The New York herald., 1864-01-07

The Recent Disaster TO the Re d'Itaiia.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Having read in your cstimable paper different accounts
OF the grounding OF the Re dal;a, deem proper to
assert that an invited guest, was eye witness
board of her; that her captain Mr. Imber never de-
parted from the counsels which were given to him by
Capt Comstock and Pilot McGnn. This was especially
true the OF half hour to tho east
west suggested by Capt. Ccmstock to Capt mbert
about ha afp past eight p u. heard these suggestions
myself while lying the sofa behind the curtain in the
Captains cabin Although not Mariner, know that
the Lghtsbip at two p. NJ, five miles distant
towards tho northwest by Capt. Comstock Pilot McGnn
the officer guard and Capt. Imbert. I can
also testify that such was Capt. Comstocks
anxiety To tack The vessel that he did oil in his
power to have the action Of the engine increased
to the II according his advice
that Captain twice endeavored TO the vessel about
bat failed in both attempts. The third time the order
executed on the poop deck. also assure you
that often hoard Captain l. repeat that ing the
pervcrse circumstances OF the weather shpwreck might
have happened IN spite OF his supervision and that OF
Captain c. and Pilot Mct TO whom he always lstencd
esteemng them perfect sailors; and believe he still re.
spects them as SUCH because after the
OF the misfortune, have always seen them all
the manGuvres till dropped anchor this port. As
further proof, will state that left the ship in the
pany Of the ilustrous Mr.. Webb, Captain Imbcrt and
Captain Comstock. who were always mseparablc and
friendly both before and after the occurrence. do
mishap to those experienced scaen, Captsr Comstock
and Pilot Mcinn but simply tovtestiiy TO he truth Of
these factsvz that IL is not Capt I'm bert, who is
respected OF the best In the Italian navy
that the blanc be imputed Of having wished act
aonc and having listened 10 tho wise counscls Of
those especially acquainted with the place. He cannot,
therefore, be accused OF sentiment OF vaingory for
be continually listened to the opinion Of those expert
whom the respected Mr. Webb had taken board and
especially of Capt c., who took the General Admiral to
Russia.
IN justice to truth, have deemed my duty 70 have
this article inserted IN your worthy paper, TO ax my
signature. Yours, respectfully, RICHARD L. SOFIO.
NEW YORK, Dec. 81. 1863.
TIE ITALIAN PRi0ATE Ne D'IrALIA.
uxIALp.
New YoRK, Jan. I, 1864.
You will greatly obIge many readers Of the HERALD by
giving the following questions place in your valuable
columns
Firsl-what entities Mr.. McGinn, the pilot, 70 the
credit he receives your issne OF tho Both utmo Of
being the pilot Of pilots, Docs be know moro sud per-
form his duty better than eli other plotsS
.Second-Why was not MIR. McGnn in charge of the
ship previous 10 and at the time Of the ship going ashore'
not be better acquainted with all the soundnrs within
fifty miles Of Sandy Hook that distance being considered
pilot ground) than any other person on o0ardg
Third-Why should the ship have to wait twentyfo
hours the barr Does not Mr. Mctnn know that
there not less than feet of water the
bar OF Gedncys chanDo nc low water and that who
do consider themselves the pilot OF pilots take the
much the Re d'Itala, at all times Of tidey
Fourih-Wll Mr.. McGinn answer thesa questions for
the information OF the publics
SANDY HOOK PILOT.