In 1824, Canvas White, Esq., engineer employed by the corporation of New York, reported that he proposes taking the waters of the Bronx from the Eastchester cotton factory pond. He thinks that the natural flow of the river in the driest season will furnish 3,000,000 gallons per day, and by raising a dam of six feet to the upper Rye pond and lowering the outlet two feet, 3,000,000 gallons per day may be obtained, and that a daily sup-

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 495

ply of 6,600,000 gallons may be brought to the city every twenty-four hours. The cost of bringing the water to a reservoir near the park is estimated at $1,949, 542. fi

The Tuckahoe bridge which crosses the Bronx at this place, appears to have been erected at a very early period, as we find it recorded by that name, A. D. 1728.'^

During the encampment of the American army upon the hills to the west, the Britisli horse stationed above at Wood's house (now Marble Hall) were in the constant habit of coming down lo water their horses at the foot of this bridge. On one occasion a small party of Continentals concealed themselves in ambush on the margin of the river, and lay waiting for the usual approach of the horse, A long interval elapsed, but at last the well-known tramp declared the enemy near at hand. Every gun was cocked, and a death-like stillness prevailed ; but whether the enemy suspected their designs or obtained information, was never ascertained ; for at this time they came with nearly their whole force. To have fired upon them would have been but the prelude to a massacre ; the patriots therefore lay snugly concealed until their departure.