JOHN EDWARD PURSER'S 
 
 Brig. Gen. J. WATTS de PEYSTER, N. Y. S. ffl., 
 
 Military Agent of the State of New York. 
 TO 
 
 HIS EXCELLENCY, 
 
 HORATIO SEYMOUR. 
 
 Is* JUNE, 1853, and 21th APRIL, 1854. 
 TIVOLI, Dutchess Co., N. Y, 
 
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 I J^icittgaii folate piaqeer j^fietg. 
 
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 f Serial No. £ <r? V 
 
 W Catalogue No. 
 
 I (Ricwoid ^<^/;/Z 18 g$. 
 
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.3 
 
 Tivoli, 27th April, 1854. 
 
 PURSER'S FIRE ESCAPE. 
 
 During the preceding week, there wa& exhibited to me a most 
 valuable FIRE ESCAPE, which, under certain circumstances, 
 would prove of inestimable benefit to persons in danger of per- 
 ishing by fire, in buildings whose stairs were destroyed, and 
 all ordinary methods of escape cut off by the flames. 
 Although by no means comparable with the Parisian 8ac-dc- 
 Sauvetage, in a locality, where the windows, accessible to those 
 within, open on a street or large area, which permits its legiti- 
 mate use — as explained in my Fire Report of 16th August, 
 
 1852, Note, pages 124-5, and Text, pages 126-7. 
 
 Mr. Purser's apparatus can be used with perfect success 
 in the most confined precincts, where, from want of space, 
 the Sac-de-Sauvetage could not be successfully resorted to. The 
 numerous certificates, of persons of distinction in England, Ire- 
 land, and even this country, bearing such unequivocal testimo- 
 ny to its simplicity and practicability, hereto appended, and to 
 which the reader is referred, render anything but a succinct de- 
 scription and explanation of its operation altogether unnecessary. 
 It may be well to state, however,in this connection,that while it is 
 necessary to scale the window, through which the rescue is to be 
 effected, by means of the Echelle-a- Crochets,* in order to hoist and 
 
 * "Echelle-a Crochets — Hooked Folding Ladder. All sorts of ladders for service at 
 tires have been proposed arjd experimented with from time to time, but no sooner tried 
 than abandoned. This fact is undeniable, that as long as the stairs of a burning build- 
 ing are praticable, they are the best means of ascent. Another is equally ao; the sim- 
 plest ladder, whose use every body understands, is the best pattern. But as stairs are 
 often consumed, and no ordinary ladders fit for use at hand, a well ordered fire train 
 should possess at least one ladder adapted to all circumstances, attached to each engine. 
 The only pattern recognized by the Parisian Fire Department, is that so often alluded 
 to in this report, composed of 2 parts hinged on the middle round, the ends of the stand- 
 ards of the upper half bent by means of steam, so as to form hooks, and strengthened 
 by plates or fillets of iron. To render it susceptible of easier transportation it folds to- 
 gether, and thus is carried under the engine, hooking on behind and fastened in front 
 by means of the chain which secures the bed plate or platform on the truck. When 
 unfolded, its length is about 13 feet, (weight 26 lbs., cost 55 f.=$ll.) 
 
 Prussian Folding Laddered almost fac simile of the T?arisi£LnjEchelle-a-Crochets y wa.de oi" 
 spruce, in two pieces, folded together, with hooks, at upper end ot standards, to catch 
 on or over the lower part of the window casing, by thrusting them through the panes 
 of glass — (how is this accomplished when there are iron bars outside, or wooden or iron 
 shutters, closed and fastened i) — weighing originally, iron work and all, 25 lbs., trans- 
 ported in iron stirrups attached to each engine. (Cost, 5 Prussian tbalers, 7 1-2 silver 
 grosschen, §3 71-100.) 
 
 The mode of using the Prussian Ladder is far more complicated, and dangerous to the 
 ■operator, than the Parisian. The fact is, like the Austrian percussion lock, it is com- 
 plicated and inexpedient, and therefore a German method of producing a simple result, 
 requiring the man, hanging, suspended in mid air, by the Belt Hook, like a jumping 
 jenny, to use both hands and feet to accomplish that which, in France, is performed 
 with the hands alone, while the Sapeur-Pompier remains pied ferme on the sill, sus- 
 tained by a comrade inside of the window. 
 
4 
 
 affix thereto the Sac-dc-Sauvctagc t \ a proceeding fraught with dan- 
 ger to the intrepid firemen performing it, owing to the shameful 
 insecurity of the walls run up, and fragile constructions toler- 
 ated in the cities, towns and villages throughout the United States, 
 the inefficient legislation relating thereto, and the utter disregard 
 of human life daily evinced in our midst, (of which the terrible 
 catastrophe of the 25th inst. in New York, bears such appalling 
 testimony,) Mr. Purser's Escape requires no such risk or exer- 
 tion. Be it ever remembered, however, that in numerous in- 
 stances where human beings, palsied by terror, or enfeebled by 
 the effects of sickness or a variety of other causes, are in danger, 
 the presence, the assistance, the encouragement, of the practi- 
 ced, cool and energetic firemen, are indispensable ; and then, 
 without the Echelle-a- Crochets, they could not accomplish the 
 work of mercy — and thus the imperiled fellow creature would 
 perish with the very means of safety almost within his grasp.J' 
 
 f Sac-de-Sauvetage — Safety Sack — Fire Escape. It is scarcely conceivable that so 
 simple an arrangement as the subject of this note, can constitute so safe, admirable and 
 easily adjusted a Fire Escape. It is a lone; bag or bose of stout, coarse, elastic bagging, 
 (ireillis,) weighing 60 lbs., (cost 100 to 120 francs, $20 to #24,) ordinarily from 15 to 
 20 metres, (49to66 feet,) in length, (I estimated that, which I saw used, at over 70 feet,) 
 woven so as to permit the free circulation of air, (strengthened when extraordinarily 
 long with light cords,) 55 centimetres (22 inches) diameter, or sufficiently large to allow 
 the passage of a man with his arms slightly Akimbo throughout,the mouth rather larger 
 and contrived to present a square opening (to facilitate entry, as it is sometimes necessa- 
 ry for the firemen to force timid or disabled individuals to avail themselves of this means 
 of escape, and thrust them in, neck and heels,) and provided with a strong spar, rope, 
 and straps, to attach it to the window wherever it may be used. The sides of the end 
 are sometimes slit like the cuff of a coat, to afford easier exit. 
 
 The Sack is hauled up by means of a cord attached to the ring in the firemen's belt, 
 and secured above, in the following manner: As almost all. if not all, the windows of 
 the Parisian houses are furnished with what is generally known as French or casement 
 sashes, very strongly made, the spar about 6 feet long on the lower jaw of the mouth, 
 is placed under the sash against the jams, and the opening is then distended by draw- 
 ing a cord, over the top of the sash at either side, and securing it to the spar below. A 
 somewhat different method would he necessary in this country, on account of the differ- 
 ent arrangement of our saehes and their flimsy construction — whereas, thing3 abroad 
 are made to last. The end of the Sack is held, below, as far as its length will permit, 
 from the building, in order that by giving sufficient inclination, the descent of the per- 
 sons" who are to be saved may not be too rapid. 
 
 In order to prevent accidents, no person should attempt to descend before the fire- 
 men below give notice that every precaution has been taken, and that they are able to 
 sustain the end of the Escape in the manner prescribed. 
 
 The Sack should be used by only one at a time, and invariably entered feet foremost. 
 In fact, no one should be permitted to enter the mouth before the individual preceding 
 is entirely disengaged from the end. 
 
 In case the window is so high from the ground that the length of the Sack will not 
 permit a sufficient slope, the lower end is closed by drawing it together by means of a 
 rope passed through rings at intervals around, and the same rope is then held out far 
 enough from the building to afford an easy descent. When the person within reaches 
 the end thus drawn together, the rope is gradually relaxed until the extremity of the 
 Sack rests firmly on the ground and he is let out. 
 
 % If individuals, ensnared in a burning house, whose stairs are destroyed by the 
 flames, could only preserve their presence of mind and coolness, they would often be en- 
 abled of themselves to devise means to escape the danger; but in almost every case the 
 
5 
 
 (Tr*But,were itcven the case of a child — did it possess the slight- 
 est powers of mental or physical exertion, Mr. Purser's Fire 
 
 firemen are obliged to transport themselves near them, to re-assure and direct them how 
 to reach a place of safety. In case the aged, women and children, are in-question, the 
 exertions of the Sapeurs-pompiers become indispensable. When the fire has cut off all 
 communication with the second story, the first precaution necessary is to collect together 
 the greatest possible number of mattresses and dispose them under the windows so as 
 to form a bed (Ckard's Swiss Mattress- Cushion,) on which a person could light without 
 injury. Another method would be to extend an awning raised about 1 or i 1-2 yards 
 above the ground (Russian Saving Blanket) and held up firmly at the four corners and 
 rides to receive those who could summon courage to jump, and break the fall of those 
 who might throw themselves from the windows. When, however, those in danger have 
 taken refuge in the upper stories, recourse must be had to other means of assistance. — 
 Naturally, the first thought is to use ladders, but under most circumstances those at hand 
 are not long enough to scale lofty buildings, while on the other hand the different Fire 
 Escapes invented from time to time, presented so many difficulties, they had to be aban- 
 doned, and more simple expedients sought after. These wants and difficulties called 
 forth those admirable inventions, the Echelle-a Crochets and Sac-de-Sauvetage, attributed 
 to M. de Plazanet, Commandant of the Parisian Fire Battalion, 1826-1830. 
 
 These are the best means of affording assistance known at present, the most successful 
 in practice, and generally used. Their skilful employment is one of the most important 
 of the fireman's duties. I will now endeavor to explain their manoeuvres, which pre 
 sent no difficulties in rcaling the first and second stories, but if it is requisite to reach 
 those above that height, courage and dexterity are required. Two firemen, under the 
 direction of a Chief, bring the Echelle a-Crochets and place it on the ground, hooks turned 
 down, beneath the window they wish to attain. It is then unfolded, presenting double 
 its former length, and rendered firm by a bolt shot out from the lower end of the upper 
 bar or standard, which is hollow, and entered into the upper end of the bar or Btandard , 
 of the lower half which is also hollow, transforating at the same time the two iron 
 straps or plates, bolted to the standards, which form the hinge, turning upon the middle 
 round. 
 
 To mount the first story, the chief (corporal) and the 1st assistant (private) set up and 
 hook the ladder on the balcony or window sill above, after which they climb it like a 
 common ladder, (ascending with great caution to avoid a fracture, as it is necessarily so 
 light that it responds to each movement.) taking care always to grasp the standards and 
 never the rungs. To ascend from the first to the second story, the chief stands erect 
 on the sill of the window, facing outwards, firmly held, by the belt, by the 1st assistant 
 inside, while the 2d assistant outside below, watches attentively his every movement. 
 The chief, perfectly secure in the support of his assistant within, then stoops, lifts, un- 
 hooks and turns the ladder, hooks outwards, then straightens himself up and raises it 
 vertically little by little, shifting his hands one after another on the standards, taking 
 care to keep his eyes fixed on the upper end of the ladder, to maintain its equilibrium. 
 
 When the hooks arrive a little above-the second story windaw sill, the 2d assistant, 
 below, cries, Turn ! At this notice the chief turns the ladder, hooks in, crossing his arms 
 on his chest, changing hands on the standards, and lowers the ladder gently, until the 
 hooks take firm hold on the balcony or window sill. 
 
 Thus I saw them scale five stories in succession, and descend by the same means. — 
 If it became necessary for persons, unacquainted with its use, to avail themselves of 
 this ladder, they would be secured besides with cords, but if sick or disabled individu- 
 als, or those overcome with terror, were overtaken by the fire and forced to resort to 
 the Fire Escape, recourse must then be had to the Sac-de-Sauvetage. 
 
 To demonstrate its uses, the chief and 1st assistant again mounted to the fifth story, 
 by means of the Echelle-a- Crochets, the former having the swivel or toggle of the 
 commande, a very light but strong cord, at least 60 feet long, hooked in the ring of his 
 waistbelt, of which the other was attached to the small spar or wooden traverse across 
 the opening of the sack,which was then hoisted and established in the following manner : 
 The chief and 1st assistant above, distended the mouth of the sack, placed the ends of 
 the spar under the sashes and window jams, and stretched the opening to its greatest 
 capacity, by means of cords passed over the top of the sashes, brought down and secur- 
 ed to the spar, buckling together an additional strap, attached to the mouth to keep it 
 firm, and prevent its closing unexpectedly. This operation finished, the 2d assistant be- 
 low took hold of the end of the sack, and, aided by a few firemen (bystanders would 
 
6 
 
 Escape presents to the public an eificacious means of rescue* 
 Having thus endeavored to explain wherein its advantages lie,and 
 at the same time demonstrate that my present views do not con- 
 flict with those heretofore set forth with regard to other apparatus, ' 
 all that remains is to exhibit its details of construction and oper- 
 ation, and add that I conscientiously believe, after a thorough 
 examination of and acquaintance with the foreign appliances of 
 this nature, that its adoption by the different Fire Departments, 
 and general introduction in the hotels and public buildings 
 throughout the United States, will be productive of the most 
 beneficial results, and compensate a hundred fold for the trifling 
 expense involved in its purchase and maintenance. $ 
 
 Purser's Fire Escape possesses some striking features of 
 the Parisian and Prussian Sacs-de-Sauvetage^ but, combined 
 
 answer equally as well.) carried it as far away from the building as its length permit- 
 ted, giving it such an inclination that the descent would not be too rapid. This Fire Es- 
 cape was scarcely established, when several of the firemen came sliding down, one after 
 another, head foremost or feet foremost, one of them holding the child of one of the offi- 
 cers in his arms. This gallant little fellow made several descents, afterward, by him- 
 self, and performed many notable feats of jumping, &c; and a corporal cut a number 
 of capers, stopping himself at different points, simply by bracing out his arms and legs 
 akimbo. 
 
 Another means of rescue resorted to, i3 by lowering persons with ropes, the necessary 
 knots, their capacity and formation being the subject of various articles and plates in the 
 Parisian Fireman's Manual. As all their advantages chiefly depend on the means af- 
 forded of securing the upper end ; no general rules can be given, but localities must de- 
 termine the best methods. Suffice it to say, I saw several firemen lowered from the 
 fourth story by a corporal, in what is termed the chair knot, with dispatch and apparent 
 comfort, and afterward he let himself down, simply by taking a turn round the centre- 
 bar of the window, holding the rope in his hand and paying it out gradually." {Brig. 
 Gen. de Peyster's Fire Report of 15th Avgust 1852." 
 
 {. To prove my estimate of its value, I have directed Mr. Purser to furnish one of 
 these Escapes and present it through Mr. Matsell, Chief of Police, to his Department 
 for use at fires in the City of New York, satisfied that its advantages need only be tested 
 in public to ensure its general adoption. — de P. 
 
 | Sac de Sauvetage (Safely Sack) — Fire Escape Bag — Instead of the long, loose- woven 
 bag or hose, in use in Paris, the Berlin Contrivance consists of a simple strong hemp bag, 
 (cost 14 thalers, 20 silver grosschen, §10 21 — 100,) at the opening of which an iron D, 
 or ring is fastened, to keep the mouth properly extended, into which the person or 
 article to be saved is put, and then lowered the same as an ordinary bag would be, bot- 
 tom first, by firemen who have come to his,her or its, rescue, by means of the Echelle- 
 a- Crochets, to which it is ordinary secured, in order to be on hand for immediate use. — 
 The Rescue Rope is 200 feet long, and half an inch in diameter ; the Direction Line 
 (Commande, Fr.) sent first, is a very strong and firm cord, but much smaller(l 4 in. diam.) 
 The calls and answers are. Open, and place him, her, or it, in ! — [Aufgepaszt !) Ready! 
 — (Fertig .') Lower Away ! — (Los .') 
 
 It strikes me this is not to compar/ with the French invention, introduced by Lieut. 
 Colonel Plazanet, about 1826. Some years since, Jacob, (Assistant Master Chimney- 
 sweep,) submitted to the Berlin Municipality, as his invention, the Parisian Echelle a- 
 Crochets, Sac-de-Sauvetage, and Belt; already in use at Paris, Milan, (Lombardo 
 Venitian kingdom,) Copenhagen, (Denmark) [where they have an excellent Fire Depart- 
 ment with a beautiful uniform — D. A. W ,] and something similar even atKonigs 
 
 burg, (East Prussia,) and Berlin itself. Indeed, these admirable appliances, suggested 
 20 years before, had been lost to the public by that apathy which effects everything 
 re ative to the Fire Department: an apathy fostered in this country (U.S.) by fear 
 of awakening the political enmities and energies of so large a body of voters, and the 
 want of justice and selfishness of our Press, unwilling to acknowledge the value of any- 
 thing not emanating from the?nselves or their own proteges or political partisans. 
 
7 
 
 therewith are improvements entirely his own, which entitle him 
 to all the credit of an actual invention. According to his plan, 
 it is applicable both from within and without. As the first, 
 , however, depends in a great measure on the ' second, and the 
 principles of both are nearly identical, the latter deserves the 
 first consideration. 
 
 We will suppose that, driven by the flames to attempt an es- 
 cape by the windows, a group of persons have assembled in the 
 fifth story, invoking assistance from without. A fireman, armed 
 with this Escape, which weighs only about 56 pounds,* takes his 
 position beneath the window, and by means of a succession of 
 rods, fitting successively into sockets, like the joints of a fishing 
 rod, raises a light cord attached to the uppei end of the first, 
 within reach of the persons in danger. In order to render these 
 rods or joints the lighter and more easily handled, they should 
 be of seasoned pine, the first 6 .1-2 feet, second 5 1-2 feet, and 
 so decreasing in length, slightly increased in diameter, each ter- 
 minating in a copper tube to receive that which succeeds, the 
 upper ones having about one-third from their ends light rollers,to 
 enable them to overcome any inequalities in the face of the build- 
 ing. The cord having been seized by an observer at the win- 
 dow, he can immediately hoist therewith a spar of tough and 
 strong wood, covered with sheet copper to protect it against the 
 action of the flames, chafing, or other damage, attached to 
 whose centre is a strong but light block or pully, through 
 which is rove a chain of sufficient strength, or a well 
 stretched and proved Manilla rope, 11-4 inch in diameter. 
 Having placed this spar athwart the window, with the pully 
 hanging over the sill, all the preparations above are complete. 
 In case, however, a child only is to be saved, who has not suffi- 
 cient strength to hoist up the spar and tackle, Mr. Purser has 
 provided for such a contingency, by sending up in the first place 
 instead of the cord a light grappling iron of peculiar formation, 
 which, raised above the sill, and suffered to fall within the win- 
 dow, will catch upon the window board or frame. Attached to 
 this grappling iron is a diminutive pulley, by means of which the 
 spar can be elevated, and then only requires to be firmly fixed 
 across the opening of the window. Having thus established the 
 spar, on the principle of a toggle, all that remains to be done is to 
 send up the bag by means of a three part tackje, the persons 
 place themselves in it, and are lowered in safety. 
 
 This bag, almost identical with the Prussian Sac-de-Sauvetage, 
 described in Note *, page 205, of my Report of the 1st June, 
 1853,f is a demi-cylinder of stout No. 1 canvas, about 4 feet in 
 depth and 3x4 in diameter, whose opening is kept extended by 
 means of a stout D or semi-circular frame-work of iron, across 
 
 * Cost, not over $32. 
 
 | See Note §, page 6. 
 
8 
 
 which, near the rear, there is a sufficiently heavy iron bar, 
 through whose centre an eye-bolt is securely riveted, and 
 thereto attached a single block, through which the Manilla 
 rape or chain is rove. 
 
 This is the whole apparatus, and its operation, by means of 
 which, as set forth in the Report of Mr. Carson, Chief Engineer 
 of the New York Fire Department, five persons, three men and 
 two boys, were brought down from the fifth story of a house in 
 Mott-street, in 4 minutes and 50 seconds. 
 
 For internal use, no spar is necessary, a ring-bolt in the floor 
 beneath the window takes its place, and instead of the bag a 
 neat wooden case, resembling a chest of drawers, may be sub- 
 stituted, which can, be used as a receptacle for the tackle when 
 not in use. 
 
 The benefits of such an apparatus in our crowded hotels, 
 factories, and other similar localities, are so obvious, that it is 
 needless to dilate any further upon the subject. 
 
 NEW YORK AND BROOKLYN CERTIFICATES. 
 
 NEW YORK, 15th November, 1851— United States. 
 I have been present in company with several Assistant Engineers, and witnessed Mr. 
 PURSER operating with his Fire Escape; when he sent up his apparatus to a top 
 window of a five-story building, in the rear of a house in Mott-street, where a ladder- 
 could not be made available, and brought down five persons in four minutes and fiftv 
 seconds, in perfect safety. (Signed) ALFRED CARSON, 
 
 Chief Engineer. 
 
 (Signed) 
 
 Cornelius Anderson, late Chief Engineer; 
 Wm. Curtis, Assistant Engineer ; 
 H. J. Ocherhoutsen, Assistant Engineer ; 
 John Barry, Assistant Engineer; 
 Michael Eichell, Assistant Engineer. 
 
 *Mr. Purser says a ladder only 12 feet in length ; not but that an Echelle-a- Crochets 
 whose uses and benefits are unknown to New York Firemen, could have rendered effi- 
 cient service, but an ordinary ladder, as it would have had to be brought through a 
 passage 16 feet long, 4 broad, and only 7 feet high, into a very confined rear area, 
 where it could not have been elevated — Mr. P. adds that a patent was granted for 
 his invention, but adverse circumstances prevented his taking the subsequent steps 
 requisite to entitle him to the rights and secure the protection conferred thereby. 
 
 Board Room, City Hall, BROOKLYN, 1st May, 1854. 
 We, the undersigned Aldermen, Members of the Common Council of the City of 
 Brooklyn, N. York, having seen Mr. John Edward Purser's Fire Escape in operation, 
 (by request of the Fire Departmeut Committee,) certify to its utility, safety, and ex- 
 pedition in its working, and believe it can be brought into use where other Fire Es 
 capes cannot act at all. 
 
 (Signed) F. G. QUEVEDO, Ald'n 5th Ward. 
 
 JOHN J. WHITE, " 8th Ward. 
 W. W. CAMPBELL, Ald'n. 
 GEORGE REMSEN. 
 THOS. MULLIGAN, Ald'n 6th Ward. 
 ISRAEL D. VELSOR, Chief Engineer of Brooklyn 
 Fire Department, 
 
9 
 
 The FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMITTEE, to whom was referred the annexed 
 Communication of JOHN E. PURSER, Esq., in relation to his improved FIRE 
 ESCAPE, 
 
 REPORT, That they have examined into the matter mentioned in said commu- 
 nication, and, from a personal examination of the apparatus, and from having seen it 
 in successful operation, your Committee are of opinion that the Fire Escape of John 
 E. Purser, Esq., is the most simple, economical, and reliable one that they have had the 
 pleasure of witnessing. It would prove of value in saving life to have one made for 
 each Police Station in the City, to be in charge of the Police of the respective Stations, 
 the cost of which will be about $32.00. All of which is respectfully submitted for the 
 consideration of the Board. 
 Brooklin. April 27th, 1854. 
 
 (Signed) F. G. QUEVEDO, } 
 
 GEO. REMSEN, } Committee. 
 
 WM. H. CAMPBELL, j 
 
 Laid on the table, May 1st, 1854. 
 
 I certifv the above to be a true copy, extracted from the Minutes of the Common 
 Council of the City of Brooklyn. (Signed) JOSEPH HEGEM AN, Clerk. 
 
 ENGLISH AND IRISH TESTIMONIALS. 
 
 The following persons, who have seen John Edward Purser's Fire Escape and 
 Wreck Life Preserver in operation, have attached their signatures to a document, in 
 order to recommend it for general use — of which this is a copy : — 
 
 Lieut. General Lord Downes Dr. Sadlier, Provost Trinity College. Dublin 
 
 Lieut. Gen'l Sir Rich'd Bourke, KC.B. The Lord Bishop of Limerick 
 
 Lieut. Gen'l Sir "Wm. Marbeune, K.C.B. Capt. Rob't Maunsell, R.N., H. M. sh. Rooney 
 
 Admiral R. D. Oliver, of the Red Capt. Hayes O. Grady, R.N. 
 
 Lord Viscount Guillamore Commander "Wolfe, R. N. 
 
 Lord Viscount Gort Commander Beechy, R.N. 
 
 The Earl of Clonmell Lieutenants Rees and Lynch, R. N. 
 
 The Earl of Sefton Master J. S. Taylor, N. N. 
 
 Mich'l Furnell, D.L.. High Sheriff, Capt. Jervis, Treasurer Royal- Western Yacht 
 [County Limerick [Club, 
 and fifty others — Merchants, Clergymen, Barristers, and other Professions. 
 
 OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. 
 
 From the Cork Examiner^ 
 
 British Association k\ Cork.— We are happy to notice that Section 0. yesterday 
 passed a vote of thanks to Mr. PURSER, of Limerick, for his very valuable and simple 
 invention, the Fire Escape. It is one of the simplest inventions ever exhibited ; it can 
 be applied in a moment by the youngest child, and is capable of letting down a person 
 from any height, or giving assistance from the street, aud in any situation, and in which 
 m other piece of machinery could be used. 
 
 From the Limerick Chronicle. 
 
 British Association. — In Section G., Mechanical Science, Mr. PURSER, of this city, 
 received a vote of thanks for bis valuable and simple invention, the Fire Escape. In 
 order to test its efficiency, he descended from an upper window of the Court House. Sir 
 J. M'Neill, the Chairman, concluded the business of the Section, by congratulating the 
 mechanical gentlemen of Ireland of this meeting of the Association having taken place 
 amongst them. 
 
 From the Liverpool Times. 
 
 We have seen in operatiou a Fire Escape, at the Watch Office, invented by a gentle- 
 man of Dublin. It is simply a Fire Escape, and nothing more ; but, it is the Fire Escape 
 most wanted. The whole apparatus does not weigh half a hundred ; and in the event 
 of a person wanting, in case of a fire, to escape from an upper window, however high, 
 the fire police can in one moment enable him to do so. The great difficulty was to get 
 the apparatus up. This invention completely overcomes that difficulty. 
 
10 
 
 From the Liverpool Albion. 
 We understand that the Watch Committee have ordered from Mr. JOHN EDWARD 
 PURSER four of his newly-invented Fire Escapes, which are to be kept in constant 
 readiness at the several Lock-up Houses and Police Stations, in caJes of fire. Those 
 invented by Mr. Purser are exceedingly simple in construction and operation, and can 
 with ease be made available in those confined situations, where other Fire Escapel 
 could not be used. 
 
 From the Liverpool Mail. 
 New Fise Escape.— On Monday last, a machine was exhibited to the Watch Com- 
 mittee, the authorities of Birkenhead, and several gentlemen of the Press, for facilitating 
 the maans of escape in cases of fire— the invention of Mr. PURSER. The construction 
 of it is simple, yet very ingenious and effective— the whole apparatus, we believe, not 
 weighing more than 56 lbs. The facility with which it was brought into operation,' and 
 the ease with which it was afterwards worked, elicited expressions of admiration and 
 satisfaction from all who have witnessed it. We may rank this as one of the best inven- 
 tions of the present day, and have no doubt that ere long, when it becomes publicly 
 known, it will be brought into general use, particularly in all large towns, where fires 
 are of frequent occurrence, often involving serious loss of life. We earnestly recommend 
 it to the attention not only of all public bodies, but private individuals— it being very 
 compact, and capable of being brought into a very small compass. 
 
 From Ike " Watch Committee} of Birkenhead {opposite Liverpool). 
 Sir :— I am directed by the Lightening and Watch Committee to intimate that, highly 
 approving of your Fire Escape, they have agreed to purchase one for the sum of £5 10 
 (about $27 50), to be delivered at your earliest convenience, to their Superintendent, at 
 his office. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) WM. GREGORY, Secretary. 
 
 From the Earl of Sefton, Croxleth Park, near Liverpool 
 Sir :— The Fire Escape seems a handy thing, and well contrived and executed. It 
 is a most requisite article to have about a large house, though it may never be wanted. 
 But it is simple, and easily stowed away. I shall have it occasionally inspected when 
 the fire engine is worked. (Signed) Yours, <fcc. SEFTON. 
 
 From Lieut. General Lord Downs, Burt House, Kildare County .Ireland. 
 Sir : — I think that the Fire Escape is a very desirable apparatus to have in a large 
 dwelling house, and I beg you will send me one by the bearer who will pay vou for it. 
 
 I am, Sir, your obedient servant, (Signed) DOWNES. 
 
 From the Superintendent of the Liverpool Fire Brigade. 
 
 Sir : — In compliance with your wish, I have carefully examined your invention, test- 
 ing it in several ways, and consider it the best and easiest worked of the many Fire 
 Escapes that have come under my notice ; and can recommend it as an invention which 
 combines great facility, safety and expedition in its working ; and that it can be brought 
 into use in cases of fire, where other Fire Escapes could not act at all. 
 
 I am, Sir, yours truly, (Signed) J. HEWITT, 
 
 Superintendent of Fire Brigade, Liverpool. 
 
 1th August, 1847. 
 
 fl^p 3 * Since the above was written, the Superintendents of the London, Manchester. 
 ane Dublin Fire Brigades, have seen it, and concur in the same opinion. 
 
 From the Proprietor of the Stork Hotel, Liverpool. 
 Sir: — I was much pleased yesterday in noticing a most easy descent in one of your 
 simple but very effective Fire Escapes ; and finding the price to be moderate, would 
 wish you to send me one at your earliest convenience, and oblige 
 
 Your obedient servant, 
 Stork Hotel, Liverpool, 17th November, 1847. (Signed) E. B. THOMAS. 
 
 pgp Mr. PURSER having obtained permission from the Royal Dublin Society to 
 exhibit his FIRE ESCAPE before the authorities of that city at their Institution, and 
 having done so, he states and is prepared to exhibit vouchers that he received a large 
 pumber of orders and testimonials from various public bodies, hotel keepers, and other 
 individuals, viz: 7 for external application, and 6 internal, i. e. to be kept in houses. 
 
11 
 
 From the Proprietor of Radley's Hotel, Dublin. 
 
 Sir :— 1 shall feel obliged by your sending me one of your improved Fire Escapes. 
 for the use of my hotel, as I am fully satisfied (from seeing it exhibited) of the great 
 advantage of possessing means of saving life. Enclose a bill and receipt, and oblige, 
 Yours, respectfully, (Signed) JOHN RADLEY. 
 
 From the Proprietor of the Victoria Foundry, Church Warden, St. Marys Parish. 
 
 Sir : — Having been present at your exhibition of your Fire Escape, before the Royal 
 Dublin Society, on Saturday last, and having considered the simplicity, efficiency and 
 expedition of its application, I have no hesitation in saying it is the best and simplest 
 contrivance for the purpose that has as yet come to my knowledge ; and, as Church 
 Warden of St. Mary's Parish, I request you will be pleased to send me one of them as 
 speedily as possible. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) JOHN" MALLETT, Civil Engineer. 
 
 31st August, 1847, Dublin, Victoria Foundry, Ryden Row. 
 
 COPY of the ORDER of the DUBLIN PIPE WATER COMMITTEE. 
 
 City Assembly House, DUBLIN, 18th Sept., 1841 
 Sir : — I am directed by the Lord Mayor and Pipe Water Committee, to acknowledge 
 the receipt of your letter of the 16th; and, in reply, to state that two Fire Escapee, 
 similar to that the Lord Mayor and Ald'n Gavin witnessed the working of on the 20th 
 ult., be forwarded to Mr. Crofton, Store Keeper, Barrack-street, Dublin. 
 
 I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant, 
 
 (Signed) D. J. WILKINSON, Secretary. 
 
 Mr. John Edw. Purser, Liverpool. 
 
 STATE OF NEW YORK, 
 County of Kings. 
 
 I, JOHN EDWARD PURSER, do solemnly swear that the accompanying docu- 
 ments are true copies of the originals that I have received from the individuals whose 
 names are attached thereto— the originals of which are now in my possession — and also 
 the copies of the statements of the Press relative to the merit of my invention as a 
 Fire Escape. (Signed) JOHN EDWARD PURSER. 
 
 Sworn before me, this 5th day of May, 1854. 
 (Signed) PETER R. HEGEMAN, Com'r of Deeds. 
 
SEYMOUR DURST 
 
 When you leave, please leave this hook 
 
 Because it has heen said 
 "Sver'thincj comes t' him who waits 
 
 Except a loaned hook." 
 
 Avery Arc hi i lctural and Fine Arts Library 
 (-11 r of Seymour B. Durst Old York Library