G 
Wilson. ] 324. [Dec. 21, 
When it is remembered that fifty years ago very few railroads existed, 
and that a considerable quantity of Mr. Walter’s time was consumed in 
crossing the ocean by packet ships, it will be seen that he accomplished 
a large amount of work in a very short period, and that he displayed great 
energy in his mission. For it is found that he examined the leading insti- 
tutions of England ; then went to Paris, and thence to Italy, stopping at 
Dijon and Geneva, crossing the Alps by the Simplon, and spending some 
time in Milanand Florence. Afterthis he went to Rome, and then crossed 
over, by post, to Civita Vecchia, where he embarked on a Mediterranean 
steamer for Marseilles, taking Leghorn and Genoa on his way. From 
Marseilles, he went, by post, back to Paris, and, after further researches 
there, returned to London. His journey continued to Liverpool and Dub- 
lin ; thence, by way of the north of Ireland, to Scotland, and back, through 
Newcastle-on-Tyne, York and Manchester, to Liverpool, whence he 
sailed for home. One could hardly have done better, even in these days 
of rapid railroad traveling. 
The valuable information which he gained was submitted in an elabo- 
rate report, containing a full account of the improvements and devices 
which had been adopted, in the various institutions he had visited, for 
promoting cleanliness, comfort, and convenience ; and the Girard College 
buildings were afterward finished and fitted up in accordance with his 
suggestions. 
Mr. Walter was requested by the Government of Venezuela, in 1843, to 
visit La Guayra, and to make an examination of the port, for the purpose of 
considering the feasibility of building a mole, or breakwater, that would 
shelter the quay from the violence of the sea, and would allow more 
facility in the discharging of cargoes. 
He sailed in July of that year, arrived at La Guayra, after a voyaged of 
twenty days, and immediately proceeded to Caracas, for the purpose of 
consulting the authorities ; after which he returned to La Guayra, made a 
survey of the harbor, took soundings, studied the tides, currents, and 
winds, and gathered historic data in connection with the question. He 
then prepared his designs, specifications, and estimates, all of which were 
approved by the Government; and on October 12, 1843, he entered into 
a contract for the execution of the work. 
He returned home at once, and, after making all the necessary prepara- 
tions, departed again for La Guayra, on October 12, 1844, with some 
competent workmen, and a cargo of materials, machinery, and other appa- 
ratus—all of which arrived safely at their destination. The work was 
commenced immediately, pushed with vigor, and rapidly brought to 
completion. 
Mr. Walter’s eldest son accompanied him, as assistant engineer, but 
died of the fever of the country soon after his arrival. 
There were many difficulties to encounter, but they were met with his 
usual energy ; and the work was finished, and officially accepted by the 
Government, October 24, 1845. 
