Box 11, Folder 3: Correspondence September-December 1871

War Department Office of the Chief Signal Officer Division of Telegrams and Reports for the Benefit of Commerce

Washington, D. C. Nov 4th 1871

Prof. I. A. Lapham Asst to the Chief Signal Officer Milwaukee Wis.

Sir:

The Chief Signal Officer directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your interesting report on the recent great fires in the North West and to say that he desires you to make a thorough investigation of the meteorological results of these fires visiting the several localities if necessary.

Please state whether in all or any cases they were followed by strong winds &c [etc] in confirmation of the theory of Mr. Espy or whether the result has been to disprove the cor-

rectness of that theory.

Very Respectfully &c [etc]

[Wm Newgate?] Lt & Bvt Capt [2 ys.?] [A S Grasst?]

Milw. Oct 26, 1871

Brother

You will see by the inclosed that your friends are still concerned about your safety. Please call at 617 Mich. Avenue & relieve his mind.

I hope you & Elizabeth have been able to find a good place & comfortable quarter, in which to recover from the turmoil & excitement of the "Great Fire."

Shall be happy to hear from you occasionally

Yours truly

I. A. Lapham

Col Sam'l Stone

Thanks for attention to my son Charles.

Milwaukee Nov 20, 1871

Dr Brother

Here is one of the letters we sent to Hyde Park returned to me & I send it again.

Please see Mr Blanchard and purchase for me 4 of the small maps of the fire, such as I had when in Chicago, and one of the large ones, such as we saw on Canal Street. I will send you the cost. Please say to Mr. B. that I do not hold him for the Geological Maps which were doubtless burned!

Got home safely & found all well.

Compliments for Mr, Mrs, & Miss Stone

Yours truly

I. A. Lapham

Col Sam'l Stone

Milwaukee Nov 29, 1871

Dr Sir

In accordance with the request in your letter of the 4th inst I have given further attention to the phenomena of the Great Fires of the North West with reference to theory of the late Prof. Espy, and now send you what may be deemed a continuation of the report heretofore sent.

Very respectfully Yours

I. A. Lapham

To Gen. A. J. Myer [Albert J. Myer] Ch. Sig. Officer. [Chief Signal Officer]