4 NEW YORK 
to the adjournment in the preceding February, there 
was little time left me for these preparations; for, 
making every exertion, I could not expect to reach 
that far-distant place, in less than two months after 
leaving the Gulf of Mexico. This would leave me 
little more than two months, viz., July and August, to 
select my assistants, organize the Commission, procure 
the necessary outfit, and transport the whole to the most 
convenient point on the Gulf of Mexico, from which 
the party could start on its long march for the interior. 
I immediately set to work to complete the arrange- 
ments previously made for wagons, tents, camp equip- 
age, arms and ammunition, instruments, stationery, 
etc., and to purchase provisions, medical stores, and 
such other articles as would be required in a distant 
country, where few of the necessaries of life could be 
procured, and still less of the supplies required by 
surveying parties, except only animals, and the means 
of transportation. 
Twenty-five wagons were contracted for, in New- 
ark, New Jersey, including ambulances, or spring wag: 
ons, for the transportation of surveying and astronomi- | 
cal instruments, and other purposes. Four iron boats, 
with their equipments, were constructed, under the 
direction of Lieutenant J. G. Strain, U. 8. Navy. 
Tents for the whole party, camp equipage, harness, : 
saddles and bridles, pack saddles, mechanics’ tools, 
the same officer, who was indefatigable i in his exert 
to prepare the party for service. © : : 
_ That no time might be lost in ne : ara atiol 
fire arms, and the other articles named, were purchased : 
in New York; in which duty I had the assistance of - 
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