George McClellan’s expedition notes include a glossary of words from American Indian languages. This Comanche vocabulary reflects a need for practical knowledge and includes words such as “pah” (water) and “ho-no” (river). Communications with American Indians helped the survey parties on their way and provided knowledge of the environs that could be reported to Congress.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
Field Note Journal of George McClellan, 1853
Surveying the West
In 1853 Congress authorized funds for the Army Corps of Engineers to survey and report on possible routes for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Army engineers were experienced in surveying the West, and the military had an interest in preparing for westward expansion. Captain George B. McClellan, a West Point graduate and engineer, led a surveying party on the 49th parallel. He later served as General-in-Chief of the Union Armies during the Civil War.
George McClellan’s expedition notes include a glossary of words from American Indian languages. This Comanche vocabulary reflects a need for practical knowledge and includes words such as “pah” (water) and “ho-no” (river). Communications with American Indians helped the survey parties on their way and provided knowledge of the environs that could be reported to Congress.
Manuscript Division, Library of Congress
