Trutch to Carnarvon

Being informed that it is the intention of Government to
obtain a correct survey of the Colony of British Columbia with a
view to the allotment of lands to settlers and purchasers, I
venture to offer my services in carrying out such a survey. I
have been for 7 years employed by the U. States Government on a
similar survey of the adjoining Territories of Washington and
Oregon, the result of which experience is the belief that the system
there practised of rectangular surveys by the Solar Compass or
some modification of such system is peculiarly adapted for the New
Colony, the requirements of which are materially the same as of
Washington & Oregon; the nature of the country, climate &c being similar.

By this system under which the public surveys have been
executed on Contract by sworn surveyors at a rate not exceeding
three pence per acre, an allotment of the public lands has been
obtained, with most desirable despatch, mostly in advance of the
settlement and so correct as to prevent any litigation as to
boundaries—full particulars as to nature of soil, quality of
timber and general values of lands being also furnished. In the
execution of these surveys the Solar Compass was found indispensable,
the local attraction being so great as to render the Magnetic
Needle quite unreliable; in fact without the Solar Compass these
surveys would have been practically impossible. Many other advantages
belong to this system of Land Surveys, which however cannot be
explained in this application.

As to my capability for carrying out such a survey I refer your
Lordship to my Map of Oregon & Washington executed by me whilst in
the U. States Land Office, also to testimonials from the gentlemen
under whom I was employed in those Territories, and from the late
Chief Commissioner of the U.S. Land Department herewith
included.