The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-02-12
THE DAILY UNION
THREE SISTERS.

The locality called the Three Sisters is the last upon
which It is my duty 70 report minute survey convinced
thatit was but little adapted to any other than
pension bridge.
have proposed two plans-one similar to the Niagara
bridge with central supporting pier the other but
slight modification of Mr.. Elects design This design was
presented at time when the Little Falls bridge had been
destroyed and the which then existed for site
far the river have since ceased by the action of Con-
ress at its last session. appropratng sum OF $4,000 to
complete the bridge to which reference has just been
made.
The railroad line which would connect with the Three
Sisters Is less favorable than the to the aqueduet IL
indicates 10 or 30 feet the proper height Of the roadway
The Virginia shore is rough and elevated and the cost Of
approaches that side would form heavy additional
Item Estimate for single span, S443oooi for bridge
with central pier $47oO0O both exclusive of eontngen-
cies.)
1t proper perhaps that should here briefly recapt
ulate the conclusions resulting from the foregoing views
The localities presenting decided advantages all other
for permanent bridge are the present site OF the Long
Bridge and that of the aqueduct piers For the general
accommodation of the city Of Washington and the ac
ties Of intercourse with the country the opposite Shore
the site of the Long Bridge is evidently most appropriate
permanent bridge there however ia necessarily eIpen
sve and avoid the total obstruction of navigation must
have draw which is at the time inconvenience
both to travel especially railway travel and to nayga-
ton Every locality between that and the aqueduct shares
in its disadvantages without presenting its facilities The
proposed bridge the aqueduc piers economi-
cal avoids draw and accommodates at the same time the
interests Of navigation and railway travel and to lin
tied extent local travel also but as means OF communi-
cation with the opposite shore for the city Of Washington
it is altogether defective.
To provide for all the exgences of the case therefore,
would be necessary that both bridges should be
consructed-the Long Bridge ION less expensive scale
than that which has been contempated for ordinary pur
poses and so as be inconsistent with improved
navigation, which is at present most urgent want and
the bridge the aqueduct piers for the tbreeod uses
OF railroad local road and canal The cost of the two
thus regulated would not be great probably that of
the Long Bridge alone fitted for railway well
binary purposes involving increased width much heavier
draw, and expensive construction OF every kind,
while the dangerous accidents and many inconvenience
nseparabe from the of long and extended
bridge for both railway and common travel would be hap
PLY avoided. as
In closing this report feel it to be act Of justice
less than pleasing tribute all the gentlemen associated
with me in dcalt and laborious service requiring much
application out Of the usual hours of business In order to
meet the wishes of Congress for report during their pres
ent session. to bear my testimony to the jealous skul
and unremitng cooperation Of each and all Of them in
their respective departments.
have the honor to be- with great respect your ODE
dent servant ALFRED L. RIVES,
Engineer in charge.
Hon. RoBRRT McCLELLAND Secretary of the Interior