The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1844-05-20

tween the United States and Spanish domin-
ions In North America. Vide Treaty between the
United States and Spain, Washington. February
22d, lsl9.-Elliotts Diplomatic Code, vol. /, Ana;
"a also Treaty between the United States OF Anne
rlea and the United Mexican States, April 5th,
1881. Vide Elliot's Diplomatic Code, vol. II,
p. ITO.
II viii demand but brief relation 10 show why
undertook, and under what circumstances surveyed
the Sabine. About 1903, first conceived the idea
TO compile statistical account Of louisiana in
nexion with map of that country. From that time
until August, 1911, pursued the plan and prepared
material Us far my limited means admitted but
finally, August, 1911, entered fully the work but
restricted as we're the surveys made at that time
by the United States, and so vey defective were all
the existing maps Of Louisiana and still Of that
country now called Texas, that before could pro-
ject Western outline Of my intended map, was
compelled to undertake an actual survey Of the Sa-
bne river In the act ofCongress which authorized the
separate existence ofLouisana State of the w. s.,
the Sabine from its mouth into the Gulf of Me rco,
to where it, crossed by the 32d degree of North
latitude, was made SO much of its boundary, and so
recognised in the constitution of that State.
To execute my survey, which, may say in ad-
vance, was undertaken and performed a, my own
personal expense, hired two chain-men, a guide,
and hunter, and with them set out from the Flag
staff of Fort Claiborne at Natchitoches and carried
trace, which is marked on my map, 10 where North
latitude 81 degs intersecs the Sabine. This trace
was rendered necessary the the intervening
try between Red river and Sabine, then, with
little exception, effectively known the river it.
self. This survey was performed in the month of
October and early in November, 1912. When we
arrived the Sabine, we found scarce an axc-mark
to show that civilized man had ever been there Our
food was flesh, gained by the rifle, without either
bread or salt. Our means to construct canoe TO
carry clothing and our implements down the riy-
err was choIping axe, but with that most simple
and most Effective Of all instruments ever invented,
stately pine tree feled, and with the aid Of
fire, canoe, rude indeed but adequate for the pur
pose was made, and by its means the river navi.
gated to an Indian village about 100 miles by the riv
er and lake above itseflux into the Mexican Gulf
At the Indian village procured large and com
modious Pirogue, and with it completed my
survey to the Gulf, and along the Gulf
to the mouth Of the Calcasin river thence up
that stream to its upper Lake, from whence myself
and men returned by land to Oppelousas, where
arrived in the latter.part Of January, 1919.
In the completion Of this survey most important
object had been gained. river which, from hav ing
been made not only state, but national boundary in
the sequel, far scientifically traced to
der its position no longer matter Of vague conjec-
ture. 1t was on my return TO Oppelousas that my
friends for the first time gave any symptom of con-
fdence in the project but as usual went then far
beyond my own views, and urged me strongly to APP
ply to the Leg stature of louisiana then in session
for aid. To avoid blame for neglecting to seek for
what certainly greatly needed, proceeded to New
Orleans, and laid the matter before the Legislature
in which the Lower House passed bill TO advance
three thousand dollars, but lost in the Senate. The
bill, indeed, loaded with conditions and re-
strctons, that had it became law, could never have
been Of any service 10 me- and therefore its fate gave
me no great share Of regret Mr.. Edward Liyngs-
ton and some other gentleman Of New Orleans ad-
vanced me some small sums, which, in the aggregate
amounted to about three hundred dollars, the entire
aid have to this hour received.
Under difficulties which it would be vain to review
| made my way TO Philadelphia where | arrived IN
June, 1915. From the time first formed the design
of tie map and statistical description Of Louis ana
seven years had passed, and when at place where
publication was practicable, without other mean.
than my material, all pecuniary benefits oil
course sacrificed to to the publisher. The publica
tons have mentioned did no doubt confer some bene
fit on indirectly but in pecuniary points Of view
| may most safely say, that they so far from profit
involved me in expense and embarrassment.
1t is true, have no legal or even tacit claim fol
remune raton from the United States for the survey
Of Western Louisiana and Eastern Texas, but can
not avoid insisting, respectfully, that the United
States used my dearly purchased material in nogoti-
atiog two treaties with foreign States, that have
upon every just principle equitable claim. MIR.
Mesh received the credit from the United States
after having received from the matter, as far as
Louisiana and adjacent parts were concerned which
before my surveys and collection OF documents, had
no existence. And in brief may add, and challenge
denial, that from came the first regular sequence
Of the rivers entering the Gulf Of MEXICO, between
the mouths Of the Mississippi aud RIO Grande del
Norte. II single map in any language existed,
giving those rivers oorec y in their order, before
the publication of my works on Louisiana, II has al
together escaped my knowledge and more, doubt
whether this series Of rivers were ever previously
named fully, much less given in their order.
My map and the first edition Of my Louisiana,
were published in Philadelphia, 1916, and the second
edition Of tho latter in New York, 1917. As From
tispsoe to the Introductory chapter, had engraved
and published with il, skrtch under the title -
Map Of part Of LOuisiana copied from Homans Map,
published at .Nremb,rg, l7l2" This sketch includes
tn. coast Of the Gulf of MEXICO from the RIO GR,Spr
DEL NonTr to P.SsAcoLs Bay inclusive, and the in
termedis,e rivers as then known and inland curying
from the west extreme to Mobile river, in large
Roman capitals, LUDovlClANA. Subsequently to
the publication OF my louisiana, | procured other