R. H. ATWELL, DANIEL WARD, WILLIAM DODGE, CHARLES J. DODGE, New York, October 10, 1842. Joint Celebration Committee, CROTON AQ.UEDUCT. Invitations were addressed by the Sub-Committee of Arrangements designated for that purpose, consisting of Aldermen Crolius, West, and Assistan t- Alderman Wm. Dodge, to many distinguished citizens and strangers. From among numerous replies, we select for publication those which follow, beginning with that of the President of the United States : From the President of the United States. Washington, Oct 11, 1842. GENTLEMEN : — I should be most truly happy to be present at an event so interesting to your city as the celebration proposed for the 14th, and to which you have invited me. Circum- stances, however, deny to me the pleasure of such a visit. I heartily rejoice with the citizens of New York, in the completion of a work so vastly important to the health, and comfort of its inhabitants. It is justly to be classed among the first works of the age, and is honorable to the enterprise of the great centre of American trade and commerce. I tender to you, gentlemen, assurances of my high respect, JOHN TYLER. From Ex-President John Quincy Adams. C. CROLIUS, Jun'r., Ald'n. 6th Ward, ) Committee of the Common Council E. D. WEST, Ald'n. 16th Ward, of the WILLIAM DODGE, Ass't. Ald'n. 3d Ward, ^ City of New York. Quincy, llth October, 1842. GENTLEMEN : — I pray you to accept my grateful acknowledgments for the honor done me, by the invitation to join with the Common Council of your great and illustrious city, on the 14th inst, in celebrating the introduction of the Croton water into the city. Detained by indispensable engagements at home, I regret that I shall be deprived of the pleasure of participating with you, in the festive enjoyment of an event so interesting 58 230 CELEBRATION OF THE to the health and comfort of your immense, and still multiplying, population. For what- ever may contribute to their welfare and happiness, my best wishes, are but the dictates of duty, no less than the impulses of a patriotic heart. I am, with great respect, gentlemen, Your obliged and very obedient servant, JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. From Ex-President Van Buren. Kinderhook, October 8, 1842. GENTLEMEN : — I regret, exceedingly, that it will not be in my power to avail myself of your po- lite invitation, to join the Common Council of New York, in celebrating the introduction of the Croton water into the city. Participating, very fully, in the gratification which is derived from the successful completion of that great work, and sincerely thankful for this mark of respect on the part of the Common Council, I am, gentlemen^ Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, M. VAN BUREN. To CLARKSON CROLIUS, Jun'r., / E. D. WEST, and \ Committee. WM. DODGE, Esq'rs., $ Those from different functionaries in the State Government next claim notice C ROT ON AdUEDUCT. 231 From Governor Seward. Albany, October 12, 1842. GENTLEMEN : — Your kind letter, bearing date the 30th September, inviting me to attend the cele- bration of the completion of the Croton Water Works, was found by me on my return to this city on Friday last. But a severe indisposition, from which 1 am just recovering, has prevented my acknowledgment of that invitation, or your subsequent note, in which it was so kindly renewed. Sympathizing sincerely with my fellow-citizens in the accomplishment of that great work, I with great pleasure, accept the invitation. I shall leave this city to-morrow even- ing, and take up my lodgings with the Honorable Samuel B. Ruggles, Union Square, With very high respect, Your obedient servant, WM. H. SEWARD. To CLARKSON CROLIUS, Jr.,~| EDWARD D. WEST, and *> Committee., $c New York.. WILLIAM DODGE, Esqrs. J From Lt. Governor Bradish. Albany, November 1, 1842. GENTLEMEN: — I am just favored with your invitation, in behalf of the Common Council of the city of New York, " to join with them on the 14th day of October, in celebrating the in- troduction of the Croton water into the city of New York." Your letter was missent, and went first to Moriah, in Essex County ; was forwarded thence to Moira, in Franklin County ; was thence returned to Albany ; thence forwarded to New York ; thence sent back, and has just reached me here. I regret, exceedingly, this long delay in the receipt of your letter, as it has prevented its earlier and due acknow- ledgment. Had it, however, reached me in season, my indispensable public duties here would not have permitted me the great pleasure it oifered me. It would otherwise have afforded me the highest gratification, to unite with the Common Council and citizens of 232 CELEBRATION OF THE New York,