Description:

One page LS written on laid paper with the United States Senate letterhead 8" x 10.5". Affixed to a paper backing. Signed by Benjamin Harrison as "Benj Harrison" in black ink bottom right. Black ink blotch near date, not affecting text, else near fine.

Benjamin Harrison as Senator, signs a manuscript letter dated Dec. 12, 1883, and written to Mortimer Crabb, discussing the 40th parallel surveys by King and Wheeler, and reflecting on their great importance.

As stated in full: "Dear Sir/Your favor …re-questing me to send you volumes 3, 4 + 5. Lieut. Wheelers Survey and Kings Survey of 40th Parallel has been received. I have none of these documents for distribution as they were all issued and distributed before my time in the Senate began. They are very valuable and I do not think I can procure you copies. I have [illegible] written to the Sec'y of the Interior requesting him to send you Lieut. Wheelers Survey if he has any copies left and have also made the same request of the Sec'y of War in reference to Kings survey of 40th parallel. Yours truly/Benj Harrison"

A wonderful reference to arguably the most significant North American Geological land survey ever conducted. The King and Wheeler surveys of the 40th parallel were conducted over a decade period beginning with Clarence King, who was appointed to lead the survey in 1867. The mission of the 40th parallel survey was to examine the geological features and natural resources across a band of land between the 105th and the 120th meridians along the 40th parallel. Additional natural scientists to the survey included three geologists, a botanist, and an ornithologist. George Wheeler was brought aboard the survey later with a focus on the 100th meridian. His focus was similar to Kings however, he had a more practical interest in the exploration of western lands. As a graduate of West Point Military Academy, Wheeler wanted to make maps that stressed human settlement and could be used to advance roads, railroads, dams, irrigation, agriculture, and settlement.

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