Henry Engelmann to Richard Yates

Pittsburg Pa. March 27th 1861

His Excellency

Governor Yates

Sir.

Some days ago, while here at Pittsburg, on a geological tour of exploration in the now famous mineral-oil regions of Pensylvania and Ohio, I received a letter from Gov. Koerner, informing me that you would stay at Washington some weeks longer, and that, although you had not arrived at a final decision, you contemplated making some change in the geological survey. A few days previous I had received a communication from Mr. Worthen, a copy

of which I enclose. While he evidently speaks without authority, its purport relieves me of all obligation towards the writer; and in case you should decide upon removing Mr. Worthen, I wish you would consider me an applicant for the place. Still I do not wish in any way to sollicit his removal, and you will recollect my mentioning to you, that by every change a certain amount of experience, and consequently of labor, would be lost to the state. If, however, you consider a change desirable, and wish to give more prominence to the development of practical results, I hope I may be able to give satisfaction if you and the other members of the Executive board should see fit to entrust me with the charge of the survey.

Last week I went to Washington, and thence to Philadelphia, where I had been

informed I would find you; but being prevented from extending my stay, I am now on my way West. You will perceive that my private affairs as well as the survey suffer under the present state of suspence. You would, therefore, do me a great favor by causing, if possible, an action of the board in your absence, if that is to last much longer, or by giving me, at least, some intimation of your intentions.

I am, Sir,

with great respect

your obe'dt ser'vt

Henry Engelmann

Mr. Engleman

Asking appointment as State Geologist.