46 



THE BOROUGH OF THE BRONX 



became too heavy, it was decided to replace the ferry by a bridge 

 over Spuyten Duyvil Creek ; but the public treasury was insufficient 

 for the undertaking of such a project. The wealthy Frederick 

 Philipse, foreseeing the possibility of reaping a large revenue, pro- 

 posed to build the bridge at his own expense if he were permitted 

 to collect tolls. The Provincial Assembly granted to Philipse 

 "the neck or island of land called Paparinemo with the salt 

 meadows thereunto belonging, together with power and authority 

 to erect a bridge over the water or river commonly called Spiten 



Courtesy Department of Bridges, City of New York 



King's Bridge over Spuyten Duyvil Creek in 1856 



Devil Ferry or Paparinemo." The "Dutch Millionaire" was author- 

 ized to impose the following tolls: 



" 3 pens (pence) for each man or horse that shall pass in 



the daytime. 

 " 3 pens for each head of neat cattle. 

 "12 pens for each score of hoggs, calves, or sheep. 

 " 9 pens for every boat, vessel or canoe that shall pass the 



said bridge and cause the same to be drawn up. 

 " 9 pens for each coach, cart, or sledge, or waggon." 



The bridge was of much importance during the Revolution. 

 Over it Washington's defeated and disheartened army retreated in 



