"When, in 1865, Mr. first took fairly hold of this enterprise, and had plans and estimates made by competent men, almost the same line was recommended as the Bridge actually now occupies. This line extends from a point in Brooklyn near the junction of and s about 38½ above , to , near the , about 61½ feet above high-water mark. When afterwards permission was obtained from the United States Government to put a suspension-bridge across the river, that permission stipulated that the channel of the river should not be interfered with in any way, and that the highest part of the Bridge should be at least one hundred and thirty-five feet above high-water mark."