DESCRIPTION OF A SUB-MARINE AQUEDUCT, TO SUPPLY NEW-YORK WITH WATER FROM NEW- JERSEY CONNECTED WITH A COMMERCIAL CANAL, AND RAIL-WAY, FOR THE DIRECT WESTERN TRADE OF THIS CITY. By J. L. SULLIVAN, Civil Engineer. NEW- YORK : G. &, C. & H. CARVILL. 1830. LUDWIG & TOLEFREE, PKINTKKS, Corner of Greenwich and Fcsey-sirecls, I - ' ( . * ' ■ , >. < DESCRIPTION OF AN AQUEDUCT, &c, ADDRESSED TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEW-YORK. i * s ■ . • There is perhaps no subject of public interest on which there is more unanimity of opinion, than the importance of a liberal supply of pure water to large cities from some external source. Water enters so largely into domestic economy in the preparation or as constituting food, that its purity is of the utmost consequence. And as the means of public cleanliness, on which a pure atmosphere depends, is essential to the healthiness of the place, its commercial preference, and prosperity. In ancient times a like opinion must have originated those superb Aqueducts, the mag- nificent monuments of the providence, as well as power of Rome, some of which are still, after the lapse of thousands of years, in use — the pride and preservation of that city. And if we trace the history of other great cities down to modern times, it will be found that their improvement in healthiness, has been coeval with the introduction of pure water. London has not since been 6 desolated by the plague, nor Philadelphia by the yellow fever. It is impossible that the wells of a large com- pact paved town can remain good. New-York is the only considerable city in the United States that is not pro- vided with an aqueduct. But that circumstance has not been owing to any doubt or disunion : On the contrary, an uncommon degree of solicitude has been manifested and expressed on proper occasions, when there was a prospect of success : even from an early period after public affairs became settled, when the Manhattan Company was incorporated for this purpose, up to the recent occasion, when millions were promptly embodied, and surveys were made to the Rye Pond and the Croton, and would have been applied had these resulted in an estimate of the quantity and expense commensurate to the object. Still, however general the impression of the value of such a work to this city, the great expense attending it, seems to have been, and still to be an obstacle. And no doubt it will require every rational motive to union of pur- pose, and a clear perception of every advantage, to induce its being undertaken. It is the object, therefore, of these pages to bring these motives and advantages into one point of view, and then to endeavour to shov that I claim the honor, and may have the good fortune to diminish that obstacle and subdue the difficulties, so that New-York may be as well, or better sup- plied than Philadelphia, at an expense, if not so small, yet so 7 moderately exceeding it, as to be no objection.— But to be understood, I must ask the favour of the reader of these brief pages, that he patiently peruse them to the end, that if interested in the subject he may perceive that I have a right to propose this work, and an interest, both in point of professional reputation" and emolument in the most com- plete success of it. After the manifest solicitude and disappointment in the result of the surveys alluded to, it may be presumed that no apology can be demanded by propriety, from even an individual who thus unsolicited invites, and almost demands by the argument, the attention of the inhabitants to his plan and invented means of drawing this supply, becom- ing essential, from an elevated and nearer source, hitherto forbidden only by the supposed impracticability of reaching it. But his only valid excuse can be the occasion, and the circumstance of having brought this source within reach — and being authorized to offer it to the community, on com- paratively moderate terms. — It has indeed become his duty to solicit this attention at this time, because it is an opportunity that may be lost by delay. It is besides, a result of several years' attention to the subject. It was necessary, that some person competent in the practical principles of civil engineering, should, by preliminary instrumental operations, become acquainted with the ground — inspire some confidence of the Incorpora- tion owning the water, in his ability to render the work 8 practicable, before it could with any propriety be proposed and offered. It was early in 1828, that aware of the im- possibility of drawing a sufficient supply of water from any other source than the Passaic, that I devised the mechanical means necessary to the proper execution of the work of an Aqueduct across the North-River : — and on making the inquiry of Mr. Colt, the presiding officer of the Institution at Paterson owning the water at the falls, received instead of an answer at that time, a request engaging my profes- sional services in making surveys relating to their rights and privileges, and those of the town, which afforded me an opportunity of becoming well acquainted with all the ground I shall have occasion to mention, and of bringing my plan to maturity. After which, an answer was given, and the terms agreed on, consistently with the provisions of their charter. — These I have communicated to his Honour the Mayor, together with a letter of Introduction. But however acceptable to him and the Common Council, the assurance that this source is thus at the command of this community, it appeared to be beyond the present limits of their delegated authority, to execute any investigations beyond the line of the City and State. It becomes, therefore, necessary to present the facts; and the general argument to those, who, by numbers, intelli- gence, and influence, will make and sustain public opinion, and the measures that may become necessary and proper ; — when a Company formed for the purpose, shall be able 9 to present this water in abundance at the western line of the corporate territory. To diminish the cost of the Aqueduct to the City — and at the same time to increase commerce, it will be perceived, that I combine with it a Canal that may become the most important of the avenues of trade to the interior of the country. It will appear that there is occasion and oppor- tunity to prevent much impending evil, and to attain much permanent prosperity : — that neither the one nor the other is remote or uncertain. The former is of a kind to be more felt than expressed. Causes that affect strangers more sensibly than those whom habit may have rendered less susceptible. Habit may enable men to endure patiently inconveniences for which they see no remedy, — but the same spirit which sustains, will re-act with equal force in the direction of relief when per- ceived to be possible, and with the more promptitude, as the suffering may fall most heavily on the feminine, the tender, and the young, who look to fathers and brothers, for every kind of protection and prosperity. Men of leisure may indeed escape into the county, but the working-men, the men of business, constitute much the largest proportion of the community. In the year 1793, Philadelphia lost Jive thousand lives by the yellow fever. It raged from July to November. All business was suspended, and the greater part of the inhabi- tants dispersed. It is a tremendous calamity, that suddenly stops business and provision from thousands of families. 2 10 The sick were removed to a hospital out of town, and their necessities provided for by the charity of the more opulent ; and one of the richest of her merchants, himself attended them.* It was after this that the supply of water from the Schuylkill was raised by steam engine power to the top of Fairmount ; but this power proving to be too ex- pensive, and requiring renovation, the plan of constructing a very high dam across the river, to form hydraulic power to throw water to the top of this eminence, was conceived with as much boldness of design, as its execution has since been admirable and complete. Two millions of gallons of water are daily led into the city, and distributed for a small annual tax, to every family ; and after supplying all demands, the surplus flows in rivulets down every street, preventing all those stagnant receptacles of filth, that might else infect the air with poisonous exhalations ; and by the force derived from its elevation, enabling the firemen to command so much water, as promptly to check the most threatening conflagrations. That City has but once, since the construction of these water-works, been alarmed by the re-appearance of the yellow fever ; but the purity of the atmosphere enabled the authorities to check and confine it to the locality first infected. On the contrary, in the city of New-York, a few years ago, it gradually advanced upon the inhabitants, and it is well remembered, compelled business to lly before ■■ Gerard< 11 it, to the borders of the country, while the usual current of trade, flowed into other channels, and to more fortunate towns. Perhaps, New-York then lost as much in one summer, as her Aqueduct will cost. But, it is not only to guard against this great evil, that the general cleanliness of a city is of so much impor- tance, but others — more common ; for, we may confi- dently appeal to medical men, for the fact within their constant observation and experience, that bad water, and bad air, are the proximate causes of other disorders of a febrile type, that prevail in the summer season. When, once the atmosphere becomes loaded with aerial poisons, it will affect all persons in some way, implanting the germ of violent disorders, or impairing insidiously, the constitution : — predisposing the inhabitants of the place in general, to receive and spread the infection of a disease, second in its malignity only to the plague. There can be no doubt that the only effectual remedy, for this liability of the American cities, is the introduction of a liberal supply of water. The occasion for the improvement is obvious. Most of our great towns were begun on a contracted plan. Their rapid growth was at that time no more anticipated, than the revolution that gave them their commerce. We have never yet been able to remedy the defectiveness of their subterraneous drainage. To use the surface of the streets has become the unpleasant alternative — the choice of the least of the inconveniences. The open enemy may be met 12 and conquered, the hidden foe is unassailable. Shafts may be shot from the constant ambush of inaccessible coverts. It is better there should be no drains if there is but a command of water to wash the streets effectually. It is no reproach to New-York that in its rapid growth to greatness, it does not yet possess the usual accommo- dation in all respects of an old and well-ordered city. It is no reproof that natural causes here, as elsewhere, pro- duce like effects — that the rays of the sun which ripen our fields and fruits, and furnish our tables with abundance and luxury, pour intense heat upon the houses and streets, decomposing the refuse and raising those gases which from their nature are so prolific of disorders elsewhere — and are so heavy as just to creep along the foot-walks from whose borders they spring, and linger in the abodes of man as it were to afflict him, where most he feels, in the scenes of domestic comfort and interest. It may be thought a bold assertion, prompted by pro- fessional ambition, that New-York has at this time much to do in self-defence : That it will not be safe to re- pose and rely alone on her natural advantages — her fine accessible harbour— extensive natural and artificial navi- gation — her insular elevated site, so propitious to good air and public Heanlincsa : It is not enough that at present a great trade is driven with all parts of the Union ; that our external commerce is co-extensive with the ocean ; that the mechanic interest is large, respectable, and pros- perous ; that every profession is recompensed ; that the 13 schools are numerous and good ; that the institutions of liberal and professional education are fully equal to those of other places ; that its embellishments and improvements are progressive, and in many respects admirable ; that there is an active countenance and support of those insti- tutions which promote science, literature, and the fine arts — and above all, charity, religion, and virtue : In all these things, incalculably valuable, we compare with, and vie with, our rival sister city. But though there is felt deeply in New-York, amongst the descendants of the founders of our city, that honest pride which is never lost, and never ought to be — partaking the spirit that braved the wintry seas, and the frowning coast — the heart of that energy that has done and is doing so much, like a vigorous shoot from the parent stock that had produced such admirable fruits of industry from the soil of an empire recovered from below the ?evel of the sea ; it will nevertheless be hazardous to disregard the silent spirit of improvement and pursuit of her sole interests by Philadelphia. And is this any reproach to her 1 No ; but it is an ad- monition to us. No community aims more obviously and decisively to make their city not only great, but preferable. As from her earliest history she held out inducements, sometimes delusive, to settlers, she not less conspicuously offers them now to men of fortune and leisure. The whole of her population well understand the advantages of the presence of opulence. They know it is power to produce every improvement that promotes business : and it is the 14 fashion there — and a fashion truly founded in reason — to be public spirited. The young men of fortune feel its inspiration, and the elder men, wealthy and experienced, hold not back from what their judgment approves. They sustain public opinion and enterprize. They feel the good policy of aggrandizing the place where they have invested their money ; and Philadelphia, in all her mildness, exerts a great influence over the legislature. She induces the state to engage in the most extensive plan of canal naviga- tion, practicable within her limits ; all leading to the me- tropolis of that state, as if the people of Pennsylvania were not also citizens of every state in the Union. And thus far this system of internal communication has been exe- cuted with a spirit that is at once evidence of that financial power and influence. It is perfectly obvious that if she can, she will fix there the centre of the great distribution of merchandise to the Union. Her grand trunk reaches from her metropolis to the head of the Ohio, to the only good port on the south side of Lake Erie, nearly to the head of the Susquehanna, and far up the Delaware. She draws largely on the interior of New-York, she calls back from Maryland by the most expensive canal in the world what descends into that state, and now s^on will have the advantage of the New- Jersey Canal and Railway for winter tonnage. As- suredly the time is not remote when the Custom House of New-York will be the only house here, with which that city and the west will necessarily transact business, unless 15 guarded against by the work I am about to describe. But in saying this I appeal to the judgment of men of business and information, whether the trade of New-York with the West can safely go through Philadelphia 1 Whenever there are two cities, not remote from each other, having the same internal and external relations, one of them must and will gain and have the decided ascen- dency. The other may indeed hold on its course, it may maintain itself long at about the same, but it will feel a decided check. There are not wanting examples, of this repres- sion, in our country. And there is no recovery from its ef- fects, but from some new spring, some great and well found- ed effort of enterprize and capital, like that, which Balti- more is making, and which Boston contemplates. The internal commerce of the west, is to increase im- measurably : but nature has supplied no other sea ports for it, than those now occupied. They exist under the ad- vantages and disadvantages of the comparative facility of communication. Baltimore having only, the nearest posi- tion, by fifty miles, shot ahead of Philadelphia. The steam- boats were set in motion on the Mississippi, and her in- ternal commerce declined. Erie Canal was made, and New-York gained trade from Philadelphia. This city alarmed, has not only imitated, but excelled New-York in her plan ; and possessing a milder climate, will, for the reasons already mentioned, draw all to herself, unless we, while we retain the north, continue to share with Philadelphia independently the west, 16 By this decision, New-York will forever keep in advance of that enterprizing community. And there will thus be a very different state of things twenty years hence, from that which would exist here if they had decidedly the lead. It is not desired nor expected to produce by these re- marks any degree of enthusiasm. It is not necessary to argue with the inhabitants of New-York to make them love their city, any more than it is necessary with Ameri- cans to make them love their country. Every body here is content with our prospects. No one, native or emigrant, thinks he can better his condition at present by removing, or wishes for his children any better lot than to be settled here in some line of business while New-York has the ascendency. Every one who reflects a moment on the subject acknowledges the value of attractiveness in a place. It is the magnet of a city's prosperity. It consists of those things which enables all to be recompensed, re- warded, gratified, and prospered. It is not only the oppor- tunity of the employment of talents and money, but of enjoying fortune. Of partaking in, and promoting all good institutions, which must be built up by the best use of property. The same delightful circumstances or characte- ristics of a city — its fine air, pure water, good order, police, security of persons and property, jurisprudence and govern- ment, that attach natives and long residents, attract acces- sions of numbers and wealth: It becomes a place to enjoy life in, and to give one's children the most liberal education without the hazards of estrangement from parental influence in distant colleges. 17 It is certainly, very much for the interest of the inhabi- tants of a city, that wealth should concentrate there. Those who have made fortunes here, and founded, or sustained its institutions and improvements, assuredly have great satisfaction in seeing them flourish. It is wealth that builds the comfortable houses of the industri- ous, at every rate of rent, furnishes the circulating medium in bank loans to faciliate every profitable business — or helps forward the ponderous wheels of commerce, which set so many of those of the mechanic arts in motion : — Or stretches out the power of money in the formation of the avenues of internal trade. And, it may be truly said, that the best success of all depends on the healthiness of the place. The climate of our country makes the summer months those of the most active business, in all our cities ex- cept New-Orleans and the more southern Atlantic sea-ports. At this season is the commercial harvest of the middle and northern states, and if interrupted, from July to Novem- ber, it is the same to any one so unfortunate, as if New- Orleans lost her winter of activity. No northern city can dispense with her summer trade : and it will be our best policy to prevent its interruption. It would be most un- lucky, at this period, when the internal improvements of Pennsylvania are about going into operation, if New-York were to lose her summer harvest again to the city of Philadelphia. These two places must always be in a spirited competition for the great trade of the west, and will vigorously adapt their jneans to that end. Nor is a 3 18 public debt to be apprehended when contracted for the ascendency, any more than in war, for defence. A public debt can be burdensome only to a declining state or city. To a rising one, never ; especially if the money be applied to the creating some useful productive property, transmitted with it to the possession of posterity. It is theirs as well as ours. And the debt is in effect di- minished in the same proportion as the population increases. Future generations would else have to do the same thing — and might have some reason to reproach the timidity of their fathers, with losing a good opportunity of making pro- vision at reasonable cost for so important and sure an exi- gency. It will assuredly be an historical fact, that at this period, the city of New-York might have secured the right for ever to supply itself with pure water from Passaic Falls. Passaic River, in its lowest natural state, in the month of August and September, discharges at the falls one hun- dred and fourteen millions of gallons, in twenty four hours, at the elevation of one hundred and twelve feet above tide. And after passing below all the factories is still forty feet, above high tide. The direct distance is fourteen, the prac- ticable distance eighteen miles. The Park in front of the City Hall is foirty-two feet above tide. With this command of water, sixty times greater than Philadelphia requires, there is a choice in the mode of supply. That method which will diminish the cost to the city, and at the same time increase its internal commerce, 19 must be the best. It is unquestionably practicable to bring all the water of Passaic river, or so much of it as will flow in a deep paved rapid canal, (comparatively so,) to the shore of Hudson River, and there spread into one or two capacious basins thirty feet above tide. And the navigation descending to a canal through the reclaimed meadows and the marsh, arrive at the Hoboken and the Powles' Hook Ferries. This canal would have extensive relations : — To trace them is a part of the argument : and if calculated to produce the best effects, some details will be acceptable. By the same route that this noble supply of water comes, the commerce of the city of New-York would go di- rect to the heart of Pennsylvania, and the valley of the Ohio and Mississippi. There is nothing to be feared in presenting the boldest features of this work to the public at once and at first. A tunnel of one mile (like that at Liverpool) must penetrate Bergen Ridge. The canal then inclines northward about two miles and arrives at the Hackensack, crosses it, then passes one mile of low marsh and two miles of hard ground of medium elevation, then reaches the hill in Lodi, and penetrating this by a half-mile tunnel, ascends the valley of the Passaic, to Paterson. For one mile be- low that city it expands into a large basin supplied from the river by means of a dam below the factories, to turn the water into it, and in coming in would have necessarily to cross over a large culvert made for the drainage of that town into the river below the dam. 20 But in this distance we have to cross the Hackensack, a navigable stream : — there are indeed but few vessels which pass up and down it ; but the people who enjoy this natural advantage, can for no public purpose be deprived of it. In this instance, as at other bridges, the aqueduct or canal trunk must have a draw. An Aqueduct Bridge Draw is a new thing in practical engineering, only because the occasion for it has not be- fore arisen. It has rarely occurred that a canal was required to keep up its elevation on coming to a navi- gable stream. Sometimes it may happen that a canal re- quires to carry forward its water to the ground beyond, to avoid thereby the expense of a deep excavation below tide. This draw is on simple principles. It consists of a sec- tion of the wooden trunk of the aqueduct. This trunk, however, is built with precautions for great durability. The draw moves horizontally on a central pivot. When swivelled one auarter round, it will open two passages for vessels each equal in width to its half-length less its half- breadth. It would require to be 60 feet long. But before it can open conveniently, it must be lightened by being emptied. This is done by raising two gates, which are pla- ced near the two ends of the draw in recesses, and rise from them. The head of water in the canal begins to press against them, in opposite directions, the moment the water begins to be let out of the section or draw. When return- ed to the line and fastened and re-filled, the pressure on the gates is of course relieved and they arc easily settled 21 into their recesses. The most western of the gates will re- quire a pivot-gate therein to replenish the section. Pipes dipping deep enough to let the vessels pass over them may connect the parts of the divided trunk. This expedient renders it practicable to cross the Hack- ensack with a canal. The rest of the details are in the specification. But the aqueduct is the main object of the canal. I must next show therefore how the water would be carried across the Hudson : and in some detail to be perfectly intelligible. I have already mentioned that the canal would arrive on the shore of the Hudson 30 feet above tide. It must be decided by calculation whether to lead it all across the river to a basin equally high on the New-York side, or use the head of water, as at Philadelphia, to throw as much upon the hill back of Weehawk as the city requires, and draw it thence by pipes, to basins formed on the highest ground in the city. Whichever mode is decided on, it does not affect the method of proceeding, which, for the more simplicity of description I shall suppose two lines of pipe. The principal instruments used in marine works, it is well known, are the Pile Driver and the Diving Bell : — for this occasion requiring some modifications. Another in- strument which was specially required for this work is the Coffre. When the piles are driven two and two across the river, and cut off with mathematical accuracy in the same level 22 or slope, near the bottom, as may be requisite, — the work being done in the Diving Bell, they will be ready to receive a cop made either of oak, or iron, with each two scallops to receive the two lines of pipe. The iron pipe will be cast in about ten feet pieces ; and four of these may be joined together on the deck of a twin boat, from the platform over which a frame of three or four sloping timbers would permit of sending down the length in a manner a cask is parbuckled down a cellar way. It is rolled down by means of ropes directly into the scal- lops or the lodgment of the cops. It is then swung up a little so as to be manageable. The men go down in the diving bell, which is lowered from a crane on its appropriate boat, directly over the joint of the lengths. It is here necessary to advert to the principle of tho diving bell in its most improved form. It derives its name from its resemblance to a bell in the circumstance of being an inverted vessel, open below. On being lowered so as to touch the surface of the water, the air contained is shut in by it. As it descends into the water this air will be more and more compressed, its density and elasticity exactly balancing the pressure of the column or depth of water above its lower edge, permitting the wa- ter to rise into the bell in the same proportion. But by means of forcing pumps, worked on the deck of the scow, air is sent down through a hose in such quantity that though equally dense in the bell, its volume fills it, and excludes the water very nearly down to the edge. The 23 men soon become accustomed, and work with usual ease during the day. They cannot however come nearer to the pipes than the one or two inches water over them permits. But they can stand on the bottom, if hard, or on a hanging shelf, if not, and by means of screw bolts through ears in the sides of the pipes draw them into contact. And even drive a layer of hemp into the joint as usually done before the lead is driven in. But the pipe is too much under water for this last operation. The instrument I call the CofFre, which it was necessary to devise before this work could be undertaken, whatever the form of the joint ; is of simple construction ; somewhat modified for economy from the form specified in 1828. Its object is to enable the men in the bell, to extend the air beloio the bell, and around the joint to be made tight. The Coffre is made in two halves, open at top, divided lengthwise in the direction of the line of pipe. Its two opposite sides when brought together enclose the joint of the pipe in the coffre. The scallops of its ends form two circular holes which fit the pipe and their edges, and the joinings are made water tight by leathers or other means, when the two halves are drawn together by their screw- bolt-fastenings. The coffre is deep enough to reach sufficiently above the surface of the water in the diving bell to be pumped out by hand pumps, or by one above on the deck, having a long flexible tube from the pump to the coffre ; which when thus emptied permits the men in the bell to reach 24 the joint dry, and apply and hammer in the lead, and even with some precautions to cast it in. Thus may the pipes he laid secure and tight ; and the same method permits their being examined at any time should occasions arise. These two simple inventions the draw and the coffre put it in the power of New-York to receive a full supply of water from the mountain streams of New-Jersey. They are even more extensively useful in permitting this canal to open, by its connexion with other public works, a most valuable commercial communication with the greater part of Pennsylvania, and the regions of the west. And I have the satisfaction to think, that whenever it goes into effect it will not injure any canal in which there is New-York capital invested ; — but may benerit several. A description of the whole route is made from a know- ledge of the ground. From the long basin at Paterson already mentioned, this canal would ascend by the Cold Spring Valley, and mak- ing the circuit of the village arrive at the upper canal of the factories ; and passing into the river by the rock exca- vation at little expense ascend this nearly still water for five miles to the Little Falls — the navigation might then be con- tinued up either of the westward branches, or might con- nect with the Morris Canal, if all concerned were of this opinion. In either case from the most convenient point a railway will be made through the county of Warren 25 to Belvidere or to the Water Gap to meet the termination of that chartered by Pennsylvania from thence to the Lack- awana coal mines, and the river Susquehanna, near Wilkesbarre. The circumstance that this route must for thirty miles run through a wilderness, is a temporary objection. By going up the Delaware by the canal contemplated by the state we reach that of the Hudson and Delaware Company, near Carpenters' Point. This company may not have, like the other, the right to make a railway to the Susquehanna, but may connect with one thus made, by extending theirs a few miles ; and have all the commercial transportation that may be going north to Albany and Troy. And as this company will perhaps open a communication with the north-eastern branch of the Susquehanna, Delaware, Otsego, Broome and Chenango counties, it may be said that the Bergen and Patersun Canal route will, at the distance of 50 to 70 milas, have three branches, embracing much of the coun- try ; and on reaching the Susquehanna will have a branch up this river to Tioga, and down that river going south-west to the Northumberland branch, and continuing on to the Great Aqueduct Bridge of the main trunk connect there, as it ascends the Juniata valley, to cross the Allegany and descend to Pittsburgh. At the Aqueduct Bridge the distance from New-York will be 260 miles. And from this point whatever tonnage is bound to New-York, will come cheap- er and quicker than by the way of Philadelphia, more es- pecially as the avenues to that city must be crowded. 4 26 If this direct line be made, so that every facility could be put in practice, it would place the two cities on an equal footing as to the western trade, and be the means of turn- ing a large share of the wheat trade to the mills that will then be established at Paterson. Flour mills and the wheat trade built up Rochester, and for the same reasons would increase this rising city. The country permits of long level railways, or if a little inclined still favourable to the opera- tion of steam power. And the general effect be to prevent Philadelphia from standing interposed between New-York and the west : and to give the people of Pennsylvania an- other great market without paying a transit tribute to Philadelphia to reach it. The route proposed may contribute to the revenues of Morris, and Hudson and Delaware canals, but can lake nothing from them. The former bends off from this to the south and attains its object at the Lehigh. The latter has its own resources. Its own mines of the best coal for all pur- poses, with an excellent canal, giving power to produce its own ample revenue. Were it not for the great ultimate object of this trade, but only a canal from Paterson to feed the aqueduct, the utmost economy and simplest plan would suggest that the section east of Lodi Hill might be lower and carry the water to the base of Bergen Ridge on the west side only ; and there the water be thrjown to the top thereof and drawn thence to the city down the east side saving the expense 27 of the tunnel, and a railway connect the canal with the two ferries. This and various other questions of expediency must be determined by an accurate measurement of all distances, elevations and soundings, and whatever other information is necessary to a mature report and comparative estimates. The means of such a report is the first object of this explanation. The proper investigations would require some months of assiduous labour by a competent operative party. There being no obstacle to the immediate formation of a company to operate in New-Jersey by contract under the Society's charter, until an act of incorporation both in New-Jersey and New- York should be obtained, it is com- patible to proceed to open a subscription to the stock so far as to leave the subscribers the choice of taking their shares or not, on the report and estimate being made. It is proposed therefore to raise in this manner enough for the surveys and even enough to settle the inquiry on what terms, if the report shows the undertaking to be very fa- vourable, the inventions considered the key of it, would be rated at. To these ends I propose that the capital, more or less, shall be in shares of one hundred dollars, and that one dollar a share be paid in for the expense of the surveys, maps, report, &c., that an ultimate contingent advantage be allowed me of the whole right to the Passaic water in New-York for baths, excepting those now established, and 2cS for ice-houses from the date of the patents of said inven- tions to their close. Considering this an additional service and reciprocity of benefit, rather to be desired by the citi- zens than denied. Although the sgrplus of this first subscription would be uncertain after the expense of surveys are defrayed, there is no objection on my part to the strictest accountability, wherefore I shall ask leave to make my report to his Honor the Mayor, as the most proper medium to the public on an occasion so interesting to the city, until the company shall be finally formed. By this plan of subscription it gives an opportunity for those to subscribe who wish to promote the supply of water ; and those who may be disposed to hold stock if the investigation is satisfactory, the option of a considera- ble amount for a small sum, at the same time rendering the city probably an important service. It is reasonable to wish to be compensated for the time I already have, and shall bestow on this object should this proposition be acceptable. I shall of course hold myself bound to execute for usual pay to chief engineers those difficult parts of the work I have described as being over- come by the aforesaid devices, and render as much more service as the company may desire : — but still sensible that theirs is the choice of those who are to serve them. In conclusion. While other men are rendering the public great services, political, moral, and religious, it seems to be the appointment of Providence, that this, 29 which is in the line of my profession, should fall to my part. I think of it as an achievement in the art of civil engineering ; in which, if executed, I might feel a degree of honest pride. But I am aware that on an occasion in which so many minds must concur, not even the impor- tance of this improvement as regards domestic economy and convenience, public health and commerce may be so immediately acknowledged, as to enable me to accomplish the surveys this Autumn — though this is my hope. But to ascertain whether the community is in sufficient accord- ance with my views of the subject, the gentlemen below named will at my request hold subscription books for the stock. Respectfully, JOHN L. SULLIVAN. New- York, August 24, 1830. P. S. In the course of a few days the names of the gentlemen who will hold the subscription books, may be known on inquiry at Messrs. CarvnTs Bookstore, 108 Broadway. r Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library Gift of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library lEx ICtbrtH SEYMOUR DURST When you leave, please leave this book Because it has been said " Ever' thing comes t' him who waits Except a loaned book.'' /So* 3 4