The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-03-07
superintendent Pflsbury's Letter OF Re-
slgaatAOn TO tho Police Com IN fsslOn ers.
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF Poucs,

Nxw YoRK, Feb %, 1860.
To THE HONORABLE THE BOARD OF PoLlcz coxMsNoSRRs-
GENTIENEN-ln May last your Board saw DIT TO confer
upon me the office Of General Superintendent
This surprise me, and did not conclude to &C
cett the position without mature elaboration and frank
consultation with the Commissioners then nov, with
single exception composing the Board My experience
in executive duties had taught me that department like
the Police could not be effectively armed otherwise than
by . single and controlling head and preliminary TO
any alton Of the stipulated that should be
invested with all power consistent with law" Had auy
been expressed that time from The bsstowa Of
such power upon me, would have renqused all idea Of
undertaking ,be heavy responsibilities With which you
p opposed cothe But the declaration of one Of
your number, (Mr Bowen) al an informal interview
held the day subsequent to the election that you
would load down with power" seemed TO Get with
entire acquescence from his associates regarded ths.
poet as definitely settled.
my final letter Of acceptance that your records might
show that had not consented 10 take charge Of 30 i'm
pofsnt branch Of the public service without such
OF confidence and support on your part, as
would enable act according TO the dictates of my
best Judgment 10 promoting the discipline aud efficiency
OF lhe force 1t was o, the urgent solicitation Of mem.
Der Of your Board and Of other of the highest
respecabty That l. after several weeks deliberation,
sent my letter Of acceptance, and was much sur
Bowen and SraDahsn) who, more than any othors had
urged and made the most liberal promises
Of then Directing that part Of my letter which
stated the conditions Of my acceptance.
ali my arrangements 70 take charge Of the Police
two suttained my views. felt that could not re-
cede l reRsrded the action Of q majority OF the
Board pledge that should not be rammelled by It's
with my paDs Tor the Of the de-
pAtment 30 long as faithfully discharged my duties and
adhered to the letter and spirit OF the law.
From the Gay upon which sent my letter Of accept.
spce the time have not received from the
Of your Board Already mentioned either advice,
encouragement support and he'd hardly been In the
service long enough TO acquire familiarity With il du
ties and requirements when fe myself seriously en-
by my Of power 70 make such daposa Of
members Of the force - tho egences of circumstances
oemAnQed
10 one instance had for misconduct sent back from
detail ward duty an officer who subsequently
but had returned him 10 post service than
ward politicians, whose services he had been engaged
besieged me with opportunities 10 re6cnd my order.
peremptoriy refused, and they then appealed to the
President Who yielded and proposed that their demands
should be complied with
up the administration Of the departments 70 the pressure
outside personal or political in1uenoes consequently
remained nrm, though by 30 doing was obliged, much
70 my regret, 70 take issue with tho President
Upon the advent OF the new Mayor he claimed the
right to select the men who should do duty 1t the rwen.
sixth precinct Expressed Willingness 70 extend All
due courtesy TO that ocer but could not without sacri
icing my self respect virtually surrender 70 MIN the con
troll OF considerable detachment OF my command t
would have been eanctonmg dangerous president 70
assent 70 rule that every IN coming Mayor should De
permitted 70 use tne romeo department SUCH o.
Ns members a. were his personal CT pohuca rends anu
supporters, by assigning toem 70 iavo Ne Places OF 70
PUNISH those 70 Wnom NC M uso W ius tnen
rom pos@ OF duty ios wnTo eApersuos nsn sPc s
qnAhhed tnem Acooronsy urO'ueu ~ oSuipy VIZ VIC
mayors sweeping requaon s a.r nc p, X , "
ne scs,o, sne ne sssum ~ sn,m =, ~ ,h az
sutiye power Of tho General superintendent 70 commit