Benjamin Palmer' headed the movement, and when enough was subscribed, he attempted to build it where the first bridge had stood. Colonel Phillipse, who owned the shore on Paparinamin, naturally objected. Palmer had to go farther down the Harlem. He interested with him Jacob Dyckman, on the island, and Thomas Vcrmilye, on the Westchester side, and they began the work from land of the former to that of the latter. Colonel Phillipse, " because he knew it would stop his bridge from taking tolls," tried to prevent its construction. Twice in one year he caused Palmer's impressment "as a soldier to go to Canada," which compelled him to em|)loy and pay for substitutes. But in spite of opposition the structure was completed at the close of 1758. It wafe opened with a grand barbecue on New Year's Day, 1759, and hundreds of people attended from Xew York City and Westchester County, and " rejoiced greatly."^ A new road was built to connect the bridge with the Albany and Boston roads, and for a time all travel ceased across the King's Bridge. Colonel Phillipse's bridge-keeper finding his occupa-

' Who attempted to found a city ns a lival to New York, on an island in the Sonnd, since called "City Island."

- Dyckniun, who built a tavern at the approach to the free bridge (vvhiTe the King's Bridge Hotel now stands), failed soon afterward, and sought legislative relief for his outlays in its construction. Palmer, towai-ds the end of the century, unsuccessfully applied to the Assembly for aid on the same account. The press took up his cause and declared that his work had been " the first step towards freedom in this State, « « « "for it was almost as diflicult for Mr. Palmer to get a free bridge in "those (lays as it was for .\merica to get her freedom." Aaron Burr auu others made up a purse of t:lii for the needy old man in I81IO.