[Raasloff to Killaly, 14 Jun 1854]

SIR, -Since I had the honor of addressing you my last letter we have been engaged in surveying the Channels leading to the Coteau Rapids proper. Mr. Stewart's Map covers but a portion of this ground, and the greater part of his stations have been destroyed, and cannot be found again; it was therefore necessary to start afresh from the basis measured by him, and to triangulate the whole group of islands in and above these Rapids. This triangulation is in good progress and so are the soundings in the Southern Channel. We find that Channels which are generally considered to be deep and wide become doubtful from the very moment a width of 200 feet and a depth of at least 12 feet is contemplated; a mere examination would not suffice to remove these doubts entirely, and we have therefore determined to make a thorough survey of these Rapids and the Channels leading to them rather than to leave anything uncertain and doubtful behind us; we were confirmed in this determination by the belief that it would meet with your approval. We have sufficient material on hand for our present operations, and expect to have the iron barge ready by the time we shall have to survey the lower part of the Coteau Rapids. We are also well provided with life-boats, anchors and chains, for future operations, but we will no doubt very soon have to regret the want of a sufficient quantity of rope.

The water is falling in the river, and we are now not more than about one foot above ordinary summer level.

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