1. The chief astronomers submit the following documents and maps: a. A detailed list in duplicate of forty astronomical stations, in addition to one for the location of the most northwestern point of the Lake of the Woods, at which observations were taken under their superintendence, to determine the line described in the second article of the convention of London (signed October 20, 1818) between the terminal points, viz, the most northwestern point of the Lake of the Woods and the eastern end of the international boundary-line previously marked between Akamina, in the Rocky Mountains, and the western coast of North America. b. A descriptive list in duplicate of three hundred and eighty-eight (383) monuments and marks placed on the boundary-line, as derived from the astronomical stations enumerated in the list referred to in section a of this paragraph. c. A duplicate set of twenty-four maps on a scale of 126726, or 1 inch to 2 miles, illastrating the topography of the country through which the boundary-line ruus, and indicating the relative positions of the various monuments and marks referred to in section b of this paragraph. 2. The second article of the convention of London, signed 20th October, 1818, is read, as follows: "It is agreed that a line drawn from the most northwestern point of the Lake of the Woods, along the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude, or if the said point shall not be in the forty-ninth parallel of north latitude, then that a line drawn from the sad point due north or south, as the case may be, until the said line shall intersect the said parallel of north latitude, and from the point of such intersection due west, along and with the said parallel, shall be the line of demarkation between the territories of His Britannic Majesty and those of the United States, and that the said line shall form the southern boundary of the said territories of His Britannic Majesty, and the northera boundary of the territories of the United States, from the Lake of the Woods to the Stony Mountains." The duplicate documents and maps enumerated in paragraph numbered 1-one set for each of the respective governments-having been examined and compared, are au thenticated by the signatures of the commissioners, who agree as follows: 1. The three hundred and eighty-eight monuments detailed in the list referred to in section b of paragraph numbered 1, are on and mark the astronomical lines stipulated by the second article of the convention of London (signed October 20, 1:1) to be the line of boundary between the territories of Her Britannic Majesty and of the United States of America, from the Lake of the Woods to the Stony (i. e. Rocky) Mountains. 2. In the intervals between the monuments along the parallel of latitude, it is agreed that the line has the curvature of a parallel of 49° north latitude; and that such characteristic shall determine all questions that may hereafter arise with reference to the position of the boundary at any point between neighboring monuments. 3. It is further agreed that, in the event of any of the said three hundred and eighty-eight monuments or marks being obliterated beyond the power of recognition, the lost site or sites shall be recovered by their recorded position relatively to the next neighboring unobliterated mark or marks. ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL, United States Commissioner, London, May 29, 1576 Major R. A., Her Britannic Majesty's Commissioner, London, May 29, 176. The proceedings of the joint commission having thus been brought to a conclusion, it adjourned sine die. In accordance with an estimate of the chief astronomer of the United States commission, made immediately preceding the opening session of the present Congress, the Department was informed that the office-work of the commission would be completed at the close of the present fiscal year, and that a balance of the appropriation, amounting to $15,000, would probably remain unexpended. This contemplated result is now accomplished, and is in a great measure due to the ability and careful management of Major Twining, who has had immediate charge of the survey of the boundary-line, and to his assistants, Captain Gregory and Lieutenant Greene, United States Engineers, who have most efficiently and zealously discharged the duties which devolved upon them. Mr. James E. Bangs, the secretary of the commission, who has been immediately under my charge, has performed with fidelity and accuracy the various duties pertaining to his position, and particularly those con nected with the disbursement of the funds appropriated for the expenses of the commission. Number. In conclusion, I would respectfully call the attention of the Department to the report of Dr. Elliott Coues, the surgeon and naturalist of the commission, whose eminent ability in the latter position has placed him among the most distinguished of those who have devoted themselves to this branch of science. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. HAMILTON FISH, Secretary of State. List of the astronomical stations observed by the joint commission for the determination of the international boundary-line from the northwest angle of the Lake of the Woods to the Rocky Mountains. 1 Lake of the Woods, (joint) angle. 2 Pine River.. 31 7205 95 08 39.7 Latitude 49° 22′ 19′′.137. 95 16 55.3 59 01.1 3 West Roseau Ridge. 68 12:3 96 46 51.9 4 Red River, (joint) 88 4936 5 Pointe de Michel, (joint). 108 5962 6 Pembina Mountain, east, (joint) 124 0002 7 Pembina Mountain, west 135 6307 8 Long River 165 1305 9 Sleepy Hollow 10 Turtle Mountain, east. 11 Turtle Mountain, west.. 183 3911 12 First Souris, (or Mouse River) 13 South Antler 14. Second Souris, (or Mouse River) 303 7150 97 13 51.5 40 25.2 16 06.3 99 19 02.4 57 29.8 101 28 03.0 57 56.1 102 26 25. 2 50 00.9 103 11 11.3 34 53.7 104 05 34.0 39 53.6. 105 12 21.4 41 39.2 106 12 34.4 46 31.5 107 23 48.2 45 45.9 108 13 09.2 48 59.6 109 24 27.8 41 38.2 110 10 19.5 43 46.1 111 11 02.5 32 02.6 112 00 19.5 32 50.3 58 25.2 113 26 35. 3 40 39.0 53 19.7 114 02 56.5 Observed by the joint com mission, 1861. W. J. TWINING, Captain of Engineers, United States Chief Astronomer. United States Commissioner, May 29, 1876. Captain Royal Engineers, British Chief Astronomer. D. R. CAMERON, Major Royal Artillery, Her Britannic Majesty's Commissioner, May 29, 1876. |