Letter, Eatonton, Governor George M. Troup / John McBride regarding his report on St. Mary's

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Eatonton, May 30, 1827.
Sir
It had been intended to include in the Report which
is herewith presented, some remarks respecting the head
of the St. Mary's river; but the execution of this intention
was prevented by Governor Randolph's calling on me for a copy
of the Report before it was completed.
By the Chart accompanying the Report, it will be seen,
that agreeably to Mr Ellicott's plan, the principal branch of that
part of the river which passes the Mound B, runs N. W.
Though there is probably more than four times as much water at
B as at F, yet I could learn nothing of a larger branch than
this north of it: but admitting Mr Ellicott's representation
to be correct, the true head of the North Branch will
be near the point H, which is more than two miles south of
the Mound B. Alligator creek does not afford so much
water as the branch with which it unites. When the water
at the Pine Log was seven feet deep, Alligator Creek could
be forded near its mouth.
From the certificates of Mr. Whitton and Capt. Cone
which I presume were handed you by Mr Spalding, it appears,


[002]

that the West Branch of the St Mary's affords more water
at all seasons of the year than the North Branch. The former
of these gentlemen, and perhaps the latter also, expressed an
entire willingness to make oath to the correetness of their state-
ments; and if their statements be correct, then the head of
the West Branch is also the head of the St Mary's river.
This branch and the lake which is said to give rise to it, are
represented on the Chart.
I am, Sir, with respect
Your Excellency's obedient Servant,
John McBride
Governor Troup


[003]

John McBride
May 31, 102
Boundary