The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-01-25
LETTER OF COMMODORE PERRY IN REGARD TO
SAFETY ON STEAMERS AT SEA.

LETTER OF COMMODORE PERRY IN REGARD TO I
SAFETY on STEAMERS AT SEA-
The high source from which the following communion
ion Qnanates upon subject Of great general Importance
antilles it to great consideration
From the York Courier and Enquirer
IT, S. NJ STEAMSHIP BALTIC, SEA,
January 8, 1854
Ny DEAR SIR copy Of your printed circular bearing
late the LIST u has been placed my hands and as II
possible that my acquaintance with the construction and
ouinment Of ocean steamers and particularly those
Of the navy may enable offer some useful suggestions
mon the points referred in that communication and be-
inc now a passenger in sister ship of the unfortunate
Arctic may venture the confidently to express my
opinions upon the subject basing my remarks upon the
character and qualities Of this ship and assuming that the
tlantc and Pacific are in all respects her equal
may PREMISE them by saying, that with respect to per-
lection of vessel and engines and the attention and skill
with which both managed the excellence OF the ar
rangements for the convenience and comfort o. the
gers nothing could reasonably be desired and II
only remains inquire whether any further precautionary
may be adopted TO give greater security TO the
lives Of the passengers and crews To this question re-
mark that in my opinion further means can and ought 70
be res0rted TO-
As to the route be taken in the respective passages
across tho Atlantic safely be presumed that as the
commanders Of these vessels are alike distinguished for
their nautical skill and experience they should be eonsd-
cred the best judges upon this point; though many might
be inclined to prefer as general rule the track south OF
Il NAV be asked what are the additional precautions to
be recommended reply, that irrespective Of one OF the
objects which hitherto
both Of the American and English lines of mail steamers
plying between New York and Liverpool Ia most aettue
rivalry Of speed) would suggest uniform system OF
safe laris pressure Of steam to be graduated downward
at the discretion of the commanders BY such rule
immense saving of fuel would be gained and the overwork
ing of the vessel and engines prevented would the
passages be generally heightened than twelve or at
most twenty-our hoursin some instances they would
not be all proongedwhe in every case they would be
accomplished with greater certainty and consequent safety
Therefore let the rivalry henceforward consist IN trans
reasonable speed, but with
tire safety and comfort the unavoidable casualties OF the
sea- of course excepted
Each ship should have more large boats-as many in
truth as can be carried outsdeready for lowering and
In those parts from whence they could be conveniently
launched
,
An organization should be established which would
bring into useful employment in times of danger every in
dydua in the ship passengers well those composing
the crew This organization should embrace perfect sys
tenn of eauippng manning provisioning and lowering
launching the boats and Of assigning to each one station
in all of running shore OF serious COLLISION and
especially in the of fire at catastrophe equal
~ be dreaded and always to be guarded against by
every possible and recauon Your early knowledge
of naval life will inform you how easily and simply such
arrangements can be perfected
In addition TO the services of many boats be
conveniently carried which in passenger ships OF every de-
crpton are rarely if ever capable Of accommodating all
who may embark these vessels and hence the usual rush
of all this inadequate resort it has been suggested by
fellow -passenger-Mr. Henry Evans OF New Bedford-that
might be so altered, and in ships constructed to be
~fvrf prnrrtdufrf 0r ms
plan, and have suggested fments to give additional
strength and bnoyancy to the fs without nconvenen-
cling the deck.
From my knowledge of the character and enterprsing
spirit Of Mr. Collins and his associate directors feel well
assured that everything will be cheerfuy done satisfy
the reasonable wishes of the community indeed there
more competent than Mr. Collins himself to decide
upon tending to the greatest safety of the ships
under his management; and should not put forth
any suggestions of my did suppose thew would
be kindly received.
The foregoing remarks will in all respects apply and
with greater force to sail ships employed in carrying large
numbers Of passengers.
am my dear sir with great regard, your friend and
THOMAS B. CURTIS esq, Boston
NOTES.
There should be in each carrying passengers two
printed station bsone for occasions of fire. and the other
to be put in operation of disasters when it may be-
come necessary to take to the boats
These should be printed in blank, and contain as many
numbers there would probably be souls board say
from to 400, to be filed at the Of
First The officers and should have their stations as
signed to them which should only be changed changes
The remaining numbers should be filed practicable
BY inserting the names of passengers.
To each number series Of numbers, specific
ties are to be assigned and to make those duties falling upon
more appropriate to their habits and calling they
should De allowed to select their numbers
be arranged on the first day of the passage and should be
the duty Of each person immediately himself ac-
uanted with the duties and responsibilities which he has thus
assumed
The nautical portion of the the Baltic consists
cusivey of purser and surgeon of captain six mates
Tour quartermaster twenty and two boys The
mainder OF her complement is made up of those composing
the departments of the engineer aud steward.
She ought not to carry less than large boats of
which at the davis Hence is plain that all these
boats the services of from these
the most active OF the passengers would be required Thus
the latter would be employed aiding themselves and
the women and children and hence the expedency
vious understanding OF their respective stations
Surprising that this ship should have boats These
would safely carry 800 with ten days provision of
bread and water oars mast Sails 6c On of the pas
sons 1t is evident, therefore, that large a number could
not be accommodated in the boats but those excluded might
find room and equal safety the proposed RATS
Now let us speak OF the requisite equipment of the boats
and IN What manner they are To be provisioned
Each boat should be numbered and provided with the
lowing enumerated articles
Rudders, oars, boat hooks double painters Zone long
mast yard and sail, two buckets two lanterns with supply
epome containing the simplest and tables for obtaining
the latitude by attitudes OF the and small
canvas bag containing Ratchet, hammer and nails yard
OF canvas ten fathoms Of ran stuff, palm and needles
some Irvine and spun yarn pabe tarpauin as also
piece Of white muslin for a signal
would probably be better that other food than bread
and water be put in the boats All the bread and
bali the water to be contained in air and
those tor water holding each pint and for bread
poundthe biscuit to be made of the diameter
OF the cases These together with the quadrant
pass lantern and candles and bag with
might be conveniently kept at all times at in the air
boxes at the AFTER both ends of the boxes being
lifted with plate the top eight
inches In diameter and made in similar the mag
azne tanks used in the navy The remainder the water
might be carried in eightgalon kegs breakerthe
convenient size for slowing under the thwarts
For each there should be provided FIVE pounds
two "a ater