Major General George G. Meade - Autograph Letter Signed 03/06/1843

MEADE SURVEYS THE MAINE/CANADIAN BORDER GEORGE G. MEADE. Autograph Letter Signed: "Geo. G. Meade" as Leituant Topogrohical Enfgineers on North East Boundary Explorations, 4p, 15½x9½. Office N.E. Boundary Survey, 1843 March 6. To his brother-in-law Congressman Henry A. Wise. Begins: "Dear Sir". In full: "I enclose you the Bill for carrying into effect the Treaty of Washington - You will see the Second Section makes it lawful for the President to Employ one or more Topogl. Engineers to aid & assist in the Commissioners in executing the provisions of the Treaty - The point I raise is that the House intended Topogl Engineers should not only do the work but have the control - I infer this first because I am informed in the bill first reported to the Com. Of Ter. Affs. The Second Section provided for the appointments of an Engineer (ie Astronomer) & Assistants who had their compensations fixed This was stricken out in Conn -- & the Section employing Topgl. Engineers substituted -- Again the 6th section gives the salary of the Commissioner & his clerk and when the appropriation in amount is named it is said to be for the salaries above enumerated (ie comr. & clerk) for repairs & purchase of instruments Wages of persons employed &c.. making no mention of any other salaries as it out to have done if civilians are to be employed The second point I raise is that it would be to the advantage of the Government to employ their own executive officers The Topogpl. Engineers on the grounds of expediency economy & the well doing of the work - 1 Economy - only $15000 are appropriated in all $4,500 of this goes to the Salary of the commissioner & clerk & 500 addition will be required for their traveling expenses to & from leaving only $10,000 for the employment of hands the purchase of instruments - transportation of camp equipage & ... an amount barley sufficient with th... More information available. Please contact us if you have questions. HFSID 31356