The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-07-21

Our readers will remember that some time since, B..
Maefer while engaged in blasting rock from the bot
tom of the Hurl Gate, New York, was placed in
imminent peril and some OF his assistants killed. by
an accidental explosion The annexed letter from the
gneers pen gives graphic description of the manner in
which be escaped.
ASTORIA, April 10, 1852.
DEAR SIR Since the fatal accident that took place al
H1 Gate the Goth ult, this is the first time that
have been able TO my sight, provdentiay recov-
ered and cannot make appropriate use OF than
by stating TO you the following facts: In the beginning
of February last you wrote me that MIR. Joseph Francis,
the inventor OF the metallic boat, wished TO have the
lifeboa used by sent 10 him for the purpose OF re-
pairing it. But wrote you in reply that could not
spare the boat even for single day, fully approaching
its value and great superiority wooden boats; and,
moreover, il did want eny repairs notwithstanding
the rough usage which had been subjected for
months past II quite providental that insisted on
kicking il, scarcely month after that this same boat
saved my life twice in two distinct ways.
Fistly, in protecting from the immediate effects Of
the explosion. the end OF the boat instead OF flying
into fragments in every direction, did my wooden boat
it only bent up and acted shield behind which
protected to certain extent
Secondly, it saved me from drowning, in the follow
ing When the charge exploded, which only
three feet distant from the stern of the lifeboai, and
aOout seven 1eet Uodts toEttutI
and my brother-inlaw, sent TO a distance OF
one hundred and hirty-fve feet and sank 10 the bot
tom, where remained senseess for three four min
uies according TO the statements Of all the bystand-
ers On recovering, and after incredible struggles hav-
ing only the of arm, 10 the surface, and
was greatly relieved TO perceive twelve yards of,
my faithful liieboat, floating, with my broher-in-law
supported BY it, After sinking and rising more, !
succeeded in getting hold Of the boat, which foaed
lightly that ten twelve persons could have been sup
ported by it. No other object floating in any
direction excepting small fragments OF the wooden boat
not large enough TO be Of any service az e-buoys.
It's fact truly worthy of public notice. that the boat
wins not supplied with ery extra buoyant power-sucb
as corks India rubber, buoys, &c-but simply sup.
ported BY lis own metallic air-chamber This goes far to
show 10 what bardshps these admirable boats can be
subjected they may be knocked about upon rocks,
twisted out OF shape, bent mp by some superhuman
power yet after all they will float, and be the Of
saving lives as in my case.
In conclusion have to state that my firm conviction
is that bad 10Y poor, unfortunate men been in of
these metallic boats instead OF wooden one, of
them would have been saved they muiilated by
the fragments of wood for instance, Captain Southland,
who stood no closer the exploding charge than myself
was struck in the side by fragment OF the woodea
boat while was protected by the iron sides OF the life
boat.
! remain my dear sir, your obedent servant,
b. MAILLEFERT.
r. MERRIAM, esq, Brooklyn.