Beginning Of Water Supply In New York City

( Originally Published 1921 )

Samuel Leggett was the first in this city who at-empted to furnish the city with water from the neighboring river. He proposed the Bronx. From some cause unknown, the plan failed. The money sub-scribed for this object was returned to the subscribers. The idea thus suggested was not lost, however. It culminated in other hands, and the Croton was substituted for the Bronx.

Samuel Leggett was a man of enlarged ideas. He possessed great energy and determination, but combined with the most mild and amiable disposition, which sometimes led him into difficulty, as in the case of the unfortunate Franklin Bank. To save the reputation of others, with whose evil doings circumstances had made him acquainted, he permitted scandal to go unrebuked, thinking that time and the full acquittance from every charge of wrong by Chancellor Kent (who gave the entire matter an official examination) would be a sufficient vindication.

In 1831, the Chancellor wrote the following letter: New York, March 4, 1831.

Dear Sir : I thank you for your pamphlet in vindication of your character and conduct as late President of the Franklin Bank. I was acquainted with the principal facts from the perusal of your journal in the summer of 1828, and your efforts to redeem its credit and promote its stability in a strong and interesting point of view.

I was never able to discover from my investigation any ground for the suspicion and calumny against you, in your conduct as President or Director of the institution and I revoice that you have been able so completely to vindicate your character, and soothe the lacerated feelings of your family and friends. With my best wishes for your happiness and prosperity, I am, your friend and obedient servant,

JAMES KENT,