possible despatch, proceed to erect the gates, and relieve the United States from all further charge or expense on account of said road, after the appropriation so made shall be expended. Very respectfully, your most obedient servants, THOMAS ENDSLEY. DANIEL DOWNER. WILLIAM F. COPLAN. STEPHEN HILL. BENJAMIN ANDERSON. Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of War. NOTE.--The bridges near Wills creek were in the end built of stone. [Illustration: IRON BRIDGE.] CHAPTER XIII. _The Iron Bridge over Dunlap's Creek at Brownsville--Interesting facts relating to its projection and construction--The first step--Several respectable Gentlemen of Brownsville call the attention of the Government's Agent to the subject._ NATIONAL ROAD, 85-5/8 MILES FROM CUMBERLAND, August 15, 1832. _Sir_: Yesterday, as I passed through Brownsville, I was waited on by several of the most respectable gentlemen of that place, who were anxious to have me examine the bridge over Dunlap's creek, between Brownsville and Bridgeport, to see its condition, and to give my opinion as to its renewal. Accordingly, I observed that I thought the bridge would not stand a twelve-month, and that I did not feel myself authorized to renew it, as the bridge had never been made by the government, but recommended that they write to the department for a decision; and, agreeably to their request, observed that I would likewise report the actual condition of the bridge. Consequently, I enclose to the department a leaf from my note book, giving a rough sketch of the bridge, and pointing out its defects. The reason why this bridge was not originally constructed by the government, as well as a bridge over the Monongahela river, are better known to the department than I am able to conjecture. I have to observe that a company is now constructing a substantial bridge over the Monongahela river, across from Bridgeport, thereby making the bridge over Dunlap's creek an important link in the road; and that a bridge, to ensure the purpose of a common highway, would not be suitable for the only connecting point between two important and increasing towns. I have the honor to be, sir, Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. K. F. MANSFIELD, Lieutenant Corps of Engineers. Gen. C. Gratiot, Chief Engineer. THE SUBJECT TO BE EXAMINED. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, August 20, 1832.