LETTER TO THE SECRETARY. 
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL AND 
GEOGRAPHICAL SURVEY OF THE TERRITORIES, 
Washington, D. C., January 1, 1879. 
Sie: I have the honor to transmit for your consideration and for pub- 
lication the twelfth and last Annual Report of the United States Geolog- 
ical and Geographical Survey of the Territories. This report includes 
the labors of the corps for the field season of 1878, and the office work 
until the close of the existence of the Survey by law June 30, 1879. Sev- 
eral of the members have, however, performed very important work 
since that time in elaborating their individual reports, which has added 
greatly to their interest and value. 
A general summary of the work for the season of 1878 will be appro- 
priate in this connection. Owing to the length of the session, Congress 
did not pass the usual appropriation for the work of the Survey until 
July, and consequently the period for work in the field was compara- 
tively short. 
The headquarters of the Survey was at Cheyenne, Wyo., the same as 
the preceding season. Four parties were organized, but in suchamanner 
that in case of necessity they could be divided for special duty. All our 
outfit and animals were transported from Cheyenne to Point of Rocks 
and Green River Stations, on the Union Pacific Railroad, and from thence 
the parties pursued their way northward to their respective fields of 
labor. 
To the first division, in charge of A. D. Wilson, was confided the pri- 
mary triangulations of the entire area to be surveyed. Hight of the 
most important peaks were employed as stations, with some minor 
points. Among the more important stations were Wind River, Fré- 
mont’s, Grand Teton, and Sawtelle’s Peaks (near Henry’s Lake); also 
several of the most conspicuous points in the Yellowstone Park. This 
division was robbed, near Sawtelle’s Peak, of all its animals and a por- 
tion of its outfit, so that at least half of the most valuable time for work 
during the season was lost. Had it not been for this misfortune at 
least double the work would have been accomplished. The Yellow- 
stone Park at this time forms the most extensive unoccupied area in the 
West, and, surrounded by great ranges of mountains, becomes a resort 
for hostile bands of Indians when pursued by the troops. 
(xill) 
