COAST SURVEY
During the summer Professor A.D. Bache, the distinguished scientist,
chief of the United States Coast Survey, found himself obliged to obtain
a new "assistant in charge of the Coast Survey Office," the second
position on the survey, in place of Captain A.A. Humphreys, of the
topographical engineers, who under the labors of that office had become
broken down in health and was obliged to relinquish it. It was no light
tribute to the rising reputation of Major Stevens that so wise and
sagacious a man as Professor Bache, and so excellent a judge of men,
should have selected him out of the whole army as his right-hand
assistant and executive officer. He tendered the position, August 7, in
a letter well calculated to appeal to a patriotic and ambitious young
man, dwelling upon the important character of the duties of the office,
and the opportunities it afforded "to build up a name for executive
ability," and "to reflect credit upon the corps," etc., and stating that
the chief engineer (General Totten was an intimate friend of Professor
Bache) would look favorably upon his acceptance.
At first Major Stevens was disposed to decline the post; but after
several interviews with Professor Bache in Cambridge and Boston, he
reluctantly decided to accept it, but upon condition that he should
retain charge of the Bucksport works in addition to the new position for
a year longer, with the right then to retain either the Coast Survey or
Fort Knox, as he might prefer, and relinquish the other. This unique
condition, by which an officer about to undertake new and arduous duties
stipulated to retain also his former ones, thus voluntarily adding to
his labors instead of diminishing them, was at once accepted by
Professor Bache and agreed to by the engineer department, a convincing
proof of the esteem in which he was held by both.
The concluding part of the following letter to his brother Oliver shows
that it was the wider field for his energies and ambition, the better
opportunities for service and for putting in force his ideas of
reorganizing the army, of performing his "duty to his profession," that
really caused him to accept the onerous position:--
MY DEAR BROTHER,--I am ready at once to give you a decided opinion
as to the course you should pursue, and I know it will be in
accordance with your own judgment.
Remain in Cambridge a year and a half longer. Then go to Boston.
Throw yourself into the arena of the strongest men in the State.
Contend with strong men, the stronger the better, and rise above
them all.
I have watched your progress with the anxiety and tender solicitude
which an older brother must feel in a younger and only brother. This
is one of the turning-points of your life.
I have not the slightest doubt, in one year from being admitted to
the bar, you will be able to marry and have a home of your own.
Don't trouble yourself about the cost. If things go right with me
here, I have no doubt I shall be able to let you have, from July,
'50, to July, '51, all you will require.
I write with the earnestness of deep conviction. I am proud of your
talents, but you have a weight of character which gives to talent
its force. Let me hear from you soon. I beg of you not to give way
to despondency, and the least as to the bold course I have
indicated.
You and I both do best by taking bold, self-relying courses. I never
once failed in my life from the boldness of my course. You will not.
I feel I have come to Washington at the right time. The Coast Survey
_needs me_ to overhaul it. I feel that the army has a representative
in me which it has not had in Washington in years. I know my
position,--my strength,--and I swear by the Eternal, to use
Jackson's expression, I will put it forth.
In the following he gives his views on Coast Survey and other matters.
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 22, 1849.
MY DEAR BROTHER,--To-day I enter upon my duties. I see no particular
difficulty. There is no need of being a mere office drudge. All the
work can be done without any one's breaking down. The Coast Survey
is a large operation, and the charge of the office here can be made
an agreeable duty. The responsibility will be considerable. But all
details can be thrown upon subordinates. The fact is, the work in
the world has got to be done. But it can be done by proper
distribution and arrangement in an easy, quiet manner. This will be
my study in my new duties.
We shall have a great session of Congress the coming winter. The
whole subject of our communications with the Pacific will be
discussed, railroad and ship canal across the Isthmus,--railroad
through our own border. I have no doubt Congress will direct the
necessary explorations and surveys to determine the practicability
of the various schemes.
I am now boarding at a private house. But in a few days I shall
occupy rooms, and take my meals at one of the public houses. This is
the favorite mode with gentlemen that can afford it. A good parlor
with sleeping-room adjoining, in a good situation, will cost me
twenty-five dollars per month, the rooms being furnished, and
provided with fuel, light, and attendance. And board simply, at the
best public houses, will cost about twenty dollars more. This mode
of living is free and easy. You go into retiracy when you choose,
and can again at any moment mingle with the crowd.
I am becoming acquainted with our Maine and Massachusetts
congressmen. Duncan, of Haverhill, I find quite an agreeable
gentleman. Hamlin, one of the Maine senators, seems to be quite a
clever fellow. Maine, however, has a mediocre representation in both
branches. I was present last evening at a reception at the White
House. The President looks hardy, and as though he would survive the
attacks that are being made upon him. His nonchalance is by many
mistaken for vacuity. The old man has an iron will and most
inflexible resolution, and I assure my Democratic friends, who say
that he is in the keeping of others, that before his four years are
through they will be convinced of it. Take my opinion for what it is
worth, brother Oliver.
The Democrats, as regards General Taylor, are pursuing the very
course to reëlect him. What did the Whigs gain by representing
General Jackson to be in leading-strings? Can't we learn from our
enemies?
The Coast Survey Office was indeed "a large operation." All the maps,
charts, computations, drawings, printing, engravings, instrument-making,
and business administration of the survey were done here under the
management and supervision of the assistant in charge. The force
immediately under him comprised from sixty to seventy persons, including
several army officers. The office occupied a large brick block of houses
on New Jersey Avenue, corner of B Street, the house at the northeast end
being the residence of the professor. The Coast Survey now occupies the
other end of the same square.
The first step taken by the new chief was to organize the force into
separate bureaus, each under a responsible head, and performing a
particular branch of the work. This had not yet been done, although the
difficulty, or impossibility, of the head of the office personally
directing and supervising so many employees singly, and the details of
such multifarious and complicated work, was daily becoming more evident,
and doubtless was the prime cause of Captain Humphreys's breakdown.
"On entering on my duties," he remarks in his first report, "I saw
at once that my only hope of filling the situation, with
satisfaction to the survey and to myself, was in at once applying my
exertions to enlarging and adapting the organization of the office
to the increasing wants of the survey. The office work would
necessarily increase for two or three years without any increase of
field work. But it was manifest that the field work of the survey
itself must increase, and thus involve a still greater increase of
office work."
Accordingly he established the Departments of Engraving, Drawing,
Computing, Publication and Distribution of Maps, Archives and Library,
and Correspondence. To these were soon added Electro-plating, Printing,
and Instrument-making. The best-fitted men were selected from the force,
or new assistants were employed and put in charge of the departments.
The arrears of work were rapidly brought up; the geographical data were
collected and indexed; the registry of land work was improved; volumes
of observations were bound; and the register, two years behind, was
brought up to date. In his first report, the new assistant in charge
announced that the Drawing Department would be up to the wants of the
survey in one year, and made many useful recommendations for the
improvement of the service.
Professor Bache warmly acknowledged the efficiency of his young
assistant in his reports. December 5, 1851, he declares:--
"For the development of the plans of office work, the urging to
completion the list of geographical positions, and the increased
rapidity of publication, the Coast Survey is indebted mainly to the
zeal and industry, guided by knowledge and intelligence, of
Brevet-Major Isaac I. Stevens, of the corps of engineers, in
acknowledging which, in connection with the remarks on the speedy
completion of the results of the survey, I feel that I am doing
simply an act of justice.
"Every department of the office has, under his able supervision,
continued to improve, and has filled the full measure required by
the increasing number, amount, and variety of results returned by
the field work of the coast. It is due to Major Stevens to
acknowledge the promptness which is secured in the publication of
results, and the maturing of a system by which sketches and
preliminary work of charts are made in every case to precede the
more finished work, furnishing valuable results to the navigator as
soon as obtained by the survey.
"The rapid execution of the engraved charts of the Western coast
reconnoissance is a proof of the perfection of this organization,
and of the zeal of those who administer it. Three well-executed
sheets of reconnoissance were engraved and ready for publication
within twenty working days after the beginning of the engraving."
During Captain Humphreys's illness the work had fallen greatly in
arrears; many of the employees had become careless and idle, some of
them dissipated; and great disorder and confusion prevailed. It was
common report that the Coast Survey was the worst-conducted office in
Washington. Major Stevens set himself to correct this state of things
with a vigor, at times a severity, that admitted no delay and brooked no
opposition. Strict punctuality, prompt compliance with orders, and
complete and exact performance of duty, he required and exacted with
military discipline. There was great discontent and indignation among
the old officers and employees, and no little ridicule at the idea of
the young major enforcing army rule in a scientific institution. Even
the professor feared he was carrying it too far, and rather pettishly
remarked, "Since Major Stevens took hold, there has been a continual
jingling of bells all over the building, but I suppose it won't do to
interfere with these army officers." It seems that Major Stevens had
caused bells to be placed in the various offices with wires running to
his own room, so that he could summon his subordinates without delay
when he wished to see them.
But the new assistant pursued the course he had marked out unswervingly,
without fear and without favor. He summarily dismissed several of the
worst offenders. Others he degraded in pay or position. He made himself
master of every branch and detail of that great institution. The old
computers, engravers, draughtsmen, topographers, and others, who had
passed years in the office, were astonished to find that the new chief
fully understood their technical work, and was watching, criticising,
and directing it with expert skill and judgment. As usual, he took a
warm interest in the men under his charge, ever ready to encourage and
reward the deserving, and to assist them in their personal affairs. He
caused one of the messengers, who had lost both arms in an explosion, to
learn to write with his foot, and gave him copying to do to eke out his
scanty pay. One of the higher employees was addicted to periodical
attacks of intemperance utterly beyond his power to resist, but
otherwise was a respectable and useful man. Major Stevens quietly told
this gentleman to come to him whenever he felt one of these attacks
coming on too strong for him to withstand, and he should have a leave of
absence for a few days, enough to have, and recover from, his spree, and
on this footing he continued on the survey for years.
Under his firm, masterful, and exacting but generous treatment the
outraged feelings of the office soon changed. They could not but respect
a chief who, if he required good and full work, appreciated and
acknowledged it; and their respect changed to admiration, and finally to
affection, when they saw how he was building up the efficiency and
reputation of the office, and realized that his strict rule was
characterized by justice and impartiality, and tempered by the kindness
of a warm-hearted and generous man. Professor Bache found in his new
assistant not only relief from the cares of the office and of
administration, but one whose ideas in most subjects agreed with his
own, and whose strong, bright, and well-instructed mind could travel
with his own through other fields. A warm and generous friendship grew
up between them, which lasted unbroken during life.
The task he had undertaken at the Coast Survey made this a very
laborious winter for Major Stevens, but one that gratified his ambition
for public service. He met many of his brother officers, "the men of
Mexico," and discussed with them the questions of army reorganization,
fortifications, etc. He also made the acquaintance of members of
Congress, and freely impressed upon them his views of these measures.
General Shields was now a senator from Illinois, and was always ready to
adopt and advocate the ideas of the young major of engineers, and was
glad of his aid in preparing his reports and bills. Always and
emphatically a national man, believing that the preservation of the
Union was essential to liberty and national existence, Major Stevens
took great interest in the compromise measures so ably carried through
by Henry Clay, in support of which Webster delivered his noted 7th of
March speech, and fully approved the measures of these great statesmen
to allay sectional strife and preserve the Union.
The plans and hopes of the Southern leaders were cruelly disappointed by
the action of California, which adopted a free constitution, and knocked
at the doors of Congress for admission as a free State. Consequently
they refused her admission unless additional safeguards were thrown
around the "peculiar institution," as slavery was termed; and many of
the fire-eaters openly advocated disunion as the only means of
preserving it against the free ideas of the North, and the
preponderating increase of free States. For a time the difference seemed
irreconcilable, and disunion and civil war imminent; but at length, by
the wise counsels of Clay, Webster, and the more broad-minded men of
both sides, a compromise was effected, and California entered the Union
a free State.
The old Puritan in Andover, in his abhorrence of slavery, condemned all
compromise, and writes the son he so much loved and admired a pathetic
and reproachful letter, marked, too, by a sublime faith in the ultimate
triumph of right:--
DEAR SON,--I have been confined to the house since the 22d of last
November, but am now very well, excepting a weak leg. I have thought
much of my daughters during my sickness, especially of the two
youngest, who were ever ready to wait upon me by night or day.... I
was sorry you should so much commend D. Webster's speech, and
thought no man could commend it who was opposed to slavery. I do
think Webster to be a demagogue; that he is so lost to every good
principle as to court slaveholders' approbation, and vote shame on
the descendants of the men of '75.
I believe the great Being who rules the destinies of nations has
ordained that we remain united, that we extend the area of freedom,
not slavery, that other nations may copy our example,--too late in
the day for Liberty to take a backward march in our country, however
much she may swing to and fro in the old country.
ISAAC STEVENS.
His wife and family remained in Bucksport during the winter, not wishing
to break up the comfortable home until he decided to remain on the Coast
Survey permanently. Early in April he visited Bucksport, where, on the
28th of that month, a daughter was born to them, named Gertrude Maude.
This winter Major Stevens's wound broke out afresh, and discharged
several small fragments of bone, causing considerable suffering and much
inconvenience. This recurred several times during his stay in
Washington, and it was over four years before the wound permanently
healed. Sometimes, when walking, his foot would give out entirely, and
he would have to hail the nearest omnibus or carriage. He used to wear a
shoe with very thick soles, which best protected and served the injured
member.
A letter to Professor Bache, written from Newport while on his way to
Bucksport, shows that he had decided at this time to relinquish the
Coast Survey, a decision which he afterwards reconsidered:--
... "In Baltimore I met Colonel Lee and Captain Foster. Colonel Lee
was kind enough to go over my article on the Mexican war. His
suggestions and criticisms will very much improve the article. The
colonel thinks I have made a mistake in determining not to remain on
the survey.
"I saw General Scott in New York. He went over many of the
operations in the valley, and you may be assured it was a great
pleasure for me to meet my old chief.
"I need not say to you how very gratifying to me was your letter in
reply to mine communicating my intention to retire from the survey;
and in answer to the concluding paragraph, you may rely upon me to
do all in my power to respond to your wishes. I have been growing
stronger every day since I left Washington. I hope to return in
condition to do more satisfactory service than was in my power for
some weeks previous to my leaving."
So it would seem that his hard work and close application were telling
upon his health and strength.
In the spring he moved his family to Newport for the summer. In August
he paid off four hundred dollars of the debt on the Bucksport house.
Plain, simple, and even frugal in personal habits and expenses, and
careful in money matters, he saved this sum from his pay. Yet he never
cared for money-making; and notwithstanding the straitened circumstances
of early life, and the lessons of economy so diligently inculcated by
his father, he was very generous, a free giver, a great provider, and
inclined to spend money freely.
He was obliged to spend most of the summer in Washington, making
occasional visits North to look after the Bucksport works and see his
family. He now definitely decided to stay on the Coast Survey. After a
short visit at Newport in August, he returned to Washington, and spent
no little time during the next month in hunting up suitable quarters.
How thoroughly sick and tired he was of being separated from his wife
and children; how he longed to live united with them; how lofty and
noble were his ideals of woman, of marriage, of duty, of ambition; and
what success he was gaining on the survey,--are graphically depicted in
his letters to his wife:--
WASHINGTON, September 5, 1850.
MY DEAREST WIFE,--I began to-day seeking for a boarding-house. I
find great objection is made to children coming to table. I think a
great deal of our children taking their meals with us, and I think I
had rather go to the second table myself than to be deprived of the
pleasure....
I regret I did not remain a week longer. I found on reaching
Washington that there was no necessity for my hurrying back. We
should all of us have enjoyed the bathing. It is mighty lonesome
here, particularly from sundown till about eight in the morning. It
spoils a man on some accounts to be married, particularly if he gets
a good, lovable wife. He is not good for much away from her. I
assure you I will never be separated from you again another winter
unless it is an absolute impossibility for us to be together. We are
young, and let us not renounce the comfort and support of each
other's society unless the necessity is imperative. I know you will
say amen to this....
WASHINGTON, Saturday, September 6, 1850.
MY DEAR WIFE,--... A devoted, loving, tender, sympathizing wife is
the greatest element of my success in life. It adds to my strength
in all respects. Think of this, Margaret. If I achieve what may be
truly called success, it will be due mainly to you. I have no desire
for place, or wealth, or station. But should I do something for my
kind, should it be said of me when I am gone that the world owes
something to my memory, that my fellow-men are happier and better
for my labors, this is what I call success. It can be achieved only
by constancy, by nobility of purpose, by a self-sacrificing spirit.
Your example and your affection for me will help me to cultivate
these virtues.
Yesterday the House passed by ten votes the Texas Boundary and the
New Mexico Territorial Bill. You cannot imagine the gratulation
which was shown by all persons, both in and out of Congress, when
the result was announced. The feeling was that all the danger which
had menaced us had been averted. If necessary, a great many members
would have changed their votes. On Wednesday the measure was
defeated by a majority of forty-six votes; on Thursday by a majority
of eight votes; and yesterday it passed by a majority of ten. All
the other measures will be rapidly pushed through, and Congress will
rise early next month.
In my judgment the most dangerous crisis that has occurred since the
foundation of the government has been happily passed. Henry Clay has
been throughout the master spirit of the times. His services the
present session are enough to immortalize his name. It is the
crowning triumph of his civic life, and he will descend to posterity
as one of the heroes and benefactors of his age and generation. He
has not his peer in Congress. No man that combines his intrepid
soul, his extended views, his large American heart, his admirable
tact and presence of mind, and that quality of leadership which
enables him through doubt and defection, in spite of unexpected
difficulties and notwithstanding repeated defeats, to undauntedly
pursue his course and finally achieve the ultimate triumph. This is
Henry Clay in his seventy-fifth year. He has not his peer in our
whole parliamentary history.
Sunday, September 8. Yesterday the California and Utah bills passed
the House. Last evening a salute of one hundred guns was fired, and
a large multitude assembled in front of the National to listen to a
serenade to Henry Clay. But the glorious old man had gone out to
enjoy a quiet Sunday in the country, and was not to be seen.
Little Sue must, I know, miss me very much. She is a great pet of
mine. I never feel as if I could be put out with her, let her be
ever so whimsical. Tell Sue she shall see her papa in a few weeks,
and then we shall keep together for many months. Our long
separation, dearest wife, is drawing to a close, and we shall be
again united. My last visit was an oasis in the desert.
I saw the doctor in relation to my sore throat. He says it has very
much improved. The only precaution I must take is not to expose
myself to the night air. My general health is quite good, and is
still growing even better. My foot gives me very little trouble. It
has not been so strong for eight months as for the last ten days. I
now am not obliged to make much use of the crutches. You may be sure
I feel very much encouraged about my health, and I have no fears as
to its being perfectly reëstablished. I eat well, sleep well, and am
not worried by work. Remember me, my dear wife, to all the friends.
Kiss the little Sue and Maude.
Your ever affectionate husband.
WASHINGTON, September 29, 1850.
MY DEAREST WIFE,--You must not think I have forgotten you. I have
been very much occupied the last few days. Our appropriations were
in danger, and both Professor Bache and myself have been hard at
work to save them. We have carried everything,--secured no less than
one hundred and ninety thousand dollars for the Western coast.
A portion of this appropriation we carried in the House in the teeth
of the Committee of Ways and Means. They opposed it vehemently, yet
we went to work on Friday, worked hard all day, and carried it two
to one nearly against them.
The professor is in one respect a most skillful manager, but his
skill consists in his perfect directness, truthfulness,
disinterestedness, and good temper. He is perfectly frank and open.
Margaret, such men have most influence with all men of sense,
whether members of Congress, or men in official station, or in
private life. This is the secret of his getting along so well. You
know I have always insisted that such a course was the most sure and
reliable. You stand on the solid rock, and nothing can move you when
you cast aside all intrigue and low cunning, and pursue an open,
truthful, manly course. Cunning men cannot cope with you. This is my
experience.
My duties in the office are becoming more and more pleasant. The
office is becoming systematized, the back work is all coming up, and
in the spring I have no doubt everything will be in the best
possible condition.
Every department is improving, and a very fine spirit pervades all
the employees. I am bringing to bear upon the men my personal
weight, and you know I rarely ever fail whenever I am brought into
direct personal contact with men. All the men are beginning to know
me. They know I am firm and steadfast, but that I am as true to them
as I am to the work itself. Every man will find that he can have
entire confidence in my justice, and in my judgment of his merits. I
am determined to be deserving of their confidence, and, if so, I
shall most assuredly gain it.
The professor's confidence in me seems to be greater every day. This
makes my position pleasant. It makes me more efficient. My judgment
is all the clearer for it. The truth is, I take the same general
view of things that he does, and my judgment almost invariably
brings me to the same conclusions. Thus, in operating to secure our
appropriations, we agreed perfectly in the mode of proceeding.
Indeed, the professor left the management entirely to me in the
first instance. When things were prepared for him, I sent an express
to his camp to bring him in. All my arrangements entered admirably
into his plans. This was pleasant. My part was, of course, a
subordinate one, but it was in harmony with all that was done.
In the latter part of 1849 appeared the "History of the Mexican War," by
Major Roswell S. Ripley, of the 1st artillery, who had served in Scott's
campaign, and who had been given a year's leave of absence to enable him
to write the work. The history is fairly well written, and accurate for
the most part, but marred by the constant effort to depreciate the
character and services of General Scott, and to extol Generals Worth and
Pillow at his expense. The former of these officers, a fine soldier, and
deservedly of high standing in the army and before the people, needed no
encomiums; the latter was unworthy of them. Some of Ripley's statements,
too, were deemed erroneous by many of the ablest officers who
participated in the contest, and there was a strong sentiment among them
that these errors ought to be exposed, and the truth vindicated before
the public. None felt this sentiment more strongly than Major Stevens.
An admirer of Scott's military talents, and a member of his staff during
the famous campaign, his sense of justice and truth outraged by the
attempt to disparage the general's great services, and to heap unearned
honors upon Pillow, he deemed it his duty, even in the midst of his
arduous labors at the Coast Survey, to give to the world a tame and just
account of these events, thus defending his former chief, and
vindicating the truth of history.
He labored upon this work with his usual energy and thoroughness,
submitted it in manuscript to Mason, Mansfield, Robert E. Lee, and other
officers, by whom it was highly approved, and early in 1851 published
his "Campaigns of the Rio Grande and of Mexico." In the preface he
says:--
"His object in appearing before the public was to testify to the
services of those heroic officers and soldiers who were in his
judgment depreciated in the work of Major Ripley. He felt impelled
to this course by a sense of duty, and he appeals to all the actors
in those scenes to bear testimony in vindication of the truth."
It is a strange instance of the foibles of a really great man that this
work, inspired by the noblest and most disinterested motives, and the
ablest defense of Scott's course in Mexico, was the cause of an
estrangement for years between the writer and the commander he so well
vindicated. Immediately on the publication of the book, Major Stevens
presented General Scott with a copy with his compliments, fully
expecting the warm thanks and appreciation of his former chief. To his
astonishment, a few days later General Scott returned the book by the
hands of General Totten, with the message that Major Stevens was to
observe that the leaves were still uncut, thus implying that he
disdained even to read it. This affront he offered to the officer whom
for bravery and services in Mexico he had highly commended and
recommended for brevets, whose advice he had listened to in councils of
war and followed on the battlefield, whom, hand upon his shoulder, he
had presented to the shouting multitude in Washington as 'My young
friend, Major Stevens, to whose courage and ability I owe much of my
success in Mexico,' and who was his warmest and ablest defender against
the aspersions of his enemies.
Whether General Scott, whose overweening vanity could ill brook the
least criticism, was inflamed by some remark in the work, which seems
incredible, or whether his mind was poisoned by one of those parasites
that ever hang upon the great, is uncertain. In truth, his movements and
entire course are highly commended, and in only a few instances is he
criticised. Major Stevens pronounced his attack of Molino del Rey a
mistake, and also the not insisting upon the surrender of Chapultepec
when the armistice was granted after the battle of Churubusco. Major
Stevens was not in the least cast down by this unwarranted rebuff. He
simply pitied the foibles of the man, while he retained his admiration
for the general's military talents. He always made it a point to call
upon him on New Year's, and to show him the respect due the head of the
army. But the cordial personal relations were broken forever.