After careful legal consultation and planning, on September 14, 1838, he led a raid on the Macombs Dam, and restored the channel.

After a long legal battle with the dam's owner, he persevered in Renwick v. Morris.

[2] Morris also championed the design of the Croton Aqueduct to soar over the Harlem River at High Bridge, rather than block the channel.

[2] In 1840, Morris was appointed inspector of the New York State Militia, 4th Division, with the rank of colonel.

[23] Through his son Francis, he was the grandfather of Lewis Gouverneur Morris Jr. (1882–1967), the original proprietor of the Lewis G. Morris House, was married to Princess Anita of Braganza (1886–1977), the daughter of William Rhinelander Stewart and widow of Prince Miguel, Duke of Viseu.