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Show 1 2 5 6 REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF ENGINEERS. From this camp Mr. Thompson was sent to occupy the most western of the trian-gulation- points. While Mr. Thompson was gone upon this trip I attached an odometer to the wagon, and meandered one of the roads leading into Sierra Valley and returned by a second. Mr. Thompson returned to camp on the 25th. It rained steadily daring the 26th and 27th. On the night of the 27th about five inches of snow fell at onr camp, and much more in the mountains. The weather permitted no outdoor work on the 28th and 29th. On the 30th of October our camp was moved to within 4 miles of Truckee, as more snow was anticipated. On November 1 the weather promised better, and I started with Mr. Thompson to occupy the last triangulation-station deemed necessary for covering my area. This point was Castle Peak, situated a few miles north of Summit Station of the Central Pacific Railroad. The ascent of this peak was extremely difficult. The snow in the mouutains averaged about 18 inches; in many places it was from 2 to 4 feet deep. After the most intense and continued exertion, attended with no little danger, we reached the top late in the afternoon of the 2d November. On the 3d I returned to camp near Truckee. On November 4 and 5 the weather was bad. I learned at this time that Mount Rose, a high point south of the railroad, had not been occupied, the intention of the party operating in that area to do so having been interfered with by bad weather. This point being very essential, I started on November 6 to make the as ent. On account of the snow i t was very difficult, but we reached the top on the 7th; returned to camp on the 8th. On the 10th November I dispatched the party to Carson City, going myself, by rail, to Virginia City, to ascertain whether connection with the base, measured near that place, could be made from the work done. Returning to Carson City on the 12th, I found the pack- train arrived. I deemed it advisable to reascend Mount Rose, and accordingly set out for that point on the 13th. The ascent was made on the 14th. The party continued topographical work in the vicinity until the22d November, when they returned to Carson City and disbanded. During the season the system of work pre-vioubly adopted in the survey was followed. The system and its advantages have been ably stated by Lieutenant Marshall in his report of 1876. During the season, 13 triangulation- station8 were occupied and 46 topographical three- point stations; numerous meander- stationB, which can be checked by same method; several points were located by intersections; 1,040 meander- stations were made, each of which was also an aneroid- station ; 94 separate cistern- barometer stations were made; 625 miles of travel were meandered ; 515 miles traveled without meauder. Hypsometric and meteorological observations were made in exact accordance with priuted instructions from this office, and my experience enables me to suggest no alterations in said instructions. Of the area visited by this party, approximately - ft is good grazing, - fa barren, and •?$ good timber- land. The only mines are located near Peavine Mountain, and were not visited by me. It will be observed that I have given only a general description of the country; but, as the region is of no unusual interest, I deem it sufficient. Any description which would render intelligible the detailed movements of a party in an unknown region would require more time and labor than the information would warrant, since the results will finally appear upon the map. 1 have therefore only indicated the movements of the main portion of the party. In conclusion, I cannot recommend too highly the following of my assistants: Mr. G. Thompson, chief topographer; Mr. F. M. Lee, meteorologist, and Mr. William Loo ram, odometer- recorder. Mr. Thompson has had much experience, and it can be truthfully said that he is untiring in bis efforts, and his zeal appears ever to increase. Mr. Lee's familiarity with his duties and interest therein left me little responsibility in that work. Mr. Looram, in addition to the monotonous and wearing duty of odometer-recorder, was ever ready and capable to assist in meteorological observations when necessary. The movements of a party in a field are greatly facilitated by a good packer, and I yield a grateful acknowledgment to my chief packer, Mr. C. H. Howell, as the best I have ever known. His intelligence saved me much anxiety, and his excellent care of the animals was a great practical aid to the expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. E. TILLMAN, First Lieut. Corps of Engineers. Lieut. G. M. WHEELER, Corps of Engineers, in charge. |
