70 A STATISTICAL ACCOUNT OF THE 



The plan and execution of the western dam^ were in 

 perfect contrast with those of the eastern. But the dif- 

 ficulties were also incalculably great, owing to the depth 

 of water, and magnitude of the work ; and the expence 

 ^^^s in proportion. It would occupy too much room 

 and time to do justice to the subject; which would be 

 instructive, as well as monitory. The only hydraulic 

 carpenter of any experience, gave up the work, at an 

 early stage of it, as hopeless ; and disgracefully aban- 

 doned it, in despair. An ingenious machinist, who 

 had been the principal dependance for machinery and 

 work in wood, v/as killed, by unaccountably getting 

 under the ram^ of the pile engine of the western dam ; 



ed their first instalments to be forfeited, prematurely foreboding the worst. 

 Some invidious and illiberal persons wished ill to the undertaking" ; as 

 had appeared on various occasions. In this age of speculation, many bets 

 were laid, for and against the final success of the enterprize. 



The stroke was aimed at a vital part, if the expression be allowable, 

 and it was adroitly executed. Conjectures were suggested, but none 

 eould be verified. But whether it was done from mere mischief, or mo- 

 tives, illiberal or sordid, will never be known. It had however, the good 

 effect of producing caution. A guard was thereafter kept, and a watch- 

 man is yet employed, constantly to watch the work. This should not be 

 neglected in all such undertakings. Such malicious injuries are generally 

 committed, by the vilest members of society ; and none others could be 

 suspected. Slaves, depraved children, and cowardly offscourings, gene- 

 rally perpetrate secret mischiefs : and it is often indiscreet to take too 

 much notice of them ; as the hidden perpetrator may not be discovered, 

 and others may take the hint. This is no vv mentioned, because some have 

 thought, that more publicity should have been, at the time, given to the 

 circumstance. Its monitory uses, give now its only importance to this fact. 



*This rain weighed about 750 pounds. One of almost double the weight 

 was, at first used. It was soon found, that a too ponderous ram defeated 

 the object of it. It broomed the heads of the piles, shook and weakened 

 the engine, took too much time in its movements, and shattered and split 

 with its own weight ; though composed of the best Ihe oak. The rams 



