I wrote you immediately on my election as Superintendent of the Central Park, to thank you (as I do warmly) for your very cordial testimonial in my favor, which I have no doubt was of much service to me as there was a warm competition for the office. I entered immediately upon my duties, being much wanted, and I have been very hard at work, trying to efficiently direct and superintend 700 laborers, without any assistance (except in my foremen) ever since. A few days ago I found my note to you in my portfolio. I had forgotten to mail it.

There is an interruption now for a day or two, to active work, while the old force is being discharged and paid. We shall begin again with a hundred next week, but nothing more than the removal of some of the surface stone & water & the building of a temporary enclosure will be authorized for the present.

The site is rugged, in parts excessively so, and there is scarcely an acre of level, or slope unbroken by ledges. With a barely tolerable design, tolerably executed, the park will have a picturesque character entirely its own, and New-Englandish in its association much more than reflective of any European park. There is no wood but saplings on the ground.

The board, consisting of eleven New-York lawyers & merchants, is, of course, unmanageable, unqualified & liable to permit any absurdity. Still I believe it will be a fine thing and I like my place in it much.

I want very much to have you and Mrs. Gray come here now & look over the ground with me.