 | Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 |  |
James Wade to Arthur Spicer Brockenbrough
Having farther considered the subject relative to the Water works since my return, I take the
liberty of suggesting for your consideration, the propriety of having the Reservoir on the
Mountain, placed in such a Situation, as to take the water of all the springs in at the top, and
the pipes leading to the university to run from the bottom, on that plan you would have the
command of all the water of the reservoir without the trouble of pumping, and in case of
Fire the Water would flow in the greatest abundance, a handsome Jet d'eau might be formd
with the overplus water if it was thought proper--if this plan would meet your approbation a
circular Reservoir made of Oak Plank 2½ or 3 Inches thick, to hold 30 or 40 thousand
Gallons, would answer it might be sunk sufficiently deep to have a Brick arch to cover it, tis
my opinion a Vessel properly made and well bound with Iron would last 30 Years or much
longer. with much respect, I remain Sir Your Obedt. Servant
James Wade
ALS, ViU:PP, 1p, with ASB docket "James Wade Oct 7th '19 Postg 11 Cts."
| Documentary History of the Construction of the Buildings at the University
of Virginia, 1817-1828 | |