604 APPENDICES. 
a vessel for that object. I presume he had proper authority for so 
doing. 
In regard to the “ flotilla,” which Lieut. Strain alluded to as being in 
command of, I must again most respectfully remark, that I consider 
this an injudicious arrangement, and that it ought to be dispensed with. 
I have been frequently engaged on surveys, for the last thirty years, of 
rivers, harbors, and portions of the sea coast, and always found the best 
persons to manage the boats employed on such service were the engi- 
neers and surveyors charged with, and responsible for, the execution of 
the duty. Landsmen born and reared near the sea coast, or near our 
great rivers, generally possess all the skill requisite for the manage- 
ment of such boats; and I would much prefer on this boundary service 
the system, in this respect, which I have always heretofore practised: 
and therefore I recommend it to your favorable consideration. 
The letter of Lieut. Strain to the department, of October, 31, and 
the papers therein alluded to as accompanying the same, are herewith 
handed back to the department. 
“ All which is respectfully submitted. 
J. D. GRAHAM, 
Lt. Col. and Head of Scientafic Corps, 
dc, &c., &. 
Hoy. Paka H. H. Stuart, 
Sec. of the Department of the Interior. 
F 
Programme of the Party detailed for the Survey of the Rio 
' Grande, August 27, 1851 
Lr. Cox. J. D. Granam, Principal Astronomer in charge of the party. 
Lr. W. F. Surrn, Topographical Engineers, Assistant Astronomer. 
Lr. A. E. Burnsipe, 3d — Quarter-master and Commissary. 
M. Vow Hieret, Draughtsma 
M. T. W. Cuanpusr, Ist hiaileink in charge of Meteorological 208 a 
ment, 
