164 DAGENHAM BREACH.
Perry in his book (pp. 84, 86), gives various details and computa-
tions of the cubical contents of the dam, and calculations of pressure
to prove "that the Weight of Earth of which the Dam was compos'd
was more than six times superior to the Weight of Water pressing
on the Outside of the Breach on the Day when the Accident
happen'd, without taking notice of the Wall of Earth rais'd upon
the Dalii, or the Counter-pressure of about twenty-six foot depth of
Water which was on the Inside."
Altogether these labours, including the repair of the walls,
removal of sandbank, etc., took five years, and were not accom-
plished without failures. In 1717 a high tide almost demolished
the work done, and on two subsequent occasions inundations
occurred; but at last, in 1720, he completed the contract, having
spent the sum of £40,472 18s. 83/4d, Of this he had received the
consideration money, £25,000, agreed in the covenants, and later
on a sum of £15,000 was granted to him by Parliament; but still
he was a considerable loser by the transaction.
During the works they came upon the Moorlogg, a vein
of different kinds of wood, partly rotten—yew timber, not
decayed, brushwood and hazel-nuts—doubtless a portion of the
submerged forest of which remains have been found in the Plum-
stead Marshes. Stags' horns were also found. (Vide plan,
marked I.)
From some printed papers dated 1724-25, proceedings at law
appear to have been contemplated, in which John Perry was the
appellant and Boswell respondent; but of this I know nothing
further.
From first to last this memorable Breach must have cost at least
£80,000, and took thirteen years before it was stopped effectually.
The repair and upkeep of the river banks after this time was
performed under the control of the Commissioners of Sewers, who
made periodical visits of inspection, and then used to dine at a house
which had been erected here.
This ultimately gave rise to an association of noblemen and
gentlemen for the purpose of fishing in the enclosed "Gulf."
This club was founded on the 13th of June, 1792, and from
the "Articles of Agreement for the Government of the Dagenham
Breach Co.,"16 we find the six original members were Sir Thomas
16 The unpublished original of this is in the collection of Mr. E.J . Sage, of Stoke Newington,
and for this and other information I am much indebted to him.