Before the declaration of independence, considerable expenditures had been made in order to satisfy this want.

In July, 1774, the proposal of Christopher Colles, to erect a reservoir and to convey water through the several streets of the City, after having been sometime before the Common Council, was finally adopted and ordered to be carried into effect. The scheme of Mr. Colles, was simply that since adopted by the Manhattan Company, of digging large wells, and from them pumping the water up into reservoirs. The ground selected, was on the east line of Broadway, between Pearl and White streets, where a spacious reservoir was constructed. On the 8th of August, 1774, the following resolution was adopted by the Common Council :

Ordered That the northerly part of the property of Augustus Van Cortlandt and Frederick Van Cortlandt, fronting on Great George street, be purchased at 600 per acre, for a RESERVOIR, provided, that upon sinking a well there, good water be found. If not, the well to be filled up by the Corporation.

The quality of the water proving satisfactory, on the 25th of August, the former resolution of the Board accepting the proposals of Mr. Colles was confirmed, and Treasury notes to the amount of 2,500, were ordered to be issued to meet the expense.

86 MEMOIR OF THE Notes to that amount were, accordingly, issued of the following denominations :

4000 of six pence each 100 4000 of four shillings each 800 200 2500 of eight " 1000 4000 of one shilling 4000 of two " " 400