he tent containing the instruments and
supplies. When we were alone there came up suddenly a storm of
wind and rain,--not uncommon along the valley,--which flattened
the tent and flooded the ground on which it stood. We were thoroughly
soaked and utterly helpless, and, for a time, in real danger. I
remember my utter collapse at this new misfortune, but all we could
do was to wait and hope for the return of the corps. I must confess
that I quietly mingled my tears with the rain, but I did not tell
this to the boys when they returned after the storm was over. No
great damage was done. The tent was soon raised and secured in
place. The next morning I was given a rod and instructed how to
use it. I noticed that my associates did not have much confidence
in my ability to perform the duties, and, especially the senior
rodman, John Burwell. I followed instructions, however, and reported
my rod correctly. After a day or two they gave me a book in which
I was to enter the levels. In a very short time they were satisfied
that I could perform my duties, and I was soon trusted to make up
the record of levels, and the necessary additions and subtractions
in my book.

This little corps was composed of men, some of whom afterwards
became proficient as engineers, lawyers or preachers. Among them
were John B. Straughn, Wright Coffinberry, John Scott, John Burwell,
and James M. Love. The line of surveys were soon completed to
Marietta, the locks and dams were located, estimates of cost were
carefully made, the materials to be used were purchased and the
excavations and embankments to be made were computed. My associates
soon found that I could do the work assigned me, and in this way
I won their respect and forbearance.

After the surveys were completed, the members of the corps were
located at different places to take charge of the work. Mr.
Coffinberry was assigned to Lowell, and I was attached to him as
an assistant. John Scott, who had been at West Point, and, I think,
was a graduate, was assigned to Beverly, where a dam, lock and a
short canal were to be constructed. In the fall of 1837 he was
dismissed, I think, for intemperance. I was detailed, not exactly
to take his place, for which I was unfitted, but to look after some
details, and to keep the headquarters advised of the progress of
the work. It was soon found that I was able to measure embankments,
excavations, stone and other materials. The result was