«Previous page (234)

Next page (236)»

Document 66 p18

149 (18)
5th Interrogatory. In Answer to this Interrogatory; as this
Deponent did and ordered every thing to be done that his Mind
suggested for the well, and permanent Establishment of the
Bridge according to the Principles he proceeded upon, and which
were in reality the only ones that in his Judgement appeared
applicable to the case in hand; And as he is not conscious that any
thing was left undone that could be done, in prospect of better Success,
he is obliged in answering to say, that in case another Bridge
is to be built, or attempted to be built over the River Tyne in place of
or near to the last, that in order to make and render the same safe;
and secure from the like Accident as aforesaid: that the same should
be erected, or attempted to be built, after some other Plans; that is,
upon some other Principle of Construction as to its Foundations than
that whereon the former Bridge made by the Complainant was
erected and built: but as the Mind of this Deponent has not, nor
does suggest to him any Principle of Construction he can possibly
esteem to be secure, and valid, notwithstanding the Knowledge, and
Experience this Deponent has gained since he began the former
Bridge, by the Circumstances attending its sudden Destruction, or
otherwise, if therefore as is really the case, he this Deponent is
unable to form any Plan in his own Mind that is satisfactory for
the purpose; it will be and is equally out of the power of this Deponent,
to form any Estimate of the Cost that may attend it.
This Deponent does not mean to say that what he cannot do
cannot be done by any other Person, he does not presume to limit the
18 extent

Note: Mr Smeaton's Replies to Interrogatories p18

Abbreviations are underlined like this Wm. and the expansion may be seen by moving the cursor over it.

An entry outlined like this has a note which may be seen by hovering over it.

Transcribed by CTW and RMS