U.S. Military Academy West Point. N.Y. 20 Sept: 1852.
Sir
It is desired to increase the supply of water to the public buildings at the Mil. Academy W.P. No other stream is available for this purpose but Buttermilk Falls brook. From the accompg. sketch of the Public lands you will perceive that the two sources of this brook commencing within or near its limits after their junction pass without, & the united stream finding its way to the Hudson is there used for manufacturing purposes. It is proposed to extend the pipes from the present reservoir, to intersect this stream within the limits of the public lands, just below the junction of the two branches; & I desire to know whether this act would be legal. The water is wanted for drinking & domestic purposes & a portion of the stream only will be consumed during the Summer months when it may be most wanted by the mills.
I have the honor to request that you will apply to the Solicitor of the Treasr. to refer the question to the U.S. Atty. For the Dis. of N.Y. & I beg that I may receive his reply at his earliest convenience.
I am very respy. Your Obt. Servt.
R E Lee Bvt: Col: Supt: Mil: Acady.
Source: Superintendent's Daily Correspondence United States Military Academy, Superintendent's Letter Book No. 2, p. 287. Addressed “Genl: Jos: G. Totten Chief Engineer Washington City D.C.”
Uploaded by Colin Woodward, 2015 December 23
