Box 11, Folder 3: Correspondence September-December 1871

WAR DEPARTMENT Office of the Chief Signal Officer, DIVISION OF TELGRAMS AND REPORTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF COMMERCE Washington, D.C., December 1st 1871

Prof I. A. Lapham [Asst?] &c [etc] Milwaukee, Wisc

Dear Sir,

I am directed by the Chief Signal Officer to request that you will send him the original weather maps or charts prepared by you last fall in Chicago when performing your duties of forecasting the weather of the Lake-region. He also desires to know if any action has yet been taken by you in relation to the meteoric effects of the great fires in the Northwest.

Very respectfully &c [etc]

[Wm Howgate?] 2d Asst Bvt Capt U.S.A. C. S. O. Asst

Gen A. J. Meyer [Albert J. Meyer] Dec 1. 1871

Ans'd Dec 5 Maps Sent Paper on the fires had already been sent out

Milwaukee Dec 1st 1871

Dr Sir

At the request of the Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, who has been directed to collect information needed in reference to a Telegraphic Cable across Lake Michigan between the City and Grand Haven, I respectfully ask that you will furnish a copy of the soundings which it-is understood have now been made on or near that line, showing the depth of the water, and the character of the bottom found.

Yours truly

I. A. Lapham

Gen C. B. Comstock [Supt?] Lake Survey

To Gen C. B. Comstock December 1st 1871

Milwaukee December 1st 1871

Dr Sir

Having made meteorological observations for half a life time, I begin to think that I have done my full Share of such work - especially as others are doing the same thing - and must beg that I may, after the first of January next - be allowed to send you monthly, a copy of the careful observations made here, under favorable circumstances, with the same kind of instruments, for the Signal Service. Being taken at the same hours, they will make no break in your regular services.

Hoping you will consent to this modification of duties, I remain

Yours Truly I. A Lapham

Gen C. B. Comstock Supt Lake survey Detroit