The New York Herald Newspaper, November 15, 1868, Page 3

ret RON THE EAS" Collision Peween Two Fulton Ferry Boats. ‘FATAL AND SERIOUS CASUALTIES, Two Persons Killed and Thirty Wounded. Excitement in New York and Brooklyn. “DIASTE ii <4 Statements of Passengers, the Pilots and Officers of the Ferry Company. ARREST OF THE PILOT AND DECK HANDS The Coroner’s Inquest to be Held To-Day. Names of the Dead and Injured. One of those accidents which people seem to ex- pect, but when they do occur excite the public mind and create a profound sensation in the community, eceurred yesterday morning at the Fulton ferry. However confident people may have felt that the skill displayed by the pilots of this ferry in dodging passing vessels and escaping fying steamers would wecure paasengera from the hazard of collision, it Was certainly felt $€sterday morping, when the news Of the aisasier at the {erty spread Uky ywildare ‘through the lower part of this city and in Brooklyn, that sep rrjble oceyrrencé which it is our melan- choly duty to record this morning was a natural consequence of the mismanagement of the Fulton Ferry Company. The investigation into the circum- stances of the accident will show whether this idea ‘was well or ill founded. When it became known in the city that the Hamilton ferryboat ran into the Union at the ferry landing and that a number of per- ®ons were killed and wounded, the wildest excite- ment prevailed. The people were a prey to the most extravagant rumors. It was stated by some thatthe Hamilton's boilers had exploded, and it was asserted by others that both vessels had sunk in the river ‘with all on board. The circumstance that the acci- dent occurred in the early morning, when people usually throng the ferries on their way to business 4n the city, helped the imaginative and lent new ter- rors to the highly wrought statements or those who happened to be present at the disaster and shared the dangers of the accident, THE CASUALTY. ‘The facts of the dreadful occurence may be briefly stated:—Shortly after half-past seven o'clock A. M. the ferryboat Hamilton, laden with neariy « thou- wand passengers, was scen approaching the ferry aliip on the New York side. Tuere was nothing un- ‘usual in her appearance and she seemed to be man- @ged with ordinary skill. The tide was at the food ‘and it was therefore necessary that the man at the wheel should make due allowances for the force of ‘the current in effecting the detour from the tideway tuto the protecting arms of the slip. When the boat Was in the actual curve of the detour a propeller tied up to the next pier let go her lines and swung into tho passage WuAvug WHICH Ue Jon yUUIL BHU pans: tober slip. At this critical moment the wheelman ‘appeared to lose all control over his actions and per- maltted the Hamilton to run into the slip where the Union lay moored. The result was most disas- troas, The Hamilton, being heavily laden and, asi ‘wsual under such circumstances, being deepenagthe bow than at the after part, ran under the bow of the» Union, and the consequence was that, the guards, knighthead and hood of the former wWpiie carried away, and the fore cabin of the Hamilton, itwhich ‘were a number of ladies and gentlemen, was driven tn by the concussion. THE SCENE ON BOARD THE HAMILTON. ‘The wildest confusion now prevailed; women wereamed and fainted; a number of children were crushed and injured by the surging and excited throng, and several persons in a frenzy of alarm famped overboard. In consequence of the depres- pion of the Hamilton in the’water her bow ran low under the Union and the numerous cases of injury to the lower limbs of passengers resulted from this cause. George Brewer, a boy of seventeen years, who resided at Fifteenth street and Tenth avenue, Brook): and worked at Monroe's printing est: Tinment’ William street, New York, was instautiy killed by a splinter which struck hin in the neck, The od: the unfortunate boy was afterwards bruised beyond all recognition. Confused by fear, and probably interfered with by a large basket which ne carried is hand, he failed to extricate himseif from the jon in which he found himself when the collision took place, and before he could jump from the raf on which he was sitting death In an awful form overtook him. The scene was at this moment appalling, Men, women and children wore | crushed en masse. Shrieks anc groans: ee | here. high above the c deck hands; wae @ frightful kwarde; the w knocked = down on, | @trong, and the fe of all in ¢] boat wore that gi look the bravest wear 6 4 In the maa rash ‘people women an children were and crushed poets the cries for mercy were unheard amid the frightful uproar, . To add to the horror and confusion of the scene, tap hagas, of which there were many on the And pranced in wild dismay. Afew minutes suiliced to betray the extent of the calamity, but in those minutes of terror the awful ure was so heavily impressed on the minds of he spectators that years will not efface it. The un- Yojured ngers quickly escaped to the shore and communicated the terror which possessed them to the awe-stricken observers in the slip, ‘The ex a ment was intense. Mothers were looking for th children, lost in the dosperate eifort to escape from the front part of the boat, aud friends sougit for | friends in the moving and frenzied crowd. | A f imminent dan Lor. . At the time of the nt the pilot of the Hani!- ton, J. W. Albertson, was quietly eating his preak- | fast in the front wheellonse, avd Atlantic White, a deck hand, had charge of the wheel. The former has been in the service of the company since the 36th of November, 1950, and has served as a pilot eince May 19, 1852. He ne’ er had an accident hap- to his boat since he took charge of ber unl » man White has been licensed by the pprentice and relief to the regular pilot for two years. 11 will, however, ve the duty of the Coroner's jury to decide how far the lives of passengers entrasted by (lis and other companies ¢ ands.” Passengers on | the Hamilton a White, when he first | reeived the propeller, giveu the signal to reverse he engine, the accident would not have occurred, THE BXCITEMENT IN BROOKLYN occasioned by the receipt of the news of this fright fal accident, magnified and distorted by the wildest rumors, waa of the most intense description. Those who were at the terry om the other side awaiting transportation to their piaces of busi. | ness in thie city exhibited the — utmost impatience to reach the scene of the disaster, and Jearn its extent, crowding forward ou the boats as ‘they were propelled thither, aud straining their eyes to catch the earliest viow of its surroundings aud results, In Brookiyn, each tndiviaual bearing tidings of the occurrence, as he passed on his way to his home or other place of destination, was beset @ crowd of anxious questioners, who plied him with interrogatories respecting what be had seen and heard; how the accident occurred; how many were killed; how many injured; who ney where had they been taken, and a host of like quiries, rorcing nim or her to stand many times and repeat every fact or inference tu relation to or growing out of the affair that would at all help to a Clear understanding of its particulars, As the circle of those asessed with a knowledge of and the information, more or leas correc’ was carried farther into the intelli city; the excitement spread, and the gence reaching the houseliolds of those whose 8s called them to New York about the time of the occurrence of the accident, and who it was Possible might have been involved ip its serious Requences, caused the utmost consternation. |W Whose husbands had jeft them but @ short time Blacew ot to proceed to their stores, offices or other of daily duty; mothers whose son® or daugh- Were similarly’ abwent; brothers, sisters and frionds, equally exercised abont the inte of their Joved ones, excited beyond eudyrance at tle thougut | when the forward portion o: NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1868—TRIPLE SHEET. ag of thei bear suspense of waitl i home te tearn us and flocked in crowds the beatings of treme, Unaccustomed to associate the idea of dan- jer with the daily routine of life, the suddenness of he calamity found them unprepared for its patient endurance, and the seeming carelessness by which it was occasioned racked them with most painful imaginings of how easily it might have been avoided. .., TME VICTIMS, When the débria of the wreck had been removed and the extent of the calamity was ascertained, the crowd which gathered at the sip was moved back by the police and the work of removing the dead and wounded commenced. The deck hands were set to work to remove the victims, and the body of George Brewer. was taken into the botler room of the ferry house and covered with a blanket. Shut- ters were placed on the windows that the morbidly curious might not gaze on the mangled wreck of the poor boy whose light had gone out forever. Several of the injured were taken to hospitals in New York, and others were conveyed in carri to a homes 11 Brooklyn or to the hospital in that THE POLICE of the Second precinct were early on the scene of the accident and most active in thelr endeavors Ww ex- tend prompt relief to the injured and calin the ex- citement occasioned thereby. Captain de Camp, with the reserve section, at once touk charge of the boat and the body of the unfortunate lad, Bsewer, and collecting the names of the injured as they were removed ay about an eurly understanding of the extent of the disaster. Every facility that was possible was extended vo all inquirers who sought information respecting the accident,or its results, and the list of the parties invoived in Its sad conse- quences, being sent to the station house, was sub- mitted to all who sought to scan its contents tolearn if their friends were included among the sufferers, A large number availed themselves of this privile, during the early partof the day until the pubiica- tion of the list in the evening papers. “ ARREST OF THE PILOT AND DECK HAND. The pilot of the Hamilton, Join W. Albertson, and the deck hand, A. White, who was at the wheel at the time of the occurrence of the accident, were early placed under arrest and removed to the Second pre- Sarat Station house to await the action of the Coro- THE INQUEST. A short time afterwards Coroner Keenan, having empaneiled a jury, proceeded tg the ferry youse, at the foot of Fulton street, to fold ai inquest on the Femalns of George Brewer title UM wa silly. davis Tawed the he was postponed Until tis morning, at eleven orelock, when it will bé held at the Second precinct statfon house. Later in the afternoon Albertson and White were admitted to bail in $6,000 each, which was furnished by Mr. Smith, managing director of the Union Ferry Company. THE TESTIMONY OF BYR WITNESSES—STATEMENT OF A PASSENGER ON THE UNION. George W. Broach, who was a witness to the oc- inakes the following statemen' About it seven o'clock this morning I went on us the Union ferry boat, at the Fulton ferry, Ne York side, for the RaEnoeS of coming to Brookly when I got on board the boat I went to the front, where there were about a dozen persons standing besides myself; ort after I got there I saw the other boat, which believe was the Hamilton, coming from Brookiyn towards ihe slip; the boat on which I was was in the slip nearest the South ferry, and the coming in boat would naturally take the slip on the other side; when I first saw her she was about two handred feet off, and was headed directly for the boat on which I was standing; she was crowded with passengers, 80 much so, that her forward part was depressed considerably below the usual level; she kept advancing in the same straight line towards the boat on which I was, until she came so near, that [ saw that @ collision was inevitabie, and with the others who were standing on front of the boat I stepped back some paces to avoid the shock. At the same the Passengers, ou the approach- ing boat, were seized with a panic, and attempted to get back out of the way, but. at was the crowd of people and wegons iy it they could not move Wea Tn & few nd during the confusion of the victims tryingto save themseiveé, ihe approaching boat came Up to the boaton which I was with such force that, owing to the depression of her forward part she ray under the guards and, striking the under bow, was veered to one side s0 that with the force at which she was moving the forward por- tion of age adlee cabin Was entirely torn away. ‘When iniiton ran wWhder the guards of the Union there Were a number of people wounded Whose names your reporter will no doubt learn, and ® number of ladies were algo injured. What 4 wish particularly to state is, that wiule the Hamilton Li | and in sighs DROUIN RAE f VUE 08 B¥Ors one thi gol must oceur, there was not the slightest perceptible diminution of her speed, and, to me, the lent appeared as the result of the cagolcenegy qpthe part of the pilotin STATEMENT OF A ree oT ON THE HAMILTON. 4" Mr. William H. Delaney, of 147 High street, passen- ger on the Hamilton, suys:—1 was om board the Ham- liton, which left the Brooklyn alip for New York about half-past be SF 1 stood outside the cabin tn the part of i, Which was heavily laden with ala wagons going over to mar- ket; a 1 Pape i heart’ ine pil a roacl eard the pilot's bent ri poed of the Moats the so! "OL. the steam was then diffe: PAR efor the first thing that s was a crash 01 come into coll in the lower sit ing and pepe sinking; the bow ol the stern of the boat inthe the fore part of the ‘Hat part of that boat, very machew the guards touched the water; me pif to have control of the Hauiitoa, for he Bf out without much trouble, % STATEMENTS OY OTTER PASSENGER: | ri street, | paras someting wron: on Which had he Union) living of scream- t 18 not Edward Valentine, who resides at 113 P Brooklyn. states that he waa a passenger on bord the Hamiiton at the time of the oveurren The | boat was crowded from bow to svern with men, wo- men and children, and in the centre with market Wagons, At the time of the occurrence of the acci- dent he was standing in the passage way between the two ladies’ cabins, reading a newspaper. When the firat shock occurred of the boat runaing under the guards of the Union there was a generat panic, every one maklug for the rear part of the boat; but the seene was of the wildest aud most heartrentling e cabin Was tora away Mescription, Men in front of the boat jumped inio the water to save themselves. ‘Phe woincn shrieked and, forgetful of every! hing but safety, clung to the men nearest tiem in irantic desperation, aud alto- gether it was # scene, as Mr. Valentine says, he never Wishes to see ag: Mr. Valentine staies that there was no bell rung beiore the accident w slack the speed of the boat, and that the speef was not siackened any. Anotier passenger Ww ton desorihes the disaster board the ferryboat Hamilton, Fulton street, Brooklyn, at tw minutes past seven o'clock this morning. The boat was crowde and had evidently been in (he slip for some ume. > vther boat catue Into the oiher «lip, but ia two or tree minutes the Hamilton started out, having re- | mained longer than uaual When we’ tad nearly | reached the New York side | walked ffom the after part of the boat to the forward Immense crowd Was pressing forw midway of the forward fadies' cath i was fliled no far as the front part of (i with sengers try io get . Suddenly 1 heard a loud ‘¢ of breaking finbers, | nip! by loud and grudges, Th crowd ety pred io rush ack, and Mma mo! the fron and part of the side of ihe cabin. wyere crushed in as it the woodwork lad been pastefoard. | Passengers were knocked tin @very direction, One man was lying down teensibie in Lie caiiu near | me, Pconld hear groaning om ail sides. Many boys | aad girls were sudering from contusions, and many children, coming over to the city to work, were frantic with fright. I saw a nan and woman each with a foot crushed, and also saw aboy brought frou the forward part of the boal dead. As soon a8 the acekdeut occurred the police took charge of the boat and restored order a nas possible. Many of the passengers Were paraiyzed with fear, and It Was some lime before they could be quieted. ‘The entire side of the forward jadies’ cabin was brokeu into spiuiters for ten or fifteen feet from the front, and the ratings aud stanchions were carried away. Auother passenger thus detailed what he saw:—L Was a passenger on board the Hamtlion, which lett the Brovkiyu side about nar. When we reached the New York war in one of the slips. The first intimation { had of any anusial occurrence was the nolse of timbers, and going forward fou had vollided with the Union, completely carrying away the forward cabin of the Hamiiton clear to the guards, and leaving exposed to view a heart- rending sight, Allthat T could take in at a gianee ‘Was two men and o boy lying amid the ruin, quite dead, while two other men were so reverely injured in the legs as to be unable to use them, One of these [ aasistey! in placing ina carriage, A woman also had both legs mutilated horrible manner, ‘There were several others who appeared more or less internally injured. STATEMENT OF THR PILOT OF THE HAMILTON. J. W. Albertson, pilot of the Hamtiton, following statement:—Our boat, the Ha on @ line with the This boat had the Aue trouble on the New York side the trip before, and #0 we gota load of over ® thousand people and were weigtied down in the water pretty low before we started. Just now it's food tide at thie time in the morning, and besides there isa pretty licavy fresuet it the North river, so that the tide rugs very strong from Governor's nd tothe foot of Beekman. A sort of eddy is so pushed down stream very strong from Beekman street, close in by the piers, Jnst as we rounded and came tp near the ferry houses, @ Southern propeller (this was the Gulf City), two piers below, that they were hauling into her #lip, jet go her astern ropes and eiewed ryapd om her bow c.gse by our pier, so ag to j just sta | skirmishes, and during the course of cut off our of it. We had to sheer off so a8 to keep out of the Propeller, and this took the b- OFS slip where the t— ferry bridge; as w ent the down stream caught ‘us right into the Unton, smash- cabin, : was eat my breakfast wheelhouse, and had wheel; he’s do this by the company for two ack, often had the wheel before. I don’t blame any, nor the engineer; he did the best he could; bie was the propeller ‘threw us off the course, when the eddy struck us we were 6o low in the clear, I Rave 1) eigh- we been sf ferryboats for sixteen and a half years; I have one or two accidents aie tana none resulting in loss of iife or i serious bodil: lo accidenta which have occurred to boats er my charge were simply the breaking of sanchenos, 26. ‘The report that I sig- nalled the engineer to reverse the engine, but that he was unable to do 80, a8 the engine was on the centre, is incorrect. The peller, the name of which I do not know, was alone to blame for the accident. As far as the wheelman was concerned it . The propeller let go her stern ‘ung around with the flood tide, covering Phy White pursued the usual course with that tide, going between the propeller and the bulkhead. The rate at which we were going and the small pace, carried us into the Union's pier before we were le to reverse the e and back, STATEMENT OF THE PILOT OF THE UNION. William White, pilot of the Union, states:—My boat was lying in the lower slip, New York side, ready to go out, when the Hamilton came in and yan under the bow. The Union was not particu- larly hurt. 1 immediately went down from the pilot house to gre what assistance 1 could, and found the deck bands already there giving help. LG, Ege on THE FERRY COMPANY. inion Ferry Com! esterd: ternoon published the following chal pring UNION FERRY OFFICE, Nov. 14, 186%. An accident occurred this morning about half-past seven o'clock at the Fulton ferry slip, New York side, by the boat Hamilton running under the guard of the Union, carrying away the knightbead rail and hood ofthe Hamilton. Persons were injured by the falling of the wood and materials of the hood; no injury to the Union but breaking rudder chain. A boy by name of Brewer, living in Fifteenth street, Gowanns, was killed; George Devoe was badly hurt and taken to the City Hospital, Julta Darby, franklin avenue, had a hip dislocated; about twenty others were injured more or leas, most of them slightly. The ptlot of the Hamilton was Albertson, an old and experienced pilot. All those injured have been sent to their homes by the company, except those who went of themselves, and Doctors Jobnson aud Farley have been directed to look after and attend those requiring surgical ald. Information bas been given to the reporters of the papers as far as ascertained by the company, When the correct cause and facts can be ascertained they shall be given to the public, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE COMPANY. List OF THK KILLED AND WOUNDED. pegs a i residing at the one oe Lata ad ree! fenth avenye, Brogkiyn, Killed outrig! Wiliam Broo iad, Shia Tie ath cut in the calf of the leg, nd body somewhat by being t’atupled apofl. George Devoé, 346 Tillary street, injured about the hips and by pete pach He was conveyed to the City Hospital, in Raymond street. He is aman of about thirty years of age. He will recover. Mrs. Frances iiart, 127 Plymouth street, feet and legs badiy crushed; presumed to be fatally injured, Conveyed to Vity Hospital, New York. ’ William Cunningham, 146 Portland avenue, said to be fatally injured. Carlos Kraus, 257 Atlantic street. Sarah Clark, girl, fourteen years of age, injured about the head. Lizzie Ciark, sister of the above, injured in the feet, The sisters reside in Pearl street, Brooklyn, and were working at 26 Beekman street, New York. Mr. Morreil, 257 Atlantic street, feet badiy hurt. Taken to his residence, Join Thompson, 137 Navy street, fatally, at Belle- vue Hospital, New York. ‘Thompson is janitor of the Sun building and was standing near the chain when the collision occurred. He was struck by the tim- 8, Several ribs were fractured and his collar bone broken. It 13 feared, too, that his spine is injured, and that he is suffering internal hemorrhage. The following named persons were not so severely injured, althougii the wature of the injuries is got known; é . Charles Gundlach, a German, who resides on Sumter astree’ ew Brooklyn, was injured about the back, but not very seriously. He was conveyed to Bellevue Hospitai. Julia Darby, corner Franklin and Flatbush ave- nues, thigh broken by being trampled upon, Alfred Hart, Hickory street, near Tompkins, head badly hurt. Julia Mahan, 232 Hudson avenue, slightly. Mias Boyd, living in ‘t New York, at the corner of Smith and Bond streets, slightly injured, and taken to her residence. Mrs. Corrigan, No, 119 erat street, badly injured about the head; taken to City Hospital Frances M. Scennel, a girl fifteen years old; Kent Seen near Franklin. Slightly injured about the ma Kate Farrell, No. 112 Navy street, slightly injured and taken to ier Tesidence. age pe fe nome unattended. Hie ae irs. Quimby, No. 82 Cranberry street; slightly in- jured; taken to her residence. Eliza Vampion, No. 10 Lawrence street; slightly injured; taken to her residence. Charles Gross, slightly injured; went away with- Out assistance, Catharine Menely, residing at No. 28 Front strect; basi ry years old; slightly injured. Michael Hart, ten years of age, who resided with his parents in Plymouth street, Brookiyn; taken to Bellevue Hospital; suffering from a slight contusion Of the foot. Mise Fagan, No. 7 Franklin place, corner of Pearl. Margaret Mullen, who resides on Myrtle avenue, Was slightly injured by being crashed in tue crowd. ‘She was taken to her residence. Mary Miller—Slightly. Mise Asbury—Slightly. Oscar W. Dusenberry, 156 Myrtle avenue, Brook a; both feet badiy crushed and left ankle broken. Taken to his residence. THE PRIZE RING. Late last evening @ despatch was sent from Wogmaid, in Boston, to the HERALD, stating that he would fight O'Baldwin for $1,000 or $5,000, at two weeks’ notice. This may probably suit all parties, but should arrangements be entered into it is to be hoped there Will not be a repetition of the recent borabast and humbug. Chicago is becoming @ new arena, Several encoun- tera are already announced. Among them one for $260 between two aspirants named John F ht and Richard McElliott, on the first Monday in December, It isto be hoped that the former.will inaugurate a reforin iu the preseul tactics of the ring. Nine contests ere announced to take place, viz.:— W. Hogan and M. Conkiyn, for $400, in Pennsylvania, November 17; J. Cailahan and P. Scanian, for $1,000, November 21; J. Donovan and Mangels, for tn. Pennsylvania, November 27; Jerry ltogen a Whalen, for $400, November 28; Carrol) and D.C usetts, for $500, November 20; Dan aget, for $1,0 in Massachusetis, December 2; &, O'Ratterty aad W. Stanhope, in Pennaylvania, for $600, December 2; Abe Hicken aud P. Maguire, for $2,000, lu Virginia, December 25. It fs suid that Mike Mo He has forever foraworn ti t to “aul the will fight no more, e ad has eas mate of a schooner. ‘The trial of George Sedtons, who ts indicted for leaving tie Stale of Massachusetts for the purpose of engaging in a prize fight, is set dowo for (ue 7th toss. SPARRIRG EXHIBITION, svoning & kparring exhibition was given of Ned James, who is about to pro- ceed to Envope, with the object of seeking the ser- vices of some eminent oenlist, his sight having become considerably impaired within the last few years. hall No, 609 Broadway was filled to ita utmost capacity—indeed many were unable to ob- tain admission aven before the exhibition com- menced—so that by the tine the first set-to was an- nounced intense heat, crushing end clouds of smoke were the prevailing characteristies. The display was, undoubtedly, @ pecaulary success; but It did not aitogether realize the anticipations of those present, as the principal contestants, while acting generously and scientifically, did not fulfll their part of the “programme in “ita eutirety, Shortly after eight o'clock standing room waa next to an impossibility, and when two youngstera appeared on the stage to open the proceedings the atmosphere was decidedly trying to the nervous system, For the first hour or 90 the audience were treated to some excellent miniature exibitions, the antagonists not beiug particularly careful of their phystognomues. Most of the encounters were mere rough and tumble ents many of the youthful pugilists were thumped to their hearts’ conient, Good humor prevailed throughout, and nothing occurred to render the exhibition in any way obnoxious, A great deal of merriment was caused by a boxer known as the “Clipper,” who went to iis work with ~ will, wriggling ail the while like an cel, but at intervals receiving substantial blows for his injudicious dexterity. ‘The Interest In the evening's entertainment was of course centred in the glove fight between Joe Coburn and Bill Clarke, who upon presenting themselves wore received with applause. It was underatood that their gloves were to be blackened, #o that the marks of blows could be recognized, and that whoever should have the least number within’ half an hour should be declared the winner. Just as they were about toengage it was announced that thepiacking would be dispensed with and that the contest should he limited to ten minutes, Both men set to ina jocular manner and sparred humorously for # few minutes. Clarke hopped about with remarkable agility and endea- vored to open the attack, while his opponent was cautions and was evidently awaiting an opportupity. Few blows were administered, for, truth to , the pee | of both was an excellent display of science and well worth being seen. Coburn landed a few siraight blows on Clarke's face, which the latter re turned. After an excetient though brief display the enuiertaigment was brought to a close, x i | did. THE METEORS. A NIGHT OF CELESTIAL PYROTECHNICS, The Display Witnessed in All Parts of the United States. Report of the Superintendent of the Naval Observatory. Meteoric Shower Observed in England Last Night. The meteoric displays of November, 1866, and No- vember, 1867, having been duly heralded by the astronomers, were duly watched, commented on and vividly desertbed by all who are prone to lift their eyes heavenward at short notice. In England, and such countnes as occupy a northeastern por- tion of this world’s civilized domain, the display was on au unusually large scale, and many valuable facts and daia were gathered by those who lift their eyes from earth to study the mysterious ways of heaven. But no star gazer or sounder of the celes- tial deep had announced that this fall would be marked by any unusual signs in the heavens. Such, however, proved to be the case. The meteoric display of November 13 and 14, 1868, though not so startling in point of numbers as that of the same date last year was undoubtedly more mag- nificent in point of splendor. We speak of the two sights as viewed with the naked eye at New York, for many of the meteors that flashed across the heavens on the night of Friday and morning of Saturday last were distinguishable only to the sharp- est sight or through instruments calculated to sound only the most remote depths of heavenly glory. Abont eleven o'clock on Friday night several shoot- | ing stars were visibie here, but none was large or briliant enough to draw more than a passing notice. The only remarkable feature in the heayens was the frequency aud rapidity of these go-called “shooting stars. Towards midnight, however, many large aud brilliant bodies Were seen traversing-the heavens, often in opposite directions. Those whose memory recalled the date of the last and its previous years’ meteoric displays at once suspected the possibility or probability of a fine heavenly show. Such a# had the patience and enduranceto keep a wake on the heavens all night must now feel grateful that the brilliant sight did not escape their eyes. For the cause of science it will be well if those who viewed the heavenly dis- play of November 15-14, 1568, will give scientide and professional menjan accurate and unenthusiastic re- cital of what they witnessed, As seen from the top of the HERALD building, the finest sights were from one o'clock on Saturday morn- ing unttl thirty-five minutes after; again, from ten minutes past two o'clock until twenty minutes of three; from half-past three until four o’clock, and from five until shortly after*dawn. ‘Three very large and bright meteors, however, crossed the heavens from the direction of east-northeast, but pearly overhead, at fen minutea past six A.M. Neither exploded, but appeared about the size of and similar to ship lights, They left no trail, and died out as saddenly as an ordinary light blown out by a puff. Although seen to rise at all points of the horizon and direct their course earthwards the great ma- jority started from the northeast, The general focus appeared to be at an angie of fifteen degrees above the horizon about one A. M. This focus seemed to rise towards» the zenith—very like the movement of the bodies in the plauetary system—until at dawn the focus seemed almost overhead. Although no compass. Was at hane qnd the polar atar waa dimmed by the horizon, still the observations made” o? Weve among the most brillant meteors settles the fact ‘that the general focus was due northeast. Several directed their course towards the observer here; some fell short, others passed over to the southwest and not a few exploded overhead. One remarkabie meteor, at twénty minutes past one in the morning, arose in the northeast, as learned from the trail and explosion. It crossed the heavens towards the southwest and exploded overhead, Tue flash was very orilliant but short lived; still tue observer could distinctly read the figures on a watch’s brass dial plate and see minute objects on the roof. The meteor in ita descent looked like a rocket stick on fire amidst a long cloud of smoke, The fire died out when at about thirty-five degrees aluitude; but the cloud remained immovable by the wind and gradually sank until it was dissipated near the horizon. From the extinguishment of the meteor until the smoke or cloud dissipated a space of twenty-two minutes elapsed, The weight of the cloud, or what seemed smoke, Was too remarkable to be left unnoticed in the w tof Saturday morning's display, In its descending course this same meteor described the figure of an S, and Was the most beautiful aerolite of the whole night. Another meteor, at twelve minutes past one, start- ed from out the travel due south in a straight line about ten degrees above the horizon. From the root of the Heka:o building 1t seemed to explode over Weehawken and looked a8 lavge a8 an ordinary head. The singular fea- tnre about i was that all, or nearly all, of the rainbow's colors were successively shown it is transit. it must be regretied, i a scienutc point of view, if no party of observers has taken the order, comparative length and duration as well as mtensity of these colors. So rapid aud direct se of this meteor that one person, aided by imsiruments, could take such observa- tions, As viewed from an elevation commanding a full sight of the horizon, the fail of meteors looked like @ universul display’ of fireworks on the grandest scale. The awiftness, greatness and brightness of meteors, liowever, would leave pyrotechny in rk shad® AS contrasted with last year's shower tis year's Was less mummerous but far more brilliant piTOR OF THE Herat. position on Twelfth #é h northeast, I coun near Broadway, d, between the looking. ui hours of twelve and three this morning, thre dred meteors, radiating apparently south, Koulhwest and west from the constellation Vulgariy called the Dipper. ‘The night being fine, and all the constel- lations fairly blazing, the extibition was really aplen- Some of the suouters were first class and moved with -a Velocity calculated to appal even the Great Bear, JW. Me NOVEMBES 14, 1868, Report Observatory at Washington, WASHLSOTON, Noy. 14, 1868, The forlowing is the officlal report from Commo- dore Sands, Superintendent of the Naval Observa- tory, in regard w the recent meteoric showers, re- ceived at Le Navy Department this afternoon:— Usirep STATES NAVAL OBSERVATORY, WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 1868. Sit—1 liave the honor to submit the following prelimmary report of the meteoric shower of this inorning »— During (he evening of the 13th inst. there were no greater niuuber of meteors to be seen than are w ally obkerved oa clear nights until about eleven P M., when there seemed to be an Increase in the num- bers and brilliancy, though not suMivient to indicate the beginning of «a shower, At midnight the number had considerably increased, and the prevalence of trains was generaily noted. At thirty-flye minutes past midnight the observing party, consisting of Professor Eastman and Messrs, jarrison, Frisby and began to count the meteors, and to plat the tri of the principal ones that appeared in th portion of the heavens cov- ered by tue star chart constructed at the Observa- tory in 1867, At one hour thirty-five ininutes A. M. 900 meteors had been counted, most of them quite brilliant, and nearly all of them leaving green, blue or red traina. Thus far the display had not been coniined to any portion of the sky; but moat of them were in the northern and southern heavens, and scarcely any were in @ position to be plac in the star chart. Many of the trains were visible several minutes, One lasted ten minutes and traces of one near B. Ursa Minoris were scen thirty minutes after the appearance of the meteor. After one hour and fifty minutes Professor Fast } assisted by Mr. Harrison, devoted his time to map- ping and rating the time of apparition of the princi- pal meteors, and succeeded in sketching the tracks of about ninety, During one hour and forty-three minutes four hundred had been counted, and after- wards the successive hundreds were observed in the das | intervals. = (The here ven by Commodore observations were continued watil M., at ich time there had been Counted 5,078, At two hours and twenty minutes A. M. fessor Nones and son joined the party of observers and assisted in counting the meteors [n the western heayeng, During jhe whole display there Wore many the Superintendent of the Naval | on Saturdays) meteors seen in the west, but from f y five the numbers were about equal in the cate ne west, The time of maximum frequency of the meteors was about five hours, when they fell at the Tate of about 5 pre hour, The radiant point wag juite well defi during the latter end of the shower was found by estimation to bo about 149 de. es in right ascension and twenty-two minutes irty seconds in declination. The trains were un- usually brilliant, presenting the various shades of green, orange, blue au and _remained Visibié for an unusual sength of tlme, Frequently ag many as five could be seen at once, presenting pn appearance when nearly dissipated of ight, cirrus clouds. The shower commenced several hours before it was expected, as it was predicted jast year that it would be seen in 1868 in the Pacific Ocean only, A number of star charts were dis. tributed a few days to the various observatories and sclentific men of the country, and ft is believed that many valuable observations have been made, of which we shall soon learn. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F, SANDS, Commodore and Superiniendent. The Meteoric Shower at Troy, N. Y. ‘Troy, Nov. 14, 1868, Nature has for once liberally fuldiled the expecta- tons of mankind, especially that portion denomi- nated star-gazers, Of late years, from time to time, astronomers have predicted a glorious display of | celestial pyrotechnics, but almost as often, with a few rare exceptions, have the fond public been wheedled into keeping late hours (and early ones too), all tolitule if any purpose. ‘This year no really definite prediction was made, and a quiet expecta- tion only Was indulged, and as a consequence a most luminous, elegant, attractive and soul-satis(ying dis- play took place last nightin the heavens bounding this region of country. ‘Those who retire early last evening hereabouts Certainiy missed a inosi gldrions: sight, for ai cleven o'clock a solitary meteor, starting trom the constellation Leo, shot swiftly across the heavens in a westerly direction, passing between the stars Alioth oud Urrzar of the constellation Major, in a plane parallel to that of the ior! ‘This meteor left a magnificent greenish train t nd it, and on exploding presented a charming golden sppearance, This delightful inauguratic ing was quickly followed by several less brilliant stars and meteors that traversed the same path. ‘Then branching out from the same constellation Went stars of every size and shooting to almost point of the compass, Fromeleven P, M. to two o’clock this moruing nine hundred meteors were counted — from the teinporary observatory of the Kensselacr Polytechnic Institute of this city, — and among them several large and very — brilliant meteors were observed by Mr. Barry, of that school of selence. One of these impressive and grand ineteors in particular took a southwesterly diree- | tion, passing near Eta, of the constellation Leo, and kde 3 between the constellations Orton and Oalrrs Major, where it exploded with a purple light, its imperial train remaining yisibie for several Tynutes, the latter being of a greenish blue tint, 800n changing to a white ona fesumitig a rugged outline, The night was dark and everyihing was favorable to the august display of the skies, which Was witnessed by thousands of deeply interested Spectators in all Vhis section, my advices coveriug au extent of country from Montreal to Albany, The Display as Witnessed at Poughkeepsie. POUGUKKEPSIE, Noy. 14, 1868. The display of meteors here last nigit was vers fine. A cloudiess sky gave ainple opportunity io view them. One magnificent meteor lasted several minutes, It represented a ball of fire as Jarve as a man’s head, with a trail of great length and widih. The Display in mnectiont, Haxrroxp, Conn., Noy. 14, 1 A splendid meteoric display was witnessed le! just after midnight. three hundred at the rate of over ten a minute. Some of them were very brilliant, and ieft long trails behind them fasting a minute or more. The dispiay increased in the number and briiliaaey of the mete- ors after ne o'clock A. M, pteoric Shower. (From the New Haven Journal, Nov. 14. True to prediction, the meteoric shower came to Ume last night, and although inferior in numbers, in briliancy the shooting stars far exceeded those aur- ing the great shower last rier The sky was cloud- Jess, and the absence of the moon made the disp!ay appear the most imposing possible. Interested #t gazers posted themselves on commanding positiot aud all who had occasion to be in the streets after midnight were delighted observers of the exhibition of Ripe the ics. ‘The meteors would shoot fn alla across the heavens, bursi in many cases like ets, leaving the most brilliant tals opment behind them. A party of students were the tower of the Scientific School, while Professor Newton and twelve juniors kept watch from the top of Alumni Hall, From the latter party \teegee? tapregerts ral, “Bing, the dirst bait — 0 Mactwnnn® <i 1eCUrdeg, ‘The Display in Philadelphia. PHILADELPBIA, Nov. 14, 1868. The shower of meteors last pight far exceeded that of just year tu brillianey and numbers. The Display in Magsuchusctts, Bowron, Nov. 14, 1868. Between two and five o’elock this morning two gentiewen in this chy counted 4,500 meteors, some of great brillianey, The largest one fell in the north- west, having # long luminous trail, The most extensive meteoric siower seen tn this Vicinity for years occured jast night and tiis morn- ing. At midnight the eye could hardly be directed wo any part of the heavens without discerning one ov more briiiant trains. ‘The general point of radiation seemed to be in the northeast, but the metcors moved In almost every direction, but generally due south or due west from the point of radiation, “Most of them were of a fiery red color, and in moving across the sky left long trains of pale green light, some of which Were visible for one or (wo minut The meteors were universally bright, many appear- Ing equal in brililancy to the brightest planet. The condition of the atmosphere was sing rly favor. able for witnessing the display in its full glory, and the spectacle was richly worth Watebing wany 4 long night to witness. The Display in Virginia. Ricamonn, Nov. 14, 1508. There was a brilliant meteoric display here eleven o'clock jast night unttl four this morni Ponrness Mosnor, Nov. 14, 1 There was ® brilitant meteorie display this morn. ing, commencing at two o'clock and coutinuly untit daybreak. The most brilliant of the from the northward, travelling southwest, and were similar to sky rockets. The passengers on the Ne folk boat discovered them about half-past one o* of the Potomac, and they were #0 brilliant they could gee to read papers. Bri Display Observed in North Car nin. RaLeran, Nov. 14, About cieven o'clock last ulght shvoting me were at firs! appeared at intervals, but towards morniag perfect showers shot in every direction, making a most brilliant and imposing display. So brigh! and refulgent was the light that many people were at- tracted from their houses by its glaré through their windows, and numbers reaained w to witness the phenomena, until shortly afte M., when it ceased, Some negroes, wore unpre nated with African superstition than astronomy, foil to praying upon seeing the meteors, assured that the judgment day was at hand, The teorie Shower in South Curolion. CHaMnEstos, Nov. U4, 186%, A brilliant shower of meteors was observed here © abont one o'clock this morning. The Meteor Display tn Tennessee. Nasiavitie, Now. i4, 1968. A meteor shower occ this morning at three o'clock and lasted until haif-past six, Tho display Was the finest ever seen. The Display in Louisiana. NeW ORLEANS, Nov. 14, 1868, A very brilliant meteoric di y Was witnessed last night, lasting from midnight until daylight. Some meteors are described as having a trail behind them visible for Mfieen minutes. Extraordinary Metooric Shower in Californian. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov, 14, 1968, An extraordinary meteoric shower Was seen here Jast night, commencing about half-past ten o'clock and lasting until early this morning. The display at two o’ciock A. M. rivalled in splendor that of Novem. ber 14, 1867. Several meteors ieft @ train of light distinguishable for many seconds, ‘The general di- rection appeared to be from east to west, METEORIC DISPLAY IN ENGLAND, Loxpos, Noy, 14, 1868. A fine meteoric display Was witnessed vy the ob- servers at Oxford University to-night. Extensive arrangements had been made last night at the observatories and elsewhere for scientifically noting the expected meteoric display last evening, but the sky being clouded no meteors were seen. FORMER METEORIC SHOWERS. ‘The Chinese recora ‘phenomena extends DaGh 1 6OF BO, wag fram the seveuty century can CC EEPMSEETSZ_S_COL_ ee of the bill of the even- | description, wildiy | Four observers counted over | served in the heavens to the southeast. They | B. 0. to A, D, 333 sixteen falls of gerolites are re corded, Humboldt speaks Of one seen in 1786 of a brilliancy greater than the sun at noor. One was seen in a, February 6, 1813, of a light equal tg the sun. These wonderful displays were, however, all muepanend by the memorable scenes of 1853, wite ney by the writer, which were visible ail over the United States and over part of Mexico and the W jt Indies, Mingled with the smaller stara, pe ae Wiel fakes an omahe~ e = als, a, there were large S18 Deus at raj In tervals, fereribing Bc a socom Ning hirty or fort! ¥ ara the exhibition was Yawiat in its grandeur, The firmament descended in torrents ov the dark and roaring cataract. alarm Produced by these meteors, But actence, with 1 unfailing resources, “unwound the eternal dances of he stars,and tracked the comet in ita blazing course;'? nd now inen look for these displays as they look for any other astronomical Viaitadous, as explained’ by Professor Olmstead, these meteors probably anate from a nebulous body which revolves round #un In an elliptical orbit, the aphelton of which | mores (00 orbit of the earth at the time of thé annual ‘one of the meteors, though the: | fall with prodigtons velocity, ever reach me ‘artis ina solid slate, ali bei “4 | phere, eing dissipated in the atmos- ART ITEMS. | nai sicaet | One main feature of the exhibition at the Aeademy | Of Design, to be opened on the 24th ingt., will be aw | complete a collection as possible of the works of the | late lamented artists, Elliott and Leutze, ‘The Brooklyn Art Association will hold the first re- ception of its ninth season at the Academy of Music, | in Brooklyn, on Monday evening, the 16th inst. The | President of the Association for the present year it | Regis Gignoux; the Vice President, B.S. Mills; the ‘Treasurer, G, J. Ford, and the Secretary, B. H. Smith. Mr, Larkin ©, Mead, Jr., Who has lately returned | from Florence, has gone weet to exhibit to the com- | mittee his admirable design for the “National Line | Coln Monument,’ to be erected in the Oak Hill Cem- } elery, at Springfetd, Ul, This monument, the foundation of which is to be Jaid next spring, | will be an obelisk one hundred feet high, It ix | to be surmounted by a globe and an eagle. The | names of all the United States will be inscribed npon, | it, A colossal statue of Lincola will be surround by groups in bronze, representing types of the navy, infantry, cavalry and marine. The cost of the mon- | umeut bas been estimated at $200,000, As the sum of | $135,000 has been already subscribed 11 is earnestly to | be hoped that Unis will not have to be added to the dis- | gracefully long list of unilnished memorials of a | similar nature in America, We understand that | Mr. Mead will shortly go back to Italy and resume | lus work upon several other important commissions | with which he has been entrusted. The unveiling of Mr. McDonald's fine statue, “La | Sonnambula—of which a full description was given ) some tae ago In these columns—was the occasion | the other evening of a most agreeable rounion of | artists and representatives not only of the press, | but of every cultivated class in our community at | the studio of the sculptor. The company was so j Aumerous an to invade the adjoining studios of Mr, } Wilson and Mr. Marshall. ; Afr. Marshall, who has just returned to New York, | | must find that the demazid for his superb engraving of “General Grant’? has even mercused since the late Presidential cleetton. Mr. Linton, (he emiuent English engraver, who has now fairly taken up his abode in New York, has jately completed ine fest engraving on wood ever | produced in this e¢ try. The subject is Mr, Rosen- | berg's very successful painting of “Long Branch by | Moonhigit, uich is now on exhibition at the | Derby Athenwam. The execution is wonderful in parts of this © eul work, and we may especially e surf of the sea, the gray uf the breaking Waves on the beach, e y Athenwum is rapidly becoiuing a favor- ite resort for the lovers of arb.as well as of books. A place where they can lounge and “invite their souls to rest,” and at the same time eujoy the donbie chance of adding boih to their libraries and their galleries caunsi fatl to be attractive. Goupii’s gatlery (Knoedler’s) has been reopened with a number oi choice new Works by Mecissonier, Bonguéreau, Kosa Bonheur, Biaise Desgoites, Auguste Bonheur, Coomans, amon, Bauguiet, De Jonghe, Van eudel, Neustiitter,’ Comte Caix, Vibert, Worms, Girardet and Bout exhibits works by Oswald Achen- Brochart, Robie, Friebel and other eminent foreign painters, together with a portrait of General Grant, by Boyle, ana the cast of a bust of Washington Irving, by Van Wart, intended for the Park. alibi Neca Colman, J. M. Hart, Noble aid othied Ss artiols. Al Minor & Barker's gallery the chief attraction is “Esmeraida,” by Van Lerius. A sale of pictures vy distinguished German, Dutch and Belgian artiste | will take place at this gallery, November 19 and 20. | Chromos und half chromes are becoming more than ever the order of the day. Happily improved specimens are taking the place of the carlier rude examples of chrome-tithography, which is now not ouly popularizing art, but is educating ie cye of the | public to an appreciation of the highest eiforts of our | artists, The best ialf chromos which we have iately | seen’ are ‘Ihe Home In the Wilderness,” by 8S. Ke | Gifford, and ‘Pastoral Abodes,” James ht. Mari— | both of which have been published by Goupil & bronius, Gurney & Son have just issued sev! artmirable romos, aumnoug them Mischievous i after the original by Jolua Carter; “Autaina Fruits? by W. M. Brown—rich and luscious t son—and “God's Acre,’ by Miss thetic iNustratiou of Lougfeilow's tin that title. ‘ Chicago ts rivalling New York in chroino-lithog poems beariug phy. Jenkinson, Keitz & Co. have publ tal fac-sitnile of “Making the Serap boo! (who lately sailed for Europe to artistic studies), a picture whic the first prize of the Philadelplita Sketch Club. ‘To return to our New York arty e. Bilzabethe Murray, whose splendid water color h jou to wamire at the last exh ca by Miss vOU TT Nae ulned f Desugn, inust now be numb < them. ‘This gifted and highly accomplished lady + as opened a studio at No. 12 University Building. Bricher, the well known Jandscapist, ls aiso yew York. E. Greene has returned from ap tic throughout Burope and tie Past. W. Thompson, a Maryland artist, who has at Paris and at other art Centres tia n yeard, has ostablished hin present engaged upon & for whieh he made tn @ section of our ¢ moved from Boston to » De studied abc ape for nine or New Yor rae landseape, cern Norui like Baste ericn, offers a rich a talent aud aubition su tuily evinced by \ #on. Mr. Hays exhibited bis last deer picture at ar meeting of the Century Gab. Mr. Henry, whose studio and that of Mr. Hayeare inthe Tenitt street botldings, has farnished a com- | posiiton, incindmg a view of the facade of a cathe- | drat ta Lom jy, avd a diigeece contaming a company of Engiish travellers, In the foreground nor twenty beggars asking alms from: ure is worked out with & | figure € ° arts; the | horses, are badly done, Mr. Henry's | wtatto is y ror & visit. Besides a nw | excellent sketches Mr. Henry las several piece: antique furniture aud iwo ji ord ke that ) seem to have been te use ames the faod, vy one } has an ceventri of (his artist ts evidently | a taney for ait Mr. Henry bas one quaiti- cation for lus professton—tts forte seers to be in painting smail bi Y finished pictures. Ons. &. Wier nas Lela alngniar xOUu. attire are very but are seldum seen In the colt it at, work upon “The Rear Guard at | White Oak Swatap.?) This tsan ambitions Work, and ix highly creditable for so young au artist. The com- Position Is spirited and natural, and the conception Of parts and the combination of the whote ure good, ‘The enthusiasy nd maustry of this young artist, if persevered in, will etreig pet him well forward in the department whieh he Nas chosen, Latodin ts in MeButee’s studio, and i4 working up the designs which he made during ile summer vacn- tion, His es are Very pleasing, bein generaily of children Ain soine sliaple Occupation, always calling fo tind some pleasant remembrances of chidood ypler days, Mr. Laindin’s pictares are much t after anc! are deservedly popular, oM. PALL is doing the “Beach of hong | fsland’*—not alvof it, bute portion. It will prove to be, we think, one of ‘the beat pletures yet presemted by this distinguished marine patnter. Mr, Meade is dourisiing beneath the arching vines aod gorgeous palms of bis elegant stucdto, and Is at present touching up some of beautifal blos- soma for Wiiicit he is so justly celebrated. Mg his attention almost ex. Radwin Forbes is tur olusively to drawing a ainting animals, He nas done of the fent at “Hull Run.’ He is now do- ing a bath Bight witrout any run, which he calls the “Yuel of Bulls,” 1 bils fair to be bis best work. Wehave been of the opinion that Mr. Forbes has no superior in this country as @ painter of animals. We must conclite our brief art items by mention- ing # fine conception ta masonic art. Mr. Reynolds, aft © years of labor and sfudy, produced the aud only combinea masonte syn bolic chart, ad memoriam, ever invent i the universal approval of all Masons, and it 1s suf. ficient in its praise to Say that it has been purchase? by a upanimous vote to adorn the wails of ‘he ost protainent Lay m4 of this city, among Wiiic Manhattan Lodge, No. 62. This pleture, being so designed a8 to form & monamental record of tie dead of each lodge, appeals at once to that feel of respect Which the members are ever as rely manifest for their deceased bretiven as they extend the hand of charity to widow: it ‘rhe happy classification of eymbols and ¢ i design, combined with the usefulness of this ptovuce, renders it ove of The most desirable pieces of way Suppiture ever presented for IWGMe BPN ey ~ 4% we