Next month, January, 1797, sealed proposals for supplying the city by means of pipes, were advertised for, and in May, some seven or eight different applications were received ; among them, one from Christopher Colles, who had undertaken the work in 1774. These were all referred to a committee. In December, of next year, 1798, we find R. J. Roosevelt, and Judge Cooper, of Otsego, making new applications. On the 17th of that month, we have in the annexed report, the first indication that a

9Q MEMOIROFTHE supply of water from* without the city was looked to. Before that, the waters of the Collect or of the tea-water pump, or from wells dug for the purpose, had been relied on.

In Common Council, December 17, 1798. The following Report was made and approved by the Board :

The Committee appointed to investigate the subject of supplying the city with water,

Report, That being impressed with the importance of the subject, they have considered it with all the care and attention in their power, and incline to the opinion, that the Bronx River will afford a copious supply of pure and wholesome water. They incline also to think that the plan Dr. Jos. Brown, for conveying the waters suggested by of that river, is, with some few variations, the most eligible that can be adopted. But as any mistakes in the plan, or conduct, of the business, may be attended with incalculable mischief, they would recommend that Mr. Weston, who has been the engineer of the Canal companies in this State, and whose abilities are well known, be requested to examine that river, with the situation of the grounds to be employed in the aqueduct, and such other matters incident to the supply of the city with pure and wholesome water from that or any other source, as he may think proper, and that he be requested to report his opinion to the corporation, with the requisite plans and estimates, as soon as may be practicable.