72 LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 
Cowlitz, with somewhat easier grades, with no tunnels, but involving an increased distance of, 
in round numbers, one hundred and fifty miles. 
The office-work is commenced with great vigor, and I hope to be able to despatch my pre- 
liminary report in a month’s time. 
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient, 
ISAAC I. STEVENS, 
Governor of Washington Territory. 
Hon. Jerrerson Davis, 
Secretary of War, Washington. 
War DEPARTMENT, 
Washington, December 1, 1853. 
Sm: I have received, with your letter of the 28th of September, a duplicate of that of Sep- 
tember 8th, (the original has not come to hand,) in which you state that the funds allotted for — 
the survey under your charge would be exhausted by the middle of October, from which time 
to the 30th of June next you would require $30,000, in monthly instalments ; and you add an 
estimate of $40,000 for the operations of your party for the next fiscal year, ending June 30, 
1855. 
The department very much regrets that, with a full knowledge of the extent of the means at 
the disposal of the department for the survey intrusted to you, you have so made your arrange- 
ments as to absorb all your funds so long before the completion of the work. I have no means 
of meeting any further demands for the expenses of your party. 
In the instructions from this department of April 8, you were directed to bring your opera- 
tions to a close, and submit a general report before the first Monday in February next, when 
the law requires all reports to be laid before Congress. All arrangements looking to the ex- 
tension of your operations beyond the time indicated in those instructions are without authority ; 
and you are directed to close your work in the manner therein prescribed. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
JEFF’N DAVIS, 
Secretary of War. 
Governor I. I. Stevens. 
