Report, John McBride, surveyor, report on Georgia and Florida boundary

[001]

Report of the Surveyor appointed to run the boundary
between Georgia & Florida, under direction of the Commissioners
The Commissioners having arrived near the head of
the St Mary's, on the 7th day of March 1827, agreed that
the Boundary between Georgia and Florida should be a line run-
ning from the junction of Chattahochie and Flint rivers, to a point
near the head of the St. Mary's, and and one mile north of a mound
of earth erected by the United States and Spanish Commissioners
in 1800, termed in the Journal of Mr Ellicott The Mound B.
The Surveyor was therefore directed to calculate the course and
distance between those points, and to proceed without delay to
the running of a guide line, beginning at the eastern extremity.
The data for finding the course & distance are the following:
The Latitude of the junction of Chattahochie & Flint - - 30 42 42s N
" Longitude " " " -. 84. 53. 15 W
Latitude of a point situate from the mound B,
No 45 E 640 perches. 30 34 48 N.
" Longitude - - -. - - " - - 82 17 15 W.
The difference of latitude between the two points one of which is N 45 E640
perches, and the other north 320 perches (or one mile) from the mound B,
is 132.56 perches 21.4 and 30 34" 48" - 21.4 - 30 34' 26.6 the lat. required


[002]

To find the difference of Longitude.
Lat of a point No 45 E 640 perches from B. - 3034'48
" - " North one mile - - " " - 30 3426.6
Middle Latitude in a 30 34 37. 3
As Cos. Mid. Lat. 30 34' 37.3~ - ar.co. 0.065026
Radius 10.000000
: Departure 1:22 - - 0.086360
" Diff. of Longitude 1'417 = 1'25" 0.151386
And 82 17'15" + 1'25" = 8218'40', the longitude required.
In the spheric triangle PCE let P
represent the pole, C. the junction of
Chattahochie and Flint, and E the point
one mile north of the mound B; then will
P C be the Co-latitude of C=5917 "17"2
PE the Co-latitude of E = 59 25 33 4
and P. or diff. of longitude = 2 34 35.
We have, then, two sides and their con-
tained angle to find the other angles & side.
To find the angles.
As Radius 10.000000
Cos P 2 34'35" 9.999561
Tangent P C 591717.2 10.226185
tangent Pd 59 15' 45"6" 10.22547


[003]

P E 59 25 33 4 Pd 59 15 456 = dE 9 478.
And
As Sine d E 9 47. 8 " ar co. 2. 545155
Tangent 1 P 2 34' 35" - - 8.653189
Sine Pd 59 15' 45"6 9.934256
Tangent "E 85 47 08" - 11.132600
As Sine P 6 59 17' 17" 2" ar. co. 0.065630
Sine P E 59 25 33.4 9.93989
sine 692 54'00"~" 9.999.443 Sup. 87. 06
Sine 1 E850 47'8" 9 998824
To find the distance C. E.
As Fine I 69254 - ar. co. 0.000557
Sine PE 59 25'33"4 - - 9.9398
Sine 1 P 2 34 35 8.652750
sine E E 2 13 25"..... 8.58296
And 2" 13" 25" = 154 miles, 44 chains and 81 links.
It therefore appears that an are of a great circle forming an
angle with the meridean at the point E from the north towards the
west of 85 47 8" and continued 2 13 25 (= 154 miles, 44 chains
81 links) will form the boundary required: provided the geo-
graphical positions of the two points have been correctly determined.


[004]

The excess of the supplemental angle Cover the angle E
is 1 18' 52" ; which divided by C.E. gives about 30" 5 per mile.
But as it was impracticable with the instrument intended to
be used, to make so small a deviation at the end of every
mile, it was therefore determined to increase the aforemen-
tioned angle & at the rate of 2' 37" 7 For every five
miles; in order to make the boundary correspond as nearly
as practicable to an are of a great circle.
To find the Magnetic Variation.
March 6. 1827. Observed the magnetic bearing of Polaris
when at its greatest elongation west. No 7.00 00W.
To find its longation in Lat. 30 40' N.
Its N.P.D. per Nautical Almanae 13640
Declination 88 23 20
Radius -10.
As Cos. Lat. 30 40 ar. co. 0.065.426
Cos Dec. 8823'20" 8.448946
Fine Elongation 1 52'23 - - 8. 514372
No 7 00 00 W
Magnetic bearing
1-52-23 W. E Mar. 7. Bearing Polaris * 700.00 W
Elongation
variation
5 07 37" E.
Elongation - 1.52.23 W.
Vaviation 507'376


[005]

March 8. The Surveyor was instructed to proceed with his party
to the mound B, and after having measured due north one mile to
the point E. to begin at that point a guide Line running to the
junction of the Chattahochie and Flint rivers In his progress
on the line, the instances from the beginning point to all rivers,
Creeks, Swamps, lakes, ponds, roads, trails, &c. were recorded in a Field
Book, containing also the several courses rum, and such remarks
generally as were thought necessary, at transcript of these notes is
herewith presented. And here it may not be improper to state,
that in order to represent, Stramps, streamlets &c. correctly, the notes are
written from the bottom of each page or column towards the top:
they must therefore be read in the same manner.
Field book.
37.50 Leave the swamp
N 85 47: 08 W
S. & W. with X; N. with G. & S with F
Mile 1 00.00 Cypress Post, marked on the
52.00 Swamp
45. a Leave the swamp
35. a Bay Swamp
North
begin at the Mound B and run
10 00.00 N. 85 52'23" W.
5 00.00 N 85 49' 46" W
75.00 Swamp
3 35.00 Leave Swamp
40.00 Swamp
2 19.00 Leave the Swamp
15.00 Swamp
1 00.50 leave the swamp
53. Bay Swamp


[006]

53.50
Leave Swamp -
as
43
19.00
Branch
this
27

26.50

Suwanny river

45.00
Leave Sramt
2
-
78.50



River Swamp
-
C
is
41
19.00
"to us"

"
6900
Leave Swamp

58.00
-

- -
it
26

1



Palmeto Swamp

32.50
had


- -
Bay Tramp
the said

58.50
t
Branch
18.00
-
l.e. and frond
~

34.00
the
Road
is
40
-
00.00
of
N 86 08 10 5/1
I
Rp D
25
00. 00
No 86o 00: 17"W.
67.50
wir
Pim Pond
24
00.00
Leave Swamp

20.00
not, was
+
65.00
-
Little Suwanny

39
4.00
.
Bay Swamb
23
60.00



Swamp - - -
37
00.00

21
5.00



36
50.00
Bay Swamp
&
70.00


Bay swamp

43.50
- - -

54.00
46.50

Cypress pond


35

32.50
00.00
Bay Swamp
N8605' 32" n
20
-
00.00
No 85 57' 39" W.
17.00
- "
s
19
47.00
Bay Swamp


34
2.00
i
Cypress pond

48.00
is




32
13.50

18
1.50
15.00
C
Road
leave ramp-
31
78.00
56.50

Cypress pond
15

6
00.00
No. 55 of tt.
45.80

Cypress pond

13
60.00
45.00

Small Island



8
30
29

00. 00
30.00
No 86 2' 54"
Tom's Creek -


[007]

56.00
-
Leave Swamp
39.00



57
26.00
de
- -
19.00
Lake
37.00
00.00
35.00
20.00
52
i. 00
51
69.50

Trail
18.50
- - - -
34.00

Leave Swamp
64
08.00
Lake
50
00.00
"
: "
N 86 1325 W.

72.00
Road
49
66.50
" "
Champ
the
63
1.50
Small Cr

50.00
118ft wide
Allapaha river

62
68. or
Ocopilco creek [Okapilco?]
37.50
-

Branch
61
00.00
" "
49
17.00

Swamp
60.00
Lake
48
(
50.50
Road
60
00.00
No. 18 41
60.00
Alligator Creek


25.00
Leave Swamp - - -
46
4700


Road
59
20.00

Creek
73
500

Swamp

56
20.00
60.00
22.50
55
45
00.00
N 86 10 48 W.
62.50
Swamp...
29.00
" " "
32.00
-
44
750
Cypress pond
58
20.00

Lake
in the
72
1.50



in " "
60.00




Bay Swamp
40.00



Bay Swamp
No. 86 16 03 W.
70
00.00
No 86 23' 56"
Leave swamp

68
36.00

Weeth-lock-ochie

Mud Creek

65
00.00
No 86 21-19
Swamp


65.30
small or from


[008]

59.00
Road
is
1
75.00
I
107 50.00
Bv - -
-
-
-
-
S2.00
-
- "
106 14.50
~
Road
86 15.00
15.10.
Pay Seramp -
- - - -
3.00 Cypress pond
2.00 Old trail
48.00
C
105 00.00 6
103 65.00
42.50
is
57.50
20.00
85 00.00 N 86 31' 49'W.
35.05 Deep Cypress pond~
S. W. Cramp
91
22.50
1900
100 00. or
49.00
40.00
Mickasaky Lake
Trail " "
N86 39 43W.
Road - - -
Branah - -
S. S. W.
is
83 00.50 Old trail
" "
No 86 37:05"W.
Crak

81
15.00 Cypress pond
10.00 Leave the pond
Leave the Calla
as
80
50.00
40.00
00.00 N862912
- "
"T
1
+
is
Island
Ocilla
N 86 34 27 W.
30.00
Cyrress fond -
-
swamp
76
64.00
-
Branch
-
-
is
- -
75 00.00
No 86 26 34 t
I
Lake
" to Watson's line, left 2 M. 17c. 50 L.
73
10.00
Bay Swamp
Offest to Mr Nels line, left 2 M.7e.
Branch - -
N86 42' 20"W
small or
- " - "
-
is
95 00. 00
94 67 00
91 10.00
75.00
70.00
18.50
90 00. or
9 qq.00
ss. oo
39.00
" " "
87 00.00


[009]

181.
31.50
Leave Swamp
70.00
Swamp Cr. [creek]
121
10.00

62.50
-
Road.
55.00
Ihamp -
24.00
Br -
17.00
Coffees Road
10.00
Swamp
120
00.00
N86 50'14W.
130
00.00
No. 8b 55 29
58.00
the
Leave Swamp
2500
Leave swamp
53.00
Branch
20.00
Brunnay

42.50
Swamp
127
7.50
Swamp
119
7.50
55.00
Road - - -
75.00
Coffee's Reach
128
700
Br
117

33.00
Road
30.00

Leave swamp
-
63.50
de
22.00
Lord Br ~
116
6
1.50
Road
125
00.00
No 86 52 57 Tr.
22.00
- " -
49.00
- -..
18.50

...
32.00
Horse Cr
to Watson's line, left 2 25-28
10.00
Swamp


" "
ffest to McNeils line left 2 18
40
124
00. 50
Br - - -
S.O
Road
is
123
74.80

Br.--
115
00.00
No 46 47 36 W.
is
45.00

Br
113
7.50
Road... .
122
750
Br

18.50
Rp.
65.00

110
00.00
N 86 44 587
57.50
" - - - "
109
53.50
Br
121
48.00
Okelockonne river


[010]

140
00.00
N87 dd 45 K.
st
187 06
W. 53ch 50 L. river swamp.
60.00
Swamp
sd
3o 54 W.
2 M.13ch.40d. Watson's Line
10.00
Leave Swamp
156
00.00


139
5.00
Branch

158

73.00
Road~~
69.00
Branch -
-
70.00

Leave Swamp -
138
55.00
[unclear]
65.00
Creek
75.00
Roall

153
57.00
-
Bn -
45.00
Road
-
152
35.00
Musketse Cr

137
20.50
Road
-
151
76.00
Sramp
50.00
Leave Seramp
70.00
Br
57.50
Br -
150
00.00
No 87 06' 00"W.
33.00
R.....
67.00
Br....
50.00
Lille Attapulgas
I
146
26.50
is
Road
37.50
Rp. Phr
79.00
Road
135
is
00.00
No 56 58. 07.W.
65.50
Leave Swamp

62.00
Br - - -
53.50
Large Branch
39.00
Road
52.00
Thamp
134
2.50
Leave Swamp
145
00.00
No 87 03' 22"W.
76.00
Br:
37.50
Road

67.50
Swamp

13.50
Etat
Road
45.00
Leave swamp


143
1.50
Road
133
30.00
Attapulgas Cr
27.00
Leave Swamp
132
72.50

Sramp

140
5.00
Willockochee Cr.


[011]

On approaching the Apalachicola, the swamp was so inundated
by a freshet in the Chattahoochie, that it was found impracticable
to measure the distance through it with a chain; and there remained
no other method of ascertaining this distance, than by opening vistas
through the swamp, and measuring it trigonometrically. But as this
would cause great delay, and be attended with considerable expense,
it was therefore determined to assume 38 chains as the distance
from the outer edge of the swamp to the junction; thereby making
the length of the whole line 157 miles, 11 chains & 50 links.
To find the angular error at E.
As 157. 14 - = 157 miles, & 11chs & 50 links) - - ar. c. 7. 803714
Radius . 10.00000
" 2.166 - (= 2 miles, 13 chains, f 40 links) 0.335648
Tangent Error 47' 23" 8.139372
The deviation of 2 miles, 13 chains, & 40 links from the intended point
must have proceeded from one of two causes: Either the Magnetic Vari-
ation could not have been correctly ascertained at the head of
the St. Mary's, or Messrs Ellicott and Minor failed in deter-
mining accurately the latitudes of the two points terminating the boundary.
The latter cause is too improbable to be further noticed: the error
must therefore have proceeded from the former. In admitting an error


[012]

to have arisen in ascertaining the Magnetic Variation, the Surveyor
believes it necessary to notice the causes which must have given rise
to it. The only instrument with which we were provided for making
observations, was an excellent Surveying Compass, made on the
Rittenhouse construction. With this instrument the Variation could
be ascertained only by observations of circumpolar stars. When
a series of good observations can he made, this method will
always be found sufficiently correct for all practical
purposes. In the present instance but two observations were
taken; yet their exact coincidence was deemed the best pos-
sible evidence of their correctness; and the Surveyors immedi-
ate separation from the regular encouragement owing to the deep
swamps through which the first part of the line was carried,
prevented their repetition as had been intended.
In addition to the coincidence of results in these observations,
another reason operated to induce a belief of their corrections.
From a series of observations made at Eatonton, Georgia,
the mean Variation at that place is 515' E. This
compared with observations made in different parts of
the United States, was deemed satisfactory evidence, that
in proceeding to the head of the St Mary's, we were ap-
proaching the line of no variation; and consequently the
variation must be decreasing. Hence, the conclusion


[013]

was rational, that the result of our observations 507'37".
must be near the truth.
Having no means, in addition to those already mentioned, to
verify our observations, it was determined to increase the afore
mentioned result 5 07' 37" by the singular error 47'23"; thereby
making the Variation 5 55'; and to proceed on the Return
line from the junction of the rivers, reversing the several
courses noted on the Guide Line.
On the tenth day of April, the Surveyor was instructed
to commence the Boundary at the same point which had
been previously designated by Messrs Watson and McNeil
as the junction of the Chattahochie and Flint rivers.
He accordingly proceeded to the discharge of this duty; and
having marked a Cypress and Willow immediately in the
junction, the former of which had been marked by Mr. Mc
Neil, and a Hickory on the left bank of Flint river
which had been marked by both Gen. Watson and Mr
McNeil as their point of departure, he commenced the
Return Line as follows.
1 00.00 Pine Post
50.00 Mound of earth & Pine Post.
S87 06'00" E
begin at the junction & run
7.50 Swamp
2 00.00 Pine Post
65.00 Road
1 50.00 Br


[014]

10
00.00

P. O. Post & Mound
76.50
Road
25.00
Leave Swamp
-
65.00
Leave Swamp
18.50
Creek
15.00
Willochochee
9
00.00

Ash Post
18
1800
55.00
Beech Post
Swamp

65.00
Musketoe Cr
17
00.00
Pine Post
11.50
Br
16
00.00
Pine Post
8
00.00.
White O Post
33.00
Br
28.50
Br . In
in
is
31.05
Br
is
00.00
S. Jack Port
3
S86 58 07 E.
33.50
Road..
as
15
00.00
P. P. H. Mound
6
00.00
Pine Post
73.01
in a - - -
34.00
Br....
6150
Swamp
22.50
Dr...
14
00.00
Pine Post
o
S87o 03' 22" E
65.00
Road
00.00
P P. & Mound of earth.
11.00
Or . .. 3
70.00
Leave Swamp
13
00.00
Pine Post
40.00
-
Br ... -.
63.00
Br
38.50


Swamp
48.00
Road
4
00.00
Pine Post
27.50
Road
25.00
Dr . .. 4
r
12
00.00
Pine Post
3.00
Pine Post
62.50
Br
20.00
Leave Swamp
11
00. 00
B J Post
2
is
10.00
Musketoe Cr.
-
1870 00'45" E


[015]

79.00
Creek
31

00. 00
Pine Post -
65.00
Swamp

16.50
Leave Swamp
22
00. 00
Pine Post

5.00
Br....
33.00
Road


27
00.00
Pine Post
23.00
Branch


66. s
Road
10.00
Branch

17.50
Br....
21
00.00
Water Oak Post
30.00
Cr
67.50
Branch
c
10.00
Leave Swamp
55.00
Small branch
26.
00.00
Chinquapen P.
18.50
Road
70.00
Swamp.
8.00
Road
-
12.50
Martin's Cr


24
00. 00
Pine Post-
1
S86 50 14 E.
45.00

Leave Swamp
30
00.00

Chinquapin P. & M.
27.50

Attapulgus Creek

65. 00
Swamp
11.00
Little Attapulgus
29
60.00
Pine Post
23
00. 00
Maple Post
15.00
Road
79.50
Branch

28
10.00
Pine Post
45.00
Swamp

20.00
Br....
S 86 55' 29" E
38. a
Sassafras P. Fallows

20
00.00
P. P.P Mound
30.00
Leave Swamp
55.00

Branch
5.00
Swamp Cr

7.50
Road
S 86o 52s 51 E.
19
60.00
I
Pine Post
25
00.00
Magnolia B Post


[016]

-
30.00

52
00. 00
Pine Post


7.50

Swamp


17.00
Road - - -
37

00.00
P. O. P....

51

00.00
Pine Post
s
-
10.00
Leave Swamp


S8639'43" E.
2.00
+
Br......

50
00. 00
P.P. & Mound
-

36.00
Post Oak Post-
49
00.00
Pine Post
-

78.00
Swamp

67.50
Brun

60.00

Coffees Road


48
00. 00
Pine Post-
35
5
80.00
S86 47 36 E.
P.O.P. and Mound

47
00.00
Pine Post
66.50
Or-


45
00. 00
Pine Post.
is
50.00
Leave Swamp.

64.00
Road
1900
Small Cr. & serv.
C
S 86 42 20 E
4.50
Okelockonne
45
00.00
Pine Post & Maund
34
00.00
Water O. P. margin lake

44
00. 00
Pine Post -

S3 09 46W 12.50

43
00. 00
Pine Post -

S 86 50 14 E18.50
42
00.00
Pine Post-
No 3 09 46 E 12

41.50
Road

61.50

Deep Lake

41
00. 00
Pine Post-

33.50
Swamp

59.50
Road
6.00
Swamp


S86 44 58 E.
33
00. 00
Pine Post

40
00.00
Pine Post & Mound.
76. 50
Horse Cr

39
00.00
P. Post

32
00. 00

Pine Post


38
00.00
Pine Post-


[017]


52.50
Swamp
65
00.00
Pine Post


25.00

Cypress pond
50.00
Swamp
-
74
00.00
Pine Post-
64
00.00
Pine Post-

73
00.00
Pine Post
21.00

+
72
00. 00
Pine Post.
15.00
Lake
-
25.00
~ " "
500
Swamp

is
20.00
Pond
63
00.00
Pine Post

500
Swanise
62
00.00
Pine Post-
71
00. 00
Post Oak Post -
30.00
Br....

S 8629'12" E

61
00.00
Pine Post


70
00.00
P.O.P. & Mound -
S 86 34 27 E
59.50
Road
60
00.00
Pine PostFellaund

1500
Leave Swamp
59
00.00
Pine Post
69
00.00
Water Oak Post
58
00.00
Pine Post
68
00.00
Pine Post.
18.50
Leave the Lake

52.50
Creek
57
00.00
Pine Post
15.00

-
67.50
Mickasuky [Miccosukee?] Lake
67
00.00
Pine Post-
56
00.00
Pine Post.

47.50
Leave Ocilla
1
S 86 37 05 E
66
00.00
Cypress post
55
00.00
Pine Post & Mound
55.00
" " "
54
00. 00
Pine Post

30.00
Swamp
53
00. 00
Pine Post

65
100
Br. Ocilla -
52
is
18.50
Br
S 86 31 49 E


[018]

83
00.00
Pine Post




57.64
Fine Post, No 92 -
75.50


No 86 18' 41"W.
48.57
Cypress pond

72.20

to the point A
82
00. 00
Pine Post


No 41 19 1/2
81
00.00
Pine Post

1 mile
64 ch. 50 links
3.20
Mound of earth


With
the Guide Line S 8641 19 E

S86 23 56 E.

39.19
Guide Line
80
00.00
Pine Post


73.14
N 3 41 19 E
79
00.00
Pine Post


90
00.00
S 86 18 49 E.
44.00


N 3 39' 41" E.
15.00

Cypress pond


61.00

River
00.00
Pine Post

89

00.00
Pine Post
46.50

21.70

Weeth-lock-o-chie
34.00
Cypress pond

88
00.00

Pine Post
16.50

87


00.00
Pine Post
8.50

Cypress pond


86

00.00
Pine Post
7
00.00
Pine Post



29.00
Dr....
23.50




S 86 21 19 E
5.00
Cypress pond



85
00.00
Pine Post & Mound
76
00.00
Pine Post


65.00
Small Cr

S 86 26 34 E

84.00
00.00
Pine Post
75
00.00
Pine Post




68.50

74
62.50
Leave Swamp



83
27.50
Cypress pond


[019]

72.33 Weethlockockie
47.50 Mound & Swamp
93 22.36 Pine Post No 93
From the point A, S86 18' 41" E
April 26. Mr Spalding, the Commissioner on the part of Georgia,
this day received instructions from His Excellency Governor Troup
to suspend the completion of the line until it shall be as-
certained whether the head of the St Mary's has been
correctly determined. In obedience to these instructions, our
operations were immediately suspended.
In running the Boundary, all trees standing within a convenient
distance marked fronting the line with a blaze and chop : those
immediately on the line were marked fore and aft with a blaze and
three chops, and the initials S.L. cut abord the blaze, G on
the north, and F on the south. At the end of every mile
a permanent post was placed showing the instance from
junation of Chattahochie and Flint rivers; and at the end of
every fifth mile, unless prevented by marshes, a Mound of earth
was erected, about eight feet in diameter, and three or four feet in
height.
Respectfully submitted
John McBride
Surveyor.
Eatonton, Ga. May 17th. 1827.


[020]

McBrides Report
of Line between
Florida & Georgia
Commenced in 1827