The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-19
TIE LATE COLLISION ON THE EAST RIVER.
OFFICE OF THE HARLEM AND NEW YORK
NAVIGATION COMPANY,
HARLEM, n. ". July Is, 1868.

To THE EDITOR THE HERALD
have read with surprise the many editorials and
communications that have recently appeared In the
daily papers respecting the collision between the
steamers Providence and Sylvan Grove on Tuesday
last, and believing that, no definite result could be
arrived at by entering into newspaper controversy
and not having the time TO spare to the many
communications as they severally appeared, I had
concluded to remain silent until the whole matter
could be calmly and carefully investigated by the
proper authorities-the Board OF Steamboat Inspec.
tors. Upon reflection, however, aud considering the
euormty Of the charges made Of gross wilfulness,
careessness and negligence in the MANAGEMENT OF
the boats Of this company and OF total disregard
Of the lives Of the passengers said boats can
or to the directors thereof longer remain silent as
such silence might by some he attributed a. an ad.
mission of the truth II such charges.
At the time OF the collision was absent from the
city at Boston, and first learned OF the collision on
Wednesday morning last. Immediately started for
this CITY, and on my arrival commenced investigat-
ing the matter. and from information derived from
gentlemen who were passengers on the boat at the
time. who witnessed the occurrence and who are
entirely dsinterested and not from Information de.
rived from the ocers in charge OF the boat at the
time, unless the facts have been grossly misrepre
scented to me, do not hesitate TO acQut the pilot OF
the Sylvan Grove from ali blame in the matter. and
arm satisfied that such collision was occasoned by
neither wilfulnese, careessness negligence his
part. The pilot has been in the employ OF the com.
pany for nearly i've years, greater portion OF the
time in charge Of the Sylvan Grove, and during such
period have always found him q careful and expe-
rienced man. and this the first collision that has
ever occurred since he has been In charge OF said
boat. deem IL a sufficient answer TO the charges
made 10 state that the boats OF this company have
been run between Harlem and Peck slip FOR twelve
years and upwards and that during such period
there has never been life lost or limb broken on
said boats THIS considering the great number OF
passengers carried daily during said period viii.
think establish the character OF the management Of
the Harlem boats.
II is hardly fair 20 presume that the directors In
said company. who are largely interes,ed In the
property Of the company, who. with their families
are daily travellers on said boats would eopardze
their property their passengers and much less the
lives OF themselves and families by employing or
retaining In their employ pilots or other Officers in
charge OF their boats who are not competent care.
full skilful and experienced men. II Il somewhat
singular. but still 4 II fact. that such charges are
never heard OF or made until the occurrence OF a
collision or accident, which all companies nav,pat.
ing the crowded waters Of New York are daily
liable to. do not propose in this communication to
enter into any discussion or the facts OF the case
out will simpy state in conclusion that have an.
piled 10 ,de Board OF steamboat Inspectors for a
horougd and speedy investigation OF the mailer
HENRY =. MCGOWN. Pres don't