I am very much indebted to you for the trouble you are taking. The besiegers are on the alert and the garrison depends for success on keeping its communications open on both flanks.

You speak of the approach to the New Reservoir and ask if it is to be precipitous or gradual. The plan will show you its peculiar half natural half artificial shape; it is to be constructed with a sloped embankment—not a built wall. Under these circumstances—as the embankment will be on an average 20 feet high on the East & West sides—this will of course make it a conspicuous affair. The plan assumes that it will be necessary (after the Croton Board have done their work) to bestow considerable labor in easing off the slopes and compelling this artificial construction to assume in its general contours a more decidedly natural appearance.

In some places the present surface is on a level with the proposed water line. These we select as the points for reaching the walk or ride round the new reservoir as they can be the most easily adapted to the purpose.

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The half natural form leaves but little choice in the matter. The result must be either a very manifest interpolation or—by filling the low spots and extending the absolutely necessary earthwork—a comparatively harmless construction so far as the appearance of the park is concerned. We hold that it must be improved in appearance if this part of the park is not to be a permanent eyesore. There is no serious difficulty in the way of making the approaches easy. I hope to see you before long and to hear how you are progressing with the “Arena’’.

Do not forget that the park even now offers some temptations in the way of fresh air and green grass to those who are training for the combats.

My weak eyes, tonight, have compelled me to become a dictator—but I am none the less

I have been wishing for some time that it could come in my way to see you again, & now [comes] a scheme which I hope will have that result.

There has not yet been a single review or honest criticism of the plan of the park, published in this country. The Tribune has had some articles written by Mr. Dillon in which there was an attempt at criticism, but [one] based on misapprehension or misrepresentation of the design. There has been a very thorough review, forming two leading articles by Professor Lindley in a London [201] publication, but the information he had was all derived from an article in the Times & the criticisms necessarily entirely overlooked the natural topography & physical necessities which controlled the design. It is a matter of very great public interest, as is evident from the fact that already visitors come here from distant parts of the country to study it. It is of great importance as the first real park made in this country—a democratic development of the highest significance & on the success of which, in my opinion, much of the progress of art & esthetic culture in this country is dependent.

I have great confidence in the design. I think it is not at all appreciated. I think it is in advance of any & all European design in this department of art.

It is important to me that the public should have more interest, confidence & pride in it than they yet have. It is important especially that the misrepresentations of it which have been made should be corrected. As a matter of business therefore, I would be glad to get you to write about it & to pay you fairly for the time & study which you would necessarily spend to obtain a complete knowledge & understanding of it.

I think you could afterwards write a general article on Landscape Gardening & Rural Taste for the Atlantic, & a thorough review & criticism for the Tribune. Dana says he will be glad to publish such an article written by [a] good writer.

I should hope you would come & spend a couple of days on the park with me.

Please write me how your family are—& give my regards to Mrs. Godwin.