 
 Juan Pantoja in 178*2, it became necessary to make an accurate sur- 
 vey of that part of the harbor. This was executed by the surveyors on 
 each side some weeks since. 
 
 A difference of a few feet was found to exist between the representatives 
 of the two governments as to the precise point which ought to be re- 
 garded as "the southernmost point of the port of San Diego, " This, how- 
 
[34] 
 
 32 
 
 ever, was soon adjusted, in the spirit of compromise, by the commission- 
 ers on the ground, and a point selected from which "a marine league due 
 south" was measured. 
 
 At the place thus selected as the initial point, a temporary monument 
 has been erected, until suitable materials for the construction of a perma- 
 nent one can be obtained. The monument will be placed five hundred 
 feet from the ocean, and on a point of land forty-two feet above the level of 
 the sea. Its precise latitude, as agreed upon, is 32 31' 59". 58, which 
 will make it about eighteen miles south of this town. A small portion of 
 the computations necessary to determine the exact longitude have not yet 
 been completed, and consequently I am not now able to give it with pre- 
 cision. 
 
 The astronomical detachment, under the charge of Lieutenant Whipple, 
 referred to in my last communication, is still at the mouth of the Gila, hav- 
 ing nearly completed the observations necessary to determine the geogra- 
 phical position of that point. His return is expected in a few days. 
 
 On the 12th ultimo, the surveyor, with a portion of his corps, left here 
 for the Gila, with the view to examine the point at which that river empties 
 into the Colorado. For reasons perhaps satisfactory to himself, he re- 
 turned without having reached that river. As to the extent or character 
 of the information elicited by that expedition I have no knowledge. 
 
 Our movements have been much retarded for the want of the necessary 
 means to purchase transportation, &c. If the department had seen proper 
 to provide me even with the funds parsimoniously appropriated by Con- 
 gress, the work from the Pacific to the Gila would have been finished 
 before this. 
 
 Although the steamers arrive here regularly from the northern as well 
 as the southern portion of the coast, I have not had the honor to receive 
 any communication whatever from your department, excepting your very 
 kind note of the loth March, sent by way of the city of Mexico. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State, Washington. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, November 14, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I herewith submit to you a sketch or plan of the junction of the 
 Rio tjJila, where it unites with the Colorado, as referred to in my com- 
 munication of the 9th instant. 
 
 It is made from the notes and topography of the reconnoissance and 
 survey of that point by my assistant, Mr. Forster, (aided by Lieutenant 
 Whipple,) on our late expedition. 
 
 B and C are two points which at present might be considered the ends 
 of the banks which form the Gila at its embouchure into the Colorado; 
 and A, another point, which I have placed as about the position where 
 the two waters mingle, or very nearly where the middle of the Rio Gila 
 unites with the Colorado. 
 
 The latter river now being low, the current is swiftest between the 
 island and main land, and strikes the water of the Gila at A; but when 
 higher, the two waters may join or mingle some distance further north. 
 
33 [34] 
 
 The land on the west side of the Gila at B is constantly wearing away 
 by the action of the currents, being low and soft; consequently, the posi- 
 tion of that point changes, as also the configuration of the mouth of the 
 Gila; and the point D may very shortly be (if not now considered) the 
 end of the southern or western bank of that river* The middle, there- 
 fore, to-day, may not be the same as yesterday. 
 
 The waters, after mingling, converge and break through a dyke of 
 feltzspatic rock about 700 feet across; and if it is decided that the point 
 where the middle of the river Gila unites with the Colorado is at A, the 
 line of boundary in its course from the Pacific will probably fail to the 
 southward of the bluffs, and thus include in our territory both sides of the 
 Colorado, at the present emigrant crossing. These elevated heights may 
 be considered important, not only in a civil but military point of view. 
 
 The rains and weather having been so severe for some days, I have 
 been prevented from drawing, etc., in my tents, or the accompanying 
 plan would have been submitted earlier. I am preparing my notes and 
 sketches now for mapping our further reconnoissances along the boundary 
 line, and when completed they will be properly submitted. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. B. GRAY, 
 U, & Surveyor under treaty with Mexico. 
 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 U. S. Commissioner, 
 
 MOUTH OF Rio GILA, November 29, 1849. 
 
 : The following is an extract from an official communication re- 
 ceived from Major W. H. Emory: 
 
 "The commissioner, who is confined to his bed, desires me to say, he 
 will be glad^ if you will agree with Mr, Salazar on the point where the 
 Gila empties into the Colorado, and make an accurate survey of the same, 
 and also of the boundary line from that point to where it crosses the 
 Colorado." 
 
 Being informed that you are at the lower crossing of the Colorado, and 
 on your way hither, I beg leave to inquire whether you can conform to 
 the wishes of the United States commissioner; and if so, at what time it 
 will suit your convenience to unite in an examination of the junction of 
 the two rivers, to decide upon the point described by the treaty. 
 I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE, 
 
 Lieutenant U, & Top, Engineers, U. S. Boundary Commission. 
 Mr. SALAZAR, 
 
 Surveyor ', $*c., ^c.,/or the demarcation of the line of 
 
 boundary between the United States and Mexico. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, December 15, 1849. 
 
 MAJOR : Your official communication, dated at Camp Riley, November 
 9) was received by me at the mouth of Rio Gila, November 22. Mr. 
 Ex. 3 
 
[34] 
 
 34 
 
 Salazar, the Mexicah astronomer and surveyor, had not then reached the 
 Rio Colorado; and, in order to carry out your instructions more specifi- 
 cally, I waited until the 26th before I commenced to mark upon the ground 
 points which by our observations were determined to be in the line of 
 boundary. I then erected a stone pier upon the first hill in the azimuth 
 line of boundary from the mouth of the Rio Gila toward the Pacific ocean. 
 From this pier, by a series of astronomical observations, I measured the 
 computed azimuth, and marked three points in the line of boundary, viz: 
 the stone itself upon the first hill west from the mouth of the Gila, a 
 point upon the second hill west, and a third point upon the right bank of 
 the Gila near its junction with the Colorado. 
 
 Upon the evening of November 28, I learned that Mr. Salazar was en- 
 camped at the lower crossing of the Rio Colorado, and the next morning 
 despatched a messenger to him with a letter of which I enclose a copy. 
 Mr. Salazar promptly accepted the invitation to decide upon the initial 
 point of boundary, and early November 30 arrived at my camp. 
 
 We examined the junction of the two rivers, and the plot I had made, 
 and he agreed with me that the point I had selected was that defined by 
 the treaty. It was also decided that the stone pillar I had erected upon 
 which to measure the azimuth should be considered a monument upon 
 the boundary line. 
 
 This agreement was written, examined by General Conde, the Mexi- 
 can commissioner, translated into Spanish by Mr. Iturbide, the Mexican 
 interpreter, arid signed by Mr. Salazar and myself. The copy in Spanish 
 was retained for the Mexican commissioner, and the original, in English. 
 I enclose and beg leave to transmit through you to the United States 
 commissioner, for him to approve officially. 
 
 General Conde made me the bearer also of a verbal communication to 
 yourself and to the United States commissioner. 
 
 He stated in effect that there would be no difference of opinion between 
 the two commissioners with regard to the operations at the mouth of the 
 Gila; that he wished to return toward San Diego upon the boundary line, 
 and to enable the two commissioners to close officially all operations upon 
 the line of boundary between the mouth of the Rio Gila and Pacific 
 ocean; he desired that the United States commissioner would send a party 
 duly authorized to act conjointly with him in this operation. 
 
 I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE, 
 Lieutenant U. S. Top. Engineers. 
 
 Brevet Major W. H. EMORY, 
 
 U. S. Top. Engineers , Chief Astronomer, fyc., fyc., 
 
 U. S. Boundary Commission, San Diego, California. 
 
 WASHINGTON CITY, D. C., December 15, 1849. 
 
 SIR: As an authorized agent and attorney for John B. Weller, commis- 
 sioner to run and mark the boundary between the United States and 
 Mexico, I had the honor, some months since, to apply through you for 
 additional funds to enable said commissioner to proceed with said service; 
 and believing now that your refusal at that time was induced principally 
 by the belief that Mr. Weller would be relieved from the duties of com- 
 missioner by a successor before additional funds were actually needed, 
 
35 [ 34 ] 
 
 conceiving that such belief has not been borne out by the facts, and 
 learning that the new appointee (Colonel Fremont) declines entering 
 upon the duties of commissioner, I beg leave, most respectfully, to renew 
 my application. 
 
 "Up to the latest day of our last advices from California the 5th of 
 November Mr. Weller was still acting in the capacity of commissioner, 
 and was rigorously prosecuting the business of that office, having received 
 no official information regarding a discharge therefrom. He has suc- 
 ceeded in completing the establishment of the initial point on the Pacific 
 coast; has finished the survey and demarcation of the line from the Pa- 
 cific coast to the Colorado -a very considerable portion of the work and 
 has ascertained the latitude and longitude of each of the two extreme 
 points. In short, I will refer you to the correspondence and documents 
 in your department, received from him, for the amount and nature of the 
 service he has performed, and then ask whether it is not altogether likely 
 that, in order thereto, he has been compelled to incur liabilities greater in 
 amount than the funds that have been directly furnished him? I think it 
 cannot be said, when all the facts are known, that he ought to have, or 
 possibly can have, funds to any considerable amount remaining in his 
 hands out of the advances heretofore made him. The vouchers returned 
 by him, and now in the Fifth Auditor's office, will show that all he has 
 had advanced him has been expended for subsistence stores for his party 
 for six months, and for the necessary expenses in getting his party out to 
 the field of labor. 
 
 The department, with the ample data in its possession, is able to form a 
 correct estimate of the probable cost of the work completed by Mr. Wel- 
 ler, and, therefore, also of the probable sum now actually needed by the 
 commissioner. The department is also able, no doubt, to fix the proba- 
 ble time at which Mr. Weller will leave the service, and can, therefore, 
 form a tolerably correct estimate of the amount of funds it will take to 
 keep up the servioe to that time; and here the assumption that the de- 
 partment is unwilling to suffer the entire suspension of the service for 
 any limited period, I hope, is correct, as it is natural and justifiable; and 
 it is quite certain that, unless funds are furnished the commissioner soon, 
 he will be compelled to suspend the work, let the consequences be what 
 they may the nature of which I am glad to believe the department can 
 sufficiently estimate to induce it to avert them. I sincerely hope, sir, you 
 will see the necessity as well as the justice of furnishing Mr. VVeller more 
 funds, and that /shall have the pleasure of conveying the same to him, 
 as I am fully authorized by him to do the evidence of which I will ex- 
 hibit to you at any time you shall name. 
 
 I have now only to inform you that, being a subaltern of the commis- 
 sion, I have received orders to repair to San Diego, but am unable to do 
 so for want of the necessary means; and unless you can and will furnish 
 me the necessary amount of funds on account of the commission, I shall 
 remain totally unable to execute the orders of the commissioner. 
 
 I have received no payment upon my salary since I first entered the 
 commission; and if you cannot furnish me funds as just estimated, but 
 will have the goodness to allow me to draw from the treasury (as I am 
 authorized by the commissioner to do) a sufficient portion of my salary to 
 enable me to obey the orders of the commissioner to repair to San Diego, 
 I can and will execute a voucher which shall secure the accounting offi- 
 
[34] 
 
 36 
 
 cer against any charge of wrong-doing, as well as secure the public treas- 
 ury against any possible loss. 
 
 I shall feel greatly obliged to you for an early answer; and in the mean 
 time, I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 
 
 C. L. WELLER, 
 Disbursing Officer U. S. and Mexican Boundary Commission, 
 
 and Agent and Attorney for John B. Wetter. 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 CAMP RILEY, December 16, 1849. 
 
 SIR: In accordance with the authority delegated by you through me, 
 Lieutenant Whipple has agreed with Mr. Salazar upon the point defined 
 in the treaty as that where " the middle of the Rio Gila unites with the 
 Colorado." He is the bearer of this agreement in writing, as well as of 
 the topographical sketch, founded upon actual survey, which is referred 
 to in that agreement. 
 
 The astronomical line forming the boundary from the month of the 
 Gila towards the initial point upon the Pacific has been marked upon the 
 ground for about one mile. I have myself marked the boundary line, from 
 the initial point toward the point where the Gila unites with the Colorado, 
 for about five miles, and erected, on elevated points, signals by which 
 persons passing between the Cordilleras of California and the Pacific? 
 ocean will be able to tell when they pass the dividing line. These signals, 
 however, it is presumed, will be replaced by such durable monuments as 
 the commissioners may agree to erect. 
 
 Lieutenant Whipple is the bearer of a proposition from General Conde. 
 I beg leave to suggest, if this proposition is accepted, it be with the modi- 
 fication that the Mexicans shall continue the line from the mouth of the 
 Gila, as proposed by General Conde, and that we shall continue the line 
 from this side, already commenced by me, until the two parties meet. 
 The principal operations being now completed, to mark upon the ground 
 the remainder of the line Avill be but a small affair. On our side it will 
 require but a very small party one officer, two assistants, and ten men. 
 It may also be well to suggest that each party, American and Mexican, 
 should have a duly authorized representative from the other side to accom- 
 pany it and confirm its acts. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. H. EMORY, 
 Brevet Major United States Army. 
 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 WASHINGTON CITY, December 24, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Your favor of the 20th instant, in answer to mine of the 15th, has 
 been received. It informs me that "the commissioner is charged with the 
 disbursement of the appropriation made by Congress for the boundary 
 
37 [ 34 ] 
 
 service," and that "my application for pay on account of my salary as a 
 subaltern in the commission should be made to him." And what I now 
 wish to say in reply is, that all the commissioner desires is, that you will 
 not intervene between him and the strict discharge of his duty, as set 
 forth in your letter. 
 
 He cannot disburse said appropriation so long as the department refuses 
 to allow it to pass into his hands, or dishonors his requisitions upon the 
 department, given in discharge of liabilities incurred on account of the 
 service. I am the disbursing officer of the commissioner, as will be seen 
 in the commissioner's report on the organization of the commission, now 
 in the State Department, and, as such, hold a requisition of the commis- 
 sioner upon the department fora portion of said appropriation, which I am 
 to disburse, agreeably to directions, on account ot the service. And in the 
 name and on behalf of the commissioner, I only ask that the discharge of 
 his duty, as set forth in your letter, may be rendered possible by having 
 placed under his control the appropriation made by Congress. 
 
 Your reference of me back to the commissioner for my pay is useless, 
 since he cannot be allowed to draw from the treasury funds for the pur- 
 pose. The commissioner, in recognition and part payment of my claim, 
 put into my hands a draft upon the department, which has not been hon- 
 ored. If the commissioner's requisitions are to be dishonored, and yet it 
 be made his duty to defray the expenses of the service, how, I ask, with 
 all due deference, is it proposed he shall accomplish his mission? While 
 so much time is being consumed in getting a successor to Mr. Weller 
 installed, is it expected of him to keep up the service, or is a suspension 
 desired? If the former, it cannot be done without funds ; and if the latter, 
 would it not be a saving to the government, and just and magnanimous 
 towards Mr. Weller, to relieve him from the service unconditionally? 
 
 The commissioner asks you, through me, to be allowed to pay a portion 
 of the salary of his disbursing officer, and for that purpose has drawn a 
 draft for $500, which I will present at any time you may have the kind- 
 ness to allow its payment. 
 
 With no desire to become importunate, but with a sincere belief that 
 there has been some rnisconceptien of the facts of the case, my object in 
 addressing you now is, to give you a clearer statement in regard to the 
 draft I hold, hoping thereby to overconie your objections to its payment 
 here. 
 
 With a respectful request to be informed, as soon as convenient, whether 
 or not you still adhere to your former decision regarding the payment 
 here in part of my salary, agreeably to the requisition of the commissioner, 
 I have the honor to be your obedient servant, 
 
 C. L. WELLER. 
 
 Hon. THOMAS EWING, 
 
 Secretary of the Interior Department. 
 
 The two commissioners for the demarcation of the line of boundary be- 
 tween the United States and Mexico having given authority severally to 
 C. Jose Salazar Ylarrequi, surveyor, astronomer, &c., on the part of Mex- 
 ico, and A. W. Whipple, lieutenant United States topographical engineers 
 assistant astronomer, on the part of the United States, to decide upon 
 
[ 34 ] 38 
 
 the point defined by the fifth article of the treaty of Guadalup'e Hidalgo- 
 as "the middle of the river Gila, where it unites with the Colorado/' \ve r 
 therefore, having examined with attention the junction of Jhe two rivers, 
 mutually agree upon the point as represented in the accompanying sketch. 
 
 And it being impossible to measure the azimuth of the straight line of 
 boundary toward the Pacific from the centre of the river, or from either of its 
 immediate banks, on account of a hill which intervenes, AVC- have, more- 
 over, agreed to measure the azimuth line from a stone pier which stands 
 upon the hill south from the initial point, at the junction of the two rivers r 
 seventy-three and a half feet, and west from the same point one thousand 
 and seventy feet, and to consider this pier as a monument upon the- 
 boundary line this point being elected for the practical operations only r 
 and it being understood as making no appreciable difference in the direc- 
 tion of the line of boundary. 
 
 JOSE SALAZAR YLARREQUI. 
 A. W. WHIPPLE, 
 
 AT THE MOUTH OF THE. Rio GILA, November 30, 1849. 
 
 SAX DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, January 3, ISoO. 
 
 SIR: The appropriation made by the act of Congress of the 12th of 
 August, 1848, to defray the expenses of running and marking the bounda- 
 ry line between the United States and Mexico, is now entirely exhausted,, 
 and a temporary suspension oi the work is unavoidable. An adjourn- 
 ment of the commission will therefore take place as soon as I can ex- 
 change communications with General Omde, who is now at the Colorado. 
 In the mean time, I hope to be able to finish the work between this and 
 the Gila river, so as to prevent the necessity of the commission to return 
 to this point. 
 
 There is now about SI 1,000 due the employes, and my inability to 
 pay them is seriously felt. It is hard, indeed, that gentlemen who have 
 served the government faithfully, at rates less than one- half that paid to 
 other employes in this country, should now be left destitute, six thousand 
 miles from their homes. I can neither pay them their just dues nor trans- 
 port them home. Settlements, however, will be made, and certificates 
 given them showing the amount due, with an allowance for transporta- 
 tion to the point where employed. To those who may desire to remain 
 in the commission, and whose services may be regarded as necessary in 
 the prosecution of the work, conditional furloughs will be given. 
 
 I enclose herewith a survey of the mouth of the Gila river, with an 
 explanatory letter from A. B. Gray, esq. After a careful examination of this 
 plat, I directed Major Emory to request Lieutenant Whipple (who was 
 then at the Colorado) to obtain, if possible, the consent of the Mexican 
 commissioner to the point marked A as the one referred to in the treaty 
 between the two governments. This message was received by Lieutenant 
 Whipple about the time the Mexican commissioner reached the Gila; and 
 it will be seen from the report of Major Emory (herewith enclosed) that the 
 point thus designated was agreed to. The authority extended no further 
 than to obtain the consent of the other party as soon as possible to the 
 point indicated on the map. This explanation is deemed necessary, in 
 
39 [ 34 ] 
 
 order to prevent the inference which might be drawn from the papers, 
 that I had delegated to another the power to fix and determine that point 
 in the boundary. 
 
 Official maps, executed in conformity with the requisitions of the treaty, 
 will be prepared as soon as possible, and forwarded to the department. 
 
 Deeming the matter of sufficient importance, I have charged Wm. R. 
 Kinder, the acting cterk of the commission, with the delivery of this 
 communication; he is also intrusted with my vouchers for settlement at 
 the Treasury. 
 
 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JNO. B. WELLER, U. S. Comm'r. 
 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, Secretary of State. 
 
 PANAMA, NEW GRANADA, May 23, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Being obliged to embark at once upon the steamer Oregon, leaving 
 behind me the assistants who have been employed for service under 
 Major W. H. Emory upon the boundary between the United States and 
 Mexico, I deem it a duty to myself, and to the government of the United 
 States, to transmit to the department at Washington the enclosed corres- 
 pondence. It will, I hope, in some degree explain why those most im- 
 portant to the service for which Major Emory and myself have been de- 
 tailed are obliged to remain in Panama. As I must this moment go on 
 board the steamer, I have no time for explanations which I desire to make. 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE, 
 
 Lt. U. S. Top. Engineers, and attacJied to U. S. B. C. 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State. 
 
 PANAMA, May 13, 1849. 
 
 SIR: The commissioner having informed me that he could obtain 
 passage in the steamer Panama for only a small portion of the force 
 intended to aid me in my duties on the boundary, I leave you in the 
 city of Panama in charge of that portion which remains. 
 
 I have this day requested the commissioner to place you in funds, for 
 the purpose of defraying the expense of detention in Panama and the 
 transportation to San Diego, where it is desirable, indeed all-important, 
 you should be with the whole party as speedily as possible. 
 
 To effect this, and preserve order, I delegate to you full authority to 
 act according to your judgment. 
 
 Very respectfully, yours, 
 
 W. H. EMORY, 
 
 Brevet Mjor U. S. A., Chief Ast. and Top. Ertg. B C. 
 Lieut. A. W. WHIPPLE, 
 
 Corps Topographical Engineers. 
 
[34] 
 
 40 
 
 PANAMA, NEW GRANADA, May 14, 1849. 
 
 SIR: A detachment of Major Emory's party having been left at this 
 place, under my charge, I beg leave to submit the following estimate for 
 its subsistence during our probable detention in Panama: 
 
 For board and quarters for six persons attached to the bound- 
 
 ary commission, 30 days, at 2 each per day ............... $360 00 
 
 For funds to cover contingent expenses, the purchase of candles, 
 cooking utensils, &c., necessary for the use of my party while 
 engaged upon boundary sendee in the field ................. 140 00 
 
 500 00 
 
 A requisition for the above is respectfully submitted by me. 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE, 
 
 Lieut. U. S. Army, and attached to U. S. B. 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 United Stales Commissioner. 
 
 PANAMA, Men/ 17, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Under instructions from Major Emory, I have been left here in 
 charge of that portion of his party which cannot obtain passage to San 
 Diego in the steamer Panama. 
 
 From the instructions above mentioned the following is an extract: 
 
 "I have this day requested the commissioner to place you in funds for 
 the purpose of defraying the expense of detention in Panama and the trans- 
 portation to San Diego." 
 
 Having heard that you are to sail this day in the Panama, I take the 
 liberty of asking to be supplied at once with the funds necessary for the 
 subsistence and transportation of my party. I feel assured, that to one 
 with your knowledge of military discipline, I need only call your atten- 
 tion to the fact that I have orders which must be executed, and that for 
 the pecuniary means necessary to enable me to accomplish that with which 
 I am charged, I can look to no one but the commissioner himself. 
 
 I have the honor to be, with high respect, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE. 
 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 U. S. Commissioner. 
 
 PANAMA, NEW GRANADA, May 17, 1849. 
 
 SIR: In answer to your note of this date, I have to say that, although 
 I expect to sail to-day on the Panama, I leave a quartermaster behind, 
 whose duty it is to provide subsistence, transportation, (fee., for those of 
 the paity who maybe detained. He will leave, under my instructions, on 
 the Oregon; arid up to that time heAvill see that all the necessary expenses 
 of the party are paid. If you, and those placed under your chargej are 
 
41 [34] 
 
 detained beyond that time, funds will be left to defray all the necessary 
 expenses. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 U. S. Commissioner. 
 Lieut. A. W. WHIPPLE, 
 
 United States Army. 
 
 PANAMA, May 17, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I send herewith a copy of a letter to Colonel Weller, and his reply, 
 that you may understand the condition in which 1 am left by the com- 
 missioner. 
 
 In the first place, several days since, I made up my accounts for trans- 
 portation and per diem allowance, according to the expressed desire of the 
 commissioner, which, when presented, he was willing to take and send 
 to the department at home, but refused to pay. 
 
 At the same time I presented, at his request, an estimate and requisi- 
 tion for the subsistence of those left under my charge. This requisition 
 he never answered. 
 
 Finding myself about'to be penniless, and absolutely out of the reach 
 of assistance, the correspondence of this date followed. 
 
 I sent to him also a message by Mr. Gardner, with a request that he 
 would send to me $400, and take a receipt such as follows : " Received 
 of the Hon. John B. Weller, United States commissioner, the sum of 
 $400, which sum is designed to pay for subsistence and transportation 
 for myself to San Diego, and is to be refunded to the commissioner, 
 or covered by proper vouchers." This he returned without comment. 
 
 I then wrote a note to Major Vinton, desiring to know from what appro- 
 priation my transportation should be paid, under the circumstances stated. 
 
 He returned a verbal message merely, referring me to Major McKin- 
 stry, who is now on the steamer, out of my reach. 
 
 Should I, therefore, be left here without funds to pay my expenses here 
 and obtain transportation for myself and servant to San Diego, and should 
 my communication with you, my commanding officer, be cut off, I shall 
 be compelled to write the circumstances to Colonel Abert, and have the 
 matter brought before the government, that the responsibility may rest 
 where it belongs. 
 
 In case the person designated by the commissioner as a quartermaster 
 promptly pays the expenses which I may deem necessary, I shall acquiesce; 
 otherwise it will be necessary to inquire from higher authority whether 
 an officer of the army must be subject to the control of an irresponsible 
 person, without a commission, and unknown to the government of the 
 United States. 
 
 I am, very respectfully, yours, &c., &c., 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE. 
 
 Major EMORY, 
 
 Chief Asf. and Top. Eng. Boundary Survey. 
 
[ 34 ] 42 
 
 PANAMA, May 17, 1849. 
 
 SIR: In Washington I was detailed for duty upon the boundary between 
 the United States and Mexico. Will you please to inform me from what 
 appropriation I am to receive my mileage or travelling expenses to San 
 Diego. If from the appropriation for the boundary survey, please refer me 
 to the regulation which authorizes it; if from the quartermaster's depart- 
 ment, I would be glad to know whether you are prepared to pay it. 
 Necessity is my excuse for troubling you so soon after your illness. 
 Very truly, yours, &c., &c., 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE, 
 Lieut. United States Army. 
 Major VINTON, 
 
 Quartermaster U. S. Army. 
 
 PANAMA, May 22, 1849. 
 
 SIR: The enclosed copy of instructions from Major Emory to myself 
 will show you the position I occupy with reference to the United States 
 and to the boundary commission. 
 
 The plan of operations upon the boundary line, submitted by Major 
 Emory to the Secretary of State, requires immediately at San Diego the 
 presence of not only myself, but also the civil assistants who have been 
 assigned to duty in his department. I, therefore, as an officer of the army 
 of the United States, feel it my duty to look to you, as consul for the same 
 government, for assistance in obtaining passage for myself and servant 
 in the first steamer which sails hence for San Diego. 
 
 The civil assistants referred to above are 
 
 Dr. Charles Parry, computer. 
 
 Mr. Edward Ingraham, recorder and assistant computer. 
 
 Mr. G. Clinton Gardner, " " " 
 
 Mr. B. B. Ludlum, " " " 
 
 Mr. R. Rust. 
 
 Francis Holly, employe. 
 
 The services of the six persons above mentioned are important to the 
 commission, and I shall much regret to leave any of them behind. But 
 should it be impossible to obtain passage immediately for all, I would de- 
 signate assistants Parry, Ingraham, and Gardner, and employe Holly, 
 as indispensable for the performance of the astronomical duty on which 
 the commencement of the survey of the United States and Mexican 
 boundary line depends; and must, therefore, in behalf of the boundary 
 commission, request your influence to secure for them a passage to San 
 Diego in the steamer Oregon, which is about to sail from this place. 
 
 I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE. 
 
 WILLIAM NELSON, Esq., 
 
 Consul of the U. S., Panama, N. G. 
 
43 [ 34 ] 
 
 PANAMA, May 23, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Your note of the 22d instant has been received. An arrangement 
 had previously been made between Mr. O. S. Witherby and myself, by 
 which it was determined that a certain number of persons attached to the 
 boundary commission could be accommodated upon the steamer Oregon. 
 That number was designated by Mr. Witherby, and the list arranged to 
 his satisfaction. 
 
 Upon the strength of your recommendation, and the apparent necessity 
 to the commission for the services of those designated by you, their names 
 were added by me to the number already upon the list, although much 
 against my desire, the boat being already too much crowded; and his list, 
 with the prices of passage attached, was sent to Mr. Witherby for a draft 
 to cover the amount. 
 
 This he refused, alleging he was the person designated by the commis- 
 sioner to make the selection of those who were to go, and that a Mr. Con- 
 ner, carpenter, and others, were more necessary to tke service of the 
 commission than those designated by you. He was willing to pay for 
 their extra tickets, provided he could select the persons to receive them; 
 but when informed that the steamer was already crowded, that tickets for 
 the persons in question were only issued upon the supposed necessity of 
 their presence in San Diego being indispensable, he preferred detaining 
 the whole until the arrival of the steamer California, rather than any 
 should go other than those selected by himself. 
 
 For yourself and servant I have secured passage. 
 
 In haste, respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 W. NELSON. 
 
 Lieutenant WHIPPLE, 
 
 United States Army, fyc. 
 
 PANAMA, Hay 23, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Colonel Welter informed me that he left a a quartermaster behind," 
 and that, when this quartermaster sailed for San Diego, funds would be 
 left to defray all the necessary expenses of those of my party remaining. 
 
 Should I be right in supposing you to be the quartermaster referred to 
 by Colonel Weller, I have to request you to inform me ia whose hands 
 funds will be left after your departure in the Oregon, and who will be re- 
 sponsible for the payment of the necessary expenses here, and transporta- 
 tion hence, of those under my charge. 
 
 At the same time, while I must for the want of funds submit, I strongly 
 protest against your decision of yesterday, in refusing to pay for the pas- 
 sage of those young gentlemen of the commission whom the United 
 States consul, at my request, agreed to add to the number of those desig- 
 nated by you for passage to San Diego in the steamer Oregon. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. W. WHIPPLE. 
 
 O. S. WITHERBY, Esq., Panama. 
 
[34] 
 
 44 
 
 PANAMA, May 23, 1849. 
 
 DEAR SIR: Mr. Kaufman will act as quartermaster from this time, and 
 will defray all necessary expense of the members of the commission. 
 He will assign quarters to Messrs. Ingraham, Gardner, and Parry. Your 
 accounts, np to this day, will be paid by me; you are right in supposing 
 I am quartermaster; I should suppose you would have found it out before. 
 Mr. Kaufman will have the full control of all matters hereafter. 
 Your obedient servant, 
 
 O. S. WITHERBY. 
 Lieutenant WHIPPLE. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, November 17, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I have the honor to address the department, and ask permission 
 to have filed the accompanying copies of letters which have passed be- 
 tween Mr. Weller and myself. 
 
 My late reconnoissance towards the Gila river, along the boundary, does 
 not appear to give him satisfaction, although I contend that everything 
 was accomplished that could have been expected, and under not the most 
 favorable circumstances either. 
 
 I cannot but believe that other influences than those of an impartial na- 
 ture now induce him to judge of my actions upon this line; an;! there- 
 fore I hope the department will permit me to refer my work, or such por- 
 tion of it as is unsatisfactory to the present commissioner, to the gov- 
 ernment at Washington. 
 
 The most amicable relations exist between the Mexican commissioner 
 and myself; and I am happy to state that every accommodation, and feel- 
 ings of reciprocity, pass between the surveyor on the part of Mexico and 
 myself, consistent with our duties to our respective governments. 
 
 I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 ANDREW B. GRAY, 
 
 United States Surveyor. 
 
 Hon. JOHN M. CLAYTON, 
 
 Secretary of State, Washington city, D. O. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, November 7, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Having returned from my recent reconnoissance in the direction of 
 the Gila river and the vicinity of the boundary, I have to report to you 
 that I find there will be little or no difficulty in the demarcation of the 
 line almost entire from the Pacific to the junction of said river, where it 
 unites with the Colorado, and with sufficient accuracy for all the purposes 
 required by the treaty such as mapping, &c. 
 
 I .procured such Indian guides as were supposed to have the best knowl- 
 edge of the country over which I designed passing, and proceeded along 
 one of their tr.'iils until I thought we had gone sufficiently far northward 
 to preclude all doubt of the line in its true course reaching beyond that 
 latitude. 
 
45 [ 34 ] 
 
 Here the Indians, in order to descend the mountains to cross the por- 
 tion of country which has been termed the desert, (a part of which the line 
 must pass over,) wished to take us a long distance round, and still further 
 north. 
 
 I determined to make an examination, and ascertain if it was not practi- 
 cable to go down at a much nearer point to where I supposed the line 
 would intersect this desert. For a day and a half we now remained en- 
 camped at the base of a prominent peak, the southernmost part very nearly 
 of a conspicuous range of mountains rising greatly above even the eleva- 
 ted region we had thus far reached. I ascended this peak, and made a 
 panoramic sketch of the topographical features of the surrounding coun- 
 try; also, obtained a good observation for determining its barometic height. 
 Some miles distant was another mountain, apparently similarly situated, 
 and which I suppose might be about equally far to the southward. Be- 
 tween these two peaks or mountains I believe the line must pass, and the 
 one nearest our encampment I consider an important feature in the to- 
 pography of the line for mapping, on account of its conspicuous position, 
 as seen from the travelled road across the country from Sonora to Califor- 
 nia. Very nearly east now I directed our examination, and found that I 
 could descend with the animals and packs, with apparently but little de- 
 tention, to a level with the plain or "desert." 
 
 We descended without accident of any kind, and, on arriving at the 
 bottom of the pass, found a canon extending northerly and southerly. I 
 had not time to examine the latter direction just then, or follow it very 
 far, though I believe it runs some distance, possibly to where the line may 
 cross; but I decided, from various reasons, to proceed northerly and east- 
 erly, our guides affecting to know nothing of the country we were now 
 in. In about eight or ten miles we struck a road, which proved to be the 
 main road from San Diego, and near where it crosses the bed of what is 
 called "Cane creek." We continued on this road and reached the 
 "Agua Nueva" encampment, which I estimated to be about two-thirds 
 of the entire distance to the mouth of the Gila, or more. 
 
 At this point I met a large party of government officers and men, who 
 had been a long time on their way to their place of destination. It was 
 the party of Colonel Collier, consisting of himself, (the collector for San 
 Francisco,) assistants, &c. They had learned of my having crossed the 
 mountains and into the desert by a different route from the old road, and 
 were very anxious to proceed to the settlements in the shortest possible 
 time consistent with the safety of their packs, &c. They were on re- 
 duced rations, and their animals almost exhausted. 
 
 The officer commanding the company of dragoons (the escort) and 
 others came to my camp to obtain from me any information in my power 
 to give relative to the country we had gone over. I showed my rough 
 notes and sketches, but did riot ad vise, under the circumstances, their going 
 by this pass. They, however, decided to attempt it, believing it almost 
 impossible for them to reach San Diego by the wagon- road route in safety 
 to their animals, (fee.; and, at their earnest solicitation, I agreed to return 
 to guide them in. I felt it my duty to do so, although I was particularly 
 desirious to reach the mouth of the Gila, to observe myself its situation, 
 and to make a reconnoissance of it, preparatory to a decision of the point 
 where its middle unites with the Colorado, and the mapping of the same. 
 
 I would not send my assistant back to guide this party, because I wished 
 
[ 84 ] 46 
 
 to be there myself, in case of any accident or obstacle occurring, it being 
 the first time that I believed its ascent had ever been attempted with packs, 
 &c. I therefore gave directions to Mr. Forster, my assistant, to con- 
 tinue on, to make the reconnoissance of the remainder of the line, and, 
 on arriving at the Gila, to make such a survey and exploration of its 
 mouth as the time would admit of, and which would enable me to decide 
 what further course to pursue in fixing its position, &c. 
 
 On returning from the "Agua Nueva" encampment, I followed for a 
 long distance the direction I supposed the boundary would take, (from 
 all the data we had to go upon,) leaving the road some distance to the 
 northward. Being by myself, and night overtaking me before I had com- 
 pleted the reconnoissance to connect with the point where I thought the 
 line would come down the mountains, I unfortunately became entangled 
 amid some precipitous cliffs. Before I could extricate myself entirely, it 
 being dark, my animal fell and left me afoot. I, however, came up with 
 the party the next day. This was the only accident occurring of any 
 note on our expedition. 
 
 Mr. Forster returned within the time our escort was asked for, (twenty 
 days,) from the Gila, and everything has been accomplished that the cir- 
 cumstances occurring would permit, and much information obtained rela- 
 tive to the topography of the country in the vicinity of the line, and the 
 practicability of a very correct map being made of it. 
 
 From the report of my assistant of the reconnoissance and survey 
 made by him under my direction, particularly of the muth of the Gila, 
 I find that it may be probable that a difference of opinion might arise as 
 to the position of the precise point of the junction of the river Gila, where 
 it unites with the Colorado. 
 
 The surveyor on the part of Mexico having now gone over, and express- 
 ing to me his desire that I should be upon, the ground at the same time 
 with himself, I respectfully request that I may be furnished with the re- 
 quisite animals, &c.,and that you agree with me in a continuance of the 
 survey and exploration of this line. It can be followed from the river to 
 its intersection with the mountains on this side of the plain or " desert," 
 and notes accurately taken, without any difficulty, and in comparatively 
 a short space of time, and before the rains shall have set in sufficiently to 
 drive us from the field. 
 
 I deem it important that this should be accomplished, because it is not 
 entirely a barren plain, but in parts capable of sustaining a strong 
 vegetation. 
 
 It is also cut up with dry arroyas and beds of streams, which at times 
 may flow with water; and in the vicinity is a heavily- travelled highway 
 for our own people, as well as those of the adjoining republic. The 
 expense would be comparatively little, knowing now the exact character 
 of the country it passes through what facilities we can depend upon at 
 the various points in the neighborhood; and the results would be in direct 
 conformity with the treaty. 
 
 If the azimuth of the line has been determined from the results of the 
 latitude and longitude of the extremes, as agreed by the joint commission 
 should be made, and I am furnished with the same from the party having 
 that duty to perform, I will be better enabled to pursue the precise di- 
 rection; or, if the results of the observations made to fix these points 
 geographically are given me, I will determine the azimuth myself. 
 
47 [ 34 ] 
 
 I should expect to take but a small party with me; and, with what we 
 now have of notes and surveys made, and what may yet be accomplished, 
 I believe all might be obtained requisite for mapping and planning of the 
 line. 
 
 I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. B. GRAY, 
 United States Surveyor. 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, November 8, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Your communication of yesterday has been received. Without 
 entering into any discussion upon the subject, I must be permitted to 
 say that your reasons for returning without making the personal exami- 
 nation of the mouth of the Gila river (for which your expedition was 
 started) are far from being satisfactory to my mind. I have felt, and 
 still feel, the necessity for an accurate survey of the point at which the 
 Gila empties into the Colorado; but as you have failed to furnish it, I pre- 
 sume I will be able to obtain the necessary information from Lieutenant 
 Whipple, on his return. For the present, at least, I decline, for various 
 reasons, sending out a detachment from your party. 
 Respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 JNO. B. WELLER, U. S. Comrrfr. 
 A. B. GRAY, Esq., U. S. Surveyor. 
 
 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, November 9, 1849. 
 
 SIR: Last evening I received your communication in answer to mine 
 of the 7th instant. I am not desirous of entering into a discussion rela- 
 tive to my recent reconnoissance, believing myself to have been the best 
 judge of the proper disposition of my party while in the field, &c.. Still 
 I regret that you do not seem pleased at what has been done by the ex- 
 pedition, when every exertion was used by myself and party to accom- 
 plish all that was expected. 
 
 It was but for twenty days, and we had to pass from the Pacific to the 
 Colorada river and back in this time, to sketch in the topography of the 
 country along the boundary, as near as practicable, and to h'x the mouth 
 and vicinity of the Gila for mapping, <fec. A desert, and an impassable 
 descent from mountains, it was supposed we would encounter; and great 
 precaution was necessary for the safety of the party. 
 ,, You will agree with me, I am sure, in this, that the situation of the 
 mouth of the river Gila, as regards a difference of opinion arising relative 
 to the exact position of the boundary at that point, is different from what 
 we had understood, as will be seen by reference to your letter to me of 
 the 14th of August, wherein you state that you are "informed that the 
 precise point at which the Gila empties into the Colorado is so distinctly 
 marked that there will be no difficulty whatever in fixing it;" and this 
 
134] 
 
 48 
 
 was the only data we nad to go upon when we started out. I did not 
 know to the contrary until my assistant, Mr. Forster, reported to me his 
 reconnoissarice of the muth of that river. 
 
 Everything has been accomplished of the surveys and reconnoissances 
 that I expected when we left, and I am now preparing a sketch of the tri- 
 angulations made of the mouth of the Gila. I will here state, that the time 
 being limited (a few days only) for my party to remain there, my assist- 
 ant, Mr. Forster, made a joint reconnoissance and survey in connexion 
 with Lieutenant Whipple; and, so soon as the plan of the same is made 
 out, I will present it to you, with reports, &c. I hope this will meet with 
 your approval. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. B. GRAY, 
 
 United States Surveyor, Mexican Boundaiy. 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 SAX DIEGO, November 14, 1849. 
 
 SIR: I herewith submit to you a sketch or plan of the junction of the 
 Rio Gila, where it unites with the Colorado, as referred to in my commu- 
 nication of the 9th instant. 
 
 It is made from the notes and topography of the reconnoissance and 
 survey of that point by my assistant, Mr. Forster, (aided by Lieutenant 
 Whipple,) in our late expedition. 
 
 B and C are two points which at present might be considered the ends 
 of the banks which form the Gila at its embouchure into the Colorado; 
 and A, another point which I have placed as about the position where the 
 two waters mingle, or very nearly where the middle of the Rio Gila unites 
 with the Colorado. The latter river now being low, the current is swift- 
 est between the island and main land, and strikes the water of the Gila 
 at A, but when higher the two waters may join or mingle some distance 
 further north . 
 
 The land on the west side of the Gila at B is constantly wearing away 
 by the action of the currents, being low and soft; consequently, the posi- 
 tion of that point changes, as also the configuration of the mouth of the 
 Gila; and the point D may very shortly be (if not now considered) the 
 end of the southern or western bank of that river. The middle, there- 
 fore, to-day, may not be the same as yesterday. 
 
 The waters, after mingling, converge and break through a dyke of 
 feltzspatic rock, about seven hundred feet across; and if it is decided that 
 the point where the middle of the river Gila unites with the Colorado is 
 at A, the line of boundary in its course from the Pacific will probably fall 
 to the southward of the bluffs, and thus include in our territory both sides 
 of the Colorado, at the present emigrant crossing. These elevated heights 
 may be considered important, not only in a civil but military point of 
 view. 
 
 The rains and weather having been so severe for some days, I have 
 been prevented from drawing, &c., in my tents, or the accompanying 
 
49 [ 34 ] 
 
 plan would have been submitted earlier. I am preparing my notes and 
 sketches now for mapping our further reconnoissances along the bound- 
 ary line, and when completed they will be properly submitted. 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 A. B. GRAY, 
 
 United States Surveyor under treaty with Mexico. 
 Hon. JOHN B. WELLER, 
 
 United States Commissioner. 
 
 The sum appropriated by the act of Congress of August 12, 1848, 
 towards defraying the expenses of running and marking the 
 boundary line between the United States and Mexico under 
 the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, was <$ 50,000 
 
 Of this appropriation commissioner Welter's drafts have 
 
 been paid to the amount of. $33,325 
 
 Drafts have also been presented, but not yet paid, to the 
 
 amount of 14,000 
 
 Making the whole amount for which drafts have been 
 
 received, paid and unpaid 47,325 47,325 
 
 Leaving of the appropriation a balance of. 2,675 
 
 From an abstract of disbursements made by com- 
 missioner Weller, furnished by the Fifth Auditor 
 of the Treasury, and a copy of which is hereto 
 attached, it appears that the amount of the vouch- 
 ers filed by him is $43,837 18 
 
 Which embraces no charge for the salary of himself 
 or Mr. Gray, the surveyor, subsequent to July 
 3, 1849. 
 
 And it appears from commissioner Weller's report 
 of the 3d ultimo that there was also then due to 
 his employes about 11,000 
 
 Making the amount actually disbursed and lia- 
 bilities incurred up to the date of the last re- 
 port 54,837 18 54,837 18 
 
 Appropriation 50,000 00 
 
 Excess over appropriation 4,837 18 54,837 18 
 
 TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 
 Fifth Auditor's Office, February 25, 1850. 
 
 SIR: In compliance with the resolution of the Senate of the 19th instant, 
 on the subject of the boundary line with Mexico, a copy of which was 
 Ex. 4 
 
[ 34 ] 50 
 
 referred to me, I have the honor to enclose an abstract containing in detail 
 the expenses paid hy John B. Weller, esq., the commissioner for running 
 the line, for what purpose paid, and the names of the persons to whom 
 paid, taken from the accounts of that officer, which have been rendered to 
 this office for settlement. 
 
 This is the only part of the information sought by the resolution which 
 can be afforded by this office. 
 
 I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 S. PLEASONTON. 
 
 Hon. THOMAS EWIXG, 
 
 Secretary of tlie Interior. 
 
 Abstract of the disbursements made by John B. Welter, the United States 
 Commissioner to run the boundary line bctu'ecn the United States and 
 
 Mexico, as per his accounts and vouchers filed in the office of the. Fifth 
 Auditor of the Treasury, viz: 
 
 F. X. Weidman & Co., soap and candles 49 84 
 
 Wm. W. McCormick, camp equipage 44 30 
 
 John Devereaux, cooking utensils 11 85 
 
 C. Badger, coffee 26 50 
 
 Dunning & Mtoore, beef. 17 62 
 
 Dudley & Nelson, supplies 9 50 
 
 Denton & Barrett, groceries and supplies .- .. 80 55 
 
 George Dominick, beef and pork 214 13 
 
 Lot Pugh & Co., pork 131 00 
 
 D. Banting, cheese, &c. 25 61 
 
 Converse & Co., beans and rice 32 98 
 
 R. Men-ill, jr., bread 271 26 
 
 Porter & Hoover, butter 107 58 
 
 C. L. Weller, blankets 42 00 
 
 Magee & Kneap, supplies 98 50 
 
 Stark, Day & Co., camp supplies 1 38 
 
 Henderson & Gaines, camp supplies 12 30 
 
 J. Waterman & Co., hatchets, nails, screws, &c 13 12 
 
 Moses Conner, lumber, &c 2 50 
 
 E. K. Chamberlain, camp equipage 24 00 
 
 L. Mount, board 26 16 
 
 U. S. steamship Alabama, transportation 487 00 
 
 M. Murray, board of self and party 214 70 
 
 O. Smith, transportation 98 75 
 
 Julian De Miranda, boarding at Gorgona 190 75 
 
 Michel Devine, boarding at Gorgona 24 00 
 
 Miguel Jose de Miranda, boarding at Gorgona 120 00 
 
 Juana Juez Timenez, subsistence party of Emory 26 00 
 
 O. Smith, U. S. quartermaster, subsistence. Panama 89 75 
 
 J. Jansen, subsistence, Panama 1,000 50 
 
 Simon Esquirel, subsistence, Panama. 29 30 
 
 Francisco de la Barrera, board and rent 17 00 
 
 Malenla Duleon, rent, Panama 30 00 
 
51 [ 34 ] 
 
 J. J. Victoria y Eliavarrie, rent, Panama $96 00 
 
 Petra Amador, rent, Panama 225 00 
 
 Jose Arosemenas, rent, Panama 21 00 
 
 Antonio Jubiatta, rent, Panama 36 00 
 
 Micaella Ducer, rent, Panama 28 00 
 
 Bias Arosmeneg, rent, Panama 105 50 
 
 Francisco Jimenes de Arze, rent, coal, and wood, Panama. 258 75 
 Captain H. O'Donnell, quartermaster, provisions, camp 
 
 equipage, &c., at New York 1,910 13 
 
 Steamboat Webster, transportation line to New Orleans 256 55 
 
 Steamer Orus, transportation, Chagres to Gorgona 507 25 
 
 Wm. W. McCormick, transportation, Chagres to Gorgona. . . 38 52 
 
 Alfred A. Wood, transportation, Chagres to Gorgona 88 50 
 
 Michael Subreti, transportation, Chagres to Gorgona 2 50 
 
 C. Sdada, canoes for astronomical instruments 34 00 
 
 R. H. Leetcht & Co., transportation baggage and stores. . .. 1,580 00 
 
 Ciriaco Perez, transportation baggage and stores 108 00 
 
 Cruces Bosques, transportation baggage and stores 30 00 
 
 Manuel Siebestre Moreno, transportation baggage and stores. 12 00 
 
 Bruno Perez, transportation baggage and stores 40 00 
 
 Sundry peons, transportation, vouchers 12 to 53 inclusive, . . . 705 75 
 Brig Two Friends, passage and freight from Panama to San 
 
 Francisco 1 ,464 75 
 
 Steamship Panama, passage and freight to San Diego. ..:... 1,600 00 
 
 Steamship California, passage and freight to San Diego 2,750 00 
 
 Zachrisson, Nelson & Co., passage and freight to San Diego 1,450 00 
 
 William R. Kinder, employe, at 400 per annum 53 05 
 
 Wm. T. De Bree, surveyors' corps, at $400 per annum 42 10 
 
 C. J. Whiting, assistant surveyor, at $1,800 per annum .... 248 63 
 
 Francis Stone, employe, at $400 per annum 50 87 
 
 Edward Ingraham, Major Emory's corps, at $400 per annum 12 05| 
 
 O. S. Witherby, employe, at $400 per annum 33 33 \ 
 
 Do acting quartermaster and commissary, at 
 
 $1,000 per annum '.... 43 83 
 
 Charles C. Parry, assistant computer Major Emory, at $600 
 
 per annum 37 80 
 
 Moses M. Conner, carpenter, at $1 50 per day 69 00 
 
 Urbano Idalgo, servant, at $12 per month 12 00 
 
 William Harvey, employe, at $30 per month 60 00 
 
 M. R. Coleman, employe, at $400 per annum 53 05 
 
 James Mooney, jr., principal computer Major Emory, at 
 
 $1,000 per annum 105 25 
 
 Mary Kirk, washerwoman, at $1 50 per day 15 00 
 
 James Mooney, jr., principal computer, at $1,000 per annum. 83 33 
 G. C. Gardner, jr., assistant Major Emory, at $400 per an- 
 num 50 86 
 
 F. M. Holley, servant Major Emory, at $25 per month 9 04 
 
 H. H. Robinson, secretary to commissioner, at $1,500 per 
 
 annum 219 52 
 
 Gilbert Murdock, employ^, at $400 per annum 50 87 
 
 E. K. Chamberlain, surgeon, at $1,200 per annum 162 46 
 
 Henry Clayton, draftsman, at $1,000 per annum 121 69 
 
[ 34 ] 52 
 
 John H. Forster, assistant surveyor, at $800, per annum $117 06 
 
 Dennis Gahagan, at $1,000 per annum 
 
 George F. Hooper, sub assistant Major Emory, at $800 per 
 
 annum 105 20 
 
 Frederick Emory, sub-assistant Major Emory, at $800 per 
 
 annum 98 63 
 
 John M. Robinson, at $400 per annum 
 
 Win. A. Taylor, assistant surveyor, at $800 per annum 101 73 
 
 Louis Kzouzewski, at $30 per month. 30 00 
 
 George F. Hooper, sub-assistant Major Emory, at $800 per 
 
 annum 66 66 
 
 Frederick Emory, sub-assistant Major Emory, at $800 per 
 
 annum 
 
 Dennis Gahagan, interpreter, at $1,000 per annum 
 
 Gilbert Murdock, employe, at $400 per annum 
 
 F. M. Holley, Majer Emory's corps, at $25 per month 
 
 John McC. Robinson, employ^, at s400 per annum 
 
 H. H. Robinson, secretary to commissioner, at $1,500 per an- 
 
 num 12500 
 
 Edward Ingraham, assistant Major Emory, at $400 per an- 
 num 
 
 G. C. Gardner, second assistant, at $400 per annum 
 
 William D. Miller, employe, at $30 per month 30 00 
 
 C. J. Whiting, principal assistant surveyor, at $1,800 per 
 
 annum 150 00 
 
 Louis Kzouzewski, servant and cock, at $30 per month .... 90 00 
 A. B. Gray, surveyor, for transportation and expenses from 
 New York to Panama, and purchase of articles necessary 
 
 to him as such 1,099 17 
 
 Joseph Kaufman, transportation and expenses 40 00 
 
 J. Harris Forster, asssistant surveyor, transportation and ex- 
 penses 140 71 
 
 George F. Hooper, assistant surveyor/ transportation and ex- 
 penses .' 140 13 
 
 William T. De Bree, assistant surveyor, transportation and 
 
 expenses 70 63 
 
 Charles J. Whiting, principal assistant, transportation 169 55 
 
 Brevet Major J. M. McKinstry, transportation, &c 185 00 
 
 Frederick Emory, assistant surveyor, transportation and 
 
 passage 149 99 
 
 O. S. Witherby, quartermaster, provisions, &c 392 67 
 
 Steamship Panama, passage and transportation 675 00 
 
 Sundry peons, transportation, freight,. &c 163 85 
 
 C. Augustus Smith-, hospital stores 276 85 
 
 R. C. Little & Co., hospital stores 61 00 
 
 C. L. Weller, hospital stores 107 00 
 
 James C. Wingard, arms and accoutrements 125 00 
 
 Dennis Mahoney, arms and accoutrements 35 00 
 
 R. G. Reefer, repairing theodolite 2 00 
 
 William Bond & Son, mathematical instruments 127 56 
 
 A. W. V\ hippie, transportation of instruments 116 62 
 
 Jacob Ernst, stationery 51 85 
 
53 [ 34 ] 
 
 Thomas Maxwell, stationery $8 50 
 
 Juan Mendoza, duties on supplies, &c 
 
 Juan Mendoza, duties on supplies, &c 6 75 
 
 Z. Nelson & Co,, premium on exchange 200 00 
 
 Moses M. Conner, lumber 
 
 Frederick Harrison, lumber 2 50 
 
 James Nooney, travelling expenses and subsistence of part 
 
 of Major Emory's corps 160 57 
 
 Major Emory's corps, travelling expenses and subsistence to 
 
 place of embarcation 452 02 
 
 H. O. Donnell, quartermaster to commission 135 00 
 
 William D. Miller, Major Emory's corps 55 51 
 
 Bernard Rice, cook and laborer 16 00 
 
 Edward Brown, transportation 30 00 
 
 Andrew B. Gray, surveyor, for self and party, some of the 
 preceding employes for services, commutation, transporta- 
 tion, in the field, &c 2,968 81 
 
 Brevet Major Emory, chief astronomer, for mathematical instru- 
 ments and stationery, commutation, services in the field of 
 some of the before-mentioned employes, transportation, (fee. 3,111 03 
 Brevet Major J. McKinstry, United States quartermaster, 
 and some of the foregoing employes, for commutation, 
 
 transportation, subsistence, services in the field, &c 3,156 96 
 
 Steamship Panama, transportation, &c 450 00 
 
 Josiah Simpson, captain barque Suliote, from San Francisco 
 
 to San Diego 1,426 50 
 
 Ramon Arquilio, beef for commission 75 97 
 
 Charles J. Whiting, principal assistant surveyor, for subsis- 
 tence, transportation, commutation, freight, and services 
 
 of self and corps on a detached reconnoissance 2,823 42 
 
 Andrew B. Gray and Charles J. Whiting, surveyor and prin- 
 cipal assistant surveyor, and their parties, for services in 
 
 the field 4,635 55 
 
 E. K. Chamberlain, camp equipage 24 00 
 
 Magee and Kness, camp equipage 98 00 
 
 Morse, Dunning & Co., beef for commission 17 62 
 
 Captain Hardcastle, United States topographical engineer, 
 
 commutation 92 00 
 
 Lieutenant Whipple, United States topographical engineer, 
 
 commutation.. 108 00 
 
 43,837 18 
 
 In the above there does not appear to be any charge for the salary of 
 Colonel Welier, and for that of A. B. Gray only until the 3d of July, 
 1849. 
 
 TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 
 
 Fifth Auditor's Office, February 26, 1850. 
 
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