From the October, 1914 issue of Erie Railroad Magazine
On Saturday afternoon, September 26th (1914), the tug "David Bosman," of the Erie's marine fleet, and it's latest acquisition, was given a trial trip about New York Harbor and a number of the Company's officials honored the occasion with their presence. If good or bad omens count for anything, the "David Bosman," should have good fortune throughout her career on the turbulent waves, for the day was all that could be desired for such an outing and everyone who had the pleasure of being along enjoyed himself to the full measure of the sail.

Admiral Charles R. Stewart of the Erie navy was, of course, in charge of the outing and he carried out the program with all the precision and formality due his calling. And he was a generous host, too.

More important, perhaps, than the tug or the outing itself, is the fact that the staunch tug "David Bosman" bears the name of the Erie's Vice-President and Secretary, than whom there is not upon earth a more popular or democratic man. For that reason the new tug has been honored in becoming his namesake. Mr. Bosman had but little to say about it for publication, but one who talked with him on the trip up the River North, said the man who stood for the name, was very proud of the tug. Admiral Stewart had the tug in spick and span shape for the trip. On the foremast the Jack was flying, while on the hindmast the Stars and Stripes forever, floated to the breeze. The pretty lines of the "Bosman" and its bright and natty appearance, made a lasting impression on everyone who made an inspection.

As the trip was started from Pier 14, N.R. at noon, it was imperative in the snappy Autumn atmosphere, that something to satisfy the inner man were at hand, so the Admiral saw to it that a bountiful luncheon was taken aboard, as a cargo.

As stated, the tug left Pier 14, North River at noon. It proceeded down to Governor's Island, thence up the North River as far as Edgewater and back to her berth at Jersey City. All the way along the new comer was greeted with salutes from all craft that carried a whistle and she answered promptly. It was agreed that this was as pleasant an outing as was ever accorded an Erie craft.

The "David Bosman" was designed by Mr. W.I. Babcock, who is also the designer of the "Albert J. Stone" and other Erie craft. She is 90 feet long 23 feet 6 inches beam and 12 feet 6 inches deep.

The hull was built by the Robert Palmer & Sons Shipbuilding Co. Noank, Conn., which firm has an enviable reputation as builders of hulls. The hull of the "Bosman" is probably the last one that this company will build, as both father and son have died since the Bosman's hull was being constructed, and it will remain as a monument to their skill in that line of endeavor. The tug was completed at the Marine Yard, Weehawken, N.J.

The original intention was to have the "Bosman" a craft of the non-skidding type, but it was afterwards found that power could be increased 20 per cent by constructing her of the condensing type, so the latter idea was adopted.

She will be employed in towing car floats between Jersey City and Duane Street, New York. Protection against fire has been provided in high-class pumps for this special purpose, and she will always be within call of the terminal.

The following Erie officials inspected the tug and accompanied her on the trial trip:

Messrs. F.D. Underwood, President; David Bosman, Vice-President and Secretary; A.J. Stone, Vice-President; H.C. Hooker, Assistant to the President; Henry Adams, General Freight Agent; J.E. Packer, Assistant Secretary; J. C. Brinton, Assistant Secretary; H. Wilson, Assistant General Freight Agent; S.B. Mason, President's Assistant; C.P. Crawford, Comptroller; C.E. Hildum, Auditor of Freight Accounts; A.P. Disbrow, Auditor of Disbursements, I.A. Canning, Superintendent of Dining Cars; E.J. Bauer, Manager Lighterage and Foreign Freight Departments; G.J. Schoeffel, Superintendent Erie Police; A.G. Trumbull, Assistant to General Mechanical Superintendent; C.R. Stewart, Superintendent Marine Department; W.I. Babcock, Marine Architect; A.J. Grymes, representing Brown Dry Dock Co., New York City; W.F. Hooker, office of the President.