The first comment is found in the old Sainte Genevieve County Survey Record Book at page 48 (MoDNR microfiche location: 186/0038A03) and is dated June 12, 1885:
"It often happens that we cannot subdivide a section strictly as it should be for the reason that parties cannot, or will not, afford to pay the necessary expenses of such subdivision; We therefore must be content to measure some of the boundaries and make our subdivisions approximately correct."
The next comment is found in the old Sainte Genevieve County Survey Record Book at page 116 (MoDNR microfiche location: 186/0131A02) and is dated April 22, 1892:
"Unfortunately the notes taken at the time have been misplaced, but I have a very good recollection of about all important facts except distances."
The last comment is found in the old Sainte Genevieve County Survey Record Book at page 124 (MoDNR microfiche location: 186/0132B01) and appears to be Mr. Nations' farewell and closing comments at the end of his term in 1892:
"Several other comparatively unimportant surveys were made which are not herein recorded.
It often happens that parties have surveying done, not to establish lines definitely, but rather to know approximately where lines and corners are, as in many cases the lands being surveyed are not valuable and parties think it will cost too much to make careful and reliable surveys, and the surveyor must do the best he can under the circumstances. But it would be next to useless to record such work, work that the surveyor himself knows to be anything but perfection. I have done considerable of this kind of work. Some I have recorded and some I have not.
Another thing: The office while I have been the incumbent, has not been furnished with the necessary, and almost indespensable, plats and field notes, and as I could find time to copy hurriedly, and then when it comes to recording I have often been at a loss for the lack of information that a glance at the official plat would make clear.
In conclusion I would say, I have tried to do my duty as an officer. I have doubtless made mistakes, as others do; I have made many acquaintances and I trust many friends; I have been treated courteously by all and now as my term of office expires I take my leave and bid all a hearty farewell."
Thanks, J. W., for leaving some interesting comments, allowing us some insight into how things were done, so that we may make informed judgments in the work that we do today. Perhaps you (the reader) would consider leaving some comments in your field notes that could provide a smile, a chuckle or particular insight for those that follow in your footsteps.
