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Genl. James Whitelaw was chosen Surveyer General of Vermont, Oct. 1787, being the second Surveyer General, was re-elected every year till 1805, a period of 18 years. In 1783 whilst deputy Surveyor under Ira Allen (the then Surveyer General) he ordered a compass to be made by John Gardner of Glasgow, Scotland, which he received in 1784. This compass with chain, magnet &c. he used during the rest of his life and whilst Surveyor General of the State. At his death in 1829 it came into the possession of his Grandson John B. Whitelaw of Ryegate, VT , then 23 years old, who had learned surveying from his Grandfather, and who followed the profession at various times during his life, lastly in Wisconsin. John B. Whitelaw died in Griggsville, Ills., Dec. 4th 1884 at residence of his sister Susan White, and the identical compass, magnet, chain &c. purchased from John Gardener, sent to Vermont in 1784 and used by General Whitelaw while Surveyor General, is now in possession of his Great Grandson, Geo. P. Whitelaw of St. Louis, Mo. About the year 1864 Thos. Goodwillie of Barnet, VT, read a paper on the life of General Whitelaw before the Historical Society of Vermont at its meeting in St. Johnsbury, in which he suggested acquiring the surveying instruments, considering they would be a valuable addition to their Historical collections. This sketch of Genl. Whitelaws life was published in the Caledonian of St. Johnsbury Nov 18, 1864, and Geo. P. Whitelaw finding a copy of same among his fathers effects, has concluded to offer to donate these Surveying instruments to the Historical Society of the State of Vermont, if they so desire. There is no doubt of the identity of these instruments. The compass having John Gardeners name on the face, and it came direct from Genl. Whitelaw to his Grandson John B. Whitelaw, and who only died in December last, and from him to his son Geo. P. Whitelaw of St. Louis Mo., who makes this offer.