[001] 
 
Lake Randolph 16 August 1831 
Sir, 
The running out and making of the Boundary Line 
between Georgia and Florida has this day been finished: and 
the objects for which the commission was appointed having been 
executed, the party has been broken up. 
Mr Thomas takes charge of such articles of the outfit as have not 
been otherwise disposed of, and will deliver them at Milledgville, 
as no sale can be made of them on the sea board, at this season of 
the year, without a sacrifice. 
The personal communications of Majr Crawford, Mr Camak and 
Mr Thomas rendering any notices, by me, of the proceedings of the 
expedition unnecessary, I deem it proper at this time only to call 
the attention of your Excellency to the extraordinary fatigue, experience 
and risk which Mr Thomas has encountered in running the line: 
and to convey my personal testimony of the unwearied zeal, diligence, 
Skill and accuracy with which he has executed the work entrusted to him 
The weather has, since the commencement of the line been most 
unfavourable; - first from excesive rain and then from intense heat - 
the country of the west character for such operations, being much 
covered with pends, swamps and bogs: 
and the season a very 
sickly one, as has been proved by its effects on the party, every individual 
 
 
[002] 
 
of which, with the exception of myself, has in some way or other been 
indisposed - many of them seriously ill. 
It was originally our intention to have surveyed the South Branch 
of the S Mary's River, on the return of the Party to this point; but 
as it is not absolutely required by the objects of the expedition, and as 
the season is now unhappy and the men worn down with fatigued 
and sickness, it has been deemed necessary to omit it. 
A report of our proceedings, with plans of the surveys and 
notes of the scientific observations will be prepared and submitted 
to your Excellency at as early a period as possible 
With high respect, 
I have the honor to be 
Your Excellency's obdt serv 
J Hamilton Couper 
His Excellency George R Gilmer 
 
 
[003] 
 
His Excellency George R Gilmer 
Milledgeville 
Mr Thomas 
 
 
[004] 
 
J. Hamilton Couper 
16th August 1837. 
Completion of line