King, Charles. A Memoir of the Construction, Cost, and Capacity of the Croton Aqueduct. New York: Charles King, 1843.

Now if we estimate that we can charge each house, on an average, four dollars, we have $140,000, nearly double the whole interest. If it should be thought that four dollars is too much for some houses, it may be remarked, that several families, in limited circumstances, generally reside in one house, and that this being the case, the landlord might well afford to pay four …

The New River establishment at London charges all dwellings at the rate of five per cent. on the rent of the same, which appears to be a good criterion to regulate the charge, and this rate would produce a revenue to the city. The committee also suggest that the superintendence and execution of the work they propose, requiring, as it would, uniformity and steadiness of views …

The bill thus sent, did not become a law, owing to the unwillingness of the Legislature to authorise the raising of such a sum of money, until it should be satisfactorily ascertained that the object in view, both as to the quantity and quality of water, could be accomplished by the expenditure proposed. The project, however, was too far advanced, and the city was too much …

Resolved, That Colonel De Witt Clinton be requested and authorised to proceed and examine the continuation of the route from Chatterton Hill, near White plains, to Croton River, or such other sources in that vicinity from which he may suppose that an inexhaustible supply of pure and wholesome water for the city of New- York may be obtained; also, his opinion of the best mode …

114 MEMOIR OF THE The great inducements stated in the Report, for resorting to the Croton, are, the purity of its waters, their unfailing abundance for any possible population in the city, and the elevation of their bed, which would give a sufficient head to convey them to the distributing reservoir in the city, at a height sufficient for all purposes of supplying the loftiest …

He also feared that in such a crooked line as the work would be obliged to follow, the angles of the masonry would be weak, while the velocity of the water, by reason of the crooks in the channel, would be much retarded. Recurring to the apprehended impurity of an open canal, the Report thus reasons : " Many persons have suggested that the water in the open canal, by its …

There are also several subterraneous passages under roads one is two hundred yards long. At Islington the ; canal is fourteen and a half feet wide, and four and a half feet deep. From the New River head reservoir, which is fifty-eight feet above the River Thames, the water is raised thirty-five feet by steam engines, into two reservoirs. One is situated near Pentonville, and …

Wright, then Street Commissioner of the city, explored a route from Macomb's Dam to the Bronx river, with the expectation of being able to bring the water of that river to the dam, at an elevation of 120 feet above tide. This was found to be impracticable; the waters of the Bronx, the Rye Ponds and Wampus Pond were guaged, and the ground between them and the Harlem river …

Chilton, Ackerly and Griscom, which showed it to be of remarkable purity, not containing more than two grains of foreign matter in a gallon. With these various plans before them, the Common Council received a report from their Committees of fire and water, on 24th December, which, without passing judgment upon any of the projects, recommended, "inasmuch as enough has been …

and make reports of their proceedings both to the Common Council and the Legislature. This report was adopted by the Common Council, and an application in conformity therewith, was immediately made to the Legislature. The Legislature, on the 26th of February, did pass the act, to be in force one year. The Commissioners were to report the result of their examination, both to …

This report may be considered as having determined the long mooted question of the source of supply, and through all variations of opinion afterwards, Major Douglass adhered unfalteringly to the conviction, that the Croton, and the Croton only, should be looked to and relied on.Like the Roman Marcius, of whom we have spoken in the Preliminary Essay, who, when the Decemvirs and …

The Engineers were also instructed to designate the best and most feasible route for conducting the water, the most fit and proper manner for constructing the conduits and reservoirs, the probable amount of damage that would be sustained by the proprietors of the water to be taken, and of the land it might be necessary to occupy in constructing the required conduits and …

38th street, was a little more than 43 miles the height above tide, at which the water would stand in the latter reservoir was 117 feet, with a minimum daily supply of about 16,000,000 gallons of running water, and 11,000,000 gallons obtainable from stored water and at a cost of four and a half millions of dollars for the whole. The Hudson river route was traced wholly along …

expand, would back up and check the velocity of the approaching current without any sensible revulsion upon the sides of the aqueduct : but in a close pipe, having such a depression as would be necessary in the present instance, say 130 feet below the head, the action upon the sides of the pipe, would be about 601bs. to the inch. The water being also confined laterally, any …

The principle of the work was, that the water of the Croton should be taken at such height above tide, as to afford a sufficient head to force it across the Harlem river, and to deliver it at the distributing reservoir in the city, at an elevation equal to the supply of the loftiest edifices. The engineer contents himself with having established the practicability of …

port, are among the number of these springs ; many of them 3 or 400 acres in extent, and one as large as a thousand acres. All these ponds are surrounded by clear upland shores, without any intermixture of marsh ; and the surrounding country, cultivated as it is generally, in grazing farms, presents an aspect of more than ordinary cleanness. The water, as might be expected …

It appears from his report annexed, that the quantity of saline matter, probably the salts of lime and magnesia, does not exceed two and eight-tenths grains in the gallon a quantity, he observes, so small, that a considerable quantity of the water would ; be necessary to determine the proportions. About two grains of vegetable matter were also suspended in the water, in …

Upon calculating this power, however, itwas found incapable of raising more than 5,000,000 gallons daily, and as this would leave a deficit, even for present purposes when the work should be finished, of two or three millions of gallons a day, it was thought unnecessary to pursue the examination of that route. Another line commencing at Popham's Calico Factory, was carefully …

decrease of 957,500 gallons in the volume of the pond ; showing that, during the time observed, the supplies of the pond, from whatever quarter they come, were in quantity about 7,000 gallons per day less than the evaporation. By damming the valley, about three-fourths of a mile below the small pond, so as to back up the water to three feet above the ordinary level of the …

A small additional supply is doubtless obtainable from Byram river, if it were not necessary, in availing of it, to resort to the territory as well as the waters of another State. The running supply of the Bronx was ascertained on the 4th and 5th of September. It was necessary to repeat the guaging several times in order to separate the accidental flow of the mills from the …

and the expense of the project. With the information in the possession of the Corporation, should they decide to carry the project into effect, the first and second considerations may safely be left to the judgement of those who shall be selected to superintend and direct the operations. The difficulties to be encountered, are much less in the opinion of the Commissioners …

Thus encouraged and stimulated, the Common Council resolved to proceed in earnest, and the Manhattan Company joining in the general impulse, made a proposition to the Common Council for the sale to it, of all their immunities, rights and privileges of every kind, relative to supplying the city with pure water, and of all the property, steam engines, pipes and hydraulic works …

The law of the preceding year, authorising the appointment of Commissioners having expired, itbecame necessary to renew it, and accordingly on the 2nd May, the Legislature passed an act embracing this object, and that of the Common Council, for authority to raise money. As this act lies at the foundation of the noble enterprise of which we are recording the progress and …

The said Commissioners shall have power to employ engineers, surveyors, and such other persons as, in their opinion, may be necessary to enable them to perform their duties under this act. 4 The said Commissioners shall adopt such plan as, in their opinion, may be most advantageous for procuring such supply of water and shall ascertain, as nearly as may ; be, what amount of …

The said Commissioners shall make a report of their proceedings, under the foregoing sections of this act, containing a full statement and description of the plan adopted by them an estimate of the expense thereof, together with an estimate of the ; probable amount of revenue to accrue to the city, upon the completion of the work with ; the reasons and calculations upon which …

said election shall provide a ballot box, with suitable lock and key, and the electors shall express their assent or refusal to allow the Common Council to proceed in raising the money necessary to construct the works as aforesaid, by depositing their ballots in the box provided for that purpose in their respective wards. And those electors who are in favor of granting the …

to time, and in such amounts as they may think fit, a sum not exceeding two million five hundred thousand dollars, by the creation of a public fund or stock, to be called, " The Water Stock of the City of New-York," which shall bear an interest not exceeding five per cent, per annum, and shall be redeemable at a period of time not less than ten, nor more than fifty years, from …

The moneys to be raised by virtue of this act, shall be applied and expended to and for the purpose of supplying the city of New- York with pure and wholesome water, according to the plan so adopted and ratified, with such immaterial alterations as may be necessary, and by and under the direction of the said Commissioners. 12. The said Commissioners are hereby authorized to …

In case of disagreement between the Commissioners and the owner of any property which may be required for the said purposes, or aifected by any operation connected therewith, as to the amount of compensation to be paid to such owner, or in case any such owner shall be an infant, a married woman, or insane, or absent from this state, the Vice Chancellor of the first circuit …

If any person shall wilfully do, or cause to be done, any act, whereby any work, materials, or property whatsoever, erected or used, or hereafter to be erected or used, within the city of New York, or elsewhere, by the said Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty, or by any person acting under their authority, for the purpose of procuring or keeping a supply of water, shall in any …

All sealed proposals for contracts shall be for a sum certain as to the price to be paid or received and no proposition, which is not thus definite and certain, or which ; contains any alternative, condition, or limitation as to price, shall be received or acted upon. 21. No more than one proposition shall be received from anyone person for the same contract, and all the …

Comptroller of the city for any sum in favor of, and to be paid to, the owner of any lands, water streams, or property acquired by virtiie of this act, and in favor of, and to be paid to, any contractor, for any sum due upon his contract, and also for their incidental expenses. Such drafts shall specify the objects for which they are drawn, in the manner provided in the …

They shall also require the Comptroller to report to them a list of all the payments made by him, upon the orders of the Commissioners, once in every six months, and previous to such reports, shall have the accounts of the Commissioners and of the Comptroller examined by the Finance Committee of the Board of Aldermen. The Governor and Senate re-appointed the same …

124 MEMOIR OF THE furt her to perform their duties, under the above act, and to make another report to the Common Council, which report shall specify as near as may be, the probable supply of water which can be obtained within the county ; also for paying the necessary expenses of the Commissioners in the performance of their duties under the act. The Commissioners entered …

To the Honorable the Common Council of the City of New York : The Water Commissioners appointed under the Act of the Legislature of this State, supplying the City of New York with pure and wholesome water," " An Act for entitled, passed the 2d. of May, 1834, respectfully REPORT: That the undersigned were appointed Commissioners, under an Act of the Legisla- " An Act for the …

Whether a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome water could be obtained for present and all future purposes. 2d. The practicability of its introduction into the city, at an elevation that would preclude the use of machinery. And 3d. The total cost of completing the projected work. It will be seen, as they think, by a reference to their report of November, 1833, that they …

mon Council of this city, on or before the first day of January, 1836, The Commissioners have presumed, however, that a paramount object of their reappointment was a close and thorough re-examination, under such additional lights as time and further reflection may have produced, of the plans they have proposed, and of the estimates they have entered into, extending their …

the Croton may not be introduced from some different head, or by some other method, and at a much less cost, than that estimated in the report of 1833. On the 31st of December, 1833, something more than a month after we had presented our report to the Common Council, Mr. D. S. Rhodes addressed a communication to the Board of Aldermen, proposing, for one million seven hundred …

introduce sixteen million of gallons into the city of New York, at an elevation of 125 feet above low water, (see Corporation Document, No.54 ;) he presented another communication on the 6th of January, 1834, objecting to the plan proposed by our engineer in " that the most serious 1833, for conducting the waters of the Croton to the city, stating, objection he has to urge …

Rhodes addressed a letter to the Chairman of the Commissioners, in which he says, " The natural abutments and high hills MEMOIR OF THE near the Quaker Bridge, will give an elevation of 200 feet above the tide, if required. The canal to Sleepy Hollow will be on a level with the dam, which gives us the same head at Sleepy Hollow as we have at the dam. By my plan we arrive at …

Rhodes or by the Common Council, that the Commissioners should place much reliance upon the plans and propositions of a gentleman, .who appears to have given the subject but a very superficial consideration at most. How he is to convey either six or sixteen millions of gallons of water from the mouth of the Croton, in accordance with his first proposition, and at an elevation …

When he states that the water can be delivered .in the city, at an elevation of 125 feet, while his fountain is only of that height ; that the pipes will rise gradually until they pass Sing Sing, which, in effect, would be making water run uphill, and that he will deliver six million of gallons of wawhen the lowest calculation for laying a line of 30 inch ter, in iron pipes …

By his communication of the 18th April, 1834, he makes a total change in his projects, and states that he will build a dam about four miles above the Quaker Bridge, of 32 feet in height, and from thence conduct the water by an open canal of 10 feet bottom, 34 feet top, and 8 feet deep, to the height near Harlem River. His first proposition was, to take the water from the mouth …

of large dimensions, subject, as it would be, to the numberless casualties incident to such constructions, besides being the receptacle of much filth in its long passage, the wash of the country, and the dissolving of the mineral and other substances combined with the earth through which it passes. The complaint raised in London against the water of the New River, is "that …

their examination, had it not been their opinion that the Common Council would expect some notice of a proposition that offered to effect the important object of supplying this city with pure and wholesome water, at a cost two-thirds less than that estimated by our engineer, in his report of 1833. They have, therefore, deemed it their duty to ascertain by actual survey …

verts, and reservoirs, required to deliver the water on a declivity of fifteen inches to the mile, to a receiving reservoir on the high grounds near Harlem river, and from thence across said river to another reservoir of sufficient elevation, near Manhattan ville, (should he be of opinion that these reservoirs will be necessary,) then to a distributing reservoir three or four …

Cartwright, Esq., a civil engineer, residing at the village of Sing Sing, and who possesses much local knowledge of the Croton and its vicinity, to run levels on both sides of said river, starting from Garretson's mill, at aheight of thirty-eight feet, and carrying his levels up until they loose themselves at the surface of the water, in order to ascertain what quantity of …

It was no doubt this opinion which, in 1826, induced the application to the Legislature, by several of our citizens, for an act of incorporation. This act was passed on the 18th of April. 1826, and is entitled "An act to incorporate the New- York and Harlem Spring Water Company." Anson G. Phelps and James Renwick, Esquires, and their associates, are declared a body corporate …

There was a well under the operation of boring, near Yorkville, on the day the Commissioners made their examination. The augur had penetrated 90 feet from the surface of the earth, and no water was produced, and it was intended to descend fifty feet in addition, if found necessary. Several of the wells on Harlem flats were found to average from sixteen to eighteen feet in …

The Commissioners were also informed, that in excavating this canal, which sunk several feet below tide, the wells in the vicinity were deprived of water. The fact is, as the Commissioners think, that the same principle in respect to the obtaining of fresh water, operates in every part of our island, namely, that the earth becomes so saturated, at a depth on a level with the …

Their example ought, surely, to have some weight with us, when making up an opinion on this subject. To suppose that they would expend millions of money to procure water from a distant source, or to raise it from their rivers by powerful machinery, when at the same time they could obtain a sufficient supply, and as good an article, at a comparatively trifling expense, by …

There were only seven of the city wells which yielded soft water, occasionally used for washing, and from thirty-three of them the water was obtained by deep boring. "Within a few years, (says the report,) it has become common in Boston, and the vicinity, to bore for water, and to make what is called Artesian wells. But no certain or valuable result has grown out of these …

On the 27th of October, 1834, the Board of Aldermen referred to the Commissioners a communication from John Hunter, in which he states that he has matured a plan, by which an abundant supply of water may be obtained, on very reasonable terms that he ; proposed applying to the Legislature for a charter, and if the Common Council would consent to the application, and render such …

This was declined on our part, on the principle that the Commissioners were bound to report to the Common Council any and all the information they possessed on the subject of supplying this city with water, and they could not therefore receive any communication under the injunction of secrecy. On the 8th of November, Mr. Hunter, in accordance with a previous arrangement, met …

He states that he " will now develope a part of the plan, and then make a proposition to carry it into effect, not expecting that it would be accepted without a full development, but merely to bring the subject to a tangible point." He then proposes to deliver a sufficient supply of pure water for all present purposes, " in a permanent aqueduct, ot sufficient capacity, at the …

Hunter, as he states, " would embrace all the water the engineers show in their surveys and reports, or, in fact, all surface or running water of the county of West Chester." "That the whole can be completed within four years from the time it is commenced, and a partial supply may be had in a shorter time, and before the whole is completed." This is the substance of the …

If deemed necessary to build a lock in the centre, or channel of the river, it would add to the expense from one to two hundred thousand dollars more. The advantages to be derived, Mr. Seymour states, will be, 1st. That the waters of the Hudson, coming from the high lands around the Sacondagoand Mohawk rivers, are the purest in the United States. 2d. That a hydraulic power …

Seymour made a further communication, in which he states, that the grounds upon which he desires to be understood, are, that his estimate is predicated on the supposition that he is at liberty to select the site of the dam, to build the coffer-dam as he may desire, and the lock or locks of such dimensions as he may deem necessary for the useful navigation of the Hudson river …

The powers delegated to the Commissioners, and to the Common Council of this city, by the act of 2d of May, 1834, cannot extend to a project which contemplates erecting a dam in the Hudson river, beyond the boundary line of the State of New York. It is true, the act makes it the duty of the Commissioners to examine and consider all matters relative to the supply of this city …

Now, although the Commissioners have no reason to doubt that the waters of the upper Hudson are perfectly pure, and that by building a water-tight dam across the river, from this city to the shores of New Jersey, the salt water will be ejected, and the fresh will take its place above the dam, yet we fear, that, in locking vessels up, more or less of the salt water below the …

It must be conceded, as the Commissioners think, that the building of the proposed dam would be an obstruction of more or less magnitude to the navigation of the river; for although a vessel may be locked through in 10 or 15 minutes, as asserted by Mr. Seymour, still, if we revert to the great number of vessels passing and repassing the proposed site of the dam, it can hardly …

and mud is not less than 40 or 50 feet deep. The width of the river is more than a mile across, and whether a dam of sufficient solidity and strength can be erected in a river of this width, and with a current running at the rate of the Hudson, and capable of withstanding the pressure of the immense body of water that would be behind it when the tide is down, are questions the …

covering of ice for three months in the year, we should think the cutting off so much of the navigation would produce more injury than the privilege of proceeding to Albany on the ice, or of procuring a supply of that article for the use of those who require it, would produce benefits. 7th. The shad fishery on the Hudson is considered of much importance to those who follow the …

To raise the dam higher, appears to be out of the question, as it would not only destroy all the wharf and store property of the city, above the dam, but would also destroy so much land as to occasion the damage claims alone, a reason for abandoning the project. He thinks the advantages calculated on by the proposer of the plan, if they could be trebled, would not compensate …

The elevated situation of the Croton will allow the artizan to make it applicable and certain to give a copious supply of water without hazard The plan proposed, he says, could not be effected but at an expense of more than four millions of dollars. It would still be insufficient for a permanent water power. It would destroy the navigation, and it would not benefit the shoals …

As in a subsequent part of this Memoir, we shall have occasion to detail with some minuteness, the particulars, on all these heads, of the route finally adopted and perfected, our readers will feel that analagous details here would be superfluous. Suffice it here to say, that upon striking an average of the various estimates of the cost of introducing and distributing the …

The Commissioners have understood that at the chemical works on the North river, at 33d street, and at an extensive turpentine distillery on the East river, some distance above the Alms House, water cannot be procured in sufficient quantity from the large wells on their premises, where but a few years past, it was obtained in abundance j and, consequently, they are now …

one source of supply, in order to increase that of another. These are important facts, and ought not to be lost sight of by the municipal authorities, or by the people of this metropolis. As if to leave nothing unexamined or unsaid that might determine the authorities and citizens of New York to undertake this noble and useful enterprize, which it was made the duty of their …

In order to effect the aforesaid object, a portion of the interest, at least, on the capital necessary to complete the project, and the annual expense attending the delivery of the water, should be paid by a tax on the real and personal estate of the city, in the same manner that the watching, lighting, and repairing the streets and roads, are paid or as the ; expense of the …

We open public squares and enlarge and widen our streets at an immense expense, in order to increase the health, convenience and beauty of the city ; all of which might be saved, if we were content to live, as our ancestors did, in narrow streets, without parks, squares, or public places. In thus adding to the convenience and beauty of the city, however, and increasing its …

It was impossible to resist such statements ; and, accordingly, we find the Joint Committee of Fire and Water, to whom was referred the communication of the Commissioners, with its various accompanying documents, reporting in a few days (on the 4th March) a fullconcurrence in the views of the Commissioners, and a recommendation that measures be forthwith adopted to take the …

Acting on such principles, we may without hesitation accord to them our full confidence, and may adopt their conclusions with safety." The following conclusions are derived from the Commissioners' report : CROTON AQ.UEDUCT. 137 That all the water of the Croton may be taken from near its mouth and brought 1. to the city ofNew York in an aqueduct, declining 15 inches in a mile …

And, That the revenue which would accrue to the city, from very low charges, for sup- 5. plying the water, would overpay the interest on the cost of the work. " These," say the Joint Committee of the Corporation, "are the great facts upon which the Common Council are now called upon to act, and in the first place to pronounce the judgment, whether the work shall or shall not …

safety, which should influence the community to undertake the work, the report concludes with the following resolutions : Resolved, That the plan adopted by the Water Commissioners for the city of New York, for supplying the city of New York with a sufficient quantity of pure and wholesome water for the use of its inhabitants, and described in the their report, made to the …

Resolved, That a poll be, and hereby is appointed to be opened on the days upon which the next annual election for charter officers for this city, is by law appointed to be held, to the end that the electors may express their assent or refusal to allow the Common Council to proceed in raising the money necessary to construct the work as aforesaid, by depositing their ballots …

respective political parties and party having nothing to do with this great question there was danger that the actual sense of the people might not at the polls find the means of expression. The moment this was hinted, several hundred dollars were contributed by some eight or ten individuals, mostly of large landed estates, to ensure a full and regular supply of tickets at …

I, Nathaniel Jarvis, Clerk of the City and County of New York, do hereby certify, that the votes given at a General Election held on the 14th, 15th, and 16th days of April, " 1835, in the respective wards of said City, in pursuance of An act to provide for supplying the City of New York with pure and wholesome water," passed 2d May, 1834, the inspectors' returns of which, are …

In witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my Seal of Office, [L.S.] this 28th day of March, 1843r^' NATHANIEL JARVIS, Clerk. To complete this view, and to show that the wards which contributed the largest amount of taxes, gave also the largest vote in favor of the Croton project, a list is annexed, from the books of the City Comptroller, of the taxes …

The popular voice having thus pronounced, by an overwhelming majority, in favor of the Croton Aqueduct, the Corporation lostno time in passing an ordinance, dated 7th of May, instructing the Commissioners at once to proceed in the work, according to the plan adopted by them, and authorizing a loan for two millions and a half of dollars, at 5 per cent interest, to provide for …

Another ordinance was passed on the 15th of May, fixing the salary of the Chairman of the Water Commissioners at $1500 per annum, and that of each of the others, at $1000, to be paid as part of the contingent expenses of said work. The Commissioners went to work zealously ; on the 2d of June, they appointed D. B. Douglas, Esq., their chief engineer, and directed him to …

The quantity requisite for the lake that would be formed by damming the river, was reported by Mr. Cartwright, who was specially employed to survey it, at 496 acres, of which some was obtained by purchase, the residue through the intervention of appraisers. The engineers kept the field till January, 1836, and returned to it in April. The whole line was re-surveyed during the …

Cupidity in some, real unwillingness in others to have their farms broken up, and dread, probably, on the part of the great majoof tumult, disorder, and numberless petty annoyances, from the throng of laborers, rity, who, it was perceived, would find employment on the work, led to public meetings, unfriendly resolutions, and memorials to the Legislature. The chief propositions …

The Legislature very properly refused to accede to propositions such as these, but in order to quiet apprehensions, that land taken for the Aqueduct might be used for other purposes, and to insure to the owners, through whose possessions the water passed, free and convenient access to all portions of their farms, as well as for other purposes, they passed the annexed law. AN …

into the city of New York, such lands so improperly used or not so required, shall become revested in the individual from whom the said Corporation obtained it, as fully and perfectly as though the act hereby amended had never been enacted, upon repaying to said Corporation the amount originally paid for the same, after deducting from such amount the damage sustained by such …

So much and such parts of the act hereby amended, as is inconsistent with this act, is hereby repealed. This concession did not satisfy the complainants along the line, and at a public that the taking of the meeting held at Tarrytown, it was resolved, among other things, lands of individuals as authorised by the state law, was unconstitutional and ought to be to the Supreme …

In July of this year, the Corporation began their part of the work by ordering pipes, to be laid down in Barclay-street, agreeably to the size adopted by the Commissioners, from the intersection of Chapel to Greenwich-street, along Greenwich to Cedar, and up Cedar to Broadway. The Legislature also passed a law authorizing the construction of the aqueduct through lands …

their difficulties in conciliating the inhabitants of Westchester, along the line, to the great work in hand, complain of the delays incident to the process of appraisement, and " lack of finally of what they considered energy in the operations of their engineer department." " Wetook occasion," says the Report, " to state in our communication of the 1st of August, that on the …

Jervis, who had been engaged in most of the public works constructed by this State, was appointed chief engineer, at an annual salary of $5000. We cannot but pause in our narrative for a moment, to express regret that a great enterprise like this, of which the plans and details were digested by Major Douglas, which even in its consummation, must still be deemed mainly to be …

By direction of the Commissioners, who were anxious to place some of the work under contract for the opening of the working season, shafts were sunk at the site of the dam, and along the line of the Aqueduct as far as Sing Sing, eight miles, in order to exhibit the nature of the ground to be excavated, for the information of all parties this, as well as ; examinations on the …

144 MEMOIR OF THE "It has appeared by the proceedings of one of your honorable Boards, as published in the newspapers some time since, that, censure has been cast upon the Commissioners for some unknown cause, and that, in debate, it had been stated they were under no accountability, either to the public, or the Common Council, and that a resolution had been proposed, to apply …

In order that your honorable body might see that their funds were properly disbursed, the Commissioners have uniformly, as has been before observed, reported to the Comptroller a detailed account of their receipts and expenditures at the end of every six months since the commencement of their operations. The Commissioners, have, in addition, always left their books open to the …

The result of this little discussion was, that in a bill asked for by the Common Council and passed by the Legislature, for the purpose of authorising the water Commissioners to take possession upon agreement or due appraisement, of lands or roads overflowed by the construction of the dam, and to make new roads and bridges in lieu of those rendered useless, the following …

ings, and working plans having been completed during the winter, advertisements were, CROTON AdUEDUCT. 145 on 28th February, published in the newspapers of New York, Albany, Utica, Hartford, Ct., and Philadelphia, inviting proposals until 26th April, "for furnishing the materials and completing the construction of twenty-three sections of the Croton Aqueduct, including the dam …

and that they will not allow any person in their employ to commit trespass on the premises of persons in the vicinity of the work, and will forthwith, at the request of the Commissioners or engineer, discharge from their employ any that may be guilty of committing; damage in this respect,'' Previous to commencing operations, the whole line was divided into four districts, and …

We are thus particular in giving the names and stations of the engineers, because in so grand a work, and which, so far as yet tested, has proved so thoroughly well constructed, it is though in comparatively subordinate stations, conjust that they who, tributed largely to its excellence and sufficiency, should be commemorated. The Commissioners present this brief but clear …

feet across ; breadth at the bottom about seventy feet, and on the top or lip, seven feet, averaging about forty feet in thickness. The down stream course will slope one and a quarter to one, and the up stream will be carried plumb. The abutments twelve feet thick ; the top and down stream slope to be covered with heavy coping, well clamped together with iron anchors and …

to be made, and four tunnels, of from 300 to 800 feet in length, through hills of more or less altitude. The most prominent work on the second division, is the crossing Mill River, which must be effected, either by an aqueduct bridge, of heavy stone masonry, or by a large culvert and embankment, the latter of which the Commissioners have preferred. There are also two tunnels …

to this be added the great length of the aqueduct to be built, and the large amount of excavation to be effected, in many places from fifteen to thirty feet in depth, and that through a soil abounding with rock, stone, and cemented earths, it cannot be wondered at if the estimates of the engineers, originally employed to make the necessary examinations shall fall far short, as …

Martineau, and other engineers, who had examined the route, would be greatly exceeded, is followed up by a request that the Common Council would, at an early day, adopt measures to raise more money, taking it for granted, that as the people of the city had deliberately decided through the medium of the ballot boxes, and by a large majority, that the necessary funds should be …

In view of the length of time which the construction of the aqueduct would occupy, of the vast sums that would be expended, and of various and perplexing questions that could not fail to arise in the progress of the undertaking, in the shape of claims from persons supposing themselves aggrieved, by contractors for extra allowances, &c., &c, the Commissioners suggest, for the …

In the course of the autumn, contracts were made for the ten sections of the first division which were before unlet, and for 27 sections of the second division, making an aggregate of 53 sections, which, with the dam, were to cost $2,823,691. A change, too, was made, on the recommendation of the chief engineer, in the position of the dam in the Croton ; a place about 400 feet …

insists,however, and successfully, as it seems to us, that neither drunkenness, nor robberies, nor abuse nor insult of casual visitors, could be traced to these laborers. Great delays, however, were occasioned by the slow process of appraising the lands, and the slower progress in confirming the awards by the Chancery Court and hence', it ; frequently happened, that when …

The tunnellers had penetrated the rock four hundred and six feet on the first of December, and on the first of January, inst., they had extended the work to 653 feet. It is confidently anticipated that several of these tunnels will be completed during the present winter, the work progressing through the intervention of a relay of hands both day and night. The tunnel under …

permit the crossing of the valley with the stone embankment. The foundation wall of the aqueduct, amounting to 12,050 cubic yards, and back filling to 10,200 cubic yards, has been executed. CROTON AQ.UEDUCT. 149 In addition, a large amount of materials has been prpcured for the work, and many items of work performed. Here is a respectable amount of work, considering the time …

is to be performed, in excavating and tunnelling through an almost impenetrable rock, or of mechanical labor in preparing materials, and in the erection of the bridges, culverts, stone and foundation walls, together with the aqueduct for conveying the water to the city, and other erections of a permanent and durable character, to attempt a description of which, by words, is …

Provision is made in the contracts, that no hydraulic masonry shall be laid up between the 15th of October and the 1st of April ; but the weather continuing mild, the importance of forwarding this part of the work, as far as possible, with safety, induced an extension of the date of suspension to the 8th of November aforesaid. It will be observed there is a much larger …

That part of the work requiring no mortar, such as stone wall for foundation and protection, rock excavation, tunnelling, and earth embankment, will progress during the winter months without abatement. The first and second divisions, which are included in the contracts made, embrace a line of aqueduct of 21 miles in length, and the Commissioners were only waiting for the …

With a view of deciding the question, as to the best manner of bringing the Croton water across the Harlem River, the chief engineer was instructed to furnish the Commissioners with an estimate of the cost of crossing said river by an aqueduct bridge, on an inclined plane and also by an inverted syphon, with iron pipes, on a low bridge. ; The following is a synopsis of so much …

In making an estimate of the cost of this structure, the chief engineer observes, that he had been governed by the value of work of much similitude, estimated by several of the most competent men in this department of masonry; that there is no work under contract precisely similar, or of the same magnitude, or which, from its elevation and inconvenience of access, will be so …

From the north abutment of the arch, to the Westchester side of the river, will be constructed an embankment of stone, by casting them into the river until a sufficient bed shall be formed to support the foundation wall of the aqueduct. From the south abutment pier of the main arch, on the New York side of the river, an arcade, of three arches, will be built, one of 35, one of …

A parapet wall will be laid on each side of the bed of the pipes, to support the earth covering, which is to be four feet deep above the pipes, to protect the water from the effects of frost. There will be an influent pipe chamber at the termination of the aqueduct on the north, or Westchester side of the river, in which the pipes are to be inserted. Commencing on this side of …

Four three feet pipes, according to the calculation of the engineers, will deliver 49,843,984 gallons of water every twenty-four hours which is about the quantity calculated to be ; delivered by the aqueduct, and nearly the average quantity running in the Croton. River. It is proposed, therefore, to insert only two of these pipes at present ; they being deemed more than …

Pearson, Esq., an architectural draftsman, now in the employ of the Commissioners, which are herewith submitted for the inspection of your honorable body. The chief engineer expresses a decided opinion in favor of the plan by inverted syphons or pipes ; and the Board of Commissioners, after due deliberation, have adopted said plan, as, in their opinion, far preferable to that …

All the purposes and objects to be obtained by the project, will as well be attained by the plan of a low bridge as by that of the high bridge, and at an expense of more than half a million of dollars less. 3d. The experience in sinking piers in so great a depth of water and mud, in order to reach the rock bottom, being very limited, and their great number and immense height …

the land ; while the iron pipes, from their comparative size, may be bedded in earth of sufficient depth and compactness, to avoid all possibility of being affected by the frost. 5th. The effects of leakage have been found very injurious to the aqueduct bridges on our canals, and it is therefore a part of our contract to line the aqueduct, when the crossing of streams on …

If the river should ever be made navigable, by the removal of the mills at Kingsbridge, and of the obstruction of the dam at Macomb's Bridge, the facility afforded by the low bridge, of an archway of 80 feet in width, and 50 feet in height above full tide, will admit the passage of vessels of sufficient burthen and capacity, for every useful and necessary purpose, and the high …

however, towards completing a plan, had been made, under the direction of Major Douglas but it was found necessary to go over the whole ground again, in order to arrive ; at a result satisfactory to the present chief engineer and an earlier attention to the subject ; was prevented by the pressing necessity of preparing the first and second divisions of the aqueduct for …

From this reservoir it is proposed to conduct the water, through the 5th avenue, to the distributing reservoir on Murray Hill, by iron pipes. In following the line of aqueduct as above described, its grade will, in several places, be above the present surface of the ground, and from 102d to 95th street inclusive, in order to accommodate the carriageway and sidewalks, archways …

The Commissioners submitted an estimate to your honorable body in their report of the 3d of July last, of the probable cost of completing the first and second divisions of the aqueduct, and promised to report an estimate of the total amount that would be required to complete the whole project, including the receiving reservoir between the 6th and 7th avenues and 79th and 86th …

salaries and other incidental expenses of the Commissioners already incurred, and including the amount that may be incurred, the estimates thus embracing every expenditure already made and to be made, from the commencement to the final completion of the work. In bringing together the several items which compose this estimate, an attempt has been made to cover every positive …

The first line runs diagonally from 128th street in the 9th Avenue, to between 118th and 119th streets, in the 10th Avenue. The second line crosses the valley, and runs parallel with, and 125 feet from, the 10th Avenue. The third line continues through the centre of the 10th Avenue. The crossing of all these lines is to be effected by means of a bridge, with semicircular …

It thus appears that making an average of the cost of crossing the valley on an arched bridge, by the three lines designated, and continuing the aqueduct on its regular inclination, will amount to $1,188,633. An estimate is then presented, for crossing the valley with pipes, or inverted syphons, of three feet diameter. The estimate proceeds upon the principle, that only two …

It thus appears, if it should be deemed necessary to lay down four pipes in the firs-t instance, at a cost of $453,670, which would furnish 38 million of gallons every twentyfour hours, there would still be a saving in the expense, by carrying the water over the valley by pipes, of $734,963, adopting the average cost of carrying it by an aqueduct bridge; and comparing the cost …

The plan, however, may be modified, both in those particulars as well as others, if deemed expedient by your honorable body, and a high bridge may be substituted, instead of the syphon at the Harlem river and Manhattanville, by incurring an additional expenditure of one million, one hundred and eighty-eight thousand, seven hundred and ninety-two dollars; and by delivering the …

That the permanent grade of the several streets and avenues, adjacent to the line of the aqueduct, ought, as far as practicable, to be made to conform to such line, the Commissioners think must be admitted ; and they trust, therefore, that the whole subject may be specially referred to a Joint Committee of both Boards and the Street Commissioner, with authority to take …

The estimated cost is - 295,340 00 The total cost of the reservoirs, - - $605,840 00 The cost of the four divisions of the aqueduct, commencing at the Croton Reservoir, and ending at the Receiving Reservoir, including the crossing at the Harlem River, and the Manhattan Valley, by pipes, amounts to 6,189,000 00 - And for the connecting pipes, between the receiving and …

This high estimate, exceeding by three millions of dollars any former one, " can only be accounted for," says the report, " by the fact that the engineers, originally employed, did not possess the means of testing their calculations by the actual contract price, as we have been enabled to do." The Commissioners conclude this important report, by reiterating their former …

But the Common Council did not approve of the substitution of inverted syphons for a high bridge, to pass the water over the Harlem, and accordingly the Board of Assistants adopted this resolution : RESOLVED, That it is inexpedient to adopt the plan proposed by the Water Commissioners, for crossing the Harlem river by means of a low bridge or syphon, and that the plan of the …

Four blocks of the land required for the receiving reservoir, containing about 4f acres each, were obtained by purchase, and application was made to the Chancellor, for the appointment of appraisers, on whose award the remaining lands might be taken. A circular was also addressed to the chief iron founders in the United States and Great Britain, inviting proposals for the iron …

The work performed during the winter consisted, principally, of excavation of earth and rock, in tunnelling, and in quarrying stone, and preparing them for use in the construction of the culverts, bridges, and other erections connected with the aqueduct, which has greatly facilitated the spring operations. But, in order that some idea may be formed of the progress of the work …

There are twenty-two culverts completed and in use, discharging the water from the several creeks and runs, some of them of considerable magnitude ; and their aggregate length is 1825 feet. The number partly finished was seven, and their length is 578 feet. Seven of these culverts measure from 100 to 148 feet in length seven ; of them from 80 to 96 feet, and thirteen of them …

The quantity of foundation wall laid, amounted to 28,000 cubic yards, and of protection wall, 13.160 cubic yards. This is but a very brief sketch of the work which has been performed, and is confined altogether to the operations on the first and second divisions, exclusive of the large amount of excavation in rock and earth on a line of thirty-three miles in length, nearly the …

The whole length of aqueduct now under contract, extending from the Croton to the Harlem River, is THIRTY-THREE MILES. Owing to a turn-out for wages early in the season, the work on the line between the dam and Sing Sing, was somewhat retarded. The promptness of the magistrates of that town prevented the evil from spreading, and the contractors having taken back such of the …

Here the poison was freely sold, and although the contractors and superintendents exerted all their vigilance to prevent its being introduced on the line, and repeatedly discharged laborers who were found intoxicated, the "enemy of man," as it is justly called in the report, prevailed so far, that in the month of April, during a drunken frolic, one of their ancient national …

The swearing, however, was so contradictory, that the act of killing could not be fixed upon any individual, and the Court and Jury, foregoing the capital charge, were content to bind the most conspicuous, under recognizance, to keep the peace. Order was by these means restored, and every thing went on again in harmony. The Commissioners, in this report, draw the attention of …

They also renew a request, previously made, that the Corporation would take immediate measures for opening and establishing the grade of the avenues and streets through which the line of the aqueduct passed, and also those by which the receiving reservoir is bounded. After bearing testimony anew to their constant satisfaction with the ability and devotedness of the engineer …

The same spirit has been uniformly evinced by subsequent Common Councils, in rendering their unremitting countenance and aid to the measure ; and to these," the Commissioners add, "they are mainly indebted for their ability to progress thus far with the great and important work under their special charge." During the whole of this year, operations were pushed with great vigor …

That of the West Point Foundry Association being found a shade lower than the others, a contract was passed with them, with adequate personal security on their part for the due fulfilment of their undertaking. The Commissioners also let out upon advantageous terms the difficult and important sections from 86 to 97, part of the fourth division. These included the bridge to …

Notice was served on the Commissioners in behalf of land-owners not residents of the State, bordering on the line where it was to pass the Harlem, that application would be made to the Circuit Court of the United States, to restrain any such construction in or over that river, as ' should impede or obstruct the navigation thereof, and particularly from filling up the channel …

2d, Because the Commissioners were of opinion, that the crossing in the manner proposed, is the easiest,the safest, and the most permanent and durable; 3d, Because thisis the unanimous opinion of the Commissioners, and of the whole corps of engineers engaged on the works, and in this opinion they are joined by several engineers of eminence, not connected with the operations …

responsibility of changing the plan of the Commissioners ; and now, believing it to be our duty to carry into effect that plan which shall require the least expenditure, and which may be completed in the shortest time, while it takes nothing from the permanence and usefulness of the object, we have adopted the plan by syphons. With these impressions, and in a firm belief in …

But over and above the running supply, the Croton lake created by the dam, is estimated to contain 100,000,000 gallons for each foot in depth from the surface, and this may be drawn down five or six feet, yielding as many hundred million gallons. The receiving reservoir will contain 158 millions of gallons, and the distributing reservoir 19 millions altogether forming an …

The number now partly finished is ten, and their length in feet 652. The number partly finished at our last report was seven; length 578. Increase, 3 culverts in progress. Tunnels. The number of tunnels excavated throughout is three. Their aggregate length 667 feet. There are, besides, seven tunnels partly finished, measuring 1187 feet of excavation; making .an aggregate of …

The immense effort in penetrating high hills, and in crossing deep valleys, can only be judged of by a personal view of the vast amount of labor performed by the physical strength of man." This- Report of the Commissioners, especially in that part of it that commented on the Report made by the Board of Assistants in favor of a high bridge, and on the resolution given in a …

Moreover, the landowners and others, who were contending for the uninterrupted navigation of the Harlem, abandoning their contemplated appeal to the U. S. Courts, addressed themselves to the Legislature. The efforts made were successful, and the following law was passed on 3d May, 1839. AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE MANNER IN WHICH THE CROTON AQUEDUCT SHALL PASS THE HARLEM RIVER. The …

sponsibility, decided in favor of the low or syphon bridge, and had actually entered into contract for its construction, were naturally not a little annoyed at the change of plan thus authoritatively forced upon them. Nevertheless, they submitted with a good grace, and, having taken the precaution to insert in the contract a proviso, that if at any time the plan of the low …

REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER, ON PLANS FOR CROSSING HARLEM RIVER. New York, June 1st, 1839. To the Honorable the Water Commissioners of the City of New York : GENTLEMEN : The resolution of your Board, requiring the undersigned to prepare plans and estimates for crossing Harlem River, by a bridge, the arches of which shall be 164 MEMOIR OF THE elevated 100 feet above common …

This plan provided for an aqueduct of masonry, to be rendered more impervious by a cast iron lining; but as it was supposed the Commissioners had power, and no objection having previously been made, on the ground of interference with the the navigation, a structure, conforming nearly to the shape of the valley, and rising to a moderate elevation above the surface of the river …

This I do not consider an objection, as I am fully satisfied, iron pipes will make the most suitable conduit for the water on such a bridge, and therefore have had a plan prepared, with a view to comply with the law, arid avail of the economy and greater permanence from a less elevated structure. Owing to the less height required for the arches, and by adopting iron pipes for …

This plan, it will be perceived, has, in its general appearance, a great degree of similarity to what has, for distinction, been called the high bridge. It will, however, in consequence of its being of less height, and adapted to support a lighter superstructure, be less expensive. In the first instance, it is proposed to put down two three-feet pipes, which will probably be …