Reports of explorations and surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean: Vol. 2, Pt. 2

WESTERN SLOPE OF THE SIERRA NEVADA.
direct line being but three miles) by winding from the summit of the pass south along the foot
of the nearest peaks, and touching Battle creek. Below this, the distances and line of profile
are those of the direct line of descent; for the total descent, 5,400 feet-5,000 being confined to
the first forty miles of the direct line-is so much more unequally distributed than was anticipated when making the survey, that, at two points it is not practicable, without a minute
survey and actual location of the road, to indicate a continuous'line upon which a railway
can be successfully constructed to descend this pass; and I have, therefore, not deviated from
the direct line. But it can only be carried below the point indicated on Battle creek by continuing the curve and crossing to the north the deep ravine before referred to, and again re-crossing
it on a curve to the south, returning to and across Battle creek, and thence, by a continued
series of similar curves, effecting the descent. The width of the descending ridge is so great,
and its general character such, however, as to establish the strongest probability of the practicability of effecting the descent on large and practicable curves to Hill's rancho; and there is
no difficulty in continuing it thence to McCumber's mill-24 miles (including the curve for the
first five miles) from the summit. From this point the road should follow, for some distance, a
branch of Battle creek to the south relieving, as far as practicable, the difficult section below
Shingletown; for the broken narrow ridge by which the descent must be continued for four
miles below this point is such, and the descent so great, as to render it doubtful whether it
can be successfully descended without stationary power. A further survey and actual location
of the road, as before indicated, is, however, necessary to determine this point. And if the
general character and location of the route connecting with this pass is such as to render the
determination of this point desirable, the resurvey should be continued to the summit of the pass.
The section immediately succeeding the one just indicated is that of the foot-hills of the
mountains; and is rough, descending in narrow ridges, but a railway can readily be carried
over it.
We were courteously received at Fort Reading by the commanding officer, Colonel Wright,
and the other officers of the post, and hospitably entertained by them during the two days
which we were detained in getting our animals shod and procuring necessary supplies for our
trip up the Sacramento to the mouth of Fall river, to complete the line.of exploration by the
Madelin Pass.
53