In the progress of this investigation it was deemed advisable to consult those whose acquaintance with the details of city life would entitle their opinions to confidence, as to the actual number of prostitutes within our limits; and in addition to much information obtained privately, the following correspondence took place with the then Chief of Police:
(Copy.)
“Resident Physician’s Office, Blackwell’s Island,
“New York, September 1, 1856.
“George W. Matsell, Esq., Chief of Police:
“Dear Sir,—During the last twenty years various estimates have been made by different persons, foreigners and natives, interested and not interested, as to the number of prostitutes in the city of New York. It is generally supposed that they reach the large number of twenty-five or thirty thousand. You, sir, have been at the head of the police department of the city for the past fifteen years, while previous to that time you acted, if I mistake not, as one of the police justices of the city. I presume, therefore, that you have a considerable knowledge of prostitution as it exists here, and consequently can give a very correct opinion as to the number of prostitutes in New York City.
“You will greatly oblige me if, at your earliest leisure, and in any form most convenient to yourself, you will state what you believe to be the total number of prostitutes now in the city.
“It is proper to add that, with your permission, I intend to publish this letter, with your answer, in the report on Prostitution which I am preparing, and shall soon have the honor to lay before the public.
“Yours respectfully,
“William W. Sanger,
“Resident Physician, Blackwell’s Island.”
(Reply.)
“Office of the Chief of Police, New York, Dec. 12, 1856.