Okay, here's a useful form to follow in case you decide that it is prudent to issue a Navy six shooter pistol to your chain carriers. Note that one should be sure to note:
- the serial number of the gun,
- the name of its rightful owner, and
- the fact that the gun is to be returned at the close of the expedition to the West.
These examples of receipts signed by D.S. Ellis, B. Payne, and R. Robinson are from October of 1855, but should work fairly well today.
With around 100k just in equipment in my survey rig there's always a firearm at hand! Even when I send the wife out she's locked and loaded.
Better to have the Army, though
Lindsey's father, Wm. Lindsey, in partnership with R.C. Trimble made the original survey that subdivided Galveston Island in 1837 under contract with the Republic of Texas. Some of the residents on the island objected to the survey on the grounds that they had lawful claims to the land. As the following letter indicates, the surveyors had something better than pistols.
The text of the above:
Post Galveston
12th August 1837
To
The Government Surveyors
On Galveston Island
Gentlemen
Should any of the Citizens residing on the Island interrupt or molest you in the performance of your duties, you will please immediately to report them, when they shall be instantly removed from the Island.
Any assistance you may require for the accomplishment of your object will be promptly rendered on application.
Respectfully
Yours & c
Robt. Oliver
Captn. Comdg.
P.S. Should any of the Citizens interfere with you, please to read to them the inclosed order.