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Lieut Smith to whom I gave charge of the construction from Unalachleet northward to the Head of Norton Bay, the other to Lieut Chappel with instructions to run the line from the head of Norton Bay to Sound Golovine.  To Lieut Adams I gave command of the building from Unalachleet N.E. through Perraval towards Mulato.  In laying out the line, many miles were to be constructed through mountains where timber was scarce and transportation difficult before reaching the sea coast, and I therefore determined to run it through these defiles while I had the snow, and if possible by summer have both ends completed to the sea coast, where I could resume operations by first open water, and when the line could be accessible with boats.

To Lieut W.W. Smith the operator, who has had experience in Telegraph building I made superintendent of the building of the line in my Division, and the manner in which he performed his duties merits my warmest approval.  The constructing parties having been set to work under officers who fully understood