CHAPTER X. 
Geographical Positions, and Distances travelled, on the line of exploration from Westport, 
Mo., to Great Salt Lake City. 1853. 
I.—Letter from Mr. S. Homans, in charge of astronomical department. 
H.—Table of geographical positions from Westport, Missouri, to Great Salt Lake City, Utah. 
HI.—Table of distances travelled, including those from point to point at which barometrical observations were made, on the 
route from Westport, Missouri, to Great Salt Lake City. 
TV.—Table of distances travelled on the line followed from Westport, Missouri, via Fort Eiley, Kansas Territory, to Walnut 
creek. 
I .—Letter from Mr. S. Homans, in charge of Astronomical Department. 
Sir : In the following table of geographical positions the latitudes only are given. Lunar distances 
and culminations were also observed; but, from imperfections in the instruments, the results were 
deemed useless. The selection of astronomical instruments for this expedition was most unfortu¬ 
nate; they have all proved defective, and some entirely unfit for use. 
In the duty of constructing the map, which devolved upon me by the death of Mr. Richard 
H. Kern, I have adopted the method of “course and distance,” corrected by latitudes found by 
meridional observations, as being more reliable than the chronometric determinations. The 
accuracy of positions on the map, referred to the assumed longitudes, attests the fidelity and skill 
of the topographical notes and sketches by that gentleman. 
I am, very respectfully, 
SHEPPARD HOMANS, 
In Charge of Astronomical Department. 
Lieut. E. G. Beckwith, 
United States Army, Commanding Expedition. 
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