Letter of the Day: July 7 (1 of 2) - Dredging the Potomac

Curatorial Records: Numbered Correspondence 1589

 

July 7, 1896

 

 

Major Charles J. Allen,

Engineer Corps, U.S. Army,

In charge of Improvement of Potomac river, etc.,

Washington, D.C.

 

Dear Sir:

 

In connection with an investigation which I am now making by direction of the Surgeon General, concerning the prevalence of malarial diseases at Washington Barracks, and at Fort Myer, Va, I have the honor to request that I may be informed as to the date when the work of dredging the Potomac River and filling in the flats was begun, and, if possible, the amount of work accomplished each year., vis.: the number of cubic yards raised and deposited monthly, etc.

 

It is believe that information upon these points may throw considerable light on the investigation in which I am an engaged.

 

Very respectfully,

Walter Reed

Surgeon, U.S. Army,

Curator