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Life of Thomas Eddy

SW_WH1793_Page_299

The governors adopted the proposed plan, andhave expended on the building, land, &;c., $150,000.It is very desirable, that the managers of this concernshould be as perfect as possible, and I am thereforeinduced to crave thy kind aid, in procuring for me ageneral and ample account respecting the establish-ment at Aversa; as to the general mode of treatingthe patients, diet, employment, &;c. I am very fear-ful of giving thee too much trouble, but perhaps muchmay be saved, if printed accounts could be procured.They might readily be translated in this city. Ihave made up a package containing accounts of someof our benevolent institutions of this city. Alsoreports relating to the grand canal, which is intend-ed to open a communication between Lake Erie andthe Hudson River, a distance of 325 miles. It is three years since this great work was com-menced, and already one hundred miles are comple-ted; near one hundred more is this year in such astate of forwardness, that it will also be completed early next year. The whole extent, 325 miles, willprobably be finished by the year 1824. The cost ofthis great undertaking, (from Erie to the Hudson) will be about five millions of dollars. I send thee asmall map, which will serve to show the route of thecanal. There are three American young gentlemen whoexpect to visit Naples next spring; William CharningWoodbridge, Cornelius Tuthill, and Theodore Dwight,junr.; their connexions in this country are veryrespectable. These young men, on getting to Napleswill probably wait on thee, as I have requested theirconnexion to desire they would do so, as it will affordan opportunity for thee to send any dispatches thou mayest have for America. Any attention shown bythee to these young men, will be most gratefullyacknowledged by their friends, and also confer onme a singular obligation. Our mutual friend, S. Grellet, desires me particu