5Q A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



The wing walls nine feet at the foundations, retiring 

 by offsets, till at the parapets, they are only 18 inches. 

 The eastern abutment and wing walls are founded on a 

 rock. Those on the western side are built on piles. 

 The inclined plane of approach to the bridge, is elevat- 

 ed at an angle of 3 1-2 degrees. 



Although the western pier has attracted most atten- 

 tion, that on the eastern side of the river, was first erect- 

 ed; and was attended with difficulties appearing often 

 insurmountable. It is from 21 to 24 feet deep, below 

 the tide, to the rock, on which the lower course is laid 

 and bolted. The coffer dam was on a bad plan, though 

 constructed as well as that plan admitted. Its materials 

 were too slight and incompetent. Constant exertion, 

 and repeated remedies for defects, were incessantly call- 

 ed for by frequent accidents. Every thing was new to 

 all employed; but it was a school to teach experience. 

 The footing of the piles was secured, and the dam sav- 

 ed from impending destruction, by an embankment of 

 stone and sand, thrown around the bottom on its out- 

 side; and the latter washed in, and consolidated by the 

 current. The same means Vv'cre used at the western 

 dam, and their utility decidedly proved. Both piers are 

 of course, similar in their general configuration and 

 composition. The first stone of the eastern pier, was 

 laid September 5th, 1801. That of the western pier ^ 

 December 25th, 1802. The time preceding Vv^as occu- 

 pied in procuring plans, gaining information, and pro- 

 viding materials. These precautions, (always essential 

 in great midertakings) forwarded the work, and ensured 

 against delay and disappointment. 



