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This collection contains 28 letters written to William Campbell in 1825 regarding ongoing efforts to survey land for the construction of a road in southeastern New York. Surveyors reported on their progress from various locations, including distance traveled, opinions of local residents, and reports on survey-related finances.

This collection contains 28 letters written to William Campbell in the second half of 1825 regarding ongoing efforts to survey land for the construction of a road in southeastern New York. Campell was chief engineer for the project and received surveyors' reports about their progress.

The various agents primarily wrote from towns in southeastern New York such as Cooperstown and Red Hook. Many correspondents recorded the distance they traveled in a week, often between 18 and 25 miles, provided updates on their finances, and noted recent drafts made on behalf of the survey. Several mentioned moving along the "Windham Route," and many commented on regional geographic features, residents' opinions about local navigation, and possible route variations. Two of the letters contain small manuscript maps of natural features: November 20, 1825 (unsigned letter) and November 28, 1825 (letter by Ira Davenport).