SCHUYLKILL PERMANENT BRIDGE, 49 



the year 1802. The bridge at Andover, across the same ri- 

 ver, was built in 1793. It was rebuilt in 1803. Piscataqua 

 bridge, near Portsmouth, (N. H.) was built in 1794. I be- 

 lieve there have been no repairs since, except the Draw. But 

 I have lately been informed it xuas much decayed^ and is to 

 be repaired next season. The bridge that I built over the 

 Potomac at Georgetown, in 1796, \s not safe for heavy temns 

 to pass over. Some have tried paint in the joints, others tur-r 

 pentine and oil, but all to no great effect. I am an advocate 

 for weather boarding and roofing, although there are some 

 that say I argue 7nuch against my otvn interest. Notwith- 

 standing, I am determined to give my opinion as appears to 

 me to be right. And it is sincerely my opinion, that the 

 Schuylkill bridge will last 30 and perhaps 40 years, if xvell co- 

 vered. — Ybu will excuse me in saying that I think it would be 

 sporting with property, to suffer that beautiful piece of archi- 

 tecture (as you are pleased sometimes to call it) which has 

 been built at so great expence and danger, to fall into ruins in 

 10 or 12 years P^ Need much be added on the subject gene- 

 rally, after these statements, and remarks of a practically intel- 

 ligent, and worthy man." 



" Never then conceiving, that any objections would be made 

 to covering the bridge, I furnished several sketches for covers 

 (as no person better qualified would do it,) contemporaneously 

 with Mr. Palmer^ s drafting his plan ; and always considered 

 the cover as much a part of the plan, as the frame. Know- 

 ing the liability of timber uncovered to decay, I should not 

 have thought it justifiable to invite subscriptions to our stock, 

 unless I had taken it for granted, that the bridge would be 

 protected by so7ne cover. I prevailed on Mr. Palmer to suf- 

 fer me to alter his plan, in several important particulars ; with 

 a view to my design for a cover. To this he liberally con- 

 sented ; and now considers these alterations to be valuable 

 improvements ; and has declared his intention to adopt them 

 in all hi<^ future plans for bridges. 'The masonry too was 



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