Sub-Assistant William W. Harding died of typhoid fever at Philadelphia on the 25th of September, suddenly closing, in the midst of special adaptation and earnestness in duty, a period of twelve years of service. At the date mentioned his party was engaged in hydrographic work on the coast of New Jersey. Summer and winter, for several years previous, he had unremittingly pushed similar duty to complete the survey of the branches of the Chesapeake Bay, himself tracing the shore-lines, and in large results giving sure evidence of patience, energy, and skill. He had in full measure all the qualities desirable in his profession. In him a cultivated mind was ready at any time to be enforced by a strong will, and the utmost which could thus be done in any direction he had of himself subordinated to the interests of the work committed to his charge.

The social qualities of Sub-Assistant Harding endeared him to all in the Survey, and to a large circle of friends outside of its membership.