INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE WAR DEPARTMENT. 
War Department, Washington , May 6, 1853. 
Under the 10th and 11th sections of the military appropriation act approved March 3, 1853, 
directing such explorations and surveys to he made as might he deemed necessary tc to ascertain 
the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi river to the Pacific 
ocean,” it has been determined to organize a party to operate in California, to survey and 
explore the country lying west of the lower Colorado, and a route connecting that portion of 
California with the Pacific ocean. 
I. The party for this exploration and survey will he commanded by Lieutenant R. S. 
Williamson, topographical corps, who will he aided by Lieutenant J. G. Parke, topographical 
corps, and by the following civil assistants, viz : one mineralogist and geologist; one physician 
and naturalist; two civil engineers; one draughtsman: who, in addition to their stipulated 
compensation, will he allowed the actual cost of their transportation to and from California. 
Packers, &c., will he employed in California, at prices not exceeding those paid by the Quarter¬ 
master’s department for such employes. 
II. The party will rendezvous at Benicia, in California, and, having organized, will proceed 
to examine the passes of the Sierra Nevada leading from the San Joaquin and Tulare valleys, 
and subsequently explore the country to the southeast of the Tulare lakes, to ascertain the most 
direct practicable railroad route between Walker’s Pass, or such other pass as may he found 
preferable, and the mouth of the Gila; from this point the survey will he continued to San Diego. 
III. In this exploration, great attention will he paid to every point connected with the loca¬ 
tion of a railroad. A general profile of the route explored will be determined by means of 
barometric measurements; and, generally, the topography, meteorology, geology, natural 
history, the character of the Indian tribes of the country, &c., will be studied as closely as 
circumstances will permit. 
IV. The commanding general of the Pacific division will assign an escort of mounted troops 
to accompany the expedition, consisting of not less than three non-commissioned officers and 
twenty-five privates. Picked men and horses only will be sent on this duty ; and the com¬ 
manding officer of the escort will he instructed to furnish Lieutenant Williamson such aid and 
assistance as will tend to facilitate his operations. Transportation for the provisions, equipage, 
&c., of the escort, will be furnished by the Quartermaster’s department. 
V. Lieutenant George B. Anderson will be detailed for duty with Lieutenant Williamson’s 
party. 
VI. The Quartermaster and Commissary departments will furnish to Lieutenant Williamson 
such animals, equipments, stores, provisions, and other public property, as he may need for the 
use of the expedition, and which can be spared, to he paid for out of the appropriation for the 
survey, at cost at the places of delivery. On the requisitions of Lieutenant Williamson, the 
Ordnance department will furnish arms, &c., and the Medical department medicines, &c., for 
his party. 
VII. The object of the expedition having been accomplished, all employes whose services 
may be no longer required will be discharged, and Lieutenant Williamson, with the office 
corps, will proceed to prepare as full a report as possible, to be laid before Congress, as required 
by the act above cited, on or before the first Monday in February next, to be followed at a later 
period by a more elaborate report, showing in full the results of the expedition. 
VIII. The sum of thirty thousand dollars is set apart, from the appropriation, for the expenses 
of the survey thus intrusted to Lieutenant Williamson. 
JEFFERSON DAVIS, 
^ ^ Secretary of War. 
