Letter, Tallahassee, Governor Hershel V. Johnson / James E. Broome regarding concerns about running the line in summer

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Execution Chamber
Fallahassn Fld. May 14, 1854
To his Exch.
Huschel & Johnson
Gent of Grazia
Sir
Since my note
of the 25th Utto advising that I would appoint
a Commissance and Surveyor under the Intubelentary
Order of the Supreme Court of the United States.
made in the suits now sending between this state
and the state of Georgia. I have Confered with
a Gentleman of much intelligence, and of great
practical experienced in surveying, and one who
is intimately acquainted with the Country from
Ellicotts Mound to the Aplachacola river. He
informs me that the Character of the Country is
such east of the Suwannee River, that it is
Very doubtful whither any party of surveyors can
hold out to run the line during the summer months.
and that he would consider such an enterprise exceed-
ingly hazzardous if undertaken prior to the 15th of
October. He further states that the Journal


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variations of the needle during the hot months of
Summer would be such as to forbid the hope of any
thing like accuracy.
Under such Circumstances I have determined to
Correspond further with you before making the app
-ointments.
The expense of surveying the Bounday line from the
junction of the Flint and Chatahoochee, will not
be lost than 2000 to 2500 dollars to each Commission
and should the court determine that the line from
the Junction to Ellicotts Mound is not the proper
line, Or that Ellicotts Mound is not the proper eastern
terminus, this expenditure will have been made
without serving any purpose whatever. Nor will the
case be greatly improved if the Court decides that the
Mound is the proper Eastern terminus, and the line run
the correct way. The working of the line must of
course be slight and of a temporary character, and
when the dren is made, will have to be marked over
at an additional expence. Under the Circumstances
I suggest for the Consideration of your excellency
whether it will not be better to make a partial
Compliance with the interlocatory Order by appointing
Commissioners and Surveyors to act as required by the
second and third sections of the Order. leaving
out entirely the survey of lines from the Junction
of the Flint & Chatchoochee to Ellicotts Mound
or to any other points which the Commission may
Conclude was the true head of the St Mary's river
at the date of the Treaty.
Should the Count decide that Ellicotts Mound is the
Proper terminus on the St Marys. One survey will
be sufficient and one marking. Should the decision
be otherwise, opening the scope of Country from
Lake Randolph to the head waters of Long Creek
in which to find the true head of the St Mary's it
will be far less expensive to ascertand the location
of the head of the River. and having a demand
that points, to run a single line from the Junction
to it.
Nor is this matter of expense the only consideration
If we run no lines, We can accomplish the
work. make the reports and be ready for the
trial on the day appointed. If we undertake
to run the line or lines we shall probably fail
to get a hearing at the next season of the Court
I shall feel greatly obliged to your Excellency for
an early reply.
With high Consideration & respect
I am Yr Excy's obt Servant
James E. Broome