The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-07-14
CAPT. SIMPSONS DEFENCE.

OFFICE GEN'L Govt ROADS, Ter. Min,
II Saint Paul, Dec. Is, 1854.
SIR:-I have the honor to acknowledge the re-
ceipt Of the letter addressed by the Hon. H. M. Rice
to The Secretary Of War, making certain complaints
against me account Of my management ofhe roads
OF which have charge, and proceed without fur.
Their pIeface to make the report required hereupon
BY the Department.
His first complaint 10, that have been dilatory in
expending the appropriations made by Congress at its
last session for the roads, and says that the 10
far advanced and that as yet little or nothing has
been done. 1-- .s
The copy Of the law authorizing the appropriations
was transmitted TO me by the Bureau July Is, and
was received by me about the last day Of the same
month. Having received a copy of the law, at
proceeded to prepare for contract as much ofhe
roads as ] could, consistently with just economy
and the supervision which should give them. The
Pt. Douglas and st. Louis River Road would have
received my first attention, but having been directed
by the Department to report upon the modification IN
the location Of the northern portion of the road which
the last Act Of Congress made necessary, did not
feel liberty to advertise any portion of il for
tract until could receive the decision Of the Depart
ment in relation to the modification. This being the
state Of the CASE and having in few days to make
ar inspection Of portion Of said read under exs
ting contract, deemed it expedient to defer the
mort referred until after such inspection, and set to
work without delay to find a competent Engineer to
assist me in getting selected portions Of the RI. Doug.
las and Fort Ripley, and Mendoza and Wabashaw
roads ready for contract. BY the Sd Of August was
fortunate enough to secure the services Of Mr. 3.
Sewall, most competent and promising Civil Ensi-
neer. A re-survey and several lines of level having
been necessary in order to the just and economical
construction Of the roads, " Proposal" could not
advertised for, for portions Of the Pt. Douglas and
Fort Ripley road, until the 18th and 30th August;
for a portion of the Wabashaw and Mendoza ruad,
until the 5h September. And as by Regulations"
AT least 30 DAYS notice must be given Tor Propo.
sails" the contracts could not be awarded, the
work commenced until the lapse Of such space Of
time. This will explain why these roads were not
pu, under contract Immediately the receipt Of the
law; and the dates think will Show that they were
put under contract at early period as was consis-
tent with "Regulations," and intelligent and effi-
ceut prosecution Of the work. .....|
In regard to the PIT. Douglas and st. Louis River
road, have already stated that could not "'!n IN
proper Difference to the Department, 60 on with its
construction until could receive the decision OF the
Department in relation to its extension. That decis-
ion was received October 9Th, and il well that |
had not proceeded with its constructions; for had
il would have been Of the portion which had been al.
ready surveyed under previous Acts Of Congress !;
which would have been in direct conflict with the in.
strucons Of the Department received with the decs.
ion: that should first apply the most recent appro-
praton to the construction Of the extensions Being
now in the recept of definite instructions, cast
about me for suitable Engineer to take the charge
of the work. Such one il occurred TO me would
he Mr.. w. H. Newton, a Civil Engineer living over
Al SUPERIOR at the head Of Lake Superior, and hav
inc me confidence of the people Of that section Of the
country. Besides, he was interested in that portion
Of the country, and this it occurred to me might has
ten The CONSTRUCTION Of the road, under his manage
meut. / therefore addressed him October 7th, Jet
ter rendering him the appointment Of Civ,l E.g,nee
on the road. His reply, dated Oct. 18th; did no
receive tiii October "a. He declined the rppoint
.I hovev., oh,s;n.d tho consent Of tn
Department 70 apply the appropriations q any point
- points Of the road where might think
y, 20 tRs@stnder of,hs coztsspoaimes On HeldsyJ