968 Transactions of the American Institute. 



large sliip locks, with the Harlem river improved as a ship canal, 

 would establish the main ship channel at Sandy Hook, with enlarged- 

 dimensions and increased depth ; relieve the deposits at the city 

 docks and Jersey A'ats ; prevent the tidal current on the East river 

 front, with its obstructions and dangers; connect the cities of IS'ew 

 York and Brooklyn, witli an adequate means of transit ; divert the 

 sound trade to its proper terminus in upper New York on both 

 sides ; and furnish facilities for warehouses, basins and docks, which 

 are out of the question now, but are very much needed." 



In connection with this subject, the recent action of prominent 

 citizens of Brooklyn and ]S^ew York, favorable to the construction of 

 a colossal suspension bridge, to be about 5,862 feet long, with 1,600 

 feet central span, swinging 130 feet above the river, and estimated 

 to cost not less than $6,675,357, shows the public demand for an 

 adequate means of crossing, chiefly superinduced in that case by the 

 hindrances to ferry transit in the winter season from ice fields in the 

 East river, and the desire for more perfect city union. 



I have, therefore, revised the notes collated at that time and since, 

 so as to present with some minuteness of detail the distinctive fea- 

 tures of the plan proposed, and they are herewith submitted. 



Pkoposed Plan. 



This will be discussed as to its General Construction, Location, 

 Cost and Detail Construction, Income, Advantages and Objections. 



General Consteuction. 



The general construction is tliat of a permanent pier, built solidly 

 from the river bottom to the coping level, five feet above mean high 

 tide, from one shore to the other, with a width of 450 feet at the top. 

 This pier to have not less than two guard locks for the passage of 

 vessels of the largest class, up to 395 feet length, eighty-six feet 

 beami, and thirty feet draft, the locks being worked by floating 

 caisson gates,. at each end, fitting into large cut stone grooves, and 

 operated: in the usual way. 



The means of travel over the pier to be by three streets ; are thirty 

 feet wide on eaeli side, connecting with the caisson gates, which are 

 fitted as bridges when shut, the third, a central avenue, varying from 

 sixty to 110 feet in width and connecting at tlie guard locks with a 

 ■wrought iron double track swing bridge thirty feet wide by 225 feet 

 long. There is also to be a double tunnel, passing from a point near 



