/ 
 
 '^^;^7^tZ2^/A^ "^/^ 
 
 CELEBRATION 
 
 OF THE 
 
 INTRODUCTION OF WATER, 
 
 INTO THE 
 
 CITY OF BOSTON, 
 
 OCTOBER, 25, 1848. 
 
F7 
 
 CELEBRATION 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 WATER OE COCHITUATE LAKE 
 
 INTO THE 
 
 CITY OF BOSTON 
 
 OCTOBEE 25. 1848. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 J. H. EASTBURN, CITY PRINTER. 
 
^ > s 
 
 5 y 1 
 
 hi 
 
 CITY OF BOSTON. 
 
 In Board of Jildermen, Monday, Oct. 20th, 1848. 
 
 Ordered, — That Aldermen Rogers and Ober, with such others as 
 the Common Council may join, be a Committee, with full power, to pre- 
 pare and publish an account of the Water Celebration on the 25th inst. ; 
 and that, for this purpose, they request of his Honor, the Mayor, and the 
 Hon. Nathan Hale, copies of the Address and Report delivered by them 
 on that occasion. 
 
 Sent down for concurrence. 
 
 ♦ JOSIAH QUINCY, Jr., Mayor. 
 
 In Common Council, JVovember 2d, 1848. 
 
 Read and concurred, and Messrs. Marvin, Gushing and Blanchard were 
 joined. 
 
 BENJAMIN SEAVER, President. 
 
 V 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 
 
 The Water Commissioners having announced to the 
 City Council, that the Aqueduct from Lake Cochituate to 
 the reservoir and gate house in Brookline, would be com- 
 pleted, and that the main pipe for conducting the water 
 thence to the City, would be laid on or before the 25th 
 day of October, and would be in readiness for introducing 
 the water of the lake into the City, on that day, a joint 
 order of the two Boards was passed, directing an appro- 
 priate public celebration of the event, and appointing a 
 joint Committee to arrange and superintend the celebra- 
 tion. The Committee consisted of 
 
 JosiAH Q,uiNCY, Jk., Mayor. 
 
 Benjamin Seaver, President of Common Council. 
 
 William Pope, ^ ai^^^^-,.^ ^ion^ P. Ober, 
 
 Moses Grant, 
 
 Billings Briggs 
 
 ,] 
 
 Aldermen. 
 
 Abel B. Munroe, Ward 1 
 
 Henry Davis, " 2 
 
 Thomas Critchett, " 3 
 
 Samuel W. Hall, " 4 
 
 W. W. Greenough, " 4 
 
 Wm. D. Coolidge, " 5 
 
 John P. Putnam, " 6 
 
 Josiah P. Bradlee, 
 Wm. A. Harrington, 
 Tisdale Drake, 
 Samuel Wales, Jr., 
 G. W. Frothingham, 
 Joseph Smith, 
 of the Comtnon Council 
 
 ar 
 
 d7 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 9 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 11 
 
 
 12 
 
4 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 The Committee resolved, as an appropriate form of 
 celebration, to invite the citizens of the metropolis, with 
 such of the public officers, the municipal authorities, the 
 militia, various public bodies, and institutions of the 
 Commonwealth, as might be disposed to accept the invi- 
 tation, to unite in a procession, embracing a cavalcade and 
 military escort, and to be present on the introduction of 
 the water at the Fountain, on the Common. 
 
 The citizens cordially responded to the invitation, and 
 they were joined by great numbers of their fellow-citizens 
 from all parts of the State, who came to offer their sym- 
 pathy on the joyful occasion. The usual avocations 
 were suspended, in token of the common rejoicing in the 
 accomplishment of a great and useful enterprise, and a 
 vast concourse of citizens and strangers assembled, to 
 unite in the procession, and to be witnesses of its pro- 
 gress, and of the event to be commemorated. 
 
 The day opened propitiously by beautiful weather, 
 after a heavy rain during the night, disappointing the 
 gloomy anticipations of the preceding day. The dis- 
 charge of artillery, at break of day, was the appointed 
 signal that the celebration would proceed — as orders had 
 been given for its postponement, in case the weather 
 should prove inclement — and a salute of one hundred guns 
 opened the ceremonies of the day, accompanied by the 
 ringing of the bells of the City. 
 
 At an early hour the streets were filled with people, at- 
 tracted by the decorations, mottoes, and devices, by which 
 the principal avenues through which the procession was 
 to pass were embellished. These were very numerous, 
 and were well arranged, and in good taste, and some of 
 them extremely beautiful. Among them were the fol- 
 lowing. 
 
 The gateways to the Common were surmounted with 
 arches, on which were the following appropriate mottoes 
 and devices : — 
 
 At the corner of Park and Tremont streets — 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. O 
 
 "Watetj introduced into the City, Oct. 25tli, 1848 — 
 JosiAH Quincy, Jr., Muyor," — with . a fountain in the centre, 
 surmounted by a pyramid of evergreens and flowers. Reverse — 
 
 " Praise and adoration be given unto Him who vis- 
 
 ITETH THE EaRTH AND WATERETH IT." 
 
 At the corner of Beacon and Charles streets — 
 " Streams shall run in our streets and play about 
 OUR DWELLINGS." "Wreath in the centre. Reverse — 
 
 " Sweet waters shall flow in upon us, and bitter 
 waters be driven out." 
 
 At the corner of Boylston and Charles streets — ^ 
 
 " The WATER SHALL BE AS A FOUNTAIN TO FERTILIZE THE 
 
 VALLEY." Reverse — 
 
 "The Springs of the hills have come unto us to re- 
 fresh us." 
 
 At the corner of Boylston and Tremont streets— 
 "Rejoice, for the rock has been smitten and the 
 WATERS have GUSHED OUT." Reverse — 
 
 " Water shall run in dry places and the thirsty 
 shall drink thereof and be glad." 
 
 In the Frog Pond, a commodious stand was erected, 
 decked with evergreens and flowers, on which were mot- 
 toes as follows : — 
 
 "The Lord spake. Gather the people together and 
 I WILL GIVE them WATER: Numb. xxi. 16." 
 
 " We have found water : Gen. xxvi. 32." 
 
 " The water is ours : Gen. xxvi. 20." 
 
 " Ye shall serve the Lord your God, and He shall 
 bless thy bread and thy water : Exod. xxiii. 25." 
 
 "Jesus saith. Fill the water pots with water : John 
 ii. 7." 
 
 Along the line of the procession ropes had been stretch- 
 ed across the streets, from each of which was suspended 
 a white tablet, fringed and festooned with evergreens, and 
 flanked on either side by an American flag. Each tab- 
 let bore an inscription, and these inscriptions, taken in 
 connection, gave a brief history of the events connected 
 with the introduction of the water from Cochituate Lake 
 into the City. The first was suspended across Tremont 
 street, from the Tremont House, and bore the following 
 words : 
 
6 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 " A loud call from the people for pure water ! Cry heard by 
 Hon. Josiah Quincy, Mayor, 1825." 
 
 The second across Court street, near Sudbury. — " Correspon- 
 dence commences with Daniel Treadwell, Civil Engineer, 1825.% 
 
 The third, across Bowdoin square, from the E-evere House to 
 the Bowdoin square Church, — " Hon. Theodore Lyman, Jr., re- 
 commended the introduction of pure water into the City, Jan. 1834." 
 
 The fourth, across Chambers street, at the corner of Green, — 
 " Loammi Baldwin, Esq., reports to the City Council on the sub- 
 ject of supplying the City with water, October, 1834." 
 
 The fifth across Merrimac street, — " Report made to the Hon. 
 S. T. Armstrong, Mayor, by R. H. Eddy, Civil Engineer, on the 
 subject of introducing water into the City, June 1836." 
 
 The sixth, — " Daniel Treadwell, James F. Baldwin, and Na- 
 than Hale, Esqs., appointed commissioners to examine the sources 
 from which water could be obtained. Report made Nov. 1837." 
 
 The seventh, — " Hon. Samuel A. Eliot, Mayor, in behalf of the 
 committee of the City Council, recommends the introduction of 
 water into the City, January 1838." 
 
 The eighth, across Commercial street from Quincy Market ; — 
 " The inhabitants petition the City Government for a supply of 
 pure water, Feb. 1838." 
 
 From Faneuil Hall to the buildings around, were ropes from 
 which were suspended the flags of different nations. 
 
 Suspended across State street, from the Merchants' Exchange, 
 was an entablature with : — " The Mayor authorized by the City 
 Government to apply to the Legislature for powers to bring water 
 into the City, April, 1838." 
 
 The tenth across Washington street, from Marlboro' Hotel : — 
 " Petition presented by the City Government to the Legislature, 
 for an act to introduce water into the City, January, 1840." 
 
 The eleventh, across Washington street from the Adams House, 
 " City of Boston authorized, by an act of the Legislature to bring 
 water from Long Pond, March 30th, 1846." 
 
 The twelfth across Washington street from Boylston Market, — 
 " Act of the Legislature adopted by the citizens April 13th, 1846. 
 Vote, 4637 yeas, to 348 nays." 
 
 The thirteenth, across Washington street, near Warren, — " Na- 
 than Hale, James F. Baldwin and Thomas B. Curtis. Esqs., chos- 
 en Water Commissioners, May 5, 1846." 
 
 The fourteenth, and last, across Tremont street, below the Com- 
 mon, " Ground broken at Cochituate Lake by the Hon. Josiah 
 Quincy, Jr., August 20th, 1846." 
 
 Across Tremont street, Mr. Kimball, of the Musemn, 
 
' WATER CELEBRATION. / 
 
 had erected a splendid Moorish arch, handsomely decora- 
 ted, and bearing the following inscriptions : — 
 
 " Odk best water brought in conduits hither." 
 
 Shakspeare. 
 
 " Here's water, look tou." " How avill I rain the 
 
 WATER." 
 
 " There will be a world of water shed." — Shakspeare. 
 
 The Tremont House, Engine House, No. 18, the Re- 
 vere House, parts of Blackstone and Hanover streets, 
 Simmons's Clothing store over the Market, Faneuil Hall, 
 the old State House, and many other places, were hand- 
 somely decorated with flags. 
 
 The house of Moses Grant, Esq., in Cambridge street 
 was tastefully embellished with flags and mottoes. On 
 the right was the inscription — 
 
 "Long looked for come at last." 
 On the left— 
 
 " Now BE OUR DRINK CoCHITUATE WATER CLEAR." 
 
 Through all the seasons of the rolling year." 
 
 Across Hanover street, from the church of Rev. Dr. Park- 
 man, was the inscription — 
 
 "Pure water the gift of Heaven." 
 
 Warren Street chapel, also on the line of the proces- 
 sion, was very appropriately dressed. Upon banners hang- 
 ing from the windows, were the inscriptions — 
 
 " Peace," " Love," " Liberty," " Holiness." 
 
 The procession, which was arranged Avith great judg- 
 ment and conducted with admirable order and regularity, 
 was under the direction of Francis Tukey, Esq,,, as 
 Chief Marshal for the day, assisted by the following Aids 
 and Assistant Marshals. 
 
 Gen. John S. Tyler, 
 Gen. Josiah L. C. Amee, 
 Col. William Schouler, 
 John T. Heard, 
 Henry N. Hooper, 
 
 George G. Smith, 
 
 Col. Newell A. Thompson, 
 
 John C. Tucker, 
 
 Moses Kimball, 
 
 Capt. Robert B. Forbes, 
 
CITY OF BOSTON 
 
 Dr. J. W. Warren, 
 Capt. Gilbert Brownell, 
 Hon. John C. Park, 
 
 Peter C. Jones, 
 Gideon F. Thayer, 
 Ebenezer Dale. 
 
 THE FOLLOWING WAS THE ORDER OF PROCESSION. 
 
 Isti The Military Escort. 
 
 This consisted of the Light Infantry and Rifle Compa- 
 nies of the City, and of a large number of corps from the 
 neighboring cities and towns, numbering in all about thir- 
 ty companies, under the command of Gen. B. F. Edmands. 
 
 The companies generally appeared with full ranks, and 
 exhibited a fine appearance, and an admirable state of dis- 
 cipline. So fine a military display has not been exhibit- 
 ed in the Commonwealth for many years. 
 
 2d. The Fire Companies of the City, and of many of 
 the neighboring cities and towns, dressed in their varied 
 uniforms and carrying their respective banners and badg- 
 es. They exhibited a numerous body of active and 
 spirited men, always on the alert at the cry of danger. 
 
 3d. The Cavalcade, consisting of a very numerous 
 body of horsemen, well mounted on beautiful horses, 
 skilfully matched and marshalled, and presenting a very 
 attractive appearance. 
 
 4th. The Civil Procession. 
 
 division one, 
 
 Under the direction of 
 
 Hon. JOHN C. PAEK, Chief Marshal. 
 
 Aid Aid 
 
 Edmund Dexter, Esq. Charles L. Woodbury, Esq. 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Marshals. Mayor of Boston. Marshals. 
 
 Committee of Arrangements. 
 
 Water Committee. 
 
 Water Commissioners and Engineers. 
 
 Military. Military. 
 
 Presidents of the Common Council. 
 
 Membei's of the Common Council. 
 
 High Sheriffs of the State. 
 
 His Excellency the Governor and Suite and Adjutant General. 
 
 His Honor the Lieut. Governor and Executive Council of 
 
 Massachusetts. 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. y 
 
 President of Harvard University. 
 Their Excellencies the Governors of States, and their respective 
 
 Suites. 
 Adjutant Generals. 
 Their Honors the Lieut. Governors and Executive Councils of 
 the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode 
 Island, and Connecticut. 
 Senators and Representatives in Congress from the States of 
 Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and 
 Connecticut. 
 President of the Senate and House of Representatives of Massa- 
 chusetts. 
 Land Agents, with Secretary and Treasurer of Commonwealth. 
 
 Foreign Consuls. 
 
 City Clerk, Treasurer, Auditor, Solicitor, Clerk of Common 
 
 Council, and City Printer. 
 
 City Assessors. 
 
 Past Mayors, Past Aldermen, and Past Presidents of the Common 
 
 Council. 
 
 Past "Water Committees of the Common Council. 
 
 School Committees. 
 
 Port and Consulting Physicians. 
 
 Superintendents of the Buildings, Lamps, Streets, Sewers and 
 
 Burials. 
 Overseers of the Poor. 
 Directors, Masters, Chaplains, and Clerks of Houses of Correc- 
 tion, Industry, and Reformation. 
 Superintendents of the Lunatic Hospital, and of Deer Island. 
 Clerks of Quincy Hall Market, and other Clerks of the City 
 Government. 
 Deputy City Marshal and Messenger of the Common Council. 
 Sergeant at Arms. 
 Senators and Representatives of the Massachusetts Legislature. 
 Warden and Chaplain of the State Prison. 
 Commissioner of Alien Passengers and Harbor Master. 
 Society of Cincinnati. 
 Officers of the Army and Navy. 
 Officers and Soldiers of the Revolution in Carriages. 
 Aid. United States Marshal. Aid. 
 
 Judges and Clerks of the United States Court. 
 Commissioners of United States Circuit Court. 
 Post Master and United States Attorney. 
 Treasurer and Collector of the Port and Capt. of Revenue Cutter. 
 Naval Officer and Surveyor of the Port. 
 Navy Agent and Storekeeper and other U. S. Civil Officers. 
 Judges and Clerks of the State, County, and City Courts, Judges 
 of Probate and Registers of Deeds. 
 District Attorneys throughout the Commonwealth. 
 The Reverend Clergy. 
 The Medical Faculty. 
 Editors of Newspapers throughout New England. 
 Members of the Bar throughout the State. 
 
10 
 
 CITY OF BOSTON 
 
 Deputy Sheriffs. 
 
 Authorities of the Towns through which the Aqueduct passes. 
 
 City Government of Salem. 
 
 City Government of Lowell. 
 
 City Government of Cambridge. 
 
 City Government of Roxbury. 
 
 City Government of Charlestown. 
 
 City Government of New Bedford. 
 
 City Government of Worcester. 
 
 Officers and Government of Harvard University. 
 
 Students of Harvard University. 
 
 Mercantile Library Association. 
 
 Scientific, Historical, Musical, and other Societies. 
 
 DIVISION TWO, 
 
 Under the direction of 
 
 GEORGE G. SMITH, Chief Marshal. 
 
 Aid Aid 
 
 Capt. Granville Mears, Joseph M. Wightman, 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association, 
 Franklin Typographical Society. 
 
 In this part of the procession was displayed a printing 
 press, the operations of which were carried ,pn by a full 
 corps of compositors and pressmen. Mr. Samuel Hay- 
 ward, a veteran printer, was employed in setting the 
 types. There were three presses on the stand ; one a 
 power press, of Adams & Co.'s manufacture, and two 
 hand presses. The whole mounted on a carriage drawn 
 by four horses. The following song was struck off and 
 distributed as the car moved on, 
 
 A S ONG 
 FOR THE MERRY-MAKING ON WATER DAY. 
 
 BY A MEMBER OF THE FRANKLIN TYPOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 Away, away, with care to-day ! 
 
 There's naught but joy before us ; 
 A gladsome shout from the mass goes out. 
 
 And we will join the chorus. 
 
 All hearts are glad, each face is clad 
 
 In smiles delightful beaming ; 
 There 's music rare on the autumn air, 
 
 And banners gay are streaming. 
 
 The axe is still, the loom, the mill ; 
 
 The miser quits his treasure ; 
 And every trade, it seems has made 
 
 A business now of pleasure. 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 
 
 And Ibeauty bright doth shed its light 
 
 To glad the blest occasion, 
 And hearts to-day surrender may 
 
 To coveted invasion. 
 
 Thisis.no meed for gallant deed 
 Achieved 'mid fields of slaughter ; 
 
 Voice, bell, and flame, with joy complain 
 The Advent Day of Water"! 
 
 Cochituate, inspired of late 
 
 By something like ambition, 
 Left its still home to hither roam 
 
 Upon a blessed mission : 
 
 It passed along with gladsome song, 
 The meadows smiled to greet it ; 
 
 And as each day it n eared this way, 
 Our spirits sprang to meet it. 
 
 Its journey passed, 't is here at last, 
 
 And hailed with acclamation ; 
 And every tongue shall swell the song, 
 
 Whate'er its rank or station. 
 
 The thirsty mart feels through its heart 
 
 The mighty current quiver. 
 Through streets and lanes, in iron veins, 
 
 A subterranean river. 
 
 Unseen it comes to all our homes. 
 
 To cheer the high and lowly ; 
 Like gifts from heaven, iinknown when given, 
 
 But through their influence holy. 
 
 Exuberaixt force impels its course, 
 
 It rushes wildly onward ; 
 Its fountain spray darts high away 
 
 In jets fantastic sunward. 
 
 Hail, hopeful stream ! from thy bright gleam 
 
 Our hearts reflect the omen. 
 That water's want no more will haunt 
 
 The thirsty man or woman. 
 
 Then let us join in nine times nine, 
 
 To greet the scene before us ; 
 And to the skies let shouts arise, 
 
 A universal chorus. 
 
 And ever may we bless the day 
 When Boston's sons and daughters, 
 
 Came up elate to celebrate 
 The Advent of the Waters. 
 
 11 
 
13 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 Boston Charitable Association of Master "[failors. 
 
 Shipwrights and Caulkers of Boston and Charlestown. 
 
 Occupants of Quincy Market. 
 
 Occupants of Boylston and other Markets of Boston and vicinity. 
 
 Mechanic Apprentices' Library Association. 
 
 Worcester County Mechanics' Association. 
 
 Salem Charitable Mechanics' Association. 
 
 The different sections of this division exhibited appro- 
 priate emblems of their various occupations ; the Tailors 
 displayed a representation of Adam and Eve, as a speci- 
 men of the human race before the invention of their craft. 
 The occupants of the Markets had a stall fitted up in 
 a most tempting manner, with meat, game, fruit, and 
 vegetables, all of the finest kind. A car filled with young 
 girls represented the manufactory of artificial flowers. A 
 ship rigged and manned, and other devices and emblems, 
 too numerous to be described, came into this part of the 
 procession, the whole line of which was marked by an 
 endless and most tasteful variety of banners. 
 
 DIVISION THREE. 
 
 Under the direction of 
 CoL. NEWELL A. THOMPSON, Chief Marshal. 
 Aid Aid 
 
 Maj. George M. Thatcher, Hamilton Willis, 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Masonic Fraternity, 
 Grand Lodge, Grand and Subordinate Encampments, and Sub- 
 ordinate Lodges throughout the States of Massachusetts, 
 Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Ehode Island, 
 and Connecticut. 
 Ancient Order of Druids. 
 Council of the Star in the East. 
 
 The ranks of this division were very full, and made a 
 most gorgeous display of banners and emblems. 
 
 DIVISION FOUR. 
 
 Under the direction of 
 JOHN C. TUCKEE, Chief Marshal. 
 Aid Aid 
 
 James Egan, Esq. Peter Higgins, 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Scots' Charitable Society. 
 Irish Catholic Society. 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 13 
 
 Roman Catholic Mutual Relief Society. 
 
 Young Catholic Friends Society. 
 
 St. Mary's Mutual Benevolent Total Abstinence Society. 
 
 Irish Protestant Mutual Relief Society. 
 
 Father Matthew Mutual Benevolent Total Abstinence Society. 
 
 United Shamrock Society. 
 
 St. John's Temperance Society. 
 
 St. Nicholas Temperance Society. 
 
 St. Augustine's Temperance Society. 
 
 South Boston Young Catholic Friend Society. 
 
 All these societies were in very full numbers, and with 
 their appropriate banners and badges, made a very strik- 
 ing appearance. 
 
 DIVISION FIVE. 
 
 Under the direction of 
 
 MOSES KIMBALL, Chief Marshal. 
 
 Aid Aid 
 
 Dr. D. Harwood, Amos W. Dana, 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Massachusetts Temperance Society. 
 
 Massachusetts Temperance Union. 
 
 Boston Temperance Union. 
 
 Washington Total Abstinence Society. 
 
 North End Total Abstinence Society. 
 
 Young Men's Temperance Society. 
 
 South End Total Abstinence Society. 
 
 Independent Order of Rechabites. 
 
 Templars of Honor of the Sons of Temperance. 
 
 General and Subordinate Divisions of the Sons of Temperance 
 
 and Cadets of Temperance throughout the States of 
 
 Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, 
 
 Rhode Island and Connecticut. 
 
 In this division, the Cadets of Temperance, a large ar- 
 my of temperance boys, dressed in uniform, and the Sons 
 of Temperance were out, in very great numbers, with 
 beautiful banners designating their respective encamp- 
 ments. The various Temperance associations all appear- 
 ed with full ranks, and made a most appropriate and im- 
 pressive show. 
 
 In the centre of the Temperance section was a banner 
 upon which appeared the " Pledge" in full, upon a scroll, 
 motto, " Boston." The Shakspeare Division, Sons of 
 Temperance, bore a superb banner of scarlet velvet, fring- 
 
14 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 ed with gold and lined with white satin. On the front, 
 " Shakspeare 46." Reverse, white satin " Boston." The 
 banner draped with yellow satin, and trimmed elegantly 
 with tassels and heavy ornaments. A rich bible and 
 costly silver salver were borne in the ranks of this society. 
 
 DIVISION SIX. 
 
 Under the direction of 
 Capt. ROBERT B. FORBES, Chief Marshal. 
 Aid Aid 
 
 Thomas Motley, Jr. "William B. Bemis, 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Boston Marine Society. 
 
 Seamen's Friend Society. 
 
 Boston Port Society. 
 
 Salem East India Marine Society. 
 
 Other societies for the Improvement and Relief of Seamen in 
 
 Boston, Salem, New Bedford, and vicinity. 
 
 Commissioners of Boston Pilots. 
 
 Boston Pilots. 
 
 Reverend Clergy of Seamen's Churches. 
 
 Captains and other Officers of vessels in port. 
 
 United States, and other Seamen in port, with flag and ship on 
 
 platform drawn by horses. 
 
 Boat Clubs of Boston and vicinity. 
 
 Shipping Masters and Landlords of Seamen's Houses, Officers 
 
 and Crews of British Steamer and other foreign vessels in port. 
 
 Officers and Crew of the Revenue Cutter Hamilton. 
 
 In this division the Boston Port Society bore a banner 
 with a device representing a sailor pointing upward, and 
 the motto, " Sure guide to happiness." 
 
 The Salem East India Marine and the Old Marine So- 
 cieties bore in their ranks the old Palanquin, which has not 
 been before seen in public for about forty years. This was 
 carried by six stout negro bearers, dressed in white orien- 
 tal costume, with white turbans. Inside was a fair young 
 boy reclining in oriental style. 
 
 In a carriage, drawn by four fine horses, was a large, 
 full-rigged model of the famous and fortunate privateer, 
 the Grand Turk, celebrated in the last war with Eng- 
 land, by her successful operations. 
 
WATER CELKBRATION 
 
 15 
 
 DIVISION SEVEN. 
 
 Under the direction of 
 
 GIDEON F. THAYER, Chief Marshal. 
 
 Aid Aid 
 
 B. B. Mussey, Abel Tompkins, 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Citizen's Water Committee of 1844. 
 
 Union Water Convention of 1845. 
 
 Ward Water Unions of the several Wards. 
 
 Natives of Boston residents in other places. 
 
 Handel and Haydn Society. 
 
 Citizens in Wards, beginning with Ward One. 
 
 Resident and Assistant Engineers of the Water Works. 
 
 Superintendents of Masonry. 
 Contractor, Inspectors, and Masons on the Water Works. 
 
 Two of the largest sized Water Pipes, mounted on a 
 platform, and drawn by seven superb black horses, grac- 
 ed this part of the procession. On one of these was in- 
 scribed : 
 
 " First pipe laid April 19th, 1848." 
 
 On the other : 
 
 "Water introduced into the city Oct. 25, 1848." 
 
 Not far from this was a bricklayer's platform, with the 
 appropriate implements of their trade ; followed by a host 
 of the Cochituate workmen. These made a very neat 
 appearance in a uniform and appropriata costume of 
 checked shirts with neat white collars. 
 
 division eight. 
 
 Under direction of 
 
 EBENEZER DALE, Chief Marshal. 
 
 Aid Aid 
 
 Daniel Sharp, Jr. Henry C. Wainwright. 
 
 CONSISTING OF 
 
 Children of the Boston, Charlestown, Cambridge, Roxbury, and 
 Chelsea; Pupils of the Public Latin, High, and Grammar 
 Schools, and of the Farm School, with their Teachers ; Children 
 of the Orphan Asylums ; Floral Procession without carriages, un- 
 der the direction of the Rev. Charles F. Barnard, and Sisters of 
 Charity, with children over eight years of age. 
 
 The various parts of this division met at the stations 
 appointed for them, and formed on the Common at the 
 places designated when they received the procession on 
 
16 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 its arrival at the Common. This was one of the most 
 interesting portions of the show of the day. 
 
 THE FIRE DEPARTMENT 
 
 Under the direction of 
 PETER C. JONES, Chief Marshal, 
 Aid, Aid, 
 
 Thomas A. Williams, Henry Hart, 
 
 The Members of the Fire Department assembled in 
 very great numbers, and took their stations at the head of 
 the procession as a part of the escort. They were in uni- 
 form, with banners, — each company preceding its engine. 
 The Engines and Carriages of Hook and Ladder Compa- 
 nies, were each drawn by two horses. The engines were 
 beautifully ornamented with wreaths and flowers. Nu- 
 merous companies of firemen from other towns in the 
 State were present, preceded by the Veterans of this City. 
 There were companies present from Brookline, South Bos- 
 ton, Charlestown, Chelsea, Lowell, Newton, Natick, Wa- 
 tertown, Quincy, Randolph, &c., and also from the neigh- 
 boring States : all without their engines, but in uniform, 
 with beautiful banners. These companies were com- 
 posed of hardy young men, dressed in a great variety of 
 showy costume, who made a very brilliant and imposing 
 appearance. The Lafayette Company, No. 18, were at- 
 tended by their faithful old dog Tiger, dressed in gala 
 colors, and appearing as much in his element as any of 
 his associates, with whom he has attended most fires that 
 have occurred in the City for a number of years. 
 
 A boys' fire engine, drawn by two very small ponies, 
 attracted a good deal of attention. 
 
 The Military escort presented a fine appearance, from 
 the variety and beauty of the uniform and equipments, of 
 the troops, as well as their superior discipline, and made a 
 very fine show. A review of the troops by the Governor 
 took place on the Common at twelve o'clock, previous to 
 the moving of the procession. This review presented 
 perhaps as fine a military display as ever was seen in Bos- 
 ton. The Review occupied about half an hour, when the 
 
WATEK CELEBRATION. 
 
 17 
 
 troops moved from the ground, and took the position as- 
 signed them at the head of the procession. The Lancers 
 were placed at the head of the escort. They bore in their 
 ranks the colors of the Massachusetts Volunteers to Mex- 
 ico. Among the companies under command of Gen. Ed- 
 mands, besides the Light Infantry Corps 'of this city, were 
 the Framingham Light Infantry j the Brooks Phalanx, of 
 Medford, under command of Col. J. B. Winn ; the Wor- 
 cester Light Infantry ; the Salem Light Infantry ; the 
 Salem Guards ; the Marblehead Light Infantry ; the New- 
 buryport Light Infantry ; the Halifax Light Infantry ; the 
 City Guards of Manchester, N. H. ; the Northampton Ar- 
 tillery^and the Roxbury Artillery, (acting as .Infantry,) 
 and the Providence Light Infantry. 
 
 The route of the Procession was through Tremont, 
 Court, Cambridge, Chamber, Green, Pitts, Merrimack, 
 Blackstone, Salem, Charter, Hanover, Richmond, Com- 
 mercial, South Market, (around Faneuil Hall,) Merchants' 
 Row, State, Washington, Warren, and Tremont Streets, 
 to the Common, through Park Street Gate. 
 
 Great precautions were taken to keep the streets 
 through which the procession passed, free from carriages, 
 and these were every where successful. The windows 
 on the whole line as it passed, were filled with spectators, 
 as were all steps and balconies and side-walks, and roofs,, 
 where footing could be found. Although there were so 
 many persons in the procession, they seemed few, com- 
 pared with the numbers out of it. As each successive 
 division of the j)rocession came in sight, it was greeted 
 with admiration by the crowds of spectators. It took 
 about two hours for the whole to pass a given point, and 
 although the escort reached the Common a little before 
 three, the last part of the procession did not arrive at 
 the end of the route until near five o'clock. 
 
 The several divisions in which the procession was, 
 formed, were conducted to the sites allotted to them re- 
 spectively, on the grounds surrounding the Frog Pond, 
 in the centre of which the Fountain was established. 
 
18 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 through which the water was to be introduced to the first 
 view of the citizens. On the northerly side of the pond, 
 to the extent of about half its circumference, the grounds, 
 by the judicious arrangement of the Chief Marshal, had 
 been kept entirely clear, until occupied by the procession 
 moving in the prescribed order, to their allotted stations ; 
 while on the other half, the grounds had been for a long 
 period entirely occupied by vast numbers of people of 
 both sexes, patiently awaiting the arrival of the proces- 
 sion, and the opening of the fountain. When the last 
 divisions of the procession had reached their stations, the 
 whole circuit of the pond, and the grounds arising from 
 it on all sides, in irregular declivities, forming an immense 
 amphitheatre, were filled by a concourse of persons of the 
 most orderly demeanor, variously estimated at 50,000 to 
 100,000 in number. The relative positions of the several 
 divisions of this vast assemblage are indicated by the fol- 
 lowing diagram. The shaded circle indicates the position 
 of the fountain ; and the oblong, that of the platform on 
 which the Mayor, Committee of Arrangements, and pub- 
 lic officers were stationed. 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 
 
 19 
 
 The services appointed for the occasion, preliminary to 
 the introduction of water, were brief, and these were cur- 
 tailed on account of the lateness of the hour at which the 
 procession reached the spot. They were as follows : 
 
20 
 
 CITY OF BOSTON 
 
 1. HYMN. 
 
 BY GEORGE RUSSELL, ESQ. 
 Sung by the Handel and Haydn Society and Audience. 
 
 TUNE, "old hundred." 
 
 Eternal ! uncreated God ! 
 
 Source of our being ! Fount of love ! 
 Our songs ascend to thine abode ; 
 
 Thou art the joy of worlds above. 
 
 The Sea is thine : — at thy command, 
 From darkness deep, its waters came: 
 
 The " Sons of God " beheld thy hand. 
 And in loud chorus praised thy name. 
 
 Eivers, and lakes, and springs declare. 
 That Thou art wise, and kind, and good ; 
 
 Both man and beast thy bounties share ; 
 Thou givest drink : — Thou givest food. 
 
 Behold ! from yonder distant lake, 
 
 A stream, our City now supplies ! 
 We bid it welcome : — come partake : 
 
 To-day its waters greet our eyes ! 
 
 Let old and young, and rich and poor, 
 
 Join in one full harmonious song ! 
 Let every tongue its praises pour, 
 
 And swell the Anthem loud and long ! 
 
 II. PRAYER BY REV. DANIEL SHARP, D. D. 
 
 Almighty God our Heavenly Father ; we present ourselves 
 before thee, on this occasion with reverence, with gratitude and 
 with thanksgiving. We adore thee as the Creator of worlds and 
 of men. The sea is thine and the dry land, for thou hast made 
 them. And the waters are thine, which spring up from the 
 earth, and gush forth in pure and living streams. 
 
 We thank thee O God that thou dost not forsake this world 
 which thou hast made. Thou givest the early and the latter rain. 
 Thou visitest the earth and waterest it. Thou makest it soft with 
 showers ; thou blessest the springing thereof. By thy knowledge 
 the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew, that 
 the grass may grow, and the earth bring forth its fruits in their 
 season. 
 
 O Lord, we have come here to manifest our joy, that for this 
 City, where multitudes do congregate and dwell, channels have 
 been completed, through which the streams of health, and cleanli- 
 ness and comfort, will abundantly and constantly flow. We bless 
 thee, that there has been this wise forethought and this provident 
 care, for all classes amongst us. 
 
 Grant Lord, we beseech thee, that when the water shall be- 
 gin to flow, it may flow on to the end of time ; ministering to the 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 21 
 
 gladness and purity of every dwelling. We pray, that unborn 
 generations may have cause to bless the men, whose minds con- 
 ceived, whose tongues recommended, and whose hands and skill 
 accomplished the glorious work of bringing this pure, sweet, and 
 health promoting gift of Heaven to their abodes. 
 
 Nor would we be unmindful of other gifts of thy providence. 
 We thank thee for the founders of this ancient Town ; and we 
 thank thee, for a City Government, whose principles are law, 
 equity, liberty, and order. We thank thee, that its administration 
 has ever been intelhgent, just, forbearing, energetic. We thank 
 thee for our public schools, the glory of our land. We thank thee 
 for our institutions of charity ; and for Christian churches ; and 
 that all sects have equal and perfect freedom to worship Thee. 
 Above all, we thank thee for the glorious gospel, which bringeth 
 life and immortality to light. 
 
 These thanks, we offer to thee, O Lord ; and these blessings 
 we implore, with the forgiveness of our sins, in the name of Christ 
 our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 III. ODE. 
 
 BY JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, ESQ. 
 Sung by the School Children. 
 
 I. 
 
 My name is Water ! I have sped 
 
 Through strange dark ways untried before, 
 
 By pure desire of friendship led, 
 Cochituate's Ambassador ; 
 
 He sends four royal gifts by me. 
 Long life, health, peace, and purity. 
 
 II. 
 
 I'm Ceres' cupbearer ; I pour. 
 
 For flowers and fruits and all their kin, 
 Her crystal vintage, from of yore 
 
 Stored in old Earth's selectest bin, 
 Flora's Falernian ripe, since God 
 
 The winepress of the deluge trod. 
 
 III. 
 In that far isle whence, ironwilled. 
 
 The new world's sires their bark unmoored, 
 The fairies' acorn cups I filled 
 
 Upon the toadstool's silver board. 
 And, 'neath Heme's oak, for Shakspeare's sight. 
 
 Strewed moss and grass with diamonds bright. 
 
 IV. 
 
 No fairies in the Mayflower came, 
 
 And, lightsome as I sparkle here, 
 For mother Bay State, busy dame, 
 
 I've toiled and drudged this many a year, 
 
22 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 Throbbed in her Engine's iron veins, 
 Twirled myriad spindles for her gains. 
 
 V. 
 
 I, too, can weave ; the warp I set 
 
 Through which the sun his shuttle throws. 
 
 And, bright as Noah saw it, yet 
 
 For you the arching rainbow glows, 
 
 A sight in Paradise denied 
 
 To unfallen Adam and his bride. 
 
 VI. 
 
 When winter held me in his grip, 
 
 You seized and sent me o'er the wave, 
 
 Ungrateful ! in a prison-ship ; 
 But I forgive, not long a slave. 
 
 For, soon as summer south winds blew, 
 Homeward I fled disguised as dew. 
 
 VII. 
 
 For countless services I'm fit. 
 Of use, of pleasure, and of gain. 
 
 But lightly from all bonds I flit, 
 Incapable as fire of stain ; 
 
 From miU and washtub I escape 
 And take in heaven my proper shape. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 So free myself, to-day, elate 
 
 I come from far o'er hill and mead, 
 
 And here, Cochituate's Envoy, wait 
 To be your blithesome Ganymede, 
 
 And brim your cups with nectar true 
 That never will make slaves of you. 
 
 ADDRESS BY NATHAN HALE, 
 
 ONE OF THE WATER COMMISSIONERS. 
 
 Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen : 
 
 The vast concourse of our fellow citizens here assem- 
 bled testifies how deep an interest is felt, in the event 
 which we are met to commemorate. It is the accom- 
 plishment of a great public work which is of equal benefit 
 to every citizen. It is the supply of a want common to 
 every human being — of the pure element which is an in- 
 
WATER CELEBKATION. 23 
 
 dispensable ingredient in the ordinary sustenance of life — 
 of an essential agent, for the preservation of health, clean- 
 liness and comfort, — for the protection of our dwellings 
 against conflagration, — and for the prosecution of many 
 of the arts of life, 
 
 Boston, in the periods of her early history, was celebrat- 
 ed for the abundance of her springs of pure water. But 
 in the progress of a great community, nothing essential 
 to its growth can be stationary, or limited. These springs 
 are no longer suflScient for the nourishment of the vast 
 population, which commerce, industry, and liberal insti- 
 tutions have planted on this peninsula. The same prin- 
 ciple which compels us to seek for food, and for articles of 
 luxury, beyond the products of the neighboring country, 
 leads us to look abroad for a more ample supply of water. 
 We at the same time avail ourselves of one of the most 
 obvious benefits of a compact society, in making use of 
 its combined resources to provide this necessary of life to 
 every family, and to relieve them from the labor of draw- 
 ing it from the recesses of the earth, or of gathering it 
 in cisterns, as it falls from the clouds. 
 
 To enable our citizens to accomplish this object, the 
 Legislature of the Commonwealth, at their request, grant- 
 ed to them full authority, to take the necessary measures 
 for supplying the City with pure water. The execution 
 of that authority has been conferred by you. Gentlemen 
 of the City Council, upon the Water Commissioners, who 
 are now before you. It has become my duty, in their 
 behalf, to state how far the trust thus devolved upon 
 them has been executed. 
 
 We have not been insensible to the magnitude of the 
 trust. We have felt that the duty was imposed upon us 
 to furnish an ample supply, for all the wants of every 
 citizen ; and to draw it from a source of unquestioned 
 purity. We have not been unmindful of the progressive 
 character of this community, and of the rapid increase of 
 its population, and its wants. The number of our citizens 
 has been twice doubled within the space of forty years, 
 
24 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 Euad it may again be doubled, in the twenty years to 
 come. We have looked therefore not merely to the present 
 demands of the City for water, but to its prospective 
 wants. jf^ 
 
 We have looked also to futurity, in determining the 
 character of the works, which it has been our duty to 
 construct. They are built of materials imperishable in 
 their natm-e, and the principal works are of a structure 
 which we trust will be as durable as time itself. 
 
 The source from which the supply is drawn, is a Lake, 
 situated in an elevated part of the country, twenty miles 
 distant fi:om the City, remote from the habitations of 
 men, and secluded from the seats of all such occupations 
 as might subject ' it to causes of impurity. The Lake 
 covers an area of a mile square : it is of great depth ; and 
 is supplied by the rains which fall upon a large surround- 
 ing country, as well as by springs and streams never 
 liable to be rendered turbid by inundation. Its banks are 
 mostly covered by a growth of forest trees, and shrub- 
 bery : and to secure it against the intrusion of men or 
 animals, a margin of land, entirely surrounding its shores, 
 has been acquired, and will be separately enclosed, as the 
 property of the City. 
 
 The waters of this Lake have flowed for ages through 
 a remote part of the country, to the ocean. Their natu- 
 ral outlet is now forever closed ; and a new chaimel has 
 been formed, by the excavation of the intervening barrier 
 of earth and rock, for conducting them by a gentle decliv- 
 ity to the City. Through this channel, a covered aque- 
 duct of brick masomy has been built, to secure the flow 
 of a uniform current, sufficient to supply the wants "of the 
 City, even should its population become double its present 
 numbers. 
 
 This aqueduct, mstead of inviting admiration, like 
 some of the works of ancient art, constructed for a similar 
 purpose, is almost concealed from view, by the earth 
 which has been replaced over it, and the public will he 
 left to judge of its magnitude and difficulty, and of the 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 25 
 
 labor and skill required in its accomplisliment, chiefly 
 from a computation of its cost. Its value, however, will 
 be measured by the degree in which it shall accomplish 
 its pm-pose. 
 
 In those parts of the work which are exposed to view^ 
 it was decided to adopt a style of architecture, severe and 
 simple, indicative of a prudent economy, but at the same 
 time such as would not degrade the character of a great 
 public work, or give offence even to a fastidious taste. 
 
 The supply of pure water thus conducted to the City 
 from its secluded source, is not simply poured mto the 
 public squares and market places, but it is conveyed 
 through subterranean passages to the dwellings of every 
 citizen ; and if they desire it. to every one's chamber and 
 closet. It is not left to be borne by manual labor, from 
 deep vaults, and sta,gnant cisterns, but it ascends, in obe- 
 dience to a mysterious law of nature, to such part of every 
 mansion, as its possessor may direct. Sprung from an 
 elevated source, and devoted to the service of man, m the 
 supply of his domestic wants, it is taught to mount again 
 to the same elevation, and to mamtain its level, until it 
 shall have accomplished all the purposes to which it is 
 destined. 
 
 To obtam the power of distribution, at all times, 
 throughout the elevated parts of the city, it was necessary 
 to erect large reservoirs, at an elevation of 120 feet above 
 the sea, and nearly equal to that of the original source. 
 One of these, situated on the nearest neighboring height 
 beyond the limits of the city, is capable of contammg 
 100,000,000 of gallons of water, a quantity sufficient for 
 the uses of the city for a period of two weeks, should the 
 supply be interrupted by any accident for that period. 
 Into this reservoir the aqueduct is capable of dischargmg 
 more than 10 millions of gallons every day, flowing by a 
 gentle current — traversing the 15 miles of its course m 
 less than 24 hours, — and falling, in that distance, about 4 
 feet from the level of its original source. 
 
 The other reservoirs, yet unfinished, situated on the 
 
 4 
 
26 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 most elevated points of the old City, aud of South Bos- 
 ton, will perform the functions which belong to the heart 
 in the animal system, forcing the life sustaining fluid to 
 its distant members, and transfusing it through intri- 
 cate arteries, to every part of the body. These reservoirs 
 will be completed in the course of the ensuing year. 
 
 From the several reservoirs the water is conveyed, not 
 only through every street of the City, but into the house 
 of every citizen. The distribution by service pipes to 
 private houses, in public works of this nature, is usually 
 made at the private cost of the persons supplied ; but it 
 is here executed, in common with the residue of the 
 work, at the public charge, making a very sensible in- 
 crease of the labor and cost of the work. The tubes 
 leading to the central reservoirs, and through the streets, 
 are made of cast iron, — a material which long experience 
 has shown to be best adapted to this use, for its strength 
 and durability. They are of the most liberal dimensions, 
 and their whole extent is more than sixty miles. The 
 smaller pipes, by which the water is introduced into the 
 dwellings of the inhabitants, are chiefly of lead. It is a 
 material more ductile than iron, and on careful inquiry it 
 has been judged, in every respect, best adapted for this use. 
 
 The further duty has devolved upon the Water Com- 
 missioners, of indemnifying the proprietors of lands and 
 of water rights, taken for the use of the City, for the in- 
 jury which they have suflered, from this appropriation of 
 their property. We have entered upon the discharge of 
 this delicate trust, with a scrupulous regard for the rights 
 of the numerous claimants, and with a deep sense of the 
 obligations of equity and honor, which demand the adop- 
 tion on the part of the City, of a liberal and generous 
 rule of compensation ; while at the same time, we are 
 bound, by a like sense of justice, to resist claims which 
 may appear to be extortionate. Much progress has been 
 made in the discharge of this difficult duty. The claims 
 for lands surrounding the Lake, are nearly adjusted, as 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 27 
 
 are also a large portion of those for lands occupied by the 
 aqueduct. 
 
 To obviate the necessity of fixing a valuation of the 
 water rights on Concord River, which might have suffer- 
 ed diminution, from the diversion of the waters of Co- 
 chituate Lake, we have provided two artificial reservoirs, 
 of great capacity, which will be replenished, during every 
 winter, and will be capable of supplying, to the river, 
 far more than an equivalent, for all the water diverted 
 from it for the use of the City. 
 
 Preparatory to the supply of Avater to the inhabitants 
 of the City, we have, in pursuance of the duty imposed 
 upon us by the Water Act, prepared a scale of annual 
 rents, to be charged for the use of it. It has been decided 
 that the rents shall begin from the 1st of January next. 
 
 The charges have been arranged upon the lowest scale 
 which can afibrd the promise of an adequate indemnity 
 for the cost of the work, and at lower rates in general, 
 than are paid for water in any city within our knowledge. 
 It was deemed suitable that the fruits of an enterprise, 
 prosecuted at the common charge of all the citizens, and 
 for the common benefit, should be enjoyed by all, on the 
 most liberal terms, consistent with the sacred duty of 
 providing for the debt, which is a necessary condition of 
 the accomplishment of the work. 
 
 It remains only for me to perform the grateful duty, of 
 acknowledging the obligations which the Water Commis- 
 sioners are under, for the cordial cooperation of all those 
 who have been associated with them, in the prosecution 
 of the enterprise. To the skill, energy and assiduity 
 of the Chief Engineers, Messrs. Whitwell and Chesbrough, 
 and of the Consulting Engineer, Mr. Jervis, we are emi- 
 nently indebted for the promptness and success, with 
 which the work has been carried forward, and the satis- 
 factory manner in which it has been executed. We ac- 
 knowledge also with much satisfaction the skill, fidelity, 
 and untiring industry of the Resident Engineers, and 
 
28 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 the hearty cooperation of the assistants, and the whole 
 engineering corps, of both departments, by which the suc- 
 cessful progress of the work has been most essentially 
 promoted. 
 
 Our acknowledgments are also especially due to the 
 able, faithful and energetic contractors, by whose agency 
 almost all the branches of the work have been executed, 
 either in the furnishing of materials, or the immediate 
 prosecution of the work. We were fortunate in meeting 
 with men in this relation, in the various departments 
 of the work, skilled in their respective duties, fertile in 
 resources, and faithful to their engagements. The vigor 
 and perseverance, displayed in the perforation of the tunnel 
 sections, and in laying the foundations of the aqueduct, 
 through a long extent of quicksands, deserve especial com- 
 mendation. Every portion of the work, we trust, will 
 bear perpetual testimony to the fidelity of the execution. 
 
 To you, in an especial manner, Mr. Mayor, to the gen- 
 tlemen of the City Council, and in particular to the mem- 
 bers of the Water Committee, and the Committee of 
 Finance, we present our most hearty thanks, for the firm 
 support which you have afforded us, in the discharge of 
 our duties. Every assistance which we could ask of the 
 Municipal authorities has been at all times freely render- 
 ed. The City Treasurer, also, is entitled to our thanks, 
 and earnest commendation, for the admirable regularity 
 and promptness with which payment has been made, of the 
 orders of the Commissioners, and the ease and confidence 
 with which he has enabled us to manage the financial 
 concerns of our trust. Under his efiicient administration, 
 notwithstanding the long continued and severe pressure, 
 on the money affairs of the country, the City Treasury in 
 aid of this work, has poured out its resources like water. 
 We trust that the vast expenditure which has been thus 
 made, will prove an investment, which shall afford a 
 perpetual revenue of benefits, rivalling those of the most 
 successful enterprises of the day. 
 
 I cannot forbear, on this occasion, the expression of the 
 
WATER CELEBRATION 
 
 29 
 
 warmest gratitude, for the countenance and encourage- 
 ment with which we have been supported, and cheered, 
 by our fellow citizens, in the prosecution of our arduous 
 duties. Under the smile of their approval, the task has 
 been light, and the labor a pleasure. It has been with 
 the utmost gratification, that we have witnessed the pa- 
 tience and good humor, with which every class of citi- 
 zens have submitted, to the endless inconveniences, aris- 
 ing from the necessary interruptions of the streets, during 
 the progress of the work. A readiness has been mani- 
 fested on all sides, to ascribe these inconveniences to an 
 uncontrollable necessity, and to submit to them without 
 a murmur. 
 
 A similar courtesy has been exhibited, by the citizens 
 and Municipal authorities of Roxbury, Brookline and all 
 the towns which are traversed by our works. They ap- 
 pear to have justly appreciated the importance of the en- 
 terprise, and as citizens of the Commonwealth, to have 
 felt a common interest with their brethren of the metro- 
 polis, in its anticipated benefits. May this exhibition of 
 kindly sympathy, excite in our minds a reciprocal kind- 
 ness of feeling, and may that Almighty Being, who holds 
 the waters in the hollow of his hand, and pours them 
 out for the use of his children, crown with his blessing 
 a work which has been accomplished for the common 
 benefit of a great people. 
 
 SPEECH OP JOSIAH GtUINCY, JR., 
 
 MAYOR OF BOSTON. 
 
 Centuries have elapsed since the aboriginal inhabitants 
 of this land sought the sweet springs that welled up 
 among these hills, and gave to the place in allusion to 
 them the name of Shawmut. We have come, fellow 
 citizens, to witness the completion of a work that is to 
 give the peninsula a new title to its Indian name. 
 
30 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 And we have not come alone. Our friends, our neigh- 
 bors, our fellow citizens from every part of the State and 
 from the whole of New England, have assembled to sym- 
 pathize with the joy of the citizens of Boston, as their 
 fathers rushed to their assistance in the hour of peril. 
 Every sect and every party, every age and every call- 
 ing have this day forgotten their distinctions and their 
 differences, and remember only that they are children of a 
 common parent who are to receive a common blessing. 
 We have come to congratulate one another, in what 
 this element is to do for health and purity, temperance 
 and safety, and to rejoice that these blessings are secured 
 to those who shall inhabit this peninsula forever. 
 
 On such an occasion, the most appropriate exercise is a 
 statement of the origin and progress of the work, of the 
 financial arrangements that have been made for its con- 
 struction, of the effect it is to produce upon the interests 
 of the city, and to express our gratitude to those who 
 have so efficiently and rapidly hastened on its completion. 
 
 The subject of supplying the City with water was 
 first introduced to the attention of the City Council by 
 Mr. duincy, the second Mayor of the City, and was again 
 and again brought forward by his successors in office. 
 The want of this essential element for luxury, for com- 
 fort, for health, and for protection from fire, increased 
 daily, and numerous projects were suggested for its 
 supply. 
 
 The present mode was first proposed in the report of a 
 Board of Commissioners, consisting of Messrs. Treadwell, 
 Baldwin and Hale, in the year 1837. It was not then 
 recommended by a majority of those Commissioners, on 
 the ground that the cost would be greater than the City 
 would be willing to encounter, and that the wants of the 
 then population would in their opinion be supplied at 
 less expense from another source. This mode, however, 
 was deemed practicable, and the supply ample, and its 
 adoption was strongly recommended by Mr. Baldwin. 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 31 
 
 111 the year 1844, this source was more fully investigat- 
 ed by a, new commission, consisting of Messrs. Patrick 
 T. Jackson, Baldwin and Hale, and was strongly recom- 
 mended by them, as the most satisfactory of all the modes 
 which had been suggested. It was approved by the City 
 Government of that year, and an Act of the Legislature 
 was passed, granting the necessary powers, subject to rat- 
 ification by vote of the inhabitants of the City. It was, 
 however, rejected by a majority of the voters, on the 
 ground chiefly that another mode of supply was entitled 
 to a preference. 
 
 The City Council thereupon wisely resolved to employ 
 two distinguished engineers from other States, to make a 
 thorough examination of the two sources which had for 
 a long time engaged the attention of our citizens, to re- 
 port thereon, and to recommend that which in their 
 opinion was entitled to a preference. This commission, 
 after a thorough investigation, made an elaborate and sat- 
 isfactory report, in which they adopted the plan which 
 had been proposed by the former. In conformity with 
 this recommendation, and in compliance with the de- 
 clared wish of the citizens, the City Council directed the 
 Mayor, to make application to the Legislature for au- 
 thority to supply the City with water from Long Pond. 
 This authority was granted by the passage of the Act of 
 March, 1846, conferring on the city all the powers necee- 
 sary to take the water, — to convey it to the City — to 
 raise by loan the funds necessary for defraying the cost — 
 and to make the proper regulations for its distribution. 
 
 For carrying these powers so far as related to the exe- 
 cution of the work into effect, the present Board of Wa- 
 ter Commissioners was appointed on the 3d day of May, 
 of that year. They entered at once upon the dicharge of 
 their duties, and with as little delay as possible digested a 
 plan of operations and appointed engineers. For the pur- 
 pose of securing greater energy and a more thorough 
 supervision, they established two distinct departments. 
 
32 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 with a Chief Engineer in charge of each. One depart- 
 ment was employed in the construction of works for 
 conveying the water of Cochituate Lake to Brookline, 
 and of a reservoir for its reception at that place. It was 
 the duty of the other to convey the water by iron pipes^ 
 from thence to the City, and to superintend the construc- 
 tion of reservoirs on Beacon Hill and at South Boston. 
 
 On a thorough re-survey of the difficult tracts of country 
 between Lake Cochituate and Boston harbor, some ma- 
 terial improvements were made, in the line indicated by 
 the preliminary surveys. By tunnelling through two 
 hills in Newton and Brookline, the length of the aque- 
 duct was reduced about a mile ; a high and costly 
 embankment over lands of great value in Brighton was 
 dispensed with, and the necessity of conveying the water 
 in pipes across the Brighton valley was avoided. 
 
 The route of the aqueduct crosses the summit of land 
 which intervenes between the Concord and Charles rivers, 
 and also that between the Charles river at Newton Lower 
 Falls, and the tide waters at Brookline. In cutting 
 through these summits it was found necessary to perfo- 
 rate ledges of porphyritic rocks of the hardest description. 
 
 The prosecution of the surveys, and of the other prepa- 
 rations for the commencement of the various branches of 
 the work, was greatly expedited, by the previous acquaint- 
 ance of the Commissioners with the routes to be explored, 
 and with the system of works proposed. They were for- 
 tunate also, in obtaining the services of engineers, in 
 whose skill they justly placed the utmost confidence, and 
 who cordially cooperated in carrying out their views, 
 in an energetic prosecution of the work. Early attention 
 was paid to those portions of the work which would oc- 
 cupy the longest period in execution, and such arrange- 
 ments were made that no part of it should be delayed 
 in waiting the completion of another. 
 
 The location of the aqueduct was so far completed 
 that a large portion of it was put under contract for the 
 
WATER CELEBRATION 
 
 33 
 
 excavation in a little more than three months from the 
 appointment of the commissioners. The contracts for 
 the residue including the Tunnel sections and a large por- 
 tion of the iron pipes were made in the same year. 
 
 The Aqueduct of brick masonry extending from the 
 Lake to Brookline, is nearly fifteen miles in length. 
 This structure is of the oval form, approved by scientific 
 engineers for" its capacity, in proportion to the amount 
 of material used, and for the adaptation of its shape and 
 dimensions, to be conveniently entered for the purpose 
 of inspection. The bricks are laid in hydraulic cement, 
 which acquires a hardness and tenacity equal to that of 
 brick or stone, and the structure is consequently of great 
 strength. It is embedded throughout its entire length in 
 the earth, to a depth in no part less than four feet, and is 
 in the greater portion of its course, below the natural sur- 
 face of the earth, and where it is above this surface it is 
 covered by a permanent embankment. 
 
 The obstacles to be overcome have not been of a light or 
 trivial nature. The aqueduct after leaving the gate house 
 at the Lake, follows up the valley of Snake brook to a 
 dividing ridge, that separates the waters of the Charles 
 from those of the Merrimac. In this distance the difficul- 
 ties encountered in the construction of conduit masonry 
 arose from the character of the material in the foun- 
 dation, no less than from the amount of water to be re- 
 moved by pumps. The conduit lies wholly in excava- 
 tion, varying from fifteen to fifty-two feet in depth, and 
 for three-quarters of a mile occupies the bed of Snake 
 brook, at an average level of twenty-three feet below the 
 ordinary surface of its waters. The narrowness of the 
 valley rendered it necessary to maintain an open channel 
 for this brook parallel to the line and not more than twen- 
 ty-five feet distant. From the slight descent of the brook 
 and the extent of the country drained by it, it was im- 
 possible to prevent a periodical overflow, which, as the 
 material was quicksand, produced the most disastrous 
 results — the banks caving in and covering unfinished 
 
84 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 work, and rendering it as difficult of completion as whett 
 it was begun. 
 
 At times like these there was no cessation of labor,—" 
 night forces relieved day forces — and the five steam en- 
 gines attached to pumps capable of raising 12,000,000 of 
 gallons 10 feet high in 24 hours, were constantly employ- 
 ed, and at times their extreme capacity failed to free the 
 excavation. Unaided by steam this work could not have 
 been performed in less than five years, and the expense of 
 constructing the conduit in quicksands, subject to inun- 
 dations for that length of time, would have increased in 
 still greater proportions. 
 
 In the same section the extreme hardness of the rock 
 was such, as to require seven times the amount of labor 
 and powder, usually required for the same amount of rock 
 excavation. 
 
 The Tunnel excavation, in proportion to its extent, 
 was a work of still greater difficulty. It proved more so 
 than was anticipated, by the unusual hardness of a por- 
 tion of the rock excavated, and the large quantity of 
 water which flowed from the' surface by the seams of 
 the rock. The two . tunnels, measuring 3500 feet in 
 length, were excavated in 18 months, by separate parties, 
 laboring at ten distinct shafts of from 70 to 75 feet in 
 depth, and carrying forward the work in each direction 
 from the bottom. Successive parties of miners relieved 
 one another three times in each 24 hours, each set of 
 laborers working eight hours. The water and portions of 
 rock removed were chiefly raised from the shafts by 
 steam power. For the prompt execution of these and 
 other difficult portions of the work, the Commissioners 
 were fortunate in having secured the services of energetic 
 contractors. 
 
 Another principal branch of the work consists of the 
 iron pipes for the introduction of the water from the reser- 
 voir in Brookline to the city, and for the distribution of 
 the water through the streets to the vicinity of each 
 dwelling. The first class pipes, one 36 inches, and the 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 35 
 
 Other 30 inches in diameter, are together about 50,000 
 feet in length. The other varies from 20 to 4 inches in 
 diameter, and measures in all 280,000 feet in length, ex- 
 tending through nearly all the inhabited streets and courts 
 of the City, making the aggregate length of iron pipes 
 more than 60 miles. 
 
 In addition to the pipes for conveying the water 
 through the streets to the vicinity of the dwellings of the 
 inhabitants, pipes have been laid for conducting it from 
 the street mains into the premises of individuals and 
 within the walls of every citizen desiring to be suppli- 
 ed. The aggregate length of this pipe already laid, is 
 nearly 100,000 feet. This part of the cost of distribu- 
 tion is usually made a charge on the individual supplied, 
 but as it can be done at less cost by those charged with 
 the execution of the main work, and as it Avill prove an 
 inducement to a more immediate adoption of the use of 
 the water by all the citizens, the City Council deemed 
 it expedient that this charge should be defrayed at the 
 public expense. It is manifest, however, that it will add ■ 
 considerably to the aggregate cost of the work. 
 
 Two large and extensive structures, very important to 
 the completeness of the system of distribution are yet un- ' 
 finished. Those are the reservoirs on Beacon Hill and 
 on Telegraph Hill at South Boston. On the first of these 
 the work is far advanced, but its magnitude is such as 
 will prevent its completion before near the end of another 
 year. In obtaining a site for it, it was necessary to re- 
 move a large public school house and a number of valua- 
 ble private dwellings. 
 
 For the reservoir at South Boston the Water Commis- 
 sioners have made a purchase of a tract of land, well 
 adapted to the purpose, in concert with a committee, act- 
 ing under the authority of the City Council for laying out 
 a public square for the embellishment of that part of the 
 City. 
 
 The land thus purchased is upon one of the beautiful 
 heights of Dorchester* rendered celebrated by a memora- 
 
36 
 
 CITY OF BOSTON 
 
 ble event of the war of the revolution, and connected 
 inseparably with the name of Washington. The selec- 
 tion of this site for the reservoir is, not only highly 
 appropriate for the immediate objects for which this struc- 
 ture is designed, but it will aid in carrying into effect 
 the desirable object of securing this elevated spot of 
 ground, as a place of public resort for the ornament of 
 the City, 
 
 The two City reservoirs, although not indispensable 
 for the distribution of the water in all parts of the City, 
 are yet necessary to the maintenance of such a head of 
 water resting at all times upon the pipes, as will ensure 
 an unremitted supply throughout the City at all times. 
 With the aid of these reservoirs, connected with the dis- 
 tributing and service pipes, the system promises to be in 
 a high degree satisfactory. 
 
 For the purpose of conveying a supply of water to the 
 reservoir at South Boston, and keeping up a connexion 
 between it and that on Beacon Hill, it was necessary to 
 lay a pipe of sufficient capacity across the navigable chan- 
 nel, which separates South Boston from the City proper ; 
 this was a work of some difficulty. It has been accom- 
 plished by dredging a cavity of some feet in depth below 
 the bottom of the navigable channel in front of the draw 
 through which vessels pass, and sinking into it a section 
 of pipe forty feet in length, laid in a strong box of wood 
 and iron, with the ends converged upward in the form of 
 an inverted syphon. These ends are connected above 
 the level of the tide with pipes carried across the water 
 under the bridge, and supported on piles in a box filled 
 with materials suitable for its protection against frost. 
 This pipe is twenty inches in diameter, and the section 
 which was sunk below the channel was of a weight of 
 thirty tons. The depth to which it is sunk is sufficient 
 to admit of its being covered with earth for its protection 
 from the keels of vessels. The pipe within the box is 
 surrounded with hydraulic cement to preserve it from 
 contact with the salt water. 
 
WATER CELEBRATION 
 
 37 
 
 The various works of masonry, with the exception of the 
 brick conduit, are chiefly of Gluincy or Rockport granite, 
 and are of the most substantial description. Among these 
 are the gate houses at Cochituate Lake and at the Brook- 
 line reservoir. These and the other edifices requisite for 
 the protection of the works for regulating the admission 
 and discharge of water, are in a plain and unostentatious 
 style of architecture, but of tasteful proportions, appropri- 
 ate to the character of the work of which they form a 
 part. The smaller structures, for protecting the pipe 
 chambers, waste-weirs, and other entrances to the aque- 
 duct, are of a similar style of masonry, and to ensure 
 their greater safety and durability, the larger are covered 
 with roofs of iron, and the smaller with stone. 
 
 The bridge, composed of three arches of thirty feet 
 span eaah, and an arch supporting the embankment over 
 a public road in Needham, are beautiful specimens of that 
 style of architecture, and of the most durable character. 
 There is also a large number of culverts of the same 
 character of strength and durability. 
 
 In addition to these works for the immediate purposes 
 of supplying water to the City, and for protecting the 
 main works against injury, two other structures have 
 been erected, which with their appendages are of much 
 importance. 
 
 These are substantial and permanent dams, for forming 
 reservoirs to contain water, designed for replenishing Con- 
 cord river, as a substitute for the water of which it will 
 be deprived, by the diversion of Cochituate Lake. One 
 of these reservoirs, at Whitehall, in Hopkinton, will cover 
 an area of more than six hundred acres, and the other at 
 Marlborough, on a tributary of Elizabeth river, an area of 
 two hundred and eighty. These reservoirs, it is an- 
 ticipated, will be filled by the rains of winter, and will 
 furnish throughout the dry seasons of the year, for the 
 use of the Middlesex Canal, and for the proprietors of 
 water privileges on the river, far more than an equivalent, 
 
38 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 for the power of which they will be deprived by the 
 diversion of the waters of the Lake. 
 
 The purity of the water has also been ensured by re- 
 moving the objectionable matter from the space between 
 high and low water mark, around the entire margin of 
 the Lake, a distance of more than thirteen miles, and by 
 building dams across the outlets of the meadows con- 
 nected with it, through which the waters may pass by 
 filtration, and be thereby rendered more pure. The area 
 of the Lake, when raised to the height intended, will con- 
 tain two billions of gallons, above the level of the conduit 
 by which it is conveyed to Boston. This amount could 
 be increased, if required, from other ponds in the neigh- 
 borhood, or from the Sudbury river, which can be en- 
 tirely commanded, if needed, under the charter granted by 
 the State. * 
 
 There are other sources of satisfaction, connected with 
 this work. Notwithstanding its nature, it has been per- 
 formed without the stimulus of intoxicating liquor. It 
 has never been suspected of being used as a political en- 
 gine — and the hire of its laborers has never been kept 
 back an hour. The labor and materials have been paid 
 for when performed and delivered, and there are no out- 
 standing debts for either, now in existence. 
 
 I have spoken thus at length, fellow citizens, of the 
 nature and progress of this work. It has been construct- 
 ed with a rapidity unparalleled in the history of great 
 public undertakings, — obstacles, deemed almost insur- 
 mountable, have been overcome — ^the masonry, that is 
 buried deep and which will never again meet the eye of 
 man, is as perfect and finished as that which rises in eter- 
 nal granite in our sight. Solidity has not been sacrificed 
 to expedition. The rapidity is owing to the energy, the 
 genius, and the skill, of the Water Commissioners, the 
 Engineers, and the Contractors ; and they have erected 
 for themselves, in this work, a monument as permanent 
 as the blessings they have secured. 
 
StATER CELEBRATION. 39 
 
 In the Charter of 1845, it was provided that in addition 
 to their other duties, the Water Commissioners should 
 borrow and expend money without reference to the City 
 Council. This Charter was most wisely rejected by the 
 rieople, partly on the ground that no one should have 
 I he power of involving the City in debt, who was not 
 annually responsible to the people at the ballot box. 
 The Commissioners were thus relieved from the labors 
 and anxieties attendant on financial operations, in times 
 like those that have existed during the past two years, 
 and have been enabled to devote themselves exclusively 
 to the forwarding of the work, without being distracted 
 by duties that were always pressing. These duties have 
 devolved on the Committee on Finance, which consists 
 of the Mayor and seven members of the Common Coun- 
 cil. As i;his point is one of peculiar interest, I shall be 
 pardoned for dilating upon it a little. 
 
 The original estimate for this work fell rather short of 
 three millions of dollars ; but if we take into considera- 
 tion, that during its progress the Reservoirs at Brookline, 
 on Beacon Hill and at South Boston have been quadru- 
 pled in size, that the iron pipe has been greatly increased 
 in capacity, and carried into every house, and compensa- 
 tion reservoirs provided, we shall find that the estimates 
 for the work, as originally contemplated, have not been 
 exceeded. About three millions have been expended 
 and the amount required to complete the reservoirs and 
 distribute the water at South Boston, will, it is estimat- 
 ed, amount to half a million more. The cost, when com- 
 pleted, will not vary much from four millions of dollars. 
 
 The negotiations of this large amount of money in 
 times when famine and revolution abroad and change of 
 the tariff" at home, had disarranged all financial calculations 
 based on past experience was arduous and perplexing. 
 
 Two different agents were employed, to obtain the 
 money in Europe, but without success. The loans have 
 been made principally among ourselves, and it may be 
 satisfactory to the public to know, that the average inter- 
 
40 CITYOFB03T0N 
 
 est of about three millions of dollars, is less than 6 per 
 cent. 
 
 This, although a much lower rate than has been paid 
 by any other corporation, is higher, in the opinion of the 
 Committee, than would be required in ordinary times on 
 the securities of the City of Boston. They have, there- 
 fore, under the authority given by the Legislature, bor- 
 rowed as a temporary loan, payable within five years, 
 about f 1,700,000, being confident that before 'the expira- 
 tion of the time, loans could be made at a much lower 
 rate of interest, and being satisfied that the low price of 
 labor and materials, arising from the financial pressure, 
 has more than counterbalanced the rate of interest for so 
 short a period. Should their views be carried out, and 
 the loans made to fall due in moderate amounts annually, 
 they may be extinguished by the sales of public* lands. 
 
 In this connection it may be well to remark that the 
 lands belonging to the city amount to about 5,000,000 
 square feet. Those at the south part of the city are now 
 being graded and put in order for the market at consider- 
 able expense — an expense, however, of which the interest 
 will be more than covered by the rents of wharf property, 
 and by incidental advantages resulting from the private 
 railway erected for the purpose. 
 
 When these lands are prepared, if annual sales are made 
 to pay the debt as it falls due, it will be but a few years 
 before the water will be paid from this source alone, 
 and the water will either be distributed without cost, or 
 become a permanent source of increasing income to the 
 City. 
 
 When we consider the fact that so great part of our 
 territory is reclaimed from the sea, and such a large ad- 
 dition will be made by filling the Back Bay, and render- 
 ing what is now a nuisance, an ornament to the City ; and 
 when we reflect that without this supply of water, these 
 lands would be of little value, and almost uninhabitable, 
 we cannot but feel that the prosperity of this City will 
 derive an incalculable impulse from this source, and that 
 
WATER CELEBRATION. 41 
 
 without it, those whose labors will contribute to our 
 wealth, must reside out of our territorial limits. 
 
 In this connection, I cannot but speak of the great and 
 only objection that can be raised to this enterprise, — its 
 expense. As I have before stated, the whole expenditure, 
 when completed, will fall short of |4,000,000. The 
 interest on this is f 240,000 a year, from which is to be 
 deducted the amount of water rents. Pipes from the 
 mains, are inserted at the expense of the city into every 
 house. The water rent is placed at a price that renders 
 it economical for every one to take it. All citizens, 
 whether they take it or not, will, after the expiration of 
 two years from the completion of the work, be obliged 
 to make up the deficiency of the rent in the general tax. 
 All therefore are called upon by the natural desire of 
 enjoying' what they are obliged to pay for, from economy 
 and from public spirit, to take the water and receive a 
 blessing, which, after enjoying it for one year, neither 
 they nor their families, would abandon for ten times its 
 cost. If it is generally used, the tax will be a burthen 
 on no one at present, the city lands will rapidly extin- 
 guish the principal, and our posterity will enjoy free 
 water on a free soil. 
 
 The act authorizing the construction of this aqueduct 
 renders it impossible for the City Council, or even for the 
 Legislature, to render the water free until the debt is paid. 
 By it a lien is given to the holders of the scrip issued for 
 its payment on the water rents. And in case the Sur- 
 preme Court should decide that they were reduced too 
 low by the Council, they have the power on application 
 of one hundred legal voters, to appoint commissioners, and 
 fix the rate on such a basis, as to them may seem proper, 
 for carrying out the intention of the Legislature, in giv- 
 ing to the lenders this species of security for their money. 
 
 I have thus spoken of the origin and the progress of 
 the work, and of the financial arrangements for the pay- 
 ment of the interest and the extinction of the debt. 
 
 • 
 
43 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 There are no works of man so permanent as those con- 
 nected with the supply of water. Traces remain of the 
 aqueducts of Greece and Rome. The well of Sychar 
 which Jacob dug, and drank of with his children and his 
 cattle, and which quenched the thirst of him who brought 
 the living water, still yields its treasures to the weary 
 Arab. Like the generations of men, a constant succession 
 in this stream will make it permanent, and we cannot but 
 believe, that they who centuries hence, occupy the three 
 hills of Boston, will look back with gratitude to the men 
 of this age, whose foresight and energy secured an un- 
 failing wellspring, for themselves and their descendants. 
 
 But of all the inhabitants there will be none Avho will 
 more fully appreciate the blessing than those who like 
 ourselves have felt its want. I would therefore in behalf 
 of the citizens of Boston express our obligations to those 
 to whom we are indebted for its early supply. 
 
 To the Water Unions, for the concerted action that 
 aroused the attention of the public, and caused effectual 
 steps to be taken. 
 
 To the State, for the charter given by her Representa- 
 tives, enabling us to go into the very heart of the Com- 
 monwealth and appropriate for this purpose the waters of 
 Lake Cochituate, and of all streams and sources within 
 four miles of the same — ^but why should she not have 
 granted it ? This spot is proud of emphatically belonging 
 to Massachusetts. We are honored as being her capital, 
 and' we derive the strength and enterprise that distin- 
 guishes us, from her sons ; this peninsula is the point to 
 which their wealth and their energies particularly concen- 
 trate, and of the Merchant Princes, whose palaces stand 
 around us, few were the native born citizens of Boston. 
 They have come from every valley and hill side of New 
 England — and in providing for the health and beauty of 
 their metropolis, the Legislature have conferred a favor 
 upon every inhabitant of the State, for there is no one 
 who is not directly or indirectly, by himself or his friends, 
 connected with the City of Boston. 
 
WATER CELEBRATION, 
 
 43 
 
 Next to the State that gave us the power, our thanks 
 are particularly due to those who have been intrusted 
 with the executive management of this work. To the 
 Water Commissioners, for their constant and judicious 
 labors. To the Consulting and Resident Engineers, for 
 their scientific, unwearied attention ; and to the Con- 
 tractors, who have gone forward with untiring zeal. 
 From the moment of its commencement, the work has 
 been unintermitted, by day and by night, from noon to 
 midnight, and from midnight to noon, the labors ol the 
 hammer and of the spade have been incessant. The only 
 hours of rest were those of which it has been said, " in 
 them thou shalt do no manner of work." 
 
 Such labors have produced the most rapid and satisfac- 
 tory results. But two years and two months have 
 elapsed, since, as representative of the city, I had the honor 
 of removing the first sod, and commencing the undertaking. 
 The second was lifted by the venerated hand of him who 
 has since fallen, like Chatham, at his post, and whom 
 with the eye of faith we now behold, in the great com- 
 pany of those who partake of the River of Life freely. 
 Had he been permitted to witness the conclusion, as he 
 did the commencement of this enterprise, and to stand 
 here to see an assembled people waiting for the gush of 
 water, how would the imagination of the old man have 
 gone back, over the lapse of ages, to the Hill in Horeb. 
 He would have told us that the existence and attributes of 
 the Deity were more fully proved by a scene like this, 
 than when by the suspension of his Jaws he provided by a 
 single act for a single people. That His wisdom had, in eve- 
 ry land, prepared among the hills the receptacles of water. 
 That His Power had giveii, fixed and permanent laws to 
 the most unstable of elements. That His Goodness en- 
 abled his intelligent offspring to understand and avail 
 themselves of its use. Thus giving the blessings of water 
 as truly, now, to all his children as he did to the chosen 
 few, when, by the rod of his servant, he satisfied their 
 thirst. 
 
44 
 
 CITY OF BOSTON 
 
 Fellow Citizens, our great work is accomplished. 
 " Our bread shall be given us, our water is made sure." 
 
 The lateness of the hour having required the omission 
 of a part of these performances, as the sun was then 
 approaching the horizon, the Mayor, addressing the as- 
 sembly, asked if it were their pleasure, that the water 
 should now be introduced. An immense number of voices 
 responded " aye ;" whereupon, on the signal of the Chief 
 Engineer, the fountain gate was gradually opened, and 
 the water began to rise, in a strong column, increasing 
 rapidly in height, until it reached an elevation of about 
 eighty feet.* The jet, at the orifice, was six inches in 
 diameter, and as the air was still, it rose in nearly a com- 
 pact body, to the full height and fell gracefully on all sides 
 in a regular form, exhibiting a power and beauty, which 
 produced an evident surprise on the whole of the expectant 
 multitude. After a moment of silence, shouts rent the 
 air, emphatically attesting the universal joy, in witness- 
 ing this proof of the actual attainment of the object of so 
 long cherished hopes. The profusion with which the 
 desired treasure was poured out gave manifest satisfaction, 
 as an earnest of the abundance of the future supply. 
 
 At that riioment, the choir of children and others sta- 
 tioned near the fountain, sung the following words. 
 
 Thanks be to God ! He laveth the thirsty land. The waters 
 gather; they rush along; they are lifting their voices. The 
 stormy billows are high, their fury is mighty : But the Lord is 
 above thera, and Almighty. 
 
 The sun was just sinking below the horizon, and its 
 last rays tinged the summit of the watery column. The 
 bells began to ring — cannon were fired — and rockets 
 streamed across the sky. To the multitude around, the 
 scene was one of intense interest and excitement, which 
 it is impossible to describe, but which no one can forget. 
 
 * It has been ascertained by experiments and measurements since made, that a jet of 
 three inches diameter rises, in a quiet atmosphere, to a height of ninety feet. The six 
 inch column, and the spreading jet, rise to a less height. 
 
WATERCELEB RATION. 45 
 
 Aftii i lie first moment of surprise most of the spectators 
 locke.i uround upon their neighbors — some laughed aloud 
 — the men swung their hats and shouted — and some 
 even wept. 
 
 After the playing of the fountain in this form, for a 
 short time, the water was shut off, and a new fixture be- 
 ing attached to the fountain, a jet was produced* of a 
 different form, by which a profusion of water was spread, 
 by a current of similar force, over a wide space. Several 
 successive changes in the form of the fountain, were sub- 
 sequently exhibited, until the shades of evening began to 
 descend upon the scene. In one of the intervals, for mak- 
 ing the change in the play of the fountain, the Mayor ad- 
 dressed the pupils of the Public Schools who were sta- 
 tioned within hearing, to. the following effect : " Boys, 
 there will be no school tomorrow, and the fountain will 
 play all day." The hearty res*ponse of some thousands 
 of youthful voices, to this announcement, may well be 
 imagined. The assembly withdrew gradually and qui- 
 etly from the scene, but many lingered for the purpose of 
 viewing the more brilliant display of fireworks, which 
 were in preparation, to be lighted up, as soon as the day- 
 light should be sufiiciently withdrawn, to admit of their 
 being exhibited to advantage. These preparations were 
 made under the direction of Mr. Hovey, and they added 
 an appropriate finish to the exhibition. Among the prin- 
 cipal pieces, was one extending over the Pond from each 
 side of the staging, in the form of arches. On either side 
 were the inscriptions, 
 
 " CocHiTUATE Water introduced, Oct. 25, 1848." 
 
 " JosiAH QuiNcy, Jr., Mayor." 
 
 " Hale, Baldwin, and Cuetis, Commissioners." 
 
 A circle of Bengal lights around the fountain, produced 
 a beautiful effect. This exhibition terminated at an early 
 hour ; when the crowd withdrew from the Common to 
 
46 CITYOFBOSTON 
 
 their homes, or quietly to observe the brilliant illun'ma- 
 tions, in various parts of the city. Many of these were ex- 
 tremely beautiful, combining in fanciful and tasteful 
 forms, thousands of lights. Among the more striking, 
 were those at the Tremont House, the United States Ho- 
 tel ,the Revere House, the Adams House, the Marlborough 
 Hotel, the City Hall, the office of the Gas Works, and 
 many other public houses, offices, and private dwellings. 
 In some of the streets the illumination was general, for a 
 considerable extent, embracing both dwelling houses and 
 places of business. Single buildings, or several buildings 
 in groups, were brilliantly illuminated, in almost all parts 
 of the city. Rockets were discharged from several parts 
 of the city, and Bengal lights and other fireworks were 
 exhibited. 
 
 Few instances have occurred in the city, of so universal 
 a holiday, and yet there ^as no general public entertain- 
 ment. The whole attraction was out of doors, and the 
 weather being beautiful, and the temperature delicious, 
 every one was abroad. No one lingered at the festive 
 board, but all joined in the public procession, or were 
 anxious to be among the spectators of it, and of the scene 
 which was to succeed, and to crown the exhibition of 
 the day. Vast numbers of visitors from neighboring 
 towns and cities, and even from a distance, were parties 
 and spectators. The whole was conducted with admira- 
 ble order and regularity. There was no disorder, and no 
 confusion. In producing this result, much was due to the 
 judicious arrangements and foresight of the City Marshal, 
 and of those who assisted him, and to the energy with 
 which his regulations were carried into effect. 
 
 The absence of all disorder and confusion, is the more 
 deserving of remark, from the unprecedented number of 
 strangers, as well as citizens, who were witnesses of the 
 spectacle. The seven railroads which terminate in the city, 
 and the vast number of omnibuses and other vehicles 
 from the neighboring towns, brought together, it is pre- 
 
47 
 
 siiLCu, c^^U'.ater numoer of persons from abroad than 
 u'-ere ever before assembled here. The railroads brought 
 niany thousands of passengers each, and most of the 
 ;arriages and trains were crowded to their full capacity, 
 without being able to contain all who desired to come ; 
 and many thousands were conveyed in the same way 
 io their homes, many miles distant from the city, on 
 the same evening. Notwithstanding this concourse of 
 passengers, and the demand for extra trains, and crowded 
 carriages, there Avas happily no instance of personal in- 
 jury. 
 
 The extreme length of the procession, and the vast 
 number of persons to be marshalled, necessarily occupied 
 much time, and protracted the proceedings to a late hour 
 of the day. The whole, however, was accomplished 
 without "confusion, and although the Police discharged 
 their duty faithfully, it was manifest that it was the uni- 
 versal disposition for order, so creditable to the immense 
 assemblage, and not the power of the Police, that kept 
 every individual in his place, and carried into effect the 
 prescribed regulations. 
 
 The attractions of the illuminated streets detained 
 much greater numbers abroad, to a late hour in the eve- 
 ning, than is usual on holiday occasions. Yet decorum 
 prevailed in every part of the city ; persons of all descrip- 
 tions perambulated the streets without annoyance or ap- 
 prehension, — there was no exhibition of drunkenness or 
 rioting, — and there was no unusual occupation of the 
 Police Magistrates on the succeeding day. 
 
 It was a day which had been anticipated with deep 
 interest, — it disappointed no expectations, — it was passed 
 in* social enjoyment, with the exhibition of a universal 
 kindly feeling. No untoward event marred the pleasures 
 of the occasion, — and it will long be remembered with 
 pleasure, by the citizens, and many thousands of visitors, 
 as marking the realization of a long desired event. Long 
 may the inhabitants of the city enjoy the benefits of the 
 common blessing, thus auspiciously introduced, and thus 
 
48 CITYOFBOSTON. 
 
 received with immense rejoicing; May they and their de- 
 scendants for ages to come, drink of the waters now for 
 the first time introduced to their dwellings, and may the 
 works of art by which they are conducted from their dis- 
 tant source, prove as durable as the law of nature by 
 which they are bidden to flow. 
 
BOSTON COLLEGE 
 
 3 9031 028 25727 7