, 1858-04-30


twenty-five Or thirty per cent. above the
rates now allowed by law, as the few prai-
rieS Of any extent, not occupied or claimed
by foreign corporations, are already sur
veyed | am convinced that honest and
capable deputy surveyors cannot tind remu-
nerative occupation for their labor in the
country now occupied by settlers upon eth
er shore of the Sound As all articles
command price greater than in California
or Oregon, and the exceeding difficulty of
the country prevents provisions being trans
ported, except on mems shoulders, (horSeS
not being able to get over the immense I'M
decayed truaks Of frs and cedars) the cost
Of making surveys in Washington Terrific
ry, III the forests, at least, is greater than
in any other part Of the United States.
released from their contracts all dcpu-
ties who were driven from their work by
the violence Of the Indians; and although
| have offered them the same or other
work this summer, but two have accepted.
The work examined by this office, for
which accounts were made out and trans
mtted, exhibits remarkable degree Of ac-
curacy in the closings, considering the diff
cutics Of the country.
The Office work is fully up and we have
a full and compile copy of all surveys COM
peted north Of the Columbia river by the
Oregon Office. Copies Of all the township
plats, meridiun and standard parallel lines
surveyed before the organization Of this
Office, have been transmitted to you, and
copies Of all the township plats have been
sent to the Office Of the register and receiv
er of the land Office at Olympia, Washing
ton Territory.
The expense Of private surveys, the in
complete character of the title, and the
difficulties of transfers of property under
inchoate title, render the gift of lands under
such conditions of questionable value; could
the titles be made complete, upon produc-
ton Of proof of value Of improvements, or
could tue actual settler purchase his land
at the minimum price after it was surveyed,
it would be more convenient to large class
/ than the onerous condition Of continuous
residence.
The pre-emption laws are acceptable to
many of the inhabitants; and when the
Territory RECEIVERS from the prostration Of
the Indian war, which has cost the iuhabit-
ants, in value of time, provisions, NUM-
tions, horses and supplies, some two mil
lions, rapid development of the resources
of the country may be confidently expected.
Excellent coal in inexhaustible quantities
exist. At Bellingham bay, near the north
ern boundary, mines are worked with sue
cess, and cargoes shipped to San Francisco.
Fine bodies of rich lands have been ex-
plored in the valleys Of the Chehalis river,
which falls into the Pacific at Gray's har-
| Dor.
The bottom lands Of the Nisqually, the
Puyallup, Snohomish, White and Green
rivers, the waters of which all disembogue
in Puget Sound are broad, rich. aud of the
most fertile quality, but deuscy timbered.
Tic navigation OF Puget Sound is per-
feet at all seasons Of the year,
East Of the Cascades, and upon the
Columbia river, aud upon its northern trib-
utaries, are also large bodies of excellent
lands
Settlements extend along the western
shore Of Puget Sound, from Hoods canal
to the Straits Of Juan de Fuca, consisting
of several large saw-mils; at several vii
loges, the inhabitants of which have open
ed farms and annually load many vessels
with timber and spars for California, Chi
ma, Sandwich Islands, and Australia. i
propose surveying this country by extend
ing the standard parallels east and west
from the Willamette meridian.
Except for short distance from the
shore the country is unexplored to the
west
The Cowlitz river, running southwardly
and falling into the Columbia, also drains
fertile lands, and has many Of the Oldest
settlers in the Territory among its prosper
Gus farmers.
Although the degree of latitude is so
far north, yet the winters are mild, and cat.
tic thrive during the whole year upon the
prairies or in the timber. The climate is
greatly modified by the prevailing winds
and the general set Of vast gulf stream
traversing the Pacific from the southwest,
and breaking upon the shores Of Washing
ton Territory.
The cereal grains, except Iudian corn,
flourish admirably here; the. wheat being
OF excellent quality and abundant in guam
tity.
Ipropose to extend the guide meridian
from the seventh standard parallel north to
the 49o of north latitude, and run the
standard parallel west from it to the east.
ern shore of the Sound, as soon as | can
6ud competent surveyors who will under.
take the work.
The third standard parallel has been ex-
tended from the Willamette meridian to
Shoalwater bay, on the Pacific, and devel-
oped fine body Of fertile lands upon the
! Willapa river. A settlement is made on
Shoalwater bay.
Several claim surveyors have been ap-
pointed by this office. As a general rule,
the county surveyors have been selected for
this employment. The closngs upon the
pre-established sectional surveys exhibit
honest and efficient work by the deputy
eurvavorc of Inth the Ora0on onl W. sb