Superior City Wis.
July 27th 1864
His Excellency, Gov. S Miller
Saint Paul Min
My Dear Sir,
I am today in rect. of your valued favor of 21st, Inst. and am under renewed obligations for the interest taken in forwarding so expeditiously the Barometer so much needed at the out-set of the expedition.
We have been exceedingly fortunate in securing the services of Hon. Thomas Clark of this place upon the survey.
His intimate acquaintance with the topography of the country, its linear survey as far as effected, together with his eminent ability as an engineer makes his service a great acquisition and especially so as he very patriotically tenders them for a mere nominal consideration. Our preparations are nearly completed and will I think, enable us to go into camp on Monday next. By last mail I took the liberty of addressing Hon. Edmund Rice relative to the importance of effecting an exterior Township live survey of an additional tier of townships thro the entire length of our State parallel to the coast, and trust he will be successful in convincing Genl. Washburn of this fact.
After making the first section I will advise you of progress.
With assurances of my highest regard I Remain Sir,
Your Obt. Servt.
Aug. H. Hanchett
William Drew (W.D.) Washburn was the U.S. Surveyor General of Minnesota from 1861 to 1865 (appointed by President Abraham Lincoln).