The Journal of the Commons House of Assembly

544 COMMONS JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 4, 1760–AUGUST 6, 1760together, not as many People pass in a Year, as over Black-Mingo in a Month;and this Objection lays against every Bridge that has been or hereafter maybe built in the Province.But when the Benefits arising from a Bridge are laid in the Scale againstthe trifling Sum that once in Seven Years may be requisite for Repair. Whenit is considered, that Individuals pay more Money in a Year to cross this Ferry,than would annually build a Bridge. When it is recollected that the originalExpence is defrayed by private Persons (willing to serve their Countryin this time of Danger). When no private profit, or remote Advantage canarise to the Contributors more than in common to others of the Community;All these Emoluments laid against annual or triennial Repairs, will provemere feathers when weigh’d in the Balance of Public Good, as few personswou’d hesitate to repair a good House, that is built for them, gratis.But to dispel the very Shadow of this Argument; The Memorialist willundertake (under such Penalty as the Legislature pleases to specify) to repairand keep up this Bridge for the Space of three Years; being sensible, thatit will be so firmly constructed as to need no Repairs for some Years to come.Another Objection (and the principal) raised against rebuilding of theBridge over this Creek, was “That it would obstruct the Navigation of theCreek and prevent Boats from proceeding to a Landing two Miles above,where some few Planters bring down Naval Stores.”In Answer to this Plea, The Memorialist begs leave to observe, that aHatch-Way of 16 or 18 feet width, is constructed in the middle of this floatingBridge removeable at pleasure for Boats (which come not up six timesin the Year) to pass through.If it be asked, “Who will attend to open this Hatch-Way, when required?”It is answer’d, The Memorialist or his Agents, who reside on the Spot; andthis Attendance will be given for the Space of three Years under any Penaltythe Legislature shall enjoin (altho’ Boats passing up and down may easily letthemselves through and replace the Hatch in five Minutes). The Memorialisthowever does not undertake but for the Hours of Day.A third Objection started, was, That when Freshes arise in this Creek(as they may once in three Years) should this floating Bridge be carried away,as was the framed Bridge, who is to replace it?(Answer) The floating Bridge is constructed on different principlesfrom a standing Bridge, and can be let out by Ropes at any length to buoyon the flood of any Fresh, and on it’s subsiding can be brought back to it’sMoorings without damage; and this (shou’d such an Accident happen) TheMemorialist and his Agents will undertake to execute under any Penalty theLegislature will enjoin.But it will be added, That when a Fresh happens (which is of but few