In 1834 Macomb ceased to pay rent, but in 1854 his heirs came forward and paid up all arrears. In 1855 a committee of the Board of Supervisors recommended that the old mill be declared a nuisance and the grant forfeited, as it was evidently an improvident and void grant from its inception. During 1855 the i)roprietors were about fitting it up as a hotel, as it had then ceased to be used as a mill, but about that time a heavy gale of wind blew it over.'

But the supply of water at the tide-mill at King's Bridge was inadequate, for as early as 1813, Macomb obtained a grant to build a dam across the Harlem Kiver from Bussing's Point, on the Harlem side, to Devoe's Point, on the Westchester side, so as to hold the waters of the river for the benefit of the mill at King's Bridge, thus practically making a tidal millpond between the present side of the Central Bridge at Seventh Avenue and old King's Bridge. This erection was known for years as " Macomb's Dam."

The act required that it should be so constructed as to allow the passage of boats and vessels accustomed to navigate the river, either by means of a gate-lock, apron or other contrivance, and that Macomb should always have a person in attendance, bo that no unnecessary delay should happen to persons wishing to pass with their boats. The Common ('ouncil ratified the grant and upon it a lease was issued to Macomb, his heirs and assigns forever, of all the lands under water required for the purpose and also a considerable amount of upland on the Manhattan Island side, embracing a valuable gore between the road leading to the dam and Seventh Avenue. Forfeiture for non-payment of rent was provided in the lease.