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Milwaukee Jan. 2, 1870
Sir
in reply to your telegram of 27th December asking the exact date at which Lake Navigation closed I have to say that a large proportion of the vessels were laid up on or about the 25th or 27th of November last; that [normally?] the time is a little later; that the time adopted by Insurance Companies is Nov. 30th at noon.
But though navigation is closed, yet there are four propellers and about 10 sail vessels on Lake Michigan that continue to make trips all winter, [illegible] an occasional [illegible] in case of heavy weather. A regular line of propellers run across the lake from Milwaukee to Grand Haven during the winter, and has done so for many years,
Yours truly I.A. Lapham
To Gen. A.J. Myer Ch. Sig. Of.
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Mil Jan. 2, 1871
Sir
With my record of observations for December, I send vouchers for the last quarters' pay, for which please send a check:
When giving you a list of instruments in my charge, some days ago, I mentioned that the clock of the Anemograph was worn out. It is now so far gone as to be useless for any further service, as you will notice, on the last sheet of Anemograph Record, sent herewith. The watchmaker pronounces it past repairing. I cannot find either here or at Chicago another clock of the same form and dimensions; and it will therefore require some work to fit a new & different clock to the instrument. If it is decided to renew the clock it would also be advisable to make certain other important changes, especially in the cups, and for causing the paper to run more regularly. The anemograph is situated in the valley of the Milwaukee river where many of the lighter winds do not blow; hence it would be best to change its location to higher grounds.
Please advise me, therefore whether to cause the instrument
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(the expense may be from $30 to $50) to be repaired, and placed in a better position, or to discontinue its use.
The Tide Gauge from Cleveland had not arrived in Chicago, late in the last week; perhaps it may be there now.
Very respectfully yours I.A. Lapham
Gen. Comstock Supt. Lake Survey.
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Chicago Jan. 4, 1871
Sir
Before leaving Milwaukee yesterday I arranged with Mr. Louis Bleyer of the Sentinel Office to prepare the statement (requested in the letter of Capt. Howgate of 26th [ultims?]) of disasters upon the Lakes in Nov. Dec. 1870, as nearly as possible like the one he prepared the year before. I thought this would be most likely to secure a fair comparison of the disasters of the two seasons and most satisfactory to you.
Your letter of 29th is received & I will proceed to prepare the proposed paper.
Yours very truly I.A. Lapham
Gen. A.J. Myer C.S.O.
