The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-03-18

Of Mr.. 1oombs was agreed to-
Report Of the Chb~f Engineer OF the 4
Transit RAILROAD.
orylcx o. cnixx HscIsnxn, TaAs.ir RAN ROAD Co.
wtso>A, Feb, -, 1851
Hon. II. II. JOHNSON, Pres't I. Il. X. Co.:
Your note Of the 18th inst, requesting
from me brief report concerning the loca-
ton and extent Of location Of the line Of the
Transit Railroad, has been received, and in
answer submit the following
On the oath Of May last, two corps OF
Engineers were organized in this place and
proceeded at once to make such reconnois-
sance Of the country, respecting its general
Typographical features, the direction Of it's
valleys and dividing ridges, etc, as seemed
necessary TO enable me to enter upon the
actual location of the line most advantage.
ously. These rapid examinations were
however closely followed, and when neces-
sary were Immediately connected with more
minute instrumental examinations and sur
veys. Passing over the country in this
manner from WinOna to the Minnesota river
met with no obstacle Of sufficient magni-
tude worthy Of note, except in the valleys
extending from Winona prairie to or near
the summit Of the "divide" between the
Whitewater and Root rivers After having
examined all the valleys, | finally located the
line in the Rollingstone valley, attaining the
summit above referred to at an elevation Of
$40 feet above the level Of Winona, and at
distance OF sixteen miles from the starting
point. This is by far the most difficult por-
ton Of the road, yet, even here, no obstacle
il presented Of sufficient magnitude to rem
der this valley impracticabe, or even objec-
tionable.
Having overcome the difficulties met with
the line was speedily located ria or near ST.
Charles, Rochester, Ashland, the south end
of Lake Elysum, and kasota, to ST. Peter.
The road from Winona TO Lake Elysium
varies very little from an air line, and its
course being mostly through straight valleys
an dividing ridges, it will be most easily
and cheaply constructed, possessing as it
does to q very remarkable degree, gentle
grades, and long tangents, whilst but few
bridges will be necessary. Near this lake
we reached the Big Woods" which extend
to st. Peter, distance of 20 miles. Through
out the entire length Of this division from
Winona to 81. Peter, there will he but seven
miles of heavy grades, and expensive work
five miles on the eastern and two on the
western end.
! Leaving st Peter, the line rises to an Ell
! ovation of 200 feet above the Minnesota
river, and passes for miles over plateu, al
/ mos, perfectly level. which but small ex-
peaditure will prepare for the superstruct
IRE The second crossing of the Minnesota
! is near the mouth Of the Big Cottonwood.
/ The descent into the valley at this point as
well rs the ascent from il to the high lands,
between the Big Cottonwood and Redwood
rivers. presents easy grades, and will b. ef-
fected at comparatively light cost. This
crossing like the previous one at 81. Peter.
is made dagoually along the hills or bluffs
/ of the river, and across the valley in north
west and southeast direction, From the
New Ulm settlement, passing along the d.
vide between the Big Cottonwood and Red
wood rivers. we extended our survey and
location of the line 10 point about twelve
miles beyond range 81.
Having 80 fortunately obyiatei the two
difficulties which apprehendel would cause
80 much delay and cost, J. c, in discovering
POINTS at which the two unavoidable cross
ngs OF the Minnesota could be Effected, we
were progressing rapidly, and with high
hopes OF hcing able TO make the location OF
the road its entire length from Winoua to
the Big Sioux river before cold weather
could interfere with our progress, when TO
my great regret we were compelled by the
menacing bearing Of portion at the SIOUX
Indians. 10 abandon the survey farther
west. Acting under the advice OF the mill
,ary officers stationed al Fort Rdgely, and
from Other information, respecting the hos
tile intentions of Indians, that 1t would not
be safe for US TO proceed farther with the
line. We returned home. This point Is loo
miles wcs, and ; miles north OF Winona.
Basing an opinion upon such information
as have BEEN able 10 CLEAN from an aiten-
tive study Of the most accurate and aecre,i-
tied mans of the country between range 81
west and the big Sioux river. and upon in
formation derived directly from close obssr'
wing anil intelligent gentlemen who have
passed. over that country, DO not doubt
Ina, shall be able to complete the location
Of the road 10 the Big Sioux river very
early in the spring and at a cost TO ths
Company very small compared to the amount
alraay EXPENSES. in the location ot your
roads. teams wagons, camp eqnipaye. an,
implements necessary for surveying parties
having been already provided.
Mos, respectfully, your obi srvant,
II. J. Hmsxxr,
Chief Enyiv,Sr of Transit X K