[001] 
 
Report on the Boundary line between the 
State of Georgia and the Territory of Florida. 
On the 20th. of May 1831 the quantity of water 
discharged by Alligator Creek, one of the head 
branches of the St Mary's river, was ascertained 
as follows. 
In a section of 20 feet length the 1st float descended in 23 sec 
2 18.25 
3 21.5 
4 21 
5 22 
6 18 
7 19.5 
8 18. 
9 19.5 
10 20 
The mean of the 10 experiments was therefore - 20.075 
The upper and lower ends of the section were next meas 
ured. 
Then 10.44 + 10.76 /2 = 
10.6 = mean area in sq. feet. 
May 26. 1831 - The quantity of water discharged 
by the North Branch, at its junction with the West 
Branch was ascertained. 
 
 
[002] 
 
25.94 + 18.32 = 22.13 = mean area. 
To find the mean viloeitz 
20 x 60 = 44.4 Vilocity of surface per minute 
27.025 
44.4-1 = 5.46 
5.64 2 = 32.0356 = Vilocity of bottom & sides 
32.0356 + 44.4 = 38.2178 = mean velocity 
Then 38. 2178 x 22.13 = 845. 75914 = Cabu feet 
discharged per minute by the North Branch of 
the St. Mary's River at its junction with 
Alligator Creek. 
To find the mean velocity. 
20 x 60 = 59. 7758 = Velocity of surface per minute 
20.075 
 59.7758-1 = 673 
6.73 = 45.2929 = velocity of bottom & sides. 
59.7758 + 45.2929 = 52.5343 = Meanwhile per min. 
Then 52. 5343 x 10. 6 = 556. 86358 = cubie feet discharged 
her minute by Allisator Creek, at its junction with 
the Nath Branch of the St Mary's River. 
On the same day the quantity of water dis 
charged by the North Branch, at its junction with 
Allegator Creek was acerta 
In a section of 20 feet the 1st float 
descended in 
- 26.5 see 
2 " 
25.75 
3 " 
30. 
4 " 
26. 5. 
27.5 
6 " 
27.25 
7 " 
25.5 
8 " 
23.75 
9 " 
30.25 
10 - 
The mean of the 10 experiments was, the 
- 
therefore, 
~ 
27.25 
270.25 
27. 025 
 
 
upper section 
Width feet 
depth feet 
Area 89. fat 
2s 
2. 14 
2. 14 
3.05 
5  19  
3 11  
626 
2.56 
57 
10 
2.01 
4. 57 
12 
O  
2. 01 
25.94 
Lower section 
is 
1.56 
- 1.56 
2-19 
3.75 
1.85 
2.02 
2.10 
2. 35. 
13 
is 
4.52 
2. 
7 
3.27 
10 
I. S. 
1.10 
12 
18.32 
 
 
[003] 
 
To find the mean Velocity 
20x60 = 86.7993 = Vel of surf. per minute. 
13. 825 
 86. 71993-1 = 9.32-1=832 
832] = 69.2224 = Vel. of bottom & sides per men 
86. 71993 + 69.1224 = 78.0108 = Meanwhile Vel. per Min. 
Then 78.0108 x 20.31 = 1584.3993 48 Cubic feet 
dischanged, per minute by the West Branch at 
its junction with the North. 
On the 29th. of May 1831 observations were made 
to ascertain the quantity of water discharged 
by the South Branch, at its junction with the 
North. 
15.62 
Area Upper Section 
13. 98. 
Middle 
13. 38 
" Lower " 
3) 42. 98 
14. 32 
mean area in square feet 
14 Hoab 
Section 
14 
20. Feet. 
2d. Exp 
is 
15.75 
3 Exp 
14 
3  
-15  25 
15. 
is 
475 
16.25 
4 " 
25 
145 
1425 
5 " 
15  25 
-16- 
4 " 
15 75 
14 75 
16. 
15.25 
in 
145 
16. 
14.75 
13  5  
8 " 
16 
16. 
15.25 
9  
13.75 
16. 
14 
10 
14.25 
16. 
75 
15.25 
150. 25 
153.50 
150 
15 025 
1535 
15. 
15.35 
I 
15 025 
I 
3/45.375 
Mean de 
recently the 
thity trial 
15.125 
Mido 
Width feet 
le section 
Deptt feet 
I 
Area 59. feet 
0.44 
44 
0.83 
0.91 
1. 74 
-0-81 
1.72 
10 
0,84 
1.65 
12 
0.77 
1. 61 
o. 
1. 54 
0.64 
1. 41 
0. 56. 
1.20 
98 
20 " 
0. 42 
42 
13.98 
Lower Secty 
or 
0.78. 
78 
0.82 
1. 60 
0. 8. 
1. 62 
0.83. 
1.63 
is 
10 
0.76 
1. 41 
071 
1.49 
14 
0.73 
1.44 
16 
0.45 
1.18 
18 
0.49 
0.3 
79 
22 
13.38 
 
 
[004] 
 
10 find the mean velocity 
20 x 60 = 74.4417 = Velocity of surface per minute 
16.12 
d74.4417-1 = 8631 = 7.43 
7.63] = 58.2169 = Velocity of bottom & sides 
58.2169 + 74.4417 = 66.3293 = Meanwhile Val. per min. 
Then 66. 3293 x 14.32 = 949.835576 cubii fut 
discharged per minute by the North Branch 
at its junction with the West Branch. 
On the same day the quantity of water dis 
charged by the West Branch was ascertained, at 
its junction with the North. 
Section 20 Feet 
14.15 
13.7 
14.15 
3/41.475 
13.825 
Mean descent by thirty trials 
1st Eppen 
2d Exp. 
r.d 
1st Moat 
14 
12. 
in 
2 
14 
13. 
I 
3 
135 
12.5 
13.5. 
13.75 
4 
16. 
13.75 
-14-75 
5 
-14 
-1325 
to 
14 
(i 
4  7 
5 
3.75 
" 
1135 
13. 
8 
18 
1325 
- 14  
13.25 
9 
+ 
14. 
14 
13  75 
-1375 
10 - 
1415 
137. 
136.25 
13  7  
13.625 
upper section 
Width feet 
Deptt feet 
Area Sqr feet 
3.75 
1. 39 
2. 61 
225 
0.99 
2. 68 
8 
0.95 
1.94 
10. 
1 
1.95 
12 
1.07 
2.05 
14 
1.15 
2.22 
16 
1.06 
2. 21 
18 
0.94 
20 
I. 71 
22 
0. 4 
1.19 
65 
24 
17 
0.23 
o 
34 
21.57 
Middle Sectio 
the 
2 
0. 82 
.82 
1.55 
2.37 
4 
1 
1. 24 
r. 7q 
8 
0.93 
2. 17. 
10 
0.97 
- 
12 
1 
1 
go 
1.97 
14 
1 
16 
0.85 
1. 85 
18 
0.75 
1. 60 
20 
0  7 
1.45 
0.63 
1. 33 
22 
24 
0.64 
1.07 
26.5 
o 
 55 
21.87 
Lower section 
- 
2 
0. 0 
is 
4 
3 
1. 26 
0  6 
6 
1. 34 
1. 86 
O 
8 
1. 13 
2  6 
10 
0  8 
2. 47 
12 
0. 76 
1.93 
1s 
I 
14 
6  7  
4 
16 
07 
1.55 
1.51 
18 
053 
1.25 
so 
no 
0.43 
039 
96 
.82 
24 
39 
o 
17.50 
r 
21 
ppon 
tion 
5  
/ 
ses 
2  
Middle " 
1. 87 
+ 
1 
Lower " 
to 
7. 50 
0.94 
an 
to 
Area 
0.31.3 qr. feet 
 
 
[005] 
 
To find the Meanwhile 
20 x 60 
10.375 = 115.6626 = Velocity of the surface per m. 
d115.6626-1 = 10.75-1=9.75 
9.75] = 95.0625 = Velocity of bottom & side, 
115.6626 + 95.0625 = 105.3625 Meanwhile 
Then 105. 3625 x 37.56 = 3957. 415 Cabie feet dis- 
charged, per minute by the North Branch at its 
junction with the youth. 
On the 31st of May the South Branch was examt 
med. from its mouth 7 miles up, by the course of 
the stream, and 5 miles in a direct line, to a 
point where it was found to branch into two 
stream, one of which it was said, came from 
Lake Spalding; and the other, called Turkey 
Creek, coming from Springs, ran from the 
South, northwardly, about 6 miles before its 
penction with the South Branch. Both there 
streams were examined; at their junction, 
in reference to the quantity of water dis 
charged. The results were as follows. 
 
upper section 
width feet 
Depth feet 
 
area square feet 
2 
0. 6 
4 
1.06 
i.73 
6 
1. 4. 
2.47 
8 
1. 83 
3.24 
& 
10 
1.94 
3. 7 
12 
1.75 
3.69 
14 
1. 74 
3.49 
16 
1. 12 
2.80 
0.88 
17 
0.65 
.49 
18.53 
 
 
23.29 
Middle Section 
2 
0.46 
0.84 
0.46 
4 
1.16 
2.50 
6 
1 34 
2.82 
8 
1.48 
63 
311 
10 
 
 
3. 38 
12 
1.7 
3.17 
14 
1. 42 
2.03 
16 
0. 61 
.61 
18 
0 
20.08 
Lower Section 
2 
0. 54 
0.54 
0.81 
135 
 
 
0.97 
1 78  
 
1.11 
2. 08. 
38 
 
1  2  
2. 3 
 
1. 34 
1. 26 
2-61 
2. 60 
 
1.18 
2.44 
16 
1.91 
 
073 
73 
20 
 
18.47 
 
Upper section 
 
23.29 
 
Middle section 
 
20.08 
 
Lower section 
 
18.49 
Mean area 
20.59 sq feet 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[006] 
 
To find the mean Velocity 
20 x 60 = 79.3388 Velocity of the surface per min. 
15  125 
179338 = 1 = 8.907-1 = 7.90m 
7.907 = 62. 520649 = Velocity of bot. & side. 
79.3388 + 62.520te49 = 70.9297 = Meanwhile vel per m. 
Then to find the quantity of water discharged 
70.9297 x 20.59 = 1450.442523 Cabie feet &c. 
charged per minute by the South Branch at 
its junction with the North. 
On the same day the discharge of the 
North Branch was ascertained, at its junction 
with the south. 
Section 20 Feet 
1st Expe- 
2 Exp 
3d Expus 
1st Hoat 
10 
2 
10.5 
- 
10.25 
3os 
105 
10.75 
9  75 
4 " 
9.75 
10.7 
11. 
5 " 
10.25 
11  25 
925 
6 3 
11.75 
11.25 
10.5 
in 
9  5  
9.75 
10. 
5 
105 
10.75 
10.25 
9 
10 
10. 
25 
9  75 
1025 
10" 
2 
9.75 
10  5  
103. 
106.75 
101.50 
103 
10.675 
10.15 
10.675 
10. 3. 
3) 31. 125 
mean decent. 
thro 20 Feet be 
theity trial 
G-10-375 
upper section 
Width fat 
Leipth feet 
Ana 5q. fat 
4 
0. 61 
1.22 
8 
0.71 
2. 64 
12 
0.92 
3.26 
16 
1.03 
3.90 
20 
1.04 
4.14 
24 
I. I 
428 
28 
0.9 
32 
1.03 
4f 3 86 
36 
1.45 
4.96 
38 
1.51 
2.96 
39 
1.25 
40. 5 
55 
37.22 
Middle Section 
4 
0.48 
9 6 
0. 6s 
2.30 
8 
0.87 
3.08 
12 
16 
1. 05 
3. 84 
10 
1. 05 
4 20 
24 
1.05 
420 
28 
1.03 
4.16 
32 
0.97 
4. 
36 
1. 65 
5 24 
37 
1.87 
1.76 
1.08 
1.47 
39.7 
o 
.92 
36.13. 
Lower Section 
4 
0.46 
92 
8 
0. 4u 
2-26 
12 
0. 84 
3.02 
16 
0.9 
3.52 
20 
o 88 
3.60 
24 
0.93 
3. 62 
28 
0.75 
3. 76 
32 
1.03 
3. 96 
36 
16 
1. 
- 5  58 
37 
1. 28. 
7 
2.02 
2. 5 
2. 42 
3 8 
39 
1. 72 
2. 64 
40 
1. 3 
2. 01 
39. 33 
 
Area upper section 
 
37.22 
 
Middle 
 
36.13 
 
Lower 
 
39.33 
 
112.48 
 
Mean area 
37.56 Sq feet 
 
 
[007] 
 
 
 
[008] 
 
 
 
[009] 
 
 
 
[010] 
 
To determine the principal stream, the pre 
ceding facts must be taken, in connexion 
with the sire of the swamps, the extent of low 
grounds, the waste channels, in the swamps 
worn by high flood, going to show down 
which stream the largest quantity of water 
flows, taking the seasons for the year 
round, one with another - the extent of 
country drained - the appearance of 
deposit at the junction of the streams 
All these things are decidedly against 
the South Branch. It has, under this 
view of the subject no pretensions to be 
considered the principal branch. 
The North & West Branches, at their 
junction, approaching nearer to equality, 
the decision is not so easy. From the Man- 
ner in which the West Branch enters into 
the North, first appearance, are in favor 
of the North; but an attentive examina- 
tion of the two streams, in reference to 
most of the points above stated, will un- 
avoidably lead to a decision in favor of 
the West. 
The season was singularly favorable 
for our Hydraulic examinations. About four 
weeks previous to their commencement, there 
had been a general rain, as we were told, 
affecting all the streams in that region in 
the like proportion. Our operations were com- 
menced on the 20 May, and up to the time 
of their completion there was no rain to pro- 
duce any effect on the streams that were to be examined 
 
 
[011] 
 
May 30th. 1831. At the mouth of the South Branch 
the following observations were made to as- 
certain the time per watch, for the purpose of that 
Ring observations on the North Star, and thus ob 
-taining the Variation by inspection. 
 
 
[012] 
 
 
 
[013] 
 
 
 
[014] 
 
Mr. Thomas the surveyor was next direct- 
ed to observe the bearing of the North Star, 
by his compass, when on the Meridian, 
and at its Eastern obligation, for the pur- 
pose of ascertaining the variation. The 
result was 
June 6. 1831. The time having been carefully 
ascertained, as above, Mr Thomas was direct- 
&ed to repeat his observations at Lake 
Randolph 
June 8. 1831 The Calculations which follow 
were made for the purpose of ascertaining the 
course from Lake Randalph to the junction 
of the Flint & Chattahochie Rivers. 
By the survey of the West Branch of the Saint 
Marys, made by Mr Thomas, the point fixed on 
as it's head is South of Ellicotts Mound A. 10 
Miles which at 69.09 Miles to a deg o 8' 41" 
The Latitude of Mound A. by Elliott = 30. 21. 39 
Latitude of the true head of St. Marys = 30.12. 58 
Co. Latitude of do 59.47.2 
The same point is West of Mound A = 15.75 miles 
New Rad: 69.09: cor 30 12' 58" : 59.7 miles = the 
length of a degree in that parallel 
And 59.7:60: 15.75 : 15.50 
Longetude of Mound A. by Ellicott. 82.15.45 
Add 15.50 
Longitude of head of St Marys. 82.31.35 
The Latitude of the junction of the Flint 
and Chattehoochie Rivers by Elliott 30. 42. 42 
The Co Latitude of do is therefore 59. 17. 18 
The Longitude, by the same Authority 
84. 53. 15. 
Hence the difference of Longitude between 
the beginning and end of the line is equal 
to 2. 21.40" which is the angle at P 
in the following diagram. 
 
 
[015] 
 
June 23. 1831 The following instructions 
were left to find the Course of the true line from 
the result of the tandom line. 
Suppose the Random line to be 150 miles 
And that it goes too far North by 2" to a 
Convert the Random line into degrees at 69.09 miles 
to a degree. 
Reasure the distance due forth from the 
termination of the Random line to the junction 
of the Flint & Chattahoochie River, and convert 
it into degrees. 
Then in the following figure, in the 
triangle L Fa, we have. 
La = the length of the Random line, 
a F. = the error of the Random line, & 
a = the bearing of the end of the R.L. 
to find the other angles & the side. 
L. F. = 2 5' 40" = 144. 69 miles = the distance 
from the head of St Marys to the mouth of 
Flint River. 
The course of the line at its commence- 
ment is therefore 
= 75.43. 4 
The L at F. is shewn to be 
= 103.05.4 
The supplemental to which is = 76.54.56 
Which is the bearing of the line at its termination 
Then 76. 54. 56" - 75.43.4 = 1.11.52 Which 
is the correction of the compass on account of 
its deviation from the arc of a great 
circle - that is 29" for every mile to be 
added to the Magnetic bearing from the North 
= 5' for every 10" 27" 58. 
depending on. Ellecotts observations 
for the position of the junction of the Flint & 
Chattahoochee, and not knowing what 
the variation of the compass is: at the 
end of the line, there will, of necessity, 
be an error in the first line, which must 
be corrected according to the subjoined 
instructions. 
 
 
[016] 
 
The calculation which follow were made 
to verify the preceding. 
Ellicotts course from the Mouth of Fl River S. 87.17.22" E 
His correction of the Compass 
- 1.19.32 
Bearing of the termination of E's Line.. S 85, 57, 50 E. 
The new line commences with N. 75.43.4 W. 
And ends with 
N. 76. 54. 56W 
Correction of the Compass + 1.11.52 
The length of the new line by calculation 2. 5. 40 
Which is equal to 
Miles 144.69 
The head of the St. Marys is west of Ellicotts 
around A. by Mr. Thomas Survey 
15.75. Miles 
Let F. represent the mouth of Flint River, 
in the head of St Marys, 
LE. A meredian passing over it, 
F. B. Ellicotts line. 
L P. a perpendicular thereto, and 
L F the new line. 
Then in the LEF we have 
LF = 87.17.22 = 76.54.56 = 10.22.26 
L Fd E = 75.43.4 
I LE F = 180. 00. 00 - 85. 57. 50.. = 94. 2. 10 
L F = 2. 5. 40 
 
 
[017] 
 
 
 
[018] 
 
of the random line goes south as to b, says 
2 miles: proceed as before with the error, 
and the length of the Randow line. 
There in the  76 we have 
side Lb = 2. 10. 16 = length of the R. Line 
Side Fb = 0.1.44 = error of do 
< 6 = 180 - 76 54' 56" = 103. 05. 04 
Using these numbers proceed precisely as 
before, until the 68 L. & 6 L F are found: 
the former of which is the true Course SE of 
the line 
find also the side & F as before 
LLP is the course of the commencement of 
the Random line = 75.43.04 
Then from L b L P = 75.43.04 
Take in C.L. F. = 
The rent 
is the L F&P, the course of the true line 
at its termination. 
From the two course the correction 
of the compass is to be found as before 
directed. 
Let Mr. Thomas verify the work 
by his method of finding the course 
of the true line from the Randow line. 
 
 
[019] 
 
In conformity with the preceding instructions, Mr. 
Cooper made the calculations, for the correction 
of the course, & furnished a copy of them for 
the purpose of being inserted in this report. 
Mr Cooper's Calculations 
On arriving at the West end of the Random 
like by Mr. Thomas' survey, the length of it, ter- 
minating at a point from whence an offset, 
at right angles to it, struck the junction of the 
Flint & Chattahoochee Rivers, was 148 miles 
57 chains, & 50 links; and the length of the off set 
was, 2 m. 28 ch. 50 lks. 
 
 
[020] 
 
 
 
[021] 
 
For the purpose of arriving at the utmost 
possible degree of accuracy, Mr. Thomas 
was requested to apply his formula. 
"Calculations to find true line by Mr. Thomas 
Rule. 
The True Line being run out accord- 
ing to the proceeding calculations 
terminated at a point within 35 links 
(about 20 feet) of the point on Lake. 
Randolph at which the Random Line 
was commenced. The work was completed 
on the 16th. of August. 
Results Hydraulic 
Water discharged by Alligator (Creek) - 556.86358 cub feet 
North Branch 845.759914 
West Branch 1584.399348 
North Branch 949.835576 
West Branch when full 38509.251312 
North do do do 32323.594476 
South Branch 1450.442523 
North Branch 3957.415 
South Branch when full 30531.619523 
North Branch do 80345.3525 
Turkey Creek 135.480739 
South Bawle 113.32056 
Results Astronomical. 
Latitude of Com. of line at Lake Randolph 30.12.58 N. 
Longitude of do  
82.31.35 W. 
Magretic Variation 4. 27. 24 E. 
Course of Commencement of line N 75. 43. 4 W 
N. 76. 54. 56 W. 
Course of end of do 
Correction of Compass for which & line. + 1. 11.52 
length of the Line by Calculation... 144.69 miles 
results Grographical, furnished by 
Mr Thomas Surveys. 
length of North Branch of St. Marys from 
head to junction with Erist 19 1/2 miles 
Length of do from do to junction with South.. 31 
length of West Branch to junction with North, & 
from head of Lake Randolph. 33 1/8 
length of West Branch from head of Lake 
Randolph to junction of South 
44 7/8 
with North 
All of which is respectfully submitted 
by 
Jas Camak 
Milledgville 
Artist. 
August 10. 1831