To James Madison from Josiah Meigs, 20 September 1815
From Josiah Meigs
General Land-Office September 20. 1815.
Sir,
By the Act of May 20, 1812, the Surveyor General, under the direction of the President of the United States, is authorised & required to designate &c the Western & Northern Boundaries of the State of Ohio.1
As this act contemplates the decision of the ultimate boundaries, on two sides, of an independent State, it is desirable that it should be done in such a solemn and scientific manner as to preclude all doubt and dispute as to its accuracy.
Permit me to suggest that the employment of Andrew Ellicott in this business would be useful.
The Act allows a compensation which is not adequate to the service required. It is probable that Congress will, on a reconsideration of the Act, make such provision in this case, as its importance demands. I have the honour to be very respectfully Yours
Josiah Meigs.
RC (DLC); two letterbook copies (DNA: RG 49, Division C, Misc. Letters Sent); letter-book copy (DNA: RG 49, Division E, Letters Sent to Surveyors General). RC dated 20 Sept. 1814 in the Index to the James Madison Papers.
1. , 2:741.