The minutes following give the transactions of the "Croton Aqueduct Board," irom its organization in 1849 until it was succeeded in 1870 under the revised Charter of that year by the "Department of Public Works." In them will be found references to public works long since destroyed, such as the reservoir near Thirteenth street (minutes of February 6, 1850). The dates are given of the planning for and completion of the new Central Park Reservoir, the introduction of water into which on August 19, 1862, was made the occasion of a public ceremony. These minutes have already proved of value to the present Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, by showing the reason and authentic origin of practices which are still followed. It is a matter of regret that the press of departmental business has prevented the preparation of an index, but it is hoped that much of interest to students of the City's history will nevertheless be found. The Department of Public Works, under the Charter of 1870, remained in control of the water supply and distribution until succeeded on January 1, 1898, under the Charter of 1897 by the Department of Water Supply. The present Department of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity was created by the Charter of 1901, and the Commissioner thereof took office January 1, 1902. DEPARTMENT OF WATER SUPPLY, GAS AND ELECTRICITY. New York, July 1, 1903. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. Minutes of Meetings of the Croton Aqueduct Board from July 18, 1849, to April 9, 1870. At a meeting of the Board held at 11 o'clock a. m. All the members present. July 18, 1849. Nicholas Dean, President, in the chair. Theodore R. De Forest was appointed Secretary. The President stated that his object for convening the Board was for the organization of the Commission according to the provisions of the State law and the ordinances of the Common Council. The following resolutions were adopted without dissent: Resolved, That this Board report to the Board of Aldermen at their meeting this evening a statement of the back rents due at this office, with the quantity of water in the reservoir, etc., as required by a resolution of said Board of Aldermen on Monday evening, the 16th instant. Resolved, That this Board visit the Third avenue in order to give directions in relation to the line of pipe now being laid in said avenue and the disposition of the surplus earth, and that when this Board adjourns it shall do so to meet for that purpose to-morrow, Thursday, at 3 o'clock p. m. Resolved, That the subject of the nomination of a Water Purveyor be laid on the table for future consideration, and that the applicants for said nomination be requested to present their recommendations and testimonials. Mr. Edward H. Tracy was requested by the Board to continue in their service in the same capacity as under the late State Commissioners, and a verbal appointment to that effect was tendered to him in person, to which Mr. Tracy assented. Adjourned. THEO. R. DE FOREST, Secretary. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. July 19, 1849. The Board met pursuant to adjournment, and after visiting the Third avenue and examining the progress of the work, adjourned to meet 20th instant at 12 m. Adjourned. THEO. R. DE FOREST, Secretary. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. Jul 20, 1849. At a meeting of the Board held this day at 12 m., each member being present, it was, after due discussion, unanimously Resolved, That the name of John P. Flender be presented by this Board to the Board of Aldermen at their next meeting for their approval and confirmation for the office of Water Purveyor. Resolved, That leave of absence from his official duties be granted to Mr. Craven for such time as his health may require. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. July 21, 1849. The President and Assistant Commissioner visited the pipe yard to view the condition and quantity of stock on hand, etc. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. August 2, 1849. At a meeting of the Board held this day at 11 o'clock a. m., the President and Secretary being present, it was Resolved. That, whereas Bernard See, having been approved of by the Assistant Engineer in charge of the work, that said See be and he is hereby appointed Superintendent of the Aqueduct at the Tarrytown Station, and that he receive the usual salary and privilege attached to that office. Adjourned. THEO. R. DE FOREST, Secretary. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. August 6, 1849. At a meeting of the Board, the President and Secretary being present, it was Resolved, That Alexander F. Dodge be and he is hereby appointed to the office of First Clerk in the Bureau of the Water Purveyor at a salary of one thousand dollars per annum. Adjourned. THEO. R. DE FOREST, Secretary. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. August 24, 1849. At a meeting of the Board, all the members being present, it was unanimously Resolved, That the Water Purveyor has the permission and consent of this Board to employ a Messenger for the Bureau of Water Pipes and Sewers. Adjourned. THEO. R. DE FOREST, Secretary. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. September 19, 1849. The annual exterior examination of the line of the Aqueduct was made on this and the succeeding day by the Common Council, on which occasion they were accompanied by the members of this Board. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. October 6, 1849. At a meeting of the Board held this day it was unanimously Resolved, That, in consequence of continual neglect of his official duties, that George G. Rich, Accountant in this Department, be discharged from its service. The consent of his Honor the Mayor having been obtained thereto, under the provisions of the Charter, the said George G. Rich was accordingly dismissed. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. October 30, 1849. The Board this day settled the claim of Whiting Raymond for piece of land taken for aqueduct purposes for the sum of ninety dollars, and received therefor a deed of the same. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. November 10, 1849. The Board this day received notice in person from Mr. Richard F. Carman of a claim held by him against the City for damages in the construction and grading of a certain portion of the City line of the Aqueduct, the further consideration of which was laid on the table to afford the proper time for examination, etc. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. November 14, 1849. The semi-annual examination of the Aqueduct was commenced by the Engineers and President, accompanied by their aids, and continued until the same was completed. CROTON AQUEDUCT BOARD. November 22, 1849. The Board was convened this day at the call of the President, who stated the necessity of hereafter meeting regularly and subdividing properly the labour necessarily devolving on the members of the Board. He therefore proposed, and the propositions received unanimous assent: First-That regular meetings of the Board should be held regularly every Wednesday morning. Second-That the questions daily arising on the location and construction of sewers and matters incidental thereto be specially intrusted to the Engineer. Third—That the general supervision of matters in relation to the collection of water rents in the office of the Register be intrusted to the Assistant Commissioner, and |