VIII 
LETTER TO THE SECRETARY OF WAR. 
In conclusion, permit me briefly to refer to the officers and assistants, to whose energy and 
scientific ability the government is mainly indebted for whatever there is of value in the informa¬ 
tion afforded by the exploration. 
Lieutenant J. C. Ives, of the corps of topographical engineers, who was placed in charge of 
a separate party, devoted himself with great assiduity to the duties with which he was intrusted. 
His field labors in the magnetic and astronomical departments were unusually arduous, fre¬ 
quently, after a fatiguing march, occupying the greater portion of the night. Upon our return 
to Washington, with zeal and ability he aided in various branches of the scientific operations 
until selected to assist Captain Humphreys in the supervision of the work in the office of Pacific 
railroad explorations and surveys. 
The scientific collectors, the civil engineer, and assistants, whose names are mentioned in the 
Itinerary, deserve great praise for the faithful and able manner in which their duties were per¬ 
formed. 
The officers of the escort to the expedition were 1st Lieutenant John M. Jones, 1th infantry ; 
Lieutenant J. C. Tidball, 1st artillery ; and Lieutenant D. S. Stanley, 2d dragoons. Each, in 
his appropriate sphere, contributed greatly toward the success of our operations. The quiet 
and peaceful manner in which we passed through the various tribes of Indians, usually hostile 
toward Americans, is a proof of the sound discretion of those officers, and the good discipline of 
the men composing their command. 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
A. W. WHIPPLE, 
Is £ Lieutenant Corps of Topographical Engineers. 
Hon. Jefferson Davis, 
Secretary of War. 
