The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-06-22
TIE MILTON DISASTER.
Further Particulars In the Melancholy Drown-
ing Case.

FuTtDcT FHTtlCuiuES In tnc luel0uCQ0ty UfOwn~
ing Case.
POUGHKEEPsIE, June q, 1870.
None OF the bodies Of the unfortunate victims Of
the drowning disaster at Milton have yet been re-
covered and the circumstances OF the sad affair
freely discussed the Indignation OF the people Of
Milton over the action OF the pilot Of the Nuhpa
strengthens and shows itself in muttered curses.
Whether this be just not l am
at present unable to state. I am inclined
to think he has been judged too harshly.
though the following statements made at Milton to-
day reject badly upon the pilots conduct. The
people OF Milton say that those who make them are
reliable persons. trust, for the sake Of humanity
that william Miller and Mrs. Mary Ann Purdy are
mistaken; but must confess the matter, as it now
presents itself, looks hard and bears heavily against
the pilot aud captain Of the Nuhpa:-
STATEMENT OF WILLIAM MILLER.
Myself, John Rowley. Melissa Burton and my SIS
ter, Elmira Miller were out sailing in small boat,
Off Milton, Sunday evening" After sailing about the
river some time we landed at Milton dock. This was
about half-past nine. We had some lemonade, and
then, at or near nalfpast ten, started out sailing
then ebb tide. After we got out some distance we
saw boat coming up the river and consulted to-
were thus consulting happened to cast my eyes to
the northward and saw propeller coming south,
about 100 Yards of: | Immediately nalloed out
OF the oars, tried to pull out OF the way. A
man on the forward deck OF the propeller
answered me, but could not understand what he
said. Then the propeller was right on us. She
hadn't slowed In the least. / am sure OF 1t. She
struck our boat amidshlps That's the last saw of
any OF my companions except Miss Burton. When
was thrown out OF the boat had hold Of her and
we both sunk together. When we came up we hit
the bottom of the propeller or her wheel. That
stunned me and Miss Burton let 20 her hold and
sunk. When came to she had disappeared entirely
and the propeller was six hundred yards away going
south. This am sure Of because while swimming
saw her wake As she moved south cried lOadly
for help and struck out for the west shore. This
was a steamer going north on the west shore,
and heard two Whistles Heard no steam blowing
or 1 had nearly reached the west shore when
yawl boat from schooner picked me up The man
who picked me up said the propeller did not stop.
am certain she did not stop, or even slow.
STATEMENT OF MRS. MARY ANN PURDY.
retired at ten O'Clock Sunday night. Just before
twelve O'Clock l was awakened by hearing female
voices shouting. Then heard a mans voice sew
eral times. got up and looked out Of the window
OF my house, which is located on the bank of the
river, below Milton dock There was no moon, but
the night was clear and starlight. l saw large
sidewheel steamer gong north on the west side OF
the river She blowed her whistle three four times
Across the river pretty well towards the east Shore
! saw another boat going south, apparently pro-
peller. She was blowing Off steam and at the same
time moving south. At the same time heard more
screaming. Suddenly the propeller ceased blowing
heard mans voice crying aoud, as II in distress
next saw small boat IN the middle OF the river,
aud as ii neared the west shore saw two men In 1t.
1t passed towards Milton dock. got out of my bed
as j heard The screaming spoken OF, and
from that time till the boat containing the two per-
saw them keep on their way north and south. Ny
daughter saw the same