456 THE MENAI BRIDGE. PART VIII. 



hauling in the ropes bearing the main chain, were two 

 in number, manned by about 150 labourers. When all 



CDT OF BRIDGE, SHOWING STATE OF SUSPENSION CHAIN 



was ready, the signal was given to " go along ! " A 

 band of fifers struck up a lively tune ; the capstans were 

 instantly in motion, and the men stepped round in a 

 steady trot. All went well. The ropes gradually coiled 

 in. As the strain increased, the pace slackened a little ; 

 but " Heave away ! now she comes ! " was sung out. 

 Eound went the men, and steadily and safely rose the 

 ponderous chain. The tide had by this time turned, 

 and bearing upon the side of the raft, now getting freer 

 of its load, the current floated it away from under the 

 middle of the chain still resting on it, and it swung 

 easily off into the water. Until this moment a breath- 

 less silence pervaded the watching multitude ; and 

 nothing was heard amongst the working party on the 

 Anglesea side but the steady tramp of the men at the 

 capstans, the shrill music of the fife, and the occasional 

 order to " Hold on ! " or " Go along ! " But no sooner 

 was the raft seen floating away, and the great chain 

 safely swinging in the air, than a tremendous cheer 

 burst forth along both sides of the Straits. The rest of 

 the work was only a matter of time. The most anxious 

 moment had passed. In an hour and thirty-five minutes 

 after the commencement of the hoisting, the chain was 

 raised to its proper curvature, and fastened to the 

 land portion of it which had been previously placed 

 over the top of the Anglesea pyramid. Mr. Telford 

 ascended to the point of fastening, and satisfied himself 

 that a continuous and safe connection had been formed 



