George Washington Whistler, an American engineer, born at Fort Wayne, Ind., May 19, 1800, died in St. Petersburg, April 7, 1849. He graduated at West" Point in 1819, became second lieutenant of artillery, and in 1821-'2 was assistant teacher of drawing at the military academy. He was then detailed for duty on the northern boundary commission under Col. J. J. Abert, and served till 1828. In 1829 he became first lieutenant, and went to Europe in the employ of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad company. Between 1831 and 1842 he superintended the construction of the Paterson and Hudson River, the Boston and Providence, and the Stonington and Providence railroads, and the Western railroad through Massachusetts. He resigned his commission in 1833. In 1842 he was invited to superintend the system of internal improvements then projected in Russia, where not only the railroads were to be constructed, but the rails and the rolling stock were to be manufactured under his supervision. He was also appointed engineer of the naval arsenal at Cronstadt, and engaged in the construction of fortifications, docks, and bridges, and the improvement of harbors and rivers.