Page:Historic highways of America (Volume 13).djvu/113

 states. The first general meeting of the citizens of Baltimore to confer upon the adoption of proper measures for undertaking this magnificent work, was on the 2d day of February, 1827. An act of incorporation, by the state of Maryland, was granted February 28th, 1827, and was confirmed by the state of Virginia March 8th, 1827. Stock was subscribed, to provide funds for its execution, April 1st, 1827. The first board of directors was elected April 23, 1827. The company was organized, 24th April, 1827. An examination of the country was commenced under the direction of lieutenant colonel Stephen H. Long and captain William G. McNeill, United States' topographical engineers, and William Howard, United States' civil engineer, assisted by lieutenants Barney, Trimble and Dillahunty of the U. S. artillery, and Mr. Harrison, July 2d. 1827. The actual surveys to determine the route, were begun by the same officers, with the additional assistance of lieutenants Cook, Gwynn, Hazzard, Fessenden, and Thompson and Mr. Guion, November 20th, 1827. The charter of the company was con-