This article by Richard Koepke describes a tour of the St. Lawrence River that the U.S. Engineer Department gave to a group of congressmen. Boykin, one of the group, is mentioned specifically for his colorful personality and behavior.
In the letter Forney discusses the appropriation of railroad cars and iron tracks from Avery's railroad, by the Confederate army; the rolling stock will be used by two other lines in the state, and iron will "fill the requisition of the Engineer...