The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-04-23

The Return OF the StsamshIp Washington
We regret to learn that the steamship Wash
ington, which left this port ON Thursday morn
ing last, for Southampton and Bremen, returned
yesterday afternoon, having met with an acct
dent to her machinery. She was piloted up to
the city by Captain Yates, of the steamer Jacob
Bell.
Annexed are the particulars of the accident
STEAMER WARRINGTON,
Orr SANDY Hook, April ~, ls4s
Dear sir-An accident having occurred board this
ship, she was compelled to put back to New York for
repairs.
We moved, a. you know, from our dock ct 10 A. NJ,
Goth; got fairly under way ct go and discharged
pilot at P. NJ At NJ. the Highlands west, distant
as miles; at4 80 Fire Island bore north distant miles,
att NJ stopped engines and ct 7 Is started sgain
From this time trouble commenced. At 30 minutes
past midnight stopped engines for the purpose Of raising
arboard cylinder head and examining keys of piston
rod, which were supposed to be loose. These were
found to be firmly In places ALSO the superior surface of
piston was to all appearance sound. Ats A. NJ started
engines again; still the trouble continued, viz loud
humping noise in larboard cylinder At Is stopped
again for the purpose Of making another examination,
when It discovered that the piston cracked in
opposite directions Its CENTRE ohs extent Of about
inches It being the decision Of the engineers, ind-
vidually and collectively that It would DO highly i'm
prudent to proceed Captain Johnston governed
sordinsy. At 10 so the engines were put In motion
and shaped for New York. distant l56 miles
The going to the arboard engine being shut cloae
sR the ship worked by the starboard engine exclu
svsy.
Under all the circumstances Of our starting you can
imagine the modification and disappointment Of both
passengers and ocers particularly the latter for they
determined this time to prove to the world that
American steamer can cross the ocean quick q any
other sfost
No blame can DO attached to any one. It is one of
but may happsn to any steamer thorough rigid OK.
animation Of the machinery was made before leaving
New York. and far az human eyes could see it was
perfect. After few days delay the w. will again put
to sea. Yours, &C.,
SPECTATOR.
The following facts have been communicated
to US by another spectator
Early the next morning after leaving New York, it
discovered by the chief engineer that small
about four inches long, had taken place in the piston Of
piece Of iron which up and down in the cylin-
DER to which the piston rod 10 sttaohed kind Of valve
which the steam acts pressing upwards and down
the wheels In the engine Of the Washington the piston
10 six eet In diameter, and one foot thick hollow in
side as all pistous are, with strong radsnts running
10 very that this part Of the engine breaks and
accident Of the kind is Of those that cannot be
we'll forese.n The pistous Of the Washington
strong they are made on any boat the crack must
have been caused by the keys which hold it having be-
come eighty loosensd.
and her superior accommodations End their confidence
In the strength Of the ship and the engine such that
they have reseved to continue their journey in ha
sailing capacities.