18 



A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OP THE 



present erection, moved in this important desideratum. 

 It was contemplated, originally, to erect the bridge, at a 

 small distance above the upper, or Roaches ferry. One 

 object in fixing on this site, was its supposed advanta- 

 ges in point of practicability. But no inconsiderable 

 motive, was that of leaving the whole western front of 

 the City unobstructed by so great an impediment to the 

 liavigation of the Schuylkill^ which has already she\\Ti 

 itself to be of inestimable consequence. The improve- 

 ment of this western front, depending so much on the 

 navigation of the river, is already in great progress. It 

 will add to the evidence of foresight and sound calcula- 

 tion, possessed by its great founder JFilliam Peiin^ when 

 he decided on the plan of our justly celebrated City. 

 At length however it was seen that a project of a bridge, 

 to be eft'ectuated by private advances, could only be ac- 

 complished in a spot, in which a majority of interests and 

 opinions where united. Endeavours, which, tlirough 

 many difficulties succeeded, were therefore commenced, 

 for obtaining from the City coi-poration, the site of the 

 present bridge ; and forty thousand dollars (one half in 

 bridge Stock) were paid, as the consideration. The 

 General Assembly had, by a law, granted to the Bridge 

 Company, the right of the Commonwealth to a valuable 

 lot adjoining this site, on the eastern, and a purchase 

 had been made of property on the western side of the 

 river, which is now highly accommodatory. It is un- 

 pleasant to mix the alloy of regret, with the purity of ap- 

 probation which must attach both to the site, and the 

 structure there established ; yet it is to be lamented that 

 one half of the western front of the City, is deprived of 

 navigation on a great scale. E'er long this rivci: will 



