sponsibility, decided in favor of the low or syphon bridge, and had actually entered into contract for its construction, were naturally not a little annoyed at the change of plan thus

authoritatively forced upon them. Nevertheless, they submitted with a good grace, and,

having taken the precaution to insert in the contract a proviso, that if at any time the plan of the low bridge should be abandoned, the Commissioners might vacate the Contract upon

paying the contractors for work done, and materials delivered, or bespoken, they at once proceeded, on 6th May, when a certified copy of the act was handed to them, to declare that the contract was abandoned, and to direct their engineers to ascertain the value of the work done, and of the materials delivered under it.

They also directed the chief engineer, forthwith to examine and report fully upon the two modes of passing the Harlem, prescribed by the Legislature. This report, made on 1st June, seems of sufficient importance to be given at length.

REPORT OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER, ON PLANS FOR CROSSING HARLEM RIVER. New York, June 1st, 1839. To the Honorable the Water Commissioners of the City of New York : GENTLEMEN : The resolution of your Board, requiring the undersigned to prepare plans and estimates for crossing Harlem River, by a bridge, the arches of which shall be

164 MEMOIR OF THE

elevated 100 feet above common high water mark, and also for a tunnel under the channel of the river, has been under consideration.