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Show 43 the instruments used for topography being the gradienter, small theodolite, Casella, prismatic field- compass, with cistern and aneroid oarometers. About two thousand nine hundred miles of route was traversed, and nearly all carefully meandered. Distance was measured by an odometer, ( in some cases estimated.) and observations with the sextant for latitude taken by myself at camps that could not be located by bearings, and to serve as checks upon meander- lines. Cistern and aneroid barometers were carried throughout the season; the cistern-barometers ( and the aneroids for comparison) being read at all camps and prominent peaks, passes, & c, visited. Observations for humidity were taken at the same time. The magnetic variation was determined at each camp, when practicable. My thanks are due to Mr. Morley, of Cimarron, for the hearty aid extended us while there, and to the members of the partv for the manner in which they performed their duties, and by which each one served in augmenting the pleasure of the work. Respectfully submitted. R. BIRNIB, JR., First Lieut Thirteenth Infantry. Lieut. GBO. M. WHEELER, Corps of Engineers, ; APPENDIX D. EXECUTIVE RBPORT OF LIEUTENANT STANHOPE B. BLUNT, ORDNANCE CORPS, ON THE OPERATIONS OF PARTY NO. 2, SECOND DIVISION, FIELD- SEASON OF 1874. FRANK FORD ARSENAL, Philadelphia, Pa., March 15.1875. SIB : I have the honor to submit the following executive report of the operations of the party No. 2, second division, during the field- season of 1874 : The party was organized at Pueblo, Colo., during the latter part of July, and was composed of the following persons: £ . J. Sommer, topographer; F. O. Maxson, assistant topographer; B. W. Bates, meteorologist; H. G. DuBois, odometer- recorder; one cook, one herder, and two packers. The country to be surveyed was bounded on the west by the road from Trinidad to Elizabethtown, N. Mex., and to the south of that by the divide of tbe main range; on the south by the latitude of Las Vegas, and on the east by 104° 7' 30" west longitude. The party left Pueblo on the 20th of July, proceeding directlv to Trinidad, Colo., by the stage- road, and after a delay there to* make the ascent of Fisher's Peak, crossed the Ratton Mountains by the Ratton Pass, and for the next fortnight were engaged upon the country to the west of the stage- road, meandering the forks and branches of the Red, Vermejo, and Poniel rivers, and Crow, Vau Brunmer's, and Cenososo creeke, as far to the west as the Elizabethtown road. On August 17,1 arrived at Cimarron, N. Mex., where a further supply of rations was to be sent me. They did not arrive until the 20th. The intervening time, however, was occupied in working up notes, and in meandering a small stream that had been omitted on the march to Cimarron. I was obliged, on August 12, when in camp, on the Vermejo River, at the stage- road, to send Mr. Sommer, my chief topographer, to the hospital, at Fort Union, on account of sickness. His absence delayed me somewhat, as, with but one topographer for duty, I was unable to keep two topographical parties in the field, as I had previously done. Mr. Sommer rejoined us at Elizabethtown on August 25; and from that time until the close of the field- season, one topographer was detached upon side- parties on every available opportunity. After leaving Cimarron, and until September 10, the survey was conducted about the headwaters of the Cimarron, Moreno, Cienaguilla, Ciraarroncito, Ryado, Urac, Ocate, Coyote, and the Mora, with its branches, and as far down these streams as the stage-road. During the time Mr. Maxson was absent from the party, on a trip of three days, to Elk Lake, at the headwaters of Coyote Creek, the primary triangulation- station west of Guadalupita was occupied, and such other secondary triangulation- stations as were necessary. From September 11 to September 28, the party remained in camp at Fort Union. A base- liue was measured at this point, and extended to the neighboring mountains, the necessary triangulation- stations for this purpose being occupied. Upon the completion of this duty, and after refitting and purchasing rations, we operated along the stage- road, through Las Vegas, Bemal Spriugs, and San Jos6, until the primary triangulation- station, west- southwest of Pecos, that I had been directed to occupy, was reached. We were obliged to delay here three days, waiting for clear weather. After that, and until October 80, the survey was conducted in the mountains east of Santa F6, and about the headwaters of the Pecos, Vaco, Tecalote, Sapello, & c. After leaving the triangulation- station near Pecos, Mr. Maxson was detached on a side- party, rejoining us after seven days at Sapellotown ; from that point Mr. Sommer and Mr. Bates were detached, and after a six days7 absence rejoined me at Fort Union. |
