Our great, great uncle.
Son of Daniel and Elizabeth Powers Whiting, our great, great, great grandparents.
Brother of Daniel Powers Whiting, our great, great grandfather.
Married Anna Francis Johnson, 11/3/1851 in Tisbury, MA. Henry and Anna had the following children:
Georgianna - 7/21/1855
Virginia - 3/20/1857
Elizabeth - 1/26/1859
Johnson - 9/21/1864
In the U. S. Coast Survey, aside from ordinary Routine Duty,
By Henry L. Whiting
Joined Coast Survey under Superintendent Hassler July, 1838.
First Charge of Topographical party, as Aid, June, 1842.
Appointed Sub-Assistant under Superintendent Hassler, March 1, 1843.
Appointed full Assistant under Superintendent Hassler, June 1, 1843.
Proposed the scheme and was assigned, by Superintendent Bache, to conduct the first systematic inspection of field work and continued it through the superintendency of Prof. Bache, Prof. Pierce, and part of that of Capt. Patterson.
In 1849 was ordered, by Superintendent Bache, to take charge of and carry forward the main triangulation of the coast of Florida, previously in charge of Assistant Hilgard, and executed that work.
Was the first officer appointed, by Superintendent Peierce, to a general charge of a Sub-department of the Survey – that of Topography, Prof. Mitchell in Physical Hydrography, and Mr. Cutts in Triangulation, following in order.
Was detailed by Superintendent Peirce as Acting Instructor in field surveys in the Naval Academy at Annapolis, then under Admiral David Porter, and had the graduating class in charge, and inaugurated the system of making a survey of Annapolis Harbor, which has been followed annually since.
Was appointed, with the approval of Superintendent Peirce, Professor of Topographical Engineering in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and that office for two consecutive years.
During the winter of 1859-60 made the study and devised the system of conventional signs, rules and regulations, and the system of lettering in connection with the nomenclature for field and publication work on respective scales which have governed those operations of the Survey since.
Proposed the system of double field parties, working two or more sets of instruments, and successfully executed it under Superintendent Bache.
Made an examination of the Mississippi River from Dubuque to St. Paul, with a view to its topographic survey, under Superintendent Peirce.
In 1867, by direction of Superintendent Peirce, made a topographical and hydrographical survey of Provincetown Harbor, Mass., for a State commission, on the results of which an appropriation of $150,000 was made by Massachusetts, and engineering work of harbor improvement executed by Mr. James B. Francis.
In 1869 was detailed, by Superintendent Peirce, to do service for the Harbor Commission of Massachusetts, and continued that service until July, 1881. During that time devised the present system of draw-way openings in the railroad and city bridges around Boston.
In 1876, by direction of Superintendent Patterson, made an examination of the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Puget Sound, in reference to extending the range of coast topography.
In July, 1881, by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and concurrence of Superintendent Patterson, was appointed by Governor Long of Massachusetts a member of the State Harbor Commission, and continued to hold that office until its time expired in July, 1884.
In August, 1884, by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and concurrence of Superintendent Hilgard, was appointed by Governor Robinson a member of the Massachusetts State Topographical Survey Commission, and, by vote, made the executive member of that board, which office is still held.
Was an acting member of the State Commission for Portland Harbor, Maine, and devised and laid out the scheme of the Harbor Lines and the Flats Improvement of that Harbor in connection with the physical surveys by Prof. Mitchell, and had charge of the topographical parties of the Coast Survey making the city Survey, by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Was instrumental in obtaining a State appropriation of $5,000 for the re-survey of the Inner Harbor of Boston, Mass., and executed that work and devised and laid out the Harbor Lines of that port, by authority of Superintendent Patterson.
Made the Topographical Surveys and devised and laid ou the Harbor Lines of Providence Harbor, Rhode Island, in connection with the Physical Surveys of Prof. Mitchell, by authority of Superintendent Patterson.
Was associated in the study of harbor lines for New Haven Harbor, Conn., based on the surveys of Mr. R.M. Bache and Prof. Mitchell, by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Made the topographic Surveys and studies in connection with the hydrographic surveys by Prof. Mitchell, which are the bases of the engineering work by G.K. Warren, U.S.A., under an appropriation by Congress of $22,000, for opening the south inlet of Edgartown Harbor, Mass., by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Made and participated in various surveys of New York Harbor and Sandy Hook, N.Y.
When the Civil War broke out was the first officer of the Survey absent on other duty to come to Washington for volunteer service, reaching there, via Annapolis, after Baltimore was cut off, at the same time with the New York 7th Regiment.
When Gen. Mansfield first crossed the Long Bridge, made the first co-operative survey on the part of the Coast Survey with the Army, by order of Gen. Scott and direction of Superintendent Bache.
Subsequently made the survey of the ground of occupation by the Confederate Army at Manassas immediately after it was evacuated by Gen. Beauregard.
Had charge of the Coast Survey parties making the first surveys of the Potomac River after the blockade of Mathias Point was raised.
At the time of the panic at Philadelphia, when Gen. Lee invaded Pennsylvania, was called from other duty by Superintendent Bache, then having charge of the defences of Philadelphia, and made a military reconnaissance with a radius of 15 to 20 miles of the approaches to that city from the right bank of the Delaware to the right bank of the Schuykill, with location and sketches of strategic positions, including the ground of Washington’s battle of the Brandywine, and prepared large plans and devised a system of conventional signs representing the various classes of proposed military works of defence. These and accompanying report were approved and accepted by Gen. Totten, chief of U.S. Engineers.
By direction of Superintendent Bache and order of Gen. Totten made an examination of the islands of the Atlantic coast north of Mason and Dixon’s line for the purpose of establishing a guarded station for Prisoners of State. After visiting the islands from Virginia to Massachusetts the final selection of Dutch Island in Narragansett Bay, R.I., was determined on, which, with accompanying report, was approved by Gen. Totten.
Made a topographical and hydrographical survey of Coaster’s Harbor Island, near Newport, R.I., for the purpose of removing the Naval Academy from Annapolis to Newport.
By direction of Superintendent Peirce the subject of the landing of the French Cable was referred for examination. After thorough reconnaissance of the south-easterly part of the coast of New England – the general ground designated in the order – and after conference with the French and English Commissioners, the site of Duxbury Beach in Massachusetts Bay was determined upon as the preferred location and “Rouse’s Hommock” selected as the point of landing. The report on this subject, with accompanying charts, sketches and descriptions, were approved, and adopted without modification by the authorities having charge of the cable, and the landing was made by Sir Charles Hartley at the precise point indicated, and subsequently stated by him as the most successful ocean-cable landing in his experience.
In the co-operative work of the Government in furnishing points to States, from September, 1884, to the present time, April, 1890, have had charge of the triangulation in Massachusetts on the part of the United States as an officer of the Coast Survey and the part of the State as a commissioner.
In the line of the Department of Topography which has been the more especial work officially without personal volition, as much has been accomplished, individually, by precept and example, towards the higher attainment of standard in results and in advancing the interests of the Survey, as that effected by any single officer in any one department of the Survey.
In 1881, when other duty withdrew continued personal service from the field, the official record in topographical results showed the largest amount of work individually done in the Survey up to that date.
May 3, 1890, was appointed by President Harrison a member of the Mississippi River Commission.
1892, on the resignation of Gen. Francis A. Walker as a member of the Massachusetts Topographical Survey Commission, who had been chairman of the Board since its organization, was elected by the Board its chairman.
1892, was appointed by Superintendent Mendenhall Chairman of the Topographical Conference of officers of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey held in Washington, D.C., from January 18th to March 7th; a printed report was submitted and published.
January 11, 1894, was instructed by Superintendent Mendenhall to take general supervision of the surveys of Boston Harbor being made by Assistants Bache, Boyd, Ogden, Tittmann, Vinal and Wainwright.
Taken from URL: http://www.history.noaa.gov/cgsbios/h_whiting.html
Whiting Family journals, books and memoirs.
Son of Daniel and Elizabeth Powers Whiting, our great, great, great grandparents.
Brother of Daniel Powers Whiting, our great, great grandfather.
Married Anna Francis Johnson, 11/3/1851 in Tisbury, MA. Henry and Anna had the following children:
Georgianna - 7/21/1855
Virginia - 3/20/1857
Elizabeth - 1/26/1859
Johnson - 9/21/1864
In the U. S. Coast Survey, aside from ordinary Routine Duty,
By Henry L. Whiting
Joined Coast Survey under Superintendent Hassler July, 1838.
First Charge of Topographical party, as Aid, June, 1842.
Appointed Sub-Assistant under Superintendent Hassler, March 1, 1843.
Appointed full Assistant under Superintendent Hassler, June 1, 1843.
Proposed the scheme and was assigned, by Superintendent Bache, to conduct the first systematic inspection of field work and continued it through the superintendency of Prof. Bache, Prof. Pierce, and part of that of Capt. Patterson.
In 1849 was ordered, by Superintendent Bache, to take charge of and carry forward the main triangulation of the coast of Florida, previously in charge of Assistant Hilgard, and executed that work.
Was the first officer appointed, by Superintendent Peierce, to a general charge of a Sub-department of the Survey – that of Topography, Prof. Mitchell in Physical Hydrography, and Mr. Cutts in Triangulation, following in order.
Was detailed by Superintendent Peirce as Acting Instructor in field surveys in the Naval Academy at Annapolis, then under Admiral David Porter, and had the graduating class in charge, and inaugurated the system of making a survey of Annapolis Harbor, which has been followed annually since.
Was appointed, with the approval of Superintendent Peirce, Professor of Topographical Engineering in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and that office for two consecutive years.
During the winter of 1859-60 made the study and devised the system of conventional signs, rules and regulations, and the system of lettering in connection with the nomenclature for field and publication work on respective scales which have governed those operations of the Survey since.
Proposed the system of double field parties, working two or more sets of instruments, and successfully executed it under Superintendent Bache.
Made an examination of the Mississippi River from Dubuque to St. Paul, with a view to its topographic survey, under Superintendent Peirce.
In 1867, by direction of Superintendent Peirce, made a topographical and hydrographical survey of Provincetown Harbor, Mass., for a State commission, on the results of which an appropriation of $150,000 was made by Massachusetts, and engineering work of harbor improvement executed by Mr. James B. Francis.
In 1869 was detailed, by Superintendent Peirce, to do service for the Harbor Commission of Massachusetts, and continued that service until July, 1881. During that time devised the present system of draw-way openings in the railroad and city bridges around Boston.
In 1876, by direction of Superintendent Patterson, made an examination of the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Puget Sound, in reference to extending the range of coast topography.
In July, 1881, by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and concurrence of Superintendent Patterson, was appointed by Governor Long of Massachusetts a member of the State Harbor Commission, and continued to hold that office until its time expired in July, 1884.
In August, 1884, by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and concurrence of Superintendent Hilgard, was appointed by Governor Robinson a member of the Massachusetts State Topographical Survey Commission, and, by vote, made the executive member of that board, which office is still held.
Was an acting member of the State Commission for Portland Harbor, Maine, and devised and laid out the scheme of the Harbor Lines and the Flats Improvement of that Harbor in connection with the physical surveys by Prof. Mitchell, and had charge of the topographical parties of the Coast Survey making the city Survey, by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Was instrumental in obtaining a State appropriation of $5,000 for the re-survey of the Inner Harbor of Boston, Mass., and executed that work and devised and laid out the Harbor Lines of that port, by authority of Superintendent Patterson.
Made the Topographical Surveys and devised and laid ou the Harbor Lines of Providence Harbor, Rhode Island, in connection with the Physical Surveys of Prof. Mitchell, by authority of Superintendent Patterson.
Was associated in the study of harbor lines for New Haven Harbor, Conn., based on the surveys of Mr. R.M. Bache and Prof. Mitchell, by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Made the topographic Surveys and studies in connection with the hydrographic surveys by Prof. Mitchell, which are the bases of the engineering work by G.K. Warren, U.S.A., under an appropriation by Congress of $22,000, for opening the south inlet of Edgartown Harbor, Mass., by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Made and participated in various surveys of New York Harbor and Sandy Hook, N.Y.
When the Civil War broke out was the first officer of the Survey absent on other duty to come to Washington for volunteer service, reaching there, via Annapolis, after Baltimore was cut off, at the same time with the New York 7th Regiment.
When Gen. Mansfield first crossed the Long Bridge, made the first co-operative survey on the part of the Coast Survey with the Army, by order of Gen. Scott and direction of Superintendent Bache.
Subsequently made the survey of the ground of occupation by the Confederate Army at Manassas immediately after it was evacuated by Gen. Beauregard.
Had charge of the Coast Survey parties making the first surveys of the Potomac River after the blockade of Mathias Point was raised.
At the time of the panic at Philadelphia, when Gen. Lee invaded Pennsylvania, was called from other duty by Superintendent Bache, then having charge of the defences of Philadelphia, and made a military reconnaissance with a radius of 15 to 20 miles of the approaches to that city from the right bank of the Delaware to the right bank of the Schuykill, with location and sketches of strategic positions, including the ground of Washington’s battle of the Brandywine, and prepared large plans and devised a system of conventional signs representing the various classes of proposed military works of defence. These and accompanying report were approved and accepted by Gen. Totten, chief of U.S. Engineers.
By direction of Superintendent Bache and order of Gen. Totten made an examination of the islands of the Atlantic coast north of Mason and Dixon’s line for the purpose of establishing a guarded station for Prisoners of State. After visiting the islands from Virginia to Massachusetts the final selection of Dutch Island in Narragansett Bay, R.I., was determined on, which, with accompanying report, was approved by Gen. Totten.
Made a topographical and hydrographical survey of Coaster’s Harbor Island, near Newport, R.I., for the purpose of removing the Naval Academy from Annapolis to Newport.
By direction of Superintendent Peirce the subject of the landing of the French Cable was referred for examination. After thorough reconnaissance of the south-easterly part of the coast of New England – the general ground designated in the order – and after conference with the French and English Commissioners, the site of Duxbury Beach in Massachusetts Bay was determined upon as the preferred location and “Rouse’s Hommock” selected as the point of landing. The report on this subject, with accompanying charts, sketches and descriptions, were approved, and adopted without modification by the authorities having charge of the cable, and the landing was made by Sir Charles Hartley at the precise point indicated, and subsequently stated by him as the most successful ocean-cable landing in his experience.
In the co-operative work of the Government in furnishing points to States, from September, 1884, to the present time, April, 1890, have had charge of the triangulation in Massachusetts on the part of the United States as an officer of the Coast Survey and the part of the State as a commissioner.
In the line of the Department of Topography which has been the more especial work officially without personal volition, as much has been accomplished, individually, by precept and example, towards the higher attainment of standard in results and in advancing the interests of the Survey, as that effected by any single officer in any one department of the Survey.
In 1881, when other duty withdrew continued personal service from the field, the official record in topographical results showed the largest amount of work individually done in the Survey up to that date.
May 3, 1890, was appointed by President Harrison a member of the Mississippi River Commission.
1892, on the resignation of Gen. Francis A. Walker as a member of the Massachusetts Topographical Survey Commission, who had been chairman of the Board since its organization, was elected by the Board its chairman.
1892, was appointed by Superintendent Mendenhall Chairman of the Topographical Conference of officers of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey held in Washington, D.C., from January 18th to March 7th; a printed report was submitted and published.
January 11, 1894, was instructed by Superintendent Mendenhall to take general supervision of the surveys of Boston Harbor being made by Assistants Bache, Boyd, Ogden, Tittmann, Vinal and Wainwright.
Taken from URL: http://www.history.noaa.gov/cgsbios/h_whiting.html
Whiting Family journals, books and memoirs.
Our great, great uncle.
Son of Daniel and Elizabeth Powers Whiting, our great, great, great grandparents.
Brother of Daniel Powers Whiting, our great, great grandfather.
Married Anna Francis Johnson, 11/3/1851 in Tisbury, MA. Henry and Anna had the following children:
Georgianna - 7/21/1855
Virginia - 3/20/1857
Elizabeth - 1/26/1859
Johnson - 9/21/1864
In the U. S. Coast Survey, aside from ordinary Routine Duty,
By Henry L. Whiting
Joined Coast Survey under Superintendent Hassler July, 1838.
First Charge of Topographical party, as Aid, June, 1842.
Appointed Sub-Assistant under Superintendent Hassler, March 1, 1843.
Appointed full Assistant under Superintendent Hassler, June 1, 1843.
Proposed the scheme and was assigned, by Superintendent Bache, to conduct the first systematic inspection of field work and continued it through the superintendency of Prof. Bache, Prof. Pierce, and part of that of Capt. Patterson.
In 1849 was ordered, by Superintendent Bache, to take charge of and carry forward the main triangulation of the coast of Florida, previously in charge of Assistant Hilgard, and executed that work.
Was the first officer appointed, by Superintendent Peierce, to a general charge of a Sub-department of the Survey – that of Topography, Prof. Mitchell in Physical Hydrography, and Mr. Cutts in Triangulation, following in order.
Was detailed by Superintendent Peirce as Acting Instructor in field surveys in the Naval Academy at Annapolis, then under Admiral David Porter, and had the graduating class in charge, and inaugurated the system of making a survey of Annapolis Harbor, which has been followed annually since.
Was appointed, with the approval of Superintendent Peirce, Professor of Topographical Engineering in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and that office for two consecutive years.
During the winter of 1859-60 made the study and devised the system of conventional signs, rules and regulations, and the system of lettering in connection with the nomenclature for field and publication work on respective scales which have governed those operations of the Survey since.
Proposed the system of double field parties, working two or more sets of instruments, and successfully executed it under Superintendent Bache.
Made an examination of the Mississippi River from Dubuque to St. Paul, with a view to its topographic survey, under Superintendent Peirce.
In 1867, by direction of Superintendent Peirce, made a topographical and hydrographical survey of Provincetown Harbor, Mass., for a State commission, on the results of which an appropriation of $150,000 was made by Massachusetts, and engineering work of harbor improvement executed by Mr. James B. Francis.
In 1869 was detailed, by Superintendent Peirce, to do service for the Harbor Commission of Massachusetts, and continued that service until July, 1881. During that time devised the present system of draw-way openings in the railroad and city bridges around Boston.
In 1876, by direction of Superintendent Patterson, made an examination of the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Puget Sound, in reference to extending the range of coast topography.
In July, 1881, by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and concurrence of Superintendent Patterson, was appointed by Governor Long of Massachusetts a member of the State Harbor Commission, and continued to hold that office until its time expired in July, 1884.
In August, 1884, by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and concurrence of Superintendent Hilgard, was appointed by Governor Robinson a member of the Massachusetts State Topographical Survey Commission, and, by vote, made the executive member of that board, which office is still held.
Was an acting member of the State Commission for Portland Harbor, Maine, and devised and laid out the scheme of the Harbor Lines and the Flats Improvement of that Harbor in connection with the physical surveys by Prof. Mitchell, and had charge of the topographical parties of the Coast Survey making the city Survey, by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Was instrumental in obtaining a State appropriation of $5,000 for the re-survey of the Inner Harbor of Boston, Mass., and executed that work and devised and laid out the Harbor Lines of that port, by authority of Superintendent Patterson.
Made the Topographical Surveys and devised and laid ou the Harbor Lines of Providence Harbor, Rhode Island, in connection with the Physical Surveys of Prof. Mitchell, by authority of Superintendent Patterson.
Was associated in the study of harbor lines for New Haven Harbor, Conn., based on the surveys of Mr. R.M. Bache and Prof. Mitchell, by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Made the topographic Surveys and studies in connection with the hydrographic surveys by Prof. Mitchell, which are the bases of the engineering work by G.K. Warren, U.S.A., under an appropriation by Congress of $22,000, for opening the south inlet of Edgartown Harbor, Mass., by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Made and participated in various surveys of New York Harbor and Sandy Hook, N.Y.
When the Civil War broke out was the first officer of the Survey absent on other duty to come to Washington for volunteer service, reaching there, via Annapolis, after Baltimore was cut off, at the same time with the New York 7th Regiment.
When Gen. Mansfield first crossed the Long Bridge, made the first co-operative survey on the part of the Coast Survey with the Army, by order of Gen. Scott and direction of Superintendent Bache.
Subsequently made the survey of the ground of occupation by the Confederate Army at Manassas immediately after it was evacuated by Gen. Beauregard.
Had charge of the Coast Survey parties making the first surveys of the Potomac River after the blockade of Mathias Point was raised.
At the time of the panic at Philadelphia, when Gen. Lee invaded Pennsylvania, was called from other duty by Superintendent Bache, then having charge of the defences of Philadelphia, and made a military reconnaissance with a radius of 15 to 20 miles of the approaches to that city from the right bank of the Delaware to the right bank of the Schuykill, with location and sketches of strategic positions, including the ground of Washington’s battle of the Brandywine, and prepared large plans and devised a system of conventional signs representing the various classes of proposed military works of defence. These and accompanying report were approved and accepted by Gen. Totten, chief of U.S. Engineers.
By direction of Superintendent Bache and order of Gen. Totten made an examination of the islands of the Atlantic coast north of Mason and Dixon’s line for the purpose of establishing a guarded station for Prisoners of State. After visiting the islands from Virginia to Massachusetts the final selection of Dutch Island in Narragansett Bay, R.I., was determined on, which, with accompanying report, was approved by Gen. Totten.
Made a topographical and hydrographical survey of Coaster’s Harbor Island, near Newport, R.I., for the purpose of removing the Naval Academy from Annapolis to Newport.
By direction of Superintendent Peirce the subject of the landing of the French Cable was referred for examination. After thorough reconnaissance of the south-easterly part of the coast of New England – the general ground designated in the order – and after conference with the French and English Commissioners, the site of Duxbury Beach in Massachusetts Bay was determined upon as the preferred location and “Rouse’s Hommock” selected as the point of landing. The report on this subject, with accompanying charts, sketches and descriptions, were approved, and adopted without modification by the authorities having charge of the cable, and the landing was made by Sir Charles Hartley at the precise point indicated, and subsequently stated by him as the most successful ocean-cable landing in his experience.
In the co-operative work of the Government in furnishing points to States, from September, 1884, to the present time, April, 1890, have had charge of the triangulation in Massachusetts on the part of the United States as an officer of the Coast Survey and the part of the State as a commissioner.
In the line of the Department of Topography which has been the more especial work officially without personal volition, as much has been accomplished, individually, by precept and example, towards the higher attainment of standard in results and in advancing the interests of the Survey, as that effected by any single officer in any one department of the Survey.
In 1881, when other duty withdrew continued personal service from the field, the official record in topographical results showed the largest amount of work individually done in the Survey up to that date.
May 3, 1890, was appointed by President Harrison a member of the Mississippi River Commission.
1892, on the resignation of Gen. Francis A. Walker as a member of the Massachusetts Topographical Survey Commission, who had been chairman of the Board since its organization, was elected by the Board its chairman.
1892, was appointed by Superintendent Mendenhall Chairman of the Topographical Conference of officers of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey held in Washington, D.C., from January 18th to March 7th; a printed report was submitted and published.
January 11, 1894, was instructed by Superintendent Mendenhall to take general supervision of the surveys of Boston Harbor being made by Assistants Bache, Boyd, Ogden, Tittmann, Vinal and Wainwright.
Taken from URL: http://www.history.noaa.gov/cgsbios/h_whiting.html
Whiting Family journals, books and memoirs.
Son of Daniel and Elizabeth Powers Whiting, our great, great, great grandparents.
Brother of Daniel Powers Whiting, our great, great grandfather.
Married Anna Francis Johnson, 11/3/1851 in Tisbury, MA. Henry and Anna had the following children:
Georgianna - 7/21/1855
Virginia - 3/20/1857
Elizabeth - 1/26/1859
Johnson - 9/21/1864
In the U. S. Coast Survey, aside from ordinary Routine Duty,
By Henry L. Whiting
Joined Coast Survey under Superintendent Hassler July, 1838.
First Charge of Topographical party, as Aid, June, 1842.
Appointed Sub-Assistant under Superintendent Hassler, March 1, 1843.
Appointed full Assistant under Superintendent Hassler, June 1, 1843.
Proposed the scheme and was assigned, by Superintendent Bache, to conduct the first systematic inspection of field work and continued it through the superintendency of Prof. Bache, Prof. Pierce, and part of that of Capt. Patterson.
In 1849 was ordered, by Superintendent Bache, to take charge of and carry forward the main triangulation of the coast of Florida, previously in charge of Assistant Hilgard, and executed that work.
Was the first officer appointed, by Superintendent Peierce, to a general charge of a Sub-department of the Survey – that of Topography, Prof. Mitchell in Physical Hydrography, and Mr. Cutts in Triangulation, following in order.
Was detailed by Superintendent Peirce as Acting Instructor in field surveys in the Naval Academy at Annapolis, then under Admiral David Porter, and had the graduating class in charge, and inaugurated the system of making a survey of Annapolis Harbor, which has been followed annually since.
Was appointed, with the approval of Superintendent Peirce, Professor of Topographical Engineering in Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and that office for two consecutive years.
During the winter of 1859-60 made the study and devised the system of conventional signs, rules and regulations, and the system of lettering in connection with the nomenclature for field and publication work on respective scales which have governed those operations of the Survey since.
Proposed the system of double field parties, working two or more sets of instruments, and successfully executed it under Superintendent Bache.
Made an examination of the Mississippi River from Dubuque to St. Paul, with a view to its topographic survey, under Superintendent Peirce.
In 1867, by direction of Superintendent Peirce, made a topographical and hydrographical survey of Provincetown Harbor, Mass., for a State commission, on the results of which an appropriation of $150,000 was made by Massachusetts, and engineering work of harbor improvement executed by Mr. James B. Francis.
In 1869 was detailed, by Superintendent Peirce, to do service for the Harbor Commission of Massachusetts, and continued that service until July, 1881. During that time devised the present system of draw-way openings in the railroad and city bridges around Boston.
In 1876, by direction of Superintendent Patterson, made an examination of the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Puget Sound, in reference to extending the range of coast topography.
In July, 1881, by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and concurrence of Superintendent Patterson, was appointed by Governor Long of Massachusetts a member of the State Harbor Commission, and continued to hold that office until its time expired in July, 1884.
In August, 1884, by authority of the Secretary of the Treasury and concurrence of Superintendent Hilgard, was appointed by Governor Robinson a member of the Massachusetts State Topographical Survey Commission, and, by vote, made the executive member of that board, which office is still held.
Was an acting member of the State Commission for Portland Harbor, Maine, and devised and laid out the scheme of the Harbor Lines and the Flats Improvement of that Harbor in connection with the physical surveys by Prof. Mitchell, and had charge of the topographical parties of the Coast Survey making the city Survey, by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Was instrumental in obtaining a State appropriation of $5,000 for the re-survey of the Inner Harbor of Boston, Mass., and executed that work and devised and laid out the Harbor Lines of that port, by authority of Superintendent Patterson.
Made the Topographical Surveys and devised and laid ou the Harbor Lines of Providence Harbor, Rhode Island, in connection with the Physical Surveys of Prof. Mitchell, by authority of Superintendent Patterson.
Was associated in the study of harbor lines for New Haven Harbor, Conn., based on the surveys of Mr. R.M. Bache and Prof. Mitchell, by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Made the topographic Surveys and studies in connection with the hydrographic surveys by Prof. Mitchell, which are the bases of the engineering work by G.K. Warren, U.S.A., under an appropriation by Congress of $22,000, for opening the south inlet of Edgartown Harbor, Mass., by authority of Superintendent Peirce.
Made and participated in various surveys of New York Harbor and Sandy Hook, N.Y.
When the Civil War broke out was the first officer of the Survey absent on other duty to come to Washington for volunteer service, reaching there, via Annapolis, after Baltimore was cut off, at the same time with the New York 7th Regiment.
When Gen. Mansfield first crossed the Long Bridge, made the first co-operative survey on the part of the Coast Survey with the Army, by order of Gen. Scott and direction of Superintendent Bache.
Subsequently made the survey of the ground of occupation by the Confederate Army at Manassas immediately after it was evacuated by Gen. Beauregard.
Had charge of the Coast Survey parties making the first surveys of the Potomac River after the blockade of Mathias Point was raised.
At the time of the panic at Philadelphia, when Gen. Lee invaded Pennsylvania, was called from other duty by Superintendent Bache, then having charge of the defences of Philadelphia, and made a military reconnaissance with a radius of 15 to 20 miles of the approaches to that city from the right bank of the Delaware to the right bank of the Schuykill, with location and sketches of strategic positions, including the ground of Washington’s battle of the Brandywine, and prepared large plans and devised a system of conventional signs representing the various classes of proposed military works of defence. These and accompanying report were approved and accepted by Gen. Totten, chief of U.S. Engineers.
By direction of Superintendent Bache and order of Gen. Totten made an examination of the islands of the Atlantic coast north of Mason and Dixon’s line for the purpose of establishing a guarded station for Prisoners of State. After visiting the islands from Virginia to Massachusetts the final selection of Dutch Island in Narragansett Bay, R.I., was determined on, which, with accompanying report, was approved by Gen. Totten.
Made a topographical and hydrographical survey of Coaster’s Harbor Island, near Newport, R.I., for the purpose of removing the Naval Academy from Annapolis to Newport.
By direction of Superintendent Peirce the subject of the landing of the French Cable was referred for examination. After thorough reconnaissance of the south-easterly part of the coast of New England – the general ground designated in the order – and after conference with the French and English Commissioners, the site of Duxbury Beach in Massachusetts Bay was determined upon as the preferred location and “Rouse’s Hommock” selected as the point of landing. The report on this subject, with accompanying charts, sketches and descriptions, were approved, and adopted without modification by the authorities having charge of the cable, and the landing was made by Sir Charles Hartley at the precise point indicated, and subsequently stated by him as the most successful ocean-cable landing in his experience.
In the co-operative work of the Government in furnishing points to States, from September, 1884, to the present time, April, 1890, have had charge of the triangulation in Massachusetts on the part of the United States as an officer of the Coast Survey and the part of the State as a commissioner.
In the line of the Department of Topography which has been the more especial work officially without personal volition, as much has been accomplished, individually, by precept and example, towards the higher attainment of standard in results and in advancing the interests of the Survey, as that effected by any single officer in any one department of the Survey.
In 1881, when other duty withdrew continued personal service from the field, the official record in topographical results showed the largest amount of work individually done in the Survey up to that date.
May 3, 1890, was appointed by President Harrison a member of the Mississippi River Commission.
1892, on the resignation of Gen. Francis A. Walker as a member of the Massachusetts Topographical Survey Commission, who had been chairman of the Board since its organization, was elected by the Board its chairman.
1892, was appointed by Superintendent Mendenhall Chairman of the Topographical Conference of officers of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey held in Washington, D.C., from January 18th to March 7th; a printed report was submitted and published.
January 11, 1894, was instructed by Superintendent Mendenhall to take general supervision of the surveys of Boston Harbor being made by Assistants Bache, Boyd, Ogden, Tittmann, Vinal and Wainwright.
Taken from URL: http://www.history.noaa.gov/cgsbios/h_whiting.html
Whiting Family journals, books and memoirs.
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