l^ A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



present erection, moved in this important desideratum* 

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

 'imall distance above the upper, or RoacJi's ferry. One 

 <jbject in fixing on this site, was its supposed advanta- 

 ges in point of practicability. But no inconsiderable 

 motive^ was that of leaving the whole westeiTi front of 

 the City unobstructed by so great an impediment to the 

 navigation of the Schuylkill^ which has already she^v^. 

 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 William Penn., w^hen 

 he decided on the plan of our justly celebrated City. 

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

 to be effectuated by private advances, could only be ac- 

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

 opinions where united. Endeavours, which, through 

 many difficulties succeeded, were therefore commenced, 

 for obtaining from the City corporation, 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 accommodator^^ 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 

 tiaviiz:ation on a G:reat scale. E'er lonf^ this river will 



