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INTRODUCTORY LETTER. 
WasuriNaTON, D. C., December 30, 1854. 
SIR: The very limited time left for the preparation of the 1ccompanying report, after com- 
pleting, on the last of November, that of Captain Gunnison's explorations of last year, has only 
permitted me to complete it in the most hasty manner. 
The outline-map which accompanies it was also made in the greatest haste, but it is believed 
will be sufficient for the immediate wants of the government. The more finished maps are in 
course of preparation, and will be transmitted to the department as soon as they can be com- 
pleted. A geological report of the country explored by Captain Gunnison and myself is nearly 
complete, and, with the reports upon the plants and specimens of natural history collected 
during the trip, will be submitted as early as practicable, the drawings for their illustration not 
yet being complete. 
My assistants in the explorations embraced in the accompanying report were Mr. Sheppard 
Homans, astronomer, by whom the observations and computations for latitude were made, our 
defective instruments not admitting of observations for longitude; Dr. James Schiel, geologist, 
who is still engaged upon his report; Mr. F. W. Egloffstein, topographer, to whom I am 
indebted for superior topographical sketches and the preparation of the accompanying outline 
map, and who is still engaged in making the elaborate maps of the survey ; and Mr. J. A. Sny- 
der, to whom the collection of botanical specimens was intrusted, but who was also constantly 
employed in making meteorological observations, and who has been employed, since my return, 
as an assistant in making computations of barometric observations under Mr. Lorin Blodget, 
by whom they were discussed, and whose notes accompany the tables. For the energy, ability, 
and cordial co-operation of each of these gentlemen, and of Brevet Captain R. M. Morris and 
Lieutenant L. S. Baker, of the regiment of Mounted Riflemen, in charge of the escort from that 
regiment, in the execution of the duties of the exploration, I desire to express my obligations 
and esteem. 
Iam, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, 
E. G. BECKWITH, 
1st Lieutenant 3d Artillery. 
Hon. JEFFERSON Davis, 
Secretary of War. 
