New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-03


and If they are displaced at one point they may
answer for service at another. where business is
not so brisk. The Pennsylvania's Oldest boat,
the ]. s. Darcy has been in service thirty-nine
wears. and she plies daily on the route from
West Thirteenth-st.. Manhattan. to Bay-st. Jer-
sey City The Somerset, a boat belonging to the
Union Ferry Company, which runs several East
River lines had long and honorable service as
a gunboat in the Civil War, taking part in the.
bombardment of Fort Fisher and numerous
other engagements. The Southfed OF the Staten
Island line. also service in the war. ana
was sunk In the Mississippi in bombardment
A new Southfield was built to take her place
There were rope ferryboats and ferryboats
that were propelled by sails or paddles before
steam came into use The rope principle Is an
old one. In fact, the ferryboat is ole OF the
oldest craft known TO history; even the ark was
hardly any older. The ancient Egyptians had
rope ferries. They would throw rope across
a stream from shore to shore. and then pull on
the rope hand over hand while II the distance
were great sails and paddles were the pro-
polling power relied upon. King David rode In
q ferryboat. 1t in Absaloms rebellion that
he and his household crossed the jordan by
ferry, and the Bible bears testimony to that
effect. Ropes could not he used on the Hudson
and East rivers. which were always open for
shipping. and crossing was always a difficult
and cumbersome proceeding until Futons lit
tie Clermont ploughed the waters OF the Hud-
son. and the ferryboat under the impulse OF
Fultons genius became prominent as typical
New-York Harbor craft much identified
with its life as the gondola Is with that Of
Venice.
RISKY TRIP IN WINTER
The Hudson River in the last century
crossed by travellers only at great risk dis
comfort and delay. Blocks Of ice filled the river
from December until late In March. The waves
were high and covered with whitecaps when
the tide ran against the wind Before horseboats
came in travellers were rowed across in scows.
Previous to 1914 the only boats used the
East River were rowboats fiat scows with spirit
sails. at best periaguas. two masted sail
boats. AT slack water the trip was comfortable
and quick, but against a current or an angry
sea the boatmen could make no Roadway. Some
times, baffied by wind or tide. boat would
fetch up at Governors Island, or far out Of the
way in the opposite direction. Boats loaded with
cattle were in danger Of upsettng. When the day
windy many persons would prefer TO wait
until the moderated, and sometimes would
spend day in one Of the ferry houses before
they crossed. Some Of the dangers are described
in the newspapers Of the period. One account
says:
On the afternoon of January Is 1854, there was
an exciting in the East River a Jersey
ferryboat had got in the ice, and damaged
passengers eight in number into the water. They
were enabled to get on a cake Of ice. which was
East River. All the slips being fun Of ice, 1t
with difficulty that two or three small boats were
got out TO attempt their relief: but the large fields
OF ice at that moment in motion. rendered every
effort Of the boatmen frutless, and cut OFF every
crew Of soldiers able to follow them and res
cue cue al but one, negro man. who was frozen to
In 1884 THE Independent Journal" SAYS that:
On Saturday last ferryboat passing over from
Brooklyn TO this city was suddenly overset This
accident Is said to have been occasioned by the
shifting Of one OF the horses. Of which there were
FIVE on board which startled the rest that they
al Sd Tbs one Side when The boat mmed
swimming until they picked up
THE American Statesman" Of May q, 1901.
publishes the following statement:
Having seen several erroneous, accounts in IN.
papers respecting the upsettng of the ferryboat
time win thank YOU 10 publish the following: WV
Wy. We started from Fulton Market ferry stairs
passengers pass desired the boamen to brazil up the the
OF f the passengers wished and talked Of taking
Sn nsns0 OF me boat themselves We considered the
10 intoxication. However we concluded thai no
men would he employed in that business unless
uhey were capable Of the task but. unfortunately
We ailpWei them TO proceed The first gust that
zane upset us and several OF the passengers were
imin1ed'ately lost There In the boat about
ssweIve persons One woman and five men were
crowned Six of US were saved after being one
hour and half in the water e '"e
BOATS PROPELLED BY HORSES
About the time that Fulton.s stean ferrvhost
was put on the East River a new motive power
was tried on the New ferry. at present the Cath
crime ferry. The Long Island Star. Of Anril q
1914. sp' aking Of the boats initial trip. saws:
The boat is IN some respects similar IN a..
Paulus Hook Jersey city, ferryboats and cslcm
lated 10 receive wagons in the same commodons
way but the water wheel In the centre is moved
by eight horses. 1t crossed the river twelve times
during ha from eight tn sigbt..n -. suxss