The role of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in opening the West is not as well known as the Corps' work on nationwide flood control and navigation projects. Yet, in the 19th century the surveys, explorations, scientific studies, and The introductory essay puts the report into its historical setting and provides a wealth of information about both the survey and the political and economic forces that dominated California over a hundred years ago. I trust the report and the essay w Robert W. Page Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works)