Attention Austin Surveyor McMillan Esq.

In 1944, J.H. Walker, who had been land commissioner from 1929-37, wrote a letter about the 1936 survey to then-Land Commissioner Bascom Giles. At the time, Walker was “land officer” at UT’s University Lands division.

“Dear Bascom,” he wrote, “For some years I have been making occasional investigations on the ground and in the record regarding the correctness of the Friend survey of the West Escondido System of University land in Pecos County.” The letter, heavy on surveyor-speak, makes it clear Walker was being sarcastic in a comment about Friend’s survey being “a marvel of mathematical exactitude.”

🙂

I've followed Friend. Interesting situation down near Fort Stockton on some of those University Lands. There's definitely some potential lawsuits that would happen if Friend's work is held but I think most people know better than to go moving fences. Kent and Stan Piper have both given me advice and information on Friend's work.

Wow, I just read the article. That's the exact fence I was thinking of. I'd be surprised if the private landowners haven't already lawyered up too. I don't remember if "Relax and enjoy the rain" former Gubernatorial Candidate Clayton Williams is on that side of the State property or not, but with all the oil production going on down there, there is the potential for a real wing-ding at the courthouse.

Andy, you and I both are old enough to know Mr. Williams did not use the word "rain". But thanks for "churching" it up a bit. The word he used is also a flower.

> "Herman: In State v. State, winner and the loser are sure to be, well, the state"

Derek: In Texas, there is a tradition that the State usually loses most land disputes just because there is typically enough money involved that the other side can hire better attorneys and better experts. So, it will be interesting to see which branch of the State loses more. :>