New-York, 5th month, 15th, 1817. MY DEAR FRIEND,

I arrived here the day before yesterday, and I
have this day received the appointment of surveyor
for the contemplated grand canal. My friend, Thomas
Eddy

, of this city, has generally been in the first
rank amongst his fellow citizens, as an active and
efficient promoter of useful and benevolent works,
has long been one of the Commissioners for this par-
ticular object, and though he is not now one, still
retains all his wishes for its success, and the ener-
gies of his mind are still in full activity for its accom-
plishment. He has mentioned, in conversation with
me, his views, that the task of the ascertainment of
lines, and the superintendence of the work of making
the canal, would be too burdensome for one man—
that the magnitude of the object, would not only
render expedient, but necessary, the employment of
two Superintendents, an Engineer, and a Mathema-
tician, each in his appropriate department. I per-
fectly accord with him in these views. I mentioned
to him Thomas Moore, a man whom I know to be
eminently qualified for the undertaking—of a sound
and discriminating mind—a judicious and practical
engineer, and one with whom I shall be glad to act.
I remarked, that thou wast well acquainted with his
qualifications and talents, and suggested the proprie-
ty of his addressing thee on the subject, and request-
ing thy opinion. He alleged he had no acquaintance
with thee, but if I would write, he would enclose
my letter in a few lines from himself.

I know not whether Thomas Moore

would accept
such an appointment, but I am induced to believe the
Commissioners would be liberal in their offer; and I
also believe his correctness and economy to be such
in the application of public money, that more would
be saved by giving him a salary of 10,000 dollars a
year, than employing one less qualified for nothing.