The Drum Beat/Number 10/A Noteworthy Gift

A NOTEWORTHY GIFT.

One of the gifts made to The Fair is of such a character, and from such a source, that we depart from our usual custom so far as to notice it on this page, and to call special attention to it. It is a complete model of a Pontoon Bridge, made expressly for our Fair, by the officers and men of the Fiftieth Regiment of New York, Engineers, in the brigade of Gen. Benham. The work was superintended, in all its progress, by Capt. Ford. It is a perfect model—correct and complete in every particular, each screw, bolt, and nut being in its place, and even the lashings in their proper places and proportions. It was a work of great labor and care—the cost of one wagon if paid for at ordinary day-wages, being not less than $40; and of the whole, $160. Two photographic views of a Bridge, as erected, accompany the gift; the frames of the photographs being made from the wood of Rebel pontoons, which have been captured.

A perfect and beautiful model of a Block house accompanies the Bridge; a model made by two of the soldiers and exquisitely finished.

All the articles were packed and forwarded to the Fair, with a note from Gen. Benham, presenting them in the name of the officers and men, and another note from Capt. Ford, explaining their details. They are offered for sale, and it has been proposed that they be purchased by subscription, and presented to the Polytechnic Institute, for the use of those who may there pursue the study of civil engineering. The plan is an excellent one, and should certainly be carried out.

This novel and handsome gift was made through Mrs. M. F. Odell, the wife of our Representative in Congress.