Esq'rs. GENTLEMEN : — I have this day received your polite invitation from the Common Council of the city of New York, to join with them on the 14th instant, to celebrate the introduction of the Croton water into the City of New York. With pleasure I accept your invitation, and will be in New York at the time appointed. I have the honor to be, gentlemen, Your ob't. serv't., PIERRE VAN CORTLANDT. From the Justices of the Marine Court. To the Honorable CLARKSON CROLIUS, E. D. WEST, WM. DODGE. The Justices of the Marine Court, Hammond, Sherman, and Randall, have the honor 65 258 CELEBRATION OF THE to acknowledge the receipt of the invitation, which they accept with pleasure, to join with the Common Council of the city of New York, on the 14th instant, in celebrating the introduction of the Croton water into said city. October 13th, 1842. The following characteristic letter, from a former, and much respected citizen of New York, well deserves a place in this record : Burlington, New Jersey, October 10th, 1842. ESTEEMED FRIENDS : — Accept my very grateful acknowledgments for your kindness in extending to me an invitation to attend the celebration of the introduction of the Croton water into the city, on the 14th instant. Several engagements interfere to prevent my acceptance of the favor, and it might not comport very well with one of my age and habits to join in the 'parade, and mingle in the festivities of the celebration ; but I do not the less rejoice, and that most heartily, that we have lived to witness the accomplishment of a work, which must confer an im- measurable amount of comfort and safety on the city at large. Since my first acquaintance with New- York as a citizen, it has increased about five fold in numbers, and probably as much in wealth. It was my privilege, during a 25 years, residence, to unite with my very truly esteemed fellow-citizens, in the establishment and promotion of several of the beneficent institutions which now add dignity to the cha- racter of the city. Among the enterprises (in prospect,) was one for providing an ample supply of pure water. For this purpose, I once went on a mission to Albany. That project, doubtless, happily for the city, proved abortive. That the present great undertaking should have succeeded in so reasonable a time from its commencement, in the midst of financial difficulties, redound most highly to the credit of the authorities, the committee, the engineers, the artificers, and the public. CROTON AQUEDUCT. 259 That the city has enjoyed the blessings of peace and prosperity, during the execution of this noble enterprise, though not unmingled with severe privations, is cause of devout gratitude to our Heavenly Benefactor. May this virtue flow as freely through the hearts of the cizens, to the banishment of intemperance, and the promotion of health and morals, as the waters of the Oroton will hereafter flow through the arteries and veins of its two great reservoirs. I am, with sentiments of great regard, Very truly your Friend, JOHN GRISCOM. C. CROLIUS, Jr. ) E. D. WEST, } Committee. WM. DODGE. > The next note is from a London banker, of celebrity, then happening to be in this city: Mr. H. Palmer will have great pleasure in accepting the invitation of the Common Council of the city of New York, to join them on the 14th inst., in celebrating the intro- duction of the Croton water into the city. Globe Hotel, 7th October, 1842. The Engineer and Superintendent, we believe, of the Fairmount Water Works, was prevented by indispensable engagements, from his being present, and thus sent his good wishes ; ,260 CELEBRATION OF THE Philadelphia, October 4, 1842. GENTLEMEN : — Your kind invitation of Sept. 26, inviting me to join in the celebration of the in- troduction of the Croton water, has been received. To meet your Honorable Councils and the gentlemen who have brought your great works to so happy a termination, would be a high source of gratification to me ; but it so happens that the day named is the one on which the inauguration of our Councils takes place, which circumstance will prevent them, as well as myself, from participating in the enjoyment of seeing a flow of wholesome water passing through your streets — equal in magnitude, and more effective in the arrangements and stability of the work, than any other extant. May the citizens of your great city appreciate and enjoy the health and blessings produced by your spirit of enterprise. With great respect, Your obedient servant, FREDERICK GRAFF. To Messrs. CLARKSON CROLIUS,Jun.,1 E. D. WEST, *> Committee of Invitation. WILLIAM DODGE, The fourteenth of October arrived, and a more beautiful day