From Archibald McLachlan   begun on 22nd March, ended on 1. April

25 Byron Street¹ | begun on 22nd March, ended on 1. April²

Col. C. and Cap. T.³ were at York – it appears that the O.S.⁴ does not get on so well as could be wished. Col C. wishes to curtail or abridge the mechanical details, in surveying – calculating – registry &c. Nothing is to be done but what is indispensible – yet here, in Leeds, 5 feet⁵ – every little insignificant walk and flower bed – almost every tree has to be fixed like a Trig point,⁶ mere ornament takes up double the time of buildings – everything is done as if delay and expense were the only objects in view – just as if we were young ladies following a favourite amusement. Mere trifling with work. The Colonel made a speech to the gentn.⁷ of the office – to the following effect –‘I am sorry to inform you that I shall be under the necessity of reducing the establishment, for want of funds – yet I hope to have it in my power to employ in a co-lateral branch, all those who may be discharged’. This co-lateral branch is supposed to be the City of London⁸ – Yet it is certain that all who have been discharged, and all who shall be discharged – are discharged, not for want of funds, but for some fault, or default – Now these, when re-employed, will on this account be re-employed at a reduced rate of pay!!! At York, some of the ‘Board men’⁹ are employed on the Boundary survey¹⁰ 14/. to 20/. ‘per diem’¹¹ – With them the orders are so stringent, so annoying &c. that one man named McLoughlin¹² who is styled Cap. McLoughlin on account of his being in the Royal Military Academy¹³ as ‘teacher of military drawing’, he has resigned, and now must, from necessity, resign! At Leeds, we have last week got an order, to parade at the Royal Exchange, chains, sketches &c., this is the very centre of the town, and we are every morning the subjects of remark, our work lies South of our lodgings – and we have to travel more than a mile North to parade, then from parade we have to travel 2 miles South again to commence work! This was told to Cap: B.¹⁴ He said. I can’t help it, I have got orders for that purpose (of parading) So you may easily tell how this will end. It is reported that Col. C. some time ago, did propose – or say he could, make maps for the Tithe at 0/6 more than the 6 inch cost – i.e. – for 1/6 per acre.¹⁵ – Query. – Does not Capt. T. suspect some of the old hands to be at the bottom of, or assisting in some way, the late resistance made at Preston, on the Tithe affair!!¹⁶ And does he not wish to get rid of the older men so that, should any fair offer be made of Tithe maps, none of these busy bodies will be in existence to answer any questions of private surveyors, or give any information as to the nature of the O.S.? Did you see the Parliamentary news of 28th?¹⁷ Has Sir Robert¹⁸ proposed the Survey of London, and by whom is it to be done – It has struck me that if the Weekly Despatch¹⁹ would insert some letters to Sir Robert during the progress of the Bill,²⁰ they would be of use; again I suppose that an address in a small pamphlet, sent to Land Surveyors of Lancashire and York,²¹ would be a more effectual method of calling the attention of the parties interested. A small pamphlet, sent to Landsurveyors, Engineers, Agents, Members of Parliament, boys of the survey – present and past – This I think would be a good plan, as Newspapers are so easily lost. – If published in one paper only, others, perhaps, would not copy, or only on a limited scale. Which would be best – Newspapers, or pamphlets? In a pamphlet one could go more into the subject without daring the patience of anybody. In a Newspaper, several letters would be necessary, and perhaps tire the Editor – Besides, in a pamphlet one could say what an Editor would be afraid of publishing, for fear of a prosecution. – In a pamphlet, it would commence at 1825, follow the Irish Survey from beginning to end, then commence the English Survey and go into the politics of the affair, so that professional men would have a view of the whole subject – Will you let me know your thoughts on this – Can you find out the true cost of an officer of Engineers, that is, his allowance on the Irish, and English survey, there are so many accounts of this that I am uncertain of the truth. Does he receive pay, and half pay – and what is it? – allowance for Ho:²² Horse, servant, travelling, wine &c. &c. Also the true cost of one Sapper. Cap B. valued him at 3/.: Is the Military pay included in the Grant for the survey, or is it possible to be included in the general estimate for R.S. and M.?²³ Calculate the cost of the Irish survey from 1825 to the end of 1830 – keeping distinct Cap: R.E²⁴ Lieut R.E. – R. S. and M., C.A.,²⁵ cost of chains, theodolites and scales &c., paper and books. In 1829 Col. C. said in Committee of the House of Commons that the cost up to that time (end of autumn) was £77, 000, this must be wrong. – Our Field work is still carried on as if it was to be laid down on a large scale.

Yours very truly | McLachlan

No.1 –

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Preface to The Ordnance Survey of Ireland.

Section 1.

This pamphlet is designed merely as a preface to the History of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland; to enquire into, or dispose of, much preliminary matter which could not be embodied in the general History. It is also printed and distributed to a limited circle, with the view of calling the attention of those who are now, or have been at any former period employed on the O.S. And they are hereby respectfully requested to refresh their memories on the several points touched on in this preface, to put their thoughts on paper in the form of notes, giving as near as possible, names, places, dates &c. – and to refer to official documents, official letters, or their own personal correspondence – At no distant day, their notes will be called for (in a manner hereafter to be communicated) and persons giving important information shall be entitled to a copy of the History, gratis. –

Two questions may very reasonably be asked – 1st Why was the History not published sooner, at least the merits of the case ought to have been discussed during the progress of the Survey, when the incompetence of the parties were first discovered, when the R.E. officers were on the spot, could answer all questions and account to the public for all apparent failings, and when the evils detailed could be remedied. The 2nd question – Why is this History published now, all interest in the affair having long since ceased – why publish now, when it may be supposed no good result will follow!

To the first question and to all such, under every variety of form it may be replied, that during the progress of the Survey from 1825 to 1831, it was proposed to discuss publicly the merits of the case; but to this it was objected (and some members of Parliament took this view of the question) _ That the sums of money voted were so great, and the incompetence of the parties so manifest, their professional practical knowledge so utterly contemptible and worthless, that should a public exposure be made, the Board of Ordnance would be obliged to abandon the work, it was also said that a Survey of some sort was necessary and although the O.S. would not answer the purpose for which it was designed, yet still it would be better than any previous Survey, and with all its faults, would be found of great National advantage. An answer to the second question will best be found in a careful perusal of all this preface; but it may be well to observe here, that you cannot judge of results until certain experiments have had a fair trial – The whole case has assumed a new character. Arguments applicable to 1827 cannot fully apply to 1843. From 1825 to 1831 the experiment was made altogether at the public expense. The experiments of 1843 are of a more baneful kind, affecting the very professional existence of a large body of private practitioners. In 1843 an attempt is made to recover a professional character forfeited between the years 1825 and 1831. Let it not be forgotten that something approaching to Collusion is suspected. The difficulties encountered by land holders and Land Surveyors in Tithe maps coupled with the recent extraordinary proceedings, subjects the character of the R.E. to much injurious suspicion, and certainly their present line of conduct requires some explanation – The O.S. both of Ireland and England has hitherto escaped public animadversion, this has emboldened the Ordnance officers to proceed much further than the nature of the office will warrant; it remains to be proved whether they will persist in their present course –

It is said that their Superintendent²⁶ solicits examination and enquiry: If he feels interested in having himself and those under him placed in their proper position in scientific society, he has now an opportunity of doing so, before the publication of the History, as sufficient time will be allowed for any counter history to appear. But if at the end of 12 months no notice is taken of the Preface, then it may fairly be concluded that the facts are indisputable, and admitted to be so, by competent judges. And we shall proceed with the History of the most extraordinary proceedings (in a scientific point of view) ever presented to public notice this or any other public!

This first section is concluded with a repetition viz all those who are in possession of important information are requested to put it on paper, and when the proper time arrives it shall be called for

B.

Criticise this, like an Editor – in a few words – not the grammar, but the points. The grammar is beneath notice. Cut and slash right and left, all in 10 lines. In a few days

Yours very Truly | B. | Did you get my last posted Friday?

Retrospective View of the Ordnance Survey of Ireland. And an examination into the present state of the Ordnance Survey of England

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Address to the Master General of the Ordnance.²⁷ 1843.

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The retrospective view of the Ordnance S. of I.²⁸ and examination of the present state of the O.S. of E.²⁹ is respectfully laid before the Master General of the Ordnance, who, from his high character and public station, cannot be influenced by that class of causes, which may actuate others. He has high and important public duties to perform, and works of public interest committed to his care.

He is addressed with confidence, and respect, because it is known, that when any statement is fully and fairly laid before him, touching the public business over which he presides such statements have always received a full and impartial consideration.

With respect to the O.S. of I. the Master G. will remember that from 1825 to 1830 regular official returns were made of the progress and expences of the work, and he will recollect how grievously he was disappointed in 1830 in the Actual state of the work,³⁰ notwithstanding all the official returns.

The Master General is by his very position necessarily far removed from the scene of actual operations, and can know from official returns only, the state of the work, and the object of this pamphlet, is to communicate information which cannot be obtained from official returns.

The Master General is not aware that one third of the money expended on the O.S. of E. is lost by mismanagement – nor is he aware that money which has been voted by Parliament for the purposes of the Ordnance Survey of the British Isles, has to a certain extent, been appropriated to an undertaking never contemplated by Parliament, nor the B. of Ordnance: And that this misdirection of public money is still persevered in – this is a line of conduct which appears to require explanation.

The Master General is well aware that the vigorous prosecution of a public work, or a work in which many are employed, depends materially on the opinions, or feelings, which those employed entertain of their situation, circumstances affecting their minds have a corresponding effect on the progress of the work, causing either energy or apathy.

Distress and discontent exists among the men employed on the O.S. of E. and to such an extent as materially to retard the progress of the work, this is now become too evident, by the tardy, sleepy slothful manner with which operation drags its slow length along – it is evident by the manner in which all speak of themselves and their superiors, retrospective views are taken, calculations made, and inferences drawn from what are considered to be indisputable facts – and the result is increased dis-satisfaction – It is believed by the men employed on the Ordnance S. that the M.G.³¹ takes an interest in the advancement of the work, and by consequence, an interest in the welfare of all those upon whom the advancement almost entirely depends – this consideration tends to increase the bitterness of disappointment in many of those engaged in the work, they have left their home, are strangers in the place of their birth, they have spent the health and vigour of youth, endured all the fatigues of a National Survey in the heat of summer and cold of winter – are now unfitted for any other employment, are very useful in their present one, and have no wish to leave it – And it is a melancholy fact, that after 10 or 17 years arduous exertions many of the best hands have not received one half the promised remuneration – and the disappointment is still further increased when it is reflected on, that sufficient funds are placed at the disposal of the Board of Ordnance – and these funds are mismanaged. As enough has been said to convince the Master General that this pamphlet is the result of pressing grievances – and as a lengthened detail in this place would be inconsistent with the limits of it, the Master General is here earnestly and respectfully requested to peruse the contents and to cause an examination, to see ‘whether those things are so’.³² And it is earnestly hoped that he may have it in his power to remove the cause of discontent

B.³³

The reply of X³⁴ was received to day – Wednesday – It is always good to take 2 views of a question. The 1st was intended to start the proposition – how shall the thing commence – by an appeal to the Public or the Parliament?

X. will compare the tone of the 2 views given by B. – B thinks that neither the one nor the other of these views is good, but something of a middle course should be taken – D³⁵ is very cool and cautious on these subjects and can point out all objectionable expressions – and the points – most likely to draw attention and examination from certain parties.

B has given his views of the opening chapter, and shall say nothing more on that head – of course X and D will consult and prepare the 1st section, as ’tis not prudent to let much matter accumulate.

The other chapters will appear in ‘rapid succession’.

B.

To me at Mr. Shoutesmith Plumber & Glazier.³⁶ Bishopshill. Senior.³⁷ York.

The last from X has been received – the enclosure of Y³⁸ will soon be returned.

Y is a new comet!! I hope he may show a long fiery tail high in the zenith – with nucleus, nebulae, and nebulosity!! A comet as Milton describes. frightening and perplexing monarchs with a fear of change!!!³⁹

The introduction of Y will cause a change in the arrangement. B is of opinion that his two chapters on the prospectus should be thrown on one side until we see what Y has to say. The preface to any book tho’ placed at the beginning is always last written; and perhaps this would be judicious in the present case – let these two chapters lay by till the conclusion and perhaps something good on the point may come from Y.

Should X not put this question to Y for his future consideration? viz. Whether the thing should be addressed to the Master General; To the Irish Members of the House of Commons; or, to the Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors of Great Britain and Ireland? B will think on this subject.

It is quite clear that the Building must be erected by X. B is a good drudge, and perhaps Y may be so too. X is the architect, and assisted by the cool head D, cannot fail to do justice both to himself and the subject. B and Y should act simultaneously, and to ensure this – X should demand from both, a full and complete examination into the several points – allowing, 3 days to each point to the consideration of each point – each point to take up one or more letters – each letter to have a broad margin like the present sheet, for the convenience of X for references – The following are some of the leading points. X will follow up the items in future letters. The first point is nearly completed by B. But Y should as soon as possible reply to the first point also – NB do not allow matter to accumulate.

1st State the cause or causes of the O.S. of I. – Give something on the Parliamentary preliminaries – name the parties examined before the Committee of the House of Commons – State the object to be attained by the Survey – (the Parliamentary objects) The estimated time and expenses. Who was entrusted with the execution of it. Were the parties entrusted qualified by previous practice, Reason for entrusting the details of the work to the parties employed, from whom did they receive their orders?

2nd Valuation: State the reasons of it – or causes – To whom was that part of the work entrusted – reasons for entrusting them. State their previous professional career – from whom did they receive their orders?

3rd Describe the nature of the valuation,⁴⁰ its extent, its objects, state the reasons why good maps are necessary, from whom did the practical details proceed, from Mr G.⁴¹ or the Board of Ordnance: or from some R.E. by the Boards order?

4th Describe how maps are used on the O.S. of I. by the valuators. Describe a good map fit for the above purposes.

5th Enquire into the Parliamentary or Board of Ordinance’s meaning attached to the words ‘Townland Survey’.⁴² Do they mean the outlines or boundaries merely, or otherwise.

6th Enquire into – whether Colonel C. and Mr G. had a correspondence or mutual understanding on their relative duties as Land Surveyor and Land Valuator and the nature of the maps required – or – whether the O.S.I. was begun without any previous understanding and consequently each following (separately) the orders he had received from their employers. Whether Colonel C, knew or did not know the nature of the future valuation – whether he knew or did not know the orders Mr G. had received.

7th Enquire into – a book called ‘The Colonel’s Blue Book’.⁴³ Who is the real author, Col. C. or the Board of Ordnance. Examine its contents – when was it written –what was the object in view by writing it – give an opinion on its contents.

And so going over every item, down to the present hour. A closely written letter may embrace perhaps 3 points – if so, each point should not be jumbled, but kept distinct by a broad black line – all for the sake of ready reference.

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With respect to contents of the last from X: it is good, keep it in reserve: B intends to follow the order of events – just as they have occured, not an item, not a single pin point shall be overlooked, or passed over in silence.

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– Perhaps it would not be well to insert anything in newspapers at present, it would awaken suspicion of the authors – every action, every expression would be watched, the post office would be narrowly watched too, and any stray letter opened as in the case of Captain Fenwick!!⁴⁴ The explosion will take place before any serious mischief is done on a large scale – Let the electric fluid burst like a clap of thunder!! – let them sleep in fancied security and when the proper time arrives pitch it into them before they can have time to recover their self-possession. Take it easy. The thing must be ready in about 2 months – and then letters can be put in the papers of Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool London &c.!! Push Y, tell him to make an exertion for one month and all is well – from this out B will work like a ‘good un’

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It is proposed for future determination, that is, let it be made a matter of general reflection and to be determined, when the other points have been got over: First

T.O.⁴⁵

1st Whether it would be prudent to address a short and pithy letter of one page or so, to the Master General.

2nd Whether a short one should not be addressed to Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors.

3rd Whether one should not be addressed to the Irish Members of Parliament.

4th One to Newspaper Editors

5th One to the gentlemen now employed on the Ordnance Survey called Civil Assistants.

6th One to the Royal Engineers themselves – giving a heavy push on the ribs!!

Each to be short and emphatical, of not more than ½ or a whole page

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B is puzzled to dispose of, properly, all the materials on hand – X will see the necessity of following the order of events and the subdivision of items – tho’ they appear a formidable array, yet they can in the end be reduced by X to a very small compass. A good margin is indispensible – and also the different heads or points should be separated by a broad clear black stroke – X will soon find the benefit of this.

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Keep up your heart – and make Y exert himself, for there is something in him. B.

I will continue the list of items myself and you can put them to Y.

The reason why old Officers are sent off and young ones come on – are – that in Ireland where a great number of them were employed, a good deal of jealousy was shown by other R.E. who never were on the O.S. – but got an extra journey abroad while all the favoured one remained at home on the O.S. receiving all the nice pickings &c. Some grumbling was the consequence about the year 1836. Again a good many young ones received all their college course except surveying, to learn that part of it they are sent to the O.S. Never mind when we come to the conduct of the Royal Engineers towards <words missing> of a raking then I’ll eat my hat!!! On this subject I have as much as would sink a ship!!!!!!!!

Friday

Dear X —

The last came to day – It is known! that the Council of Leeds debated over the Motion, whether a map of the Town with a series of levels, should be requested of the Ordnance Survey. The debate ended in a flare up! – A publisher and engraver was at that time making a copy and engraving of the town of Leeds on 3 chains,⁴⁶ (taken from the tithe map) The Council gave the Engraver £300, to drop the undertaking, and destroy the contract, which was done. The Council have lately had another debate, the consequence, that a map of the town on the scale of 5 feet to one mile should be requested from the O.S. The town to pay the expense – which will be about £300.⁴⁷ The request was made through Colonel C. and succeeded. Captain T. was at York a few days ago, inspecting the progress of the maps of Leeds. 21 sheets to be done, and no draftsmen!! It was settled that 6 should be sent to York, some to be drafted from Cap. T. and some from Cap. D.⁴⁸ It will be nearly a 6 months job – So, whoever goes to York may reckon on 5 months stay. In a few days X shall have another letter on the proper subject, in the mean time he is directed to consider the following points – Is not the Royal Military College of Engineers at Woolwich, supported at the Public expense? – that is to say – the students at the College do not pay the Professors, or support themselves, as to board, lodging, expense of experiments. Who pays the Professors, and the expenses of the establishment? Is it included in any Grant, or, included in the general yearly estimates? How many R.E. officers are there in existence, paid by the Board of Ordnance. Recollecting all our public works, projected, or paid by the Government, such as, Harbours, Docks, Roads, – Bridges – Have any of the great works, showing both Theoretical and great practical knowledge, Have any of these been done, or designed, by the R.E. since the year 1815? – Has not the O.S. of Ireland been applauded in the public prints – and have not the officers and men been eulogised – Has not all the work of York and Lancaster, surveyed and drawn for the scale of 2 inches, been thrown aside as useless? – Has not all the Hill Sketching done in Ireland been thrown aside as useless, and a new system introduced, called contouring?⁴⁹ The 6 inch has superseded the 2 inch – also contouring superseded the Hill Sketching.

What is the reason why the county and city of Dublin 6 inch scale, is not published yet.⁵⁰ X is requested only to think over these things in his own mind, to refresh his memory.

Those who go to York, or some of them, may be at first sent to examine on the ground. The Survey of London has not been proposed yet, it was delayed by other business, look to the newspapers – Very soon, another letter may be expected

Yours very truly | B. | care of Mrs Buckle⁵¹ | 4 Bishop Hill senior

RI MS JT 1/11/3763–72