note: transcription publicly contributed - please contact us with comments, errors or omisions

COPY
2nd. January '18

Mr, J. E. Furness, Reg.,
Halifax, N.S.

Dear Mr. Furness: -
In reference to the S, S. Picton seeing that you have asked me for a full report, I how take the first opportunity of doing so.
As you are aware, three minutes before the explosion I left you in the office, after having a telephone message from the wharf stating than an ammunition steamer was in collision in the Narrows. I hurried to the wharf intending to proceed up therewith a tow-boat. However, before I got to the wharf the explosion occurred. I tried by telephone to find out what steamer had blown up, but after spending considerable time trying to get this information, I took a car and went up intending to visit the scene of the damage. I was however unable to get there, as I was turned back by the police and military authorities. I made my way to the wharf with injured person in the car and endeavored to get a tow boat, so as to get up by water. Some time had elapsed before I could get a tow boat, but when I did get one and steamed toward the "Picton", I ordered the captain of the tow boat alongside. For some time he refused to go near her, as steam and smoke were visible coming from the after part of the bridge. However, after considerable time I got alongside and got on board. Two mem from the tow boat followed me. I ordered the tow boat to make a rope fast anywhere they could near the bow of the "Picton", at the same time the two men and I got to work and cut the