384 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

observed that every objection to the building of this bridge could be refuted, and that it only wanted a combination of opinion to favor the attempt. A plan has already been laid down on paper, and a gentleman of acknowledged abilities and good sense has observed that he would engage to erect it in two years’ time.”

“It has also been observed that the Wallabout would form an excellent navy-yard.1 Should such a plan be carried into execution, it would considerably increase the importance of this place. As a retreat from New York in summer, Olympia would furnish many superior excellences over other places_such as its vicinity to that city, the opportunity of freighting and unloading vessels during the period of fever, the sale of goods to the yeomanry who are fearful of entering the city, etc. (Here a mutilation breaks the narrative.) * * * often the resort of the inhabitants of New York in their pedestrian excursions. This village has no peculiar privileges of its own. Joined with the several townships, it supports two ministers.” * * *

In speaking of manufactures, he says: “With respect to ‘Olympia’ and Brooklyn Ferry, which are the principal villages in this township, they produce scarcely any thing of the manufacturing kind but what is useful in common life. There are eight grist-mills in this township, which grind by means of the tide of the East River. Some of these mills are employed to grind grain for exportation, others to supply the neighboring farmers. Cables, cordage, lines, and twine are spun and laid to considerable profit. A new patent floor-cloth manufactory is about to be introduced. * * * Brewing and distilling, with a capital, might be carried on to advantage. Nails are afforded very cheap. Chair-making, too, answers extremely well. Besides these, there are all the different mechanical trades peculiar to settlements of this kind.”

In regard to literature and education, he says, ÒThere are three schools in this township—one at Bedford, one at Gowanus, and the other at the Brooklyn Ferry. This last claims the preference, having been established a considerable length of time, under the super-

1 It is probable that negotiations were already in progress for the realization of this plan, as the purchase, by the United States Government, of a portion of the Wallabout was concluded in the following year.