present assistants, must be obvious ; as the information they possess, relative to the manner in which the contracts are to be fulfilled and executed, of the materials to be used, of the plans and specifications in explanation of the several parts of the work to be performed, and of numerous other matters connected with it, will be, in our opinion, of the first importance to those who are to have the supervision of its progress, and an efficient aid in the substantial construction of the work. This information cannot be possessed by any, be their abilities what they may, without the practical knowledge which is only acquired by years of attention and familiarity with the subject. The Commissioners claim no further merit for themselves, in conducting this impor-

178 MEMOIR OF THE tant concern thus far, than what is fairly due for a devotion to the duties enjoined on them by the tenor of their office, and for the faithful disbursement of the large sums placed in their hands by the Corporation officer charged with that duty.

Respectfully submitted, STEPHEN ALLEN, WILLIAM W. FOX, CHARLES DUSENBERRY, . w n. .

ater Commissioners. SAUL ALLEY, THOMAS T. WOODRUFF, New York, March 25, 1840.

It would be eminently unjust, in parting with these Commissioners, to withhold from

them the praise of having faithfully, intelligently, and assiduously fulfilled the trust which they had held for so many years. The Chairman of the Board in particular, Stephen Allen, has left upon the work, from its commencement to the advanced stage in which he relinquished it to his successor, the stamp of his energetic character and strong and inquiring mind. The new Commissioners, Messrs. Samuel Stevens, Benj. Birdsall, John D. Ward and Samuel B. Childs, immediately entered upon their duty, and with great fitness, Mr.