Exhibit 99



HARTFORD, CT, July 22, 1996 --The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and 
Insurance Company (NYSE-HSB) announced today that Richard H. Booth, executive 
vice president of Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company, was elected a
new director for a two-year term.  Booth, 49, is responsible for the 
strategic development activities of Phoenix Home Life's domestic and 
international operations.  In addition, he oversees the company's reinsurance 
operation, the information system division, and the newly formed trust company,
Phoenix Charter Oak Trust.  He is a director of Phoenix Duff & Phelps, a New
York Stock Exchange listed investment management company, and a director of
Aberdeen Trust PLC, a London Stock Exchange listed investment management firm
headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Booth joined Phoenix Home Life as a consultant and was elected to his present
position in October 1994.  Until June 1994, he was president, chief operating
officer and a director of the Travelers Corporation, positions he held since
1991.

Booth is a Chartered Financial Consultant and a member of the American 
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of CPAs.