From the Richmond Dispatch, 12/5/1862, p. 1, c. 4
Provision Against Accidents. – A substantial railing has been placed on the north side of the canal, east of 8th street, on either side of the bridge, in order to prevent foot passengers from walking, by mistake, into the canal and finding a watery grave, as several have done. The two bodies said to be in the canal have not yet been fished out.