No. 194 a.
Mr. Campbell to Mr. Fish.
Second Crossing of Mouse River,
September 22, 1873. (Received October 9.)
Sir: I have the honor to submit for the information of the Department a brief report of the progress of the survey of the northern boundary during the present working season.
Commencing, as the initial point of this season’s work, on the western bank of Red River, where an astronomical station on the 49th parallel had been determined last fall, the line has been carried westward, the astronomical stations being established at intervals of twenty miles. Along that portion of the boundary separating the province of Manitoba from the territories of the United States intermediate points have been marked at intervals of one mile; along that part of the boundary west of the province of Manitoba at average intervals of three miles.
Upon the resumption of operations this season the joint commission determined, if possible, to accomplish the survey and demarcation of four hundred miles, with the understanding that in any event the parties should be withdrawn from the field by the 15th of October.
The astronomical parties have completed three hundred and sixty miles, and no doubt is entertained that the station at the four hundredth mile will be determined and established by the 5th of October.
The surveying parties at the date of the last report had completed three hundred and ten miles. Their present position is not accurately known, but no doubt is entertained that they will attain the four hundredth mile by the 5th of October. These parties, in addition to surveying and marking the line, to illustrate the character of the country in its vicinity, embrace in their operations a belt of topography five miles in width.
After reaching the four hundredth mile one of the surveying parties will return to Pembina, and during the winter will finish the topography between Red River and Lake of the Woods. It will then be withdrawn and field-work suspended until next season, during which it is believed that the survey can be carried to the Rocky Mountains, as the remaining distance is only three hundred and sixty miles.
I have, &c.,
Commissioner Northern Boundary Survey.